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https://www.wikihow.life/Pluck-Your-Eyebrows | How to Pluck Your Eyebrows | Before you pluck your eyebrows, soften the skin around your brows by taking a warm shower or holding a warm washcloth over your eyebrows for 2 minutes. The warmth will help the hairs slide out more easily and plucking will be less painful. Hold a pair of tweezers in your hand like you would hold a pencil, then place the tip of the tweezer at the root of the hair you want to pluck. Pull the hair out in the direction that it is growing. Try to only pluck a few hairs at a time, since your eyebrows may not grow back if you overpluck them. | Soften the skin around your brows. When the skin there is soft and supple, the hairs slide out much more easily. Plucking skin that is dry and stiff will make the experience more painful. Plan to pluck your brows right after you take a shower. The warm water and steam will have left your skin moist and supple. Just be sure to dry off your eyebrows before plucking or it may be hard to grasp your eyebrow hairs. If you need to pluck at other times of the day, wash your face with warm water and blot it dry. You could also take a washcloth and put it in the hottest water you can handle, then place it on your eyebrows for 2 minutes. It will open the pores, making it easier to pluck. Identify the direction in which your eyebrow hair grows. For most people, the hair grows outward from the nose toward the hairline. In some cases, people's brows have hairs growing in more than one direction. Take careful note, because you'll want to pull the hairs in the direction of their growth when you pluck; this helps them come out cleanly. Hold a pair of tweezers in your hand like you would a pencil. The open end should be up. Give it a few squeezes so you're comfortable with the motion you will need to use to pluck your brows. Use fine-tipped, clean tweezers. If the tweezers you use are too blunt or unwieldy, the process of plucking can take much longer and cause unnecessary pain. Place the tip of the tweezer at the root of the hair you want to pluck. (Follow the directions below to figure out which hair you should be plucking). Get as close to the root of the hair as possible and pull, always pulling in the direction of hair growth and keeping the tweezers angled as close to your skin as possible. Continue this until you have finished plucking one brow, then repeat on the other brow. If you need to stop and take some breaks, that's ok. Resume plucking when you're ready. Sometimes plucking eyebrows causes the eyes to tear up and the nose to itch. That's perfectly normal; just keep going until you're finished. Identify the place where your brows should begin. This is different for every face, but the same technique may be used to find anyone's brow line. Take an eyebrow pencil or another long instrument and line it up from inner corner of your eye to the edge of your nose. Use a white pencil to make a dot above the spot where it crosses your eyebrow. This is where your brow should begin. Repeat with the other nostril. Feel free to move the dot a little forward or backward. This technique shows you the general spot where your eyebrows should begin, but your personal preferences can also come into play. Make sure the instrument you use to find your brow's starting place is very thin. If you use something thick, it will slightly throw off where you place the dot. Figure out where your brows should peak. Nicely groomed eyebrows arch around the eye, and the place where they peak can make a big difference in your final look. Take the same instrument, and this time line it up from the outer edge of your nostril to the outer edge of your iris. Mark the spot where it crosses your brow, and repeat on the other side. Mark where your brow should end. This time line up the instrument from the edge of your nostril to the outer corner of your eye. Mark the spot where it falls across your brow. This is where your brow should naturally end; repeat on the other side. Figure out how thick you want your brows to be. There is no "perfect" thickness for eyebrows; it all depends on your face shape and style choices. You should have a thickness in mind before you start plucking, so you'll avoid plucking too much or too little. Consider the following factors: The size of your eyes. If you have large eyes, you might want to balance them with thicker brows. If you have small eyes, balance them with thinner brows. The space between your brows and your eyes. If your brows are set high on your forehead, you may want to go with heavier brows to help frame your eyes. If you have a low-set browbone that slightly juts over your eyes, go with thinner brows so they don't look too heavy over your eyes. Use an eyebrow brush to brush the hairs straight up. Brush them slightly in the direction they grow. You'll immediately see some long, unruly hairs that need to be plucked. Brushing your brows upwards will also help you to identify where you want to trim your brows. Pluck the hairs that fall outside the dots you made. Carefully pluck a hair at a time, shaping your brows according to the plan you made. Pluck the hairs that are closer to your nose than the dots you drew over your inner brows. Shape the arch areas by plucking a few hairs around the peaks to give them a more defined shape. Pluck the hairs that fall closer to your temples than the dots you drew on the outside of your brows. Pluck more hairs from the bottom of your brows to make them as thin or thick as you'd like. Do not over pluck. When you're shaping your brows, take it slow. Step back and look in the mirror every few minutes to check your progress. Make sure you don't pluck too much; eyebrow hairs can take 6 weeks to grow back, and sometimes they don't grow back at all. Finish with brow gel. Comb your brows in the direction of their growth and apply a bit of brow gel (or hair gel) to hold them in place. | Soften the skin around your brows. Identify the direction in which your eyebrow hair grows. Hold a pair of tweezers in your hand like you would a pencil. Place the tip of the tweezer at the root of the hair you want to pluck. Identify the place where your brows should begin. Figure out where your brows should peak. Mark where your brow should end. Figure out how thick you want your brows to be. Use an eyebrow brush to brush the hairs straight up. Pluck the hairs that fall outside the dots you made. Do not over pluck. Finish with brow gel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Express-Gratitude | How to Express Gratitude | Saying "Thank you" isn't the only way you can express your gratitude. When someone goes out of their way to do something for you, you can write them a nice card or get them a small gift, like chocolates or flowers. Most people also love homemade treats, so you could bake them something too. You don't have to give someone a physical gift to show your gratitude though. Offering to help them out with something, being a more attentive friend, or even just telling them how much you care about them can go a long way in making someone feel more appreciated. | Write “thank you” cards. “Thank you” cards aren't just meant for your teachers; you can give them to anyone who has influenced your life in a positive way. You can write these cards to your best friend, and you don't need to wait for a special occasion to send one along, either. Sending a card expressing your gratitude to a loved one just because can be one of the easiest ways to show how grateful you are for the person's presence in your life. You can also write a “thank you” letter if you feel like everything you have to say won't fit in a card. Mail the cards to your friends, even if they live just a few blocks away, to show that you've really made an effort. Do favors for your friends just because. If you want to express your gratitude, then you shouldn't do favors for your friends just because they've helped you out recently or because you want something in return. Instead, help them out just because you care for them and want to make their day a little easier. This can mean picking up coffee or lunch when they're busy, offering to babysit or walk your friend's dog, or finding another small way to make a big difference in your friend's life. Be observant. Look to see how you can really help out your friend. If your friend seems tired, say you'll take her dog for a walk while she naps. If her room is a mess, offer to help her organize it. Your friend may not even realize what she needs until you suggest it. Of course, your friends should sometimes do favors for you in return. You don't want to feel like people are taking advantage of your kindness. Tell your family members how much you appreciate them. You may be taking your family members for granted without even realizing it. If you want to show your family members how much they mean to you, then all you have to do is remember to tell them that you love them every single day, and to show that you appreciate all of the love, rides, food, help, and any other offerings they have given you. Tell them in person, in a card, or over the phone. Do it often. Your family members may be the people you take the most for granted, and it's important to get your true feelings out there. Show them how much they mean to you by giving them your time. Make family time when you just watch movies, play board games, or cook together. A time commitment is one way to show you're grateful. Help out more around the house than normal. Don't wait for your mother to ask you to do an extra load of laundry for her; surprise her by taking the initiative. Give meaningful gifts. Expressing gratitude isn't about buying the most fancy or expensive gift money can buy; instead, it's about finding a way to show how much the person means to you that shows thought and care. If your friend has been raving about her favorite book for years, invite her to a surprise reading to see the author or get her an autographed copy or first edition; if your friend loves yoga but is finding her hobby too expensive, get her a one-month pass to show how much you care. Pay attention to what your friends or family members say. If one of your friends mentions her new favorite band, get concert tickets for when the band rolls through your town. If your mother mentions wanting to learn to cook more Italian food, get her a book to help get her started. You don't have to wait until a birthday or a holiday to give a gift; sometimes the best gifts are given just because. Send flowers. Sending flowers isn't only for birthdays or other special occasions. You can send your friend or family member flowers just to show how much you care and to make a difference in that person's day. The next time you're feeling really grateful about a friendship, or just when you want to say hello to a faraway friend just because, call a florist in your friend's area and order a bouquet of flowers that you know will light up your friend's day. If you can find a sneaky way to find out what your friend's favorite flowers are in advance, then you can create a bouquet and personalized. Bake something. Taking the time to make banana bread, chocolate chip cookies, or another one of your friend's favorite desserts can really light up your friend's day. Delivering cookies to your friend's front door, or even mailing cookies to a friend in a far away destination, can really make a big difference in your friend's life. This will be a perfect way to express gratitude because everyone knows that time and effort goes into baking, and your friend or loved one will see that you really care and are thankful for all that he or she has done for you. Baking can especially show your gratitude if you know the person needs to be cheered up a bit. Chocolate or sweets can make almost every person feel better, and this can be a great way to show that you care. Respect your elders. Another way to express gratitude is to show your elders how much they mean to you. Whether you're close with your grandparents or just happen to spend time around older people, it's important to show that you appreciate them and to be as kind to them as you can. This is a great way of expressing gratitude and showing that they do make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. Take the time to listen to what they have to say and don't dismiss them as out of touch. They have a lot more to teach you than you have to teach them, most of the time. Help a person clean up. Another way to express gratitude to your friends or family members is to help them clean either their homes, their cars, or anything else that may need a quick clean. Cleaning up a person's space can help bring on clarity of mind and can also help take an unpleasant task off the person's hands. See if your parents or friends really need some help cleaning, or even just clean to surprise them as a way to express gratitude. If you're cleaning as a surprise, just make sure the person is comfortable with you touching his or her things and doesn't feel that his or her privacy has been invaded. If you've been a guest in someone's home for a few days, then cleaning up is one great way to express your gratitude. Give someone a list of all the good things they've done for you. Another way to express your gratitude to a person you care about is to present the person with a list of all the amazing things he or she has done for you, from teaching you how to make an amazing pasta salad to being there for you in a crisis. You can make this list for your boss, a family member, or a friend; it'll make the person feel great to know that he or she is so appreciated. You can even make the list look a bit more elaborate and decorative, so the person can even hang it up to feel even better! If you really want to go all out, you can even frame it for the person. Listen. Another way to express gratitude to the person you care about is to be there to lend a listening ear. Just taking the time to be there for a person and to give him or her the time of day can be one of the best things you can do to make a person feel loved and appreciated. Just sit down with the person, shut off your phone, make eye contact, and take the time to really hear the person out, instead of interrupting or planning your response in your head. Few people feel like they are being heard in this multi-tasking society, and you can show the person how much you care by really making an effort to listen. Don't give advice unless the person asks for it. Sometimes, the best you can do is just be there. Don't compare the person's experiences to your own unless you really think it will help. Instead, take what the person is saying on his or her own terms. Acknowledge the person publicly. Another way to express gratitude is to thank a person in front of other people. You shouldn't do this in a way that makes the person embarrassed, but you should make it clear how much the person means to you and how hard he or she has worked for you. Just a few sentences at work, during a toast at dinner, or at a small gathering of friends can make a person feel even more special about his or her role in your life. Just make sure this comes off as sincere and not like you're sucking up. Make sure you really mean it, and that you have specific examples that show how much you care. Letting other people see how much a person means to you can really fill that person with pride. Do a random act of kindness. Doing a random act of kindness can be one of the best ways for you to show how grateful you are for the world around you. You can anonymously pay the toll of the car behind you, send a stranger flowers, put some change into a person's expired parking meter, or do someone a courtesy just because. The best part of this is that your act is anonymous, so that you're doing something kind without getting credit for it. Here are some other things you can do: Donate money or clothes to a charity. Teach someone a new skill. Listen to someone who is lonely. Help a person find his way. Pay for coffee for the person behind you Offer to help. You can show your gratitude to strangers by offering to help them when they need it. Though you don't need to overstep your bounds, you can help a lady carry groceries to her car, help a man with heavy packages by holding the door for him, or you can help a waitress clean up a big spill during a busy time. Just making an effort to help, no matter how big or small, is one great way to express gratitude. Look out for opportunities to help people. While you don't need to be pushy, a lot of people are really afraid to ask for help when they need it. Smile. Just the act of smiling at a person can help light up his day and show him that you care. Whether you're smiling at a person who is walking down the street, sitting across from you on the bus, or serving you coffee, just a simple smile can make a person feel appreciated and feel better about his or her day. You don't know what the life of a stranger you smile at is like, and as sad as it may seem, your smile may be the only smile he or she sees that day. Smiling at people in customer service, whether they are ringing you up for a sandwich or helping you buy a cell phone, can especially show your gratitude. These people work long days and often feel a lack of gratitude, and you can turn that around. Give a tip. One way to express your gratitude is to give a tip to a person who has done a great job. This can mean leaving a big tip along with a kind note to your waitress, tipping the delivery man, or even throwing some coins in a tip jar at your local cafe. This small gesture can make a big difference in the morale and financial situations of the people you are helping. Leaving a note to tell your waiter or the person who helped you just how much he or she meant to you can really make that person's day. A lot of people spend their whole work day feeling completely unappreciated. Be respectful to people around you. Another way to express your gratitude is to be respectful to the people around you as much as possible. Respect the space of other people and don't crowd them; respect their ears and don't talk loudly on your phone in a quiet public place, and be kind and polite to strangers when you're in the same room. Just making an effort to treat other people with the respect and kindness they deserve is a way of expressing your gratitude to the world. Treat other people like you'd want to be treated. Don't invade their space or privacy or make them feel inferior to you. Offer them your seat on the bus. Smile at a person who looks sad. Let a person on crutches pass by you. Demonstrating good manners is a great way to show respect. Avoid cursing, don't chew with your mouth open, and avoid interrupting people. Give others your undivided attention, show interest in what they're saying, and listen to them entirely. Be a good citizen. Another way to express your gratitude to the world is to work on being a good citizen. This means parking your car in one spot only, cleaning up your own mess, letting pedestrians cross in front of your car, cleaning the lint out of your communal dryers, or really doing anything that shows a respect for society at large. If you litter or leave your shopping cart out in the middle of the parking lot, it shows that you're not grateful enough for all of the advantages you have to put things in order. Remember that the world isn't your private garbage dump. Always remember to put things back in their places instead of expecting that someone will do the cleaning for you. Do your civic duties. Vote for president and in local elections, don't groan about having jury duty, and pay your taxes. Give a compliment. Another way to show how grateful you are is to give a compliment to the people around you. Since we're talking about strangers, you don't have to say anything too extreme or make people uncomfortable, but a simple, “Cool shirt!” or, “I love those flowers you're holding!” can make a person feel special and important. Make a goal of finding one thing to compliment today and soon you'll make it a habit. Look out for the unique, the odd, or the truly original things. If someone is wearing an amazing shirt with foxes with bow-ties on it, then you better compliment it, because there's a good chance the person who is wearing it is really proud of this particular item. If someone has a great smile, don't be afraid of saying so. Just make sure you don't say it in a way that can be misinterpreted to be a come on. Keep a gratitude journal. If you want to make gratitude a habit, then you should start keeping a gratitude journal to write down all of the things you're thankful for each week. Just pick a day to do it each week, such as a Sunday afternoon, and make a list of at least 10-20 things that you're thankful for that week. You may feel like you don't have too much to be grateful for, but once you make an effort to really think about it, you'll see that there's plenty in your life to be happy about. If you read through your journal just once a month, you'll be able to see how much you really have to be grateful for. You can even keep your list taped above your computer to make yourself feel fulfilled throughout your work day. Do yoga. Yoga is all about the practice of gratitude, and about offering your mind and body in a gesture of gratitude and contentment. If you want to make gratitude a part of your lifestyle, then make sure you go to at least 2-3 yoga classes a week and say “Namaste” to show how grateful you are for every breath you take. You can also do yoga at home instead if you feel more comfortable making your offerings that way. Practicing yoga means putting away your judgment and being thankful for the healthy body you have been given. It means offering it all up to the world, greeting the sun, and feeling good about everything you have been given. Yoga is about doing things at your own pace, and not coveting what skills or experience your neighbor has. This can help you develop a more grateful mindset about the rest of the world, too. Volunteer. Volunteering is another way that you can show how grateful you are for all of the advantages you have in this life. No matter how busy you are, you can try to carve out a few hours each month to help tutor at your local library, work at a soup kitchen, help out at your local school, or clean up a park in your community. Making the effort to build a community and to focus on someone other than yourself is one of the best ways that you can truly show gratitude. Being around people who have so much less than you do can remind you that you should take nothing for granted. You may find that these people can also teach you how to be truly grateful. Be grateful on social media. Too many people use social media to make fun of other people or to complain about their days or the state of the world. Though there are plenty of reasons to complain and more than a handful of reasons to be down on the world, sometimes, you should try to break the mold by posting a message about something you're grateful about, or by thanking someone for brightening up your day. This is a great way to express gratitude to many people at once, and it takes little effort. It doesn't have to come off as corny to shout out one of your friends to thank her for all she has done for you. As long as it comes from the heart, people will appreciate it. Give other people something to be thankful about, too. Share a fun fact about food, nature, or even kittens. It doesn't have to be super serious. As long as you're getting away from the general trend of posting the most depressing news articles and complaining about the world, you'll be doing a good thing. Complain as little as possible. If you really want to express gratitude, then you should avoid complaining as much as possible. Though sometimes it can feel great to let it all out, you should make a habit of talking about the positive things in your life much more than the negative. If all you do is complain about work, then it won't seem like you're grateful that you have a job. If you complain about your significant other all the time, then you won't be showing gratitude for his love and support. Work on being optimistic instead of looking for reasons to complain, and you'll be on your way to expressing gratitude more often. If you complain every chance you get, then you won't be able to see all the good things in your life. Though everyone has something to be upset about, you should focus on verbalizing all of the things you're happy about, and you'll be on your way to expressing gratitude in a much more acceptable way. Be more affectionate. Another way to express gratitude is to be more affectionate with the people you care about. Be easier to give hugs, to put your arm around a loved one, and to kiss your children or your significant other. Take more time to cuddle with your partner, and the next time you see a friend, go for a hug instead of just a wave or a smile. Being affectionate shows how much you appreciate all of the people in your life. Make sure the person you're hugging is a hugger, too. It's important to be affectionate, but you don't want to make people uncomfortable. Kiss your significant other at least twice a day to show you care. Stop gossiping. If you want to live a more grateful life, then you should avoid gossiping about people as much as possible. Instead, focus on saying nice things about people behind their backs and on feeling positive about the people around you. Instead of spreading rumors or putting people down, work on lifting them up. Show that you care about and appreciate the people in your life and don't be ungrateful by dragging their names in the mud. Plus, if your friends hear that you're saying good things about them behind their backs, they'll start saying nice things about you when you're not around. This is a great way of spreading good karma! Be present. One major way to live a more grateful life is to be present in the moment instead of worrying about something that happened in the past or thinking about the future. Living in the moment will help you appreciate every breath you take, every smile you see, and every bite of food you eat, and if you focus on enjoying the journey you're on, you'll be able to be much more grateful every second of the way. Write about your worries or fears in a journal or just set a daily worrying time for yourself. This will keep you from clouding your entire days with thoughts of the future. Try not to hold grudges or to get stuck in the past. Be grateful for the relationships you're having now instead of being bitter about the road bumps in the past. | Write “thank you” cards. Do favors for your friends just because. Tell your family members how much you appreciate them. Give meaningful gifts. Send flowers. Bake something. Respect your elders. Help a person clean up. Give someone a list of all the good things they've done for you. Listen. Acknowledge the person publicly. Do a random act of kindness. Offer to help. Smile. Give a tip. Be respectful to people around you. Be a good citizen. Give a compliment. Keep a gratitude journal. Do yoga. Volunteer. Be grateful on social media. Complain as little as possible. Be more affectionate. Stop gossiping. Be present. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Guilt | How to Deal with Guilt | To deal with guilt, acknowledge and accept that you did something wrong, and try to look at it as a learning opportunity. Rather than dwelling on your guilt, think of how you can make things right. For example, if you hurt someone's feelings, you could make a heartfelt apology to the person affected by your actions. To help you move on, keep a journal where you should note down how your feelings of guilt develop and how you made amends so you can learn something positive from the experience. | Recognize the kind of guilt you have and its purpose. Guilt is a useful emotion when it is helping us grow and learn from our behavior that has been offensive or hurtful to ourselves or others. When guilt arises from hurting another or having a negative impact that could have been prevented, we are being signaled to change that behavior (or else risk the consequences). This guilt, "proportionate” guilt can be a guide for redirecting behavior and adjusting our sense of what's acceptable and what isn't. For example, if your guilt is from spreading rumors about a co-worker so that you will get a promotion in their place, you'll feel proportionate guilt. If you simply got this promotion for being more qualified and feel guilty anyway , then you are dealing with disproportionate guilt. Forgive yourself. Forgiving oneself, like forgiving another, can be a difficult process. Steps that are important in the process of self-forgiveness include: Acknowledgement of the actual hurt caused without exaggerating or minimizing what happened. Addressing the degree to which you were responsible for this harm – there may have been something you could have done differently, but you may not be responsible for everything. Overestimating your responsibility can prolong guilt longer than necessary. Understanding your state of mind at the time of the harmful action(s) Dialogue with the other(s) who were negatively impacted by your actions. A heartfelt apology can go a long way. It is important that you and the other(s) know that you are aware of the damage done and are clear on what actions will be taken (if any) over and above apologizing. Make amends or changes as soon as possible. Staying guilty instead of making necessary repairs or amends is how we punish ourselves. Unfortunately, this behavior will only keep you feeling too ashamed to take the action that can really help. Making restorative changes means swallowing your pride and trusting that others will be grateful for your work resolving the source of guilt. If apologizing is how you'll make amends, try to avoid justifying what you did or pointing out the parts of the situation that you were not responsible for. Simply recognize the others' pain without the distraction of extra explanations or attempts to revisit the details of the situation. It may be much easier to apologize for an offhanded remark that caused some pain. But when the behavior has spanned some time, say you ignored your partner's distress about your relationship for years, it will take more honesty and humility. Start a journal. Writing journal entries about the details, feelings, and memories of the situation can help you learn about yourself and your actions. Working to improve your behavior in the future is a great way to relieve guilt. Your entries might answer questions like the following: How did you feel about yourself and everyone involved leading up to, during, and after the situation? What were your needs at that time, and were they being met? If not, why not? Did you have motives for this action? What or who was the catalyst for this behavior? What are the standards of judgment in this situation? Are they your own values, your parents', your friends', your spouse's, or coming from an institution like the law? Are these appropriate standards of judgment, and if so, how do you know? Accept you did something wrong, but move on. We know that it's impossible to change the past. So, after spending time learning from your actions and making amends and repairs wherever possible, it is important not to dwell for too long. Remind yourself that the sooner you are done feeling guilty, the sooner you can bring increased focus to other, more current parts of your life. Another benefit of using a journal to deal with guilt is being able to keep track of your feelings to show yourself how quickly guilt can diminish once we attend to it. Especially important is making note of how making amends and repairing the situation has changed them. This will help you take pride in your progress and in the legitimate ways that you have used guilt positively. Recognize the kind of guilt you have and its purpose. Unlike the useful "proportionate" guilt that signals us to right our wrongdoings, disproportionate guilt usually comes from one of the following sources: Doing better than someone (survivor's guilt). Feeling that you didn't do enough to help someone. Something that you only think you did. Something you didn't do but that you want to do. Take the example of feeling guilty for getting a promotion. If you spread nasty rumors about a co-worker in order to get it, this guilt is indeed warranted or proportionate to the action. But, if you simply got this promotion from having earned it and feel guilty anyway , then you are dealing with disproportionate guilt. This type of guilt serves no rational purpose. Take stock of what you can control versus what you cannot. In a journal, write out the things that you truly have total control over. Also include those things you only have partial control. Blaming yourself for a mistake or incident that was only partially in your control means that you're angry at yourself for things that are beyond you. Also helpful is to consider that you are not to blame for things you regret not doing, since you could not possibly have known then what you know now. You likely made the best judgment available to you at the time. Remind yourself that you're not to blame for surviving a tragedy that someone else, even someone close to you did not. Recognize that you are not ultimately responsible for other people. Even if you have a great deal of love and concern for those in your life, they are charged with stepping up to ensure their own well-being (as you are with yours). Examine your standards for achievement and helping others. Writing in a journal, ask yourself ask yourself if the behavioral ideals you set for yourself may be too high. Often times these standards are imposed on us from outside forces which may have helped us gain footing at an early age, but that now are so rigorous and unattainable that they cause great distress. This also involves acknowledging the your right to protect and stand up for your own self-interests. Since we often feel guilty for not bending over backwards for others or sacrificing something we hold dear (like free time or our own space), this is a crucial part of overcoming guilt. Remind yourself to accept that people's interests may conflict, and that this is natural. No one is at fault for earnestly seeking to fulfill their own needs. Focus on quality, not quantity when helping others. Guilt often stems from thinking that we are not being sensitive enough to others. And, since you only have so much of yourself to give, remember that the quality of your help will diminish if you are trying too hard to help all the time or help everyone you care about all the time, no matter what. To avoid this type of guilt, be more aware of situations when it is truly you who must step in. Being discerning about the moments you offer help will give you a healthier sense of how much responsibility you have for others, diminishing guilt automatically. It will also improve the quality of your help, making you more aware of the good you are doing rather than what other things you could be doing. Seek acceptance and compassion through mindfulness. Mindfulness and meditative practices can help you learn to observe your own mental processes, including the tendencies that keep guilt going, like self-blame and excessive self-criticism. Once you learn to observe these processes, you can start being more compassionate toward yourself, recognizing that these thoughts need not be taken seriously or acted upon. It can also be helpful to maintain close contact with loved ones who accept you as you are and display unconditional compassion for you. By seeing others treat you this way, it will be easier to develop this attitude toward yourself. However, you are responsible for self-acceptance and self-compassion, and this can be done with or without help. See a mental health professional if you struggle to move forward. When you experience disproportionate guilt, it may be too difficult to resolve the issues alone, or even with the help of loved ones. See a qualified mental health therapist or counselor who is clinically certified so that they can help you work through your feelings and reframe your thoughts about an incident. A therapist may also work with a family member to help resolve issues of guilt and anger that can at times affect the entire family. | Recognize the kind of guilt you have and its purpose. Forgive yourself. Make amends or changes as soon as possible. Start a journal. Accept you did something wrong, but move on. Recognize the kind of guilt you have and its purpose. Take stock of what you can control versus what you cannot. Examine your standards for achievement and helping others. Focus on quality, not quantity when helping others. Seek acceptance and compassion through mindfulness. See a mental health professional if you struggle to move forward. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Handle-a-Pet-Rat | How to Handle a Pet Rat | Handling your pet rat is a great way to bond with it, but you'll want to do it safely so you don't frighten or hurt it. If you just got your rat, give it a couple of days to settle in before you try to hold it. Then, start by holding your rat inside its cage just above the floor where it'll be most comfortable. Hold one hand on either side of your rat and gently bring them together to cup it in your palms. If it doesn't want to come, hold a piece of food in one hand to encourage it. Talk to your rat in a soothing voice to reassure it. At first, hold it for a few minutes at a time, then slowly increase the time. Once it gets used to being held in its cage, try holding it out of its cage. | Begin bonding with your rat 1-2 days after you first get it. Whether you bought your rat as a baby or you are adopting your rat an as adult, give it 1-2 days to adjust to its new home. After the rat is settled, start petting it and letting it sniff your hand to strengthen your bond. For example, put your hand in the cage and hold it out toward the rat. Let it smell your hand, then gently stroke its back. Remember to always wash your hands both before and after you handle your rat. You need to wash them before you handle your rat because odors that remain on your hands can stress or alarm the rat. Afterwards, you need to wash your hands for health and hygiene purposes. Put a treat or piece of food in your hand and offer it to your rat. To bond with your rat, offer it treats and food. Use fresh fruits and vegetables like watermelon, apple, broccoli, and carrots, or use specialty rat treats. Hold 1 dime-sized piece or smaller in the palm of your hand, and place your hand in their cage. Then, wait 1-2 minutes for the rat to come get the treat. Do this every day or every other day to bond with your rat. This encourages the rat to familiarize with your scent, and the treat gives them positive reinforcement for coming toward you. If the rat is too skittish, do not force the treat on them. Instead, try this again the next day. Place your rat in your cupped hand to start hand-training it. Once your rat warms up to you, gently cup them in your palm while holding your hands in their cage. Leave your hands 1–3 in (2.5–7.6 cm) from the bottom of its cage, in case it wants to get down. You can start this process when your rat is no longer skittish when you give it food or treats. Holding your rat in your hand for a few minutes gets them used to hand-training. Over time, they will learn to enjoy being handled and held. Hold your rat for 5-20 minutes a day so it gets used to you handling it. Begin holding the rat for a short period of time, like 5 minutes. As your rat gets used to being held, increase the time by 5 or so minutes a day. This way, your rat grows to enjoy spending time with you out of its cage. In addition, talk to your rat often in a calm, soothing voice. Say things like, “Hey little guy, how are you?” You can continue to give your rats a treat before or after you pick them up. Carry your rat around in your sweatshirt pocket. Another great way to bond with your rat is to place it inside the front pouch of a sweatshirt. After the rat is used to being held for 15-20 minutes, lift it up and put the rat inside your sweatshirt pouch. As you do this, sit on the floor so the rat can't fall out. Try this when you can comfortably hold your rat for about 15 minutes. Rats often enjoy the warmth of the sweatshirt, and placing them in the pocket also helps them get used to your smell. Once the rat is used to the pouch, you can go about your day with the rat inside. Sit on your couch and watch TV with your rat, for instance. Use your hands to gently scoop up your rat. To easily hold your rat, place 1 hand on either side of it, and slowly bring your hands together. As you do this, cup your rat in your hands and secure it between both palms. This is an easy way to begin handling your rat. Place 1 hand under the rat’s chest and the other under its hind legs. For a more secure hold, put 1 of your hands under your rat's chest behind its forelegs. Then, place your other hand under the rat's back legs to add support. This is a great handling technique if you want to transport your rat or check for any lesions. Hold your hand or arm outward so the rat can climb up. Another option for handling your rat is to let them climb into your hands and up your arms. After your rat is used to being handled, it will seek out hand time, as rats love being held. When playing with your rat, extend your arm so it can crawl into your hand and climb up your arm. Do this inside a playpen, for instance. You can also extend your arm inside its cage so it can easily crawl up. Let your rat climb up your arm and sit on your shoulder. In addition to climbing up your arms and sitting in your sweatshirt, rats often love to sit on shoulders. As your rat gets comfortable climbing up your arms, let it climb up to your shoulder. With the rat on your shoulder, you can sit and watch TV, read a book, or carefully walk around your home. Avoid picking your rat up by the tail. You should never pick up a rat by their tail, as this can injure them. Neither the tip or base of their tail is acceptable as a handling method. Do not squeeze your rat. While sometimes holding them securely is necessary, avoid squeezing your rat at any time. Instead, grasp your rat underneath of its legs firmly yet gently. This can cause injuries or breathing difficulty, and your rat may start to distrust you. Supervise your child if they are handling the rat. If your rat is a pet for your child, always supervise the child when holding the rat. This way, you can ensure the child does not hurt the rat or handle it inappropriately. Children roughly 10 years old and younger should always be supervised with small animals. | Begin bonding with your rat 1-2 days after you first get it. Put a treat or piece of food in your hand and offer it to your rat. Place your rat in your cupped hand to start hand-training it. Hold your rat for 5-20 minutes a day so it gets used to you handling it. Carry your rat around in your sweatshirt pocket. Use your hands to gently scoop up your rat. Place 1 hand under the rat’s chest and the other under its hind legs. Hold your hand or arm outward so the rat can climb up. Let your rat climb up your arm and sit on your shoulder. Avoid picking your rat up by the tail. Do not squeeze your rat. Supervise your child if they are handling the rat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-Telugu | How to Speak Telugu | If you want to learn to speak Telugu, start by picking up some basic phrases. For example, you can greet people by saying “Namaskārām” or thank someone with “Danyavaadaaloo.” Once you have a few phrases under your belt, focus on building up your grammar and vocabulary. You might do this by studying Telugu vocabulary lists or looking at grammar tutorials online. As you're learning, finding a fluent conversation partner can be a big help. You'll also need to memorize different word forms and grammatical elements, such as the personal suffixes for verbs, which allow you to clearly express who is doing what. | Greet people by saying namaskārām. This is the formal way to say "hello" in Telugu. The word is essentially the Telugu version of the standard Indian greeting "namaste." Telugu-speakers will also understand you if you simply say namaste , although this is considered less formal. You can also use greetings that reflect the time of the day. For example, in the morning you might say shubhodayam , which means "good morning." The afternoon greeting is shubha madhyanam. There is no specific evening greeting in Telugu. Use namaskārām or namaste. Continue the conversation by asking Meeru aelaa unnaaru? This question means "how are you?" The standard response typically would be naenu baagunnaanu, meeru aelaa unnaaru? ("I'm fine/doing well, how are you?") For a more polite response, say Naenu baagunnaanu, dhanyavaadhamulu, mari meeru? This means "I'm fine, thanks, and yourself?" The phrase mari meeru means "and you" or "and yourself," so if the other person asked first, don't include this part of the sentence. Use the phrase naa paeru to introduce yourself. Naa paeru means "my name is." After giving your name, you can ask Mee paeraemaṅdi? This means "What is your name?" You could also simply say mari meeru after your name. For example, naa paeru Divya, mari meeru? means "My name is Divya, and you?" Culturally, it is considered more polite to tell the other person your name before asking theirs. After the person tells you their name, you could say mimmalni kalavadam chaalaa saṅthoashaṅgaa uṅdhi , which means "pleased to meet you." Explain that you don't speak Telugu very well. If you've gotten this far into a conversation with a native-speaker of Telugu, you likely want to let them know that you've just started learning the language. Someone may ask you "Meeru thelugu maatlaadathaaraa?" They are asking "Do you speak Telugu?" You might reply "avunu koṅcham maathrame," which means "yes, only a little." If you don't understand what someone is saying, you can simply say "artham kaaledu," which means "I don't understand." You could also say "dhayachaesi mallee cheppaṅdi" ("please say that again") or "dhayachaesi nemmadhigaa matlaadaṅdi" ("please speak more slowly"). Use polite words and phrases to show respect for others. Being polite and courteous is important in any culture. Especially if you're just beginning to learn the language, show people speaking to you that you appreciate them and are grateful for their assistance. Daayacheysee means "please." Dhanyavaadaaloo means "thank you." If someone says this to you, say maa saṅthoasham in reply. Kshaminchandee means "sorry." Maa kshamaapanalu means "Our apologies." Close the conversation by saying veedukolu. When the conversation is over, this is a common, more formal way to say "goodbye" in Telugu. You can also say "vellostaanu" or "ika selavu." If it's late in the evening and you want to say "goodnight," say "shubha raathri." You can also say "mītō māṭlāḍaḍaṁ bāgunnadi," which means "it was nice talking to you." Find a conversation partner locally or online. One of the best ways to improve your language proficiency and expand your grammar is to talk to native speakers. If you can't find someone locally to speak Telugu with, use an online site such as WeSpeke or Busuu to find a conversation partner. In many cases, these partnerships are tandem learning opportunities. For example, if you speak English and want to learn Telugu, you would be matched with a native Telugu speaker who wants to learn English. During your sessions, you would converse part of the time in English, the rest of the time in Telugu. With any conversation exchange, you'll get out of it as much as you put in. Take the process seriously. Write down words or phrases that you don't understand and practice them before your next meeting. Label items in your home with Telugu words. Get some sticky notes or cards and write Telugu words for furniture, foods, and other objects in your home. Any time you pass a note, say the word out loud. Over time, you'll come to think of that item by its Telugu word. You can download vocabulary lists for common items around the house on the internet for free. The Learning Telugu website has an extensive vocabulary list. The list includes the transliterated and script version of the word. If you learn Telugu script, you can revisit your labels and add the script if you want. You don't have to stop at the name of the object itself. You can also use these labels to familiarize yourself with the Telugu words for colors, or other descriptive words such as "hard" or "soft." Conjugate verbs with the appropriate personal ending. As with many other languages, in Telugu you add a suffix to the verb stem to indicate who is doing the action. There are 8 personal endings in Telugu. First person singular: -nu Second person singular: -vu Third person singular (human male): -du Third person singular (other than human male): -di First person plural: -mu Second person plural: -ru Third person plural (human males): -ru Third person plural (other than human males): -yi Add -ā before appropriate personal ending for past tense verbs. Conjugation of verbs in Telugu is fairly simple, especially compared to English and other European languages. The past tense is used for actions that were completed entirely in the past, similar to the preterite tense in Spanish. Infinitives end in u. To conjugate a verb, drop the u and add the appropriate endings. In some cases the closing consonant will be doubled in the transliteration of the word – this does not affect the pronunciation. For example, the first person past tense form of the verb tinu ("to eat") would be tinnānu. Use the -tā suffix before appropriate personal ending for non-past tense verbs. In Telugu, the non-past tense is used to talk about habitual actions, or actions that will take place in the future. As with the past tense, the suffix does not change and all verbs are regular. For example, the first person non-past tense form of the verb tinu ("to eat") would be tintānu. Place the object before the verb in sentences. Telugu uses subject-object-verb word order in sentences. Indirect objects come before direct objects. There are no coordinating conjunctions in Telugu, such as "and," you simply lengthen the final vowel. For example, if you wanted to say "I speak English" in Telugu, you would say "Nēnu āṅglaṁ māṭlāḍalēni." The literal translation of this sentence would be "I English speak." Watch Telugu-language films. The Telugu-language film industry is commonly known as Tollywood. While the Hindi-language Bollywood of northern India is more popular, Tollywood is gaining interest. There are hundreds of Telugu-language films produced each year. Some movies may be available for streaming online, or through your favorite video streaming service. You may also be able to check out movies from your local library. Most of these movies have English subtitles. Start with the subtitles on, or leave them off for a more immersive experience. Indian news and entertainment websites, such as the Times of India and The Indian Express, provide lists and reviews of Telugu-language movies. These websites are written in English. Listen to Telugu-language music. Telugu-language music is just as popular and prevalent as Telugu-language films. Listening to songs will help increase your vocabulary as well as teaching you common turns of phrase. AR Rahman, the Academy-award winning composer of the Slumdog Millionaire score, has many songs in Telugu. Use an alphabet chart to learn Telugu script. The Telugu language has its own writing system. The alphabet is syllabic, so all consonants have an inherent vowel sound. Vowels are only written as independent letters if they start a syllable. The Digital South Asia Library at Duke University has a digital textbook for learning Telugu characters available for free at http://dsal.uchicago.edu/digbooks/dig_toc.html?BOOKID=PL4772.H550_1991. The current writing system was developed in the 20th century, and is based on the modern spoken language. Once you know how to speak Telugu, spelling and writing should come easily to you. After learning the alphabet, turn on Telugu closed-captioning when watching Telugu-language movies. That way you'll be able to see the word written as it is spoken. Plan a trip to Hyderabad. As the capital of Andhra Predesh, a state in southeast India where the majority of Telugu-speakers live, you can be sure to hear the language spoken in this lively and historic city. Since Microsoft, Google, and other tech giants have opened offices here, the city is booming with hotels, restaurants, and an active nightlife. The city is also home to the University of Hyderabad, one of India's major institutions of higher learning. | Greet people by saying namaskārām. Continue the conversation by asking Meeru aelaa unnaaru? Use the phrase naa paeru to introduce yourself. Explain that you don't speak Telugu very well. Use polite words and phrases to show respect for others. Close the conversation by saying veedukolu. Find a conversation partner locally or online. Label items in your home with Telugu words. Conjugate verbs with the appropriate personal ending. Add -ā before appropriate personal ending for past tense verbs. Use the -tā suffix before appropriate personal ending for non-past tense verbs. Place the object before the verb in sentences. Watch Telugu-language films. Listen to Telugu-language music. Use an alphabet chart to learn Telugu script. Plan a trip to Hyderabad. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Trap-a-Beaver | How to Trap a Beaver | To trap a beaver, set up a live trap in an area that you know a beaver will pass through, like near the entrance of a beaver lodge or a narrow, shallow canal that's near a dam. Make sure the trap can't fall into the water or else the beaver could drown. Once you've set up the trap, hang a rag soaked in castor scent inside of it, which will lure beavers into the trap. Finally, check on the trap every day so any beavers you catch aren't stuck in it for long periods of time. | Know the legality of beaver trapping in your location. Beavers are only rarely subject to the strict hunting laws that many larger types of game like elk and deer are. However, depending on your state, the rules regarding beaver trapping may range from virtually nonexistent to somewhat limiting. In some states where beaver populations are high and trapping demands are low, like Georgia, beaver season lasts year-round. In other states, like North Carolina, there are designated seasons for beaver trapping. Before buying a trap or planning a trapping expedition, it's wise to double-check trapping laws in your area. Note that, in states that have a season for beaver trapping, the season usually extends from about November or December to, at latest, about March or April. Beaver pelts are at their best during the winter months. Know beavers' natural habitat. Though the North American beaver is native to Canada, it can now be found across the continent, from isolated pockets in northern Mexico to all but the coldest, northernmost reaches of the Canadian wilderness. Beavers are aquatic mammals, so they are are typically found in and around lakes, streams, and rivers. They often build dams and dwellings called lodges in these bodies of water, and are quick, industrious builders, using mud, branches, and, famously, trees in their structures. Because beavers rely on the presence of water and suitable foliage to build their dwellings, this means that in arid or desert environments, like the southwestern United States and parts of Mexico, beavers are not found. They are also not found on the Florida peninsula. Additionally, though beaver were nearly hunted to extinction in Europe, they can now be found in Poland, Czechoslovakia, and several other Eastern European countries. Look for signs of beaver presence. Beavers' practice of building lodges and dams naturally leads to several telltale signs of their presence. One is, obviously, the structures themselves, which are often relatively easy to spot. From the outside, lodges resemble large piles of branches, mud, and foliage located in and around rivers, streams, lakes, and the like. Dams can be composed of felled trees as well, and, like an artificial dam, produce a buildup of water on one side and cause water to rush around the sides or through any holes. Another sign of beaver presence is felled trees. Trees that have been felled by beaver leave stumps with a cone-like point, rather than the flat cross-section a chainsaw would leave or the sideways jagged cut from an axe. If you spot a beaver lodge or dam, look for a well-worn beaver path. Beavers can repeatedly take the exact same route to and from their structures, leaving a defined trail on the structure itself or in the surrounding area. These paths are an ideal spot to lay your trap. Find a suitable trap location. The ideal place to set a body grip is in an area you know the beaver will pass through. You'll probably want to set your trap at the entrance to a beaver lodge, in a narrow, shallow canal near a dam or lodge, or along a well-defined beaver path. Alternatively, you may want to set your trap so that the beaver must pass through it to reach bait (usually castor scent) that you've set. Lay the trap flat on the ground. When set, bodygrip traps (often referred to by the brand name "Conibear") create a vertically-standing square "portal". When a beaver walks through this space, the edges of the spring swing down, trapping the beaver by its neck and (ideally) killing it instantly.To begin setting this type of trap, first lay it on the ground in the area where you'd like to set the trap. Don't set the trap and then try to carry it to its final location. These traps can be triggered by delicate motion and can cause injury to humans. When you lay the trap down, look for two springs - one on each side of the central "square". If the two wing-like springs are pointing to the inside of the trap, turn the springs to the outside of the trap so that the rounded end of each points away from the central "square" jaws. Compress one of the springs. Though it's possible to set a bodygrip trap with just your hands, it's advisable to use a pair of special metal sticks called "setting tongs" or "setting tools." These long metal tools allow you to set the trap while keeping your hands and fingers free, so as to avoid the risk of injury. Whether or not you use these setting tongs, take one spring and compress it, aligning the spring over the trap's central joint. When the spring is compressed, set the safety catch. This is usually a small hook attached to the spring itself, which keeps the spring compressed while you complete the rest of the steps necessary to set the trap. Warning - once one spring is compressed, you should consider the trap "live", as its jaws can now snap together with force if it's sprung. Whether you're using setting tongs or not, use caution when handling the trap from this point forward. Compress and "hook" the other spring. Though some only use one spring, most common body grip traps employ two springs to give the jaws added power. If your trap has two springs, compress the second spring as you did the first and latch it shut with the safety hook. When both springs are compressed, carefully align them over the trap's central joints. Turn the trap vertically with the dog and trigger on the top. Body grip traps are set vertically to allow beavers to walk through them and spring the trap. Very carefully stand your trap up so that two parts of the trap called the "dog" and "trigger" are on the top edge of the trap. The dog is a toothed or notched piece that secures the trap's jaws together when it's set. Essentially, it holds the trap open until it's sprung. The trigger is a thin, whisker-like piece that's used to spring the trap. The whisker hangs down between the jaws. When a beaver walks through the trap, it pushes on the trigger, releasing the dog and causing the jaws to swing shut. Set the dog and trigger. Carefully compress the trap jaws. Set the trigger in the desired notch of the dog, then insert the trap's forward jaw in this notch. Carefully cease compressing the jaws - the dog should delicately hold the trap open. Remove the safety hooks from the springs. Ever-so-carefully remove each spring's safety hook and slide them towards the coiled end of the springs. Your trap is now set and should be considered dangerous. Don't move or handle it without carefully resetting the safety hooks, and even then, only do so if necessary. If necessary, use stakes for support. Most body grip traps can be set independent of any external supports, but, to keep your trap secure, you may want to use such supports anyway. Secure a trap by the circular, coiled ends of its springs - never by the square jaws. Either loop wire through each coil and tie the wire to a nearby object or drive a thin, sturdy stake through each coil. In either case, do so before setting your trap to minimize the chance of injury. Find a submersed site. Foothold traps require an animal to step on them - when it does, the jaws of the trap swing shut, trapping the animal's foot or leg in the trap. Because this doesn't kill the animal immediately, with beavers, it's important to only set such traps underwater so that the animal drowns when trapped. If set on land, the beaver may endure prolonged suffering and may even be killed by a coyote or other small predator from which it can't escape. Set a foothold trap in the shallow water at the edge of a lake or stream at a spot where a beaver path meets the water (called a "slide"). Though it should be in shallow water so that the beaver steps on the trap rather than swims over it, the water must be deep enough to drown the animal - usually about 8–10 inches (20.3–25.4 cm) of water will do. Additionally, because you want the beaver to trigger the trap by stepping on it, set your trap off-center (about 6 inches) in the slide. If you set it in the center, the beaver may simply walk over the trap without stepping on it. Secure the trap's chain. Foothold traps usually have a short length of chain attached. This is so that they can be attached to the ground or a nearby object - if they aren't, the trapped, scared, possibly wounded animal may flee, taking your trap with it. For beaver, use a stake to drive the chain into the earth as far away from the trap itself as the length of the chain will allow. Stake the chain in the water , not on land. Use a deep, strong, sturdy stake.You don't want to give the beaver any slack in the chain that will allow it to move towards land once the trap is sprung. Bad stake placement can allow the beaver to reach a spot where it can breathe once the trap is sprung, prolonging its suffering. Compress the trap's springs. Foothold traps come in a wide variety of styles, but most have powerful springs attached to levers that run parallel to the trap's jaws. Use the levers to compress these springs and open the jaws. Be very careful not to allow your hands to slip or to let any fingers go between the jaws. For some models of foothold trap, you may find it easier and safer to set the trap on the ground, compress the springs by stepping on them, and then bend over and do the rest of the steps, keeping the springs compressed with your feet. Hold the jaws open as you latch the dog. Keep constant pressure on the trap so that it doesn't snap shut and catch a hand or finger. Carefully open the jaws and swing the dog up, catching the jaw in its notch. Like with a bodygrip trap, the dog holds the jaws open, releasing when the animal springs the trap. Carefully raise the pan. A foothold trap's "pan" is the circular part of the trap in between the jaws. The animal springs the trap by stepping on the pan. Use your thumb to hold the dog and jaw together. Then, raise the pan into position by reaching under the loose jaw with your fingers and gently lifting the pan up. Don't reach down through the trap or reach over either jaw. If you do this, you run the risk of injury, should you slip. Your trap is now set - handle it with extreme care. Ideally, your pan should sit level in the trap, not slanted up. If you need to make an adjustment to the pan, be sure to work under the loose jaw of the trap. Never, ever reach between the jaws to make an adjustment. Note also that some types of foothold traps allow you to adjust the tension in the pan so that it only triggers under a certain amount of weight. For beaver, 4-5 pounds is ideal, as this keeps the trap sensitive while allowing you to avoid smaller animals. Choose a good spot. When setting a live trap, it's important to choose a location for the trap where the animal will be in a minimum of danger for the time that it's stuck in the trap. With beavers, it's important to not put live traps in water deep enough to cause the animal to drown. Instead, put them above water or at the very edge of a lake or stream, where water is only an inch or so deep. Secure your trap well so that it can't fall into deeper water. It's also wise not to use live traps in areas exposed to extremely cold or hot weather to avoid the risk that the trapped animal may be injured or die due to exposure. Note that live traps come in several varieties. Many of the most common are metal, box-like traps with doors at either end, but other types of live traps, including traps that resemble suitcases, are used. The steps in this section refer to the common box variety. Open either end of the box. Box traps usually feature locking doors at either end. To open either door, often, you'll need to push two locking bars towards the interior of the cage to release the lock holding the door closed. Then, keeping one arm on top of the box to hold it steady, raise the door until it rests roughly horizontally. Set your bait. Unlike the other traps in this article, which trap and kill the animal when it unwittingly springs it, live traps depend upon the animal willingly wandering into the trap. Because of this, bait can be crucial for a successful trapping effort. For beavers, bait is usually in the form of a liquid scent. Soak a small rag in this scent and hang it inside the trap over the trip pan. When the beaver goes to investigate the scent, it will step on the pan and spring the trap, lowering the door(s) and trapping itself inside. In terms of baits, many trappers use castor scent, a commercially-available fluid naturally produced by beavers to mark their territory. Secure the door with the dog. Like the other types of traps discussed in this article, most live traps have a dog piece that holds the trap's door open and releases it when the trap is sprung. When you've raised the door to its highest position, secure the dog on the corresponding notch on the door - here, individual traps' mechanisms will vary - and carefully release it. If done correctly, the door should remain open, held in place by the dog. If necessary, open the other door. Most box-type live traps have one door at either end of the trap. You may want to open both doors to allow a beaver to enter the trap from either end. However, depending on where you've chosen to place your trap, this may not be necessary. For instance, if you place the trap at the edge of a lake or stream, you're probably only expecting beavers to approach it from the direction of the water, so the second door isn't needed. Check your trap every day. Whether you use a killing trap or a live trap, it's important to come back and check it every day. With a live trap, the reason for this is obvious - the beaver is stuck inside the trap and may suffer or go hungry if it's kept inside for a long period of time. However, you'll want to frequently check your killing traps as well, especially if you're interested in the beaver's pelt. The longer the beaver is left dead in the trap, the greater the effects of decomposition and the greater the chance its body will be eaten by scavengers. Additionally, on the off chance that a killing trap does not instantly kill its intended target, you'll want to be able to release the animal or put it out of its misery as soon as you can. Avoid areas where pets roam. Avoid using any sort of trap in areas that are known to be frequented by pets, especially dogs. Smaller dogs can be roughly beaver-sized and thus can be maimed or killed by beaver traps. Don't even use live traps in areas where pets roam, as, if you accidentally catch a pet, it will be your responsibility to find and notify the owner, who may be under the assumption that their pet has run away. In rural areas, people sometimes let their dogs wander within a few miles of their home. Be very conservative when setting your traps - most cautious trappers won't use traps within several miles of any residence. Adjust bodygrip traps to account for otters. Otters often live in the same types of habitats as beavers - lakes and streams in wooded areas. Otters can easily spring bodygrip traps intended for beavers, so, if you're using a bodygrip trap, consider the possibility that this will happen and accommodate by sliding the trigger so that it hangs along one side of the "square", rather than in its center. Otters are slimmer than beavers, so, by doing this, you increase the chance that otters will pass harmlessly through the trap while not hampering your ability to catch beaver significantly. Obviously, don't attempt to do this when the trap is armed. Instead, do it as you're arming the trap. Observe all local laws regarding traps. Though some states have open season on beavers year-round, this doesn't mean there aren't any rules regulating trapping activity. Most jurisdictions will have rules regarding the types of traps that can be used, the locations where trapping is allowed, the sorts of things you can use trapped beaver for, and more. If you're in doubt, double-check with local officials before attempting to trap beaver. The relatively small amount of time it takes to check your local hunting authority's website is well worth the money you'll avoid in the form of fines if you break the law. One common law in virtually all jurisdictions is that you may not trap beavers (or, for that matter, any animal) on someone else's private property without their express permission. | Know the legality of beaver trapping in your location. Know beavers' natural habitat. Look for signs of beaver presence. Find a suitable trap location. Lay the trap flat on the ground. Compress one of the springs. Compress and "hook" the other spring. Turn the trap vertically with the dog and trigger on the top. Set the dog and trigger. Remove the safety hooks from the springs. If necessary, use stakes for support. Find a submersed site. Secure the trap's chain. Compress the trap's springs. Hold the jaws open as you latch the dog. Carefully raise the pan. Choose a good spot. Open either end of the box. Set your bait. Secure the door with the dog. If necessary, open the other door. Check your trap every day. Avoid areas where pets roam. Adjust bodygrip traps to account for otters. Observe all local laws regarding traps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Distance-from-Lightning | How to Calculate the Distance from Lightning | To calculate the distance from lightning, watch the sky for lightning and then count the number of seconds after a lightning strike until you hear thunder. Take your response and divide it by 5 to determine the distance of the lightning strike in miles. For example, if you counted to 15 seconds before you heard thunder, divide 15 by 5 to get 3 miles. To calculate the distance in kilometers, divide the seconds by 3 instead. So, 15 divided by 3 would be 5 kilometers in distance. | Watch the sky for a flash of lightning. Count the number of seconds until you hear thunder. If you have a digital or analog watch, begin timing as soon as you see the lightning and stop as soon as you hear the thunder. If you don't have a watch, do your best to count the seconds accurately. Say "One one thousand, two one thousand..." in your mind as you count. Calculate the distance from lightning in miles or kilometers. Sound travels one mile every five seconds and one kilometer every three seconds. Therefore, if you want to find out how far you are from lightning, divide the number of seconds by 5 if you want the answer in miles and divide it by 3 if you want the answer in kilometers. The delay between when you see lightning and when you hear thunder occurs because sound travels much more slowly than light. Here's what you do: Let's say you counted 18 seconds. To find your distance from the lightning in miles, divide 18 by 5 to get 3.6 miles. To find your distance from the lightning in kilometers, divide 18 by 3 to get 6 kilometers. Though you won't be able to get a completely accurate result because the weather may vary in temperature and humidity, which will slightly affect the speed of sound, this is a good way to estimate how far you are from the lightning. Calculate the distance from lightning in feet or meters. Sound travels at a speed of about 344 meters, or 1,129 feet, per second. To calculate your distance from the lightning in meters, just round 344 down to 340 and multiply the number of seconds by 340. To calculate your distance from the lightning in feet, just round 1,129 up to 1130 and multiply the number of seconds by 1130. Here's how you do it: Let's say you counted 3 seconds. Multiply that number by 340 to get your distance in meters. 3 x 340 = 1020 meters. Multiply that number by 1130 to get your distance in feet. 3 x 1130 = 3,390 feet. | Watch the sky for a flash of lightning. Count the number of seconds until you hear thunder. Calculate the distance from lightning in miles or kilometers. Calculate the distance from lightning in feet or meters. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Strengthen-Weak-Hair-Roots | How to Strengthen Weak Hair Roots | If you notice a lot of your hair falling out, you may have weak roots. You can try using strengthening products to make your roots healthier. Look for sulfate-free products, like shampoos and conditioners, as sulfates can loosen the hair follicles around your roots. It can also help if you moisturize your scalp with hair oil to strengthen your roots. To avoid further hair loss and damage, try to only wash your hair once or twice a week so it doesn't dry out. It can also help to avoid using heat-styling appliances as much as possible since they damage the hair shaft. If you want to strengthen your roots naturally, try taking supplements like vitamins A, B, C, or E. Drinking plenty of water can also help your hair to be shiny, healthy, and strong. | Use sulfate-free hair products to keep your hair strong. Hair products with harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, loosen the hair follicles around the roots of your hair. Over time, this can make your hair fall out more easily. Check the ingredients lists on the back of the bottles and look for any sulfate additives. If your products do contain this ingredient, consider giving them away and purchasing a sulfate-free alternative. Moisturise your scalp with hair oil to strengthen the roots. A healthy, nourished scalp helps to promote hair growth and follicle health. Rub your favourite hair oil over your scalp and leave it to sit for 20 minutes before you rinse it off. Try to do this at least once a week to keep your scalp moisturised. If you don't have a hair oil, use coconut oil or almond oil instead. Use a keratin shampoo to nourish the roots of your hair. Keratin is a natural protein that is found in your hair shafts. Choose a keratin shampoo to help to prevent hair loss and split ends. Rub the shampoo into your scalp to strengthen the roots of your hair. Purchase a keratin shampoo from a hair salon or from a supermarket. Try using a hair mask to moisturise and strengthen your hair. Choose a hair mask that is designed to strengthen your hair, as this will help your weak hair roots. Look for words as phrases such as “minimises hair loss”, “for damaged hair”, or “strengthening”. Apply the mask to damp hair and leave it to soak in for about 30 minutes or as directed on the box. If possible, choose a natural hair mask, as this will help to retain the natural oils in your hair. Wash your hair with warm water to avoid drying it out. When you wash your hair in the shower, avoid setting the temperature too hot, as this can strip the natural moisture from your hair and weaken the roots. Instead, set the temperature to room temperature or as low as you can handle it. Similarly, avoid going to hot pools regularly if you have weak hair, as this will dry it out. Wash your hair only once or twice per week. Washing your hair every day can dry it out and make it brittle. To keep the roots strong, wash your hair as infrequently as you can. If possible, try not to wash your hair more than once a week. Use dry shampoo to keep your hair looking fresh in-between washes. When you wash your hair, try to be as gentle as you can. Try a variety of hairstyles to avoid weakening your hair follicles. If you wear your hair in the same style every day, it can damage the roots of your hair. Try to wear a different hairstyle each day to give your hair a break. For example, wear your hair in plaits 1 day, leave it down the next day, and then put it in a bun the next day. Avoid tying your hair up too tight, as this can weaken your hair. Try not to use heat-styling appliances, if possible. Over time, heat-styling appliances such as hair dryers, curlers, and straighteners will weaken your hair follicles and damage the roots of your hair. Where possible, leave your hair to dry naturally and style it without heated appliances. If you do use heat-styling appliances, always spray your hair with a protectant spray to minimise the heat damage. Avoid dyeing your hair to prevent further damage. Taking a break from dyeing your hair will allow it to gain back its natural oils. If your hair is often weak and breaks off from the rots, consider avoiding dye permanently. If you really want to dye your hair, try to colour it only once every 6 months to minimise the damage. Note that bleaching your hair is more damaging than dyeing it. Take a vitamin A, B, C, or E supplement to nourish your hair roots. These different supplements help to strengthen your hair and make it shiny. Over time, this can help to nourish the roots of your hair and will give you thicker hair. Consider taking a multivitamin that has all of the supplements in it or take the supplements separately. Follow the dosage instructions on the back of the packet and consult your doctor if you are pregnant or have other health conditions. If possible, take organic vitamin pills, as these will have the highest quality nutrients. You can also try taking biotin, which can help strengthen your roots. Eat a varied and healthy diet. Do your best to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. This helps to ensure that you receive all the vitamins and minerals that you require to keep your hair roots strong and healthy. Where possible, buy organic produce, as this won't contain any harmful pesticides. Visit your local farmers market to buy fresh and affordable produce. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help keep your hair strong. Keeping hydrated can make your hair look shiny and helps to prevent weak hair roots. Make an extra effort to drink water when you are exercising or if the weather is hot. Still water will give you far greater health benefits than sparkling water. Consider using a drink bottle so that you can keep your water nearby all day. | Use sulfate-free hair products to keep your hair strong. Moisturise your scalp with hair oil to strengthen the roots. Use a keratin shampoo to nourish the roots of your hair. Try using a hair mask to moisturise and strengthen your hair. Wash your hair with warm water to avoid drying it out. Wash your hair only once or twice per week. Try a variety of hairstyles to avoid weakening your hair follicles. Try not to use heat-styling appliances, if possible. Avoid dyeing your hair to prevent further damage. Take a vitamin A, B, C, or E supplement to nourish your hair roots. Eat a varied and healthy diet. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help keep your hair strong. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Ankle-Boots-with-Jeans | How to Wear Ankle Boots with Jeans | To wear ankle boots with jeans, roll up the hem of your jeans twice to reveal a thin strip of skin between your boots and jeans. Alternatively, fold up the hem by 1 1/2 inches to make the cuff thicker while revealing less skin. You can also try folding the hems inward so the cuffs stay hidden inside your pant legs. Make sure to avoid tucking the hem into your boots, which can make your legs appear shorter than they actually are. | Roll the hem of your jeans up 2 times to create a thin cuff. Cuffs are one of the easiest, most popular ways to pair skinny jeans with ankle boots. Fold the hem once, and then fold it over again to create a double cuff. The cuff should bring the lower edge of each jean leg just above your natural ankle, revealing a thin strip of skin between the boot and the jeans. Try to make it so that the visible strip of skin is around 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. A small glimpse of skin can help lengthen the visual leg line, but too much visible skin can create a large block that makes your leg look shorter. Cuff the hem of a pair of tight skinny jeans 1 time for a bolder look. A single cuff can create a bold block at the bottom of the jean, without revealing too much skin. Fold the hem up one time to make a cuff that's 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) wide. Single cuffs are great for people who have long legs. If you have shorter legs, try to keep the cuff smaller than 1 inch (2.5 cm) to avoid making your leg look short. Fold the hem inside of the jeans for a hidden cuff. If you don't like the cuffed look, try folding the hems inward instead of outward. Tuck the hem inside of the leg of jeans until you create about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space in between your jeans and your boots. It's best to fold the jeans only one time for a hidden cuff. To keep the fold in place throughout the day, you can iron the new hem at the bottom of the pant leg. Avoid tucking the hem into the boot. While it might seem tempting to tuck your jeans into the boots, doing so can actually make your legs look shorter. When your jeans are tucked, they can bunch around your ankles, making them look wide and disheveled. This is even true for skinny jeans, which tend to be tighter than straight-leg or bootcut. Even though they might fit into the top of the boots, you should cuff them to prevent bunching. Opt for a pair of skinny or straight-leg jeans if you want to cuff them. Skinny and straight-leg jeans tend to be the most flattering style to pair with ankle boots. They hug your curves and stay cuffed for a long time when you fold them. Skinny jeans tend to be the best option since they're stretchy and don't show many bumps when folded or cuffed. However, straight-leg jeans can help to create a more relaxed look. Pick a pair of bootcut jeans to wear them untucked. These jeans are fitted around the hips but flare out slightly below the knee, making them a great cut to wear with ankle boots. Instead of trying to tuck or cuff these jeans, allow them to fall directly over the top of each boot, covering the top portion. Try to stay away from cuts that have extremely flared hems. These tend to break up your leg and can make them look short. Purchase a pair of cropped jeans to show off the tops of the boots. Look for a pair of cropped skinny or straight-leg jeans that leave around 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space in between the bottom of the jeans and the top of the ankle boots. This tiny strip of skin creates a professional and polished look, without the hassle of tucking or cuffing the jeans. If you have an older pair of skinny jeans, you can make your own cropped jeans by using a sharp pair of scissors to cut the jeans just above your ankle. Use a tape measure and pencil to mark off the section you'd like to remove. Make sure the hem is at least 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm) off of the ground. Try on your jeans without the boots first. Ideally, the lower hem of each leg should hit at about midpoint of your ankle. If the hem is touching the ground, your jeans are too long. If your jeans are too long, they can bunch around your ankles, making your legs look shorter than they are. Pick a boot with a heel that is at least 2 in (5.1 cm). To elongate your legs and add a bit of height, pick a pair of ankle boots that are slightly taller than an average pair of shoes or flats. The heels can be chunky, stacked, or even stiletto, as long as they're a reasonable height and you can walk in them. If it's your first time wearing heeled boots, look for a pair that have a chunky heel that's right around 2 inches (5.1 cm) tall. These will be comfortable for standing and allow you to walk naturally without tripping. Look for a pair of boots that hit higher on the ankle for wearing with jeans. Some ankle boots hit low on the ankle, just below the ankle bone, and are meant to be worn with dresses and skirts. Find taller ankle boots that hit at the ankle bone since they're best for pairing with jeans. If the boots hit lower on the ankle, they can make your legs look shorter because they reveal more skin. Pair brown boots with light wash jeans for a relaxed look. Although you can wear almost any color of jeans with ankle boots, brown boots paired with light wash jeans are a classic and comfortable style. Try to stick with a medium-toned brown leather or suede boot, and a very light or acid wash jean for the best results. If you don't want to wear leather or suede, there are many high quality imitations that can help you create this classic look. Select a pair that matches the color of your jeans to elongate your legs. If you want to make your legs appear longer, match the color of your boots to the wash of your denim to create a monochromatic look. You can also opt for a boot with a higher heel to make yourself look even taller. The easiest way to pull this off is by wearing a pair of black ankle boots with a pair of black denim skinny jeans. Both the jeans and the boots are a flattering color and style, and will help to make your legs look long and slim. For a smooth transition from the boots to the jeans, fold a hidden cuff in the jeans. | Roll the hem of your jeans up 2 times to create a thin cuff. Cuff the hem of a pair of tight skinny jeans 1 time for a bolder look. Fold the hem inside of the jeans for a hidden cuff. Avoid tucking the hem into the boot. Opt for a pair of skinny or straight-leg jeans if you want to cuff them. Pick a pair of bootcut jeans to wear them untucked. Purchase a pair of cropped jeans to show off the tops of the boots. Make sure the hem is at least 1–1.5 in (2.5–3.8 cm) off of the ground. Pick a boot with a heel that is at least 2 in (5.1 cm). Look for a pair of boots that hit higher on the ankle for wearing with jeans. Pair brown boots with light wash jeans for a relaxed look. Select a pair that matches the color of your jeans to elongate your legs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drag-Race | How to Drag Race | If you'd like to try drag racing, start by choosing a lightweight sports car, like an early 90s Fox-body Mustang, and finding a closed-track racetrack with a drag strip. When you arrive at the track, pay the required fees and fill out a race card to register your vehicle in the correct category. Next, enter the race of your choice, such as “Time Trials,” if you're a beginner trying to build your drag-racing skills. Then, get your car checked at the inspection area before proceeding to the staging area to run your race! | Choose between style and speed. When you're picking a vehicle to drag race, there are a lot of things to consider beyond how fast your vehicle can rip away from the starting line. Cost, your commitment to rebuilding an repairing the vehicle, and your ultimate ambitions for the car should be taken into account. Most drag racers want basically the same thing: a throaty beast of a dragster with a great paint job, equally great looking when parked in the lot, as it looks when its blowing past you in the passing lane. Ideally, you want a light that's amenable to lots of modifications. A good dragster often has an engine modified with aftermarket cams, heads, and other components, to maximize the horsepower so it runs in excess of 600 or 700 HP. If you've got that, you'll have a muscle-monster. But for many drivers, anything beyond 500 HP is excessive. That's still an insanely fast car. Many aspiring dragsters probably have a frame or a model in mind when they're getting started, because of the look. A '57 Chevy Bel Air is a perfectly-great drag strip candidate for some classic-car enthusiasts, but for others that heavy frame might outweigh the style points. Pick something that you'll enjoy working on. Hot-rodding for the drag strip is, above all else, a great nostalgia project. Get a hold of the Corvette model your dad always lusted after when you were a kid, painted sea-foam green, a car he never got to drive. Or maybe you want a Mustang just like the one Steve McQueen drove for the classic chase scenes in Bullitt. Maybe you want to go all-out and get an old Chevy Apache frame from the '40s and make a funny car to crack up the boys down at the track. There's no wrong choice, if you like the car. Start with a light frame with high aftermarket potential. Most cars that are successful on the strip are light in body and easy to work on. For this reason, you'll typically see a lot of Fox-body Mustangs built between the late 70s and early 90s, which are super-light and can take almost any engine you want to throw in it. Hemi? Flathead V-8? You can make it work in a Mustang body. Because Mustangs are almost ubiquitous at American tracks, they lose a little cache. They're great to work with, but do you really want to be another guy with the same looking car? Trans-Ams, Z28s, and Chargers all have similar characteristics, with great factory-built specs. The Charger McQueen drove was basically straight from the factory, with some suspension work done. If it was good enough for Bullitt… Consider rebuilding the engine or installing a new engine. How fast do you want your car to go? What kind of engine do you want to build? What kind of engine can the body of your vehicle take? Much of the work and much of the fun that goes into planning a hot rod project will come with making these decisions for yourself. A good drag engine should maximize horsepower, probably using some aftermarket modifications to maximize the efficiency of the engine. Hydraulic roller cams and aftermarket cylinder heads are a common modification. Depending on the engine, you should be able to use at least some of the factory components in the drivetrain to keep the project as affordable as possible. Try to set a limit for yourself. Sure, you can say you want to have a 1,000 HP dragon-breather going in that Trans-Am, but the cost of the all the aftermarket drive train components necessary? The stress upgrades necessary for the chassis? If you can get 500 HP at street-level, you won't have to worry about getting embarrassed at the track. Ever. Try to keep your ambitions practical, Mr. Andretti. Upgrade the suspension with control arms and drag shocks. As you increase the power in your engine, the stock suspension will quickly become unsuitable. One of the most important modifications that you'll need to make in a serious drag racer is in the suspension. Make sure you upgrade the suspension after increasing the power, to make sure you match the stress specs to the new power of the vehicle. If your dragster has rear leaf springs, consider upgrading to CalTrac bars to increase the stability and the control. If your rod comes with coil-spring suspension , using aftermarket control arms is the best approach. You can also check out the possibility of using "no-hop" to modify the geometrical center of the suspension, giving your more muscle in your starts. Some racers will unhook the front sway bar and install drag-style coil springs. Drag racing stresses the axles, making problems common, so it's a good idea to get shocks made for the purposes of standing up to the stress. Install a power-adder if you want to run your car on the street. After the Fast and Furious movies, everybody and his brother wants to hit a nitrous button and blow the competition off their rear bumper. Using a small nitrous system for your races will allow you to use a more basic torque converted for driving on the street and the highway at normal speeds. It can also help keep your engine leaner, making it easier to run at a low compression ratio. Naturally-aspirated engines will require a bigger cam and will need to process higher-octane fuel if the compression ratio rises. Keep a close eye out for overheating with modified muscle cars. The more you modify the factory parts, the more problems you'll encounter from those modifications, especially if you're running your dragster rough and stressing the accelerator. Hot rods commonly have problems with overheating, making some precautions necessary. You might not have any problems if you've done your mods correctly, but it's still a good idea to keep an eye out for potential problem areas. Install a bigger radiator to keep the vehicle from overheating and check your fuel pump regularly. Running your drag car aggressively will wear out these components very quickly. Make sure you have a sensitive an accurate heat gauge and monitor it closely when you're driving. Understand the different classes of drag vehicles. Most pro drag race vehicles are specially designed roadsters made to race at short distances, but hobbyists and weekend warriors have their own categories, as well. Vehicles are rated and classed based on a variety of information, including the advertised factory weight of the vehicle, the type of fuel used, and the horsepower of the engine. The National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) boasts over 200 separate categories of vehicles, though the basic categories can be divided in two: Top Fuel Dragsters have an almost-comical length of 20–30 feet (6.1–9.1 m), and upward of 10,000 HP, which run on nitromethane. These are the dragsters you'll likely find at pro races as a spectator. Top Alcohol Dragsters are similar to their Top Fuel cousins, though they run partially on methane. Stock Dragsters started as factory vehicles and have been modified according to NHRA guidelines to improve HP and efficiency. On open-track days, this is typically the only kind of vehicle you'll find coming to the track, and probably what you're running if you're interested in drag racing. If you've got a modified muscle car, you can look up your vehicle on the NHRA Classification Guide. Find a closed-track racetrack with a drag strip in your area. If you want to drag race, you've got to do it on a racetrack under the proper conditions. Drag strips are usually a quarter-mile long, after which is a "speed trap" of about 70 feet (21.3 m), where your top speed will be measured. Many tracks will have open invitationals that anyone can show up for, as long as you pay the registration and track fees. Likewise, time trials are often available on a regular basis, if you want to get out and open the throttle a couple times. When you arrive, you'll likely have to pay a small entrance fee, as well as a track fee if you plan to race. If you're going to race, the cost will depend on the class of vehicle you're racing, so it's a good idea to call first and find out about any costs before you show up. Go watch some races first and try to get a sense of the culture and the kinds of races that happen at the track you're thinking of racing. Talk to other racers and track officials to ask for advice. If you drive a Honda Civic and want to drag race, you might be able to enter into a Bracket-Style race with handicaps, but you might also feel a little out of place. Before you drive all the way to the track, take the time to check out a few races as a spectator first. Besides being a fun sport, it's a great community that you can be a part of from the bleachers, as well. Only drag race at approved sites. Drag racing in perfect professional conditions is dangerous enough, and drag racing in the street is downright suicidal. It's also illegal everywhere. Never drag race on the street. Register your vehicle in the correct category. To keep the playing field level, most tracks and racing organizations divide the field into a large number of different vehicle classes. After paying at the gate, you'll need to fill out a race card, filling out information about the class you'll be racing in, your name, and other specific information about your vehicle. If you just have a factory-standard vehicle that you want to race, or have made minimal modifications to it, the class will still vary based on the size of the engine and other specifications. Many tracks will have open invitationals on a regular basis, at which you can register your car and find out what class and category your vehicle qualifies for, or what you need to do to get your vehicle to spec and race it, if you want. This is the easiest way to find out more about your class, if you're not sure. Pick the appropriate style of drag race for your vehicle. Depending on what kind of vehicle you have, your ambitions for racing, and the particular rules of the track in your area, you'll likely have lots of different options available to you for races. You might want to enter a pro-style elimination race, which is probably the most common, or you might just want to get on the track and burn some rubber in time trials. As long as you've got a good vehicle with some muscle behind it, you'll be able to find something that's right for you at most tracks. Elimination Races are basic bracketed elimination rounds, in which two cars in the same class will go head-to-head. The loser will be eliminated, and the winner will move on to the next round, until one car remains. To seed the field, practice runs and time trials usually precede the race. Bracket Races are similar to Elimination Races, but with the inclusion of handicaps to allow for vehicles of different specs to compete against one another, making these races a test of skill, rather than muscle. Instead of straight-up time trials, cars complete "Dial In" runs, in which the goal is to come as close as possible to the estimated speed (how fast your car can possibly make a single run). The difference will be subtracted from each of your trials throughout the race. Time Trials are available for any class of vehicle that passes safety inspection and pays the track fee. Usually, if you're not planning on running trials to qualify, you'll only be allowed to make runs on particular days, sometimes called "test and tune" nights. You can collect a time sheet with specific details about each of your runs, and keep track of your long-term progress. This is an excellent way to start and build your drag-racing skills. Pass a tech inspection at the closed-track drag strip. After paying at the gate and registering, you'll next drive your car to the inspection area, where track officials will give your car a once-over, checking fluid levels, weight, and other specifications to make sure that your vehicle is safe to run on the track. If you pass the inspection, they'll usually slap a corresponding inspection sticker on your windshield, signifying that you've passed and that you can proceed to the staging area. Most tracks require a minimum running weight to be met by every vehicle, with the driver in the car. Many serious racers will find the minimum weight for their vehicle class and get it down as low as possible to increase the horsepower and the efficiency of the engine. Complete your pre-race qualification runs. Before you pull up to the starting line and jam on the gas, you'll have to find out where you'll race in the field by qualifying for your starting position. Depending on the track rules and the vehicle class, you'll be held to different standards, but you'll start most elimination rounds by qualifying for your starting place with the best possible run you're capable of. Several measurements are taken for each race, including your reaction time, the total elapsed time of the run, and your speed. Your reaction time will be measured right at the start of the race, and should be as short as possible, tracking the time between the green light and your vehicle leaving the starting line. Your elapsed time will be measured from the moment you've left the starting line to the moment you cross the finish line. Your top speed will be measured just as you pass the finish line, making it important that you power across it for the best result. There should be ample room to slow down. Warm up your tires in the water box. In the staging area behind the track, you should pass through what is called the water box or the bleach box at most tracks, which is basically just a patch of the track that has been hosed down. This is where racers with track tires will do a burnout to heat up the tires and "burn off" any sediment or other gunk that's been built up. If you don't want to burn out before racing, that's fine. Just drive around the water box and approach the starting line instead. Flat racing tires always need to be warmed up, but street tires with tread should generally not be. If you're worried about street build-up on street tires, you can do a peel out to clean them up, if you want. Approach the starting line from the staging area. On professional tracks, the starting line is somewhat complicated, because it's not usually marked on the ground and is monitored with lasers. Let the track officials guide you toward the general area, and then look to the "Christmas tree" (the stalk of colored lights in the center of the track) to find out when you're on the money. At most tracks, a yellow light will engage when you're close (within 7 inches) of the starting line, and a second light will engage when you're on it. Watch the track official between the two lanes for more specific instructions. They're there to help. Watch the Christmas Tree for the starting lights. Most trees usually about about seven lights, including the indicator lights when you're on the starting line. Depending on your class and the kind of race you're running, the tree will light differently to signal that start of the race. In some races, three large amber lights will flash simultaneously, followed by the green light in four-tenths of a second. In other races, the three bulbs will flash twice, followed five-tenths of a second later by the green light. Make sure you watch other racers start and find out what kind of light start will be used before you end up on the starting line. Leave on green. In general, if you see the green light, you probably started too late. It takes some practice and skill to get a good start down, because it's very much about anticipating the green and leaving with it, rather than waiting until you see it. Experienced drivers are often very good at this, so don't get frustrated if it takes you several time trials and runs before you get the hang of it. Before you start, maintain your RPMs at the optimum speed to jump into your desired gear (lots of dragsters will pop in second, for example). Keep track of the timing changes in the lights, anticipate the green, and hit the gas. Power through the finish. Drag racing isn't the time for taking it easy, it's the time for seeing what your machine is made of. If you've passed the safety inspection and know your vehicle inside and out, you should know what it's capable of and use this opportunity to open up the throttle and go all-out. Floor it, shifting up as you power through the track, and accelerating into the finish. While you're tearing down the strip, be very careful to stay in your lane. Don't look at the other car, if you're going head-to-head, pay attention to your own car and what you're doing. Crossing the center line, apart from being extremely dangerous, will usually earn you a disqualification. Follow the proper slow-down etiquette. Often, at tracks, there's a particular "track rules" etiquette regarding which lane has the right of way in head-to-head runs. Often, the common courtesy, however, is that the slower car will slow down more quickly, falling in line behind the faster car. You'll both pull off in line, then, and drive to the timing booth. Pick up your time slip from the timing booth. After running the race, you'll pass by the timing booth, where you'll receive a slip with your reaction time, your total elapsed time, and your top speed. At some tracks, this may also show large on a scoreboard-style screen, but often these are back closer to the starting line for spectators to see. Always put safety first. When you get wrapped up in all the grease and machismo floating around at the strip, it can be common to forget about the most essential part of drag racing: surviving it. Make sure that you're aware of everyone on the track, around it, and stay focused on completing the run with safety. If you feel unsure about racing, unconfident in your vehicle, or uncomfortable with the track conditions, pack it up for the day. You need to always have your vehicle inspected before drag racing. Blowing out a tire going 120 mph (190 km/h) is extraordinarily dangerous, and turning out of a skid at those speeds can be deadly. Use extreme caution. Invest in a Snell-certified helmet. The Snell Memorial Foundation was founded by William "Pete" Snell, an amateur auto racer who died in a racing event in 1956. His then supposedly state-of-the-art helmet failed to protect from passing away, and a number of his fellow racers, colleagues and friends came together in an effort to improve the design of helmets along with their capabilities. They're now considered the standard in the field. If you're going to drag race, you need one. Shift at the correct times. The ideal time to shift is when the descending power curve for the lower gear crosses the ascending power curve for the higher gear. Most drag racers will use a tachometer to closely monitor the RPMs and feel for that sweet spot, just before the RPMs hit the red patch on the gauge. Many drag racers will use a lighted tachometer, which will flash a light indicating the optimal time to shift. Great racers anticipate these lights, however, shifting perhaps 200 or 300 RPMs before the "ideal" time, to make the action slightly smoother. Drag racing in automatic transmission vehicles exists, but is less common. Manual transmission vehicles offer faster acceleration times if you can get the technique right. If you want to get into drag racing, practice your shifting in a manual transmission vehicle. Use bald racing tires inflated to the proper specs. If you want to really grip the track, you need to get some racing tires for your vehicle. Without tread, heading up bald tires will allow you to grip the track and increase the efficiency of the engine. Contrary to popular belief, keeping the tires a little low doesn't help improve your times as much as once believed. While it does increase the surface of the tires by a small degree, keeping the tires too low can cause the interior wall to wrinkle, having the opposite effect. Keep the tires inflated to the low end of the proper specs. Drive in the "groove" created by other racers' tire slicks. After several runs down the strip, you should start to notice some build up from other cars' rubber and exhaust developing. That's the sweet spot. Bare asphalt won't have the traction that this coating of rubber has. Stick to the groove and barrel down the track. | Choose between style and speed. Pick something that you'll enjoy working on. Start with a light frame with high aftermarket potential. Consider rebuilding the engine or installing a new engine. Upgrade the suspension with control arms and drag shocks. Install a power-adder if you want to run your car on the street. Keep a close eye out for overheating with modified muscle cars. Understand the different classes of drag vehicles. Find a closed-track racetrack with a drag strip in your area. Register your vehicle in the correct category. Pick the appropriate style of drag race for your vehicle. Pass a tech inspection at the closed-track drag strip. Complete your pre-race qualification runs. Warm up your tires in the water box. Approach the starting line from the staging area. Watch the Christmas Tree for the starting lights. Leave on green. Power through the finish. Follow the proper slow-down etiquette. Pick up your time slip from the timing booth. Always put safety first. Invest in a Snell-certified helmet. Shift at the correct times. Use bald racing tires inflated to the proper specs. Drive in the "groove" created by other racers' tire slicks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-for-Long-Hours | How to Study for Long Hours | To study for long hours, eat a healthy snack, like yogurt or fruit, before you get started, since a hungry stomach will distract you. After you start studying, try to switch topics or units after about an hour, which will help you stay focused. For example, if you're studying World War II for a history test, spend an hour on the events leading up to the war, then focus on the European front. Additionally, try to complete your most difficult or boring work first, since you'll feel fresher at the beginning of a study session. You should also take regular 10 minute breaks to go for a walk, have a drink, or stretch, which will help you stay concentrated for longer periods of time. If you need some extra motivation, promise yourself a treat if you manage to finish all the tasks you need to do, like watching your favorite show or buying a new item of clothing. | Keep your phone out of sight and out of mind. Put your phone in a drawer or keep it in your bag so you won't be tempted to use it. Additionally, stay off any other distracting electronic devices unless you need them to study. Eat a healthy snack before you study. A grumbling stomach is distracting, so have yogurt, oatmeal, or fruit before you get to work. It's also a good idea to keep a granola bar, nuts, or trail mix handy in case you get hungry. Healthy snacks that are packed with protein and complex carbs give you the fuel you need to stay focused. Fruit, nuts, and whole grains are good choices. Avoid sweets and junk food, which will cause your blood sugar to spike and dip. Choose a designated spot for studying. Find a distraction-free spot, like a low-traffic part of your home or the library. Try to use that location (or a few regular locations) whenever you study. If you study in the same place over and over again, you'll unconsciously sense it's time to get to work when you arrive at that location. Additionally, study at a desk or table with enough room to spread out your study materials. Avoid studying in bed, since getting too comfortable can distract you from your studies. Keep your area neat, clean and organized, which can help you keep a clear mind. A messy space will make your mind feel cluttered, as well. Try to study in an area that has natural light, which can help energize your mind. Mix up tasks and topics to prevent boredom. If you have multiple assignments or subjects to study, work on 1 for an hour, then switch gears. Even if you're studying for a test and can't switch subjects, try to focus on 1 unit or topic for about an hour at a time. For example, if you're studying for a history test on World War II, review your notes on the events leading up to the war. Take a break to have a snack or stretch, then work on the European front. You could also review textbook chapter outlines for an hour, then switch to studying flashcards. Rather than try to force yourself to concentrate on 1 thing, you'll boost your efficiency and remember more if you mix up your tasks. Study difficult subjects first to get them out of the way. If you get your toughest or most boring work out of the way, it'll be easier to study for a longer period of time. Tackle difficult tasks when you're fresh, and save your easiest assignments for when you start to run out of gas. For instance, if you're not a fan of chemistry, start your study session by doing practice problems for the quiz you have the next day. Once you've knocked that out, move on to the subjects you enjoy most. Play music while you study if it helps you concentrate. Playing music helps some people stay focused, but it doesn't work for everyone. If you don't find it distracting, listen to instrumental music while you study to keep your head in the game. Classical music is a good choice, since there are no distracting lyrics. You could also try listening to ambient tunes, electronic music, or nature sounds. To keep track of time, make an hour-long playlist instead of listening to random tracks. That way, you'll know when to take a break or switch to another subject. Write down your goals on a calendar or dry-erase board. Seeing your goals written in an obvious spot can help you commit to them. Place a calendar or dry-erase board in your work area, and write down what you need to accomplish. In a pinch, write your goal prominently in your assignment pad, on an index card, or on a sheet of paper. Take a break every hour or so to stay fresh. You may be tempted to hunker down and study for several hours straight, but that's a quick way to lose motivation. Your body and brain need breaks, so take 10 minutes or so to refresh yourself every hour. Go for a walk, grab a snack, or stretch, then get back to work. During your break, make sure you don't engage in any distracting activities. For example, don't turn on your TV, as you might get interested in what's on and not go back to studying. Similarly, you might avoid getting on social media if you have a tendency to keep scrolling once you've started. Find a natural break in your studies instead of stopping abruptly in the middle of something. It's better to hold off on taking a break for 15 or 30 minutes than to stop and forget what you were doing. Try to connect the material to your personal interests. Look for ways to relate your studies to your life. Take a stand on an issue in history class, or connect topics in science to your daily experiences. Even if something seems uninteresting, keep an open mind and give it a chance to capture your attention. When you're interested in a topic, motivating yourself to study it takes a lot less effort. If you just can't get into a subject, do your best to make it fun. For instance, if you love to draw, make diagrams and sketches of the concepts you're studying. Give yourself a small reward when you complete a task. If you know there's a treat waiting for you, you'll be more likely to stick with your studies. Incentives for a job well done could include playing video games, watching TV, indulging in a snack, or a splurging on a clothing item or accessory. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't accomplish your task, but be sure to reward yourself only when you actually finish. Writing down a specific study goal and reward in your assignment pad can help you stay on target. For instance, write “Task: Review history lecture notes for 2 hours. Reward: Play video games for 30 minutes.” Study with a group to hold each other accountable. Get together with classmates who take studying seriously and won't tempt you to blow off your work. Quiz each other, take turns explaining concepts, and help each other resist the urge to procrastinate. Explaining concepts to others is a great way to process and memorize information. Studying with others can also help you fill in any gaps in your notes. Reduce your workload by studying more efficiently. Before you start studying, always read over your assignment sheet or exam guide to make sure you're focusing on the right topics. Additionally, you can save time by asking your instructor to explain any topics that confuse you and any unanswered questions you have. This saves you time looking it up. Finally, prioritize the most important information you need to know so you can study it first. When you're studying for long hours, it's important to use that time wisely. For example, review your exam study guide as soon as you receive it, and highlight the main topics you need to study. If you have any questions, talk to your instructor so you won't waste time trying to look it up on your own. Then, decide which topics you need to spend the most time studying and start with those. Prep your area before you start studying. Make sure you have everything you need so you won't need to get up every few minutes to get something. Neatly place your textbooks, writing utensils, notebook, and other study materials on your study space. This way you can easily grab what you need without taking an unplanned break. For example, let's say you're studying math. You'd need your assignment materials (i.e. worksheet, textbook, etc), a calculator, graphing paper, a pencil, an eraser, drinking water, and a healthy snack. Plan out your study sessions in advance. Estimate the time you'll need for each task, add 10% extra time for insurance, then schedule blocks for your assignments. Set priorities, schedule your toughest and most important assignments first, and remember to include short breaks every hour or so. For instance, if you're planning out a 4-hour session, set aside the first 2 hours to study for your big science test. Switch gears and do your math homework for the third hour, and review your history notes for the fourth. If you have time left over, spend a little more time studying for your science test. Additionally, make a weekly list of your upcoming tasks. Fill in fixed blocks of time, such as classes, work, and practice, then divide your flexible time between studying and other assignments. Break up overwhelming tasks into smaller steps. Assignments such as “Study for History Final” or “Write Term Paper” can seem daunting and unapproachable. Instead of getting overwhelmed, divide big assignments into bite-sized chunks. For example, if you're studying for a final, start by looking over past tests and quizzes, and note specific areas that gave you trouble. Then review your class notes, divide the course into its units, and study 1 unit at a time. Smaller, approachable study tasks may also include creating outlines that summarize textbook chapters, making flashcards, and quizzing yourself. Do your best to space out your study sessions instead of cramming. Whenever possible, try to plan ahead and give yourself time to study a little bit at a time. It's better to study for 3 separate 3-hour sessions instead of 1 marathon 9-hour session. If you study in multiple shorter sessions, you'll remember more information in the long run. Lighten your load if you're stretched thin. If you're having trouble finding time for your schoolwork, take an inventory of your responsibilities. Ask yourself if there are lower-priority activities or commitments that are taking up too much of your time. If necessary, consider giving something up to free up your schedule. For instance, suppose school, a part-time job, basketball, and choir are running you ragged. School and work are priorities, so they're not going anywhere. If basketball is really important to you, take time away from choir. Then see if you can rejoin after basketball season is over. | Keep your phone out of sight and out of mind. Eat a healthy snack before you study. Choose a designated spot for studying. Mix up tasks and topics to prevent boredom. Study difficult subjects first to get them out of the way. Play music while you study if it helps you concentrate. Write down your goals on a calendar or dry-erase board. Take a break every hour or so to stay fresh. Try to connect the material to your personal interests. Give yourself a small reward when you complete a task. Study with a group to hold each other accountable. Reduce your workload by studying more efficiently. Prep your area before you start studying. Plan out your study sessions in advance. Break up overwhelming tasks into smaller steps. Do your best to space out your study sessions instead of cramming. Lighten your load if you're stretched thin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-P-Value | How to Calculate P Value | To calculate p value, compare your experiment's expected results to the observed results. Calculating p value helps you determine whether or not the results of your experiment are within a normal range. After you find the approximate p value for your experiment, you can decide whether you should reject or keep your null hypothesis. If the p value is below a certain predetermined amount (like, for instance, 0.05), you would want to reject the null hypothesis of the experiment. | Determine your experiment's expected results. Usually, when scientists conduct an experiment and observe the results, they have an idea of what "normal" or "typical" results will look like beforehand. This can be based on past experimental results, trusted sets of observational data, scientific literature, and/or other sources. For your experiment, determine your expected results and express them as a number. Example: Let's say prior studies have shown that, nationally, speeding tickets are given more often to red cars than they are to blue cars. Let's say the average results nationally show a 2:1 preference for red cars. We want to find out whether or not the police in our town also demonstrate this bias by analyzing speeding tickets given by our town's police. If we take a random pool of 150 speeding tickets given to either red or blue cars in our town, we would expect 100 to be for red cars and 50 to be for blue cars if our town's police force gives tickets according to the national bias. Determine your experiment's observed results. Now that you've determined your expected values, you can conduct your experiment and find your actual (or "observed") values. Again, express these results as numbers. If we manipulate some experimental condition and the observed results differ from this expected results, two possibilities are possible: either this happened by chance, or our manipulation of experimental variables caused the difference. The purpose of finding a p-value is basically to determine whether the observed results differ from the expected results to such a degree that the "null hypothesis" - the hypothesis that there is no relationship between the experimental variable(s) and the observed results - is unlikely enough to reject Example: Let's say that, in our town, we randomly selected 150 speeding tickets which were given to either red or blue cars. We found that 90 tickets were for red cars and 60 were for blue cars. These differ from our expected results of 100 and 50, respectively. Did our experimental manipulation (in this case, changing the source of our data from a national one to a local one) cause this change in results, or are our town's police as biased as the national average suggests, and we're just observing a chance variation? A p value will help us determine this. Determine your experiment's degrees of freedom. Degrees of freedom are a measure the amount of variability involved in the research, which is determined by the number of categories you are examining. The equation for degrees of freedom is Degrees of freedom = n-1 , where "n" is the number of categories or variables being analyzed in your experiment. Example: Our experiment has two categories of results: one for red cars and one for blue cars. Thus, in our experiment, we have 2-1 = 1 degree of freedom. If we had compared red, blue, and green cars, we would have 2 degrees of freedom, and so on. Compare expected results to observed results with chi square. Chi square(written "x ") is a numerical value that measures the difference between an experiment's expected and observed values. The equation for chi square is: x = Σ((o-e) /e) , where "o" is the observed value and "e" is the expected value. Sum the results of this equation for all possible outcomes (see below). Note that this equation includes a Σ (sigma) operator. In other words, you'll need to calculate ((|o-e|-.05) /e) for each possible outcome, then add the results to get your chi square value. In our example, we have two outcomes - either the car that received a ticket is red or blue. Thus, we would calculate ((o-e) /e) twice - once for red cars and once for blue cars. Example: Let's plug our expected and observed values into the equation x = Σ((o-e) /e). Keep in mind that, because of the sigma operator, we'll need to perform ((o-e) /e) twice - once for red cars and once for blue cars. Our work would go as follows: x = ((90-100) /100) + (60-50) /50) x = ((-10) /100) + (10) /50) x = (100/100) + (100/50) = 1 + 2 = 3. Choose a significance level. Now that we know our experiment's degrees of freedom and our chi square value, there's just one last thing we need to do before we can find our p value - we need to decide on a significance level. Basically, the significance level is a measure of how certain we want to be about our results - low significance values correspond to a low probability that the experimental results happened by chance, and vice versa. Significance levels are written as a decimal (such as 0.01), which corresponds to the percent chance that random sampling would produce a difference as large as the one you observed if there was no underlying difference in the populations. It is a common misconception that p=0.01 means that there is a 99% chance that the results were caused by the scientist's manipulation of experimental variables. This is NOT the case. If you wore your lucky pants on seven different days and the stock market went up every one of those days, you would have p<0.01, but you would still be well-justified in believing that the result had been generated by chance rather than by a connection between the market and your pants. By convention, scientists usually set the significance value for their experiments at 0.05, or 5 percent. This means that experimental results that meet this significance level have, at most, a 5% chance of being reproduced in a random sampling process. For most experiments, generating results that are that unlikely to be produced by a random sampling process is seen as "successfully" showing a correlation between the change in the experimental variable and the observed effect. Example: For our red and blue car example, let's follow scientific convention and set our significance level at 0.05. Use a chi square distribution table to approximate your p-value. Scientists and statisticians use large tables of values to calculate the p value for their experiment. These tables are generally set up with the vertical axis on the left corresponding to degrees of freedom and the horizontal axis on the top corresponding to p-value. Use these tables by first finding your degrees of freedom, then reading that row across from the left to the right until you find the first value bigger than your chi square value. Look at the corresponding p value at the top of the column - your p value is between this value and the next-largest value (the one immediately to the left of it.) Chi square distribution tables are available from a variety of sources - they can easily be found online or in science and statistics textbooks. If you don't have one handy, use the one in the photo above or a free online table, like the one provided by medcalc.org here. Example: Our chi-square was 3. So, let's use the chi square distribution table in the photo above to find an approximate p value. Since we know our experiment has only 1 degree of freedom, we'll start in the highest row. We'll go from left to right along this row until we find a value higher than 3 - our chi square value. The first one we encounter is 3.84. Looking to the top of this column, we see that the corresponding p value is 0.05. This means that our p value is between 0.05 and 0.1 (the next-biggest p value on the table). Decide whether to reject or keep your null hypothesis. Since you have found an approximate p value for your experiment, you can decide whether or not to reject the null hypothesis of your experiment (as a reminder, this is the hypothesis that the experimental variables you manipulated did not affect the results you observed.) If your p value is lower than your significance value, congratulations - you've shown that your experimental results would be highly unlikely to occur if there was no real connection between the variables you manipulated and the effect you observed. If your p value is higher than your significance value, you can't confidently make that claim. Example: Our p value is between 0.05 and 0.1. It is not smaller than 0.05, so, unfortunately, we can't reject our null hypothesis. This means that we didn't reach the criterion we decided upon to be able to say that our town's police give tickets to red and blue cars at a rate that's significantly different than the national average. In other words, random sampling from the national data would produce a result 10 tickets off from the national average 5-10% of the time. Since we were looking for this percentage to be less than 5%, we can't say that we're sure our town's police are less biased towards red cars. | Determine your experiment's expected results. Determine your experiment's observed results. Determine your experiment's degrees of freedom. Compare expected results to observed results with chi square. Choose a significance level. Use a chi square distribution table to approximate your p-value. Decide whether to reject or keep your null hypothesis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Tapeworm-in-Dogs | How to Treat Tapeworm in Dogs | To treat tapeworm in dogs, start by taking your dog to the vet to get a proper diagnosis. Next, give your dog a tapeworm treatment medication that contains praziquantel and closely follow your vet's instructions for how much, how long, and how often to medicate. Make sure that you prevent future tapeworm infections by keeping your dog away from immediate hosts like fleas with regular monthly flea treatments. Additionally, prevent your dog from getting a hold of vermin or carcasses. | Figure out if your dog is at risk for tapeworm. Some dogs are more at risk than others of picking up tapeworms. To become infected the dog needs contact with an "intermediate" host. These intermediate hosts are fleas and vermin, such as mice and rats. If your dog has fleas, there is a good chance it could acquire a tapeworm infection. If it grooms itself and swallows a flea its digestive juices will break down the protective shell of the egg packet and release the eggs into the bowel, where they grow into an adult tapeworms. Likewise if the dog is a hunter or scavenger and eats mice or rats, he will ingest tapeworm larvae that have formed cysts within the vermin's body tissue, and when the dog eats the encysted larvae they can go on to become adult tapeworms. A dog cannot become infected by contact with the egg packets passed from his own anus, because the egg packets need to pass through the intermediate host to reach the stage where they are infectious to dogs. Look for tapeworm eggs. The most obvious sign your dog has tapeworm is if you see the tapeworm eggs packet near the dog's anus or on its bedding. These egg packets can be white, creamy, golden, or gray colored, and vary in size between a cucumber seed and a sesame seed. They are variously described as looking like a small grain of rice or sesame seeds. If the eggs are newly passed, if you look closely you may see them wriggling. If the eggs are older they dry out and then look more like sesame seeds. The life cycle of the tapeworm means the adult worm within the dog's gut, releases these egg packets (also called proglottids) intermittently. These then migrate down through the gut and out of the dog's anus, ready to contaminate the environment and be a source of infection for the intermediate hosts (fleas or vermin). Pay attention if your dog is dragging its bottom along the ground. This migration irritates the lining of the rectum and anus, making it itchy and causing some dogs to scoot their bottoms along the ground. However, be aware that scooting can have other reasons beside tapeworm infection, such as full anal sacs or allergic skin conditions. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect tapeworm. Your vet can check for tapeworm infection by examining a fecal sample under a microscope to look for tapeworm eggs. However, it is possible to get false negatives because the adult tapeworm does not shed proglottids (the packet contained eggs) all the time but does so intermittently. Give your dog a deworming medicine. Tapeworms are destroyed by specific deworming preparations containing the active ingredient praziquantel. This drug works by making the outer membrane of the tapeworm leaky, which allows nutrients to leak out and the tapeworm to die. A new drug is now available, Epsiprantel, which has a similar activity to praziquantel, but is not yet in widespread use. Praziquantel is effective against all species of tapeworm, which makes it your first choice dewormer. However, a different drug called dichlorophen has limited action and will destroy 2 of the 3 main tapeworm species. Unfortunately the species it doesn't kill is Echinococcus, which under exceptional circumstances can be a risk to human health and is therefore not such a good choice. Be aware that not all deworming products contain praziquantel. Always check the packaging to see if they are covered. Look for specific wording on the pack that says the product is effective against tapeworms and check that praziquantel is among the active ingredients. For example, a product such as Panacur contains fenbendazole only, which is not effective against tapeworm. The drawback of praziquantel is that it is not effective against roundworms and other common worms, therefore many deworming tablets are made up of two deworming ingredients. For example, Drontal contains praziquantel and pyrantel, Milbemax contains praziquantel and milbemycin, and Prazitel Plus contains pyrantel, praziquantel, and febantel. Also be aware that many common spot-on parasite treatments that are highly effective against other species, do NOT work against tapeworm. Give your dog the proper dosage of medication. Tapeworm treatments are most widely available in tablet form. Accurately weigh your dog, if necessary visit a veterinary clinic and weigh the dog on the scale there. Then carefully follow the dosage instruction on the packaging to make sure the dog has the correct dose. Be aware that the medication kills any infection the dog currently has, but the treatment has no lasting effect and therefore does not protect the dog against repeat infection. There is also an injectable form of praziquantel, Droncit. This injection can sting and if you have a large dog it will need a relatively large volume of injection, which can be uncomfortable. Follow your veterinarian's directions for how long and how often to give tapeworm medication. How often to give your dog a tapeworm treatment is controversial and usually judged on an individual basis. If your dog is in a high risk group, such as a hunting dog or a dog that has regular flea infestations, then monthly tapeworming is advisable. If your dog is at low risk such as an indoor dog that has regular flea treatments then speak to your vet and follow their advice. Prevent future tapeworm infection. A large part of preventing infection is removing access to the intermediate hosts. This is done through regular monthly treatments with an effective flea product to ensure your dog does not harbor the intermediate host. Also, prevent access to vermin or carcasses so that the dog cannot scavenge and eat the encysted larval forms. | Figure out if your dog is at risk for tapeworm. Look for tapeworm eggs. Pay attention if your dog is dragging its bottom along the ground. Take your dog to the vet if you suspect tapeworm. Give your dog a deworming medicine. Be aware that not all deworming products contain praziquantel. Give your dog the proper dosage of medication. Follow your veterinarian's directions for how long and how often to give tapeworm medication. Prevent future tapeworm infection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Corn-Snake-Vivarium | How to Create a Corn Snake Vivarium | To create a corn snake vivarium, buy a roomy glass or plastic aquarium and line the bottom with 2-3 inches of a substrate like aspen shavings. Next, set up a heater under the tank that spans 1/3 of the vivarium floor. Then, use the heater to maintain a warm side with a temperature of 80–85 °F and a cool side with a range between 75–80 °F. Make sure the warm side of the vivarium receives 10-12 hours of indirect light each day. | Choose either a glass or plastic vivarium. Plastic cages are sturdier and last longer than glass cages. They have grates on each side for airflow, and they can be heated from below using heating pads. Alternatively, you can buy specially made glass reptile enclosures, or use a 75 gallons (280 L) aquarium. The tank must be at least as long as the snake. This species gets 3-5 feet and is very active. Make sure that you choose one made for snakes so your corn snake doesn't escape. Prevent the snake from escaping with heavy objects on the lid of clamps. Exo Terras, which open from the front, are expensive brand new but great for taming. They are very secure and come with locks. A wooden tank is also an option. Plastic vivariums are lighter and can be moved more easily. They are also easier to clean. Glass enclosures let you see the snake easily, but they let more heat out. They also are more fragile. Buy a vivarium that is the proper size. If the vivarium isn't big enough, it can stress your snake out to the point of illness. The width and height of the vivarium can be a third of their length. An adult snake of 60 inches (152 cm) needs a vivarium that is 60 inches (152 cm) long, 20 inches (50 cm) tall, and 20 inches (50 cm) wide. You can also use a 40 gallon (151.4 L) tank. Just make sure it is long enough for the snake. For baby snakes, you should buy a smaller vivariums because they can get upset in a larger tank. You can try a 10 gallon (37.9 L) or 20 gallon (75.7 L) vivarium. Upgrade to an adult-sized vivarium as your snake grows. Place substrate in the bottom of the cage. Substrate is what you use at the bottom of the enclosure. It should be thick enough that your snake can bury itself in it and hide. There are many different materials you could use for the substrate. Use aspen shavings as these snakes love to burrow. Line the bottom of the enclosure with two to three inches of the substrate. You should avoid using cedar shavings, pine shavings, or aquarium gravel. Cedar and pine shavings have oils in them that can be toxic to your snake. Avoid using corn cob bedding because it can cause excessive drying to the snake's skin and also poses a serious choking hazard if swallowed. Ensure that the vivarium is secure. Corn snakes have a habit of getting out of habitats that are not secure. They are very strong and can push through the top of cages that are not securely sealed. They are also excellent at squeezing through holes that aren't completely plugged. Make sure that the enclosure is closed tightly and has some kind of locking or clamping mechanism. Provide a heat source. Snakes require outside sources of heat because they are cold-blooded, meaning they can't generate their own heat. An under tank heater that spans 1/3 of the tank's floor is ideal. Ceramic heat emitters are good for extra heat. The warm side temperature should be about 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the temperature regulated. Corn snakes should have a warm side and a cool side to their tanks so they can move around to warm up or cool down depending on their needs. The warm side is the one with the heat lamp or heater. The warm side should be around 80–85 °F (27–29 °C), and the cool side should be about 75–80 °F (24–27 °C). Place the under-the-tank heater on the side of the tank that will be the warm side. Make sure it doesn't take up more than half the enclosure. Use a thermostat to regulate the temperatures on each side. Check each side with a digital thermometer each day by placing the thermometer into the substrate. Provide a daily cycle of light and dark. For your corn snake to be at their optimal health, they should have daily light and darkness. Indirect light from a window is sufficient. If this is unavailable LED or UVB (beneficial but not completely necessary) will suffice. Place the light on the warm side of the vivarium, making sure the cool side has less light, providing a “shaded” area away from the “sunny” area. The snake should have 10 to 12 hours of light each day. Place the vivarium away from anything that will affect the temperature. Vivariums should be placed in an area or room that is basically temperature controlled. They should not be near drafts or vents that can blow air on them, and they should not be near heaters. You should also not place the vivarium near any windows or in areas that get direct sunlight. This can also affect the temperature inside the vivarium. The vivarium should have some form of ventilation but keep in mind that too much air flow can change the temperature of the vivarium. Provide places for your snake to hide. Corn snakes spend a lot of time hiding in the wild, so your corn snake will need places to hide to make them feel safe. You can turn anything into a hiding spot as long as your corn snake can hide completely so it's not seen. It should be large enough for your snake to get inside and move around, but snug so the snake can touch the sides and feel secure. Hiding spots are essential to your snake's health. Make sure the material the hide is made out of is easily cleaned and replaced. For example, you can make hides out of drip trays, litter boxes, or plastic tubs. Place one hide on the warm side and another on the cool side. You can even place a hide in the middle. This allows them to be secure on either side. Add climbing branches and plants. Corn snakes are partially arboreal snakes, which means they spend time in trees and like to climb. You can provide artificial plants and climbing branches in the vivarium. This will provide stimulation, comfort, and more hiding places. This is great for enrichment. Artificial plants, leafed vines, and other artificial foliage can be placed anywhere throughout the vivarium. Try to provide more than one plant. This will give your snake a range of spots to climb and relax. Make a climbing branch or buy one from your local pet store. They can be placed wherever you like but make sure the snake can climb on it, it can handle the snake's weight, and it's small enough for the snake to curl around. Place a water bowl with fresh water. You should always provide your pet snake with a water bowl filled with fresh, bottled water. They should be able to drink whenever they want. You can buy any type of water bowl as long as it will fit in the cage. The snake should be able to get their entire body inside the bowl to soak. Do not use tap water as it contains chlorine and fluoride which are toxic to your snake. Water softeners add too much sodium to the water, and distilled water removes nutrients your snake needs, so give your snake spring water. However, tap water can be used if left out for 24 hours. Countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany do not have chlorine in their tap water so tap water from these places is safe. Reptisafe is a great way to surest water. It's cheap, convenient, and adds beneficial things to the water. Clean the bowl once each week, and clean and disinfect it immediately if the snake messes in it. | Choose either a glass or plastic vivarium. Buy a vivarium that is the proper size. Place substrate in the bottom of the cage. Ensure that the vivarium is secure. Provide a heat source. Keep the temperature regulated. Provide a daily cycle of light and dark. Place the vivarium away from anything that will affect the temperature. Provide places for your snake to hide. Add climbing branches and plants. Place a water bowl with fresh water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Move-a-Refrigerator | How to Move a Refrigerator | To move a refrigerator, start by removing all of the food and shelving from inside, then unplug it from the wall socket. Next, fasten the refrigerator and freezer doors shut with strong rope or bungee cord. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall, slide a dolly underneath it, and secure the fridge to the dolly. Tilt the fridge back gently towards you and push the dolly forward to move the fridge! | Empty the refrigerator of all its contents. Before you try to move a fridge, it's best to take everything out. Make sure that both your refrigerator and freezer are free of food, condiments, ice cube trays, and anything else that might rattle around and shift weight. Remove items placed outside of your refrigerator as well, such as magnets. If there are perishable items in the refrigerator, finish them or give them away. If you're in the middle of a big move, it's probably easier to just to toss the things you can't finish now. If you want to move the fridge a short distance in the same room, to clean behind it or reorganize the kitchen, remove the items anyway, and place them on the counters. It'll make it safer to move and you won't risk tipping over the fridge. Use moving rollers, and place them under the feet of the fridge to do this. Slide it out enough to unplug it, then simply slide it where you want it to go. Remove the shelves. Remove all removable components from the inside of the fridge, including shelves, trays, and other loose or movable items, organizers, and dividers. Wrap the shelves in towels for protection, then label and stack them carefully. You may also opt to secure shelving in place with tape instead of removing, but it is recommended to remove them altogether and pack them separately. Depending on your fridge, though, this might be a fine option. If they're fairly secure, consider taping them into place and creating less mess with the move. Unplug the refrigerator. Coil the power cord securely and tape it in a tight bundle to make sure that it stays in place while moving. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, disconnect this from the water source as well. Defrost the freezer if necessary. If a considerable amount of frost has built up in the freezer, you'll need to defrost it before going forward with the move. This would normally take 6 to 8 hours to complete, so make sure you have ample time before the move. It is best to do this the night before the move so there would be enough time to defrost overnight, and you can wipe the inside of the refrigerator in the morning. Don't waste a bunch of valuable moving time scrubbing the fridge but take advantage of the opportunity to give your refrigerator a reasonably thorough cleaning before you take it to your new place. While the freezer defrosts, wipe down the drawers and the interior surfaces with disinfectant. Close and secure the doors. Fasten the refrigerator and freezer doors snugly shut using strong rope or bungee cord. If your refrigerator has a double-door, tie the door handles together as well. Be careful not to tie the refrigerator too tightly, or the doors may be pulled out of alignment. It is not recommended to use tape for securing the door, since it may either damage the finish of the refrigerator, or leave a residue. If the move is scheduled to take longer than a day, it is recommended to keep the doors slightly open to allow for air flow, and prevent any mold or mildew from growing inside the refrigerator. Find some helpers. Because a fridge needs to be held upright and operated using a dolly, it can be tempting to go it alone, but it's always safer to lift heavy objects and negotiate them through doors, around corners, downstairs, and into a truck with the aid of some assistants. Moving a refrigerator is a job for at least two. Use a moving dolly. One of the best pieces of equipment to use would be a refrigerator dolly, which can handle the weight of the refrigerator, and provide ease during moving, especially if the refrigerator needs to be transported downstairs. Any dolly with straps will do, but make sure that the base is big enough to seat the bottom of the fridge on securely and that straps are big enough to secure the refrigerator safely. It's very important that the base is big enough because you need to keep the fridge upright to avoid leaking coolant. If you don't have a moving dolly, you need to rent one. While moving straps are available that could theoretically be used to strap a fridge to your back, buying moving straps would be more expensive and much more dangerous than borrowing a dolly. Don't attempt to move one without it. Slide the refrigerator away from the wall and secure it to the dolly. With most fridges, you should be able to slide the dolly right under, lifting it gently if necessary. Tie the refrigerator to the dolly with the use of moving straps or bungees. Make sure that you minimize any tilting when lifting and positioning the refrigerator on the dolly. Maintain its upright position, to ensure that oil will not seep into the cooling tubes. Never move the refrigerator on its side or back for any reason. The oil in the compressor may flow into the cooling tubes. When the refrigerator is returned to an upright position, the oil may not completely drain from the cooling tubes, and the refrigerator will not cool properly. If it is unavoidable to lay the refrigerator on its side, make sure to do it at an upright angle if possible. Place a box or a big piece of furniture under the top of the fridge to help keep it relatively upright. Tilt the fridge gently. When you've got the fridge hooked up to the dolly, roll it slowly to the truck that you're packing, moving forward. It's important to move in the direction opposite the tilt to maintain the most security. Have a helper assist on the other side, coaching you through obstacles and helping to secure the fridge. To move the refrigerator down a flight of stairs, move it down one step at a time, your assistant easing it down onto each successive step. It would be ideal to have two people in front of the dolly and another at the back, holding the handles and letting it down slowly. Communicate loudly and don't go too fast. Load the fridge into the truck. Whether you're moving your fridge into a pick-up or a moving truck, back it up to the bed, placing the dolly between the lip of the truck bed and the fridge. Ideally, a moving truck will have a truck ramp that you'll be able to roll it up easily. If not, you'll have to use a bit more care. To lift a fridge straight up into the bed of a truck, you need to get up into the bed and have at least two people down on the ground. Coordinate and lift simultaneously, pulling straight up with the handles of the dolly while the helpers on the ground lift from the base and push it back into the bed. It would ideal to have another helper with you, too, to make sure the fridge doesn't fall backward onto you. Secure the fridge upright in the truck. If you can leave it hooked up to the dolly, that would add security and stability to the fridge, but if you can't, brace it with other furniture or moving supplies, or strap it into place using the bungees. Move the fridge into the new space. Let the refrigerator down and move it into the new place just as you moved it out. Allow it to sit for at least 3 hours before plugging it in. This will allow for the oil and fluid to flow back into its compressor, and would prevent any damage to the appliance. It would take around 3 days for the refrigerator to return to its ideal cooling temperature and be useable. | Empty the refrigerator of all its contents. Remove the shelves. Unplug the refrigerator. Defrost the freezer if necessary. Close and secure the doors. Find some helpers. Use a moving dolly. Slide the refrigerator away from the wall and secure it to the dolly. Tilt the fridge gently. Load the fridge into the truck. Move the fridge into the new space. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Increase-Iron-Absorption | How to Increase Iron Absorption | To increase iron absorption, eat food combinations that are high in iron and vitamin C, such as peppers with black beans or lentils with Brussels sprouts. Alternatively, eat oranges or grapefruits along with iron-rich vegetables, since the vitamin C in citrus fruit increases your body's iron absorption. You can also get iron by eating small portions of red meat or fish, including shell fish. If you're vegetarian, rely on legumes, like soy beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas, to keep your iron levels up. Additionally, eat fortified grain products, like cereal, pasta, and bread, which all contain iron. For snack ideas, opt for nuts, including almonds or cashews, which contain healthy omega 3 fats as well as iron. | Eat foods high in iron and vitamin C. The human body typically absorbs iron from dietary sources. In order to absorb the iron, you must consume it through food or supplements. Vegetarians, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with certain chronic illnesses may be at increased risk for poor iron absorption or inadequate iron levels. Certain foods are naturally high in iron and can be regularly incorporated into the diet to increase the amount of iron you absorb. Even vegetarians who eat high quantities of fortified grains and iron-rich vegetables can still suffer from iron deficiencies. The form of iron found in plants is more difficult for the body to absorb, but combining them with foods or drinks that contain vitamin C can increase absorption levels. Healthy food combinations to help increase iron absorption include peppers with black beans and lentils with Brussels sprouts. The daily value (DV) for iron is 18mg for most adults and children over age 4. Pregnant women need more iron (27mg daily). Eat meat and seafood to get dietary iron. Most animal proteins provide iron, and red meat is a particularly good source of dietary iron. Even small portions of animal proteins on a regular basis can help many individuals obtain healthy levels of iron in the blood. Eat oysters and other shellfish. One serving of oysters provides 44% (8mg) of the recommended daily iron intake for most adults. Eat organ meats. Organ meats such as beef liver can also be very rich in iron. 3 ounces of beef liver provides 28% (5mg) of your daily iron intake. Eat legumes for iron. Soybeans, white beans, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, peanuts (and peanut butter) and other legumes can offer a very healthy source of iron. 1 cup of white beans provides 44% (8mg) of the daily recommended iron intake for most adults. Eat fortified grain products. Many breakfast cereals are fortified with iron. In some cases, a single bowl of fortified cereal can provide sufficient daily iron intake, but not all cereals are fortified to the same degree. Check cereals, breads, pastas, and other grain products for iron content to get an accurate estimate of how many milligrams you consume each day from products you already eat regularly. Eat leafy greens. Spinach and other dark leafy greens often contain several milligrams of iron – a 1/2 cup of cooked spinach can provide 17% (3mg) of the recommended daily intake for most women and men. Spirulina seaweed is another very rich source of iron. Eat nuts and seeds. In addition to heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, many nuts provide a healthy dose of iron. Try cashew nuts, pistachios, almonds, or pine nuts (actually a type of seed). Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds also provide iron. Eat tropical fruits with iron-rich vegetables. Guava, kiwi, papaya, pineapple, and mango are all rich in vitamin C and can help you absorb iron from foods, especially from leafy greens, legumes, or grain products. Combine iron-rich plant foods with citrus. Oranges and grapefruits are excellent sources of vitamin C. Whole or as freshly squeezed juice, they are helpful for increased iron absorption. Eat more vegetables. Bell peppers, broccoli, kohlrabi, cabbage, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and kale offer vitamin C and are easy to incorporate with other vegetables that are iron-rich. Speak with a health professional about iron supplements. Iron needs vary during different stages of life and for men and women. Young children, adolescents experiencing growth spurts, menstruating women, and pregnant women often have elevated iron needs. Many infants are given iron supplements or fed iron-fortified formula to achieve adequate iron levels. Anemic individuals or people taking antacids also may require iron supplements to ensure adequate intake. Your doctor can help you decide whether you need additional iron supplements. In most cases, adequate iron intake can be achieved through the diet or through a standard multi-vitamin. Pregnant women taking prenatal vitamins may already be receiving iron supplementation. Get tested for iron deficiency. In many cases, a simple blood test can give immediate feedback on your current iron levels and alert you to a potential deficiency. To confirm an actual deficiency or anemia, additional blood tests must be conducted. These can help determine whether the deficiency is caused by inadequate intake or another medical condition. The people most at risk of iron deficiency are pregnant women, infants and young children, women with heavy menstrual bleeding, frequent blood donors, and people with cancer, gastrointestinal disorders, or heart failure. People who live in developing countries are also at higher risk. Review over-the-counter iron supplement options. Many iron supplements are available for purchase without a prescription. Depending on your needs, a single low-dose supplement each day may help you achieve adequate intake. Remember that supplements are only necessary to make up the difference between your dietary intake and your iron needs. Infant iron supplement drops and other specialty supplements often require a prescription from a physician or nurse practitioner. | Eat foods high in iron and vitamin C. Eat meat and seafood to get dietary iron. Eat legumes for iron. Eat fortified grain products. Eat leafy greens. Eat nuts and seeds. Eat tropical fruits with iron-rich vegetables. Combine iron-rich plant foods with citrus. Eat more vegetables. Speak with a health professional about iron supplements. Get tested for iron deficiency. Review over-the-counter iron supplement options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ignore-Hunger | How to Ignore Hunger | To ignore hunger, try drinking a glass of water, which can make you feel full without eating. You can also drink green tea, which acts as an appetite suppressant and increases your energy levels. Additionally, try hiding your food in your cupboards, and avert your attention from food commercials, as just seeing food can make you hungry. You can also try seasoning your meals with cayenne pepper, which contains the appetite suppressant capsaicin. | Understand the origin of a growling stomach. These sounds are usually caused by juices and gasses moving around the stomach and intestine. It's not your stomach telling you it's time to eat. The reason the sound is associated with hunger is that it's louder when the stomach and intestines are empty. If you have food in your stomach, it muffles the noise of this activity. A growling stomach is not the same as hunger pangs, which start 12-24 hours after your last meal. Some people have more gas than others. Reasons that people have gas include poor nutrition, food intolerance, pregnancy, and genetics. Attribute hunger to your brain. Feelings of hunger might not be caused by an empty stomach. Hunger can occur for reasons of both physiological and psychological desire for satisfaction. Hunger pangs have been shown to continue even after a stomach has been removed. The hypothalamus, or brainstem, regulates feelings of hunger, not the stomach. Knowing more about the causes of hunger might help you ignore it when it arises. If you feel hungry, consider what emotional needs you might address instead of eating something to feel better. Recognize emotional cravings. Many people associate food with safety and comfort. They're more likely to feel hungry when they're feeling anxious, worried or fearful. People who eat for emotional reasons might find themselves in a cycle of overeating followed by severe dieting, and they may have a hard time with weight control. Many emotional eaters suffer from low self-esteem. They may benefit from counseling, cognitive behavior therapy or other therapeutic supports. It might not be easy to recognize the difference between emotional sources of hunger and physiological sources of hunger. If you're someone who has a hard time discerning this difference, consider following a scheduled eating program. That way, you can know that you're getting your food needs met and may be better able to address your emotional needs. Get more sleep. Sleep helps you keep a balance of the hormones that make you feel hungry (ghrelin) or full (leptin). Without enough sleep, you'll produce more ghrelin. Your level of leptin will decrease, and this will make you feel hungrier than when you're well-rested. Most people need between 6-10 hours of sleep per night. Research shows a direct connection between lack of sleep and obesity. For example, one study of teenagers showed that for every hour of sleep lost, the chances of obesity increased. Control your stress levels. Stress releases cortisol, and cortisol increases your appetite. This is an adaptive measure by the body, because it also increases your motivation in general, but it becomes maladaptive when you respond by overeating. Elevated cortisol levels sustained over time increase your chances of obesity. Other hazards of stress include poor sleep, lack of exercise, and drinking more alcohol. Ways to lower your stress levels include meditation, taking a yoga class, or enjoying a warm bath. If you feel like eating and suspect that stress is the reason, try one of these stress relievers instead. Get tested for diabetes. If you frequently feel hungry without cause, or if you notice other signs of diabetes (being very thirsty, having feelings of tiredness or fatigue, or urinating more often than usual) you might want to get tested for diabetes. Feelings of hunger can be a sign of both low blood sugar and high blood sugar, and both are significant factors of diabetes. If you haven't had blood tests for a while, get a physical and rule out this dangerous condition. Diabetes can be diagnosed at any age. Type 1 diabetes is most often diagnosed in children, adolescents or young adults. Type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed at any age. About 1/3 of people living with Type 2 diabetes don't know they have it. Practice mindful eating. Mindfulness practices address the problem of feeling hungry due to stress and eating for emotional reasons. Research shows that people who were taught mindfulness techniques lowered their levels of stress and chronic anxiety, and their levels of stress eating decreased. Mindfulness practices include learning to be aware of your breath, being aware of your body, and staying in the present rather than projecting into the future or the past. Mindful eating practices are based on using these same strategies and applying them to food so that you become deeply aware of each experience with your food. Drink a full glass of water when you feel hungry. Some people believe that they're hungry when in fact they're just dehydrated. Not having enough hydration can result in feelings of tiredness and hunger. Some doctors even suggest drinking a glass before a meal to make you feel fuller faster. Drinking sugary sodas or juices are not recommended, as they are often laden with calories and their high sugar content will result in a sugar spike, and consequent crash, in your blood sugar level. By drinking a glass of water, you're allowing yourself time to notice if you're genuinely hungry or if you're feeling emotionally charged. If it's the latter, eating won't solve your problem. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your food. Capsaicin, the component that gives hot red peppers their heat, has been shown to be an appetite suppressant. A sprinkle, up to a teaspoon, of cayenne on your typical daily diet reduces your appetite overall. This is particularly effective if you are unused to eating hot, spicy foods. The research was only done using cayenne pepper. It isn't clear whether it would also work with capsaicin in a capsule form. People who ate cayenne pepper on their food also had a higher metabolic rate, meaning they burned calories at a higher rate. Drink green tea. High-quality green tea can be an effective appetite suppressant. When you start to become aware of feeling hungry, make a hot cup of green tea. You'll notice your hunger lessens and your energy level becomes higher. Green teas include any teas that have not gone through the oxidation process. They are higher in powerful antioxidants called polyphenols. Avoid adding sweeteners (such as sugar, honey or artificial sweeteners) to green tea to maximize the effect of appetite suppressant. Chew slowly. It takes the body about 20 minutes to stop feeling hungry and start feeling full. This is because the brain must have time to receive the signals from the stomach that it's no longer hungry. When you feel hungry following eating, what your body may actually be experiencing is fullness. Stretch receptors in the stomach are alerted as the stomach fills with food and liquid. These signal the brain through the vagus nerve, which connects the brainstem and the intestine, alerting the brain that the stomach is full. Not everyone processes feeling full in the same way, and the feelings of appetite are complex. Use more blue in your kitchen. Studies suggest that the color blue serves as a natural appetite suppressant. Since there are only a few naturally-occurring blue foods, humans don't have a strong connection between the color blue and food. When human food responses were developing, millions of years ago, foods that were blue, black or purple were "color warning" of possible toxin. People who are trying to lose weight are commonly encouraged to eat from blue plates. Hide your food in your cupboards. Hunger may be a response to visual cues. Don't leave food out where you're likely to see it and eat it. Keep food put away, so that it's hard to find in office and home environments. Get up and walk around during commercials. They may also be giving you visual cues that you are hungry. Keep your favorite foods in the freezer, so that you can't easily nibble at them. Go for a walk. A fast walk, jog or exercise session can result in a delay of hunger pangs. Engaging in aerobic exercise also addresses the possibility that your hunger is emotional rather than physical. If you're really physically hungry, your hunger pangs will come back after you exercise. If you're stressed out, going for a quick run might remove your hungry feelings. Exercise also releases endorphins that will help combat stress. If you're likely to eat when watching television, try going on a walk instead. Eat breakfast every morning. Eating breakfast will prevent hunger throughout the morning, and give you a fuller feeling throughout the day. In addition, eating breakfasts regularly may reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Try oatmeal with fruit, milk and nuts in the morning. This breakfast is an excellent mix of protein, whole grains and fiber. It will keep you feeling full past noon. Another option is an omelette with spinach, cheese and avocado. The mix of protein, healthy fats and fiber will also increase the time you can last until your next meal. Eat plenty of lean protein. Try turkey, chicken, pork, egg whites, beans, tofu and non-fat Greek yogurt to feel more satisfied all day long. Don't limit your protein consumption to meals, but include protein during light snacks throughout the day. Peanut butter may also help you feel less hungry. According to a study conducted by Purdue University, peanut butter seems to lessen appetite for up to two hours longer than a low-fiber, high-carb snack such as potato chips. Make sure your protein isn't laden with high fructose corn syrup or other sucrose-based additives. Eat healthy fats. Cooking fats like olive oil, avocado, nut oils, coconut oil and even butter can make you feel more satisfied with your meal. You might start to feel hungry if fat levels drop too severely. Including some olive oil or other heart-healthy fats may help you feel less hungry. A recent study showed that volunteers who included an avocado with their lunches were 40% less likely to report feeling hungry later in the day than people who didn't. Part of olive oil's appetite suppressing abilities appears to come from its aroma, so including aromatic olive oil as a regular part of your diet may serve to decrease appetite. | Understand the origin of a growling stomach. Attribute hunger to your brain. Recognize emotional cravings. Get more sleep. Control your stress levels. Get tested for diabetes. Practice mindful eating. Drink a full glass of water when you feel hungry. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your food. Drink green tea. Chew slowly. Use more blue in your kitchen. Hide your food in your cupboards. Go for a walk. Eat breakfast every morning. Eat plenty of lean protein. Eat healthy fats. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Siberian-Tiger | How to Identify a Siberian Tiger | To identify a Siberian tiger, look for long, thick fur all over the tiger's body, since this subspecies lives in cold climates. Siberian tigers also have slightly longer fur around their necks than other tigers, and typically have brown stripes, whereas other types of tigers have black stripes. Finally, look for the contrast of a large body and short legs, since Siberian tigers are the largest of all the tiger subspecies and tend to have shorter legs than the others. | Look for long, thick fur. Because Siberian tigers live in colder climates than other tiger subspecies, they have considerably thicker coats. Most other tigers will have a very thin layer of fur close to their body. Siberian tigers, in contrast, will look a bit puffy because of their longer fur. Because of their colder environment, Siberian tigers will even have thick fur on their paws. Because the other differences between tigers are subtle, the fur length is often the best way to distinguish a Siberian tiger from other subspecies. Look for a mane. Siberian tigers unique in that they have manes. Their manes are not as long or as distinctive as those of a lion; however, to keep themselves warm, they do have slightly longer fur around their neck. This might give the appearance that their necks are larger and puffier than those of other tigers. Look for a tiger with fewer and lighter stripes. Each individual tiger has its own unique pattern of stripes, but there are also differences between subspecies. Siberian tigers have brown, dark, and vertical stripes covering their body, including their legs. They have fewer, more narrow, and lighter stripes than many other subspecies. Whereas other types of tigers have black stripes, Siberian tigers have dark brown stripes. Although stripes differ from one subspecies to another, these are sometimes too subtle for anything but well-trained eye to recognize. The fact that each individual tiger has different stripe patterns also complicates the matter. Tigers are the only wild cats with stripes. Their stripes act as camouflage allowing them to closely stalk their prey within being seen. Look for lighter colors. Although the differences can be subtle, Siberian tigers tend to have a slightly less vibrant orange fur. It will be a lighter color than that of other subspecies. Similarly, the stripes of Siberian tigers are dark brown, rather than jet black. Look for the biggest cat around. Siberian tigers are the largest of all the tiger subspecies. The average Siberian tiger is about 11 feet long, with a tail about 3 feet long. They can weigh as much as 700 lb. Living in northern regions calls for colder climates and thus a demand for a larger body which is easier to keep warm. Large animals lose body heat slower than smaller ones. As the mean temperature of an environment decreases, the body size of warm-blooded animal species or subspecies tends to increase (this concept is known as Bergmann's rule). Look for small legs. Despite a larger body, Siberian tigers tend to have somewhat shorter legs than those of other subspecies. The contrast between the larger body and shorter legs can make the tigers look somewhat short and stubby by comparison. Ask yourself if it is cold enough for a Siberian tiger. If you have encountered a tiger in the wild, then you can use your location to help determine whether the cat is Siberian tiger. Most tigers prefer warm weather climates. Siberian tigers, however live in the cold. This rule, however, does not apply to tigers in captivity. Zoos will import animals from all of the world, even when the local climate is very different from the animals natural habitat. Consider whether you are far enough north for a Siberian tiger. One of the defining features of the Siberian subspecies is its habitat. Siberian tigers live principally in Eastern Russia. Some do, however, venture into North Korea and northern regions of China. By contrast, the second largest tiger, the Bengal tiger, lives in Indian and South East Asia. Look for mountainous woodlands. Today, Siberian tigers predominately live in remote mountainous areas. They typically prefer birch forests. In contrast, the Bengal tiger, which is of a similar size, lives in wet, tropical climates. Look at the mating pattern. Unlike some other large cats, tigers are solitary. The only exception is for mating. Male and female Siberian tigers will spend a few days together when they mate. The female will then bear the cubs for approximately 103 days. After birth, the mother will care for the cubs for about 18 months. There is no set time of year that Siberian tigers mate. A female, however, will generally try to mate when she is around four years old. On average, a mother Siberian tiger will birth a litter of 6 cubs. They will venture off on their own when they are old enough. Daughters will usually find territory near their mother, whereas sons will venture off further. | Look for long, thick fur. Look for a mane. Look for a tiger with fewer and lighter stripes. Look for lighter colors. Look for the biggest cat around. Look for small legs. Ask yourself if it is cold enough for a Siberian tiger. Consider whether you are far enough north for a Siberian tiger. Look for mountainous woodlands. Look at the mating pattern. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fertilize-Flowers | How to Fertilize Flowers | Fertilizing your flowers can give them a nutrients boost and help them grow faster and healthier. Choose a natural or synthetic 10-20-10 fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Fertilize your soil before you plant flowers or when their growth resumes for the spring. Make sure you water the soil before sprinkling the fertilizer on top to help your flowers absorb it. Alternatively, use a water-soluble fertilizer, which you can dissolve into water and spray directly onto your soil. | Determine when to fertilize. The type of flower you wish to fertilize, whether it is an annual or perennial, and whether it is new growth or an established plant will all play a role in determining when you need to fertilize. Determine the best time to fertilize your specific flowering plants. Fertilize the soil for annuals, as well as any new planting, during bed preparation. Fertilize established perennials and ornamental grasses as soon as their growth resumes in the spring. Bulbs need fertilizing as soon as growth appears. Roses need fertilizing beginning in May but not after July. You do not want to encourage new growth as fall and winter approach. Water your plants. Before fertilizing, you should water your flowers the way you normally do. It is important for your flowers to get a nice drink before they have been fertilized, but there is no need to overdo it. The soil should be a little damp when you apply fertilizer. Dry roots can be susceptible to fertilizer burn. Add natural fertilizers to soil surface. The simplest way to apply natural fertilizers is to spread them on the soil surface of your planting beds. Natural fertilizers take a much longer time to break down and release their nutrients available into the soil, so it is a good idea to apply them at least a few months before planting, if possible. Apply granular fertilizer to your soil. Granular fertilizers are applied by sprinkling directly onto soil, or by using a spreader. You will want to turn over the soil with a rake to create an even distribution of granules. Granular fertilizers are longer lasting. They can remain in your soil for up to 9 months. Administer liquid or water-soluble fertilizer to your plants and soil. Water-soluble fertilizers are made of a type of powder that dissolves in water. Either of these fertilizers can be applied to your flowers. They can be sprayed directly onto the plants and soil. Water-soluble fertilizers remain in the soil for 2-3 weeks. Pay extra attention to your annuals. Annual flowers (those that complete their life cycle in one growing season) tend to need more fertilizer than perennial flowers (which return again each year.) Evaluate different forms. The first step will be deciding if you will use a natural fertilizer or a synthetic one. There are some benefits to each. Natural fertilizers are composed of organic material. Examples include compost (homemade or store-bought), manure, cottonseed meal, blood meal, bone meal, fish emulsion, liquid seaweed, milk, and molasses. Synthetic fertilizers come in a variety of forms, such as granules, water-soluble powders, and liquid concentrates. Weigh the short-term versus long-term costs. Purchasing natural fertilizer (as opposed to generating your own compost) can be cost prohibitive. A similar quantity of synthetic fertilizer may potentially cost less. However, natural fertilizers will release more nutrients slowly over time, nourishing your plants for longer and improving the quality of your soil over time. Choose synthetic fertilizers for fast results. Within a day of applying a synthetic fertilizer (particularly a water-soluble variety) you will see dramatic results. This may be the right choice for you if your plants need an immediate pick-me-up. Select natural fertilizers to improve soil quality. Natural fertilizers work slowly because they are improving the quality of your soil from the inside out. Rather than merely providing nutrients directly to the plant, they also provide nutrients that will remain in the soil. Natural fertilizers can improve the quality of your soil, meaning that you will ultimately need fertilizers less frequently. Consider using a combination of natural and synthetic fertilizers. Natural fertilizers are much better for your soil over time, but they are much slower to release. One option is to use a natural fertilizer as your primary fertilizer, but to also give your plants the occasional boost with a water-soluble synthetic fertilizer. Read labels. If you are purchasing store-bought fertilizer, be sure to read the label carefully. You should look for a fertilizer product clearly designated for use with flowers (or flowering plants). If you mean to fertilize a specific flower (e.g., roses) you may even be able to locate a product designed for that flower. Look for N-P-K. The best fertilizers for flowers contain nitrogen (N), which promotes growth; phosphorus (P), which enhances root systems and flower production; and potassium (K), which improves overall vigor and disease resistance). A package of fertilizer will generally have a three-part number (e.g., 5-10-10) that indicated the percentage of each of these macronutrients per volume. Choose phosphorous for flowers. Plants that are known for their prolific flowering abilities will generally need more phosphorous. This is the middle number is most fertilizers. A 10-20-10 will contain a higher dose of phosphorous to help nourish your flowering plants. Consult an expert. It never hurts to speak to someone in your region about what fertilizer they recommend. This can help save you time and money. Consider speaking to a local gardener, someone from a landscaping company, or a representative at your garden supply store. Expect some trial and error. They only way to truly determine what your flowers will respond to is to give something a try. You may need to experiment with several different options or combinations before you find the perfect fertilizer for your flowering plants. | Determine when to fertilize. Water your plants. Add natural fertilizers to soil surface. Apply granular fertilizer to your soil. Administer liquid or water-soluble fertilizer to your plants and soil. Pay extra attention to your annuals. Evaluate different forms. Weigh the short-term versus long-term costs. Choose synthetic fertilizers for fast results. Select natural fertilizers to improve soil quality. Consider using a combination of natural and synthetic fertilizers. Read labels. Look for N-P-K. Choose phosphorous for flowers. Consult an expert. Expect some trial and error. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Handle-Being-In-Love-With-Two-People | How to Handle Being In Love With Two People | To handle being in love with two people, start by making a list of what you love about each of them. Then, use the list to decide which of them you'd rather be in a relationship with. For example, if you love the attention you get from the second person but don't see yourself having a future with them, maybe you just need more attention from your current partner. Alternatively, consider whether you want a polyamorous relationship with both people at the same time. Whichever decision you make, consider telling your current partner about your feelings so they know how you feel. | Look into any differences between how you love each person. If you find yourself in love with two people, these people may be meeting different emotional needs. Identifying the different reasons you love each person can help you figure out how to move forward. What do you get from each person? Your current boyfriend or girlfriend may bring you stability, but your love for him or her may feel like friendship love. You may have passion for another person that's missing from your current relationship. If you're experiencing two different types of love, there are ways to navigate this. At the beginning of a relationship, you may be more passionate about someone. If you're feeling passion for someone new, you can limit your contact with that person to conversation, for example. You can learn new things about someone and allow yourself to experience the emotional infatuation of a romance while staying physically faithful to your current partner. However, be careful. You should be comfortable letting both parties know what is going on. If you're hiding something from your partner, you may be having an emotional affair. Think about your needs and wants. Our culture tends to value monogamy, both emotionally and physically. However, you may want and need different things out of a relationship. Only you can define what you want and need from romantic relationships. You need to know what that is before you can move forward. Do you feel you need to be emotionally invested in one person at a time? Some people only want to focus on one person at once. Many people find their capacity for love - romantic or otherwise - is not finite. Think about how loving two people makes you feel. Do you feel exhausted by it, or invigorated? Is it something you feel guilty about, or do you feel comfortable with the fact you love two different people? Identify what you need. Do you need a relationship with only a single person, or are you open to loving two people at once? Consider your take on emotional monogamy. For some people, love has to be monogamous to work. You may need to be loyal to one person on an emotional level as well as a physical one. For others, emotional monogamy is not necessary. You can be physically faithful to one person, but have feelings for people outside of your relationship. Think about your feelings on the subject, and whether you're okay being in love with two people. For some, the ability to love one person at a time is vital to a happy relationship. Some people feel you cannot truly fall in love with two people, as love requires you have an intimate connection with only a single person. Not everyone shares this sentiment. If you are in love with two people, you may able to have an intimate connection with two people that is equally deep and meaningful. You may not believe love has a finite value. If this is the case, monogamy may not be in your best interest. Consider pursuing a relationship with both parties at the same time, keeping your expectations open. Dating casually can allow you to explore your options. You may eventually settle on one person. Consider whether you're having an emotional affair. If you're currently in a relationship, loving two people can pose problems. If you and your partner have not agreed to an open relationship, being in love with another person can constitute an emotional affair. This can cause feelings of pain and betrayal for your current partner. Look for any signs you're having an emotional affair. You may feel the need to justify your behavior due to latent guilt. You may, for example, need to reassure yourself constantly you and this person are "just friends" or think of justifications for spending time with this person. You may also feel the need to cover your tracks. If you're hiding something from your partner, you may be doing something wrong. You may, for example, delete text message or lie to your partner about spending time with the other person. Do you obsessively think or daydream about this person? Do you feel excitement when you know you get to see this person? If so, that's definitely a sign it's emotional infidelity. Evaluate whether your feelings for your partner are waning. If you're in love with two different people, this may be a warning sign about your current relationship. If you're traditionally only able to love one person at a time, you may be falling out of love with your current partner. How happy are you in your current relationship? If there have been problems for awhile, your attachment to another person may be a warning sign. Do you complain about your partner to this person? Do you share details about your relationship problems you would withhold from others? Do you find yourself comparing this person to your partner? You may find this new person has qualities you feel your partner lacks. Is this person very different from your current partner? If so, you may be latching onto someone completely different because your current relationship is not working. Discuss your feelings with a therapist. If you're struggling with feelings for someone else, a therapist can be helpful. If your partner expects emotional fidelity, loving another person is a problem. A therapist can help you figure out how to sort through your feelings and proceed in your relationship. If you're not currently seeing a therapist, you can get a referral for one through your regular doctor. You can also see what therapists are covered under your insurance network. If you're a student, you may be entitled to free counseling through your school. If you believe your relationship is in serious trouble due to outside feelings, consider seeing a couples counselor with your partner to discuss these issues. Talk to your partner, if you feel comfortable doing so. In some cases, you may want to talk to your partner about how you're feeling. If you believe your feelings are a threat to your current relationship, you should have a sit down talk to your partner about how to proceed. Pick the right time to talk and eliminate distractions when you have the discussion. Make sure you turn off phones and computers. You should also strive to talk at a time when neither you nor your partner have outside commitments. Have empathy. It can be painful for your partner to hear you're in love with someone else, and you don't want to minimize his or her pain. Allow your partner to feel what he or she is feeling. For example, don't say something like, "Lots of people have been where you've been and have gotten over it." This may come off as dismissive. Form a game plan together. You may decide it's best to end the relationship, or to open up the relationship. Your partner may want you to lessen contact with the other party to salvage things. Whatever you decide, make sure you set clear boundaries both you and your partner agree to and fully understand. Cope with an emotional affair. If you had an emotional affair, you need to take time to heal. It can be difficult to come to terms with the fact you were unfaithful, even if it was not physical. You want to give yourself time to let the affair go, and focus on your current partner over the other person. Try to schedule times to think about the other person. It may sound strange, but it can actually be helpful to daydream and obsess about the object of your affection for a set time each day. Trying to never think about this person may backfire. If you give yourself a little leeway once a day, it may help you get over this person longterm. Allow yourself time to grieve the relationship. A non-physical relationship can be as intimate and close as a physical one. It will take you some time to feel better about ending the affair. It's normal to miss the person in the aftermath. Try to keep busy and surround yourself with friends. Invest in your current relationship. If you've made the choice to stay with your current partner, you need to spend time repairing any damage done by the emotional affair. Spend a lot of one-on-one time with your partner. Try to become physically intimate through sex, cuddling, and touch. Remind yourself why you fell in love with your partner to begin with, and why your relationship is worth it. Make a choice. If you're not currently involved with someone monogamously, you may be dating two people at once. You may have feelings of love for both people, but want a monogamous relationship. Figure out which party to choose. There are several factors you can use to decide who is best for you. Think about your goals. Compatible romantic partners have similar goals and values. Choose the person whose goals more closely align with yours. You and this person should have similar moral values, and want similar things for the future. Think about how much each person influences you. In a romantic relationship, you are heavily influenced by another person. You'll find yourself adopting their tastes and interests. If you find one person influences your personality more, that person may be right for you. You should also consider your feelings for someone. People tend to feel more infatuated with compatible romantic matches. You may find yourself putting one person on more of pedestal. You may play up one person's good qualities slightly more. Let the person you did not choose know you want to talk. If you make a choice, you should let the other party know. It's best to have the conversation face-to-face, if you feel comfortable doing so, so give the person a head's up you would like to have a serous discussion. For example, you could send a text that says something like, "Hey, there's something that's been on my mind. I would really like to talk to you as soon as possible. Are you free for coffee tomorrow?" Break things off in a clear fashion. You want to end things in a clean fashion. Do not leave any ambiguity in the breakup. Make sure you state things are over on no uncertain terms. For example, "I've decided I want to end the romantic portion of our relationship." Avoid phrases like, "I think we should..." and "I feel..." Such statements can make you sound uncertain. Give a specific reason, if you feel comfortable. Many people crave closure after a breakup. If you feel comfortable giving a reason, do so. However, it can get tricky when you're leaving for someone else. If you feel like this information would be best left out, give other reasons that contributed to you choosing the other person without explicitly mentioning there's someone else. If you feel comfortable mentioning the other person, say something like, "As you know, I've also been dating Ryan. While I value the time you and I have spent together, I think Ryan is a more compatible match for me longterm. I would like to start seeing him exclusively." For many reasons, you may rather leave the other person out. Instead of explicitly mentioning you've chosen someone else, mention the factors that contributed to your choice. For example, "I just feel like, longterm, we don't have the same goals and values. I think we would both be better off with someone who's on the same path." Move forward with the other person. Once you've broken up with the other party, move forward. Work on establishing a new relationship with someone you love. You may have some lingering feelings for the other person, but limit contact with that person as you focus on your new romance. With time and distance, those feelings will fade. Learn about polyamory. Polyamorous people are open to having multiple romantic relationships at once, as long as all parties consent to this kind of romance. Many people find they are polyamorous, and try to date people who are okay with open or semi-open relationships. People who are polyamorous do not feel monogamy is necessary to a happy and fulfilling relationship. Polyamory is not a choice. A lot of it depends on your emotional comfort level and your feelings about love and romance. If you're able to be in love with two people at the same time, you may be polyamorous. There are many ways to figure out if you're polyamorous. Look back on your relationships. Are you able to be fulfilled by a single person, or do you frequently find yourself craving love and sex outside of your relationship? If it's the latter, you may be polyamorous. If you feel capable of being in love with and committed to two people at once, you may be polyamorous. There is some stigma against polyamory, but work to shut that out. Remember, when it comes to relationships, one size does not fit all. If you are polyamorous, you should feel comfortable exploring your feelings on the subject without feeling guilt. Set clear boundaries. Boundaries are always important in a relationship, and especially so if you're in love with two people. Make sure all parties involved know the rules for the given situation, and that everyone is comfortable with the game plan. If you're looking into an open or semi-open relationship, make sure everyone knows what is and is not okay. Are you allowed to be physically intimate with both parties? Can your partners pursue relationships outside of their romance with you? Should one party be prioritized over the other? These are questions you need to ask when proceeding with an open relationship. If your current partner does not want a completely open relationship, he or she may want you to taper off contact with the other person. If this is the case, make sure you know the kind of contact you're allowed to have and what sorts of contact violate your partner's trust. Ease into any new rules in a relationship slowly. If you want to have an open relationship with someone, you should ease into the new routine. Transitioning from monogamy to polyamory can be difficult. There's no reason to rush the transition. If your partner is comfortable with you pursuing outside relationships, consider whether you should do so right away. There is no reason to rush polyamory. You may want to give both you and your partner time to adjust to the idea of an open relationship before either of you act on it. Expect some tension. Polyamorous or open relationships can be healthy and loving. This does not mean that, in the beginning, things will not feel somewhat messy. Keep things open in regards to communication. Be willing to compromise and smooth over any differences that arise. Keep communication open as you move on. However you decide to proceed, you and your partner should keep communication open. Talk to your partner regularly about your feelings. If you're seeing two people at once, let both parties know if your feelings regarding them change at any point in the future. If being in love with two people is causing a lot of tension in a relationship, you can talk to a couples counselor. A qualified counselor can help you and your partner figure out better ways to communicate. | Look into any differences between how you love each person. Think about your needs and wants. Consider your take on emotional monogamy. Consider whether you're having an emotional affair. Evaluate whether your feelings for your partner are waning. Discuss your feelings with a therapist. Talk to your partner, if you feel comfortable doing so. Cope with an emotional affair. Make a choice. Let the person you did not choose know you want to talk. Break things off in a clear fashion. Give a specific reason, if you feel comfortable. Move forward with the other person. Learn about polyamory. Set clear boundaries. Ease into any new rules in a relationship slowly. Keep communication open as you move on. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Barn-Quilt | How to Paint a Barn Quilt | to paint a barn quilt, which is a block pattern painted on a plywood board, start by applying 2 coats of primer to your wooden board to make your quilt more long-lasting. While you're waiting for the primer to dry, pick the pattern you'll paint by looking at ideas online or in books. Once you've decided on a pattern, sketch it onto your board with a pencil so you can see where to paint later. Then, apply painter's tape around the sections where 1 of your colors will be used. Put 2 coats of paint on these areas, and tear of the tape immediately after the second coat so the paint dries in a straight line. Wait until the first color has dried completely before taping and painting the areas for the other colors in the same way until your project is complete. | Buy a square of smooth, pressure-treated plywood. Since you will be painting on your plywood, you want it to have a smooth texture. Signboard is a great option, but if you can't get it, sanded plywood or medium-density fiberboard will also work. A common size is 4 by 4 feet (120 by 120 cm), but you can make your barn quilt whatever size you want. A smaller one is an easy way to start. A lumberyard or a home supply store are good places to look for plywood. Work in a well-ventilated spot and protect the floor with drop cloths. Do your priming and painting outside or in an open garage. Lay down drop clothes to protect the floor if you are painting on the ground. You can also put your plywood on top of sawhorses or on a work table. If you don't have ventilation when you paint, the paint fumes can be really harmful. Apply exterior latex primer to the plywood with a roller. Pour primer into a rolling tray, and dip your paint roller into it. Rub the paint roller along the plywood in smooth, even strokes. It's important to use an exterior primer, since barn quilts are normally hung outdoors. Let the primer dry and apply a second coat. Allow the coat to dry, following the instructions on the primer. Different kinds of primer will take different amounts of time to dry, so check the instructions on your can of primer to figure out how long you need to let it sit. Then paint on the second coat just as you did the first one. Let the primer dry again. Paint 3 coats of primer on the back (rough) side. You need to prime the back of your board as well, even though you won't be painting it. This helps keep your artwork waterproof, since the barn quilt will have to withstand the weather outdoors. Be patient and wait for the primer to dry in between each coat. It will help your quilt last much longer. Choose a simple quilt square pattern by looking at books or online. Search online for inspiration for barn quilt designs or fabric quilt designs. A quilt square with a simple geometric design made out of straight lines will be the easiest to paint on your barn quilt. You can also create your own simple design. Bright, high-contrast designs look best on barn quilts. The fewer colors you use, the quicker you'll be able to paint the quilt. You might want to start with a simple, 3-color design. Sketch a grid onto your plywood with the same number of squares as the quilt block. Quilt blocks are usually 3x3 or 4x4 grids. Use a measuring tape and a straightedge to draw the right size grid onto your plywood. One way to make sure that your gridlines are at right angles is to use a piece of printer paper to check the corner. An easy way to find the center of your board is to draw 2 diagonal lines across connecting the corners. The point where the lines cross is the center. Transfer your design onto the board in pencil. Match up lines on the quilt block with the grid squares on your plywood to help you enlarge the pattern. Use a ruler or another form of straightedge to help you draw straight lines. Step back from the board every now and then to check that you're transferring the pattern correctly. It's easy to get caught up in the details and not realize you're off by a whole row. Label each section with its color. To label, you can write the paint color in pencil or use a colored post-it to designate which color paint goes where. You can even put a little dab of paint of the right color in the section. This will really help you out when you are applying the paint, because it's easy to get confused. Put painters tape around the sections for your lightest color. Apply painters tape in a straight line along each edge of the sections where you will paint your lightest color. The inner edge of the painter's tape should be lined up with the pencil outline of that color. Painters tape will easily peel off once you're done with it. It's best to start with your lightest color and work your way up to the darker colors. The tape helps you paint smooth, straight lines. Make sure the tape is tightly attached to the plywood. Cut corners and points in the tape with a razor. If you have 2 overlapping pieces of painters tape at a corner, you can cut them away to make a sharp point. Line up your straight edge where you want to make the cut and cut the tape with a razor blade or x-acto knife. Then, peel off the bit of tape you sliced to reveal a sharp corner. Be very careful with the blade. If you are a kid, get an adult to help with this step. Paint 2 coats of paint in the taped off sections. Use an exterior latex paint. Paint inside the tape lines for all the sections that are in your first color. You can use a paintbrush, a paint roller, or even a makeup sponge to apply the paint. Paint right up to the tape line and a little bit on top of the tape. That way, you'll have a crisp, full block of color. You don't have to wait for your paint to totally dry before giving it a second coat– just leave it for a few minutes. Peel off the tape immediately after applying the second coat. You should peel off the tape while the second coat of paint is still wet, so that it leaves behind a smooth line. Peel slowly and carefully to avoid smudging. Don't worry if there are a few spots where the paint bled through the tape, because you will touch up those spots at the end. Remember to let the paint dry thoroughly before you put more tape down. Let the first color dry completely. It may take about an hour or more for your paint to dry, so leave your barn quilt be and go do something else to keep yourself occupied. It's really important to wait for the first color to dry completely, because if you tape over wet paint it will smudge. Tap the paint lightly with your finger to check if it's dry. If you are in a humid place, it will take even longer for your paint to dry. Continue taping and painting until you’ve finished the pattern. Remember to be patient and let each paint color dry thoroughly before moving onto the next color. Use a fresh paintbrush for each color. Remove the painters tape when you've done your last color and admire your work. Touch up mistakes with an artist’s paintbrush. There will probably be a few small spots where one color accidentally bled over onto the other color. Using a small artist's paintbrush, cover up the mistakes with a little bit of the correct color. Putting your pinky down helps keep your hand steady as you paint. If you don't trust your freehanding skills, you can also put a bit of painters tape down on the line you want to fix. | Buy a square of smooth, pressure-treated plywood. Work in a well-ventilated spot and protect the floor with drop cloths. Apply exterior latex primer to the plywood with a roller. Let the primer dry and apply a second coat. Paint 3 coats of primer on the back (rough) side. Choose a simple quilt square pattern by looking at books or online. Sketch a grid onto your plywood with the same number of squares as the quilt block. Transfer your design onto the board in pencil. Label each section with its color. Put painters tape around the sections for your lightest color. Cut corners and points in the tape with a razor. Paint 2 coats of paint in the taped off sections. Peel off the tape immediately after applying the second coat. Let the first color dry completely. Continue taping and painting until you’ve finished the pattern. Touch up mistakes with an artist’s paintbrush. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cleanse-Your-Body | How to Cleanse Your Body | One way you can cleanse your body is by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, which prevents toxins from building up in your body. You should also eat plenty of fiber, which can be found in foods like green beans, cauliflower, potatoes, and apples, since this is vital to your digestive system. However, try to cut down on foods that contain sugar, saturated fats, caffeine, and alcohol, since these are hard for your body to digest and can be harmful in large amounts. Try to avoid tobacco and other drugs too, since these often contain harmful toxins. In addition to eating a healthy diet, try to do regular exercise for at least 30 minutes at a time, since your body gets rid of toxins through sweat. | Make water your main drink of choice. Nothing cleanses your body like water, which flushes toxins out of your system all day long. Drink at least two quarts of water every day to keep the toxins from building up. Carry a water bottle with you during the day so that you can stay hydrated on the go. If you have trouble drinking glass after glass of water, get hydrated by drinking decaffeinated tea or eating watery vegetables and fruits, like watermelon, apples, berries, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce and carrots. Reduce your consumption of toxin-heavy foods. Certain types of food are difficult for your body to digest and end up harming your body instead of providing nutrition. Reduce or completely avoid the following dietary toxins: Sugar. Fructose and glucose are hard on the liver, and consuming too much can lead to obesity and diseases such as diabetes. It may be difficult to completely avoid sugar, but you can start by limiting your intake of candy, sugary baked goods, juice and soda, and granulated sugar used to sweeten tea and coffee. Satisfy your sweet tooth by consuming whole fruits, rather than fruit juice. Artificial sweeteners. Sugar substitutes actually lead to more sugar cravings, and can end up having an adverse effect on the body. Stop drinking diet drinks and other artificially-sweetened foods. Saturated fats. Many fats are essential to your body's health, but saturated fats found in fried and processed foods are toxic. Limit fast food, processed snack foods, and food that is served in restaurants. Caffeine. Some studies show that drinking a few cups of coffee a day is actually good for you, but when you're focusing on cleansing your body, it's best to eliminate all unnecessary substances. Alcohol. Moderate alcohol consumption usually won't harm your health, but drinking too much causes weight gain, water retention and liver disease. Stay away from alcohol when you're focusing on cleansing your body. Eat plenty of fiber. Fiber helps your digestive system function normally. Without it, your body isn't easily able to eliminate waste. During a cleanse, when you want to rid your body of toxins, its especially important to eat fiber at every meal. Eat fruits and vegetables such as green beans, cauliflower, potatoes, and apples. Eat beans and other legumes that are high in fiber. Whole grains like oats and wheat bran are also good sources of fiber. Consume a lot of greens. The chlorophyll in leafy greens acts as a cleansing agent for the blood. Greens also contain protein, minerals, and a plethora of vitamins that help keep the body healthy. Spinach, broccoli and seaweed all have high levels of chlorophyll. Watercress, which looks like tiny spinach leaves, has been found to repair cell damage. Kale, turnip greens and swiss chard are excellent sources of vitamins K, A and C. Try a juice fast. Juice fasts cleanse the body by eliminating food that's hard to digest or toxic and providing the body with nutrients exclusively from fresh-squeezed fruits and vegetables. A juice fast can last anywhere from 2 days to over 2 months, and many report that it leaves the body feeling refreshed and energized. To complete a juice fast, make your own juice with a juicer. Juicers quickly squeeze the juice (and nutrients) from fruits, vegetables and herbs. Without this machine, juice fasting would require hours of prep work. Buy spinach, kale, apples, pears, lemons, carrots, ginger, and other watery fruits and vegetables to juice. Make enough juice in the morning to last you all day long. You should plan on having 6 to 8 glasses of juice per day to keep your hunger at bay. Consider intermittent fasting. Taking a break from eating food for half a day or up to 36 hours helps detoxify your body by creating the right conditions for autophagy, in which cells get rid of damaged molecules, to occur. Intermittent fasting boosts energy in the short-term and may help prevent obesity and neurological diseases. Start by skipping lunch and dinner on a day when you don't have plans that require you to expend a lot of energy. Go to bed hungry and break your fast in the morning with a glass of water and a light breakfast. Work up to fasting for longer periods of time. As your body grows more used to fasting, your hunger pangs and cravings won't be as strong. Break a sweat. The body gets rid of toxins through sweating, which acts as a natural cleanser. Doing regular exercise that speeds up your heart rate and causes you to sweat for 30 minutes or more is a great way to detoxify your body. Do some cardio. Biking, running, power walking, and swimming are excellent cardio exercises. Do cardio exercises at least 3 times a week for at least 30 minutes at a time. Lift weights. Weight training keeps your body strong and toned, improving your overall health. Incorporate 2 or 3 days of weight training into your exercise routine. Don't exercise too much during juice fasts and intermittent fasts. Burning too many calories when you aren't taking calories in may cause you to feel weak or faint. Practice yoga. Yoga is said to detoxify the body by facilitating the removal of lactic acid, carbon dioxide and lymphatic fluids from the system. Deep stretches and proper breathing techniques stimulate the circulatory, digestive and lymphatic systems, each of which contribute to waste elimination. Try the downward facing dog pose, which aids in blood circulation by placing the heart higher than the head. Place your legs on the wall to increase blood flow to the abdomen and stimulate the digestive system. Don't use tobacco or take drugs. The chemicals and additives that come with tobacco are toxic to the body, and smoking in any form leads to respiratory diseases. To cleanse your body, eliminate the following substances from your life: Tobacco in all its forms, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Smoking marijuana is also harmful to the lungs and may contain chemicals that are toxic to the body. Other drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine (crystal meth) are addictive and highly destructive to the body. Avoid exposing yourself to chemicals. Harmful chemicals found in plastics and other substances are tied to cancer and other diseases. It's difficult to live completely free of chemicals, since they're present in our food, clothing, furniture, air and water. Do your best to live a chemical-free life by taking the following measures: Eat organic food. Ingesting pesticides that are sprayed on produce can be harmful to your health. Choose organic produce and organic, hormone-free meat and eggs. Research the fish you eat to make sure it doesn't contain high levels of mercury and other heavy metals. Choose natural fabrics like cotton and silk instead of wearing polyester. When possible, wear organic clothing and use organic linens and towels. Use soap, shampoo, conditioner, and makeup made with natural substances instead of chemicals. Use natural solutions, like vinegar and water, to clean your house, rather than relying on chemicals like bleach and other commercial cleaning agents. Limit stress. Stress is as physically damaging as it is emotionally damaging. It causes a rise in blood pressure and the production of hormones that lead to weight gain. Limit stress by eliminating unnecessary activities from your schedule. Getting plenty of sleep helps relieve stress. Make sure you get at least 7 or 8 hours a night. If your stress seems unmanageable, consider seeing a therapist for help. A therapist will be able to teach you effective stress management techniques. | Make water your main drink of choice. Reduce your consumption of toxin-heavy foods. Eat plenty of fiber. Consume a lot of greens. Try a juice fast. Consider intermittent fasting. Break a sweat. Practice yoga. Don't use tobacco or take drugs. Avoid exposing yourself to chemicals. Limit stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Costume | How to Make a Costume | To make a costume for Halloween, consider easy homemade options like a pirate, ghost, or zombie. For example, all you have to do for a ghost costume is drape a white sheet over your head and body and cut out eye holes so you can see. If you want to try being a zombie, you can wear regular clothes that you've rumpled and dirtied. Then, all you need is a little fake blood and gory makeup to complete the look! | Make a punny costume with a lumberjack woodchuck. Puns are a great way to get a laugh and put together a simple, clever costume. Put on a plaid shirt and a pair of jeans or overalls. Wear a beard wig or use eyeliner to draw on a fake beard. Attach some “ears” of construction paper or felt to a beanie and cut out some large “teeth” out of white paper to complete your woodchuck look. Complete the look by carrying around a log or piece of wood so you can pretend to gnaw on it. If someone asks you what your costume is, try saying something like, “How much wood would a woodchuck chuck?” Dress up as a dinosaur and carry a thesaurus for a clever play on words. Wear a dinosaur costume, pajamas, or a dino-themed hat. Carry around a thesaurus as a prop and if anybody asks you what you are, tell them that you're a thesaurus rex! People love a good play on words and you're sure to get a good laugh. Wear a donut pool float and basketball uniform to be a dunking donut. Turn the easily recognizable coffee chain Dunkin' Donuts into a costume by putting on basketball shorts, a jersey, and a pair of sneakers. Wear a donut pool float around your waist and carry around a basketball to add more clues about your costume. Add to your look with a headband and long socks. Make people guess what you are before you tell them if they ask to make it more fun. Carry lemons and wear a nametag that says life for a clever costume. Fill a basket full of real or fake lemons and carry it around. Use a sticky nametag and write “Life” on it before sticking it to your chest so it's easily visible to become the embodiment of the expression, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” If you have enough lemons, you could play a joke by handing them out to people that you meet so you can literally be life giving them lemons. Put on a formal outfit and an animal mask to be a party animal. Wear a tuxedo, suit, cocktail dress, or ball gown to create a formal look. Put on a rabbit, squirrel, or any other animal mask to instantly become a party animal. This is a great and simple idea that doesn't require much to make. Style your hair and wear jewelry to complete your formal look. Use a cute duo like a French chef and pastry for a couple’s costume. If you're going to a party as a couple, use a cute combination costume idea to cause a stir. Have one person dress up as a chef with a white shirt and a chef's hat. The other person can make a pastry costume by glueing brown coffee filters to a hoop skirt or a black body suit. Cute couple's costumes are always a hit. You could even try something like Bob Ross with a wig and beard and his “happy little tree” by dressing up in green with some paint on your face. Put sunglasses on your baby and dress up as ice for a simple family costume. Funny family costumes don't have to be difficult or expensive to make. Play on the phrase “Ice, Ice, Baby” and wear a large clear plastic bag over your body with the word “Ice” written on it. Put some sunglasses on the kids so they look cool to complete the look. Get some friends for a group costume like the Bob’s Burgers crew. Gather a group of friends and decide who will be which character. Each person can put together their individual outfits. Have someone wear Tina's blue shirt and blue skirt, or Louise's green dress and pink bunny ear hat. When you go to a party or event together, you'll make a funny group! Put on horns and a latex bodysuit to be a sexy devil. Choose a pair of cute devil horns and put them on your head. Put on a dark latex bodysuit to complete your devilish costume. Carry a small plastic pitchfork if you want a prop. You can enhance your costume by painting your skin red with red body paint. Wear a plaid skirt and a button-down shirt to be a sexy schoolgirl. Choose a short skirt with a plaid pattern that looks like the kind that a Catholic schoolgirl would wear. Put on a white, sleeveless button-down shirt and roll up the lower section to show off some skin. Put your hair in pigtails and wear glasses to add to the theme of your costume. Be a sexy bunny with a black bodysuit and rabbit ears. Put on a bodysuit or leotard and paste a fluffy ball on the backside like a little bunny tail. Wear a pair of rabbit ears on your head to complete the costume. Make a sex kitten outfit with cat ears and a black dress. Find a pair of cat ears that fit onto your head. Choose a black dress or a black skirt and black shirt to wear so you look like a sexy black cat. You can also use eyeliner to make cat eyes. Pin a strip of fabric to the back of your skirt to make a “tail.” Wrap yourself with strips of linen to be a sexy mummy. Take long strips of fabric or linen and wrap them around your body. Pin the fabric together with clothespins so it doesn't come undone while you're wearing your costume. You can wear underwear or clothes underneath the wrappings if it makes you more comfortable. Strap on a pair of wings and wear lingerie to be a sexy angel. Pull out some of your best lingerie and wear it as your costume. Put on a pair of costume wings so they fit over your back to complete your angel look. Make a witch costume for a classic scary look. Witch costumes are one of the most popular costumes, especially for Halloween. Put on a large black hat and a black dress or outfit. Carry a broom around to make it obvious that you're a witch. Wear a long pair of striped socks and carry around a black cat stuffed animal as a prop. Make it creepy by using dark makeup around your eyes or applying green makeup to your face. Dress up as a creepy clown for a guaranteed scary costume. Clowns are always a surefire scary costume. Put on a brightly colored wig and use makeup to paint your face white and add clown features. Wear a clown outfit or put on some oversized clothes and paste some fluffy balls on the front for a DIY option. If you're going to an event or party, you're pretty much guaranteed to run into somebody who is afraid of clowns. Add some additional creepiness by splashing some fake blood on your face. Glue some buttons to glasses for a Coraline-inspired costume. Other Mother is a creepy character from the movie Coraline. Take a pair of large, black buttons and glue them to the lenses of a pair of glasses. Put the glasses on so the buttons float above your eyes. Enhance the look by using eyeliner to draw lines across your face like your skin is cracking. The buttons may make it difficult to see, so just take them off when you aren't in character. Find an old wedding dress to be a cursed bride. Check out local pawn shops and thrift stores in your area for old wedding dresses you can use. Use eyeliner and makeup to darken your eyes and make it look like you're dead. Make the look more dramatic by putting on mascara and splashing water on it so it runs down your face like tears. Pin a veil of old lace to your hair so it hangs over your face to enhance your look even further. Wear a burlap sack or a blank mask to be a scary stranger. The film The Strangers is a terrifying classic that you can easily recreate simply by wearing a white, blank mask. You could also cut 2 eye holes in a burlap sack and wear it over your face to channel one of the main characters from the film. Paint a creepy smile and wear smudged makeup to be the Joker. Use red lipstick to draw a big, creepy smile from the corners of your mouth. Put on dark makeup around your eyes and use your hands to smudge it so you look like the Joker character from Batman. Wear a green wig or put temporary green hair dye in your hair to make your costume look even more like the character. Carry an ax and wear a bloodstained raincoat for a psycho look. The iconic film American Psycho features a crazed killer that you can use as a costume by carrying around an ax or hatchet. Put on a clear raincoat over your outfit and splatter it with fake blood. You could also put fake blood on your face to sell it even more. Use a plastic ax or hatchet so it's safer and easier to carry around. Be the twins from The Shining for a scary costume with your bestie. Get your friend and put on matching blue dresses. Fix your hair in matching braids and put on makeup to make the area around your eyes dark so you both look creepy. Get into character by holding hands together and just staring at people to freak them out. Dress up as an old person for a funny kids costume. Put on a gray wig or put some baby powder in your child's hair to make it look gray. Use eyeliner to draw a few faint lines on their forehead and face to look like wrinkles. Put on a dress and shawl or pants and a cardigan to make them look older. Take it to the next level by having them use a baby walker! Add some glasses frames if you have an old pair you can take the lenses out of. Put a robe on your baby to dress them up as Gandhi. If you've got a young baby without any hair, wrap a burgundy cloth around them like a robe to make them look like an adorable Gandhi. Add a pair of wooden or brown beads as a necklace to complete the look. If you have round glasses you can put on your baby, the look is complete! Draw an eyeliner unibrow and wear flowers to be Frida Kahlo. Use a dark eyeliner to draw a line that connects your child's eyebrows to form a unibrow. Pin some flowers in their hair to form a floral crown. Wrap a green shawl around their shoulders to complete the costume. Carry a broom and wear a witch hat for a classic costume. Put on a black witch hat and a black dress for a simple witch outfit. If you want to do some makeup, add some green body paint to your child's face. Give them a small broom they can carry around to sell the look. You could also use eyeliner to draw a fake mole on their cheek. Go with a cowboy hat and boots for a simple costume. Be a sheriff or the character “Woody” from Toy Story by putting on a cowboy hat and a pair of cowboy boots. Cut out a gold star from construction paper and write “Sheriff” on it, then pin it to the front of your child's shirt. You could also add a vest to give the costume more of a Wild West feel. Wear red, white, and blue and carry a shield to be Captain America. Put on a blue shirt and blue pants for the clothing of the costume. Draw the outline of a mask that covers your child's forehead and eyes on a sheet of blue construction paper. Cut out the mask with a pair of scissors, attach string to the corners of the mask, and tie it to your child's head. To make the shield, cut a circle out of cardboard, draw a star in the center, and paint red, white, and blue circles around it to make the shield. You could also find a Captain America costume and shield in the toy or costume section of your local department store. Give your child a stuffed dragon toy and a robe to be Daenerys. If you're a fan of the Game of Throne series, you can make your little one the mother of dragons, Daenerys, but putting them in a robe and a blonde wig, if you have one. Have them carry around a stuffed dragon toy (or 3) as props for their costume. | Make a punny costume with a lumberjack woodchuck. Dress up as a dinosaur and carry a thesaurus for a clever play on words. Wear a donut pool float and basketball uniform to be a dunking donut. Carry lemons and wear a nametag that says life for a clever costume. Put on a formal outfit and an animal mask to be a party animal. Use a cute duo like a French chef and pastry for a couple’s costume. Put sunglasses on your baby and dress up as ice for a simple family costume. Get some friends for a group costume like the Bob’s Burgers crew. Put on horns and a latex bodysuit to be a sexy devil. Wear a plaid skirt and a button-down shirt to be a sexy schoolgirl. Be a sexy bunny with a black bodysuit and rabbit ears. Make a sex kitten outfit with cat ears and a black dress. Wrap yourself with strips of linen to be a sexy mummy. Strap on a pair of wings and wear lingerie to be a sexy angel. Make a witch costume for a classic scary look. Dress up as a creepy clown for a guaranteed scary costume. Glue some buttons to glasses for a Coraline-inspired costume. Find an old wedding dress to be a cursed bride. Wear a burlap sack or a blank mask to be a scary stranger. Paint a creepy smile and wear smudged makeup to be the Joker. Carry an ax and wear a bloodstained raincoat for a psycho look. Be the twins from The Shining for a scary costume with your bestie. Dress up as an old person for a funny kids costume. Put a robe on your baby to dress them up as Gandhi. Draw an eyeliner unibrow and wear flowers to be Frida Kahlo. Carry a broom and wear a witch hat for a classic costume. Go with a cowboy hat and boots for a simple costume. Wear red, white, and blue and carry a shield to be Captain America. Give your child a stuffed dragon toy and a robe to be Daenerys. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Contract-for-Selling-a-Car | How to Write a Contract for Selling a Car | Start your car sale contract by identifying the seller, buyer, and reason for the contract, and provide a detailed description of the vehicle, including the make, model, year, color, VIN, and odometer reading. Include the date of sale and agreed upon purchase price. If you don't plan on providing a warranty for the car, describe the condition of the vehicle as "as is." Remember to state what the seller will provide to the buyer, like the title and other required documents. | Identify the buyer, seller, and the reason for the contract. The first sentence of the contract should identify the full legal names of both the buyer and the seller and state that the contract is for the sale of a car. For example, “This is a contract made between the Seller, Joe Smith, and the buyer, Dan Jones, for the sale of Joe Smith's 1995 Honda Civic sedan.” Provide the buyer's and seller's addresses as well. You may also want to provide the driver license numbers of both the buyer and the seller for identification and verification purposes. Provide a description of the vehicle. Use as many identifying characteristics of the car as possible. Be specific; if the contract only identifies the model and year of the car as “1990 Toyota Camry” and the owner has two 1990 Toyota Camrys, it would be unclear which car the contract means. Include as many of the following details as possible: Color Year Make and model Body type (pickup, SUV, 4 door sedan) Interior color Any other unique features of the car (including cosmetic or mechanical problems) Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Odometer reading For example, “The vehicle is a silver 1995 Honda Civic LX with black leather interior and a sunroof. The VIN number is 123456789 and the odometer reads 167,000 as of March 14, 2011.” Be sure that the information is accurate. Fraudulent claims about the details of the car or the terms of the sale can lead a contract to be voidable. Be sure that all parties understand each other and that no one is misrepresenting the vehicle or the funds that will be exchanged for the vehicle. For example, if the owner of the car notes that the car has 167,000 miles on it in the contract, but knows that the vehicle actually has 200,000 miles and a faulty odometer, the entire contract may be voided. If the odometer has ever been replaced or repaired, state this in the contract. You can use the following boilerplate language: “I certify that the car's odometer was altered for repair or replacement purposes while in my possession, and that the mileage registered on the repaired or replaced odometer was identical to that before service.” State the date of the sale and the purchase price. Describe the method of payment for the purchase—cash, personal check, cashier's check, money order, etc. For example, “The date of sale is March 14, 2011. Buyer agrees to pay to Seller the purchase price of $500 to be paid in cash.” Though not recommended, you can also stipulate an agreed to payment plan. For example, the buyer might pay $250/month for sixteen months. Only agree to a payment plan if you know the person to whom you are selling the car. A common fraud scheme is for someone to give an initial payment, then take the vehicle and disappear. If you do agree to a payment plan, be sure that you hold the car's title until the payments have all been made in full. After all payments are complete, you can send the title to the new owner via certified mail. State whether the purchase price is inclusive of sales taxes. In some states, you must charge sales tax. You can state in the contract that your purchase price includes this sales tax (“inclusive of all sales taxes”), or decide that sales tax is additional to the price (“exclusive of all sales taxes”). Indicate the delivery method. If the car sale is not local, the delivery method and responsibility should be included in the contract. Options include: shipping the vehicle, delivery by the seller, pick-up by the buyer, or delivery by a third party. If expenses will be incurred during delivery (such as with shipping the vehicle or return flight or rental car for an owner delivery), the contract should indicate who is responsible for paying the delivery expenses. Make everything clear. For example, if you live in Georgia and will drive the sold car to the buyer's home in Alabama and then fly home, state who will be responsible for the gas to drive the car to Alabama and for your flight home: “Seller will drive the car to Buyer's home in Alabama and agrees to pay for all gas and maintenance costs until delivery is made. Buyer agrees to pay Seller's flight home at a cost of $175.” Describe the condition of the vehicle. Sellers usually sell cars “as is,” which limits the seller's liability for any problems with the car's condition. A statement that the car is sold “as is” and that the owner “makes no warranties about the condition of the car” is sufficient. Boilerplate language regarding the condition of the vehicle can read as follows: “The [car] is being sold “as is” and the Seller expressly disclaims any and all warranties expressed or implied. The Seller disclaims any warranty as to the condition or working order of the car. The Seller assumes no liability in connection with the sale of the car.” Explain what document the Seller will provide to the Buyer. State that the Seller will provide the Buyer with the vehicle's title and any other required documents, such as a recent emissions test report or service records. Contact your state's DMV regarding any other documentation that a seller must provide a buyer. Specify the status of the title. An owner may only sell a vehicle if it has a clear title, which means that there are no liens on the title for car loans or other legal action against the owner. In some cases, a seller can sell a car when the bank still holds the title (i.e., the seller still owes money on the car). You can include “boilerplate” language to indicate the status of the title if you own the car, such as the following: “The Seller warrants that 1) the Seller is the legal owner of the car; 2) the car is free from all liens and encumbrances; 3) the Seller has full right and authority to sell and transfer the car; and 4) the Seller will warrant and defend the title of the car against any and all claims and demands of all persons.” Get a payoff letter from the financing company if you are still making payments on the car. This will provide exactly the amount of money that you still owe on the car, and which your buyer must pay to purchase the car. In most cases where a bank holds the vehicle title, the buyer writes one check directly to the bank for the payoff amount and another check to the seller for the remaining amount between the payoff and the sales price. In this case, the bank can usually mail the title to the buyer upon receiving the correct payoff amount. Sign and date the contract. Each party should sign and date the contract. Make a copy of the contract after everyone signs. One party should retain the original and one party should retain a copy. It does not matter who retains the copy versus the original. A witness should also sign the contract after each party has signed the contract. Though it may not be legally required to have a witness to the sale of a car in most states, having a witness to the contract may mitigate legal disputes about the accuracy of the contract. You can also sign the contract in front of a notary, if you wish. This adds another layer of protection, as the notary provides solid evidence that both of you are who you claimed and that you both agreed to the terms of the contract. Print out a Bill of Sale. Many states have readymade Bill of Sale forms. These are relatively simple documents for sales that do not require special agreements or circumstances. To find such a form, visit your state's DMV or Department of Transportation website. Then search for a Bill of Sale. Print out the document. For example, you can find the California state DMV's Bill of Sale here and the Arizona Department of Transportation's Bill of Sale here Fill out the Bill of Sale. The Bill of Sale will likely be split into a buyer's section and a seller's section. You will have to fill out the party and vehicle information on each section, so each party can keep a copy for her own records. Information you can expect to fill out includes the car's VIN, make, and model, the name and permanent address of each party involved, and the sales amount. There will also be spaces in which each party involved will sign and date the document. Indicate if the vehicle is a gift. Bill of Sale forms will also have spaces to indicate whether the vehicle is a gift or donation. Make sure you fill out this portion of the Bill of Sale for tax purposes. In some states, you may be able to transfer the title to a family member or relative for free or a low fee. If you want to give the car as a gift, you may need an additional form, such as the Affidavit of Motor Vehicle Gift Transfer in Texas. It used to be that you could “sell” a car for $1, thereby allowing the buyer to avoid paying significant sales taxes. Most states have found ways to circumvent this. For example, in Texas, if you are selling a car, the buyer will pay motor vehicle sales tax of 6.25% on either the purchase price or the “standard presumptive value” of the car, whichever is highest. The state of Texas determines the standard presumptive value. Add an addendum to the Bill of Sale. The parties may want to include additional information missing from the preexisting Bill of Sale. An addendum can include such information as: the vehicle being sold “as is,” requirement for the seller to provide the title or upkeep documents, known defects, smog certification, or additional identifying information for the vehicle like mileage or interior color. You should also include information above the addendum linking it to the Bill of Sale, such as: This is an addendum to the sales contract made between the Seller, ___________________, and the Buyer, _________________, and dated ______________, regarding the vehicle with VIN number ______________________. Have a witness present, and make sure all parties date the addendum after both printing and signing their names. Specify the status of the title in the addendum. An owner may only sell a vehicle if it has a clear title, which means that there are no liens on the title for car loans or other legal action against the owner. In some cases, a seller can sell a car when the bank still holds the title (i.e., the seller still owes money on the car). You can include “boilerplate” language to indicate the status of the title if you own the car, such as the following: “The Seller warrants that 1) the Seller is the legal owner of the car; 2) the car is free from all liens and encumbrances; 3) the Seller has full right and authority to sell and transfer the car; and 4) the Seller will warrant and defend the title of the car against any and all claims and demands of all persons.” Get a payoff letter from the financing company if you are still making payments on the car. This will provide exactly the amount of money that you still owe on the car, and which your buyer must pay to purchase the car. In most cases where a bank holds the vehicle title, the buyer writes one check directly to the bank for the payoff amount and another check to the seller for the remaining amount between the payoff and the sales price. In this case, the bank can usually mail the title to the buyer upon receiving the correct payoff amount. Keep a copy for your records. After both parties have filled out and signed the Bill of Sale, make sure that each person has a copy for their own records. The Bill of Sale will also make it easier when transferring the title of the vehicle. | Identify the buyer, seller, and the reason for the contract. Provide a description of the vehicle. Be sure that the information is accurate. State the date of the sale and the purchase price. Indicate the delivery method. Describe the condition of the vehicle. Explain what document the Seller will provide to the Buyer. Specify the status of the title. Sign and date the contract. Print out a Bill of Sale. Fill out the Bill of Sale. Indicate if the vehicle is a gift. Add an addendum to the Bill of Sale. Specify the status of the title in the addendum. Keep a copy for your records. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Colon-Cancer-Symptoms | How to Recognize Colon Cancer Symptoms | To recognize the symptoms of colon cancer, pay attention to blood in your stool, which may turn it red or black. Additionally, note changes in your bowel movements, including intermittent diarrhea and constipation. You should also look for pain or bloating in your abdomen or pelvis. Also, be aware of changes in your appetite, like losing interest in your favorite foods, or unexplained weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor as soon as possible, since colon cancer is curable if it's caught in the early stages. | Pay attention to blood in your stool. If you have ongoing rectal bleeding that doesn't seem to be a result of hemorrhoids or a tear, it's a good idea to go to the doctor and get checked out. Even if you only notice a small amount on your toilet paper, it's important to get your doctor's input. Blood in the stool is a common symptom of colon cancer. Blood can make your stool look either bright red or darker than normal. Bleeding from high up in your digestive tract can make your stool look black. If you are not sure whether you see blood or not, be safe and contact your doctor anyway. Blood in your stool can also cause an unpleasant odor. If you notice a drastic change in the smell of your stool, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Look for changes in your bowel movements, like diarrhea or constipation. If you are experiencing intermittent diarrhea and constipation, that's something to look into. People with colon cancer may also have long, narrow stools. Or, you might feel like you still need to go even after having a bowel movement. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms like these lasting longer than 3-4 days. Pay attention to patterns you notice with your bowel movements. If things seem to feel different or you notice anything that worries you, whether it's a change in how often you go to the bathroom or a difference in your stool consistency, make an appointment with your doctor. These symptoms do not necessarily indicate that you have colon cancer. You might notice similar symptoms with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and a host of other medical conditions. Be aware of abdominal pain and bloating. These symptoms go along with the uncomfortable changes you might experience in your bowel movements. If you have pain in your abdominal region as well as bloating that doesn't seem to have another cause, see your doctor. You might also experience pelvic pain. Again, these symptoms are shared by many other illnesses, so having them doesn't necessarily indicate you have colon cancer. Still, it's a good idea to get them checked out. Watch for changes in your weight or appetite. People with colon cancer may experience a loss of appetite, and may or may not have unexplained weight loss. If you're losing the desire to eat full meals and don't enjoy foods you used to eat, colon cancer may be the culprit. Pay attention to changes in your weight, especially if it seems to slide steadily down without effort on your part. It's normal for your weight to fluctuate a little from time to time. However, if you lose 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more over the course of 6 months or less for no obvious reason, make an appointment with your doctor. Make note of whether you are uncharacteristically fatigued. This is a common symptom of many types of cancer, colon cancer included. If you feel deeply tired and weak in conjunction with the other colon cancer symptoms, see your doctor right away. Watch for tiredness or fatigue that doesn't get better when you rest. Call your doctor if you experience any symptoms of colon cancer. If you have any possible symptoms of colon cancer, set up an appointment with your doctor right away. They can run tests to look for signs of cancer or rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Other conditions that can mimic the symptoms of colon cancer include gastro-intestinal infections, irritable bowel syndrome, and hemorrhoids. Talk to your doctor about your health history and risk factors. Telling your doctor about your risk factors can help them determine whether you might have colon cancer. Age is the leading factor when it comes to risk, as the majority of people who get colon cancer are over the age of 50. However, there are several other factors that can play a part. They include: Being African American. African Americans are at greater risk than other races for getting colon cancer. Having a personal history of colon cancer or polyps. Having an inherited syndrome that can lead to colon cancer, such as familial adenomatous polyposis and hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome). Leading a sedentary lifestyle. Getting more exercise can help reduce your risk. Eating a low-fiber, high fat diet. Changing your diet to include more fruits and vegetables and less fat and meat can help reduce your risk. Having diabetes or obesity. Smoking and drinking alcohol. Get regular screenings if your doctor recommends them. The best way to prevent colon cancer or catch it early is to undergo regular screening tests after the age of 50. These screenings can help determine whether cancerous or precancerous growths are present. The doctor will perform one or more of the following procedures to determine whether you may have colon cancer: A fecal occult blood test (FOBT), to check for hidden blood in the stools. A stool DNA test to check for genetic cancer markers in your stool. This test can detect precancerous growths in your colon, which increases your chances of preventing the cancer or catching it early. A sigmoidoscopy, in which a lighted instrument called a sigmoidoscope is used to check for polyps and growths in the rectum and lower colon. A colonoscopy, in which a colonoscope is used to examine the entire colon for cancerous or precancerous growths, which are removed and biopsied if found. A virtual colonoscopy or double contrast barium enema (DCBE), which are different types of x-rays that show polyps and growths on the colon. Discuss your treatment options if you test positive for colon cancer. Getting a cancer diagnosis is scary and upsetting. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatment options to help fight the cancer and manage your symptoms. Talk to your doctor about the possible risks and benefits of the different treatments. The right treatment(s) for you will depend on your overall health and how advanced or widespread the cancer is. For example, if you have a small, early stage colon cancer, your doctor may be able to remove it surgically during a colonoscopy. For more advanced colon cancer, you might need additional treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical removal of part of your colon. If you're struggling emotionally, your doctor can recommend therapists or support groups that specialize in helping cancer patients and their families. Don't hesitate to reach out to your loved ones for support, too. | Pay attention to blood in your stool. Look for changes in your bowel movements, like diarrhea or constipation. Be aware of abdominal pain and bloating. Watch for changes in your weight or appetite. Make note of whether you are uncharacteristically fatigued. Call your doctor if you experience any symptoms of colon cancer. Talk to your doctor about your health history and risk factors. Get regular screenings if your doctor recommends them. Discuss your treatment options if you test positive for colon cancer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Dungeons-and-Dragons-Character | How to Create a Dungeons and Dragons Character | To create a Dungeons and Dragons character, start by deciding on a gender and race for your character, like a female dwarf or a male halfling. You should also choose a class for your character, like bard, druid, or wizard. Next, come up with a name for your character, or use an online name generator to find one you like. Once you've established the basics, identify your character's main attributes and roll for their ability scores. Finally, equip your character with skills, feats, weapons, and armor. | Settle on a version of D&D. As time has passed, some rules have changed in D&D for various reasons, like balancing gameplay, adding content, and refining mechanics. This has resulted in many different versions of D&D being in circulation, with some versions considered superior to others. You and those you're playing with should all use a single version when making characters or playing a campaign. The calculations in provided in the following examples are based off Pathfinder , an extensive online available version of D&D that is compatible with D&D Version 3.5. Some versions may use different calculations. D&D 5th Edition's basic rules were released in 2014 and shortly followed by the Starter Set , an adventure module, the Player's Handbook , and more. Many online resources can be found for various versions of D&D. Find the core rulebooks of versions by doing an online keyword search for them, as in, “Pathfinder core rulebook.” Print a character sheet, if desired. A character sheet will lay out all the information you'll need to create a character in an orderly fashion. However, you could always write out your character information by hand on a blank sheet of paper, or type it up on a computer. Free character sheets can be found online. Do a keyword search for “dungeons and dragons character sheets” to find and print one of your own. Example character sheets can be found on the D&D Wizards of the Coast website. Use these for inspiration or to check your work. Digital character sheets can help you keep track of your characters on digital devices, like phones and tablets. Select a gender and race. Your character will be either male or female. Once you've determined gender, you'll need to choose a race. There are seven basic races, though some players may allow other races to be used. Each race has certain unique characteristics, abilities, strengths, and weaknesses. The seven basic races are: Dwarves. Short, stocky, stern, and strong. They have a connection to the earth and often live in mountains or underground lands. Stat modifiers: +2 Constitution, +2 Wisdom, –2 Charisma. Elves. Tall, long-lived, aloof, and connected to nature. Elves live in harmony with the natural world around them. Stat modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, –2 Constitution Gnomes. Mysterious, adventure-seeking, and strange. Gnomes are the smallest common race. Stat modifiers: +2 Constitution, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength. Half-elves. Solitary, long-lived, graceful, and hearty. Half-elves are few in number, and tend to be wanderers due to their lack of homeland. Stat modifiers: +2 to one ability score Half-orcs. Independent, strong, and distrusted. Half-orcs considered monstrosities by common folk. They are tall and powerfully built. Stat modifiers: +2 to one ability score halflings. Optimistic, cheerful, curious, and small in stature. On average, only 3 ft (.9 m) tall, they are agile but physically weak. Stat modifiers: +2 Dexterity, +2 Charisma, –2 Strength Humans. Adaptive, ambitious, and well-balanced. Humans are the dominant race, and are diverse in appearance and culture. Stat modifiers: +2 to one ability score Choose a class. A character's class is like their profession. If your character is starting from scratch at level one, you'll also be level one in your class. As your character completes adventures, they'll gain experience points (XP), which are used to raise your level and earn abilities and powers. There are 11 basic classes: Barbarian. Uncivilized and strong. Considered brutal berserkers. Bard. Charismatic and crafty. Bards use skills and spells to help and harm. Cleric. A firm believer in a deity. Clerics heal, raise the dead, and direct the wrath of god. Druid. At one with nature. Druids cast spells, interact with animals, and change shapes. Fighter. Firm and brave. Fighters are capable with weapons and comfortable in armor. Monk. Martial masters. Monks train their minds and bodies for offense and defense. Paladin. Followers of what is good and just. Paladins are devoted knights. Ranger. Masters of woodcraft and wildlife. Rangers track and hunt foes. Rogue. Stealthy assassins. Rogues are cunning thieves and able scouts. Sorcerer. Natural born spellcasters. Sorcerers command strange, ancient energies. Wizard. Lifelong magic students. Years of study allow wizards to use awesome magic power. Name your character. You might want a name that represents your class, like Jafar might for an evil wizard. In classic D&D, different races have names that reflect their culture and native language. Free name pools and generators can be found online with a search for the race, as in “gnome name generator” or “dwarf name pool.” Use name generators to get a feel for the kinds of names in your character's race and come up with your own. Cycle through many names with the generator until you find one that suits your character. Borrow names from your favorite video game, book, and comic characters. Use the name of your favorite historical figure. Identify the main attributes of your character. Every character is made up of six essential attributes. These are given scores, with high scores reflecting positive bonuses from that attribute and low scores penalties. A score of 10 in any attribute is considered to be average. The six attributes are: Strength (Str). A measure of physical power. Important for combat characters, like fighters, monks, and paladins. Strength also dictates how much weight you can carry. Dexterity (Dex). A measure of agility. This includes balance and reflexes. Important for rogues, light- to medium-armor wearing characters, and ranged attackers (like bow and sling users). Constitution (Cons). A measure of health and fortitude. Constitution increases your character's hit points, which if depleted, can result in fainting or death. Intelligence (Int). A measure of knowledge. Important for wizards and classes requiring reason or learning, like paladins. Wisdom (Wis). A measure of correct judgement. Wisdom contributes to common sense, awareness, and willpower. Important for clerics, druids, and rangers. Charisma (Cha). A measure of magnetism. High charisma improves likability, appearance, and leadership ability. Important for bards, paladins, and sorcerers. Roll for ability scores. You'll need either four six-sided dice (4d6) or an online dice roller to do this. Online dice rollers can be found with a keyword search for “dice roller.” Roll all four dice. Add the three highest dice together and record this number. Repeat this until you have six recorded numbers. Assign the six recorded numbers to the six main attributes. You can assign your recorded numbers any way you choose, but you'll likely want to assign strong scores to attributes that are valuable to your class. Remember to add your racial stat modifiers to your total attribute scores. To provide an example of a racial stat bonus: after rolling your ability scores, if you were a human, you'd get +2 points for any one attribute. Use less dice when rolling ability scores to increase the difficulty of your D&D experience. 3d6 is often called “classic,” and only using 2d6 is termed “heroic.” Use the “Point Buy” system, alternatively. The Point Buy system allows you to buy attribute points for your character as you see fit. All attributes start out at an average score of 10. Each your ability score raises, the more the next ability point costs. A low fantasy buying pool has 10 buy points, standard pool is 15, high is 20, and epic is 25. A snapshot of the ability point costs follows, with negative values counting as bonus buy points, but dropping that attribute to below average: Ability Score / Point Cost 6 - 7 / -2 8 - 9 / -1 10 - 11 / +0 12 - 13 / +1 14 - 15 / +2 16 - 17 / +3 18 - 19 / +4 And so on… Generate random ability scores online. There are ability score generators you can find and use online with a keyword search for “ability score generator.” There are also point buy calculators that can help you keep track of your point pool when buying ability points. Many online ability score calculators and generators also factor in racial bonuses your character might have. Record the modifier for each ability. The ability modifier is the bonus or penalty each ability score gives your character. For example, an ability score of 10 is average, so it has no bonuses or penalties (+0). Modifier bonuses or penalties are added or subtracted to any activity requiring one of these main attributes. Modifiers can also grant additional spells per day in an ability, if applicable. The following list provides some ability scores followed by their modifiers: Score / Modifier 6 – 7 / -2 8 – 9 / -1 10 – 11 / +0 12 – 13 / +1 14 – 15 / +2 16 – 17 / +3 Select skills for your character. Skills are important basic abilities. You'll find an extensive list of these on character sheets, including things like Acrobatics, Climb, Knowledge (history), Linguistics, Stealth, and more. Skills are earned by gaining levels by accumulating XP. With each new level, your character gets skill ranks which are invested into specific skills, like Bluff, Sleight of Hand, or Swim. Characters receive an automatic +3 bonus to class skills with at least one skill rank. These favored skills should be listed along with your character's class description. Your rank in a skill cannot be higher than your character's number of hit dice (the number of dice used to determine your hit points). List your character’s feats. Your character's feats refer to abilities that aren't linked their race, class, or skills. These include things like dodging reflex, a knack for fighting with bladed weapons, and natural skill with crafting items. Some feats have restrictions, like a minimum ability score or level. Many feats are oriented at improving class abilities or lessening class penalties. The main classes of feats are: Combat Feats. These allow your character to perform martial feats like All-consuming Swing, Ancestral Weapon Mastery, Bullseye Shot, Cleave, Dueling Mastery, and Improved Parry. Critical Feats. These feats can only be used when your character has a critical hit, which is generally indicated by a naturally rolled 20 with a 20-sided die. Item Creation Feats. These allow your character to create a certain kind of magic item, like scrolls, potions, and wands. These feats also generally require materials. Metamagic Feats. These influence either the effects of spells or the way in which they are cast. Some examples include Bouncing Spell, Concussive Spell, Lingering Spell, and Toxic Spell. Roll for your starting gold. Gold (GP), which is the currency of D&D, is usually awarded for completing quests and defeating enemies. However, each character starts with a pre-determined amount. This amount depends on your character's class. Calculate your starting GP by calculating: Barbarian, 3d6 x 10 GP Bard, 3d6 x 10 GP Cleric, 4d6 x 10 GP Druid, 2d6 x 10 GP Fighter, 5d6 x 10 GP Monk, 1d6 x 10 GP Paladin, 5d6 x 10 GP Ranger, 5d6 x 10 GP Rogue, 4d6 x 10 GP Sorcerer, 2d6 x 10 GP Wizard, 2d6 x 10 GP your character with items. Equip Use gold to buy the starting weapons, armor, items (potions, torches), and equipment (tents, rope) for your character. Lists of items, weapons, and armor can be found online. In some games, you may only have simple weapons or armor available until you find a suitable shop where you can buy better ones. Characters that are suited for the center of the action, like fighters and paladins, will likely need heavy armor, like plate mail and a shield, along with a weapon, like a broadsword or mace. Characters that are agility based, like gnomes, rogues, and rangers, are better suited to light armor, like chainmail or boiled leather, and distance or sneak attack weapons, like a bow, sling, or a Kukri knife. Frail characters, like many wizards and bards, may only be able to equip very light armor or robes. Weapons, too, are usually limited to light varieties, like rods, staves, bows, and whips. Fill in armor class and combat bonuses. Weapon and armor bonuses will be listed along with the weapon and armor information. In some cases, like with very heavy weapons/armor, there may also be penalties. A high armor class (AC) will make your character more resistant to damage. Attack bonuses help you land damaging hits. Use the following calculations to determine your AC and attack bonuses: AC = 10 + armor bonus + shield bonus + Dexterity Modifier + other modifiers (like racial or class) Melee attack bonus = base attack bonus + Strength Modifier + size modifier Ranged attack bonus = base attack bonus + Dexterity Modifier + size modifier + range penalty (if any) Size modifiers are determined according to the following scale: Colossal (-8), Gargantuan (-4), Huge (-2), Large (-1), Medium (+0), Small (+1), Tiny (+2), Diminutive (+4), Fine (+8). Small characters are generally more agile, whereas large ones are generally strong. Paint a picture of your character. Feel free to do this in a drawing or with words. Include basic physical features like age, weight, height, skin color, and more. Think of your character's personality, which will influence the decisions they make in the game. Write a backstory for your character. What was their young life like? This will give you a better sense of the character as separate from yourself, which will help with role-playing later. Goals, fears, and desires can add depth to your character. Keep these in mind as you play your character and interact with other players and non-player characters (NPCs). Determine the alignment of your character. Alignment is a measure of moral attitude. There are nine basic alignments which encompass a range of personalities, philosophies, and beliefs. Alignment consists of one order characteristic (Lawful, Neutral, Chaotic) and one moral characteristic (Good, Neutral, Evil), as in lawful-neutral, lawful-evil, neutral-good, and chaotic-good. Good characters are driven to protect innocence and life. Good sacrifices for others and cares for the dignity of sentient creatures. Evil characters undermine or harm life. Evil hurts, harms, and oppresses, usually for fun or personal gain. Morally neutral characters avoid killing, but usually lack a sense of obligation to sacrifice for or protect others. Lawful characters respect order, truth, authority, and tradition. They are often closed-minded, overly rigid, and self-righteous. Chaotic characters make decisions according to their conscience. They resent authority and love freedom, though they can be reckless and irresponsible. Order neutral characters are generally honest, but susceptible to temptation. They feel neither a need to obey orders or rebel. Play your character in a campaign. Join other players so you can play your character in a campaign decided or created by your dungeon master. Sample campaigns and resources can be found online, but so long as you have access to a core rulebook, you can create your own D&D world. For those who are brand new to D&D, dungeon masters are the coordinators of the game. They describe setting, control non-player characters, and design dungeons for characters to overcome. | Settle on a version of D&D. Print a character sheet, if desired. Select a gender and race. Choose a class. Name your character. Identify the main attributes of your character. Roll for ability scores. Assign the six recorded numbers to the six main attributes. Use the “Point Buy” system, alternatively. Generate random ability scores online. Record the modifier for each ability. Select skills for your character. List your character’s feats. Roll for your starting gold. your character with items. Fill in armor class and combat bonuses. Paint a picture of your character. Determine the alignment of your character. Play your character in a campaign. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cast-a-Fly-Fishing-Rod | How to Cast a Fly Fishing Rod | To do a basic overhead cast with a fly fishing rod, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and put your weight on the balls of your feet. Keeping your fingers relaxed, grab the grip above the reel with your thumb on top and your fingers facing down. Make sure the reel faces the ground and keep the butt of the rod lined up with your forearm. Lay out about 10 feet of line on the ground in front of you, then bring the rod up and back in one fluid motion. Just as the rod starts to pass behind you, stop it abruptly and let the line unfurl into the air behind you. Flip the rod forward to cast the line, then lower the tip of the rod until it's parallel to the ground. This will help propel the line forward in the water. | Put together the segments of the fly fishing rod. Take the rod out of its case. Start with the 2 bottom pieces of the rod, which will be the largest ones. Slide the 2 pieces together and gently twist them to line up the 2 dots on the side. Then, slide the remaining pieces into the rod and line up the 2 dots of each section. Don't force or twist the rod segments too hard or you could crack them. The segments will get thinner down the length of the rod. Slide the reel into the reel seat at the bottom of the rod. The small divot at the bottom of the rod is called the reel seat and is meant to hold the reel in place. Attach the reel to the rod by sliding the foot of the reel into the small opening at the top of the reel seat. Then twist the nut at the bottom of the reel seat to tighten it over the reel. Wiggle the reel around to make sure it's securely attached. Make a loop knot at the end of the fly line. You'll use the end of the fly line to connect the leader (the thin line that connects the thick fly line to the tippet and fly lure) and tippet (an even thinner line that is nearly invisible to the fish and holds the fly lure) so you can string your lure. Give yourself plenty of slack in the fly line and form a loop knot at the end of it so you can easily attach the leader and change it out later if you want to. Make sure the fly line is spooled tightly on the reel so it's less likely to form knots. Connect the leader to the end of the fly line with a fishing knot. The leader is a length of line that is used to transition from the thick fly line on the rod to the thin tippet that holds the lure. The leader starts thick at the end connected to the line and tapers down to a smaller line where it connects to the tippet. Tie a fishing knot to connect the leader to the fly line at the thicker end. The leader also keeps the line from slapping the water and spooking the fish. The leader should be at least 9 feet (2.7 m) long to allow for adequate separation between the heavy fly line and the fly lure. Some leaders have metal clasps that you can use to attach to the loop in the fly line. Fix a tippet to the end of the leader by tying it securely with a knot. A tippet is a very thin line that attaches to the fly at one end and the leader at another. It's supposed to be nearly invisible in the water so the fish don't see the line connected to the fly. Connect a tippet to the end of the leader so it's secure and you can add a fly to the end of the tippet. Use a nail knot to secure the connect the tippet and the leader. The tippet should be a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 m) long. Attach a fly lure to the end of the tippet with a sturdy knot. The fly has a small hook on it that will snag the fish that takes the bait. Pass the tippet through the eye opening of the hook and use a fishing knot to connect the lightweight fly to the end of the tippet. Moisten the line to make it more pliable so you can tie a tighter knot. Set the fly line about 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 m) longer than the fishing rod. The weight of the fly line is what allows you to cast, so you need to have enough of the heavier line pulled out before you try to cast. An easy way to ensure you have enough fly line is to let out enough to reach the reel at the bottom of the rod with about 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 m) of extra length. Use an overhead cast to get used to casting a fly fishing rod. The overhead cast is the standard fly fishing cast. Mastering the overhead cast requires knowing how to properly “load” the rod, which refers to finding the tension in the line and pole to cast the fly lure. Before you move on to more advanced casts, learn to use the overhead cast. The overhead cast is harder to perform when there are lots of low hanging branches because the line can get tangled easily. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. For short to medium ranged casts, adopt a parallel stance so you're stable and in a better position to “feel” the weight of the fly line on the rod. Keep your feet evenly spaced apart and your weight centered rather than on the balls of your feet or your heels. For longer casts, you may feel more comfortable standing with 1 foot forward so you can reach further behind you for a stronger cast without losing your balance. Hold the rod with your thumb on top of the grip. Don't squeeze too tightly or you won't be able to perform the quick stop at the end of the stroke. Keep a loose, comfortable grip and hold the rod in line with your intended target area. Allow the rod to rest in your fingers and only squeeze the grip when you force it to stop at the end of each stroke. Keep the butt of the fly rod in line with your forearm. Make sure the reel of the rod is pointed down toward the ground. Lay the line straight on the ground in front of you. In order to generate enough momentum in your backswing, start by stretching out about 10 feet (3.0 m) of the line from the end of the rod. Aim the line completely straight and stand square to your target. Make sure that the leader and tippet don't get tangled up. Bring the rod up and backward in 1 motion. Keep the tip of the rod low until you're ready to cast and use a smooth and fluid motion to bring the rod up and behind you. This will cause the rod to bend and load up with tension. Think about snapping a long whip. The line should move up and overhead as it travels behind you in a large arc. Stop the rod abruptly once it passes a verticle position. When you straighten the rod out above your head and it passes behind you, stop its acceleration abruptly and deliberately so the line is launched behind you. Hold the rod still as the line travels backward. Think about stopping the rod at about the 1 or 2 o'clock position behind you. Allow the line to unroll in the air behind you. With the rod still extended above and slightly behind you, wait for the line to travel behind you and rise as it unrolls. The energy from the backward motion will cause it to move until it extends completely. Make sure you pause long enough to allow the line to fully unfurl. Move the rod forward to bring the line in front of you. As soon as the line is fully extended in the air behind you, use a smooth, accelerating stroke to bring the rod forward. The line will snap forward and form a loop in the air as it travels. Keep your wrist straight and your elbow close to your body to generate a fluid movement. Lower the tip of the rod as the line unrolls in front of you. Stop the rod once it's about parallel with the ground to allow the energy in the line to propel it forward. As the line unrolls in front of you, slowly lower the tip of the rod to roll the line out all the way to the fly at the end. The line should end right where you were aiming. Don't snap the rod down sharply or the tension in the line could cause the cast to go straight down before it has reached its target. Use the roll cast when you're fishing in narrow waterways. The roll cast will cause the line to smoothly unroll over the surface of the water and is less likely to disturb fish, but it's also a little more difficult to perform. It's also important that the line is in water because the water anchors it and allows you to create a loop. A roll cast is great to use when you're fishing in narrow creeks or streams. The roll cast is also effective if you have a strong wind at your back that is interfering with your overhead cast. Draw the rod up and back to drag the end of the line across the water. Start with about 25 feet (7.6 m) of line laid out in front of you on the water and the tip of your rod pointed at the surface. Use a slow and smooth motion to bring the rod back and drag the line over the surface of the water. Stop the stroke with the rod tip high when a loop has formed behind you. As soon as your rod reaches just past a vertical position, stop and hold it in position. The line should be slack and droop behind the tip of the rod, creating a loop. The larger the loop, the more power you can generate to cast the line forward. Accelerate the rod forward quickly. Once you've formed the loop with the backward motion, quickly move the rod forward to start the forward cast. Keep your hand high and the rod pointed up. The line will start to roll over the surface of the water and move the direction of your cast. Move forward with a smooth and consistent movement rather than a short and jerky motion. End the cast by stopping abruptly to allow the line to unroll. As you move your rod forward, the loop will rise up. Stop your cast abruptly once it's nearly parallel with the water. The loop will roll out on top of the water and move to where you're aiming your cast. Allow the end of the line to land gently on the surface of the water. | Put together the segments of the fly fishing rod. Slide the reel into the reel seat at the bottom of the rod. Make a loop knot at the end of the fly line. Connect the leader to the end of the fly line with a fishing knot. Fix a tippet to the end of the leader by tying it securely with a knot. Attach a fly lure to the end of the tippet with a sturdy knot. Set the fly line about 1–2 feet (0.30–0.61 m) longer than the fishing rod. Use an overhead cast to get used to casting a fly fishing rod. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Hold the rod with your thumb on top of the grip. Lay the line straight on the ground in front of you. Bring the rod up and backward in 1 motion. Stop the rod abruptly once it passes a verticle position. Allow the line to unroll in the air behind you. Move the rod forward to bring the line in front of you. Lower the tip of the rod as the line unrolls in front of you. Use the roll cast when you're fishing in narrow waterways. Draw the rod up and back to drag the end of the line across the water. Stop the stroke with the rod tip high when a loop has formed behind you. Accelerate the rod forward quickly. End the cast by stopping abruptly to allow the line to unroll. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Revive-Dried-Out-Markers | How to Revive Dried Out Markers | To revive dried out water-based markers, soak the tips of the markers in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes and then let them dry on a towel for 24 hours. If you're trying to revive dry-erase markers, pull the tips out with pliers, turn the tips around, and then put them back in the markers. To revive permanent markers, soak the tips in rubbing alcohol for several minutes and then put the caps back on the markers. Let the markers dry for 24-48 hours with the caps on. | Pour about one cup of warm water into a bowl. If you have one or more dried-out water-based markers, try this simple trick to breathe some life back into them. Start by filling a small bowl with warm or hot water. In the next step, this water will soak into the markers' dried-out tips, which will usually allow the ink to begin flowing freely once more. Note that it's not essential to use warm or hot water — cold water will also work. However, since ink diffuses more quickly in higher-temperature water, this usually works faster. Put the marker(s) tip-down in the water. Take the caps off of your dry markers and dip them in the water so that the tips are completely submerged. Let the markers soak undisturbed for about five minutes. You may notice some ink draining out of the marker tips and into the water — this is normal. As noted above, this method is only advised for water-based markers. If you're not sure whether your markers are water-based or not, check the packaging (if it's available). As a very general rule, water-based markers are used for drawing and coloring and are marketed to children, though there are exceptions (such as high-quality markers marketed to grown-up artists). Let the markers dry on a rag. Remove your markers from the water. Dab the tips with a rag to remove excess water, then lay the markers on the rag to dry. You want the markers to dry to the point that the ink in their tips is no longer diluted with water, but not so dry that they won't write. The time this takes can vary and often takes up to 24 hours. Your best bet is to check on the markers by scribbling on a sheet of paper every few hours to test their writing ability. Note that this process will probably get a little ink onto your towel or rag. Even though this ink is water-based, it can cause stains that are difficult to remove, so you'll probably want to use an old, worn-out rag that you don't mind staining. Replace the caps when done. Once your markers are writing properly again, be sure to replace their caps. Leaving a marker's cap off is a sure-fire way to find yourself with another dried-out marker. On the other hand, capping your markers between uses helps hold the moisture in the tip, ensuring the marker writes for as long as possible. If you've lost your marker's cap, don't worry — you can use a small square of plastic wrap and a rubber band as a temporary solution. It's also possible to make a more durable slip-on cap by wrapping a piece of tape around the marker tip (sticky side out), then wrapping another piece of tape on top of the first (sticky side in). Alternatively, use a few drops of vinegar. Another home remedy for dried out water-based markers involves using vinegar. With this method, you'll want to put your markers tip-down in a dry bowl and dampen each marker's tip with one or two drops of clear white vinegar. Allow the markers to soak for several minutes before drying as above. Don't submerge the marker tips as you would when using water — you just want a few drops for each. To transfer just a drop or two to each marker tip, try filling the vinegar bottle's cap, then using a small stick (like a barbecue skewer) or an eye dropper to add vinegar to each marker drop-by-drop. Consider injecting water into the marker. One final way to get your markers back in shape requires a long, sharp, skinny needle (like a hypodermic syringe). For this method, fill your syringe with water, then insert the needle directly through the tip into the body of the marker. Push a small amount of water into the marker very slowly, allowing air to drain out through the tip as you add water. Once you've added no more than a milliliter (mL/cc) or so, let the marker rest on an old rag briefly to dry before using (as directed above). Secure the marker to the end of a long string. Dry erase markers don't use the same type of water-based ink as ordinary "coloring" markers, so reviving them by moistening their tips usually won't work. Instead, try making the most of the ink that's trapped inside the marker itself. To start, tie a long string around the body of the dried-out marker. Secure it to the string with sturdy tape. In the next step, you'll use the power of centrifugal force to force ink into the dried-out tip of the marker. Centrifugal force is basically the idea that objects being swung in a circle experience a force that pushes them "outward" — that is, away from the center of the circle. In this case, the outward-pushing force will move any remaining ink from the body of the marker into the tip. Swing the marker around your head like a lasso. First, check to make sure the cap is on securely and completely encompasses the tip. WARNING: check carefully to see if the cap has openings, if it does, ink may fly out and splatter the room. Carefully take the length of string in your hand and swing the marker in a circular arc over your head (like a lasso). The tip of the marker should be facing out , not in. Centrifugal force will begin to push the ink in the marker toward the tip. Do this for about 30 seconds before testing your marker. Some ink may spill out when you open the cap. Be sure to open the marker away from carpet or other fabric. Make sure you have plenty of room around you free from obstructions before you start swinging the marker. Though you're very unlikely to cause serious injury by swinging a marker around, you can still break your marker or hurt someone if you accidentally swing the marker into his or her eye, so err on the side of safety. Alternatively, turn the tip around with pliers. If you can't get your marker to write after using the lasso method above, grab a pair of pliers and try this method. Grip the soft fabric tip of the dry-erase marker with your pliers and pull directly outward. For many markers, the tip should come out without too much effort. Once it's out, if there's a similar soft fabric end on the other side of the tip, try flipping the tip around and replacing it. The marker should be able to write immediately. As ink soaks through the previously dry end of the tip, you can remove the tip again and flip it back around if you wish. You may want to wear gloves and protect your work area with an old rag while attempting this method. Though unlikely, it's possible to spill ink out of the marker once you remove the tip, so having some protection against difficult-to-remove stains is a wise idea. As a last resort, try buying refill ink. While effective, the methods above will only work if ink remains inside the marker. For dry-erase markers that are completely dry — that is, both the tip and the inside of the marker are dried out — you may need to buy replacement ink. Refill dry-erase ink can usually be purchased from office supply stores or specialty online retailers. Usually, dry-erase is quite cheap —sometimes as low for $1.00 for a small canister of ink. Soak the dry marker tips in rubbing alcohol. For most permanent markers (like Sharpies, etc.) with dried out tips, you can get the marker writing again with a trick that's similar to the water-soaking method for water-based markers above. For this method, start by filling a small container with rubbing alcohol — for instance, you may want to use the cap of the bottle of rubbing alcohol. You don't need very much rubbing alcohol — just enough to submerge the tip of your marker (or marker s ). Filling an entire bowl with rubbing alcohol (as you'd do with water for water-based markers) may be wasteful. Let the markers dry with their caps on. After soaking your markers for a few minutes in rubbing alcohol, you should notice a small amount of ink swirling around in the liquid. Remove the markers from the alcohol and replace their caps. Place them tip-side up in a glass or mug and let them rest for about 24-48 hours. After this resting period, if ink remains in the markers, they should write well once again. Rubbing alcohol evaporates very quickly compared to water, so you won't want to let the markers rest with their caps off as you would after soaking water-based markers. If you do, they'll quickly dry out again. Consider using the leftover alcohol as ink. If the alcohol you soaked your marker tips in absorbed some of the ink from your permanent markers, you may want to try using it as a form of ink or dye in you own art projects. Alcohol-based inks are quite effective at dying materials like metal that other inks can be ineffective on. For instance, to make custom-colored staples, simply soak the staples in leftover alcohol that you used to moisten colored permanent markers' tips. Alternatively, inject alcohol or acetone into the marker. Like with water-based markers, you can sometimes get new life out of a dried-out permanent marker by injecting moisture directly into it. However, in this case, you won't want to use water, but instead your marker's ink solvent. Usually, this is isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or acetone (the active ingredient in nail polish remover), so simply inject a milliliter or so of one of these chemicals into the body of the marker as you would with water above. Try checking your markers' packaging for a list of ingredients if you're not sure what sort of liquid solvent your ink uses. | Pour about one cup of warm water into a bowl. Put the marker(s) tip-down in the water. Let the markers dry on a rag. Replace the caps when done. Alternatively, use a few drops of vinegar. Consider injecting water into the marker. Secure the marker to the end of a long string. Swing the marker around your head like a lasso. Alternatively, turn the tip around with pliers. As a last resort, try buying refill ink. Soak the dry marker tips in rubbing alcohol. Let the markers dry with their caps on. Consider using the leftover alcohol as ink. Alternatively, inject alcohol or acetone into the marker. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Will | How to Write a Will | To write a will, start by learning your state's requirements, like when to sign the will and how many witnesses need to sign too, to make sure you fulfill them. Once you start the writing process, identify yourself by name, social security number, and address. Next, declare that this is your last will and testament, that it nullifies any previous wills, and that you are of sound mind. Then, appoint an executor who will ensure your will is followed and will distribute the assets. | Consider the assets you can legally bequeath. If you are married, you may not be able to bequeath every asset you have. Some of those assets may be shared with your spouse, which means state laws and prior legal agreements could dictate how these assets can be bequeathed. Even if you are not married, if you have entered into previous contracts, those agreements may supersede your will. If you are married and live in a common law state, you can bequeath any property that includes your name on the deed, registration papers, or any other document proving title. If you live in a community property state, 50% of all assets you accumulate during the marriage belong to the spouse. The other 50% is yours to distribute. The nine community property states are Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. Contracts such as prenuptial agreements and trusts can also affect what you can legally distribute in your will. Be sure you examine any of these contracts to determine your obligations. Determine the division of your assets. Before you write your will you need to decide how you are going to divide your assets among beneficiaries. Name the beneficiaries and include the percentage of your estate they will receive. Make sure the total percentage equals 100. For example, if you want to give 25% of your assets to your mother, you can simply state "To my mother, Tara Smith, I bequeath 25% of my estate." If you are disposing of your assets in an awkward manner, for example giving everything to someone that is not in your family or giving everything to someone you have not known long, you should always speak to an attorney. Choose who will receive specific assets. If you want to be more particular when you distribute your assets, you can bequeath specific assets to a particular beneficiary. If you do this, the specific asset will be distributed and will not be included in the percentages of your estate (the remainder) that will be distributed among other beneficiaries. For example, you may write: “To Tara Smith, I give my house at 123 Cherry Lane, and to Bob Jones, I give 50% of the remainder.” As the example illustrates, you should be as specific as you can be when making a disposition. Be sure you include any identifying information that will help an executor or judge dispose of your property. Think about what you want to happen if a beneficiary dies before you. Make sure you consider what you want to happen to an asset that was to be distributed to a beneficiary that happens to die before you. For example, you might write: “To my mother, Tara Smith, I bequeath 5% should she survive me; otherwise the share of Tara Smith shall pass instead to Bob Jones should he survive Tara Smith and myself.” If you do not name someone else to receive the gift, it will "lapse" and be put back into the general pot. Designate a guardian to minor children. If you have any children, you should consider naming someone to be their guardian in case anything happens to you before they reach 18 years of age. Determine who will receive conditional gifts. You might consider including gifts that will only be distributed if the beneficiary meets a specific condition. Be aware that you cannot condition a gift on some illegal action taking place or on something that has been deemed against public policy. For example, you cannot condition a gift on someone getting married to a certain person. Consider any special requests. Somewhere in the will you will want to include directions about handling your death. These directions should include how you want your remains handled, where you want to be buried, and how you want the funeral to be paid for. Decide how you will write your will. Before you start, you will need to decide whether you will hire an attorney, use an online resource, or write the will yourself. An attorney can review the will you write, provide you with witnesses and ensure that you have met your state's requirements. This can be a costly option depending on your attorney's fees and how complicated your will is. Using an online resource will automatically ensure that your will is written according to your state's requirements. Online will writing services generally cost between $60 and $100, depending on how complicated your will is. When you write your own will, you will need to know your state's requirements and decide how to fulfill them. You can write your own will and be responsible for making sure it fulfills your state's requirements. Be aware that state laws can change from year to year, so the process may be more complicated than you think. Identify yourself in the will. Include identifying factors in your will to ensure that your will isn't confused with that of someone else. Identify yourself by name, Social Security number, and address. If you don't have a Social Security number, provide a different form of ID, such as a driver's license or state ID number. You may also include your date of birth to further identify yourself. Make the required declaration. The first sentence of your will should introduce the document as your last will and testament. Simply state: "I declare that this is my last will and testament." Nullify all previous wills. This type of provision will ensure that any previous wills that you may have written are no longer valid. To do this you can write: "I hereby revoke, annul and cancel all wills and codicils previously made by me, either jointly or severally.” Declare your mental wellbeing. Wills are often challenged on the ground that the testator (the person who's will it is) was not of sound mind when he or she executed it. Therefore, you should always include a statement that proves your soundness of mind. Most often it is argued that a testator had dementia or another sickness that prevented him or her from understanding the effects of the will. Include this statement: “I declare that I am of legal age to make this will, and that I am of sound mind.” You can also videotape the execution of the will to put to rest any future allegations of incapacity. Include a statement of your intent to create the will. All dispositions made in your will must be made according to your wishes. This means you cannot have anyone influence your decisions in any way. To ensure the court knows you intended all the gifts you made, you should include a statement that looks like this: "This last will expresses my wishes without undue influence or duress.” Write provisions that carry out your wishes. When you get to the body of your will, you will include all of your distributions. Write provisions that carry out your ideas you created when you prepared your will. This includes who will get certain assets, who will get certain percentages of your estate, and who will get certain conditional gifts. Appoint an executor. This person will ensure that your will is followed. The executor is known in some states as a “personal representative.” You may also want to name a secondary executor if the first is unable to perform the duties at the time of your death. In addition, you should empower your executor and authorize them to at according to the will you left. The executor distributes assets and property according to your will. Because executors are so frequently asked to handle assets in a professional manner, you should try to select an individual with a background in business or law. Include a provision that looks something like this: “I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint [executor's first and last name] as Executor. If this Executor is unable or unwilling to serve, then I appoint [backup executor's first and last name] as alternate Executor.” Sign your will in the presence of witnesses. Each state has rules about signing a will. In general, you will need to sign and date your will after it has been completed and after you have acknowledged its accuracy. In addition, you will have to sign the document in front of two witnesses who will have to sign a statement attesting to your legal capacity to enter into the agreement. Store the will safely. Your will is not filed with the courts until after your death. If the will is destroyed or cannot be found, it can't be filed. Make sure that you store the will somewhere that can be found after your death. Consider storing your will in a safe at your home or in a safety deposit box at your bank. Many people give their wills to an attorney for safekeeping. Provide a copy to your executor. If you trust your executor, you should consider giving them a copy to hold onto in addition to keeping the original somewhere safe. Do not edit your will once it has been signed. The will you sign and witnesses attest to may not be valid if you change the provisions after it has been signed. For starters, the witnesses signed and attested to the fact that you signed the original will, not the will as it is edited. Also, an edited will may create ambiguities that the court will be responsible for figuring out. If you want your wishes to be carried out effectively, you should not edit your will after it has been signed. Use a codicil for minor changes. A codicil is a document that refers to your original will and states that you are making changes to that original will. Once you create your codicil, you will keep it with your original will. Make a new will if you have substantial changes. Sometimes wills will need to be re-written. This is especially the case if a lot of time has elapsed since you created your last will. Children will grow up, your marital status might change, and the number of assets you have may grow or shrink substantially. | Consider the assets you can legally bequeath. Determine the division of your assets. Choose who will receive specific assets. Think about what you want to happen if a beneficiary dies before you. Designate a guardian to minor children. Determine who will receive conditional gifts. Consider any special requests. Decide how you will write your will. Identify yourself in the will. Make the required declaration. Nullify all previous wills. Declare your mental wellbeing. Include a statement of your intent to create the will. Write provisions that carry out your wishes. Appoint an executor. Sign your will in the presence of witnesses. Store the will safely. Provide a copy to your executor. Do not edit your will once it has been signed. Use a codicil for minor changes. Make a new will if you have substantial changes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Accredited-Investor | How to Become an Accredited Investor | To become an accredited investor, you'll need to have made more than $200,000 in each of the past 2 years, and be able to show that on your tax returns. Alternatively, you can become an accredited investor if your net worth is at least $1 million. To apply under that option, you'll have to pull together documentation of all your assets and liabilities. However you qualify, the final step to becoming an accredited investor is completing a questionnaire and submitting it with any supporting documentation to the company you want to buy stocks from. | Total your annual income for the past two years. If you have made over $200,000 in each of the past two years, you may be eligible to become an accredited investor. You also must certify that you will make at least that much in the next year. https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Accredited-Investor If you are married and you and your spouse want to invest as a couple, you must have a combined income of at least $300,000 a year. This method of becoming an accredited investor is the easiest. However, since IRS tax documents are used to verify income, this method may not be available for anyone who is not a US taxpayer. Companies issuing stock have the option of using foreign tax returns provided the country imposes penalties similar to those in the US if you report false information. Add up the value of your assets for net worth qualification. While income is the easiest way to qualify as an accredited investor, this method may not be available to you. If you don't meet the income requirements for whatever reason, you can still qualify if you have assets worth at least $1 million. The value of your primary residence does not count toward the $1 million. However, if you own vacation homes or other real property, those do count. Other assets include vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and any other investments you have. Subtract the amount of your liabilities. The total value of your assets is discounted by any debts you have. These may include student loans, car loans, and credit card bills. Mortgages on real property also are considered liabilities. If you have a mortgage on your primary residence, it generally is not included as a liability since you can't include the value of that property as an asset. However, a portion of it may be subtracted from your net worth as a liability if you owe more than the fair market value of your home, or if you've recently taken out a home equity line of credit. Arrive at your net worth. For purposes of becoming an accredited investor, your net worth is the total value of your assets minus the total amount of your liabilities. To qualify as an accredited investor, this amount must be more than $1 million. If you're close to the threshold and still want to become an accredited investor, talk to an attorney who specializes in security law to learn more about your options. Take exchange rates into account. The SEC's rules require that accredited investors meet certain threshold income or net worth requirements expressed in US dollars. If you live outside the US, you'll need to double-check your figures. Companies that verify your information have the option of using the exchange rate for the last day of the year the income is being determined, or the average rate for that year. To be on the safe side, make sure you qualify using both of those rates. Get copies of the past two years' tax returns. While there is no required process to become an accredited investor, companies must take reasonable steps to verify your investor status before you can make a stock purchase. If you plan to use the annual income test, the company will require copies of your income taxes for the past two years to verify that your income surpasses the threshold. If you are not a US taxpayer and still want to use the annual income test, you may also need to present proof that your country imposes penalties for providing false information on tax returns that are similar to those in the US. Request a copy of your credit report. The company issuing the stock you want to buy will likely run a credit check on you to verify your liabilities if you're trying to qualify as an accredited investor under the net worth test. While the company typically will make their own request rather than simply taking a copy you provide, it's in your best interests to go ahead and pull a copy of your own report so you can see what's on it and correct any errors you might find. Pull together banking and brokerage statements. If you're using the net worth test, you'll need proof of all the assets you've listed. The statements must be recent and should identify you as the owner of the asset and clearly state the value of the asset. You may want to get these documents signed or certified. Talk to your bank or investment advisor to find out the process for doing this. You also may want to get copies of any ownership documents, such as deeds or titles. If you own real property that hasn't been appraised in the last year or so, go ahead and get an appraisal on the property so you will have the most recent fair market value of the property. Talk to an attorney, accountant, or investment advisor. Some companies will accept a letter from an independent third party as proof of the value of your assets. If you decide to go this route, choose someone who is a certified financial professional. A letter from an attorney or investment advisor can be especially helpful if you have assets that are particularly difficult to value, or if you have assets in the US and in foreign countries. A financial professional also can help you understand what information and documents you'll likely need to verify your status. Obtain an investor questionnaire. Under the SEC rules, companies that issue unregistered stock are required to verify that anyone purchasing that stock is an accredited investor. Each company typically has a form you must fill out listing your income, assets, and liabilities. You will have to provide documentation to back up any of the information you include on the questionnaire. While each questionnaire may have some differences, most of them ask the same basic questions. The questionnaires are designed to track the SEC rules so that the company can determine with a glance whether you qualify as an accredited investor. Provide your personal information. Investor questionnaires ask for basic personal information, including your name, the address of your primary residence, and whether you are married. You also may be asked your job title and educational background. If you have an attorney or investment advisor who assists you with any of the assets listed on the form, there will be space for you to provide their name and contact information. Describe your income and assets. The questionnaire will include spaces for you to list your total income and assets. You typically won't have to itemize anything on the questionnaire, just give a total amount. The purpose is to determine whether you qualify as an accredited investor. If you don't qualify based on your answers, the company typically won't ask you for any supporting documentation. On the other hand, if you claim you have assets totaling $1 million or more, or income of $200,000 to $300,000, the company will need documentation to back up those claims. Sign the document certifying the information. You typically must initial in several places certifying that you believe you qualify as an accredited investor. You also must certify that you have knowledge and experience with finances and investment, and are capable of making sound investment decisions. It's okay if you have limited investment experience on your own, as long as you have a securities attorney or an investment advisor working with you. When you sign the questionnaire you are certifying that all the information you have provided on the form is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Your signature typically doesn't have to be notarized, and it isn't a legal document in the sense that you face perjury penalties. However, you won't be able to purchase stock in the company if you can't provide documentation to back up the information you provided on the questionnaire. Submit all requested documentation. The company typically will be in touch with you to request specific documents that will back up the claims you made on the questionnaire. In some cases you'll be provided a list of documents to submit along with the questionnaire. Pay attention to the requirements. Some documents may need to be certified. If you are a foreign investor, some documents may need to be translated into English. These translations may need to be certified. Contact the company issuing the stock to find out for sure. | Total your annual income for the past two years. Add up the value of your assets for net worth qualification. Subtract the amount of your liabilities. Arrive at your net worth. Take exchange rates into account. Get copies of the past two years' tax returns. Request a copy of your credit report. Pull together banking and brokerage statements. Talk to an attorney, accountant, or investment advisor. Obtain an investor questionnaire. Provide your personal information. Describe your income and assets. Sign the document certifying the information. Submit all requested documentation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Yoga-Meditation | How to Do Yoga Meditation | To do yoga meditation, start by finding a quiet place where you won't be disturbed. Then, sit on the floor with your legs crossed and your back straight, and start deepening your breath. Once you're relaxed, start working your way through different yoga poses, like cow pose and thunderbolt pose. As you move between poses, focus your attention on your breath and body, and try to let go of any distractions. If it helps, keep your focus on a single object in the room, like a mark on the floor. The goal is to be completely present and aware of how you're feeling, but don't worry if you find yourself getting distracted at first. With practice, yoga meditation will get easier! | Select a quiet environment. The location you select should not be cluttered or loud. You should feel at ease before starting yoga meditation. If the location is noisy, an advanced yoga practitioner may be able to deal with external influences, but beginners will find it distracting. Ideal locations are either free from technology and machinery, or otherwise block the sounds our mind must make effort to filter out. Somewhere with a lot of natural light through windows is preferred over flickering electrical lighting. Choose a spot with natural heat, cooling, and fresh air. Aside from the sounds they produce being a distraction, the machines that produce our heating and cooling are not as naturally pleasing to the body as a cool breeze or the warm sun. If yoga meditation in the outdoors is not a viable option, choose somewhere with radiant heat like a wood fire or hydronic heat. Create a cross-flow by opening a door or a window, so fresh oxygen is pumped into the location. Accentuate the location by selecting a location with minimal synthetic material. Wood floors with natural oils and waxes have less static electricity, and are conducive to yoga meditation. If you live in a high pollution area, performing yoga meditation inside may actually be preferable. Studios where large classes practice yoga can become stuffy, building up carbon dioxide and lessening the available oxygen. A yoga mat can be used for added comfort. Time your meditation sessions around meals. If you have a full stomach, you could relax so much you'll feel drowsy. And if you time it too close to meal time, the hunger pains could be too distracting. Attempt to schedule your meditation when you are comfortable, perhaps a few hours after a meal. An alternative would be to eat a light snack before mealtime and then meditate. Do some light stretching or exercising. With a brief warm-up, your body will be more limber, relaxed, and able to better focus on meditation. You'll also likely be able to sit for longer periods of time if you're more limber. Focus on your core and back for just a few minutes, with various, light twists and bends. A few of the following Sukshma Yoga exercises can also be very beneficial: Use two fingers to lightly squeeze the eyebrow several times. Roll your eyes in circles several times. Rub your temples and jawline. Grab your ears and pull downward softly. Sit upright. You can sit anywhere that allows good posture, like the floor or a chair. Try not to be too rigid. Crossing legs like you see in many pictures about yoga meditation is not necessary, but if you sit that way, alternate which leg is on top each time you meditate. Being comfortable is critical when trying to focus on meditation. Pull your chin slightly back to aid in the spine alignment. Practice deep breathing techniques. Breathing deeply is a great way to prepare for a meditation session. Focusing on breathing helps ease the body and mind, as well as improve focus. One particular breathing method called the Nadi Shodhan Pranayama – a subtle breathing technique – involves alternating nostrils in the manner below: Place the index and middle finger of your right hand between your eyes, and the remaining fingers around your nose. The thumb will be on your right nostril. Breathe deeply into the left nostril while closing the right nostril. Alternate pressure, and exhale out of the right nostril. Practice the Samasthiti. The Samasthiti is a pose that is similar to the traditionally military standing at attention. It's about being attentive to your own balance and our own steadiness. From there, place your palms together - also called Anjali Mudra - in what many recognize as praying. Breathe in while raising your hands over your head, and exhale as you return them back to your chest. Perform this step for a minute or two in order to really settle yourself. Try the cow pose. Get on your hands and knees, with your palms under your shoulders for weight support. Inhale deeply as you raise your head and upper body. Simultaneously lower your spine towards the floor. It should feel like your spine is getting closer to your stomach as this pose is being done. Complete the pose by returning back to an aligned back while exhaling. Perform the vajrasana. In a sitting position, place your hands on your sides and bring your left foot up to contact your left buttock. Repeat the process with your right foot. At this point you'll be in a squatting position, and you'll be easily able to lean forward and shift your weight to your knees. Sit back on the space between your heels. Breathe normally for a few minutes in this position. At the end of this position, your toes should be touching. Be sure to keep your core tightened to promote good posture. An upright posture is easier with the vajrasana because the pose promotes straightness with minimal effort. Try Ujjayi breathing. The Ujjayi breath is long and smooth. It is good for both giving you energy and making you feel calm. Sit cross-legged on the floor. Try to relax. Imagine that you are taking long, slow breaths inward through a straw. Exhale slowly, as though through the same straw. Make the breath as long and as smooth as possible. Dissolve away distractions. Your everyday life has several distractions and worries. For the first part of your yoga meditation, allow yourself to embrace the various things going on in your life. Acknowledge your own personal chaos. By recognizing the many distractions in your life, it allows you to more easily remove yourself of exterior distractions when you begin to focus. Let yourself feel and hear distractions, and don't judge them as good or bad. Try to just let them be. Reflect on your body. Direct your attention inside, to the base of your spine. Slowly, pull your attention up through the center of your body along the spinal column, and move through each part of your body. Take inventory of each body part as you move along. Be aware of your various senses (i.e. taste, smell, sight). Acknowledge thoughts, emotions, and your progression towards acceptance. Think about how your various body parts are functioning with one another. Notice if you have any tension or pain. Discipline your mind to focus. In order to attain a higher level of concentration while meditating, the mind must gradually become silenced during reflection. The ability to set your mind at ease is not possible if your body and breath are not focused. To help become aware of your mind, follow what is called the “Four Functions of Mind”: Observe your mind and its impressions, ego, judgments, and discriminations. Accept the various observations for what they are, whether positive or negative. Understand how your train of thought flows from one thing to the next. Train your mind to choose the object of focus, rather than allowing consciousness to flow between items. Concentrate on a singular object. The point is to embrace the current moment. If you're just beginning yoga meditation, your attention may falter. Redirect your attention as best you can back to the object, and you'll be able to ignore more distractions as you get better at meditating. Try focusing on something like one of the following items: A dot on a sheet of paper. The center point of tile. The design in a floorboard. Open your eyes slowly. At the end of your meditation, bring your attention back to your body by making a small movement while opening your eyes. Become aware of any change you may feel inside your body, or any shift in your attention. Try one of the following techniques to help end the yoga meditation sessions: Lightly ball your fists a few times. Flex your calf muscles. Smiling is a good way to focus muscles, and it has the added benefit of enhancing meditation. | Select a quiet environment. Choose a spot with natural heat, cooling, and fresh air. Time your meditation sessions around meals. Do some light stretching or exercising. Sit upright. Practice deep breathing techniques. Practice the Samasthiti. Try the cow pose. Perform the vajrasana. Try Ujjayi breathing. Dissolve away distractions. Reflect on your body. Discipline your mind to focus. Concentrate on a singular object. Open your eyes slowly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Contestant-on-Wheel-of-Fortune | How to Be a Contestant on Wheel of Fortune | To be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune, visit the official Wheel of Fortune website and click on "Be a Contestant" to apply. In addition to filling out a form, you can also film a short, 60-second video and submit it with your audition to improve your chances of being chosen. Also, sign up to be notified when the Wheelmobile, Wheel of Fortune's official bus that travels the country and recruits contestants, will be in your area. In the meantime, watch the show as much as possible so you're familiar with the format and rules. | Read the eligibility rules. If you are unsure if you're eligible, go ahead and apply anyway -- you can ask specific questions later if the show contacts you about being a contestant. If you have appeared on any version of Wheel of Fortune in the past, you are not eligible to reappear. Also, if you have appeared on a game/dating/relationship or reality show in the last year or three of these shows in the last decade, you also are ineligible. In addition, you will be turned down if you work for or are related to anyone who works for Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., the game show prize suppliers, or any TV station that broadcasts the show. Apply online. Visit the Wheel of Fortune site. In the blue navigation bar located under the header photo, hover over "CONTESTANTS." A pink drop-down menu will appear with several options. Click on "Be A Contestant." The first question will appear, asking you about your age group. Click on either "Adult," "College Student," or "Teen." Fill out the registration form completely and accurately. Submit a video. As an alternative to the form, Wheel of Fortune has started a "Face of the Fan" contest where prospective applicants send in a 60-second video to score an audition. This way, any person in any city can have a chance. Visit their website for more information. Because a million people audition each year and only 600 or so are chosen, it is strongly encouraged that if you don't have video equipment to stick to sending in the application form. Find the Wheelmobile. It's 39 feet (11.9 m) long, 13 feet (4.0 m) high and bright yellow. It rolls through cities, down highways and into America's heartland. Thousands of fans fill out applications and gather in front of the stage with a traveling version of the famous Wheel and Puzzle board. Applications are drawn at random throughout the event, calling individuals on stage in groups of five to participate in a brief interview, play a version of the Wheel of Fortune speed-up round and win special show-themed prizes. The most promising candidates are invited back to participate in final auditions for the show, usually held at a later date in the Wheelmobile host city. If you want to be notified when the Wheelmobile comes to your area, you can fill out a form online to be notified. However, they do say that they may not be able to contact everyone. Have the persona. They're looking for players who clearly can have fun, are calm in front of the camera, and are good winners and losers. They want you to be decisive and logical in calling out letters and in strategy. Energetic contestants with a sense of humor generally do the best. Of course, keeping a positive attitude is helpful, too. It's about having a good time, whether you win or lose. Rock the audition. The auditions are often held in hotel ballrooms. The contestant coordinators bring about 70 wannabe contestants together and create a sort of mini version of "Wheel of Fortune," complete with puzzles and a miniature wheel. All the participants take turns standing, calling out letters, and solving puzzles. Then they take a 5 minute written test, consisting of 16 puzzles (where you have to fill in the missing letters). Afterward, they grade the tests and hand outdoor prizes. Then the coordinators tell some of the people to go home, while other people are allowed to stay and play more mock "Wheel" games (as the coordinators size them up). It all takes about two hours. Unfortunately, even if you do make it past the first round, you still won't know the verdict when you finally do head home. You'll have to wait indefinitely to be contacted -- if you've been selected, that is. Whether you're chosen or not depends both on your test scores and on their impression of what kind of contestant you'd make. Watch Wheel of Fortune. The best way to prepare to compete on the show is to be familiar with the show itself. If you are selected to be on the show, you'll want to be 100% familiar with the structure of the game, the rules, etc. Practice for your own turn by guessing along with the contestants and seeing if you can win. In addition to watching the show, do puzzles like you were asked to do at the audition. Keep your brain fresh to stay mentally prepared. Play the games on the website. The Wheel of Fortune website offers several online games you can play to practice and hone your skills. You want to be ready if you get picked to be on the show, so try to practice a little every day. There are also a number of Wheel of Fortune games available for virtually any console. You can literally have Wheel of Fortune going 24/7. Be patient. Contestants have 18 months to make an appearance on the show. Sometimes you'll be on in a few weeks or months, sometimes it will take over a year. They try to get a good geographic cross-section of contestants represented each week. If you don't hear back, ask for tickets to watch the show. They're free! If you're in the LA area, spruce up your vacation with a trip to see Pat and Vanna. It's inside Sony Entertainment studios, formerly home to the historic MGM studios. You can write in, go online, or call. And remember: never pay for tickets. Some people try to sell them, but it's a scam. Real Wheel of Fortune tickets are always free. | Read the eligibility rules. Apply online. Submit a video. Find the Wheelmobile. Have the persona. Rock the audition. Watch Wheel of Fortune. Play the games on the website. Be patient. If you don't hear back, ask for tickets to watch the show. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Insoles | How to Clean Insoles | If the insoles of your shoes are dirty, have a bad smell, or are stained, you can clean them with water and soap. First, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of soap or liquid detergent. Put your insoles into the solution and use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub them. Once you've cleaned the insoles, use a wet sponge or a new cloth to remove any excess soap. Let the insoles dry overnight before putting them back in your shoes. You can also clean your insoles using vinegar and water. First, mix equal parts vinegar and water and soak your insoles in the solution for 3 hours. When they're done, rinse them off under running water and let them dry overnight. | Fill a basin with warm water. You can also fill the sink with water. Use a few cups of water or just enough water to scrub and clean the insoles. Add soap or liquid detergent. Put a few drops of liquid detergent in the water. You can also use liquid hand soap if you do not have detergent. Use a soft brush to scrub the insoles. You can also use a clean cloth to scrub the insoles. Gently scrub the insoles to remove dirt and stains. If the insoles are made of leather, use a cloth dipped in the water and soap to dab the insoles clean. Do not get the insoles too wet, as this could warp the leather. Rinse the insoles. Once you have cleaned the insoles well, use a wet sponge or another clean cloth to remove any excess soap on the insoles. Let the insoles dry overnight. Put the insoles on a towel to dry overnight. You can also stack the insoles in a dish rack or clip them to a clothesline to dry them. Make sure the insoles are completely dry before you put them back in your shoes. Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Vinegar is a good deodorizer for insoles, especially if they have a strong smell. It also kills bacteria and germs. Mix one part white distilled vinegar and one part warm water together in a large bowl or in the sink. Soak the insoles in the mixture. Place the insoles in the vinegar and water mixture. Let the insoles soak in the mixture for at least three hours. You can add essential oils like tea tree or pine oil to the mixture if the insoles really smell. Add a few drops of the essential oils to the mixture and let the insoles soak in the mixture. Rinse off the insoles. Once the insoles have soaked in the mixture, remove them and rinse them out under running water. Make sure you remove all of the vinegar-water mixture on the insoles. Let the insoles dry overnight. Place the insoles on a towel to dry overnight. You can also dry them by stacking them in a dish rack or by hanging them from a clothesline. Use baking soda to neutralize odors and kill bacteria. Put one to two teaspoons of baking soda in a large plastic bag. Then, place the insoles in the bag and shake the bag. Make sure you get the baking soda all over the insoles. Let the insoles sit in the bag overnight. Then, take them out of the bag and use a clean cloth to wipe off any remaining baking soda on the insoles. Reduce odor with dryer sheets. Leave the insoles in the shoes. Then, cut a dryer sheet in two and place each piece in each shoe. Let the dryer sheet sit in the shoes overnight to remove odor in the shoe and the insole. This is a good option if you are in a hurry to remove odor from the insoles and want a quick solution. Clean the insoles with shoe cleaning spray. You can take the insoles out of your shoes to do this or spray them while they are still in your shoes. You can find shoe cleaning spray online or at your local shoe store. Many shoe cleaning sprays have antibacterial properties. They will usually be quick drying and non-staining. Clean the insoles regularly. Get in the habit of cleaning the insoles of your shoes once a week or twice a month. Clean the insoles of shoes you wear a lot so dirt and odor does not build up. You may have a day once a month where you do a big clean of all of the insoles in your shoes. Wear socks with your shoes. To reduce odor and dirt on your insoles, wear socks whenever you are wearing shoes with insoles. Socks will help to absorb sweat and dirt so they do not end up on your insoles. You should also try to rotate your shoes so you do not wear the same pair all the time. This way, the insoles of one pair of shoes do not become too worn or start to smell. Replace old insoles. If you start to notice your insoles are getting worn out, replace them with new ones. Many shoes can fit new insoles that you buy online or at your local shoe store. Do this for shoes you wear often so the insoles are always good quality and clean. | Fill a basin with warm water. Add soap or liquid detergent. Use a soft brush to scrub the insoles. Rinse the insoles. Let the insoles dry overnight. Mix equal parts vinegar and water. Soak the insoles in the mixture. Rinse off the insoles. Let the insoles dry overnight. Use baking soda to neutralize odors and kill bacteria. Reduce odor with dryer sheets. Clean the insoles with shoe cleaning spray. Clean the insoles regularly. Wear socks with your shoes. Replace old insoles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cappuccino | How to Make a Cappuccino | The best way to make a cappuccino is using espresso and steamed milk. Make a shot or two of espresso with an espresso machine. Steam milk using a steam wand until it's between 150 and 160 °F. Pour the espresso into a coffee cup. Top the espresso with the steamed milk and enjoy! | Make your espresso in a moka pot. Fill the lower chamber of your moka pot with water and set the strainer on top. Fill the strainer with your espresso-ground coffee and wipe away any grounds on the edge. Screw on the top of the pot and set it on your stove over low heat. Heat the espresso until you hear gurgling and the water boils. Turn off the heat once the moka pot is full of espresso. Stir the pot and use the espresso right away. Avoid packing down the espresso in the strainer. This can clog your moka pot. You should heat the moka pot for 5 to 7 minutes. Use an aeropress to make espresso. Put the filter into the filter cap and twist it onto the chamber. Set the the chamber on top of the glass you want to serve the cappuccino in and measure 1 mounded scoop coffee into the chamber. Carefully pour boiling hot water up to the one mark. Stir the espresso for 10 seconds and then insert the aeropress plunger into the chamber. Slowly press down until you hit the grounds. This will extract the espresso. Use fine-ground coffee in the aeropress and shake it once it's in the chamber. This will ensure that the espresso is extracted evenly. Pull a shot of espresso from an espresso machine. An espresso machine is one of the best ways to get espresso with rich crema on top. Follow your machine's instructions to fill the portafilter with espresso grounds and insert it in the brew head. Start the machine to get a single or double shot of espresso. You can make cappuccino with as much espresso as you like. Consider using a single shot in a small cappuccino or use a double shot for a larger cappuccino. Select your milk. You can use any type of milk you prefer, but keep in mind that whole milk will steam the easiest and create the best foam. If you use skim milk, it may separate more. Or you can use soy, nut, or rice milks. These may steam a little differently, so pay attention to how you heat them. To make a simple mocha cappuccino, you could use chocolate milk. Pour the milk into a chilled pitcher. Pour cold milk into a clean, chilled pitcher. You should pour in more milk than you actually plan to drink. For example, if you want to make an 8-ounce (236 ml) cappuccino, you'll need to pour in 10 to 12 ounces (295 to 355 ml) of milk. This will allow the milk to expand and make it easier to pour. Using a chilled pitcher will make the milk steam longer which will create a smoother texture. Purge and start the steam wand. Before you insert the steam wand into the pitcher of milk, turn it on briefly to purge (clean) out any water that's resting in the wand. Once it steams a little, turn it off and then insert it into the pitcher of milk. Immediately turn the wand back on and tilt the pitcher at a slight angle, so the milk heats and swirls. If you're new to steaming milk, you may want to clip a thermometer to the inside of the pitcher, so you can track how quickly the milk heats up. Keep in mind that the milk will continue to heat up after you've stopped steaming the milk. Finish steaming the milk. Occasionally tilt the steam wand close to the surface of the milk. This will introduce air into the milk which creates the foam. You'll only need to do this for a few seconds or you'll risk making a lot of really dry foam. When you notice the milk getting around 150 to 160 degrees F (65 to 70 C), turn off the steam wand and remove the milk pitcher. Remember to purge the steam wand and wipe it clean with a wet cloth once you've finished steaming the milk. The steamed milk should be glossy and smooth, not dry or lumpy. Keep one of your hands on the side of the pitcher, so you can feel how hot it's getting. Remove your hand when it gets around 150 to 160 degrees F (65 to 70 C). Consider heating the milk in the microwave. If you don't have a steam wand attached to your espresso machine, you can warm the milk in the microwave and shake it to create some foam. Place nonfat or low-fat milk into a small mason jar, so that it's at least half full. Put the lid on the jar and shake it for 30 seconds to 1 minute, so the milk foams up a lot. Remove the lid and microwave the jar for 30 seconds. The foam will only last for a few minutes with this method. Try using a frother or whisk if you don't have a steam wand. If you don't have a steam wand, you could just heat the milk on the stove or in a microwave. Use a small, handheld milk frother or whisk to create the foam. Just continue to whisk or froth the milk until you have as much foam as you'd like. This method will make lots of foam, but it may have more bubbles in it than if you steam the milk. Tap the steamed milk. Gently tap the pitcher of steamed milk onto the counter, so any large bubbles pop. This should leave only microfoam which smooth and glossy. Swirl the pitcher a little to keep the milk and foam from separating before you pour it. Pour the espresso into your cup. If you didn't pull the espresso directly into your cup, pour the espresso you made (in the moka pot or aeropress) into your serving cup. For a small cappuccino, use 1 shot (30 ml) of espresso. For a larger cappuccino, use 2 shots (60 to 80 ml). Try to warm your cup before you add the espresso and milk. This will keep your drink warmer for longer. Pour the milk into the espresso. Hold the cup with the espresso in it with one hand. Tilt it to the side and use your other hand to slowly pour the steamed milk into the center of the espresso. As the cup fills up, gradually move the cup, so it's level and pour a little faster to get the foam onto the top of the drink. Serve the cappuccino immediately. If you don't feel comfortable pouring the milk and foam in, you can use a long stirring spoon to hold the foam back. Then spoon the foam onto the top of the cappuccino. | Make your espresso in a moka pot. Use an aeropress to make espresso. Pull a shot of espresso from an espresso machine. Select your milk. Pour the milk into a chilled pitcher. Purge and start the steam wand. Finish steaming the milk. Consider heating the milk in the microwave. Try using a frother or whisk if you don't have a steam wand. Tap the steamed milk. Pour the espresso into your cup. Pour the milk into the espresso. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Gain-the-Trust-of-a-Recently-Abused-Horse | How to Gain the Trust of a Recently Abused Horse | To gain the trust of a recently abused horse, approach it from its side rather than head on, which will be less threatening to the horse. If you see signs of stress, like trembling or tense muscles, back away or stand still until the horse calms down. Once you're right next to the horse, try talking to it in a soothing voice to reduce its anxiety levels. Additionally, spend time with it every day so it can get used to being around you, which will make it feel safe. | Learn about passive and active abuse. Before working to gain your abused horse's trust, it will be important for you to understand what type(s) of abuse he suffered in the past. There are two types of abuse: passive and active. Passive abuse does not involve physical harm. Rather, it is characterized by neglect—lack of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care. Active abuse involves physical harm, such as excessive use of a whip, unreasonably heavy loads, and beatings. The type of abuse may play a role in how long it will take for your horse to trust you. Passive abuse may be easier for your horse to overcome than physical abuse. Ask questions about your horse’s past. Learning what type of abuse your horse endured will help you understand what kind of uphill battle you will face to gain his trust. Obtaining more information about his life as a whole will give you an even better idea of how to work with him. For example, you can ask more probing questions about his abuse: When did the abuse start? How long did it last? How severe was it? Consider asking what your horse is afraid of. Ask about his prior veterinary care (e.g., deworming, vaccinations, dental exams). Try to learn more about his temperament: Is he aggressive? Does he startle easily? Finding out whether your horse has worked with an equine behaviorist would be helpful information. There are many questions you could ask the previous owner or rescue group to learn more about your horse. Ask as many questions as you can think of. Identify what special needs your abused horse will need. Depending on the nature or severity of your horse's recent abuse, he may have many special needs. For example, if he suffered from a lack of food and water, he will probably have specific dietary needs to help him put weight back on and correct nutritional deficiencies. If he did not receive consistent veterinary care, he will probably need a number of veterinary services—deworming, vaccinations, dental exam, shoe trimming, etc. Active abuse may have left him with physical injuries requiring veterinary care. Keep in mind that the effects of abuse may not be visible. He may have developed serious behavioral issues, which could necessitate the expertise of an equine behaviorist. Consult with your veterinarian to determine what special needs will need to be addressed to get your horse back into good shape. Become familiar with your abused horse’s other needs. Your recently abused horse will likely be emotionally fragile. Before he can even begin to trust you, he will need to feel emotionally safe and comfortable with you. In addition to this emotional comfort, he will need to regain a sense of companionship and routine. These needs are just as important as his more basic needs (e.g., food, water, shelter). Training exercises and quality time with your horse will help you address these needs. Learn your horse’s body language. Being able to read your horse's body language will allow to you communicate with him more effectively, which will in turn help you gain his trust. Your abused horse may demonstrate certain body language as a result of the abuse (e.g., trembling, tense muscles). The more you understand how he is feeling at any given moment, the better you will be able to address his abuse. Trembling is very common in abused horses. Your horse may begin to tremble and shake as you approach him, out of fear that you will hurt him. A trembling horse may be signaling that he is ready to bolt. Be prepared to quickly move to safety if your horse begins to tremble. An abused horse may also tense his muscles in response to being touched or approached. Physical abuse may have caused your horse to exhibit aggressive body language, such as striking with a front leg, swinging his hindquarters, and pinning back his ears. For your own safety, do not attempt to approach or work with your horse if he is being aggressive. Talk with your veterinarian or equine behaviorist if you are unsure how to read your horse's body language. Learn the proper way to approach your horse. How you approach your abused horse is an important factor in whether you will gain his trust. Slow and easy movements are a must. In addition, you should approach him from his side, not directly in front of him. Approaching him from his front may look threatening to him, which may make him wary or afraid of you. Your body language (relaxed breathing, slow walk) should communicate that you are calm, confident and aware of your surroundings. Do not make direct eye contact with your horse as you approach him. Wait a short distance away from your horse before approaching him. This will allow you to observe his body language and determine if he is ready for you to be in his personal space. If he looks relatively calm (e.g., ears turned to the side, lowered head, cocked hind leg), proceed with walking towards his side. Body language that signals fear or anxiety (e.g., ears cocked back, pawing at the ground, tightened facial muscles), indicates that your horse may not want to be approached. Consider the 'advance and retreat' method. Approach his side for a few seconds, then back away. Approach again, scratch his shoulder or withers, then back away again. Your horse will not only feel safe around you when you do this (predators don't advance and retreat), but he will also be curious about you. Touch your horse. Your abused horse may be averse to being touched—he may equate this to physical pain and punishment. For this reason, you should be extremely careful with how and where you touch him. Begin by gently scratching his chest, shoulder, or withers. Watch your horse's body language as you touch him. An abused horse may be especially skittish and prone to making sudden movements. Staying aware of his body language will help you move out of the way quickly if you sense his fear and anxiety. As he becomes more comfortable with you, try touching him in different areas of his body, such as his neck and legs. Avoid touching his face or head. Horses don't particularly care for their noses being touched. Do not be overly affectionate with your horse. Not only may he not be ready for it, but horses in general are not overly affectionate with each other. Talk to your horse. How you talk to your abused horse also plays a role in whether he will trust you. His previous owners may have constantly yelled at him, or avoided talking to him at all. Talking to your horse in a soothing and reassuring voice will go a long way towards gaining his trust. Do not ever raise your voice with him. Spend time talking with him for at least a few minutes each day. Of course, what you talk about is not important—the more you talk to your horse, the more he will recognize your voice and feel safe around you. Teach your horse to yield to pressure. In the wild, a herd of horses will have a leader that all other horses will follow. In order for your abused horse to trust you, he will need to see you as his leader who will protect and care for him. Teaching your horse to yield to direct and indirect pressure is a great way to establish that your leadership. With direct pressure, you will gently press your hand against your horse's body until he moves away. Release the pressure immediately after he moves away. For indirect pressure, you will attach a lead rope to your horse's halter. Standing a few feet in front of him, point your index finger and wiggle the rope. Continue pointing and wiggling the rope until he begins to move back, then release the pressure. Do not be surprised if your horse does not learn to yield to pressure right away. Be patient with him and talk to him in a reassuring voice. Eventually, he will learn how to respond correctly to pressure. Start with as little pressure as possible, then gradually increase the pressure with each practice session. Keep in mind that abused horses may be either hypersensitive to pressure or desensitized to it. Lead your horse. Leading your horse is another good way to establish that you are your horse's leader. This type of training will teach your horse to respect your personal space and will help him trust and bond with you. Leading your horse from the partner position is the safest and most preferable way to lead your horse. You can stand next to either of your horse's shoulders, but it is customary to lead from a horse's left shoulder. It may be helpful to hold your elbow out—this will lessen the chance of your horse knocking you over if he starts to get too close to you. Be sure to coil the excess lead rope in your hand. Do not wrap it around your hand or wrist. You may get dragged and seriously injured if he bolts and you are unable to free yourself from the lead rope. Leading your horse from his front (lead position) or back (drive position) is not recommended. Be consistent. Establishing leadership with your horse will take consistent, daily practice. Because of the abuse he suffered, your horse may take a long time to accept your leadership and trust you. Do not become discouraged, though. The more consistent you are with your training, the more your horse will trust you and feel safe with you. Routines are very important to horses. Consistency also applies to other ways of interacting with your horse, including grooming him and feeding him. | Learn about passive and active abuse. Ask questions about your horse’s past. Identify what special needs your abused horse will need. Become familiar with your abused horse’s other needs. Learn your horse’s body language. Learn the proper way to approach your horse. Touch your horse. Talk to your horse. Teach your horse to yield to pressure. Lead your horse. Be consistent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Over-a-Guy-Who-Doesn%27t-Like-You | How to Get Over a Guy Who Doesn't Like You | When you're ready to get over a crush who doesn't return your feelings, take some time for yourself since you deserve it. For example, exercise daily, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and dress nicely. As you let go of your feelings, it's also a great time to make bigger changes too, so try redecorating your room, starting a new hobby, or getting a different hair cut. When you start thinking about dating again, get out and flirt a little or date casually to test the waters. | Release your hope for him. Giving up on something you want can be frightening, but actually doing so can be a relief. Unconsciously, you've been motivated to pursue him—he's been your goal. Make a conscious decision to no longer pursue him. It may help to write this down, to tell a friend, or even to hold a small ceremony for yourself. Consider gathering things you have that make you think of him and putting them in a box, throwing them away, or giving them away. Once your private space is cleared of reminders, consider holding a small cleansing ceremony. Burn some sage incense and walk through your room or your home. When a wish for him comes up, don't suppress it and don't cling to it. Acknowledge how you feel, but remind yourself that you are choosing to move on. Grieve. Don't push away feelings of sadness when they come. It's totally natural and healthy to be sad when you have feelings for someone and it doesn't work out. Take a week or a few weeks to grieve. Cry if you can: if your feelings are hurt, you are actually hurt, and you will do better to acknowledge it. Crying can be extremely therapeutic. Listen to music that lets you feel your feelings. Exercise. It helps to clear your mind and you will be healthier. Write in a diary if you have one. Write a letter to him if you want. Keep it for a week or two before you give it to him, or don't give it to him at all. The point is to get your feelings out. Go on some long walks by yourself. You'll have time to think, and you'll feel better for the exercise. Know when to stop. If you're dropping the people and projects that matter to you, you're grieving too much. Consult a therapist if you can't get back into your normal life. Evaluate his behavior and your own. Did he lead you on, acting like he liked you for attention? Did you pursue him relentlessly even after he let you know that it wasn't going to work? Was everyone honest and considerate, or was bad behavior involved? If you feel like you misbehaved, apologize. If you feel like he did something wrong, and you're friends, consider letting him know that you feel hurt. You can write a brief letter or email if it's too painful to talk to him in person. If you aren't friends, it might feel better to not communicate. Ask yourself what would feel better, and follow that path. Remind yourself of things you didn't like about him. Maybe he was totally unadventurous, or maybe he was too much of a risk taker. Maybe he constantly interrupted you. Maybe you were in love with the fantasy of this guy and not the guy himself. It can be hard to see the real person when you're infatuated. You don't have to demonize him, of course. Just take your image of him with a grain of salt. Remember, he was never perfect: you just had some perfect feelings about him. Remember that you're loveable. You were your own unique and interesting person long before this guy's opinion ever meant a thing to you; the more you remember and act on that, the stronger and more attractive you'll feel. Realize that just because he doesn't like you doesn't necessarily have anything to do with you. It could be just his problem! Attraction between two people is influenced by factors of timing, of nature, of nurture, and of factors beyond our control. One person's feelings about you are not a way to measure your character. Make a list of things you like about yourself. Include big things and small things. Group accomplishments, personality traits, and talents. Make a list of what you really care for in a relationship, and see if he fulfilled those expectations. He probably won't, and that's okay! Ask yourself, what can you count on yourself to do? What difficulties have you overcome? Renew yourself. Now is a great time to make a change. Redecorate your house, or just move the furniture around in your room. Pursue a new hobby, sign up for some volunteer hours, get a different haircut. Master a new skill: take a class, cook a new dish, or make yourself something you've been wanting, like shelf. If you have some extra cash, buy a new outfit. Ask friends to do things with you, but also try things that will get you out of your comfort zone. Talking to new people will be restorative. Be healthy and take care of yourself. Feeling bad about yourself after a crush doesn't work out is normal, but it's not a great way to feel. Taking care of yourself is a way to show yourself that you do matter, and it will also make you feel a lot better.Get regular exercise, meals, and sleep. Get therapy if you are feeling depressed or anxious. Stick to a healthy routine every day. Clean up and dress yourself nicely, even when you feel like sludge—it will make you feel better. Date when you're ready. There's no need to rush it, but when dating sounds appealing to you, try it out. If you think you tend to like a certain kind of guy, try dating someone different: you might be making your romantic choices based on a pattern that doesn't actually work for you. If you always like boisterous overachievers, give a quiet introvert a chance. Remember that there is always someone for you. You will find a guy who adores you soon enough. Don't rush to rebound, or you might end up breaking someone else's heart. It will hurt you and it could hurt them. It's okay to get out and flirt. Don't get seriously involved with someone right away, but do flirt a little or even go on casual dates if that's fun for you. Take some distance if you can. Once you've let go of hoping for someone, you just need time to pass. The more time passes, the better you'll feel. Meanwhile, limit your exposure to him. Don't hang out, and try not to bump into him too much. This doesn't mean you should hide out—absolutely not—just that you should avoid interacting while you're still in pain. Bring a friend when you know you'll run into him. We can't always avoid people who like—if you know you'll have to be around him sometimes, bring friends who know what's going on with you to back you up. Keep it positive. You don't have to glare at him or treat him rudely. When you feel normal again, you might end up being real friends with this guy. Just be polite and try to avoid him discreetly. Spend more time with your friends. Of course, you may need some alone time at first, but turning into a full-time hermit is just going to make you feel like he's the only person in the world. Go out with your pals, have a buddy night, and socialize as much as feels good. The more you meet your emotional needs elsewhere, the less impact his absence will have on you. If he's a good friend and all your friends are mutual, try organizing smaller outings—just two or three at a time—so that his absence doesn't feel conspicuous. Confide in your friends. Keeping heartbreak private can make it hurt more. It can be a relief to tell your nearest and dearest what you're going through. You don't have to tell everyone, and it's probably better if you don't—but if you have a few good friends and relatives who can keep your business private, it might help to let them know that you're going through an emotionally rocky moment. Be sure to tell them if what you're saying is private. Ask them not to treat the guy you had a crush on any differently—unless he was a jerk, of course. Dismiss gossip. If people talk, they talk. If unsubstantiated rumors are flying around, know that they'll die down soon. Don't add fuel to the rumors by getting angry or defensive. Instead, when confronted by nosy people, say it is your personal life, raise your eyebrows, and change the subject. Whatever you say won't change their minds, so always be the bigger person, smile and be polite. | Release your hope for him. Grieve. Evaluate his behavior and your own. Remind yourself of things you didn't like about him. Remember that you're loveable. Renew yourself. Be healthy and take care of yourself. Date when you're ready. Take some distance if you can. Spend more time with your friends. Confide in your friends. Dismiss gossip. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Address-a-Judge-in-Court | How to Address a Judge in Court | To address a judge in court, stand and make eye contact with them to show that you're paying attention and being respectful. When you speak, always address them as "Your Honor." If the judge asks you a question and you don't understand, politely ask for clarification before answering. Don't interrupt the judge, and only speak when asked. When you're finished speaking, thank the judge for listening and take your seat. | Use polite language, a calm tone and reserved body language. Speak clearly and loudly enough to be heard, but don't shout. Don't wave your hands or otherwise make unnecessary gestures when you are speaking to the judge. Always speak politely and respectfully to the judge and all other court officials. Do not use any phrases that criticize the judge or anyone in the courtroom. Avoid using any words that can be interpreted as threatening toward anyone in the room. Do not use obscene language or slang. When answering questions, respond to “yes” or “no” questions with appropriate honorifics. In most cases it is important to say "Yes, your honor" or "No, your honor." Using "your honor" is the easiest way to show respect and avoid offending your judge. Do not simply nod your head to answer a question. Maintain your composure. If you start to lose your temper or get angry, ask the judge for a brief recess. Taking a few minutes to gather your emotions outside of the court's presence is better than yelling or getting angry in front of the judge. Remember, a judge can hold you in contempt of court, meaning they can give you a fine or even put you in jail for speaking disrespectfully. However, even if they do not, disrespectful behavior can tarnish your testimony and case. In extreme cases, a judge might even dismiss your claim. Stand whenever you address the court. When it is your turn to speak to the judge, rise from your seat. After you are finished talking, sit back down. This protocol shows that you are being respectful and also lets the judge know when you are done speaking. Make eye contact. Maintain eye contact at all times while the judge is speaking to you. This lets the judge know that you are paying attention to what he or she is saying. Also look directly at the judge when you are addressing him or her. Use the correct form of address. When you get a chance to speak to the judge, use a form of address that conveys your respect for the judge. Judges should addressed using specific titles that convey the importance of their role. If you did not get the opportunity to speak to the courtroom staff to get the judge's preferred name, address the judge as “Your Honor.” Do not interrupt. Do not interrupt or "speak over" anyone in the court, including the judge, other court officials, and other attorneys. If you continuously interrupt the judge, he or she can excuse you from the courtroom. Wait until you are invited by the judge or a court official to speak. Always stand when speaking. When you address the court, begin by saying, “May it please the court, my name is ___” and then state your business. Remember that you are addressing the whole court. The judge is a representative of the court. Courts act on their own authority, so do not word your questions or statements as though you are making a demand or giving an order. For example, do not say things like "The court's attention is directed to" or "The court should note." This sounds like you are giving directions for the judge and court to follow, which is not your place. Instead, use phrases such as "May it please the court" or "The court's attention is invited to." This shows that you are asking to be heard, not making a demand. Ask for clarification. If you do not understand a question that the judge or other court official has asked you, politely explain that you did not understand. Do not answer a question until you understand what you are being asked. Make sure to keep any requests for clarification “I”-focused. For example, do not tell the judge that s/he did not explain something well enough. Instead, say something like, “I'm sorry, I do not understand that question. Could you explain [point of confusion], please?” Always be respectful and polite when asking for clarification. Thank the judge for listening. When you are done speaking, briefly thank the judge for his or her consideration of your remarks. Arrive early to speak to the clerk or court staff. Ask the court clerk or the bailiff in the courtroom how the judge prefers to be addressed. Usually, the bailiff will be available before the judge arrives, and he or she will probably be in the courtroom where you are assigned. If you wait until the judge is in the courtroom, you likely will not be allowed to approach the court staff. Wait to speak to the judge until you are spoken to. This is another way to be respectful to the judge. If you must call for the judge's attention, wait until you can do so without interrupting anyone. Then stand and politely ask the judge, "Your Honor, may I be heard?" If you are not acknowledged, sit down. You may not approach the judge outside of the courtroom. Behave quietly and respectfully in the courtroom. Do not eat, drink, laugh, talk, chew gum or tobacco, smoke, or otherwise interrupt the proceedings. In some cases, you may not read materials (such as a novel or e-book) that are unrelated to the court business. If you must address other parties, such as your attorney, do not use their first name. Keep your body language polite and respectful at all times. Some judges are stricter than others about courtroom behavior. Always err on the side of respectfulness, especially if you don't know what the judge permits. When in court, you should stay as still and quiet as you can. Don't nod or shake your head when others are speaking or when you are being spoken to. Do not put your feet up on tables or chairs. Do not cross your arms over your chest or put your elbows on the table. It is acceptable to take notes, but don't doodle or draw on your notepad. This can appear as disrespect. Do not communicate with spectators via gestures. Do not roll your eyes or make comments or gestures towards the other parties in the courtroom, including the jury or opposing attorney. Any of these can be grounds for the judge to have you removed from the courtroom by the bailiff. Switch off your phone and put it away. Many courts enforce a total ban on cell phone use. Judges are known to have defendants and lawyers who check their phones during a proceeding removed from the court. Even if your cell phone is allowed, keep it silenced and out of sight. You do not want to come across as disrespectful or distracted. Ask your friends to be respectful. If you have friends or relatives in the audience, caution them against calling out, talking amongst themselves, or taking pictures, either inside the courtroom or outside. The judge can have the bailiff remove them as well. For example, one judge had a spectator removed from the Michael Jackson trial for taking pictures of jurors, even though he was outside the courtroom. Judges can also give spectators warnings, hold them in contempt, or even have them arrested in rare cases. If you have friends or family members who wish to address the judge, consult your lawyer about having them speak as witnesses. Do not interrupt the proceedings. If you hear something you disagree with, write it down so that you can address it when it is your turn to speak. Never speak in a hearing until you have been invited to do so. Do not make comments to yourself, even under your breath. You may be dismissed from the courtroom if you do so. Leave your children at home. Children are often not allowed inside the courtroom unless they are part of the case being heard. Even if you're allowed to bring your children inside the courtroom, court hearings can be long and boring and can cause young children to misbehave. If you have children, find a babysitter for your court date. Some courts offer free child care if you must attend a court date and cannot find child care. Check with your court to see if this is an option. If you cannot find a babysitter, bring another adult with you and ask them to remain outside the courtroom with your child(ren) during your hearing. Give yourself extra time to get to court. Court dates are not like appointments that you may miss and reschedule for later. If you miss your court date for a criminal case, you may be arrested. If you miss your court date for a civil matter, you may lose the case by default. You may also be held in contempt of court if you are late to or miss a hearing. If you have a valid, urgent reason why you cannot attend your court date, contact the courthouse clerk. You will probably need to file a petition or forms to request a date change. Remember that you will probably need to find parking if you have driven to the courthouse. If taking public transit, buses and trains can be late. Courthouses are often quite large and it may take you some time to find the correct courtroom. Give yourself plenty of time to find your way. Bring your files. You should bring a copy of all documents and files that are relevant to your case. Also bring a notepad and pen so that you can take notes if you need. Make sure that you have your court notice document with you. This document will include the details of your Hearing Officer's name, the date and time of your hearing, and (usually) who you should check in with before the hearing. Bring multiple copies of any documents and evidence you want to present. Usually, you should bring at least 3 copies of any document: 1 for you, 1 for the court, and 1 for the opposing side. Be prepared to go through security. Most courts require everyone who visits the court to go through a metal detector and a security checkpoint. To prepare for this, make sure that you do not have any weapons or other illegal or prohibited items with you when you arrive at court. Obvious examples of things not to bring to court include firearms, alcohol, and illegal drugs. Other commonly prohibited items include pepper spray, mace, knives, and razor blades. Some courthouses may also prohibit items such as cigarettes and lighters. Some courthouses do not allow scissors, nail files, glass containers, wallet chains, pocketknives or other sharp items. If you would not be allowed to take it on an airplane, it's a good idea to leave your item at home. If you're unsure whether something you're carrying could be prohibited, leave it at home or in your vehicle. In many cases, personal cameras, video cameras, and other recording devices are not allowed. If you're unsure whether you're allowed to bring your electronic device, contact your courthouse. Dress appropriately for your court appearance. How you dress conveys your respect for the judge and the court. Being respectful is an important aspect of addressing a judge correctly and making a good impression on the court. Contact the court staff to ask about your court's dress code requirements. These may also be posted on the court's website. While official dress codes may vary, it is a good idea to dress neatly and conservatively. Ensure all of your clothing is neat, clean, and pressed/ironed. Do not wear stained or torn clothing to your court date. Make sure you have showered and made your hair neat. Avoid overly expensive or flashy clothing. Do not wear flip-flop (thong) sandals, tennis shoes or sneakers, or scuffed shoes. Avoid clothing with slogans or verbal messages printed on it. Avoid loud or bright colors and heavy patterns. Do not wear jeans, shorts, t-shirts, miniskirts, low-cut or see-through clothing, sleeveless tops or dresses, low-rise pants, or other revealing or informal clothing. Gender norms remain strong inside most courtrooms. If you are a man, wear a suit and tie if you have them, or a wrinkle-free button-up shirt and pressed slacks. If you are a woman, wear a dress or skirt and blouse if possible. Women may wear slacks or suits as well. Women should avoid heavy makeup and noisy jewelry. Take a light jacket or sweater. Courtrooms may get cold, especially if you must wait for your hearing. Unless you have a religious reason to do so, do not wear hats or headgear to court. You are allowed to wear religious headgear such as turbans, hijabs, and kippahs. Eat before you go. Food and drink are rarely allowed in courtrooms. Eat something before you go to the courthouse so that you are able to concentrate on the court business. If you must have something to drink while in court, you may ask the judicial assistant or court clerk for water. Do not bring your own water to court. | Use polite language, a calm tone and reserved body language. Stand whenever you address the court. Make eye contact. Use the correct form of address. Do not interrupt. Remember that you are addressing the whole court. Ask for clarification. Thank the judge for listening. Arrive early to speak to the clerk or court staff. Wait to speak to the judge until you are spoken to. Behave quietly and respectfully in the courtroom. Switch off your phone and put it away. Ask your friends to be respectful. Do not interrupt the proceedings. Leave your children at home. Give yourself extra time to get to court. Bring your files. Be prepared to go through security. Dress appropriately for your court appearance. Eat before you go. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-Evidence-in-an-Essay | How to Introduce Evidence in an Essay | Before you introduce evidence into your essay, begin the paragraph with a topic sentence. This sentence should give the reader an overview of the point you'll be arguing or making with the evidence. When you get to citing the evidence, begin the sentence with a clause like, “The study finds” or “According to Anne Carson.” You can also include a short quotation in the middle of a sentence without introducing it with a clause. Remember to introduce the author's first and last name when you use the evidence for the first time. Afterwards, you can just mention their last name. Once you've presented the evidence, take time to explain in your own words how it backs up the point you're making. | Set up the evidence in the first sentence of the paragraph. The first sentence in the paragraph or section of your essay is called the topic sentence. It should let the reader know what is going to be discussed in the paragraph or section. If the paragraph is one of many in the body of your essay, the topic sentence should also link to the preceding section so the transition to a new section is smooth. You can use 1-2 sentences to set up the evidence, if needed, but usually more concise you are, the better. Introduce an argument or assertion. Tell the reader what you think about your main topic or idea. Make an argument or assertion about the topic of your essay. The argument should connect to the evidence you are going to present. For example, you may make an argument like, “Desire is a complicated, confusing emotion that causes pain to others.” Or you may make an assertion like, “The treatment of addiction must consider root cause issues like mental health and poor living conditions.” Discuss a specific idea or theme for a less direct approach. Another option is to focus on a specific idea or theme that relates to your essay as a whole to introduce the evidence. The idea or theme should reflect a key idea in the evidence you are using. This approach may be a good option if you are writing a paper that is explorative, rather than argumentative. For example, you may write, “The novel explores the theme of adolescent love and desire.” Or you may write, “Many studies show that addiction is a mental health issue.” Start with an introductory clause for a simple approach. Use an introductory or lead-in clause so the evidence fits seamlessly in the text. The clause should appear at the beginning of the quote or paraphrase you are using as evidence. For example, you may use an introductory clause like, “According to Anne Carson…”, "In the following chart...," “The author states…," "The survey shows...." or “The study argues…” Place a comma after the introductory clause if you are using a quote. For example, “According to Anne Carson, 'Desire is no light thing" or "The study notes, 'levels of addiction rise as levels of poverty and homelessness also rise.'" A list of introductory clauses can be found here: https://student.unsw.edu.au/introducing-quotations-and-paraphrases. Use a claim or argument to introduce the evidence. Another option is to use your own claim or argument to introduce the evidence in a clear, assertive way. Keep the claim or argument short and relevant. Use a colon after the claim or argument. For example, you may write, “In the novel, Carson is never shy about how her characters express desire for each other: 'When they made love/ Geryon liked to touch in slow succession each of the bones of Herakles' back…'” Or you may write, "The study charts the rise in addiction levels, concluding: 'There is a higher level of addiction in specific areas of the United States.'" Work the evidence into a sentence. You can also try placing the evidence within a sentence so it flows smoothly and naturally. Use a short piece of evidence in the sentence so it does not come across too long-winded or confusing. For example, you may write, “Carson views events as inevitable, as man moving through time like “a harpoon,” much like the fates of her characters.” Or you may write, "The chart indicates the rising levels of addiction in young people, an "epidemic" that shows no sign of slowing down." Include the author’s name and the title of the reference. If you are introducing the evidence for the first time in the essay, always include the author's name and the title of the reference or source when you discuss it. After you mention the author and title the first time, you can use just the author's last name when you present evidence. For example, you may write in the first mention, “In Anne Carson's The Autobiography of Red , the color red signifies desire, love, and monstrosity.” Or you may write, "In the study Addiction Rates conducted by the Harvard Review...". After the first mention, you can write, “Carson states…” or “The study explores…”. If you are citing the author's name in-text as part of your citation style, you do not need to note their name in the text. You can just use the quote and then place the citation at the end. Use quotation marks around a direct quote. Always place quotes around any direct quotes you use from your sources. The quotation marks should appear around a full or partial quote so the reader knows you are using someone else's words. If you are paraphrasing a source, you may still use quotation marks around any text you are lifting directly from the source. Cite the evidence properly. Include an in-text citation if that is what is required for the citation style you are using. The in-text citation should appear in parentheses at the end of evidence and contain the author's last name and the page number of where the quote can be found in the original source. Make sure you cite all quotes, charts, graphs, and other resources in your essay. For example, you may write, “In the novel, the characters express desire for each other: 'When they made love/ Geryon liked to touch in slow succession each of the bones of Herakles' back (Carson, 48).” Or you may write, "Based on the data in the graph below, the study shows the 'intersection between opioid addiction and income' (Branson, 10)." If you are using footnotes or endnotes, make sure you use the appropriate citation for each piece of evidence you place in your essay. Reference your sources when you use a paraphrase or summary as evidence. If you are using a paraphrase of a source or a summary of an original text, make sure you still use the proper references and citations. If you feel you use some of the wording from the original source in the paraphrase or summary, include a citation based on the citation style you are using in the essay. You may also mention the title of the work or source you are paraphrasing or summarizing and the author's name in the paraphrase or summary. For example, you may write a paraphrase like, "As noted in various studies, the correlation between addiction and mental illness is often ignored by medical health professionals (Deder, 10)." Or you may write a summary like, " The Autobiography of Red is an exploration of desire and love between strange beings, what critics have called a hybrid work that combines ancient meter with modern language (Zambreno, 15)." Discuss 1 piece of evidence at a time. Always include a complete analysis of 1 piece of evidence before moving on to the next one. Placing 2 pieces of evidence in succession without analyzing the first one can be seen as sloppy or underdeveloped. The only time you can place 2 pieces of evidence together are very short quotes, less than 1 line long, and you are comparing the 2 quotes. Your analysis should then include a complete compare and contrast of the 2 quotes to show you have thought critically about them both. Discuss how the evidence supports your claim or argument. Take the time to explain the significance of the evidence you introduced in your essay. Tell the reader how the evidence supports the claim or argument you used to set up the quote. Explore how the evidence addresses a theme or idea that you think is important in your discussion. For example, you may write, “In the novel, Carson is never shy about how her characters express desire for each other: 'When they made love/ Geryon liked to touch in slow succession each of the bones of Herakles' back (Carson, 48). The connection between Geryon and Herakles is intimate and gentle, a love that connects the two characters in a physical and emotional way.” Or you may write, "In the study Addiction Rates conducted by the Harvard Review, the data shows a 50% rise in addiction levels in specific areas across the United States. The study illustrates a clear connection between addiction levels and communities where income falls below the poverty line and there is a housing shortage or crisis." Address how the evidence relates to your thesis statement. Link the evidence back to the key ideas or themes in the thesis statement of your essay. This will reinforce to the reader that the evidence is relevant and illustrate that you have thought critically about the evidence. For example, you may write, “Carson's treatment of the relationship between Geryon and Herakles can be linked back to her approach to desire as a whole in the novel, which acts as both a catalyst and an impediment for her characters.” Or you may write, "The survey conducted by Dr. Paula Bronson, accompanied by a detailed academic dissertation, supports the argument that addiction is not a stand alone issue that can be addressed in isolation." Include a final sentence that links to the next paragraph. Wrap up the section by including a last sentence that presents final thoughts about the evidence and acts as a transition to the next paragraph or section. You can use a short sentence that discusses a final point or idea you had about the evidence. You can also mention a key theme or idea in the next section as a segue. For example, you may write, “The value of love between two people is not romanticized, but it is still considered essential, similar to the feeling of belonging, another key theme in the novel.” Or you may write, "There is clearly a need to reassess the current thinking around addiction and mental illness so the health and sciences community can better study these pressing issues." | Set up the evidence in the first sentence of the paragraph. Introduce an argument or assertion. Discuss a specific idea or theme for a less direct approach. Start with an introductory clause for a simple approach. Use a claim or argument to introduce the evidence. Work the evidence into a sentence. Include the author’s name and the title of the reference. Use quotation marks around a direct quote. Cite the evidence properly. Reference your sources when you use a paraphrase or summary as evidence. Discuss 1 piece of evidence at a time. Discuss how the evidence supports your claim or argument. Address how the evidence relates to your thesis statement. Include a final sentence that links to the next paragraph. |
https://www.wikihow.tech/Find-Out-the-Maximum-RAM-Capacity-for-Your-Computer | How to Find Out the Maximum RAM Capacity for Your Computer | If you're using a Mac, search for your system model on the Apple website to find out the maximum amount of RAM it can handle. If you're using a 32-bit version of Windows, your system can support up to 4 GB. If you're using a 64-bit version of Windows, it can handle up to 128 GB. | Determine if Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit. The Windows operating system has a maximum amount of RAM that it will recognize. If you have more RAM installed than is allowed, the extra RAM will not be used. This limit is determined by whether Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit. See this guide for details on checking your copy of Windows. Generally you can see whether Windows is 32- or 64-bit from the System Properties window ( ⊞ Win + Pause ) 32-bit can support up to 4 GB (for all versions) of RAM 64-bit can support up to 128 GB (Windows 10 Home) to 2 TB (Windows 10 Education, Enterprise, Pro) of RAM Check your Mac model. The amount of RAM your Mac can support depends on the model you are using. Many Macs have differing amounts of supported memory. Check your Mac's documentation for exact numbers. Some of the more popular models include: iMac (27-inch, Late 2013) - 32 GB iMac (2009-Late 2012) - 16 GB iMac (2006-2009) - 4 GB Determine how much your Linux system supports. A 32-bit Linux installation may only support up to 4 GB, but if it has the PAE kernel enabled (most newer distributions do), then a 32-bit system can support up to 64 GB of RAM. A 64-bit Linux system can theoretically support up to 17 billion GB of RAM, though most cap out at 1 TB (Intel) or 256 TB (AMD64). To determine the exact amount your system can support, open the Terminal by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T. Type sudo dmidecode -t 16. You will be asked for the administrator password. Look for the Maximum Capacity: entry. Identify your motherboard. Even if your operating system supports a ton of RAM, you are still limited by what your motherboard can support. If you don't have access to your motherboard documentation, you will need to identify the motherboard and look up the specifications online. You will most likely need to open your computer case and note the motherboard's model number. Check the motherboard's documentation. Near the beginning of your motherboard's documentation, you should be able to find a specifications chart or page. Look for the maximum amount of RAM or System Memory that can be installed. You will also see the number of available slots on your motherboard. RAM needs to be installed in pairs. If your motherboard supports 16 GB of RAM and has four slots, you can install four 4 GB sticks or two 8 GB sticks to reach your maximum. Use a system scanning tool. If you are uncomfortable opening your computer or reading through your motherboard documentation, there are several tools available online that can scan your system and report how much memory you can have, as well as the type and speeds supported. You can find these scanners on major memory manufacturers' and retailer's websites, such as Crucial or MrMemory. Upgrade your RAM. After you determine how much RAM your system can support, you can install your new RAM. Make sure that if you are adding new RAM to existing RAM that the clock speed matches the original RAM. See this guide for detailed instructions for installing new RAM. | Determine if Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit. Check your Mac model. Determine how much your Linux system supports. Identify your motherboard. Check the motherboard's documentation. Use a system scanning tool. Upgrade your RAM. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Sick-Cat | How to Help a Sick Cat | If your cat is vomiting, give it plenty of water to help it recover. You should also keep the cat away from food for 24-48 hours to give its digestive system time to recover. When you start feeding your cat again, give it small amounts of food 3-6 times a day. Alternatively, if your cat has another type of sickness and is struggling to eat, try feeding it maintenance food, which you can buy from a pet store. You can also groom your cat, which gives you the chance to inspect it for signs of illness, like a swollen abdomen, patchy coat, or loss of hair. | Care for your cat’s special needs. When your cat is not feeling well, it may require extra attention. A sick cat might need special food, to have its litter box cleaned more frequently, help moving around, etc. Caring for your cat in this way and being patient with it can comfort it. If your cat wants rest or to be left alone, honor its wishes. Do keep an eye on it, however, to monitor its condition and make sure it improves. A warm bed can make a sick cat more comfortable. Moving your cat's litter box closer to it while resting can also make its life easier. Groom your cat. Many cats enjoy being groomed, at least occasionally. If yours is not feeling well, it may appreciate the attention. Grooming your cat also provides an opportunity to inspect your cat's fur and skin. Their condition can often indicate whether or not your cat is well. Feed the cat maintenance food. Generally, you can feed your cat any kind of food that is nutritionally balanced and formulated for felines. If your cat is sick and seems reluctant to eat, you can offer it maintenance food, which is formulated to be especially palatable. Maintenance food is generally canned, and should be available at pet supply stores or wherever cat food is sold. Normally, you can feed your cat either wet or dry food according to its preference. If you want to ensure quality, you can look for cat food that is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). If your cat is reluctant to eat, you can warm its food first, offer its favorites, or try giving it small portions. If it still does not want to eat after 24 hours, contact a vet. Look for signs that the cat is sick. Cats, like humans, are susceptible to a number of diseases, pains, and other conditions. Since you can't know directly how your cat is feeling, you will have to look for various signs that can indicate a problem. These may include: Decreased appetite Vomiting or diarrhea Swollen abdomen Loss of hair Dull or patchy coat Flaking or scabs Bad odors or breath Unexplained lumps Discharge from eyes or nose Red, watery eyes Difficulty moving Red gums Drooling Frequent sneezing Unusual vocalization Change in social habits Reluctance to groom Sudden decrease in sleep time Consult a vet if problems continue. If your cat shows any worrisome signs, keep a close watch on it. If the symptoms do not improve within 24 to 48 hours, contact a vet. Lingering problems can indicate a serious condition that requires professional attention. Take the cat to the vet immediately if necessary. In some cases, your cat may display symptoms that are severe enough to warrant consulting a vet right away. Warning signs include: Inability to urinate Blood in urine Swollen abdomen Excessive vomiting or diarrhea Seizures Give medications as necessary. If a vet prescribes medication for your cat, get it right away. Give your cat the medication according to the package instructions and/or any additional advice provided by your doctor. Make sure that your cat takes the medication for as long as the vet advises. Do not stop giving your cat the medication even if its symptoms disappear (unless specifically advised to do so by the vet). Don’t give your cat human medications. Even if your cat appears in pain , you should never give it any medication that is intended for humans. Painkillers and other medications that humans use can be dangerous to cats. Even vitamins can be toxic to felines. If you think that your cat needs any kind of medication, consult a vet for specific recommendations. Treat the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Like humans, cats can get a variety of upper respiratory infections that cause symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and a runny nose. Rest, a good diet, and plenty of fluids are generally recommended as treatment. A vet can also examine your cat to determine if any medications will help your cat recover. If your cat is suffering from cat flu or an upper respiratory infection, you can wipe away any discharge from its nose or eyes using warm salt water (a teaspoon of salt mixed into a pint of clean water). Administer treatments for feline diabetes. Cats can suffer from multiple types of diabetes. Depending upon the severity of the condition at the time of diagnosis, your cat may need to be hospitalized. Oral medications and insulin treatment are commonly recommended to care for a cat with diabetes. Glucose tests may also be required, and a vet can show you how to administer these at home. Talk to a vet about testing your cat for feline diabetes if it has a noticeable change in appetite (it eats more or less than previously), drinks lots of water, urinates frequently, has breath that smells sweet, or is lethargic. Administer medications and special baths if your cat if infected with ringworm. Ringworm is a fungus that can cause hair loss and red rings on a cat's skin. If you see or suspect these symptoms, contact a vet immediately. Medications, bathing, and special shampoos can help your cat recover. Take care when handling a cat with ringworm, since the infection can pass to humans. Treat the symptoms of heartworm. The heartworm parasite is transmitted by mosquitos. Once a cat is infected, symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and loss of appetite can occur. There are no approved medications in the US for treating feline heartworm infection, although there are some that can prevent it. If your cat develops a heartworm infection, it may be able to fight it off on its own, but a vet can prescribe medications to treat symptoms like coughing and vomiting. Though some cats can beat a heartworm infection on their own, others can suffer heart and lung problems, kidney or liver damage, and even sudden death. Consult a vet if your cat has intestinal parasites (“worms”). Various roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and other parasites can infect cats, particularly those that spend time outside. They can cause a variety of symptoms and problems, including trouble breathing, anemia, and weight loss. Take your cat to a vet if you see unusual symptoms or suspect that it has a parasite. He or she can prescribe the appropriate medication or treatment. Some worms or parts of them may be visible on or near your cat's anus. Keep your yard and home clear of cat feces, since many worms are transmitted by contact with it. Wear gloves and take care when handling a cat that you suspect has a parasite (or the cat's feces), since it can pass to humans in some cases. Only give your cat deworming medication that is approved by your vet. The wrong medication (or one intended for dogs or other animals) may harm your cat. Treat the symptoms of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). FIV is a viral infection that a cat may have for some time before the problem is diagnosed. The virus can cause a variety of symptoms. There is currently no specific treatment for FIV, but a vet can prescribe medications to treat symptoms or secondary infections, as well as make dietary recommendations to improve your cat's quality of life. Common signs of FIV include: weight loss, diarrhea, loss of appetite, inflamed eyes, poor coat quality (patches of missing hair, reddened skin, etc.), sneezing, or discharge from the eyes or nose. FIV can be transmitted from cat to cat, but not from a cat to a human. Comfort and isolate a cat with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FeLV can cause problems with your cat's immune system, as well as a variety of symptoms. There is no cure for FeLV, but a vet can make recommendations regarding the best diet for your cat. Diets for cats should be free of raw meat, eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and other foods that could cause infections. Rest and quiet can also make your cat more comfortable. Some cats infected with FeLV may show no symptoms. Others may have symptoms including a poor appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, gum problems, and respiratory issues. Like FIV, FeLV is contagious only between cats, not between cats and humans. Keeping your cat away from other felines can help reduce the spread of the disease. See a vet for recommendations on treating feline cancer. Cancer can have a variety of causes in cats, as in humans. Your cat's vet can talk with you about treatment plans, which may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. In some cases, pain relief (palliative care) is chosen for the sake of the cat's quality of life. See a doctor immediately if you suspect your cat has rabies. Rabies is typically caused by a bite from an infected animal, and cause aggressive or erratic behavior, seizures, and paralysis. Unfortunately, rabies is almost always fatal. If you suspect that your cat is infected with rabies, contact a vet immediately. Use extreme care when handling the animal, since the disease can pass to humans as well. If your cat is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations, it can be given a booster immediately and closely monitored to determine if it will recover. Give your cat water. Vomiting can accompany many common cat illnesses, as well as occasional digestive problems. If your cat has vomited, offer it plenty of fresh, clean water. If your cat vomits frequently, especially within a brief period, contact a vet. Withhold the cat’s food. For cats with an occasional vomiting problem, keeping them away from food for 24-48 hours can give their digestive system time to recover. If your cat vomits even after having water, you can also withhold it for up to 24 hours. However, do not withhold water from a cat with known or suspected kidney disease. Provide a bland diet. After the vomiting has stopped for a time, you can begin feeding your cat again. Try offering small amounts, 3-6 times a day. The food should be bland so as to not upset the cat's digestive system again. Good suggestions for a bland diet include boiled, skinless chicken or white fish, such as cod. Over the course of a few days, gradually increase the amount you feed the cat. After a few days on a bland diet, begin mixing a small portion of your cat's regular food with the bland foods. Start with something like 1 part regular food to 3 parts bland food. If your cat seems to handle the mixed food without a problem, wait a day or two and mix one-half regular food and one-half bland food. After a day or so of that, try 3 parts regular food to one part bland food. If that also works, then you can go back to feeding your cat only its regular food. | Care for your cat’s special needs. Groom your cat. Feed the cat maintenance food. Look for signs that the cat is sick. Consult a vet if problems continue. Take the cat to the vet immediately if necessary. Give medications as necessary. Don’t give your cat human medications. Treat the symptoms of upper respiratory infections. Administer treatments for feline diabetes. Administer medications and special baths if your cat if infected with ringworm. Treat the symptoms of heartworm. Consult a vet if your cat has intestinal parasites (“worms”). Treat the symptoms of Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). Comfort and isolate a cat with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). See a vet for recommendations on treating feline cancer. See a doctor immediately if you suspect your cat has rabies. Give your cat water. Withhold the cat’s food. Provide a bland diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pillow-Fort | How to Make a Pillow Fort | To make a pillow fort, first collect as many pillows, sheets, and blankets as you can. Then, lay your thickest, comfiest blanket down on the ground where you want to make your fort. Next, set up 4 chairs in a square or rectangle on top of the blanket. Turn each chair so it's pointing away from the middle of the blanket. Now, stuff any gaps in the chairs with your largest pillows. Line the outside of your fort with more pillows to make the walls. Finally, lay a blanket or sheet down over the chairs to make the roof. You're now ready to enjoy your comfy pillow fort! | Know where to build your fort on a cold day. Try to find a cozy spot close to a heater. Don't build your fort too close to a window or entrance, because that is where all the cold air comes from. Know where to build your fort on a hot day. Try to build your fort near a fan or air conditioning unit. You can build your fort near an open window, but only if the window is shady and there is no sun coming in through it. An open window may bring in a cool, fresh breeze, but it can also let the hot sun in! If you can build your fort in a basement, then even better! Basements are nice and cold during the summer, and the floor will keep you cool. Use light blankets and bed sheets for the roof. Anything too heavy, such as a comforter or a thick blanket will be too heavy and make your fort fall apart. Put heavy blankets on top of sturdy forts. If the base of your fort is made from chairs, tables, or sofas, then you should be able to drape a heavy blanket or comforter without the fort falling apart. Some seat cushions may be strong enough to hold up a heavy blanket or comforter, but they will need to be leaning against something. Use seat cushions for the walls. The cushions that come from the seats of sofas and armchairs make great walls, because they are stiff and shaped like blocks. They can stand up on their own without much help. Put soft, squishy pillows inside the fort. The pillows that you use to sleep on don't make very good walls, but they are great for sitting on! Use them inside your fort to make things more comfy. Have an escape plan. Do not build your fort so that it is blocking a door. If something bad happens, you will be in trouble. Blocking doors may keep someone from coming to help you if something happens. It may also keep you from getting out. Ask your parents if you can build a fort. Your parents may not mind if you build a fort in your bedroom, but they may not be happy if you build a fort in their living room. Ask your parents if you can use and move the chairs, blankets, and pillows to build a fort. Find a suitable room to structure your fort in. Try to use a room that already has the basics for your fort in it, such as chairs and a sofa. This way, you won't have to move furniture around that much. Take cushions off the sofa. This includes the seat and the back cushions. You may find lots of treasures under these cushions. See if there are any worth saving (such as money and toys) and store them in a box. Discard gross items, such as trash and crumbs. No fort is complete without a treasure box. Use the seat cushions to make some walls. Take a cushion and place it on the seat of the sofa. Lean it against the armrest, so that the side you sit on is touching the armrest. The edge of the cushion should be touching the backrest of the sofa. If you are using regular pillows instead, put two pillows on each armrest. You want the pillows to reach the top of the sofa, so you may need more pillows. Keep stacking pillows until they are even with the top of the sofa. If you have extra cushions, you can stand them on the edge of the couch, between the two armrests. Drape a blanket over the cushions and sofa. Make sure that the narrow ends of the blanket are covering the cushions, and the long edge is covering the top of the backrest. Tug on the ends so that the blanket is stretched across the top of your fort. Something light, such as a bed sheet will work the best, because it will be less likely to make your fort cave in. Blankets and comforters are thick and will make your fort nice and dark inside because they block out light. They are also heavy, however, and may cause your fort to cave in. Think about expanding your fort. You can crawl into your fort now, or you can make it even bigger by using more furniture and pillows. Push two chairs in front of the sofa and turn them so that they face each other. Lean more pillows against the legs of the chairs, and drape a bed sheet over the top of the chairs. For more ideas, read the part about building a fort around chairs. Ask your parents if you can build a fort. Your mom or dad may not mind if you build a fort in your bedroom, but he or she may get mad if you build a fort in the living room. Ask your mom and dad if you can use and move the chairs, blankets, and pillows to build your fort. Find a room to build your fort. The more furniture, the better. That way, you will not have to move so much around. Make sure that the room you are in has a few chairs. Find two chairs, a bedsheet, and lots of pillows. The pillows and chairs will be used to make the base of the fort, and the bed sheet will be used to make the roof. Move the chairs against a wall. The chairs will help hold up the ceiling of your fort, and the wall will be the back of your fort. You can also use a sofa instead of a wall. You can put the chairs in front of the sofa or behind it. If you cannot find a sofa and if there is no room against the wall for some chairs, you can use a dresser or even a closet instead. Just make sure that you do not build your fort against the door of the room. If something happens, you won't be able to get out, or no one will be able to help you. Turn the chairs so that they are facing each other. The chairs can be as far or as close to each other as you want. You can have them close enough so that you and a friend can sit between them. You can also have them far enough so that you can lay down between them. The chair seats will make shelves and tables for your fort. Place a bedsheet on top of the chairs. Make sure that the bed sheet is covering the backrests of the chairs. If the blanket is slipping off, you can tie it to the chairs using a piece of ribbon or string. Add some walls to your fort using pillows. You can use sofa or armchair pillows, or you can use the pillows from your bed. Lean the pillows against the chair legs on the outside of your fort. Make the inside of your fort more comfortable with blankets and pillows. Take a blanket and fold it in half. Lay it on the floor inside your fort, or on the couch to hide all the crumbs. You can also use a fluffy comforter. If you do not have any more blankets, you can use pillows instead. Take two or three pillows and lay them down next to each other on the floor inside your fort. If you are using just blankets, you can stick a pillow or two inside the fort so that you will have something soft to sit on. Make up a name for your fort. It can be anything you want, such as the name of your favorite food. It does not need to have the word "fort" in it. It can be a castle even! Here are some ideas: Cassie's Castle Ice cream Palace Fort Awesome Make a sign for your fort. Now that you have come up with a name for your fort, you should let everybody know! Take a sheet of paper or a piece of cardboard and write the name of your fort on it. You can use crayons, markers, colored pencils, or even glue and glitter! Here are some more ideas: Put stickers on your sign. Try to use stickers that match the name of your fort—so if your fort has the word "ice cream" in it, use ice cream-shaped stickers. Decorate your sign with glitter, sequins, stick-on gems, and rhinestones. This is perfect for a castle! If you are making a cool fort, use a piece of cardboard, and write the words in a thick red or black marker. You can even add the words "KEEP OUT" beneath the name! Hang up your sign. Punch two holes along the top of your sign and put some string through the holes. Tie the string and hang the sign over one of the chairs. You can also tape the sign to the bed sheet if you cannot find any string. If you made the sign out of cardboard, you can put it on the floor and lean it against one of the chair legs. Bring some snacks into your fort. You can bring snacks such as apples, candy, nuts, juice, or popcorn. If it is around lunchtime, ask your mom or dad if you can have your lunch inside your fort. Make sure that your mom and dad are okay with you taking food out of the kitchen and bringing it into your fort. Bring something fun into the fort. Forts are not just for hiding in! Bring something with you, such as a book, a music player, or a game. Bring some lighting. But not too much! Keep your lighting low, such as a couple of glow sticks, or a flashlight. If you are near an outlet, plug in a nightlight. You can even make a cool fairy lantern using a mason jar, glitter and a glow stick. Make a treasure chest. If you will be living in your fort a while, so you might as well make a box to store all of your snacks, games, toys, and treasure. Find a shoebox, and cover it with some construction paper. Decorate the box with some rhinestones, glitter, and stickers. Put your stuff inside the box, and hide it in your fort! Invite your friends, pets, or siblings to join you. Sitting in a fort can get lonely, and even the most exciting games and books can get boring after a while. Ask your friend, brother, sister, or even a pet to come and play with you in your fort! | Know where to build your fort on a cold day. Know where to build your fort on a hot day. Use light blankets and bed sheets for the roof. Put heavy blankets on top of sturdy forts. Use seat cushions for the walls. Put soft, squishy pillows inside the fort. Have an escape plan. Ask your parents if you can build a fort. Find a suitable room to structure your fort in. Take cushions off the sofa. Use the seat cushions to make some walls. Drape a blanket over the cushions and sofa. Think about expanding your fort. Ask your parents if you can build a fort. Find a room to build your fort. Find two chairs, a bedsheet, and lots of pillows. Move the chairs against a wall. Turn the chairs so that they are facing each other. Place a bedsheet on top of the chairs. Add some walls to your fort using pillows. Make the inside of your fort more comfortable with blankets and pillows. Make up a name for your fort. Make a sign for your fort. Hang up your sign. Bring some snacks into your fort. Bring something fun into the fort. Bring some lighting. Make a treasure chest. Invite your friends, pets, or siblings to join you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Downy-Woodpeckers | How to Attract Downy Woodpeckers | To attract downy woodpeckers, place a birdhouse on a sturdy tree to invite them to nest there. You can entice them further by placing some suet balls, which woodpeckers love, in your backyard. If you don't have suet balls, you can also put out fruit, sunflower seeds, or cracked corn. Another way to attract downy woodpeckers is to nail a wooden board to a tree about 10-20 feet up to create an artificial drumming site for males. Make sure you don't place the board too close to your house, since the sound of drumming is pretty loud. Additionally, you may try putting a bird bath in your backyard to attract downies to drink from it. | Ensure you’re on the right type of land. Downies avoid open spaces and love trees. To attract downy woodpeckers, you must first locate yourself in a wooded area of at least two to three acres. The area should sport deciduous trees, or an equal mix of deciduous and coniferous trees. Land that has been cleared for agriculture or logging, or land in most urban areas, will not support downy woodpeckers. You will therefore be unable to attract them to these areas. Rural areas are best for attracting downies, though they might be found in certain suburban areas if there is an adequate population of trees. Deciduous trees that are known to attract woodpeckers include beech, maple, oak, and hickory. Use native plants. Downies primarily eat beetles, ants, spiders, aphids, caterpillars and other bugs. These species thrive in native plants and trees. If you want downies on your property, you should install native plants and trees, rather than non-native shrubs, grasses, and plants. Botanists at your local arboretum should be able to help you identify species native to your area. You could also check the University of Texas' Native Plant Database at https://www.wildflower.org/plants/ for help identifying native species in your area. The bugs downy woodpeckers like might also be present in non-native trees and foliage, but their populations will probably be smaller. Imitate a downy woodpecker call. Downies attract one another by calling for mates. If you have a recording of a downy woodpecker call, you could play it if you suspect woodpeckers are nearby. There are many recordings of downy woodpeckers available online. Play these imitation calls through your smartphone or tablet in order to attract downies. Check online for clips of woodpecker calls. Provide shelter. While downy woodpeckers (like all woodpeckers) prefer nesting in the hollows of trees, they might also be interested in living in an appropriately-sized birdhouse. You can buy a birdhouse at most home and garden stores. The birdhouse should have a 4'' x 4'' base and sides at least 10'' high. The hole should be located in the center of one of the sides about 7'' from the base, and be 1.25'' in diameter. Attach the birdhouse to a sturdy tree between eight and twenty feet off the ground. If the birdhouse is in the midst of a woody area, the woodpecker will find it more attractive. Fill the birdhouse with about four inches of wood shavings. The woodpecker can use these for nesting material. You could also simply leave a dead tree standing in your yard if you don't want to invest in a birdhouse. Put out their favorite foods. Downy Woodpeckers adore suet. Placing some suet balls or suet cakes in the backyard will bring the local downy woodpeckers to you. They also like fruit, sunflower seeds, cracked corn, and doughnuts. Break any doughnuts you might give to woodpeckers up in small bits before putting them out. Downies favor suet with peanut butter, millet, or nuts. You can buy premade suet cakes or balls at your local home and garden store. Provide a drumming site. In order to attract mates and claim territory, woodpeckers of both sexes will make a rapid tapping against wood with their beaks. If you want to provide an artificial drumming site, you can nail a board firmly to a tree about ten to twenty feet up, then attach another board to the first, nailing it only at the top edge. You should locate the site well away from your house, since the noise of woodpeckers drumming can be quite loud. Covering the second board with a thin layer of sheet metal might make the drumming site more attractive to the woodpeckers. Drumming is a unique behavior that gives woodpeckers their name. Provide a birdbath. While downies are rarely seen at birdbaths, they will use them from time to time. They might also drink from the birdbath. Downies might be more inclined to visit a birdbath during winter when liquid water is scarce. Instead of drinking from birdbaths, downies tend to drink from puddles, ponds, or places where water collects on horizontal tree limbs. Check the size and shape. Downies are about 15 centimeters (7 inches) long. They are black and white, with a white stripe down their backs. The downy woodpecker's black bill is straighter and narrower than that of other birds, allowing it to chisel hard wood. Males have a red cap on their heads. It first appears on the forehead and moves toward the back of the head as they age. A small tuft of white fur is present at the base of the bill between the eyes. Look for the right colors. Downies have black wings with flecks of white. A white stripe runs down the center of the back, and their chests are also white or grayish. Their eyes are contained within a large black splotch of fine feathers surrounded by white feathers. Don’t confuse downies with other woodpeckers. Downies are easy to confuse with their close relative, the hairy woodpecker. There are several distinct differences that separate the two species: Hairy woodpeckers are quite a bit larger -- around nine inches long from head to tail -- and have longer bills than downies. The outer edges of their tail feathers are white, whereas downy woodpeckers have black spots on their outer tail feathers. Hairy woodpeckers have a slim black mark on their shoulders that arcs downward toward the chest. In downies, this mark is relatively short and far less prominent. | Ensure you’re on the right type of land. Use native plants. Imitate a downy woodpecker call. Provide shelter. Put out their favorite foods. Provide a drumming site. Provide a birdbath. Check the size and shape. Look for the right colors. Don’t confuse downies with other woodpeckers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Skin-During-Pregnancy | How to Take Care of Your Skin During Pregnancy | To take care of your skin during pregnancy, use natural, oil free products like cocoa butter since they're free from harsh chemicals. Some companies you should consider are Earth Mama, Burt's Bees, and The Honest Company, since they offer products designed for soon to be moms! Additionally, if you're suffering from acne during pregnancy, avoid washing your face more than twice a day since you could dry out your skin. Instead, speak to your doctor to find a treatment that will be safe for you and your baby. | Prepare for some skin changes. You're carrying a developing baby who is growing inside your body and making room for itself. Your little bundle of joy may be creating noticeable marks in the form of stretch marks. Even post-baby, hormones can also be a factor in causing these skin abrasions. One way of combating stretch marks is using cocoa butter, which is a safe lotion to help fade skin blemishes. It is recommended to only gain the amount of weight that your doctor recommends. Excess weight gain can increase stretch mark formation. Notice your skin's pigmentation. You may notice darker skin splotches due to hyperpigmentation. When you're pregnant and your hormones are going haywire, increased melanin in your skin may cause noticeable difference. It may cause patches of your skin to darken, especially around the areolas. You may also notice the pregnancy line, or linea nigra. This is a vertical line that appears going down the center of your stomach. It is normally too light to see, but it may darken and become visible during pregnancy. There is nothing to worry about with skin pigmentation, but if you notice linea nigra, it may indicate you need more folic acid (a B vitamin). Talk to your doctor about this. Avoid popping pimples. You may relive your teenage years with an increase in acne. Since your body goes through a lot of hormonal changes during a pregnancy, you may develop acne or other skin abrasions. Mostly, your skin will clear up after your pregnancy. But, serious rashes like Chloasma (or sometimes called “Mask of Pregnancy”) can occur and needs to be treated by a doctor. Think about your nail routine. Nail polishes and nail polish remover can have harsh chemicals like formaldehyde and toluene. Both of these chemical are preservatives and can do serious harm if absorbed. You do not have to completely forego pretty nails, just be sure to pick nail polishes that do not have nasty chemicals like Formaldehyde in them Talk to your doctor about wrinkle cream and acne medication. Accutane (isotretinoin), Retin-A (tretinoin), and tetracyclines can all be dangerous to your developing fetus, may cause serious birth defects, and should be avoided. Wrinkle cream may also contain Retinol, which can also be dangerous. If you have concerns about wrinkles or acne while pregnant, it is important you discuss this with your doctor and find a treatment that is safe for both you and your baby. Botox should not be used to treat wrinkles while pregnant, either. Wait to whiten your teeth. Teeth-whitening products that contain peroxide may not be safe to use while pregnant. There is not enough research to support that it is safe to bleach or have your teeth whitened, so it's best to wait until after you have given birth and are finished breastfeeding. In fact, it is illegal in some countries for dentists to perform whitening procedures on pregnant women. Some whitening toothpastes, too, contain peroxide. The levels are so low they should not affect your pregnancy, but talk to your doctor first. Look for stain-reducing, rather than whitening, toothpaste. Avoid tanning and spray tans. There is not clear evidence that tanning will harm your baby, but using a tanning bed is the leading cause of skin cancer and should always be avoided. Tanning may also potentially break down folic acid, which is important in building your baby's nervous system. Avoid spray tans, as you can inhale chemicals that could harm your baby. In addition, overheating by tanning or laying out in the sun can increase your risk for birth defects. Wear sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Talk to your doctor before using self-tanner. There is not enough evidence to show that self-tanning lotion is safe for use while you are pregnant, but it is thought the chemical that browns your skin (dihydroxyacetone) is not absorbed past the first layer of skin. Still, you should check with your doctor before using any self-tanning products, or just make peace with being a little pale while you're pregnant. Consult with experts. Talk with your doctor, or your dermatologist. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about what products you can use. If you develop a problem with your skin like a rash or persistent acne, the doctor can prescribe you safe options such as a topical cream. Be wise and do your research. Once you know what you need and what can harm you, you need to look for products that will work for your skin, body, and baby. There are plenty of resources on the internet for expecting mothers, including popular pregnancy forums hosted by well-known parenting magazines. Go green! Use natural, oil-free products on your skin. These products avoid harsh chemicals and are often more environmentally friendly. Some even are specifically blended for pregnant women. Keep an eye on advertisements. There a number of products that specialize in sulphate-free or oil-free beauty alternatives. Check out magazines like Parenting, American Baby, or Baby Talk for specialized advertisements. | Prepare for some skin changes. Notice your skin's pigmentation. Avoid popping pimples. Think about your nail routine. Talk to your doctor about wrinkle cream and acne medication. Wait to whiten your teeth. Avoid tanning and spray tans. Consult with experts. Be wise and do your research. Go green! Keep an eye on advertisements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Trust-for-an-Estate | How to Set up a Trust for an Estate | Setting up a trust for your estate allows you to leave your assets to your friends and family after your death without going through the court system. Since the process can be complicated, it's best to hire an attorney, but you can do it yourself if you put in the leg work. If you're doing it yourself, search for do-it-yourself forms online. You'll need to choose which assets you want to transfer. Then, choose an individual or company to act as trustee and manage your trust. Name your beneficiaries and the terms of your trust. Once you've set up your trust, you'll need to change the deeds of your assets to the name of your trust and rename or open new bank accounts for any funds you want to add. | Research possible candidates. Setting up a trust can be a complex task and an attorney should be hired if you have the means to do so. If you are going to hire an attorney, ask friends and family for recommendations first. Your parents, grandparents, and older adults should have some idea of who you could contact because these are the people that have most likely set up their own estates in the past. In addition, you can always contact your state's bar association and ask for a referral. For example, in California, you can search for qualified attorneys handling trusts and estates issues. When looking for possible candidates, try and find one that is certified in estate planning. In California, attorneys can obtain a specialization in estate planning, trust and probate law. These attorneys have taken extra educational courses and have passed certain credentialing requirements, so you know they have the knowledge you need. Interview potential attorneys. Once you have found a number of qualified candidates, contact them and set up an initial consultation. Find out if the attorney offers a free initial consultation or if you will have to pay. When you go to your initial consultation, bring any relevant documents with you. Some documents may include a will, a list of assets, a list of beneficiaries, and a list of possible trustees. Ask each attorney about their practice and their ability to successfully put together a trust for you. You may want to ask how long they have been practicing, how many trusts they have drafted, how many of their trusts have been challenged in court, how many attorneys will be working on your matter, and how much they charge. Find out if the attorney you are interviewing has liability and malpractice insurance. If a mistake happens, you want to make sure you can recoup your losses. Choose the right lawyer. After your initial consultations, look back and review each attorney's performance. Did you like the attorney's demeanor? Did they seem knowledgeable? Were they focused on you or were they distracted? These are some of the questions you will want to answer before choosing an attorney. Once you find the right choice, contact the attorney and let them know you would like to hire them. Get your fee arrangement in writing and make sure you feel comfortable with the cost of the attorney's services. Make sure you check each attorney's history of disciplinary action before you hire them. Check with your state's bar association and ensure every attorney is licensed in good standing. Define your motives for setting up the trust. There are three main reasons to establish a trust. Depending on your priorities, you can tailor the trust to meet your needs. A trust helps you avoid or minimize probate. By sheltering your assets in a trust, you can be assured they will be distributed as you wish without intervention by the court. The terms of your trust can also be kept private. Once your will is placed into probate, it becomes part of the public record. You can exert control over your assets beyond your death. A well-structured and detailed trust directs exactly how it will be disbursed to your beneficiaries and how the body of the trust can be invested to keep the wealth intact and growing during your lifetime. Whether you create your trust to ensure income, education, or other benefits to your family, or intend for it to benefit a charity, you can dictate how your assets will be used. Finally, a well-constructed and managed trust can protect your estate from squabbles and wasting by your heirs. Trusts can be set up with tightly controlled payments. For example, you can instruct the trustee to only pay educational expenses or living expenses until your children reach a certain age. Choose between a living trust or a testamentary trust. Both types of trust have advantages and disadvantages. For example, a living trust will have to be managed during your lifetime while a testamentary trust will not form until your death. This frees you of the management paperwork. However, there are tax and probate advantages to both. Consult with a tax professional and attorney before making a final choice. A living trust is established, funded, and managed during your lifetime. In a living trust, you are usually the primary trustee and can manage the trust assets with very little trouble. With some study, you won't even need an attorney to help you with the documents to add or remove assets from the trust fund (often called the trust corpus or Trust Res.) A living trust is not subject to probate after your death. A living trust is also a good way to finance your long term health care needs. If you become unable to make your own decisions, trust responsibility flows seamlessly to your alternate trustee. A testamentary trust does not come into effect until your death. It is triggered by your will and is subject to probate. This type of trust is common for someone with young children or heirs that are disabled. Under a testamentary trust, the assets of your estate are paid out according to your instructions. For example, a testamentary trust is often used to set up income and educational funds for children until they reach the age of 21. Unlike a living trust which can be revoked or amended with ease, a testamentary trust is irrevocable once your will has passed through probate. Once triggered, the provisions cannot be changed without a court order. Choose between a revocable and irrevocable trust. Your tax professional can help you decide if your trust should be revocable or irrevocable. Tax consequences and estate preparation are your two main considerations in choosing between the two types. In a revocable trust, you retain full ownership of the assets during your lifetime. You can sell your property or use it for collateral for a loan. You also have the benefit and tax responsibilities for any income earned by the trust. The trust can also be dissolved at any time with minimal tax repercussions. If you choose an irrevocable trust, once you transfer an asset to the trust, you effectively no longer own it. One of the main benefits is that you personally no longer have any tax liability resulting from the value of the asset or the income it generates. If you place your assets in an irrevocable trust, the body of the trust may not be counted as an asset for Medicaid applications for nursing home care. You will only have to report any income that your draw from the trust. Your irrevocable trust may be subject to the Medicaid 60-month "look back" period. This means if your trust was formed less than 5 years before your need for nursing home care, you may incur a waiting period before benefits will be paid. Catalog your assets. You are not required to transfer all of your assets into your trust. During the planning phase, separate out your assets into one of these categories. Real estate can include your residence, business property, vacation homes, or any real estate where you own a full or partial share. Financial accounts are your checking, savings, money market, and certificates of deposit. These are your liquid assets that could be converted to cash with little difficulty. If you hold any stocks, bonds, or other investments, these can also be considered financial accounts. Tangible property is the items you want to transfer via the trust. Typical tangible property includes furniture, art, antiques, and collectibles. This list also includes vehicles, boats, and trailers. Select the trustees. Your trustee is the person or company that will tend your assets and see that your trust instructions are followed. Since a trustee has a fiduciary responsibility to honestly manage your money, you must put some thought into who you choose. In a revocable living trust, you will likely be the first and primary trustee. This gives you the power to manage your own assets. You will also need to name one or more alternate trustees. If your assets are limited to your residence, personal property, and basic financial accounts, consider your spouse, a sibling, or adult child as the alternate trustee. In a straight-forward living trust, the responsibilities and level of trust will be similar to being an executor for your will. If you have a high value living trust or an irrevocable trust that will require hands-on management to maintain, a professional corporate trustee, financial professional, or attorney might be a better choice. Remember, an irrevocable trust owns your assets, so your trustee will have to exercise a higher degree of attention and professionalism. Name the beneficiaries. The beneficiaries of your trust are similar to the heirs in your will. These are the people or organizations who will receive your assets when you die. However, you need to take some care in how you name your beneficiaries. List your beneficiaries by their full name and relationship. Instead of "Bob Smith," you will list "Robert James Smith: son." Do this to avoid any confusion. If your children are young when you form the trust, you should designate a payee until they are of legal age. This can help preserve the assets and ensure a smooth transfer. Keep your beneficiary list up to date. If you have additional children or re-marry, you need to change the list. If your ex-spouse is still listed when you die, your current spouse may either be disinherited or forced to challenge the trust in court. If a beneficiary dies before you, you can choose whether the inheritance flows to his heirs, or is re-divided among the living beneficiaries. If you name an organization or charity as a beneficiary, you must be specific. Don't say "Establish a scholarship at State University," or "Use it to help homeless animals." Instead say "The [name of scholarship fund] at [full name of school] located at [address] or "[Name of non-profit organization], Federal number [EIN], located at [address.]" Most charities have a process for receiving your donation. If you plan to name a charity as a beneficiary, contact the organization when you are establishing the trust. This can help you maximize the tax benefits and see that the charity receives your bequest with a minimum of disruption. Create the trust. There are do-it-yourself forms to establish your trust. However, you should strongly consider consulting an attorney because of the subtleties in the different types of trusts and the different tax consequences. Forms for creating a living trust can be found from legal document providers. Expect to pay up to $100 for a complete forms package. Revocable living trusts are easy to amend and you during your lifetime, you can amend and correct errors as needed. Even though do-it-yourself forms are available for creating irrevocable trusts, you should consult with an attorney. Remember, with an irrevocable trust, you are transferring actual ownership of your property. Look into professional trust management firms. Most banks and brokerage companies have trust management financial products available. If your assets are heavy in cash, stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments, a professional manager may be better qualified to invest the funds to generate the best income for your trust. Issue deeds for your real estate. To transfer real estate to your trust, you will need to deed the property into the name of your trust. Consider consulting with an attorney to make sure the deed is properly drawn up and recorded. Open or rename your financial accounts. For your bank and brokerage accounts, you need to first contact the the financial institution and ask about local procedures. If there are specific forms and document requirements, you must follow them to properly move your accounts into your trust. Some banks will allow you to rename your existing accounts. Others will require you to open new accounts and close the old after the funds are transferred. Have a set of your trust documents ready to give to your bank. Your trustee and alternate trustees will have to be on the signature cards. Assign your personal property to your trust. Your personal property can be transferred to your trust by creating a detailed inventory, consider including photos, and attaching it as an addendum to your trust documents. Small valuable property, such as jewelry, can be stored in a safe deposit box that is in the name of the trust. Vehicles have to be titled and registered in the name of your trust. The first step is to add your trust as an additional insured to your auto insurance. Many states will not change title or registration without proof of insurance. Follow your local county procedures to execute the title transfer. | Research possible candidates. Interview potential attorneys. Choose the right lawyer. Define your motives for setting up the trust. Choose between a living trust or a testamentary trust. Choose between a revocable and irrevocable trust. Catalog your assets. Select the trustees. Name the beneficiaries. Create the trust. Look into professional trust management firms. Issue deeds for your real estate. Open or rename your financial accounts. Assign your personal property to your trust. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Guitar | How to Play Guitar | To play the guitar, first get in position. Rest the guitar on your right leg. Then, place your right hand over the strings with your elbow out to the side. Place your left thumb against the back of the fret board, and place your fingers lightly on the strings. Keep your thumb placed around the middle height of the fretboard, and try to keep your wrist relaxed. Next, learn the strings. The top string is number 6, followed by 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1. They also have letter names: E, A, D, G, B, and E. You can remember this with the mnemonic, Elephants And Donkeys Grow Big Ears. Then, tune the guitar using the knobs on the guitar's neck. Now, try to learn a basic chord like a C-chord. Place the ring finger of your left hand around the third fret of the fifth string. Then, place your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string. Finish by placing your index finger on the first fret of the second string. Strum the guitar from the fifth string down to play the C Chord, making contact with each string as you strum down. Practice strumming up and down a few times, keeping your wrist soft as you strum. | Identify the parts of the guitar. Whether you're playing an electric or an acoustic guitar, the instrument is essentially wood and metal. Copper-wound strings vibrate to create sound. The wooden body resonates that sound to create the warm tones we associate with a guitar. The strings run between the headstock of the guitar, where they are affixed to tuning pegs that can be rotated to tighten and slacken them, and the bridge , where they're fixed to the guitar's body. On an acoustic guitar, the strings are fixed to the bridge with removable pegs, and on an electric guitar the strings are generally strung through an eyelet. The neck of the guitar is the long wooden piece of wood, flat on one side (this is called the fretboard ) and curved on the other. The fretboard is inlaid with metal frets that demarcate the different notes. An acoustic guitar will have a sound hole in the body where the sound will resonate, while an electric guitar will have as many as three magnetic pickups which will channel the sound through an amplifier. Hold the guitar correctly. Before you start wailing like Hendrix, make sure you're holding your guitar correctly. If you're right handed, you'll play the guitar by strumming about halfway between the sound hole and the bridge with your right hand and fretting the strings on the neck with your left hand. To play your guitar, sit up in a straight-backed chair or stool. When you orient the guitar to your body, the smallest string should be pointed toward the ground and the thickest string should be pointed up at the ceiling. Hold the back of the guitar so it touches your stomach and chest and rests on the leg of your strumming/picking hand. The guitar should be held mostly with your leg and by cradling it in your body. Your left hand is used to stabilize the neck and fret the strings. Hold the neck in the V created by your thumb and forefinger. You should be able to smoothly move your left hand up and down the neck without having to hold it up. Even if you hold the guitar correctly, you may experience some discomfort while getting used to playing. Do not become discouraged if your shoulder hurts in addition to your neck, arms and hands. You will eventually get used to it. Tune the guitar. It's no fun to play a guitar that's not in tune and can lead to some bad habits when you're first starting out. Tuning regularly will also familiarize you with which string and fret combinations correspond with which notes. Learn the name of each string. From the lowest to highest pitch (thickest to thinnest strings) the strings are named E, A, D, G, B, and E (after the note played when the string is plucked with no fingers touching it). Use a mnemonic to remember this order, such as " E ddie A te D ynamite, G ood B ye E ddie!" Electric tuners are easy to use and very accurate. Hold it to the guitar and pluck the high E. The tuner will tell you if the guitar is "sharp" (too high) or "flat" (too low). Pick each note and tighten the string to make it go higher, or give it some slack to lower it. Make sure the room is quiet when using a tuner because the microphone on the tuner can pick up other sounds. If you cannot afford a tuner, you can also tune your guitar without one by matching each note to the corresponding note on the piano. Practice fretting the strings. The frets are the metal strips that run perpendicular to the strings that mark each note. To play a note, press your finger down between the metal strips, not on them. To say that you're playing the third fret means that you place your finger on the string in the gap between the second and third fret. If you hear buzzing, move your finger away from the lowest fret and closer to the higher fret. Hold the string down firmly so that it only vibrates between your finger and your strumming hand, with the tip of your finger doing the pressing. Every time you move from one fret to another, the resulting pitch will be half a step higher as you move toward the body and a half step lower as you move toward the headstock. Practice moving up and down the fretboard, pressing the frets and getting a feel for the pressure you need to use to play a note. Hold the pick. A pick, or plectrum, is a small tear-shaped piece of plastic used for picking out individual notes and strumming the guitar. They're cheap and available at any music retailer. While it's not essential to learn to play guitar with a pick, it's most generally the way to start. Make a fist with your picking hand and your thumb flat on top of your curled fingers. Hold the pick by grasping it perpendicular to your fist between your thumb and index finger, with no more than a few centimeters of the smaller end sticking out of your hand. Learn first position chords. A chord is a harmonic group of at least three notes. For beginning guitar, there are two basic chord types: first position chords, and barre chords. First position chords can be played with a combination of open strings and pressed strings in the first three frets of the guitar. Commonly major chords are C Major , A Major , G Major , E Major , D Major. When you've got the shapes down, practice switching between them as quickly as you can. Write out more or less random arrangements of the chords you want to play and switch between them, strumming once. Make sure you play the appropriate notes. In A Major, for example, the low E string is not strummed. They'll be marked on the tablature with an "X". Develop good habits now for success in the long run. Learn finger placement for the chords. The finger placement is as follows (first major, then minor): C-chord: Place your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your index finger on the first fret of the second string. Strum all but the sixth string. Then, go back and play each string individually, while still playing the chord. Make sure each string rings out clearly. A major: Take your index, middle, and ring finger, and place them on the second frets of the second, third and fourth strings on the guitar. It is simply one line down these three strings. Play every string but the top one. G chord: Place your middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string. Place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the first string. Make sure each string rings out clearly. E Major: This is one of the easiest chords there is. Place your middle and ring fingers on the second frets of the fourth and fifth strings. Your index finger should go on the first fret of the third string. D Major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the third string. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the first string. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the second string. Only play the bottom four strings. E minor: This is exactly like E major, except you don't use your index finger. Put your middle and ring fingers on the second frets of the second and third thickest strings. A minor: Place your middle and ring fingers on the second frets of the third and fourth thickest strings, and your index on the first fret of the second thinnest. This is the exact same shape as E major, just moved down one string. Again, ignore the top string. D minor: Again, very similar to D Major. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the third thinnest string. Place your index finger on the first fret of the thinnest, and your ring finger on the third fret of the second thinnest. Play only the bottom four strings. Practice getting a clean sound from every string in the chord. After you had placed all your fingers on the fretboard, play through each of the strings of the chords. Make sure that the strings that are supposed to ring are not muffled or muted. If the notes are not ringing out properly, chances are that you are not pressing hard enough or parts of your fingers are touching that string which prevents it from sounding out clearly. Are any unused fingers touching strings? Keep your fretting fingers curled above the fret board when they're touching the strings as if you had your fingers resting over an imaginary glass ball, or a marble in the knuckle of each finger. This leaves space for the open strings to ring out unmuted. Strum with loose, relaxed motion. Strumming consists of downstrokes and upstrokes in various combinations, striking all the notes of the chord evenly and rhythmically. Use your wrist to practice smooth up and down motions. Keep your elbow in tight towards the guitar and sweep the pick down all the strings. Your elbow should not move very much, as you strum mostly from the wrist. Learn barre chords. Barre chords, or movable chords, are extremely useful for starting to play songs. In a barre chord (sometimes shortened to "bar chord"), the index finger of your fretting hand "bars" all the notes at a single fret. To play an F, which is the barre chord in first position, you bar all the notes on the first fret with your index finger and play what is essentially the shape of the E chord moved one step up the neck, with your middle, ring, and pinkie. Using the same claw-like finger positioning on the second fret, you can play an F# chord. Move to the third fret, and it becomes a G chord. It's a difficult finger positioning to learn, but you can start playing the chords to any rock or pop song relatively quickly when you learn to strum and play barre chords. The Ramones, for example, used nothing but barre chords to great effect. Manage the finger pain. There'll be a point at which things will seem bleak: you can't quite get to each chord as fast as you want, your fingers are killing you, and it seems easier to put the thing back in its case. The reason most guitar players stop playing a few weeks in is that it hurts. After a couple of months and years of playing, callouses will build up on the fingers of your fretting hand that will greatly reduce the pain of pushing down the strings for long periods of time. Everyone who learns to play the guitar has to deal with sore fingers at the beginning. Learn to love the pain and associate it with everything that you love about music and the guitar. Ice your fingers after playing or soak them in some apple cider vinegar to alleviate some of the pain. Dipping your fingers in rubbing alcohol after playing can speed up callus build up. Just don't do it before you play. Learn to play some songs. It's a whole lot more fun to play when you're playing a song that you can recognize and not just a set of chords or notes. Even better, 90% of music is made up of only 3-4 chords. Follow the link in the bolded text to find ten songs you can play with only four chords. Start off slow and speed up gradually as you get used to the rhythm. It can be frustrating how mechanical you will sound at first, but the more comfortable you get switching between the chords, the closer you'll be to rocking out on stage. As you master easier songs, move on to more complex pieces. "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd is basically a repetition of D, C, and G in that order, but it sounds much more complex on the record because of the lead guitar licks. Learn how to read guitar tabs. Guitarists have their own system of music notation called guitar tablature, or guitar tabs for short. The basic idea is to look at each line in the "staff" of the tab in the same way you look at your guitar. Each line corresponds to a string, and each number tells you which fret to hold down when plucking that string. For example, to play this tab-notated lick from the Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Sweet Home Alabama," you would play two notes on the open D string, the B string at the third fret, the G string at the second fret, etc. E|-------------------------------------------------|| B|-------3---------3----------3--------------------|| G|---------2---------0--------0---------------2p0--|| D|-0-0------------------------0--0----0h2p0--------|| A|------------3-3-------------2---0p2-------0------|| E|-----------------------3-3--3--------------------|| Switching between lead-style licks and chords is exciting. You'll feel like you're really making music and not just "learning guitar." Make sure you've got your chord shapes down correctly and that you're not losing the rhythm entirely when you play a quick lick. Learn from others. The guitar is best learned by watching, listening, and mimicking the techniques of others. You don't have to take formal lessons to learn guitar, but having friends to play with and share tricks and suggestions with can be a great resource. YouTube tutorials can be extremely helpful for beginners and for advanced players alike. Watching Stevie Ray Vaughn rip through a solo or seeing how Jack Johnson fingers your favorite song can be a great learning experience. If you'd like to play classical or jazz guitar, or even if you'd like to learn to read sheet music, formal lessons are a good idea. Teaching yourself is a great way of developing your own style, but there is only so much you can learn without a knowledgeable mentor. | Identify the parts of the guitar. Hold the guitar correctly. Tune the guitar. Practice fretting the strings. Hold the pick. Learn first position chords. Learn finger placement for the chords. Practice getting a clean sound from every string in the chord. Strum with loose, relaxed motion. Learn barre chords. Manage the finger pain. Learn to play some songs. Learn how to read guitar tabs. Learn from others. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Live-With-a-Moluccan-Cockatoo | How to Live With a Moluccan Cockatoo | To live with a Moluccan cockatoo, choose a large cage so that it can easily move around and play. You should also make sure the cage is sturdy, since cockatoos like to chew things and will destroy flimsy cages. After taking your cockatoo home, place a mat under its cage, which will catch bits of food and wood that your bird throws around. In order to keep your bird happy, spend several hours with it each day so that it can interact with you. On a daily basis, vacuum or dust the room where your bird lives, since cockatoos create a lot of dust from their feathers and when they chew on things. | Discuss the responsibilities with your family. Cockatoos make great pets, but they require a lot of responsibility. You can't just leave the bird in the cage and only feed it. You must spend time with it every day. Talk to your family and decide if a high-maintenance pet is something you want. Know that cockatoos are wild animals. Though cockatoos are bred into captivity and make great pets, they are not a domesticated animal. They are not going to be tame and keep much of its natural bird-like personality. You can expect normal bird behavior, like screaming, tearing up wood and paper, and tossing food around. Moluccan cockatoos are often best taken care of by experienced bird owners who can deal with their noise and powerful beak safely. Make sure you can deal with the cockatoo’s noise. Moluccan cockatoos are one of the loudest parrot species you can own. Their decibel rating is 135, which is close to that of a 747 jet! They might not be the best choice if you live with people who might be bothered by the noise, such as small children. You also might want to choose a different species if you live in a noise-sensitive area, such as an apartment building. Be aware that cockatoos will be a lifelong pet. Cockatoos live for a very long time, some as long as a human. This means that the cockatoo won't be gone in 10 to 15 years like a cat or dog. You could have a cockatoo for over 30 years. Don't get a cockatoo with the idea that you can just give it away if you get tired of it. Cockatoos are social animals that bond with their humans. Determine if you can afford a Moluccan Cockatoo. A Moluccan Cockatoo can cost a decent amount of money, even if not at first. The price of the cockatoo will vary depending on where you buy them, but the annual upkeep of the bird can be quite extensive and swell to over $1000 or more. This includes food, toys, housing, cleaning supplies, and veterinarian visits. Do not take on this responsibility if you do not have the money to take care of your cockatoo properly. Expect your cockatoo to be messy. Cockatoos can cause a mess around their cage. They need a lot of chew toys to stay occupied, and these can cause a mess inside and outside. They also have a tendency to toss food around, which can end up on the floor. It isn't uncommon to see pieces of wood, dust, shells, food debris, paper, or poop around a cage. You can use small handheld vacuum cleaners to clean up the debris thrown from the cage each day. Be prepared for dust. Cockatoos produce large amounts of dust, and your home will get coated with it. The dust, also known as powder, is actually fine down feathers that break off and collect on the cockatoo, and eventually gets spread around your home. Because of this, you will need to use the vacuum or dust daily if you own a cockatoo. If you have allergies or asthma, a cockatoo may not be the right species for you. Placing an air filter in the same room as the cockatoo can help. Watch out for excessive chewing. Cockatoos love to chew. When they are out of their cage, you should watch them to make sure they do not chew up items in your home. They may chew up shoes, clothes, and furniture. Providing them with chew toys can help, but probably won't solve the problem. You may need to monitor your cockatoo closely when they are out of cage. Know that cockatoos are noisy and demanding. Cockatoos are loud birds that don't mind using their voices. While they can learn to talk, they don't talk nearly as much as other species and may just screech and squawk. They are demanding and needy and will make a lot of noise if they are bored or not receiving a lot of attention. Buy a very large cage. Moluccan cockatoos are one of the largest species of cockatoos, so you will need a large cage for them. Make sure to choose a cage that gives the bird plenty of room to move around, get exercise, and play. The cage should be minimum 30 in (76 cm) deep and 48 in (122 cm) wide, or large enough for the bird to stretch out its wings in all directions. The cage should be sturdy. Since cockatoos are chewers, they can easily destroy weaker cages that are made out of plastic. Instead, get a stainless steel cage. Give your Moluccan cockatoo its own cage. Moluccan cockatoos can get very aggressive towards other birds, and have even been known to kill their mates with their powerful beaks. While they are a quite social species, it's best to give your cockatoo its own large cage, and not try to get it to share with other birds. Spend lots of time with your cockatoo. Cockatoos are very social animals, which means they want to spend a lot of time with their humans. If you are gone a lot or don't spend enough time with them, they can become loud, depressed, or destructive. Try to sit with your cockatoo for at least a few hours per day to keep it from getting lonely. Place the cage in a common area. Your cockatoo wants to feel like they are part of the family. To help with this, place the cage in a room where you and your family spend a lot of time. This helps keep the cockatoo calm and reduces the risk of it feeling lonely or depressed. For example, a cockatoo who can see their family will play happily in their cage, while one in an empty room may screech, get stressed, and start feather plucking. Keep the cage away from the kitchen because the fumes from there can harm your cockatoo. Place a mat under and around the cage. Since cockatoos are so messy, buy changeable lining for your bird cage. You can use any kind of paper, such as newspaper, paper towels, or paper bags. The paper lays flat and helps you check the quality of your cockatoo's droppings. For extra protection, you can also use bird litter and Yesterday's News, a pelleted form of newspaper. Never use wood chips or shavings because they are toxic to birds. You can also protect the floor and area around the cage by placing a protective mat under it. Rubber mats are a good option since you can clean them very easily. Provide plenty of toys. Cockatoos need to be entertained, especially when they are left alone in their cage. Provide plenty of toys for them to keep their mind and bodies stimulated. Ropes, swings, puzzle toys, food toys, chew toys, and toys made of bright colors are all great choices. Give your cockatoo plenty of things to chew up since cockatoos love to chew. You can buy commercial toys, or make your own out of bird-safe wood or cardboard boxes. Foraging toys are a great idea. Cockatoos hunt for their food in the wild, so providing them with toys where they have to hunt or work for their food can help entertain them. Spend time with your bird each day. Cockatoos need to spend time with their humans each day. If they do not get regular interaction, they may become neurotic and resort to self-mutilation to try to comfort themselves. Take your cockatoo out of its cage each day and talk to it every time you're in the same room with it. Some cockatoos will like to sit on your legs when you watch television or work on the computer. Spend time with your cockatoo exercising them, such as playing fetch with it using soft objects. Make sure you let your cockatoo out in a safe environment. Any doors or windows should be closed, other pets should be put away, wires should be covered, and any substance that could harm the bird should be removed. Don’t allow your cockatoo to sit on your shoulder or walk on the ground. Your cockatoo might bite your face if allowed on your shoulder. If you let them walk around on the ground, they'll start to consider it their territory and might become aggressive to people walking nearby. To discourage generally aggressive behavior, make sure your cockatoo isn't allowed on your shoulder or on the ground. Set up a jungle gym. A good way to spend time with your cockatoo out of the cage is to let it play on a jungle gym or play house. Set this area up in a room where you and your family spend a lot of time. Your Moluccan cockatoo will love this and get to spend quality time around their humans. | Discuss the responsibilities with your family. Know that cockatoos are wild animals. Make sure you can deal with the cockatoo’s noise. Be aware that cockatoos will be a lifelong pet. Determine if you can afford a Moluccan Cockatoo. Expect your cockatoo to be messy. Be prepared for dust. Watch out for excessive chewing. Know that cockatoos are noisy and demanding. Buy a very large cage. Give your Moluccan cockatoo its own cage. Spend lots of time with your cockatoo. Place the cage in a common area. Place a mat under and around the cage. Provide plenty of toys. Spend time with your bird each day. Don’t allow your cockatoo to sit on your shoulder or walk on the ground. Set up a jungle gym. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-a-Small-Room | How to Decorate a Small Room | To decorate a small room, keep big items like couches and beds along the wall so you have more open space. If you want to put a rug in your room, choose a large one because a small one will make the rest of the space look small, too. You can also create the illusion of larger windows by hanging curtains from as close to the ceiling as you can and extending them all the way down to the floor. Another way to make your small room seem bigger is to add mirrors or items with reflective surfaces like glass lamps or glass-topped furniture. If you plan to paint the walls of your small room, choose a light color like white or light grey so that the room is brighter and appears larger. | Paint your walls a lighter color to make the room brighter. Pick neutral colors, such as white, tan, or light grey, to paint your walls. Apply large areas of paint with a foam roller, and work around your trim and corners of your room with a paintbrush. Once your room is a lighter color, it will seem more open. If you're not sure which color you want to use, buy several paint samples, then paint large 2 ft (0.61 m) by 2 ft (0.61 m) swatches on your wall. Let the paint dry, then spend a few days living with the different colors on your wall. Choose the one that you like the best after seeing how the paint looks under different types of light. Don't paint your walls if you're renting your home. If your room feels too empty after you paint it, use a patterned or textured decoration to warm up the space. Arrange mirrors throughout the room to add more depth. Mirrors reflect the space, making it seem like your room is bigger. Pick 1 large mirror or arrange smaller mirrors on your wall to make a more interesting piece. Position your mirrors so they can reflect natural light if possible to brighten up your room. Simply lean a body-length mirror against the wall if you can't put holes in the wall. If you don't want a lot of mirrors in your room but still want to add more depth, use items with reflective surfaces. You can use shiny pieces of art, glass-topped furniture, metal jewelry boxes, glass lamps, and other similar objects. Keep larger items along the walls to free up floor space. Leave space in the middle of your room so you can get around easily without tripping over your furniture. Keep couches, beds, hutches, or any other large furniture pieces around the perimeter of the room rather than in the center. Arrange your furniture so that you have the most floor space available as possible. You want to feel like you have a bunch of open space. However, make sure your furniture isn't so tightly packed that you can't freely open doors or pull out drawers. For example, if you have a small bedroom, keep your bed and dresser pushed into the corners of your space so you have clear and open walkways. If you have large furniture, consider downsizing so you have even more room. Hang long curtains above your window to make them seem larger. Install the curtain rod as close to the ceiling as you can. Get curtains that extend all the way down to your floor and frame your window inside them. The long curtains create the illusion that your windows are much larger than they appear. Avoid using blackout curtains since they'll restrict light from entering your space. Instead, pick a light color. Instead, create the effect of blackout curtains by installing Roman shades under your light curtains. This allows you to block out the light when you need to while still enjoying bright daylight most of the day. Remove any extra clutter you’re keeping in your room. Downsize the number of belongings you have so your space doesn't feel overcrowded. Consider getting rid of or donating anything you haven't used in the last 6 months or that doesn't fit your style. Keep an inventory of your belongings so you can easily determine what you can and can't get rid of. Clutter will visually shrink your space, making it appear even smaller. Make sure your dresser and nightstand are very neat and organized. Find furniture with built-in storage space to keep clutter hidden. Look for seating options that have hidden drawers where you store blankets or linens. That way, you can hide any clutter while still easily accessing it. Find multipurpose furniture, like a bed where the headboard is a bookshelf or an ottoman that opens up. Consider getting furniture that you can fold up or push against the wall, like a futon or Murphy bed. Use floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to create vertical storage. Use tall, shallow bookshelves to hold various items, like books, small plants, pictures, or any other small decorations you may have. If you have the wall space, consider putting 2 or more of the same shelves together to have an accent wall with storage. Some bookshelves will get top-heavy if you place a lot of items on the top shelves, so secure them to the wall. You can store anything on a bookshelf, even items like clothing and accessories. Get a few decorative baskets that fit on your bookshelves, then use them to hold items like socks, belts, and t-shirts. Install shelves on the walls above furniture to avoid using floor space. Free-hanging wall shelves add a lot of room for small decorations, pictures, or books without taking up any floor space. Add shelves over your furniture to add functionality and extra decoration while still maximizing your floor space. For example, you may install shelves above your toilet in the bathroom to hold decoration or common toiletries. Make sure to hang the shelves high enough so your head won't hit them. Keep functional furniture in the corners to free up the center of the room. Corners are usually empty and unused spaces, but you can utilize them for small work areas. Place a chair with a small table or a desk in the corner so you can use it often without taking up much space. If you place a chair in the corner and you still have space behind it, place a tall floor lamp to add lighting or hide a small storage space behind it. Hang storage racks on the backs of your doors. Look for racks or hooks that hang from the top of your door. Once you attach them to the door, hang clothes, towels, shoes, or toiletries for added storage that's out of sight whenever the door is open. Plastic hanging shoe racks work great in closets for holding cleaning supplies or in a pantry for holding different spices. You can also hang your mirror on the back of the door to help save space. Use bright pillows to add a pop of color to your room. Choose colored pillows that match or complement the rest of your room's design. Consider getting different textures or patterns to add more visual interest to your room. For example, if you have a room that's primarily white, use red pillows to draw attention to your furniture. Only use 2-3 bright pillows in your room at a time, or else it may seem too overpowering. Hang string lights along your wall or ceiling to avoid using bulky lamps. Pick up a few sets of white string lights to drape around your walls or ceiling. The soft light will make your room seem cozy and welcoming all while preserving your table and floor space. Look for string lights around holidays to get large sets for a cheap price. Use warm yellow or white lights rather than bright LEDs since they could change the way your room looks. If you like to read in bed, drape the lights around your headboard so they can act as a reading lamp. Lay large rugs on the floor instead of small ones. If you put a small rug in your room, it will make the rest of your room look small. Find a rug that fills up most of your room, leaving about 12–18 inches (30–46 cm) of open floor between the rug and the wall. You can also layer rugs for a more dynamic look. Choose a bottom rug that's about the same size as your room, then put a smaller rug on top of it. For example, you might layer a brightly colored rug on top of a neutral colored rug. Keep greenery or flowers around the room to add a sense of freshness. Pick small plants that you can easily keep in a window sill or on tables as an accent piece. Only keep 2-3 plants in the room or else it will start to feel overcrowded. Find plants like succulents or cacti if you want plants that are low upkeep. Changing the kind of flowers you keep is a great way to keep your room updated and looking new throughout the year. Use artificial plants if you don't want to care for living ones. Some plants are poisonous to cats and dogs. If you have pets, check if the plants you want are poisonous before you buy them. Additionally, keep your pets away from the plants as best you can. | Paint your walls a lighter color to make the room brighter. Arrange mirrors throughout the room to add more depth. Keep larger items along the walls to free up floor space. Hang long curtains above your window to make them seem larger. Remove any extra clutter you’re keeping in your room. Find furniture with built-in storage space to keep clutter hidden. Use floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to create vertical storage. Install shelves on the walls above furniture to avoid using floor space. Keep functional furniture in the corners to free up the center of the room. Hang storage racks on the backs of your doors. Use bright pillows to add a pop of color to your room. Hang string lights along your wall or ceiling to avoid using bulky lamps. Lay large rugs on the floor instead of small ones. Keep greenery or flowers around the room to add a sense of freshness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Heartburn | How to Cure Heartburn | If you're looking for a remedy for heartburn that you can try at home, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda into a glass of water and drink it after a meal or at the first signs of heartburn. If your heartburn gets worse at night, elevate your mattress by placing a wedge-shaped object between the mattress and the boxspring. Try to avoid foods that cause heartburn, such as spicy or fried foods, chocolate, or tomato products. If your heartburn persists for more than 2 weeks, consult your doctor. | Loosen your clothing after meals. While loosening your belt after a meal seems like a silly cliche, it can help in this case. Increased pressure on your abdomen and lower esophageal sphincter help push up the stomach acids that cause heartburn. Looser clothing, especially after big meals, will help relieve heartburn. Do not lie down immediately after a meal. Sometimes heartburn symptoms are caused by plain old gravity. By lying down after a meal — when those stomach acids are most active — they can flow more easily toward your esophagus and get past your esophageal sphincter. Avoid lying down for 30 – 60 minutes after a meal. Generally avoid late meals as well since you should wait at least three hours after a meal before going to bed. Drink a mix of baking soda and water. If you prefer not to take medications, then you can often alleviate your heartburn with simple baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). Mix one teaspoon in a glass of water, and drink it after your meal or when signs of heartburn begin. Do not exceed five teaspoons of baking soda in a day without first talking to your doctor. Take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for heartburn. You can choose from a wide array of OTC products that target heartburn. The three most common classes of these drugs are antacids, H2 blockers, and proton pump inhibitors. Antacids (products such as Tums) provide quick, short-term relief for heartburn by neutralizing your stomach acid. H2 blockers—ranitidine (Zantac) and famotidine (Pepcid)—slow the production of stomach acid. These products take up to an hour to work, but they work for a longer period of time. Proton pump inhibitors—omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid 24HR)—slow your body's production of stomach acid even more. These products are generally used for heartburn that isn't controlled by antacids or H2 blockers and that occurs more frequently than two days a week. Elevate your mattress. Sometimes people experience heartburn when they go to bed even after waiting several hours after dinner. If heartburn disrupts your ability to sleep, try slightly angling the head of your bed. By lying at a gentle slope instead of parallel to the ground, you can help alleviate heartburn symptoms. You can elevate the head of your bed by elevating the entire frame on one end, or you can simply put a wedge-like object between the boxspring and mattress. People report this method being more effective than just adding more pillows behind your head alone. By only using more pillows, you can strain your neck or simply roll off them in the night, defeating the purpose. Go for a walk. While vigorous exercise after a meal can increase your risks of heartburn, some gentle physical activity can help alleviate symptoms. Try going for a walk or a calm bike ride when your symptoms start to see if the physical activity helps eliminate heartburn symptoms. Stress and anxiety can both make heartburn symptoms worse as well. Daily physical activity is a great way to combat stress, making it effective against heartburn for multiple reasons. Eat modest portions at mealtime. Choosing large meals instead of moderate portions increases the risk of heartburn. With more and more food in your stomach, your stomach acids have a higher chance of passing into your esophagus. Opt for smaller servings to prevent the occurrence of heartburn. Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn. Though heartburn has mostly to do with your esophageal sphincter, many people do experience an increased occurrence of heartburn from eating certain foods. One of the easiest ways to stop getting heartburn is to cut out foods that trigger it for you. Some common foods associated with heartburn include: Spicy foods Onions Tomatoes (or tomato products such as ketchup and pizza sauce) Acidic foods such as those containing citrus Chocolate Alcohol Peppermint Fried or overly fatty foods Coffee, soda, and other beverages containing acids. Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying around excess weight puts additional pressure on your stomach that can help force stomach acid into your esophagus. Even losing a few pounds can begin aiding to alleviate that pressure. Diet and exercise are the two best ways to help yourself shed extra pounds. A healthier diet will also mean cutting out fried and fatty foods, which often worsen heartburn symptoms. A healthy exercise routine includes thirty minutes of moderate cardio activity (such as jogging, cycling, swimming, etc.) five days a week. Note that pregnancy is a common cause of GERD in women. Always check with your doctor before attempting any weight-loss routine if you are pregnant. Those more than 100 pounds overweight may be candidates for bariatric surgery to help improve GERD symptoms. Quit smoking. Smoke from tobacco products damages your lower esophageal sphincter, impairing its ability to function normally. This makes it easier for the stomach acid that causes heartburn to get passed and into your esophagus. You should quit smoking to decrease your risks of many smoking-related illnesses but especially after meals to help decrease the chances of heartburn. See your doctor. If your frequent heartburn symptoms persist for more than two weeks despite efforts with OTC medications, then make an appointment with your doctor. Submit to any diagnostic testing. Since recurrent bouts of heartburn are often indicative of gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), your doctor may ask you to submit to some diagnostic testing to help determine the best way to treat you. These tests will also examine you for a complication of GERD called erosive esophagitis, which is when your stomach acid has done actual damage to your esophagus. Tests for the condition include: X-rays to look at the shape and condition of both your esophagus and your stomach An endoscopy, which will check for abnormalities along your esophagus caused by long-term esophageal erosion due to stomach acid, especially if you are over fifty or have had GERD for longer than five years An ambulatory acid probe test, which measures when acid backs up into your esophagus and for what duration Your doctor may also biopsy some of the cells found in your lower esophagus to test for a condition called Barrett's esophagus, which is a precancerous condition resulting from long-term GERD symptoms. However, this is only a small percentage of those with GERD. Ask about prescription-strength medications. Both H2 blockers and proton pump inhibitors are available in prescription strength from your doctor. If OTC strengths of these drugs haven't controlled your symptoms, then your doctor will likely first recommend a prescription option to control your symptoms. Discuss surgical options. For GERD that isn't controlled by medication and which has developed into erosive esophagitis, your doctor may even discuss surgical options with you. These options include: Fundoplication, which is when your surgeon wraps a small section of your stomach around your lower esophageal sphincter, which helps strengthen the muscle, allowing less stomach acid to pass through it Inserting a device (such as a Linx) that is implanted along your lower esophageal sphincter to help strengthen it | Loosen your clothing after meals. Do not lie down immediately after a meal. Drink a mix of baking soda and water. Take over-the-counter (OTC) drugs for heartburn. Elevate your mattress. Go for a walk. Eat modest portions at mealtime. Avoid foods that trigger your heartburn. Maintain a healthy weight. Quit smoking. See your doctor. Submit to any diagnostic testing. Ask about prescription-strength medications. Discuss surgical options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-a-Palm-Tree | How to Remove a Palm Tree | Palm trees are very heavy and can damage nearby structures, so when you're thinking about removing them you'll need to carefully consider if you want to do it yourself or hire a professional service. If there are a lot of power lines, trees, or other buildings surrounding the palm, hire a professional tree removal service to avoid damage. You'll also want to research your particular palm since some varieties are considered valuable and you may want to uproot and sell your tree rather than chop it down. If you plan on doing the job yourself, you'll need to anchor the tree to the ground before starting to dig it up since palms are extremely heavy. Another option is to cut your palm down by first trimming the palm fronds and then cutting through the trunk. | Take a picture of your palm tree. Several palm tree varieties are considered valuable, and you can make money by uprooting them instead of destroying them. Some companies will remove the tree, buy it from you, and then relocate it. You will need to take a picture of your palm so you can figure out what type it is. Palm trees differ by their leaves, their trunk shape, their height, and other features. Make sure these are visible in your photo. The Mexican Fan Palm and Queen Palm are the most common varieties, so they are not considered valuable. A couple of palm trees, such as the Chilean Wine Palm or the Kentia Palm, may be valuable. Research your palm tree online to find its species. Search online for a picture guide of palm tree varieties. Compare your photo to the pictures to figure out what kind of palm tree you have. Then, you can make a decision on how to remove the tree. Try a palm tree guide such as http://www.palmidentifier.com/. If you are unsure, palm tree nurseries or removal companies may be able to help you identify your tree. Make sure the palm tree is in an accessible location. Removal services need plenty of space to work. Clear the area of any vehicles, furniture, and debris. Also, look for any nearby power lines the tree may fall on during removal. If your palm tree is in a small area, such as in an enclosed yard, the palm may cost too much to remove, so relocation services may decide against buying it. Removing a palm near buildings or power lines can be dangerous, so you should hire a professional tree removal service. Trees in tight spaces are hard to remove safely, so removal companies will charge you more. Consult your local laws about removing tall trees. Your local government may have laws against removing tall trees. This is for safety reasons, since dealing with a large tree can be dangerous for yourself or others. If your tree is very tall, consult a professional removal service. For example, in California, you may not be permitted to cut palm trees over 12 ft (3.7 m) on your own. Tall trees often require more workers and tools to cut, so removal companies may charge you more. Contact a reputable tree removal service. Once you have decided what to do with your palm tree, find a company willing to remove it. Discuss your options with removal companies in your area. Before choosing a company, always search for the company's name online to gauge their credentials first. Read reviews from other customers. For a palm you plan on selling, contact a tree relocation service or nursery to dig up the tree without destroying it. If you plan on cutting down the tree, call a professional removal service. Research the tree before digging it up. You can take a picture of the tree and look for it in an online database. This can help you figure out if the tree is worth uprooting. Some palm varieties are considered valuable by growers and planting companies, and they may want to purchase the tree from you. If the tree is valuable, or you want to move it without harming it, dig it up instead of cutting it down. Palm tree nurseries and tree removal services can help identify your palm tree and its value. Assess which way the tree should fall. Stand where you ideally want the palm tree to fall. This should be away from power lines, buildings, and other trees. Detect the tree's lean by looking along the trunk to the branches. View the tree at other angles as needed to figure out the lean, as well as spot any signs of damage that could change the palm's trajectory. Check the local regulations before you begin to make sure you follow all laws on tree removal. Plan on bringing the tree down in the direction of the lean. If this isn't possible, guide the tree by digging out about 24 in (61 cm) of soil around the roots in the direction you want the tree to fall. Make sure the tree's fronds aren't tangled up in power lines or anything else that will fall with the tree. Consult a professional if these obstacles are present. Anchor the palm tree to the ground with rope. This is needed in case the tree topples and causes damage, especially if the tree is large. About ⅓ of the way up the tree, wrap 4 strong pieces of rope around the tree trunk. Stretch each rope at least 2 ft (0.61 m) away from the tree. Plant a metal stake in the ground at the end of each rope, then tie the rope tightly to the stake. Each rope should travel an equal distance from the tree. Make sure the ropes are tied tightly. Another way to secure the tree is to stand wood boards against it. Nail 1 end of each board to the tree about ⅓ of the way up the trunk, then stake the other end in the ground. If the tree begins to fall, immediately clear the area. Move to a safe spot out of the tree's range. Mark a circle around the base of the tree. Measure the tree's width to make an estimate of the root ball. Expect the root ball to be twice as wide as the tree, up to about 24 in (61 cm) in diameter. Mark this by drawing a circle around the tree with spray chalk. Roots spread out more in taller palm trees. Trees over 16 ft (4.9 m) may have root balls larger than 24 in (61 cm) in diameter. If you plan on transferring or replanting the tree, you may want to make the circle 30 in (76 cm) or larger to avoid damaging larger roots. Dig inwards from the edge of the circle. Dig around the edge of the circle first, moving the dirt until you can see the bottom of the root balls. Palm trees have a lot of small, stringy roots that don't spread as far as roots from other trees. Once you have located the ends of the roots, begin working towards the tree trunk until you expose the top of the root ball. Although palm trees need most of their roots in order to be replanted successfully, a little bit of root damage won't kill the tree. A crane may also be rented and used to dig underneath the root ball without harming the palm tree. Sever long or stubborn roots with a shovel. Your palm tree can survive some root damage. You can prune large roots that go beyond the root ball. Use a sharp tool like a hoe, shovel, or saw to cut through them. Place the blade on the root near the root ball, then press down on it to sever it. If you can expose the bottom of the root ball successfully, you will not need to sever any roots. Dig beneath the root ball to free the tree. Continue digging around the tree until you see the bottom of the root ball. You will need to get your shovel underneath the root ball in order to wedge the tree free. Once the root ball is exposed, the tree is ready to be moved. Cut any long roots if you can't get to the bottom of the root ball. If the tree begins to fall, move out of the way quickly in case the supports fail. Lower the tree to the ground. The tree can be lowered once the roots are exposed. Ask some helpers to assist you, since palm trees are very heavy. Loosen the ropes on 1 end, then slowly lower the tree to the ground. Do not stand underneath the tree on the side it falls towards. As long as you avoid sawing off the top of the trunk or cutting a lot of roots, the tree can be replanted elsewhere in a hole deep enough to cover the root ball. If the tree is large, you will need a crane to move it after it falls. After it's replanted, it'll need aftercare, such as regular watering, to ensure it takes root. Search for your palm tree online to find out if its worth cutting. Common palm tree varieties, such as the Mexican Fan Palm, cost more to transplant than they do to remove. You can check this by taking a picture, searching through a palm tree database online, and by contacting a tree nursery or removal service for confirmation. If the tree isn't valuable and you don't want to save it, you can safely cut it down. If the tree is in a hard to reach area, such as near buildings and power lines, it is costlier to transplant. These sorts of trees are usually cut down. Wear ear muffs and a facemask. A chainsaw used improperly is dangerous. Protect your hearing by wearing noise-reducing ear muffs. Also put on a hard hat with a flip-up face mask to guard against flying shards of wood. Also wear long-sleeve clothing, sturdy work boots, and gloves. Wear a safety harness if you need to climb up a tall tree. If you plan on trimming your tree first to reduce its weight, you need to climb up it. A harness or hydraulic lift is necessary for trees approximately 12 ft (3.7 m) or taller. Attach the harness to the tree or another stable structure, such as a nearby building. You can purchase a harness online or at a home improvement store. If you don't feel safe climbing the tree, either cut the tree without trimming it or hire a professional tree removal service. Evaluate which way the tree will fall. Stand away from the palm and look up the trunk to figure out which way it is leaning. It is most likely to fall in the direction it is leaning. Make sure the tree is clear of any power lines and won't fall on anything else. Make sure you are in accordance with local regulations on tree removal, and contact a professional if your palm is near obstacles like power lines. If you can't fell the tree in the direction it is leaning, you will need to make a deeper notch cut in the direction you want it to fall towards. Cut about ⅓ of the way into the tree's trunk. If the tree has cracks or holes, it could fall towards the damaged spots. Be aware of these spots and work around them. Clear the area before cutting the tree. Make sure everyone is out of the area before you begin working on the tree. Palm trees are very heavy and even the fronds can be damaging if they fall. Keep children and pets far away from the tree until it is on the ground. Always be aware of your surroundings. Have a way to escape in case the tree begins to crack, splinter, or fall towards you. Climb up to reach the tree fronds. If the tree is short enough, you can reach the leaves by using a ladder. Position the ladder next to the branch you wish to cut so it doesn't fall on you. Otherwise, climb up on a nearby structure or use a hydraulic lift so you are above the fronds. Stand beside or above the palm fronds when trimming them. Never stand under them. Ask a helper to watch the tree to look for splintering or the tree falling in the wrong direction. For example, the person holding your ladder may be able to watch the tree. You may be able to rent a hydraulic lift from a home improvement store. Trim the palm fronds with a pruning saw. Use the saw to cut through the palm fronds 1 at a time. Cut each frond as close to the tree's trunk as possible. You can use a chainsaw, although fronds are often tough and will wear out several blades. Change your chainsaw blade when it no longer cuts through the branches cleanly. Let the cut branches drop to the ground. Make sure no one is standing under the tree while you work. If you cannot cut the fronds, you can cut the whole tree down at once. However, remember that the fronds make the tree heavier and can affect how it falls. The wind will effect the direction that the tree falls, especially if there are still fronds on the tree. Make a notch cut at the tree’s base. Use a proper cutting technique to control the direction of the tree's fall. Make a triangular cut on the side you want the tree to fall towards. To make the cut, use a chainsaw to slice diagonally down about 1/4 of the way through the tree, then pull the saw back out of the trunk. Make the cut at waist or chest-level to minimize the size of the stump left after felling the palm. If you aren't comfortable felling the tree, you can use the chainsaw to cut the tree from the top. Cut off about 12 in (30 cm) at a time until only a stump remains. Cut through the tree from the other side. Go around to the other side of the tree and use your chainsaw to cut straight through it. Saw through the tree until you reach the tip of the notch cut you made. Quickly move away from the tree when you hear cracking. The tree will most likely fall towards the notch cut. You may need to replace the chainsaw blade a few times to cut all the way through the tree. Use a stump grinder to remove the rest of the tree. Rent a power stump grinder to take out the remaining piece of the palm tree. You will need to cut down through the stump, removing it piece by piece. This can take a lot of effort, so be patient and whittle the stump down slowly. You will need to dig around the stump to expose the part in the ground. To make the stump easier to remove, you can apply a potassium nitrate tree stump killer. | Take a picture of your palm tree. Research your palm tree online to find its species. Make sure the palm tree is in an accessible location. Consult your local laws about removing tall trees. Contact a reputable tree removal service. Research the tree before digging it up. Assess which way the tree should fall. Anchor the palm tree to the ground with rope. Mark a circle around the base of the tree. Dig inwards from the edge of the circle. Sever long or stubborn roots with a shovel. Dig beneath the root ball to free the tree. Lower the tree to the ground. Search for your palm tree online to find out if its worth cutting. Wear ear muffs and a facemask. Wear a safety harness if you need to climb up a tall tree. Evaluate which way the tree will fall. Clear the area before cutting the tree. Climb up to reach the tree fronds. Trim the palm fronds with a pruning saw. Make a notch cut at the tree’s base. Cut through the tree from the other side. Use a stump grinder to remove the rest of the tree. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Jade-Plant | How to Grow a Jade Plant | To grow a jade plant, start by clipping a stem from an existing plant and leaving it to dry for a few days, or until the cut part is scabbed over. Next, dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage the cutting to grow roots. Then, plant the jade in a pot filled with succulent potting mix and loosely pack the soil around the stem. Finally, place the plant in a sunny spot and water it only when the soil has completely dried out to avoid overwatering. | Choose a cutting. If you have a large Jade plant (or know someone who does), you can grow more Jade plants by cutting off a stem from the larger plant. Try to choose a part of the plant that has a thick stem with healthy leaves. Use sharp, clean clippers to snip off the stem. Make sure to leave a few inches of space between the bottom of the stem and the leaves so that you won't have to remove any leaves when you plant it. Allow the stem to dry out a bit. Giving the cutting a few days to dry out and scab over will help keep your little Jade plant healthy while it is rooting. All you have to do is leave the cutting in a dry place until it seems a bit dry. The place where you cut the stem should be scabbed over. The larger the cutting, the more time this will take. It will also take longer if you are doing this in the winter as opposed to during the warm summer months. Apply a rooting hormone. Rooting hormone (also called rooting tonic) is a mix of different plant hormones that will help cuttings grow more successfully. You can make your own homemade rooting hormone or you can purchase a commercial rooting hormone. If you purchase a commercial rooting hormone, you should follow the instructions provided. However, in general, you will apply the rooting hormone directly to the stem that will be placed in the soil. Do this just before planting. To avoid contaminating your bottle of rooting hormone, pour a small amount into a container. Use the hormone in your vessel for the propagation work and discard any leftover. This way, the rest stays fresh. This step is optional. Though it may increase your chances of success, Jade plants are known for their ability to root successfully on their own. Fill a container with the correct soil. You should not use regular potting soil for your Jade plant as it is too heavy for this plant to root in. Instead, purchase a soil made specifically for succulent plants or mix your own and add a few handfuls of sand for better drainage. The key to remember is that Jade plants need soil that drains well. You can mix your own soil by mixing together a combination of sand, perlite, and a compost of some sort. Succulents prefer soil that drains easily, so it is important to avoid regular potting soil. You can find all of these ingredients at a nursery. If you are worried about your plant draining well enough, use a clay pot instead a plastic pot. Make sure that there is a drainage hole on the bottom where water can escape. If there is a saucer underneath the pot, always empty out any excess water. Jade plants don't need a huge amount of space, so if you have a small clipping you can use a pot that is small. Plant the Jade. Use your finger or a pencil to make a small hole in the soil (just big enough for the stem to fit into). Place the stem into the hole so that the rooting hormone is covered (if you used it). If you didn't use root hormone, just place the stem in deep enough so that the plant can stand up on its own. Pack the soil in loosely around the stem. You don't have to pack it in too tightly as this will discourage drainage. Just pack it tight enough so that the stem feels secure in the pot. If planting the cutting directly doesn't work for you, try rooting it in water. Place your cutting in a jar with the tip of the stem just above the surface of the water. The cutting will begin to root, and then you can plant it. Place the plant in a sunny spot. It is important that the small plant is kept in a sunny place, but do not place it in direct sunlight as the leaves will burn. In three to four weeks, you should notice new growth on the top of the plant. This is a good sign that your plant has successfully rooted. Avoid the temptation to water your plant while it is rooting. This will increase the chance that the stem will rot and kill your rooting plant altogether. Once your Jade plant has rooted, you can consider moving it to a larger pot if you want to. If your plant doesn't seem to be rooting, and it's only been a few weeks, try waiting a bit longer. Succulent plants root easily, so it may just be that you haven't given the plant enough time. Alternatively, you can gently remove the cutting from the pot to see if roots are growing. Don't do this too often, though, as it only slows the process. Allow the plant to dry out before watering. Jade plants are succulents, which means that, while they do need water, they don't need a lot. If you touch the soil and it feels moist, the plant does not need water. On the other hand, if you notice the leaves are starting to wilt then you know the plant is not getting enough water. Stick your finger up to the first knuckle into the soil. If it is dry, then it is OK to water it. If it is still moist, then it doesn't need more water. In the winter months, your plant will likely need even less watering than normal so be sure to always check the soil. Many people recommend watering succulents by soaking the entire pot in a tub of water, which allows the plant to soak up the water from the bottom. However, you can also water the plant by pouring water into the pot through the top. The most important thing is that you allow the excess water to drain completely from the pot. Do not leave the Jade plant sitting in water. If you notice excess water, be sure to empty it from the saucer. Try to avoid getting the leaves wet when watering. Place the plant in a sunny area. Jade does need a lot of sunlight, but that doesn't mean it needs to be in full sun for the entire day. Avoid placing your jade plant in a south-facing window, as it will probably burn. Instead, look for a place where your plant will get about 3 to 5 hours of sun each day. Move your plant in stages. For example, if you have been keeping your jade in a dark, shadowy corner, but want to move it to a bright window sill, don't just pick the plant up and plop it on the window sill. Such an extreme change is likely to cause the leaves of the Jade to burn and fall off. Instead, move the plant gradually so it has time to adjust. For example, move the plant out of the dark corner to a place where it may get an hour of indirect sunshine. Leave it there for at least a few days before moving it to an area with a bit more sunshine. Keep doing this until you've got your plant to the desired location. Keep the plant neat. If any leaves have fallen off the tree into the pot, remove them. You can also prune your plant to keep it healthy. If you want to prune your jade, you can remove just about anything you want, but avoid messing with the main stem too much, or you may kill the plant. Cutting off new growth will help the plant stay more bush-like and less spindly. Keep the plant at the right temperature. Jade plants are very hardy and easy to keep alive, so you don't have to worry much about whether the temperature is right. Keep them in a place at room temperature. This means that you shouldn't place them in a south facing window where they will receive direct sunlight for most of the day. In the winter, they prefer a slightly cooler temperature (e.g. around 55 degrees Fahrenheit or 13 degrees Celsius). Change the soil every two to four years. Though you can leave the plant in the same pot for many years, as long as you are not overwatering it, changing out the soil every two to four years will give you a chance to inspect the roots for any damage or rot. Additionally, giving the plant some fresh dry soil will make sure the plant continues to flourish. If you notice that a Jade plant you've had for many years is not doing well anymore, replanting it may help it spring back. Wipe down leaves to remove dust. If your plant is dusty, you can use a soft cloth to gently remove dust. Alternatively, if it is a rainy day, it is OK to place the plant outside, which will help rinse off the dust. Make sure, though, that if the leaves get wet, they are able to dry out completely. A plant with water left on the leaves may rot or grow mildew. Take care of any bug infestations. It is not a common problem, but Jade plants can become infested with bugs. If you notice a problem with small mealybugs on your plant, use a bit of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab to gently wipe down the leaves of your plant. When looking for bugs, look for small, fluffy, white deposits on the leaves. These are a sign that there are bugs. Additionally, you can use a magnifying glass to identify red spiders, which are too small to see with the naked eye. Avoid using an insecticidal soap on your plant as this may damage the leaves. | Choose a cutting. Allow the stem to dry out a bit. Apply a rooting hormone. Fill a container with the correct soil. Plant the Jade. Place the plant in a sunny spot. Allow the plant to dry out before watering. Place the plant in a sunny area. Keep the plant neat. Keep the plant at the right temperature. Change the soil every two to four years. Wipe down leaves to remove dust. Take care of any bug infestations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Straight-Face | How to Keep a Straight Face | Keeping a straight face can be tough when you're trying not to laugh, but you can hide your emotions by controlling your face and distracting yourself. It's impossible to laugh while you're inhaling, so take a deep breath through your nose and let it out slowly if you think you're going to burst out laughing. To help yourself breathe deeply, inhale for 2 to 3 seconds and exhale for 3 to 4 seconds. Alternatively, purse your lips together and clench your jaw to keep your mouth from smiling. If you're afraid you can't keep your face under control, look at your feet or something else far away from the funny thing. | Take a deep breath. It's impossible to laugh while you're inhaling. If you're afraid you can't keep a straight face, take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Repeat this as many times as you need to until you feel like you don't need to laugh anymore. Don't take a huge deep breath with your mouth open - it might be obvious what you're trying to do. Instead, take a deep breath through your nose, since that should make your breath quieter. To get a good, deep breath, you should inhale for 2 to 3 seconds and exhale for 3 to 4. Purse your lips. Pursing your lips together can help prevent a smile from spreading across your face. Clench your jaw and press your lips together. With your jaw clenched and your lips together, you won't be able to laugh out loud. If you're worried pursing your lips will be obvious, clench your jaw tighter. Doing both will keep you from losing your straight face, but clenching your jaw will make it less obvious what you're doing. Bite the inside of your cheek. If you feel liking pursing your lips isn't working, try biting the inside of your cheek. It's easier to keep your face straight when your cheek is sucked in. And if all else fails, the pain should help you keep your feelings to yourself. If you're worried about looking obvious when you're biting the inside of you cheek, use your hand to pretend to wipe across your mouth. As you're doing that, bite the inside of your cheek. Cover your mouth. If you're really afraid you can't stop yourself from smiling, cover your mouth with your hand. Try not to be super obvious when you do it, though. Cover the corner of your mouth with your fingers or pinch your lips together. Pretend to cough or sneeze. If you really can't keep a straight face, pretend to cough or sneeze. That gives you a chance to hide your face when you cover your mouth and contort your face if you can't keep it straight. Look elsewhere. If you see something funny and you're afraid you won't be able to keep it together, look away. Focus on something just above or to the side of whatever is funny to you. This way, it looks like you're still paying attention and you don't come across as rude. If you're in a situation where looking away might seem rude - in class or a meeting, for example - you can fake a look at your notes. That still seems appropriate and helps you cover. Look at your feet. If you really can't look away – maybe you're having a conversation with someone or playing a game – try looking at your feet. It's a pretty normal thing for people to do, and it might buy you just enough time to get your facial expressions back under control. Think about something else. If you're worried you'll laugh, think about something sad. This will almost always relax your face. It keeps you from laughing if you're worried about that, and it will also make your face hard to read. For example, think about a sad commercial you saw recently. If you're worried about your reaction to thinking about something sad, try thinking about something else - you can count backward from a very high number, or try to remember something complex, like a math formula. Ask questions. If you're trying to keep a straight face while you're talking to someone, invest yourself more in the conversation. One way to do this is to ask the person questions. It's also a good way to steer the conversation away from something you find funny. For example, if the person you're speaking to has been telling you about their job, but then they veer off into a topic you find funny, try to ask them questions that get them back onto talk about their job. You can say things like "Tell me more about what sort of schooling you needed for your job," or "How did you get started in that field." Practice what you'll say. If you have a hard time keeping a straight face when you're telling a joke or playing a game, practice ahead of time. Practice the joke over and over so you can keep your face straight when you tell it. You can also practice things to talk about during a game to distract yourself and keep a good poker face. If you're trying to distract yourself during a game, talk about something completely unrelated to it. For example, if you're playing poker, don't talk about other poker games you've played. Instead, you can talk about what's going on at work or something that happened while you were at the store. Think of similar situations you’ve been in. People you speak to will feel validated if you can back up what they're saying with your own experiences. Thinking about your own past gets your mind off the present and helps you control your face. For example, if someone is telling you an embarrassing story that you can tell hurts them a bit, share your own embarrassing story. It not only stops you from laughing, it can help the other person feel better about their own experience. | Take a deep breath. Purse your lips. Bite the inside of your cheek. Cover your mouth. Pretend to cough or sneeze. Look elsewhere. Look at your feet. Think about something else. Ask questions. Practice what you'll say. Think of similar situations you’ve been in. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-Having-Sex-Again | How to Start Having Sex Again | If it's been a while since you've had sex, you might be feeling shy or overwhelmed. Build your confidence so you feel good about yourself as you prepare to start having sex again. Resist the urge to judge yourself harshly for not having sex in a while. There are many changes and transitions in life that can lead to being celibate for a stretch of time, so try to not be down on yourself. If your lack of confidence or general shyness has also left you feeling isolated, try to practice your social skills with everyone from friends to the grocery store clerk. You can also build your confidence and start feeling sexy by getting daily exercise, treating yourself to a new haircut, or getting some new underwear. | Know that you’re not alone. There are many people who are celibate at some time in their lives. One study found that 14% of men and 10% of women had not had sexual intercourse in the preceding year. There are many changes and transitions in life that can lead to celibacy – involuntary or not. Resist the urge to judge yourself harshly for being celibate. Ignore what you think society says about where you should be in your lifespan and whether you should be having sex, dating, married or with children. Your opinion of yourself is the most important one. The depression that can occur from celibacy can unfortunately prevent you from moving forward. Build your social skills. If you feel socially awkward or shy, you may have trouble meeting people. The most significant barrier to finding a sexual partner is shyness. A general lack of social skills can also impede you from finding a sexual partner. Work on improving your social skills so that you feel more comfortable meeting new people. Work on your nonverbal communication. Your body language communicates certain messages to other people. If you stand away from a crowd, or you hunch your shoulders a lot, you may be nonverbally telling others to stay away from you. Try standing up straight with your shoulders back and your head held high. Stand closer to a group of people and listen with interest to their conversation. Have a mental list of general conversation topics. If you find that you run out of things to say, you can prepare ahead of time with some general ideas about things to talk about. This can include the weather, your work or school, a recent movie, a hike you went on, and so on. Practice your social skills with all kinds of people. You don't need to save your social skills for potential partners. Try them out on the mail carrier or the grocery store clerk. Be proactive about your body image. Making your dive back to sexual activity pleasurable will build your confidence. Feeling self-conscious or embarrassed of your body can make sex needlessly uncomfortable. If you struggle with body image issues that are negatively affecting your sex life, then make it a priority to rectify what you can and accept what you cannot. Join a gym to get some exercise. You don't need to have a goal of losing 15 pounds, but the very action of getting some physical exercise can improve your confidence. It can also improve your sex life by boosting your energy. Treat yourself to a new haircut or new underwear. Feeling sexy will help you remember what you like about sex and get you excited for the activity again. Get a private living situation. Address your life circumstances that may be holding you back and reducing your confidence. Whether the obstacle is where you live or other circumstances, take the steps to address that obstacle. You may be in a living situation where you don't have a lot of privacy. You might live with a roommate or a family member. If you want to pursue a physical relationship with a partner, figure out ways to ensure you get the privacy you need. See if your roommate will go out for one or two evenings every week, for example. You might consider getting your own place if your living situation isn't allowing you enough privacy. Schedule a checkup with your doctor. Ensure you're in fine form to have sex. Schedule a physical examination with your doctor. This can be especially helpful if you stopped having sex for health reasons, for example. If you've had a baby recently, you will want to see your gynecologist to get a green light for sex. Many women who have given birth find sex to be uncomfortable or painful after childbirth. Your doctor can determine if there are any physical problems resulting from childbirth. Address sexual dysfunction. Perhaps you stopped having sex because things weren't working properly for you. For example, maybe you weren't having orgasms anymore. This doesn't mean that you have to stop having sex entirely. There are many options for medications and other treatments for sexual dysfunction, both for men and women. Be proactive about addressing dysfunction that you're experiencing. Make an appointment with your doctor. He or she will be able to help you figure out the next step. You may feel shy or embarrassed when talking to your doctor about issues pertaining to sex. But your doctor is there to help you live your life to the fullest and genuinely wants to help you. It might help talking with a female doctor if you're a woman, or a male doctor if you're a man. Treat depression or anxiety issues. Your mental health can affect how you respond to sex. If you are depressed, you might have decreased interest in sex. Address your depression or anxiety by seeing a counselor. This person will be able to help you dig into why you feel depressed or anxious. He or she can also give you strategies for coping with these disorders. Some signs of depression can include: Significant loss of appetite or loss of weight. Disrupted sleep (either unable to sleep or sleeping too much). Fatigue or loss of energy. Increased agitation or decreased movement noticeable by others. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive. Having difficulty concentrating or feeling. Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide, attempting suicide or having a plan for suicide. Talk with your doctor about medication. Depression and anxiety can be caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Medications help correct those imbalances. Be warned, however, that some medications may reduce sexual interest or pleasure. Talk with your doctor to find the best option for you. Try online dating. If you're having trouble meeting someone that you connect with, you might need to widen your circle of potential partners. Online dating sites are great places to find other people looking for relationships. This type of dating is much more common than it used to be, and chances are you'll meet a wider range of people than you would in your everyday in-person life. Reconnect with your spouse or partner. If you're in a long-term relationship and the spark has fizzled, you might need to reconnect with your partner so that you start having sex again. Rediscover the affection and attraction that drew you two together in the first place. Relive good memories. Revisit some of the places you went for dates when your relationship was new. Try some of the old restaurants or visit the beach where you used to have makeout sessions. Overcome anger in your relationship by talking with each other. The relationship might be suffering because one or both of you are angry or resentful. It might take a while to get back to the good relationship, but talking about your problems is a good first step. You might think about visiting a marriage counselor. Make sex a priority in your relationship. You might have to schedule time for it, especially if you have kids. Plan a date night, send the kids to the grandparents' house, and have a fun time together. Practice flirting. When it comes to flirting, there are different styles of communication that have varied results. Flirtation styles include physical, sincere, polite, traditional, and playful. You will likely find more success with flirting and dating adopting a physical, sincere, and playful style rather than being especially polite or traditional. Also, the physical and sincere styles are even more conducive specifically for sexual activity. Physical flirting is where individuals show interest through physical touch, like touching someone's shoulder. Sincere flirting style is contingent on creating an emotional bond, and involves more self-disclosure than other styles, but also is non-sexual. Polite flirters are not comfortable being overtly sexual, and rigidly follow traditional courtship rules. Traditional flirting styles involve when men take the lead and are the aggressor. Playful flirters treat flirtation like a game, indiscriminately and openly showing their affection and regard for others. If you have a long-term partner with whom you want to re-initiate sex, try flirting with him or her. Ignite the passion in your relationship that you have had in the past. Use assertive communication. When speaking with someone you are interested in, use assertive communication. Express your thoughts and feelings directly using “I” messages, such as, “I think you're really cute.” If you have hit a "dry spell" in your long-term relationship, you might say to your partner: "I've noticed we haven't had sex in a long time, and I'd like to talk about it." Even when speaking directly, be sure that both people are taking turns in the conversations. Give the person a chance to speak by allowing for brief silences (usually a few seconds). If you are worried about your social skills, there are general expectations for how you should communicate. You should strive to be informative, relevant, truthful, polite, and modest. Take things slowly. Don't expect that you'll have sex right away with a new partner. It's better to get to know the person and take the relationship slowly. Then you will feel more comfortable with progressing to the next step. Get to know your own body in a sexual way. You can also make it a point to get to know your own body in a sexual way. Women who masturbate have significantly more sexual satisfaction than those who do not. Integrating sexual materials like vibrators and lube in your sex life can improve your satisfaction. These are tools that you can use alone or with a partner. If you're shy about starting to use a vibrator or other sex toy with a partner, try it out by yourself first. Educate yourself about consent. In most U.S. states, the age at which you can have consensual sex is 18. Know that if your partner is under the age of consent and you are above it, you could be charged with statutory rape. Consensual sex also means that both partners are willing to participate. When having sex, both you and your partner can say no and withdraw consent at any time. If at any point someone says “no,” stop immediately. Remember that just because someone doesn't say "no" doesn't mean that they are comfortable with the situation. Consent is an ongoing process. Get protection to use during sexual activity. Unprotected sexual activity can lead to unplanned pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Fortunately, condoms are a great way to prevent these issues. Use a condom every time you have sex, and for the complete act. Pregnancy: Be aware that hormone birth control will only protect against pregnancy, not sexually transmitted infections. It's best to have two ways to protect yourself, such as using both hormonal birth control and condoms. Use condoms according to their directions; condoms are only 82% effective against pregnancy with typical use (this equals 18 pregnancies out of 100 per year). The birth control pill is only 91% effective, with 9 pregnancies occurring out of 100 women per year. The most effective method to prevent pregnancy is the birth control implant, with fewer than one pregnancy per 100 women. Sexually transmitted infections: Always use a condom correctly during sex.. Also, an HPV vaccine like Gardasil and Cervarix can prevent HPV, the virus that causes genital warts and cervical, anal, penile, vaginal, and oral cancers.. Talk to your doctor and support system about vaccination options. Stock up on other supplies. Dental dams, personal lubrication products, and other supplies can significantly improve sexual satisfaction. It can be especially helpful if you haven't had sex in a long time and you're concerned about discomfort for you or your partner. Dental dams: A dental dam is a thin latex sheet that is placed in the mouth to provide protection during oral sex. Try finding them online or at a sexual health store. Some drug stores do carry them, but they are not as commonly found as other forms of sexual protection. Personal lubricants: There are three kinds of lubricants, which include water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based, and all of these have different features. Water-based lubricants: These are convenient because they rinse off easily and are easy to purchase in most stores. They can be used safely with condoms and can even prevent the condom from breaking. This type of lubricant also is associated with fewer genital symptoms than silicone-based lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants: These have the advantage of lasting longer than other lubricants. They are also the best choice for anal sex. Oil-based lubricants: These should never be used with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants, or using oil as a lubricant, can cause the condom to break. Talk about sex. People who can talk about sex have better sex lives. Be assertive with your partner about your needs. This communication is also important if you are talking to your friends. People who can talk about sex socially are more likely to be able to discuss safe sex with their partners. Don't be afraid to let your partner in on details about your attitudes and feelings toward sex. Tell your partner what feels good to you. Frame requests in a positive way, such as, "I like when you touch me there." And don't be afraid to ask what your partner wants and what he or she likes, too. Start foreplay before you get to the bedroom. Your sexual relationship will be more exciting if you engage in foreplay well before you actually have sex. Physical touching, smiling, laughing and other activities make both of you feel loved, safe and aroused. Try giving each other massages, hugs and kisses even when you're not having sex. Send a sexy text to your partner. | Know that you’re not alone. Build your social skills. Be proactive about your body image. Get a private living situation. Schedule a checkup with your doctor. Address sexual dysfunction. Treat depression or anxiety issues. Try online dating. Reconnect with your spouse or partner. Practice flirting. Use assertive communication. Take things slowly. Get to know your own body in a sexual way. Educate yourself about consent. Get protection to use during sexual activity. Stock up on other supplies. Talk about sex. Start foreplay before you get to the bedroom. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Baby-Laugh | How to Make a Baby Laugh | To make a baby laugh, tap into your silly side! Do something absurd, like putting a pan on your head, making silly faces, or pretending to eat something that isn't edible, like a ball or the baby's feet. Babies also like funny voices, goofy sounds, dramatic hand gestures, and talking toys like hand puppets. If the baby still isn't laughing, tickle their belly or their feet, but don't tickle them for too long or the baby might get annoyed! | Play up the absurd. Babies as young as 9 months know when something's amiss. For instance, if you put a pan on your head, your kid will realize something's wrong and will likely find it funny. Try funny faces. Pull funny faces by making your eyes wider and pulling out your lips or sticking out your tongue. Your kid will find it silly and funny. Babies that are 6 months will find this especially hilarious because they think anything silly or out of the ordinary is funny. Try different noises to see what your baby finds funny. If you want your baby to keep laughing, change your facial expression to something else. Laugh in response. Make funny movements. You can do things such as dancing, clapping, or other gestures to make your baby laugh. Use a hand puppet. Making a hand puppet dance and sing for your baby will make him giggle. Making funny hand gestures isn't usual, and your baby will notice. It's funny because your baby doesn't expect it to happen. Try making funny noises or singing songs. Babies love unusual sounds. They will get your baby's attention. Sing a song. Any song that has hand or body gestures will make your baby giggle. Try the "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" or even the "Hokey Pokey." Play a funny sound. Kids like sounds that are odd or silly, such as farting noises. You may have to try different noises to see what your baby finds funny. Kids also love animal sounds, so try copying the family cat or dog. Try not to make these sounds too loud or startling. This might scare the baby! Try physical games with lots of touch and fun noises. These kinds of games help to build a physical bond between you and your baby, and serve to make him laugh and be happy. Tickle your baby. Babies often find tickles funny, but keep them to a minimum. Too much can be annoying to your baby. Chase your baby. If your baby is crawling, get down on the floor and crawl after her. Make sure you're smiling so that your baby knows it's a game. Kiss your baby, and make raspberries. By blowing bubbles on his tummy or face, you'll get a laugh out of your baby. You can also try kissing her toes or fingers. Capture his nose. Pretend you're stealing his nose, and show him your thumb between your fingers (his "nose"). He'll giggle at the thought. Start playing when your baby is happy. Make sure you are in a good mood yourself. Babies can mimic laughter even at an early age. Many babies laugh out loud for the first time at 3-4 months of age. Babies will laugh in response to bright colors, toys, and other people's laughter. Recognize that even younger infants will smile and laugh at simple game. Peekaboo can be important for object permanence development in infants six months and older. Object permanence is when the baby recognizes that objects and events still exist even when they can't be seen or heard. Playing peekaboo is a great way to exercise this cognitive development. It can also be a great way for younger kids to play with a younger sibling or relative. Show the baby an object. It should be one of their toys such as a teething ring or a ball they can grab. Allow the baby to examine the toy for a minute or two. Let them touch it and grab at it to explore. After a few minutes, cover the object with a cloth. If a baby has object permanence, they will be able to pull the cloth off and find the object. Pull the cloth off and smile. This will often make the baby laugh or giggle, as you have made the object re-appear. Do the same with faces. Start by smiling at your baby and talking to him in a sweet voice. Cover your face with your hands and say "Where's Mommy?" or "Where's _____? Pop back out and say "Peekaboo! I see you!" Keep your voice happy and stay smiling. Remember, the goal is to get the baby to laugh and not scare the baby. Get other children to join in the game. This is a great way for a brother or sister to connect with a younger sibling. This is one of the games that older children love to play with babies. Both the baby and the older child get automatic feedback from one another. The baby enjoys the game and this allows the older child to establish a bond with the baby. Be aware that this is a rhyming game that has hand motions that go along with a short poem. This may be better for older babies that can mimic your body movements and some simple words. Even younger babies may get a huge kick out of this game. Babies tend to like sounds that rhyme. Babies will unconsciously begin to mimic your smile and laughter at 3 months. Playing games such pat a cake using happy sounds can bring out a laugh from baby. Start the game by saying the first line. As you say the line, you will need to do the right hand movements. The first line of the poem is "Pat a cake, pat a cake, baker's man." As you say the line you will want to clap your hands. You can alternate by patting your palms on your thighs. With older babies, you can gently help your child clap along with the rhyme. Continue with the poem. The second line reads "Bake me a cake as fast as you can". Continue to clap and pat your thighs as you say the second line. Alternatively, you can gently help an older baby to follow along with the hand motions. Keep your tone bright and enthusiastic with a big smile on your face. As your baby laughs, respond with laughter. This will just increase the fun! Finish the poem. The last lines are as follows: "Roll it. Pat it. And mark it with a B. And put it in the oven for baby and me!" When you say "roll it", roll your arms in a circle. When you say "pat it", pat your hands on your lap. When you say "Mark it with a B", draw a B in the air with your finger. When you say "put it in the oven", mimic the action of putting a cake in the oven. Repeat as many times as your baby is amused. Children love repetitive games. Many babies will find this amusing over and over again. It can be a good way to distract an unhappy child. As your child gets older, try to make them do the hand motions with you. This can help them to learn ordered play and coordination. Know that this little piggy can amuse younger and older babies. In this game, you touch each toe as you say a line about a different little pig. Younger babies will enjoy the sound of the rhyming and the touching of the toes. Older children, as they begin to understand words and animals, will be able to relate to the words of the rhyme. This can help you introduce some vocabulary words and body parts to a toddler or older baby (12-15 months). Start by touching one of your baby's big toes. Say the first line of the rhyme. It is "This little piggy went to market". Wiggle his/her big toe as you say the line. Laugh and smile after say the line, this might get a reaction from your baby. Continue to the second, third, and fourth lines of the poem. These are as follows: "This little piggy stayed home". "This little piggy had roast beef." "This little piggy had none." As you say each line progress to the next toe and wiggle it. As you wiggle the toes, this might tickle the baby a little and cause him to laugh. Say the last line of the poem. You should land on the pinky toe as you say this line. The last line of the poem is "And this little piggy went wee, wee, wee, wee all the way home!" As you say the last line wiggle your baby's pinky toe. Then tickle all the way up to his tummy. For older children, you can build their vocabulary by adding new verses and effects. “This little piggy made his house of cotton, this little piggy made his house of string, This little piggy used a little of everything...” Describing all the materials of shoes or socks. You can be inventive in adding new endings. “Then all the little piggies got eaten by a great big wolf, Om nom nom nom!” - nibbling the child's toes. | Play up the absurd. Make funny movements. Try making funny noises or singing songs. Try physical games with lots of touch and fun noises. Start playing when your baby is happy. Recognize that even younger infants will smile and laugh at simple game. Show the baby an object. Do the same with faces. Get other children to join in the game. Be aware that this is a rhyming game that has hand motions that go along with a short poem. Start the game by saying the first line. Continue with the poem. Finish the poem. Repeat as many times as your baby is amused. Know that this little piggy can amuse younger and older babies. Start by touching one of your baby's big toes. Continue to the second, third, and fourth lines of the poem. Say the last line of the poem. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Pork-Tenderloin-in-the-Oven | How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Oven | To cook pork tenderloin in the oven, start by placing the pork and the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag and letting it marinate for 3 hours. Next, heat 2 tbsp of oil or butter in an ovenproof skillet on the stove. Then, transfer the tenderloin to the hot skillet and cook until it's brown on all sides. Finally, place the skillet with the meat into a 425 degree F oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the juices run clear. | Put an oven-safe skillet into the oven and turn the oven to 450 °F (232 °C). You can use a cast-iron skillet or any skillet that's safe to put into the oven. Then, preheat the oven while you prepare the tenderloin. Heating the skillet will help your tenderloin brown when you put it into the pan. Pat the pork tenderloin dry and remove silverskin if it's visible. Get out 1 to 1 ⁄ 2 pounds (0.45 to 0.68 kg) of pork tenderloin and take it out of the package. Pat every side of the tenderloin dry with a paper towel and look for a thin, silver membrane covering the meat. If you see silverskin, remove it or the meat will be tough. Since pork tenderloins are usually smaller cuts of meat, there may be 2 small tenderloins packaged together. Sprinkle the tenderloin with salt and pepper. Scatter 1 teaspoon (5.5 g) of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon (0.5 g) of freshly ground black pepper over the surface of the tenderloin. Turn the tenderloin a few times so salt and pepper that fell sticks to the meat. If you're in a rush for time or want to keep the seasonings minimal, you don't need to season the tenderloin any more than this. Rub 1 to 2 tablespoons (6 to 12 g) of spice or seasoning mix over the tenderloin. If you're seasoning a small tenderloin that's around 1 pound (450 g), you might need less seasoning. You can use your favorite spice rub or seasoning mix, such as: Dry BBQ rub Cajun seasoning Curry powder or garam masala Za'atar Chinese 5-spice blend Take the pan out of the oven and swirl vegetable oil in the bottom. Put on oven mitts and remove the hot skillet from the preheated oven. Set it on the stove and pour in 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of vegetable oil. Then, carefully swirl the pan a little so the oil spreads across the skillet. The oil will prevent the tenderloin from sticking to the hot skillet. Put the tenderloin in the skillet and roast it for 20 to 25 minutes. Lay the seasoned tenderloin in the hot skillet and put it onto the middle rack of the oven. Carefully flip the tenderloin over and reduce the oven temperature to 400 °F (204 °C) once it's halfway through the cooking time. You may have to curl or bend the tenderloin so it fits in the skillet. Remove the pork when it reaches at least 145 °F (63 °C). Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin. Once it's reached at least 145 °F (63 °C), take the tenderloin out of the oven. Rest the pork tenderloin for 10 minutes. Cover the meat loosely with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes so it finishes cooking. The pork will continue to cook after you take it out of the oven and the juices will redistribute within the meat. The temperature of the meat will rise about 5 degrees as it rests. Slice the tenderloin into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) pieces before serving. Carefully lift back the foil and transfer the meat to a cutting board and use a serrated knife to carefully cut the tenderloin into thin slices. Serve the pork tenderloin with roasted vegetables , scalloped potatoes , or a garden salad. The meat should be much easier to handle since it's been resting for 10 minutes. Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. If you prefer, you can freeze the tenderloin for up to 3 months. Marinate the tenderloin for 3 hours to get more flavorful meat. If you have extra time, mix marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag. Add the pork tenderloin and seal the bag so the meat is coated in the marinade. Then, refrigerate the bag with the pork for at least 3 hours or up to overnight before you remove the pork and roast it in the oven. To make a lemon-herb marinade combine: Zest from 1/2 lemon ⁄ 4 cup (59 ml) of olive oil ⁄ 3 cup (160 ml) of freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 tablespoon (8 g) of minced garlic 2 teaspoons (3 g) of freshly minced rosemary leaves 1/2 tablespoon (1 g) of fresh thyme leaves 1 teaspoon (5 g) of Dijon mustard Brine the pork tenderloin to make the meat more tender. Shake 1/4 cup (72 g) of salt in a large resealable bag with 4 cups (950 ml) of warm water until the salt dissolves. Add 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons (24 g) of brown sugar, and 1 cup (140 g) of ice cubes. Then, add the pork tenderloin to the bag and refrigerate it for 20 minutes. When you're ready to bake the pork tenderloin, take it out of the marinade and rinse it. Then, pat it dry before you put it in the oven. Avoid brining the pork for more than 20 minutes or the meat will become mushy. Sear the tenderloin if you'd like the meat to have a caramelized crust. Once you've preheated the skillet, set it on the stove and turn the burner to high. Swirl the oil in the pan and add the pork. Let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes and use tongs to turn it. Then, sear it for another 1 to 2 minutes. Keep doing this until the entire surface of the tenderloin is browned. Put the tenderloin into a 400 °F (204 °C) oven and cook it for 10 to 12 minutes. Although you don't have to cook the outside of the pork tenderloin before tossing it in the oven, it will develop a deeper flavor and a golden exterior if you sear it first. Flavor the tenderloin with fresh herb butter just before serving. Mix 4 tablespoons (45 g) of softened butter with 1 handful of freshly chopped herbs, such as parsley, rosemary, or thyme. Spoon some of the softened butter over the sliced tenderloins just before serving. The butter will melt and create a light sauce. You can also stir in 2 minced garlic cloves if you like. | Put an oven-safe skillet into the oven and turn the oven to 450 °F (232 °C). Pat the pork tenderloin dry and remove silverskin if it's visible. Sprinkle the tenderloin with salt and pepper. Rub 1 to 2 tablespoons (6 to 12 g) of spice or seasoning mix over the tenderloin. Take the pan out of the oven and swirl vegetable oil in the bottom. Put the tenderloin in the skillet and roast it for 20 to 25 minutes. Remove the pork when it reaches at least 145 °F (63 °C). Rest the pork tenderloin for 10 minutes. Slice the tenderloin into 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) pieces before serving. Marinate the tenderloin for 3 hours to get more flavorful meat. Brine the pork tenderloin to make the meat more tender. Sear the tenderloin if you'd like the meat to have a caramelized crust. Flavor the tenderloin with fresh herb butter just before serving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Activate-Thermacare-Heat-Wraps | How to Activate Thermacare Heat Wraps | To activate a Thermacare heat wrap, unwrap it 30 minutes before you want to use it, since it needs to be exposed to air to heat up. While you're waiting for it to heat up, clean and dry the area you'll be using it on so you can properly adhere the wrap to your skin. After 30 minutes, or once it's fully heated, remove the wrapper peels and press the adhesive tabs onto your skin. If you're sensitive to heat, consider placing the heat wrap on top of a thin article of clothing instead of your skin to prevent any discomfort. | Unwrap the heat wrap thirty minutes before use. The chemical ingredients in Thermacare wraps need to be exposed to air to activate. Once exposed to air, the wrap should immediately begin heating, reaching its maximum temperature in about half an hour. Attaching the wrap too early will limit its exposure to air, causing it to heat more slowly. Do not microwave the wrap, or attempt to speed up the warming by heating it in any other fashion. Doing so may ruin the wrap and create a fire hazard. If the wrap hasn't warmed up after 30 minutes, it may have been previously exposed to air and deactivated. Throw it away and open a new one. Clean and dry the area you will be treating with the heat wrap. Dirt, moisture, lotions or cosmetic products will prevent the wrap from adhering securely and may result in the wrap coming loose and becoming ineffective. Decide whether to wear the heat wrap over clothing. If you are over 55 or are especially sensitive to heat, you should apply the wrap over a piece of light clothing, such as an undergarment. Laying a light cloth over the area you will be applying the heat wrap before attaching it is another option. Position the active heat cells over the target area. Thermacare heat wraps have visible heat cells on their interior and exterior surfaces. The darker pads are on the side of the wrap intended to come into contact with the skin. Make sure these darker cells are facing your skin as you attach the pads. Remove the wrap's peel paper and lightly adhere the wrap. Do not press the adhesive tabs firmly onto your skin until you are sure you have placed the wrap where you want it to remain. Here are specific guidelines for each type of wrap: For the lower back and hip, center the pad over the location of the pain with the slightly extended "tab" section of the heating pad pointing down. For the neck, wrist or shoulder, simply center the pad over the location of the pain and wrap the straps as if applying an adhesive bandage. For the knee and elbow, bend the joint and place the opening in the wrap over the end of your knee or elbow before attaching the adhesive strips around the back of the joint. Menstrual wraps do not apply directly to the skin but, rather, to the inner side of an undergarment. Adhere the wrap to the garment where it will cover the target area, then put on the garment. Adhere firmly once you have positioned the wrap. Rub the adhesive tabs into your skin until they are firmly attached. This will ensure that the wrap remains in place while you are using it. Wear the wrap for up to 8 hours. Thermacare wraps are designed to be worn under clothing, and should come loose during normal physical activity. Eventually, the active chemical ingredients in the wrap will run out, and the wrap will begin to cool. Once it has cooled, a heat wrap will no longer be effective. Do not try to reheat the wrap in the microwave, or by any other means. You can dispose of depleted heat wraps in your normal household waste. Monitor your skin. You should check under the wrap every couple of hours to make sure you are not experiencing redness or irritation. If you experience prolonged redness, irritation, or increased pain you should stop using the heat wrap right away, and talk to your doctor if the symptoms do not dissipate. If the irritation is only mild, you can instead try wearing a light layer of cloth underneath the wrap. Determine if you need a heat wrap. Heat wraps are useful for temporarily relieving soreness from overuse of muscles, pain from strain to joints in your back, arms and legs, and cramping associated with menstruation. Heat therapy can be soothing, but will not help your body heal injuries. You should talk to a doctor about treatment options if you are injured, or if your pain is severe. Because a Thermacare wrap requires clean, dry skin to attach to, they cannot be used over an area where a therapeutic cream or ointment is applied. Doing so will prevent the wrap from adhering properly. Make sure you purchase the correct heat wrap. Not all varieties of heat pad are suitable for application to all parts of the body. Thermacare offers several varieties of heat wrap, each suitable for a different part of the body. The varieties currently available are: Lower back and hip Knee and elbow Neck, wrist and shoulder Menstrual, for the lower abdomen Multi-purpose, for use on any location on the back, arms or legs. Try using heat wraps during the day first. This will allow you to monitor your response to the heat wrap and watch out for irritation or discomfort. Once you confirmed that the wraps are comfortable for your use, you can consider wearing them during sleep. | Unwrap the heat wrap thirty minutes before use. Clean and dry the area you will be treating with the heat wrap. Decide whether to wear the heat wrap over clothing. Position the active heat cells over the target area. Remove the wrap's peel paper and lightly adhere the wrap. Adhere firmly once you have positioned the wrap. Wear the wrap for up to 8 hours. Monitor your skin. Determine if you need a heat wrap. Make sure you purchase the correct heat wrap. Try using heat wraps during the day first. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-Sonic-Characters | How to Draw Sonic Characters | To draw Sonic characters, start by learning how to sketch Sonic himself. First, sketch a big circle and a smaller circle attached to each other. Then, lightly sketch the position of the legs, body, and ears. Then, add the shapes for the feet, hands, gloves, socks, and quills. Finally, sketch in facial details like the eyes and nose. Once your sketch is complete, add color to bring your drawing to life! | Sketch a big circle and a smaller circle attached to each other. These will serve as the guide for the body and the head. Sketch the position of the legs, and body. Add also the position of the ears. Add the shapes for the feet and the hands. Use semi-circle and oblong for the feet. Use oblong for the hands. Sketch the position of the fingers as well as the gloves and socks. Add small circles at the end of the lines to indicate the tip of the fingers. Sketch five curve in the side of the head. It must be decreasing in size from the head to the back. Add also the line for the tail. Close the lines for Sonic’s quills. Add the shapes for the eyes and the nose. Add the details of the face. Draw the basic features of Sonic. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Sonic. Sketch a big circle, a smaller circle and a small oblong attached to each other. These will serve as the guide for the body and the head of Amy Rose. Sketch the position of the extremities. Use lines and circles in doing so. Add the shapes for the hands. Use lines if the hand is in an open position while use rectangle for closed fist. Sketch the face. Add the details of the face such as the eyes, mouth and nose. Sketch her hair. Add the ears. Sketch Amy’s clothes. You could experiment on it. You could make her wear different clothes if you like. Add the details of the shoes. Draw the basic features of Amy Rose. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Amy Rose. Sketch a big circle, and 2 smaller circles attached to each other. Add the mouth area and the ears. Tails' ears are big, and the mouth area occupies about a third of his head. Sketch the position of the extremities. Use lines and circles in doing so. Add the shapes for the hands. Use the circle to indicate the tip of the fingers. Add the shapes for the socks and the gloves. It is shown in the picture in color pink. Sketch the 2 tails using irregular curvy lines. Add the main shape of the tails. Add the fluff beside the mouth area and draw the hair features. Add the eyes. Add another fluff at each side of the chest area. Draw the basic features of Tails. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Tails. Sketch a big circle, a little bit smaller circle, and a slanted rectangle attached to each other. Sketch the position of the extremities. Use lines rectangles (or squares) and circles. Also add the line for the tail. Add the shapes for the hands. Add the shapes for the shoes. Draw a circle just above the shoes area of each foot. Sketch the hair and the face. A curved triangle is used for the eyes and a series of lines for the hair and the other face features. Add the face. Draw the mouth, nose, and eyes. Draw the basic features of Knuckles. You could use a picture of Knuckles as basis. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Knuckles. | Sketch a big circle and a smaller circle attached to each other. Sketch the position of the legs, and body. Add the shapes for the feet and the hands. Sketch the position of the fingers as well as the gloves and socks. Add small circles at the end of the lines to indicate the tip of the fingers. Sketch five curve in the side of the head. Close the lines for Sonic’s quills. Add the shapes for the eyes and the nose. Add the details of the face. Draw the basic features of Sonic. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Sonic. Sketch a big circle, a smaller circle and a small oblong attached to each other. Sketch the position of the extremities. Add the shapes for the hands. Sketch the face. Add the details of the face such as the eyes, mouth and nose. Sketch her hair. Add the ears. Sketch Amy’s clothes. Add the details of the shoes. Draw the basic features of Amy Rose. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Amy Rose. Sketch a big circle, and 2 smaller circles attached to each other. Add the mouth area and the ears. Sketch the position of the extremities. Add the shapes for the hands. Add the shapes for the socks and the gloves. Sketch the 2 tails using irregular curvy lines. Add the main shape of the tails. Add the fluff beside the mouth area and draw the hair features. Add the eyes. Add another fluff at each side of the chest area. Draw the basic features of Tails. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Tails. Sketch a big circle, a little bit smaller circle, and a slanted rectangle attached to each other. Sketch the position of the extremities. Add the shapes for the hands. Add the shapes for the shoes. Sketch the hair and the face. Add the face. Draw the basic features of Knuckles. Erase the draft and then, add more details. Color Knuckles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Nice-to-Your-Little-Sister | How to Be Nice to Your Little Sister | To be nice to your little sister, talk to her often and ask her questions about how she's doing, which shows you're interested in her life. For example, you might ask, “What did you get up to after school?” or “What do you think of the new Avengers movie?”. You should also learn to treat her with respect, such as telling her calmly to leave you alone if she's bothering you while you're doing your homework, rather than yelling at her. If she has difficulty with her homework, like math problems or spelling, explain the assignment to her and help her answer the questions by herself. When your sister achieves something, like graduating into a new grade or doing well on a test, congratulate her so she knows you care. If you get into a fight with your sister, try to stay calm by counting to 10 or leaving the room and returning later, which will help you avoid escalating the situation over a small matter. | Put yourself in her shoes. Many of us are frustrated by younger siblings, especially when they're being mean or annoying. The first step to addressing this frustration is putting yourself in her shoes. The more you relate to her, the easier it is to be nice to her. For example: Does she look up to you? Many younger sisters idolize their older siblings. How old is she? Were you a lot like her when you were that age? Think about the things that frustrate or anger her. Do they also frustrate you? Talk with her often. Show an interest in her life by talking with her whenever you see her. This behavior tells her that you care about her experiences and thoughts. For example, ask her about her day and quietly listen to her answer. For example: "Hey, Jane! What did you think about the new Avengers movie?" "Who are your best friends at school? What do you guys do together?" "What do you like to do after school?" Treat her with respect. When you treat someone with respect, you show them that you're interested in their good opinion. Additionally, if you're respectful towards your little sister, she will eventually be respectful towards you as well. For example: If she makes you angry, resist the urge to yell at her. If she's bothering you while you're trying to do homework, nicely tell her that you're busy. Don't use her things without permission, even if she uses yours. Avoid getting angry over sibling rivalry. Many older siblings struggle with jealousy towards their younger sisters. They often think that their younger sisters get more attention from their parents. Even if this is true, it's not your little sister's fault. She has no control over the behavior of your parents. Instead, talk to your parents about your feelings and offer solutions. For example: Schedule some time to spend alone with your parents each week. Ask your parents if you can stay up an hour later than your sister. This will give you one-on-one time with your parents. Schedule family activities that will let you spend time with your parents and your sister together. Congratulate your sister on her achievements. When you congratulate your sister on something, you're showing her that you admire her. She will enjoy knowing that you're impressed by her, especially if she looks up to you. Someday she may even start congratulating you in return! Some examples of achievements include: Graduating into a new grade Doing well on a test Successfully climbing a tall tree Doing well at a dance recital Try to stay calm. If you lose your cool, the fight will escalate out of control. First, take a deep breath and count to ten. If you can't relax, leave and come back later. Once you've calmed down, being nice to your sister will help keep you composed. For example: Speak calmly and respectfully even if you're upset. Resist the urge to hit or push your sister. Listen to everything your sister says and think about her words. Ask yourself if you should be upset with your sister or not. Sometimes a situation will upset you but it won't be your sister's fault. For example, if you're angry that your parents gave her one of your toys, you shouldn't be mad at your sister. She has no control over the situation. Instead, talk to your parents. Remember to stay calm when talking to your parents about your feelings. Ask your sister why she’s upset. If your sister is upset with you, you can avoid a fight by letting her explain her feelings. Many people get frustrated when they think no one cares about their feelings. Show her that you care by listening to her frustrations and acknowledging her anger. For example, you could say: "I can see that you're upset with me. Why is that?" "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. Tell me why so I won't do it again." "Why are you upset? Is there anything I can do?" Find a compromise. Try to find a solution that will help you stop fighting. Keep in mind that you both may have to let go of something you want to come to an agreement. This can make you or your sister upset. If you're both having trouble staying calm, you may need a parent to act as a mediator. Examples of compromises include: Taking turns using your favorite toy Sharing a piece of clothing that you both like to wear Taking your sister along sometimes when you hang out with your friends Apologize. If your sister is upset, apologize to her for upsetting her, even if you don't feel like you did anything wrong. When apologizing, think about her feelings and the reasons that she's angry. Use these reasons to help you create a good apology. For example: "I'm sorry that I used your favorite hairbrush. I won't do it again." "I apologize for hurting your feelings. I really didn't mean to." "I'm sorry about eating the last cupcake. I didn't think about whether or not you would want it." Ask her what she likes to do. Talk to your little sister about fun activities that you can do together. Try to find something that you both want to do. If you can't, compromise by doing one activity that she wants to do and one activity that you want to do. Ask her about her favorite activities by saying: "What do you like to do for fun?" "What fun things do you like to do at school?" "Let's play together! What do you want to do?" Help her with her homework. Since you're older, you have a better understanding of schoolwork than your little sister. If she's struggling with a math problem or has trouble spelling, offer to help her. Carefully explain the assignment and help her answer each question on her own. There's a difference between helping someone and doing their homework for them. If you give her all the answers, she won't learn anything. Do something quiet together. A great way to hang out with your sister is to do quiet activities together. First, invite your little sister into your room to hang out or go into her room. Next, tell her that you want to do quiet things while you hang out. This can include: Reading books Playing video games Drawing Playing on your phone Go somewhere fun together. Many of us get bored with our regular schedules. Add some excitement to your hang-out time by going somewhere fun. However, make sure you have your parents' permission to leave the house with your little sister. Examples of fun places to go include: The park A local fair or festival A mutual friend's house Find other ways to show you care. If you're too busy to spend a lot of time with your sister, you can still show her that you care. For example, if you have a driver's license, see if you can take her with you on a few errands. Other examples include: Making her breakfast in the morning Leaving a nice note in her lunch box Taking her with you when you hang out with friends | Put yourself in her shoes. Talk with her often. Treat her with respect. Avoid getting angry over sibling rivalry. Congratulate your sister on her achievements. Try to stay calm. Ask yourself if you should be upset with your sister or not. Ask your sister why she’s upset. Find a compromise. Apologize. Ask her what she likes to do. Help her with her homework. Do something quiet together. Go somewhere fun together. Find other ways to show you care. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Soap-Last-Longer | How to Make Soap Last Longer | If you go through soap quickly in your house, there are few ways you can make it last longer. Soap dissolves quicker when it stays wet, so store your soap away from water or steam. Keep it in a dish that lets water drain out and let it air dry after using it. Use cooler water when you shower or wash your hands, since hot water makes the soap dissolve quicker. You can also cut your soap bar into smaller pieces, which means you won't get the whole bar wet when you use it and the soap will dissolve slower. | Keep the soap away from water. Nothing will make your soap disintegrate faster than keeping it constantly wet. Water breaks down the consistency of the soap and makes it necessary to replace your soap much more frequently. Avoid storing your soap in a place that is constantly in contact with water, like in the direct stream of the shower. Let the soap air dry. Allowing the air to dry out its moisture will make a bar of soap harder (and therefore less likely to crumble), so that it lasts longer. The more time your soap spends completely dry, the longer it will last. Because of this, the more people who use a bar of soap, the faster it will need to be replaced. More users means less time between showers and more time that the soap will spend wet. Always keep your soap in an appropriate soap dish that allows for drainage. A wire rack or a self-draining soap dish is best. Soap dishes without drainage keep the moisture longer and will make it harder for your soap to dry out in between uses. Although some of the more fancy plastic and stainless steel soap dish designs are funky and cute, unless they have drainage, they are liable to make your soap soggy. Store smaller pieces in a soap-saving pouch. Once your soap bar breaks down into smaller pieces that are difficult to use, put those smaller pieces inside a soap-saving pouch. This small bag will work to contain the pieces for reuse, but it also acts as a type of exfoliating washcloth that you can use to bath yourself with the soap remnants inside. Use a washcloth instead of your hands. Skin is less able to produce and retain lather from soap than other materials. If you use a washcloth instead while you are bathing, the whole process will use less soap overall because the washcloth will create more lather and it the suds it creates will go farther in cleaning your body than simply using your hands alone. Additionally, you can use a loofah to help the soap last longer. Take cooler showers. Hot water will make your bar soap dissolve more quickly and will require more effort to make lather. A cooler shower will help your bar soap last longer by allowing it to maintain its shape and consistency for a longer period of time. Softer water will also help prolong the life of your soap over hard shower water. Use small, leftover scraps of soap all the way to the end. Put small leftover pieces inside a washcloth or a bag sewn from a washcloth, and use the whole thing like a bar of soap. If you like using soap this way, you can put the entire bar inside the bag from the beginning. Consider the ingredients in the soap. One factor to consider when trying to make your soap last longer is the type of soap you are buying in the first place. Soaps made out of harder fats and oils will last longer than those made out of softer, liquid oils. Let the soap cure. Unwrap the bar of soap and allow it to sit out in the open air for 6-8 weeks. This will allow the soap bar and its ingredients to harden more completely so it will last longer once you start using the soap and it starts getting wet regularly. When unwrapping the bar of soap from its packaging, make sure to do so carefully in order to avoid scraping off parts of the soap itself. Some handcrafted soaps come pre-cured, so this is not a necessary step if you have purchased this type of soap. Cut the bar of soap into smaller pieces. Smaller bars of soap will last longer because you are taking smaller pieces into the shower with you each time. This means that only the smaller piece gets wet during each shower, so the other pieces can remain dry the entire time until you are ready to use them. Cut your soap bars into halves, or even thirds, if possible. Only use one small piece at a time until it is gone. Convert bar soap into liquid soap. Diluting your bar soap into liquid soap will help it stretch farther over many more uses. Follow these simple instructions: Use a grater to scrape pieces off your bar of soap. Take 1oz. of the grated soap and put it in a jar or other kind of container. Add 1-2 cups of clean, filtered water and let it sit overnight. Stir the mixture well before use. | Keep the soap away from water. Let the soap air dry. Always keep your soap in an appropriate soap dish that allows for drainage. Store smaller pieces in a soap-saving pouch. Use a washcloth instead of your hands. Take cooler showers. Use small, leftover scraps of soap all the way to the end. Consider the ingredients in the soap. Let the soap cure. Cut the bar of soap into smaller pieces. Convert bar soap into liquid soap. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Obtain-a-Police-Report | How to Obtain a Police Report | To obtain a police report, start by visiting the website for your local police department to find out if you can request the report online. If you can't, check the website for a form that you can print, fill out, and mail to the police department to request the report. If there aren't any forms online, you may need to visit the department in person to request the police report. | Determine which law enforcement agency to request the report from. In general, you request a police report from the law enforcement agency for the city where the incident took place. Find the contact information for the appropriate police department online. Depending on the jurisdiction, you may only be able to request the report if you were directly involved in the incident. However, some areas allow anyone to file a report, including lawyers, agents, and family members. Determine whether that city provides police reports by mail or online. Some cities ask you to request police reports in person at the police station. However, you might be working with a department that lets you file a request either by mail or on the internet. Visit the website for department you're working with. Search for an online form or a downloadable pdf that you can mail back to them. If you can't find what you're looking for, call the department and ask if they allow mailed requests. Download Adobe Reader if necessary. If your local police department allows you to download a copy of its police report request form, there's a good chance it will be a pdf. Although some computers come equipped with pdf-reading software, not all do. Adobe Reader is a free product that will enable you to open, read, and print the form from your home computer. Familiarize yourself with the form. Once you have it, read through the form to make sure you can provide all the information it asks for. Although the form may vary from city to city, there's a good chance it will ask for the following information : The names and address(es) of the parties/victim(s) involved The date and location of the incident The report or incident number, if available An insurance policy number and/or claim number. Note: this is required only if the person requesting the report works for an insurance company A release form from the victim, if an attorney is filing the request The type of incident — was it a robbery, assault, automobile accident, etc. Proof of relationship for parents of minor victims or the spouses/relatives of deceased victims You can view a pdf of the San Francisco PD's request form to familiarize yourself with what documents of this sort look like. Fill the form out accurately. Double check all the information on the form before you submit it to the police department. Any little mistake might make it more difficult for the department to respond to your request. For example, make sure you don't swap two numbers in a report number or misspell the name of one of the involved parties. Include an SASE if mailing the request. If you are submitting your form by mail, you should include an SASE — self-addressed, stamped envelope. This both puts the cost of the postage on your shoulders, and ensures that the department sends the police report to the right address. Check the hours for police report requests. Some law enforcement agencies only entertain requests for police reports on certain days. Call the department you're working with or visit their website for that information. For example, the City of San Diego Police Department only allows in-person requests on Wednesdays between 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Visit the appropriate law enforcement agency. Even if the department allows online or mailed requests, going in person will help the process move more quickly. While you're there, the officers can answer any questions you may have and provide further directions. Locate the information desk or records division. Ask for directions to the desk that will to help you with your request. The officers there will provide you with paperwork to fill out, and also answer any questions you have about the process. The request form will ask for contact information and identifying details about the incident. See Method 1 above for a detailed list of information you may be required to provide. You may have to provide a current photo ID to verify your identity and address before they can process the request. The officers might make a copy of your photo ID for their records. The waiting period will depend on the individual police department you're working with. Usually, police reports take 1-5 days to be found, processed and copied, but ask the officers helping you for an estimate. Pay the fee, if required. Not all law enforcement agencies have one, but the one you're working with might charge a fee for each report you request. This fee covers the department's cost in copying and handling the report. The amount will vary from agency to agency. Call ahead to find out the cost so you bring enough money to the department. Pick up the police report. The police department will contact you when your report is ready. If they asked you to provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope when you submitted the request, you'll just receive the report in the mail. You may not receive your copy of the police report within the time frame the department provided. If that's the case, call them to ask about its status. | Determine which law enforcement agency to request the report from. Determine whether that city provides police reports by mail or online. Download Adobe Reader if necessary. Familiarize yourself with the form. Fill the form out accurately. Include an SASE if mailing the request. Check the hours for police report requests. Visit the appropriate law enforcement agency. Locate the information desk or records division. Pay the fee, if required. Pick up the police report. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Pirate-Bandana | How to Tie a Pirate Bandana | To tie a pirate bandana, start by folding a bandana in half diagonally. Then, place the bandana on top of your head, with the longest edge on your forehead. Pull the 2 opposite corners of the bandana to the nape of your neck and tie them in a tight knot. Finally, tuck the overhanging corner behind the knot you created to finish the look. | Fold the bandana in half to create a triangle shape. On a flat surface, pull 1 tip of the bandana to the opposite tip to form a triangle. If your bandana is already a triangle shape, skip this step. This technique works best with a bandana that is 90 centimetres (35 in) wide and 90 centimetres (35 in) long. A shorter bandana will work but it won't hang down as far. Purchase bandanas online, from a dollar store, or a dress-up store. Place the folded edge of the bandana across your forehead. Pick up the bandana by the 2 opposite ends and bring the middle of the long edge up to your forehead, just above your eyebrows, and let the triangle shape cover your head. Swivel the bandana about 4 cm (1.6 in) to the right. This will give you a pirate look. Tie your hair up first if you want to hang your ponytail through the bandana. Knot the 2 opposite ends of the bandana. Tie the long ends of the bandana into a knot at the back of your head. Pull the ends of the bandana tight and once you are happy with the placement of the first knot, tie a second knot over the top. This will keep the bandana in place while you complete your pirate activities. Tuck the overhanging corner behind the knot that you created. If you're going to wear a pirate hat over your bandana, just knot the bandana once. This will make it easier for the hat to fit on your head. Roll the bandana into a headband. Place the bandana onto a flat surface and pull 1 point of the bandana to the opposite point to create a triangle shape. Fold the long edge of the bandana over in 5 cm (2.0 in) increments until it looks like 1 long strip. If you want a thinner bandana, fold it in 3 cm (1.2 in) increments. If you want a thicker bandana, fold it in 7 cm (2.8 in) increments. Wrap the bandana around your head and secure it with a knot. Position the middle of the folded bandana on your forehead, near your hairline. Hold one end of the bandana in each hand and tie them at the back of your head. If you find that the bandana is slipping off your head, undo the knot and tie it further down toward your neck. Drape another bandana over the knot if you want a more dramatic look. Take the bandana off your head and lie it on a flat surface. Drape the second bandana over the first bandana. Position it so that the middle of the second bandana is over the knot in the first bandana and the material drapes either side. Use a bandana that is the same colour if you want to create a traditional pirate look. If you are wanting to create a unique look, use bandanas with different colours and patterns. Tie the second bandana around the first knot. Hold the ends of the second bandana and knot them around the first knot. This will create extra volume at the back of the bandana and make the knot look more prominent. Use a mirror or ask a friend to help you see the back of your head. Skip this step if you have decided to use only 1 bandana. | Fold the bandana in half to create a triangle shape. Place the folded edge of the bandana across your forehead. Knot the 2 opposite ends of the bandana. Roll the bandana into a headband. Wrap the bandana around your head and secure it with a knot. Drape another bandana over the knot if you want a more dramatic look. Tie the second bandana around the first knot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Plastic-Retainer | How to Clean a Plastic Retainer | To clean a plastic retainer, start by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a cup. Then, rinse off your retainer with water, and place it in the vinegar mixture for 15-30 minutes. Next, take your retainer out of the mixture, and scrub the inside and outside of it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Finally, rinse your retainer with cold water to remove any remaining residue. | Rinse the retainer with warm or cold water. The water will prep your retainer for the cleaning process. Apply a mild soap onto a toothbrush. You can use liquid castile soap or a mild dishwashing detergent. Additionally, use a soft-bristled toothbrush. This way you can avoid scratching your retainer. Alternatively, you may use toothpaste. However, use regular, non-whitening toothpaste, or make a baking soda paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water. Gently scrub the retainer. Make sure to scrub the inside, as well as the outside of your retainer. Scrub until any and all dirt and debris are removed. Rinse it again. Do this once your retainer is clean. Hold it under cold or warm water until all the soap residue is gone. Clean your retainer once or twice a week, or as often as you need to. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a cup. However, make enough solution so that your retainer is fully submerged once you put it in the cup. Alternatively, you may use 3 percent hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar. Rinse your retainer with cold or warm water. Then place it in the cup. Let your retainer soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then remove your retainer after it has finished soaking. Scrub your retainer with a toothbrush. Make sure to use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently scrub the inside and outside of your retainer. Rinse it with cold water. Make sure to rinse your retainer thoroughly until all the residue is gone. Then place it back in your mouth or in its case. Soak your retainer once or twice a week to keep it clean. Combine 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hydrogen peroxide in a cup. Then add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of baking soda. Use a spoon to mix the ingredients together until they are well-combined. To give the solution a fresh, minty taste, add a drop of peppermint oil. Place your retainer in the cup. Make sure your retainer is fully submerged in the solution. Let your retainer soak in the solution for 15 to 30 minutes. Then take it out. Rinse your retainer with cold water. Do not use warm or hot water; this may melt the retainer. Rinse it thoroughly until all of the solution is removed. Then place it in its container or back in your mouth. Soak your retainer once a week to keep it clean and fresh. | Rinse the retainer with warm or cold water. Apply a mild soap onto a toothbrush. Gently scrub the retainer. Rinse it again. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a cup. Rinse your retainer with cold or warm water. Scrub your retainer with a toothbrush. Rinse it with cold water. Combine 1 cup (240 ml) of cold water and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of hydrogen peroxide in a cup. Place your retainer in the cup. Rinse your retainer with cold water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Mattress-Pad | How to Clean a Mattress Pad | Before cleaning a memory foam mattress pad, vacuum the pad to remove any dirt or dust. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub any stains with a solution of equal parts water, white vinegar, and lemon juice. After 15 minutes, blot the stains with a sponge dipped in cold water. Finally, dry the areas by blotting with a clean towel. If you have a cotton mattress pad, wash it in warm or cool water with mild laundry detergent. Then, let it air dry or tumble dry, depending on the instructions on the care label. | Vacuum your mattress pad. Before you clean your memory foam mattress pad, vacuum any dirt or dust from the pad. Use the soft brush attachment on your vacuum, moving across the pad in circular motions. This prevents dirt or dust or other materials from getting ground into your mattress pad when you spot clean it. When vacuuming your mattress pad, it's best to put it on the floor. Place a sheet on the floor below the pad to keep the underside clean and protect your floor as you vacuum. Choose your cleaner. To spot clean your memory foam mattress pad, you can either use an enzymatic cleaner like OxiClean or a homemade solution. To make a homemade solution, mix equal parts water, white distilled vinegar, and lemon juice together. You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean your mattress pad, but it may discolor it. Start from outside of the stain. Using a toothbrush, work the cleaner into the stain from the outside of the stain toward the center. Spot cleaning this way prevents the solution from spreading to other areas of the mattress pad. Let the cleaner soak for ten to fifteen minutes. Once you've spot cleaned each of the stains on your mattress pad, let the cleaner soak in for ten to fifteen minutes. This will help break up the stain and make it easier to rinse off later. Blot the stains with a sponge. Dip a sponge in cool water, and blot the stains that you've spot cleaned. Using a sponge should help soak up the broken-down stains as well as the cleaner that you used. You might need to blot each stain a few times to ensure you get everything up. Blot your pad dry with a clean towel. Once you've rinsed the stains on a memory foam pad by blotting, use a clean towel to blot those areas dry. You might need to blot areas dry more than once to get all the moisture out of them. If you can't fully blot the mattress pad dry, you can let it air dry. Vacuum your mattress pad again using your brush attachment. Work the brush attachment in circular movements across the entire surface of your mattress pad. This helps collect any remaining dirt and debris. If you want to treat any lingering bad odors, such as cigarette smoke, you can sprinkle baking soda over the mattress pad. Let it sit for at least 8 hours, then vacuum it up. Make sure the mattress pad is completely dry before you vacuum it again. Check the care label. Most cotton mattress pads can go right in the washing machine, but you should check the care label first to make sure. The tag will tell you if there are special care needs for your mattress pad. Put the mattress pad in the washing machine. Pour a mild laundry detergent into the washing machine. You should use whatever amount is listed on your laundry detergent for a medium/large load. Set the water temperature to warm or cool and add the mattress pad. Dry in the dryer. If you can dry your mattress pad in the dryer, throw a few tennis or rubber balls to the dryer. Letting them bounce around the dryer with your mattress pad will maintain the fluffiness of the pad. Let the washer fill with water. Set your washer to a warm/cool water setting and let it fill with water before you put the mattress pad in. If you put the pad in first, the vinyl backing on the pad can trap water in certain areas and prevent it from fully soaking the pad. Add a mild detergent to the water and mix. Once the washer is filled with water, add a mild laundry detergent to the water. After you've added the detergent, spin the center agitator of your washing machine to thoroughly mix the water and detergent together. Again, you don't want to add the mattress pad right away because it can prevent the water and detergent from fully mixing. Don’t use fabric softener. You might use fabric softener in your other laundry, but don't add it to the washing machine with your mattress pad. The chemicals in fabric softener can eat through and destroy the vinyl backing on your pad. Add the mattress pad to the washing machine. Once you've got the water and detergent thoroughly mixed, add your mattress pad to the washing machine. Make sure that it's fully submerged and not just floating on the top of the water. If this happens, the vinyl backing on your pad can block the fabric from reaching the water. Dry on the lowest setting. If your mattress pad's care tag says you can dry the mattress pad in the dryer, set it to the lowest setting and add the mattress pad. You might have to dry the mattress pad more than once to get it completely dry. Check for open seams. Before you clean your down mattress pad, check for any open seams. If you wash the mattress pad and there are open seams, you could end up with a washing machine full of feathers! If you discover open seams, you'll need to repair the mattress pad or have it repaired before you can wash it. Pretreat stains. Before you put your down mattress pad into the washing machine, rub a bit of the detergent you're using into any stains on the pad. Let the detergent soak into the stains for 10 to 15 minutes. This will make it easier for the stains to come out during the washing process. Use a front-load washing machine. Check your down mattress pad's care tag. If you can machine wash your down mattress pad, use a front-load washing machine. Using a washing machine with a center agitator can tear the mattress pad, spilling feathers into your washing machine. Wash on delicate cycle. Set the washing machine to delicate cycle – the same setting you would use for delicate clothing. Set the water temperature to cool and add a small amount of gentle or down detergent. Rinse the mattress pad twice. Because of the materials down mattress pads are made from, you'll probably need to rinse it twice to get all of the detergent out. To do this, leave your mattress pad in the washing machine and run it once without detergent (you'll already get one rinse cycle when you wash it). Dry your mattress pad. If you're drying a down mattress pad, stop the dryer every 15 minutes and break up the feathers in your mattress pad. If you don't do this, they'll dry in clumps and ruin the smoothness of your mattress pad. Check the care label. You can machine wash some egg crate pads, but some need to be spot cleaned. Check the care label on your egg crate mattress pad to see which method you should use. Use a commercial or oversized washer. If you can machine wash your egg crate mattress pad, use a commercial or oversized washer. Agitator washing machines – the type of most home washing machines – will tear the foam on your mattress pad. Use a commercial or oversized washer instead to make sure your pad doesn't rip. Repeat the spot clean process for foam mattresses. If you can't machine wash your egg crate mattress pad, use the process for spot cleaning memory foam mattress pads explained in this article. You can use your vacuum's soft brush attachment to clean your egg crate mattress pad. Move the brush in circular motions across the pad's surface, paying special attention to the crevices. Lay egg crate mattress flat to dry. Once you've washed your egg crate mattress pad, lay it flat to allow it to dry. You can also gently roll in and press some of the water out, but don't squeeze too hard. This can destroy the shape of your mattress pad. | Vacuum your mattress pad. Choose your cleaner. Start from outside of the stain. Let the cleaner soak for ten to fifteen minutes. Blot the stains with a sponge. Blot your pad dry with a clean towel. Vacuum your mattress pad again using your brush attachment. Check the care label. Put the mattress pad in the washing machine. Dry in the dryer. Let the washer fill with water. Add a mild detergent to the water and mix. Don’t use fabric softener. Add the mattress pad to the washing machine. Dry on the lowest setting. Check for open seams. Pretreat stains. Use a front-load washing machine. Wash on delicate cycle. Rinse the mattress pad twice. Dry your mattress pad. Check the care label. Use a commercial or oversized washer. Repeat the spot clean process for foam mattresses. Lay egg crate mattress flat to dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cookie-Dough | How to Make Cookie Dough | To make chocolate chip cookie dough, beat the butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg with an electric mixer until they're fully incorporated. Next, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Then, add this mixture to the batter, beat the ingredients until they're combined, and gently stir in the chocolate chips. If you aren't baking the cookies right away, wrap the dough in wax paper or plastic wrap. The dough will stay fresh in the fridge for 1 week or the freezer for up to 8 weeks. | Review the ingredients. Every cookie dough recipe is a little different, so you should carefully review the specific recipe before proceeding. That said, most cookie dough recipes share the same basic ingredients in various proportions. Use the following guidelines to prepare cookie dough if you have a list of ingredients but lost the instructions that go with it. Most cookie dough recipes use some type of fat, sugar, eggs, and flour. Salt and baking powder are not used as consistently but do appear in many cookie dough recipes as leavening agents. Butter is the most common fat used, but shortening is also used frequently. Butter creates crisper, thinner cookies, while shortening creates soft, cake-like cookies. Vanilla extract also appears in most cookie dough recipes. Note that ready-to-eat or safe-to-eat cookies doughs don't contain eggs. Soften the butter. For best results, cut the cold butter into pieces and allow it to sit out at room temperature up to 30 minutes. The butter should be soft enough for you to leave an indentation with your thumb. Do not let the butter melt, though. Softened butter and margarine are easier to combine with other ingredients. If running short on time, you can microwave the cold butter for 10-second intervals until softened. If using margarine instead of butter, make sure that the margarine contains 80 percent vegetable oil or more. Beat the butter and shortening together. If your recipe calls for both butter and shortening, you should cream them together with an electric mixer until smooth. Even if your recipe only contains one or the other, you should still consider beating the fat with an electric mixture until smooth. Doing so removes any lumps and allows the fat to mix into the dough more effectively. Add the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use an electric mixer to beat in the sugar, salt, and baking powder or baking soda. These ingredients should be completely combined with the fat. Cream these ingredients until the consistency and color both become lighter. This process creates air bubbles in the dough, thereby creating lighter cookies. Do not overbeat the dough, though, especially at this stage. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the eggs in one at a time on medium speed. Add the vanilla extract simultaneously or immediately after. Beat until you remove all streaks of egg or extract. Consider leaving the eggs out at room temperature for 30 minutes before use. This makes it easier for the eggs to incorporate air in the batter, which creates lighter cookies. Gradually add the flour. Use an electric mixer to beat in as much flour as possible, adding it slowly to the dough. When the mixer begins to strain, switch to a wooden spoon and stir the remaining flour into the dough that way. Stand mixers can usually take the strain, so you may not need to do any stirring if using one. Hand-held mixers are less durable, though, and should be swapped out toward the end to prevent the mixer from burning out completely. Any chocolate chips, nuts, or similar ingredients should be stirred in after the flour. Save or bake as directed. Saving instructions and baking instructions vary, so it is best to find instructions that are specific to your recipe. Generally, you can wrap your dough tightly in plastic wrap and save it in the refrigerator for a week. Many cookie recipes bake around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 15 minutes. Combine the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl using an electric mixer. The butter must be softened before you combine it with the other ingredients. For a lighter dough, beat the butter on its own until it becomes fluffy before combining it with sugars and vanilla extract. Mix in the egg. Add the egg to the butter mixture and beat at medium speed with an electric mixer. Continue beating until the egg is fully incorporated. If doubling or tripling the recipe, add any additional eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. In a separate small bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures that they are distributed evenly throughout the dough once added to the moist ingredients. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Use an electric mixture to beat the flour mixture into the butter mixture until completely combined. If the electric mixer resists toward the end of the mixing process, stir any remaining flour in by hand. Stir in chocolate chips. Use a mixing spoon or spatula to stir the chocolate chips into the dough until evenly distributed. Wrap the dough in wax paper. If you plan to save the dough for later, wrap it in wax paper or plastic wrap first. Make sure that no portion of the dough is exposed to air. Consider double-wrapping the dough. Wrap it in wax paper first, then wrap a layer of plastic wrap around the entire thing. To make the dough easier to manage later on, divide it in half before wrapping it. Refrigerate or freeze the dough. The dough can last in the refrigerator for 1 week. When placed in the freezer, it should last for about 8 weeks. Bake when ready. The cookies should be baked at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 11 minutes. Thaw the dough to room temperature for best results. Place the dough onto a greased cookie sheet 1 Tbsp (15 ml) at a time, leaving roughly 2 inches (5 cm) of space in between each cookie. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown. Cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before removing to a wire rack to finish cooling. Cream together the butter and sugar. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer at high speed until fluffy. This should take about 5 minutes. Make sure that the butter is softened before combining it with the sugar. For this recipe, it is not necessary to beat the butter by itself first. For this recipe, an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment works best. A standard mixer attachment may also be used, however. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt. Add these ingredients to the creamed butter mixture and beat with your electric mixer until thoroughly combined. If doubling the recipe, add each egg one at a time and beat well after each addition. Use a medium speed when adding these ingredients. Gradually add the flour. Thoroughly mix the flour into the moist ingredients in two or more batches. Use a low speed to prevent the flour from flying out as you mix it. Only mix until the flour has been incorporated. Do not overmix. If the mixer begins to slow and struggle, stir the rest of the flour in using a mixing spoon. Divide the dough into 2 to 4 portions. Each portion should be about equal in size. It may be easier to work with four portions later on, but two portions will also suffice. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Place each portion of dough on a sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten the dough into disks before wrapping it completely. Each portion of dough should be wrapped separately. Make sure that no air can touch the wrapped dough. If necessary, double-wrap the dough to secure it. Refrigerate or freeze. Refrigerate the dough up to 1 week. If you need the dough to last up to 4 weeks, you should freeze it, instead. Note that even if you plan to use the dough immediately, it should still be refrigerated 2 hours before baking. Bake when ready. Bake the cookies an an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly golden. If using frozen dough, wait until the dough has dropped down to refrigerated temperatures. Roll the dough out on a floured surface until it is about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick. Cut into shapes and placed on greased cookie sheets to bake. Cream the butter and sugar together. Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together at medium speed. The butter and sugar should be fluffy and well-combined. Make sure to use softened, room temperature butter when starting. Mix the ingredients in a medium bowl. Add the flour, salt, and vanilla. Add these ingredients to the butter mixture and stir with a mixing spoon until thoroughly combined. Add the vanilla and salt to taste. Since there are no eggs in this recipe, you can add these two ingredients slowly and taste after each addition. Stop once you achieve a flavor you enjoy. Stir in the chocolate chips. Add the chips to the dough and mix well with a mixing spoon until evenly distributed. At this point, the dough will still be fairly thick. Slowly add water to the dough. Add cold water to the dough 1 Tbsp (15 ml) at a time, stirring well after each addition to incorporate it. Continue adding water until the dough reaches standard dough consistency. If you plan to add the dough in chunks to ice cream or other desserts, use less water for a stiffer dough. For a dough you can enjoy by the spoonful, add more water. Enjoy now or save for later. Since this dough is eggless, it should be enjoyed raw and is best when served immediately. To save the dough, place it in a resealable glass or plastic container and refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Finished. | Review the ingredients. Soften the butter. Beat the butter and shortening together. Add the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Gradually add the flour. Save or bake as directed. Combine the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix in the egg. Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Wrap the dough in wax paper. Refrigerate or freeze the dough. Bake when ready. Cream together the butter and sugar. Add the egg, vanilla, and salt. Gradually add the flour. Divide the dough into 2 to 4 portions. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap. Refrigerate or freeze. Bake when ready. Cream the butter and sugar together. Add the flour, salt, and vanilla. Stir in the chocolate chips. Slowly add water to the dough. Enjoy now or save for later. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-Valedictorian | How to Become Valedictorian | If you want to become valedictorian, choose your classes wisely. If your school weights their GPAs, take as many AP and Honor's classes as you can handle and be sure to come to class prepared every day. When you can, read ahead so you can master the content and impress your teacher. You don't have to be the teacher's pet, but you should stand out as a smart and committed student. While being valedictorian is an impressive goal, make sure to leave time for friends and extracurricular activities too. | Start young. Unfortunately, in most cases, you can't just waltz into your high school on the first day of freshman year and decide to be valedictorian. You'll need to have proved yourself in middle school by taking the most rigorous math and English courses that your middle school had to offer. Some middle schools don't have tracking for their classes, but some do offer Honors courses as early as seventh or eighth grade. Being in these courses will set you on a path to honors courses in high school, so make sure you've laid the groundwork for this. You can move up in English more easily, but once you're "locked" into a math track, it'll be harder to move ahead. For example, if you're in regular Algebra in 8th grade, you'll have to go to regular Geometry in 9th unless you've really proven yourself. If you can take two math classes, as this can help you get ahead. Learn how your school chooses its valedictorian. Some schools rank students with an unweighted GPA, while others award extra points for harder classes. Most schools do offer extra points for taking harder courses so you should aim to take these; and even if your school doesn't offer extra points for harder courses, you should still aim for success; after all, if you want to be valedictorian, then you probably want to go to a top-notch school, which means you'll have to take the most challenging classes anyway. For example, if your school does use a weighted GPA to determine valedictorian, then you may receive a 4.0 for an "A" in regular classes, a 5.0 for an "A" in honors classes and a 6.0 for an "A" in AP classes. A valedictorian also typically gives a graduation speech in front of their classmates. But if this is the part that appeals to you the most, then make sure that the speech-giver is the valedictorian. Some schools have the student body president give a speech, some have students vote for which student should give the speech, while others have the valedictorian and the student body president and another student give a speech. Some schools have more than one valedictorian -- or as many as 29! Choose your classes wisely. If your school does factor the weighted GPA into their decision to choose the valedictorian, then you should take the most rigorous courses whenever possible. If you think that the harder classes may be too tough for you, then you may need to rethink being valedictorian. To be the valedictorian, you have to get As in the hardest classes at your school pretty much every time. Are you up for the challenge? Take AP classes over honors classes when you can, if they are worth more points. Your electives can really hurt your weighted GPA because they tend to be considered regular classes. However, all students in your school will most likely be expected to take some electives, such as gym or art class. Whenever you can, though, try to take an elective that is worth more points, if you have the option. For example, don't take Creative Writing if it is considered a regular class; take AP Language and Composition if it is offered to everyone instead. Sure, you may end up missing out on some fun classes over the course of your high school career. But those classes will NOT get you to be the valedictorian. If your school has the option of not having to take gym if you do a sport, then consider picking up a sport if not taking gym will boost your GPA. If you want to be valedictorian, then you should also be well-rounded so you stand out in college applications for more than just your grades. You should obviously not take a sport, though, just to make your GPA higher, because the extra time you devote to sports may keep you away from your studies. Remember that being the valedictorian will NOT guarantee you a spot to any elite college. If you want to be valedictorian, then you must be very ambitious, having your sights on elite schools such as Harvard, Yale, Duke, or Amherst. But remember that when you apply to colleges such as these, valedictorians will be a dime a dozen. Being valedictorian will keep you in the running and will impress admissions officers, but you want to avoid looking like a cold grade-obsessed automaton and show that you have depth, several other interests, and that you're a good citizen of your community. Even William R. Fitzsimmons, the dean of admissions at Harvard, recently said, “I think, it's a bit of an anachronism. This has been a long tradition, but in the world of college admissions, it makes no real difference.” Being valedictorian in addition to showing strengths in sports, community service, or the arts will help you be an amazing candidate. But being ranked #10 in your class and doing these same things won't make you look much worse. Your SAT score will also have a major impact on your college acceptances. Many colleges place equal weight on your GPA and your SAT score -- that means your effort for four years of high school courses will amount to about as much as your efforts on a 3.5 hour exam! Sound fair? It isn't, but you've got to get used to it. Study smart. If you want to be a valedictorian, then you have to study smart to get good grades. This doesn't mean that you should spend all of your waking hours perched over your book, but it does mean that you should study as efficiently and thoroughly as possible. Here are some tips to get you studying hard: Make an efficient study schedule. Maybe you will spend 2-3 hours of studying a night, or maybe you will study for 3-4 hours every other night. Whatever you do, make a plan in advance so you don't end up getting overwhelmed or procrastinate. Pace yourself. Set a goal -- 10-15 pages per day, and don't go overboard too much or you'll burn out. Take advantage of practice quizzes. Your history books, math textbooks, or other course material may come with practice questions that you can use to see how well you know the course materials. Even if your teacher doesn't use these resources, they can be valuable to you. Make flashcards. If flashcards help you memorize historical concepts, foreign languages, or even mathematical operations, use them. Stand out in the classroom. You don't have to be the teacher's pet to be stellar in the classroom. You should, however, arrive to class on time, participate in class discussion, and ask questions when you're confused about something. Being focused in the classroom will help you absorb the course information more, which will lead you to do better on tests, and it will also make your teacher like you more and will help you earn any in-class points allotted for the course, such as participation points. Keep your chatter with other students to a minimum. You may be missing some important information. Take stellar notes to study from. Don't just write down what the teacher is saying word for word -- try to put the notes in your own words so you really absorb the material. Talk to your teacher after class occasionally. You don't have to annoy your teacher by always being there, but getting to know your teachers a bit more will help you stand out in their eyes. Get organized. If you want to succeed in the classroom and throughout your studies, then you have to be organized. You need to have a notebook for every class, clearly labeled binders, a clean locker, and an organized desk at home. If your life is filled with clutter, then you won't be able to retain information as easily and you won't have as much to focus on your coursework as you'd want. Keep a planner where you write down all of the homework due each day. Keep a calendar over your desk where you can mark important test dates. Read ahead. Reading ahead to the material that your teacher will cover the next day or next week will give you a leg up on the course content and will keep you from getting confused or not absorbing as much information as you could. As long as you're not covering anything too difficult that would be easier to comprehend if it were first explained by your teacher, you'll be giving yourself a leg up by doing this. Reading ahead is a great way to give yourself an edge. Just don't bring it up when you participate in class or the teacher may get annoyed that you're stealing her thunder or confusing other students with additional information. Get extra help. You may be thinking, "If I'm trying to be the valedictorian, then why would I need extra help?" This is where you're precisely wrong. If you want to be the valedictorian, then you have to get an edge over the competition. Get more information or more repetition of the subject matter, whether you ask your teacher for extra help after class, ask your parents for more help if they understand your homework better than you do, or even ask an older successful student for some assistance. You can also invest in a private tutor, but those can get pretty pricey. Participate in extracurricular activities. Always leave time for clubs, sports, volunteering, or other activities outside of class. Believe it or not, extracurricular commitments can boost your grades because they can help you organize your time better. Studies even show that student-athletes tend to do better in school than non-athletes. This will also help you stay grounded and will keep you from obsessing over your studies too much. Maintain your social life. You don't want to be holed up in your room, studying for ten hours under the glare of a too-bright light bulb. You want to have time to study, sure, but you also want to make time to pursue your friendships, go to parties, hang out at the movies, or even go to the school carnival. If you spend 100% of your time with your nose buried in a book, you may start to feel a little bit unhinged and lonely. You don't have to be the life of the party, but having at least a few meaningful friendships will make you feel more motivated to study. Be sure that you stay away from most of the drama at your school, for it can be very time consuming. Find some friends that you can study with. Having a group of like-minded students can help you make studying more fun and productive. Try starting a study group for one of your classes and see how it works out; if you're able to stay focused, then you've just improved your chances of acing your classes. Be aware of your competition, but don't obsess about rivals. You don't want to waste time on narcissism and nervous back-stabbing. Don't go around asking your rivals what they got on their tests, how much time they spent studying for the latest exam, or what grade they think they're going to get in a class. This will make you focus your efforts in the wrong places and will keep you focused on what you have to do. Remember that everyone is different. Maybe you need to study for 4 hours to ace an exam and the student next to you only needs to study for 3 hours to do well. You don't have to be the most naturally gifted to be the valedictorian -- you just have to work the hardest. Treat your body with care. Becoming valedictorian isn't a test of raw intellect, it's a test of endurance. Be healthy. Eat breakfast, and stay away from drugs and alcohol. Only when your body is strong can you perform at the highest level. Though you can splurge on pizza and candy once in a while, eating power foods like nuts, vegetables, and proteins will keep you focused on your work and will keep you from crashing or losing steam. You can still have a social life while avoiding drugs or alcohol. If you want to be valedictorian, then you have to stick with the right crowd. Get plenty of rest. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep a night and going to bed around the same time and waking up around the same time will keep your body feeling energetic and strong, and will give you the fuel you need to pay attention in class, succeed in your exams, and to be a stellar student. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to study so you don't end up going to bed at three in the morning and sleeping through your classes. Try to go to bed no later than 10 or 11 PM and give yourself at least 45 minutes to an hour before you leave the house in the morning so you feel alert when you head to class. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. If you want to be the valedictorian, then you have to relax a little bit. Don't tell yourself that every little grade matters and will influence your fate and your chances of going to a good college. Sure, grades are important, but so is being mentally sound and having great friendships. Remind yourself that it's not the end of the world if you don't get a perfect test grade -- you'll get 'em next time. To be the valedictorian, you'll have to be in a calm state of mind or you may find that the pressure is suddenly too much to deal with. Stay positive and always look forward -- doesn't waste your time stressing about your test grade from a month or a year ago. It just isn't worth it. | Start young. Learn how your school chooses its valedictorian. Choose your classes wisely. Remember that being the valedictorian will NOT guarantee you a spot to any elite college. Study smart. Stand out in the classroom. Get organized. Read ahead. Get extra help. Participate in extracurricular activities. Maintain your social life. Be aware of your competition, but don't obsess about rivals. Treat your body with care. Get plenty of rest. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Canadian-Police-Officer | How to Become a Canadian Police Officer | If you want to become a Canadian police officer, start by checking that you meet the basic requirements, including by being at least 18 years old. Then, get in shape by working out at a local gym, since you'll have to pass a physical test to get into the police force. To meet education requirements, complete a high school diploma, and gain your CPR and first aid certificate. Then, apply to become a police cadet by looking for open positions on your local government's website. | Be old enough. You must be at least 18 years old in most areas. However, some areas require you to be 19 years old. Meet the citizenship requirements. You must have some kind of permanent status in Canada; namely, you must either be a landed immigrant, a permanent resident, or a Canadian citizen. You must also be able to speak French or English (fluently). Graduate high school. No matter where you are, you must have a high school diploma or its equivalent to join the Canadian police forces. You must prove you have this education with transcripts or a diploma. This requirement means you either must go through grade 12 of school or pass an equivalency test. For instance, you can take the General Education Development (GED) tests, which are offered throughout Canada through your provincial or territorial department of education. You must pass 5 tests in total to get your GED. You may also be able to get some credit for the experience you gained over the years, which can count towards your high school diploma. Have ethics and morals. While this requirement may seem a little vague, most departments list it as a requirement. Some define this requirement as having integrity and being honest. Essentially, because you will be trusted with so much responsibility, the police department wants to make sure you are worthy of that trust. They want to know that you will be honest and fair. They want to know that you will do your duty with a positive attitude and without discrimination. They want to know that you will show up when you say you will and work together with your colleagues to get the job done. As an addendum, you must also have a clean record. You cannot have a criminal conviction or pending conviction on your record. Get in shape. You must be in good health and shape to be a part of the police. For instance, many police forces in Canada will require you to complete a physical exam, which may include running 2.4 kilometers in a certain time period, a swimming portion, and other physical tests. If you're not in shape, start a workout regimen at a local gym. Make sure to include aerobic exercises, weight training, and swimming as part of your routine. In addition, make sure you are eating right and getting enough sleep. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables, replace processed grains with whole grains, and make lean protein a part of your diet. Obtain certification in CPR and first aid. To be a police officer, you must be ready for anything, particularly in emergency situations, and being in trained in CPR and first aid is part of that. You can sign up for classes at places like the Canadian Red Cross or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Have a driver's license. You must also be licensed to drive to be a police officer. In addition, you cannot have more than six points taken off your license for offenses. Get a college degree. While you only need a high school diploma to become a police officer, you are competing against many people for entry-level positions. Therefore, a college degree, particularly one in criminal law, can help set you apart. If your high school GPA wasn't great, try starting out at a community college. Community colleges are easier to get into, and they can help you get some of your basic classes out of the way. You can transfer later so that you can get a 4-year degree. Become a cadet. As a cadet, you'll be a part of the civilian force. For instance, you may be assigned as a traffic officer or as an officer in a court room. To become a cadet, apply to local positions on your police force. You can find positions through your local government website. For instance, your city's government website may have an area where you can apply for jobs. Search through the jobs, fill in the information, and submit your application. Attend police school. Once you are a cadet, you must be selected to attend police college. The best way to qualify is to do well as a cadet, showing good judgment, self discipline, and dedication. In some areas, you can go to police college before you become a cadet, if you are accepted to the school. In other areas, you must be accepted as a cadet first. If your police department accepts cadets first, the department will give you an idea of what academy you want to attend. One of the main ones is the Canadian Police Academy, run by the government. You must work at a police office, have peace officer status, or have an investigative mandate to apply for this school. Your application will often be processed through your police department, so talk to your supervisor about attending police college if that is your wish. Complete your training successfully. To move up, or in some cases, to be hired, you must graduate from police school. In addition, you may need to complete field work before being hired on full time. Have your hearing and eyesight checked. You must be checked by an ophthalmologist and audiologist before applying. You can download the appropriate forms on the Royal Canadian Mounted Police official website at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/recruiting-recrutement/rec/process-processus-eng.htm. Your eyes need to be at least 6/6 (20/20) and 6/9 (20/30) with glasses or contacts and at least 6/18 (20/60) in both eyes when you don't have your glasses on or contacts in. (You can also have 6/12 (20/40) and 6/30 (20/100) in uncorrected vision.) You're hearing must be H2. Ensure you have the basic documents available. You will need a number of documents when applying for this position, such as your birth certificate, high school diploma, and university transcript, if you have one. You'll also need your social security number, your Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (if not Canadian-born), and a valid driver's license. Also, find your marriage, divorce, or separation certificate if you have one. You'll also need your Provincial Health Card and two passport photos. Finally, you'll need to prove you took Level C CPR for adults, babies, and children from an organization approved by the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations ( http://www.labour.gc.ca/eng/health_safety/prevention/first_aid.shtml ). Apply for positions. Just as in many local police forces, you must be hired on in a police officer's position to qualify for training. You apply for jobs on the Canada's main website for government jobs. You apply for these positions as you would many government jobs. You create an account and search through the positions. Once you find an appropriate position, you select it and fill in the required information. Finally, you submit your application. Take an exam. Those who are qualified move on to the next step, which is the entrance exam. However, if you already have a bachelor's degree, you do not need to take the exam, as long as you can prove you have a degree. The exam is called the RCMP Entrance Exam or the RPAB. It has two parts, a personality evaluation and an aptitude section. It is meant to assess whether you have the necessary skills to be a police officer. Passing is 3.2 out of 5. It's nearly impossible to study for the first part, since it is a series of statements that you agree or disagree with, which the test will use to assess whether you have the right temperament to be a police officer. The second part judges composition (including grammar), comprehension, memory, judgement, observation, logic, and computation. The RCMP website offers techniques for studying for the test at http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/recruiting-recrutement/rec/prep-rpab-btatpg-eng.htm#1. Complete the selection package. If you do well enough, the RCMP will contact you. They will include a selection packet with various documents you must fill out, including ones that provide biographical and educational information. You'll also need to fill out forms to give consent for security clearance, provide information for medical evaluation, and consent for your physical test. One document is the Regular Member Applicant Questionnaire. This document is another assessment, looking at how reliable you are and whether you are suitable for the position. Complete your physical assessment. You must also complete your physical assessment, called the Physical Abilities Requirement Evaluation (PARE). The physical portion includes an obstacle course you must complete in under 4 minutes and 45 seconds, as well as a weight-carrying exercise. The RCMP website recommends that you be very active at least a month to a month and a half in advance of your test. They advise that you perform at least 3 cardiovascular workouts a week, though 5 would be better, as well as several weight training sessions a week in preparation. Complete the Regular Member Selection Interview (RMSI). You will be contacted for scheduling an interview, which will see if you have the necessary skills for the RCMP. For instance, you'll need problem-solving skills and communication skills. You'll need to be flexible, consciousness, and reliable, and you'll need to be able to work on a team and meet your constituent's needs. This interview is similar to most job interviews. You may be asked to explain how you handled difficult situations in the past or how you would respond to a particular situation. One way to prepare is to look at the eight competencies that the RCMP requires, which are developing self, flexibility, problem solving, conscientiousness and reliability, meeting client needs, communication, teamwork, and self control and composure. The RCMP website has a description of these competencies ( http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/recruiting-recrutement/rec/prep-interview-entrevue-eng.htm ). Learn as much as you can about the RCMP. Like any interview, you need to learn about the company you are applying for. You can find a large amount of information on the RCMP website. You can also talk with other police officers about their jobs to learn more about the field. Be sure you are ready to answer the 5 essential job requirement questions by saying "yes." Basically, you have to have a driver's license, be willing to move anywhere in Canada, work shift hours, carry a weapon, and pledge allegiance to Canada. Take a polygraph test. You will be notified if your application up to this point has been accepted, at which point you will move on to the polygraph test. This part of the process is a little more involved than the polygraph test itself. Essentially, you'll have another suitability interview prior to the test and then take a polygraph test to confirm answers you've given throughout the application process. The best thing you can do for this part is to relax and tell the truth. As long as you were truthful in the documents you presented, you should be fine. Pass the background check. After you pass the polygraph test, you will need to pass a background check. You will have already given consent to this part in your selection package, so it will be done automatically. Pass the health assessment. This exam includes passing the earlier hearing and eye tests. However, you also must be physically in good health, as well as mentally. Complete your training. You must first complete a 6-month training course for cadets at the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Academy. After completing the course, you must complete another 6-month course, but this one is in the field under the guidance of a mentor. Become a police officer with the RCMP. Once you complete you're training, you are deployed in Canada. You can state a preference, but the RCMP will consider what areas need police officers first. | Be old enough. Meet the citizenship requirements. Graduate high school. Have ethics and morals. Get in shape. Obtain certification in CPR and first aid. Have a driver's license. Get a college degree. Become a cadet. Attend police school. Complete your training successfully. Have your hearing and eyesight checked. Ensure you have the basic documents available. Apply for positions. Take an exam. Complete the selection package. Complete your physical assessment. Complete the Regular Member Selection Interview (RMSI). Take a polygraph test. Pass the background check. Pass the health assessment. Complete your training. Become a police officer with the RCMP. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Chalk | How to Make Homemade Chalk | To make homemade chalk using cornstarch, line a toilet paper roll with a piece of wax paper, making sure the waxed side is exposed. Cover the bottom of the tube with masking tape so the chalk can't leak out. Next, mix equal parts cornstarch and water in a bowl, and add food coloring if you want to make colored chalk. Use a spoon to transfer the chalk mixture into the tube, then cover the whole tube with wax paper. Let the chalk dry for 12 hours, then remove it from the molds and have fun with your new creation! | Gather supplies. Aside from the ingredients you need to make the chalk, you also need to pick out molds. Search around your house and go to the craft supply store to compile the following list of supplies: Plaster of Paris. You can get a large tub of this from most craft stores. You'll need 1/2 cup per batch of chalk. Tempera paint. This type of paint washes away easily, which is convenient if you'll be using your chalk on the sidewalk or on a chalkboard. Choose as many colors as you'd like. Wax paper. You'll need this to line your chalk molds, so that the chalk doesn't stick to them. Items to use as molds. You can use old toilet paper tubes, paper towel tubes, ice cube trays (as long as you don't use them again to make ice), or any other type of tube or carton. Masking tape. You'll need this to cover the bottom of the tube molds to keep the chalk mixture inside. Get the molds ready. Line the molds with wax paper so that the waxed part is facing up. If you're using tubes, tape one end with masking tape to keep the chalk mixture contained. Pour paint into bowls. You'll need two tablespoons of paint per batch of chalk. Measure it out into bowls, with one color per bowl. You can also mix paints to create new colors; for example, mix red chalk with yellow to make orange chalk, or blue with yellow to make green. Just make sure the total amount of paint in each bowl adds up to 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml). Add the plaster of Paris. Scoop 1/2 cup of plaster of Paris into each bowl. Stir thoroughly so that the mixtures are fully incorporated and free of lumps. Add a drop of liquid dish soap. This helps the chalk wash away more easily. Just stir one or two drops into each bowl of chalk mixture. Pour the chalk into molds. Use a spoon to help you pour the chalk mixtures into individual molds, one for each color. Fill the molds as high as you'd like; the chalk mixture won't expand as it dries. Cover the molds with waxed paper when you're finished. Let the chalk dry. Place the chalk in a dry place to let the moisture evaporate overnight. The chalk is ready to use when it's completely dry. Finished. Gather ingredients. This all-natural method of making chalk uses ingredients you can find at the grocery store if you don't already have them on hand. Collect the following items in preparation for your chalk-making project: Eggshells. If you are lucky enough to have an egg-laying hen, you might have a store of eggshells just waiting to be used. If not, find a way to gather as many eggshells as possible. If you start in advance you can ask your friends and neighbors to save them up for you. Flour. This thickens the mixture and fills out the chalk. Food coloring. Either the liquid or gel kind will work. Molds. Use old toilet paper rolls, an ice cube tray, or any other type of mold of your choice. Wax paper. You'll need this to line the molds. Masking tape. Prepare the molds. Line your chosen molds with wax paper so that the waxed side is facing up. If you're using tubes, use masking tape to cover one end. Grind the eggshells. Make sure they're totally dry before you begin. Use a mortar and pestle or a bowl and the back of a spoon to grind the eggshells to a fine powder. Be sure not to leave any large shards of shell; the mixture should be completely smooth. Mix the base. Mix two parts flour to one part eggshell in a bowl. Add water a little at a time until you've created a thick paste. Separate the mixture into as many bowls as you want, depending on how many colors you want to make. Add food coloring. Stir a few drops of food coloring into the different bowls. Fill the molds. Spoon the chalk mixture into separate molds, one for each color. Cover the molds with wax paper. For a fun variation, try filling the molds halfway with one color, then filling up the other half with a second color. Make marbled chalk by filling the molds with two or more colors, then using a wooden skewer to poke through the paint layers and create swirls. Let the chalk dry. Wait at least 12 hours for the chalk to dry before popping it out of the molds and using it. Finished. Gather supplies. This simple chalk recipe calls for two main ingredients: cornstarch and water, in equal parts. Use food coloring to make more than one color. For the molds, use old toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, or other small containers. You could also make one large sheet of chalk and break it into pieces. Prepare the molds. Line your chosen molds with wax paper, making sure the waxed side is facing up. If you're using tube molds, cover one side with masking tape to keep the chalk from leaking out. Mix the cornstarch and water. Pour equal parts cornstarch and water into a mixing bowl. Stir so that the mixture has a thick, smooth consistency. Separate the mixture into smaller bowls, one for each color of chalk you want to make. Add food coloring. Use a few drops of food coloring to dye the mixtures in the different bowls. Stir each one well so that the color gets fully incorporated. Pour the chalk mixtures into molds. Use a spoon to help you transfer the chalk mixtures into individual molds. Cover the molds with wax paper. Let the chalk dry. Wait 12 hours before removing the chalk from the molds. This chalk is completely natural and biodegradable. Finished. | Gather supplies. Get the molds ready. Pour paint into bowls. Add the plaster of Paris. Add a drop of liquid dish soap. Pour the chalk into molds. Let the chalk dry. Finished. Gather ingredients. Prepare the molds. Grind the eggshells. Mix the base. Add food coloring. Fill the molds. Let the chalk dry. Finished. Gather supplies. Prepare the molds. Mix the cornstarch and water. Add food coloring. Pour the chalk mixtures into molds. Let the chalk dry. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Family-Member-is-LGBT | How to Tell if a Family Member is LGBT | Although you can never be sure of someone's sexuality without asking them, there are a few signs that your family member is LGBT. They might have a lack of interest in the opposite sex if they're homosexual or asexual. They might even show a particular interest in their own sex and talk about attractive people of their own sex. They may also have a lot of LGBT friends if they're exploring their sexuality. Another sign of being LGBT is wearing men's clothes as a woman or woman's clothes as a man. However, keep in mind that a lot of straight people like to experiment with their image and you can never really know. Try not to put any pressure on your family member to come out if they don't want to, since this can be a big step. Just be supportive and compassionate if or when they want to talk about it. | Consider why you want to know this information. Before trying to determine if a family member is LGBT, figure out why you want to know. Just because you're a family member doesn't mean you're obligated to know about someone's gender or sexual orientation - in fact, being a family member may make this person scared to come out to you. Try to determine why you want to know your family member's status in the LGBT community. For example, are you a sibling to someone you suspect to be LGBT and have unsupportive parents or guardians, or do you suspect they're getting bullied at school? If you plan on supporting your sibling if they are LGBT, then it may be worth finding out. Don't try and discover a family member's gender or sexual orientation if you just plan to tell other people or are "just curious". Somebody's sexuality or gender identity isn't something you absolutely need to know. Avoid referring to stereotypes. Before trying to figure out if a family member is a member of the LGBT community, be sure that you aren't relying on stereotypes for your suspicions. If you just have a feeling that your brother is gay, that's okay. If you think your brother is gay because he watches a "girly" TV show or his voice sounds a certain way, that's relying on stereotypes. This doesn't mean that LGBT people can't fit stereotypes - it just means you shouldn't rely on them as your evidence for a family member's gender or sexuality. Your little sister fitting the "tomboy" stereotype doesn't mean she's transgender, but if he says to you that he's a boy, then he's a boy. Keep in mind that a person's gender or sexuality doesn't define how they dress or act. Someone who is asexual isn't any more likely to be cold and emotionless than someone who's straight. Someone who is a transgender girl may not be over-the-top girly and wear frills and bright pink all the time. These fall under stereotypes, too, so be sure to avoid referring to these. Observe their behavior. When trying to determine your family member's gender or sexual orientation, you'll have to observe their behavior, both at home and in public. While around family, your child, sibling, or parent may try and hide any key behaviors, but look for subtle signs that may give you a clue as to their sexuality or gender identity. Do they get flustered around people of the same gender? Do they talk about a person of their gender a lot more than they talk about anyone else? This can be an indicator of a crush; however, keep in mind that people can be close friends and nothing more. Are they disinterested in having romantic relationships? For example, a cousin may express no interest in having a relationship when questioned about if they like anyone. Are they disinterested in sexual relationships with other people? Keep in mind that someone who is asexual may still be in a romantic relationship, but not be sexually involved with the person. Do they say that they don't see themselves getting married or being in a long-term relationship? If they are in a situation where they have to be assigned with one gender (such as needing to use a public restroom, or having a "boys versus girls" type of match in school), are they visibly uncomfortable with the side they have to be on? Do they outright refer to themselves as a "boy/girl" in a "girl/boy's" body, or make remarks such as "I should have been born a boy/girl"? Keep an eye on their appearance. Appearance doesn't immediately signal that someone isn't straight, but it can be an indicator of a different gender identity. However, keep in mind that this isn't set in stone; someone's appearance does not define their gender identity, and definitely doesn't define their sexuality. Transgender girls may grow their hair out long, while transgender boys may cut it short. Those who don't fall in the gender binary may have any sort of haircut, however. Transgender boys may refuse to wear dresses or skirts. However, just because a family member dresses in jeans and a T-shirt doesn't mean they're a transgender boy. Transgender girls may wear dresses or skirts, but if the girl hasn't come out, she may not be able to do this. Don't snoop through a parent or sibling's closet to see if they have any clothing perceived as feminine - this is a major breach of trust, regardless of whether or not your family member catches you. Keep an eye on makeup usage. A transgender boy may refuse to wear makeup, whereas a transgender girl may test it out in secret. Nonbinary people may use makeup, too. Examine their relationships with others. While the people that your family member associates with isn't necessarily a reflection on your family member, it can help to see if there's a pattern in who they choose to spend time with. Do they associate with mostly LGBT people? While being friends with LGBT people doesn't necessarily mean that your family member is part of the LGBT community, it can be a signal of something if your sibling or parent is actively seeking out LGBT friends. Do they seem more secretive when discussing a person of their gender? Crushes or relationships can cause a closeted LGBT person to clam up about someone they used to talk about more often. If your family member neither avoids nor seeks out romantic relationships or sexual relationships, they may be aromantic or asexual. Don't jump to conclusions. It's important to realize that just because your family member meets some of the points in this list doesn't mean that they are LGBT. If you suspect your family member is a part of the LGBT community, then the best thing to do is wait and see if they come out. Jumping to conclusions or pressuring them to come out will only drive them away from you. Wait for them to come out. If you suspect that your family member is LGBT, don't pressure them about sexuality or gender at all. You can say supportive things about the LGBT community to encourage them to come out, but don't ask them about their gender or sexuality. Listen. If your family member chooses to come out to you, the best thing you can do to help them is listen. If they are upset or need to rant when coming out to you, don't interrupt them unless absolutely necessary; it's best to just let them talk. Be supportive and kind. After your family member comes out, let them know that you support them and ask them what they want to happen. If they have come out as transgender or nonbinary, switch to the pronouns they want to be called by, and if they changed their name, call them by that name, too. It's important to recognize that just because your family member came out to you doesn't mean that everything is okay. Discuss who else they want to come out to and when to do it. Do not tell them that this is "just a phase" or "something you'll get over". This will make them regret coming out to you, as these phrases are particularly unsupportive. If you live in a particularly homophobic or transphobic area, discuss safety plans with the family member in case of violence from others. While it's a scary thing to discuss, it's possible for your family member to get hurt by someone who isn't particularly accepting of sexuality or gender identity. Even if it doesn't escalate to physical violence, it's good to have a plan for dealing with bullying or verbal threats because of their LGBT status. Don't bring it up more than necessary. After your family member has come out, avoid bringing up their gender or sexual orientation more than you have to. It may be a sore spot for them, and even if it isn't, think about it this way: if your family member was straight or cis, would you spend time bringing up the fact that they were straight or cis? If the answer is "no", then don't bring up their gender or sexuality. Respect their relationships. If your family member has come out as gay or bisexual, accept that they will end up seeing someone of their own gender, and that's perfectly okay. Don't treat the partner any differently than you would treat someone of the opposite gender. Likewise, if your family member has come out as aromantic or asexual, don't pressure them to get in a relationship or look for a partner. There's no obligation for anyone to be in a relationship at any given time, especially if they don't want one. Don't go overboard with treating the partner kindly. If you know that your family member's partner is mistreating your family member or is pressuring them into activities that they don't want to do, don't be afraid to speak up and say something about it. If your sister has a girlfriend, treat that girlfriend no differently than if she was a boy. Don't let bad behavior slide just because of the partner's gender. Keep an eye on the family member's state of mind. Statistically, 82 percent of LGBT people are harassed for their gender or sexuality. LGBT youth have also been said to think about suicide two to three times more than others who aren't LGBT. Regardless of your family member's age, keep an eye on how they're acting and help them if they show the warning signs of being suicidal or harming themselves. Accept things the way they are. You might be feeling mixed up about your family member coming out as LGBT, especially if you aren't LGBT yourself. You might feel disappointed, angry, scared, weirded out, or just confused. Don't be afraid to research being gay, bisexual, transgender, asexual, or whatever your family member came out as. At the core of it all, what matters is that everyone is happy and gets to be themselves. | Consider why you want to know this information. Avoid referring to stereotypes. Observe their behavior. Keep an eye on their appearance. Examine their relationships with others. Don't jump to conclusions. Wait for them to come out. Listen. Be supportive and kind. Don't bring it up more than necessary. Respect their relationships. Keep an eye on the family member's state of mind. Accept things the way they are. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paraphrase-a-Paragraph | How to Paraphrase a Paragraph | Paraphrasing a paragraph is repeating what someone else has said but in your own words. First, read through the paragraph a few times to make sure you understand its meaning properly. Then, change some of the word choices. For example, you could change “climb on the bike” to “get on the bike.” You can use a thesaurus to help you, but make sure your version makes sense and doesn't sound awkward or change the meaning. Another way to help you paraphrase is to change the structure of the paragraph so it's not too similar to the original text. For example, if a paragraph starts by talking about self-driving cars and goes on to talk about traffic accidents, you can switch it round and start with the traffic accidents. | Know what ‘paraphrasing’ means. “Paraphrasing” is saying something someone else has said in your own words. You still express the same ideas, just in a different way. It can be a useful skill to have, especially if you are trying to write an essay or article. Of course, you always want to give credit when you use someone else's ideas, but paraphrasing gives you a chance to say it in your own words instead of using a direct quotation. By stating it your way, the information may fit better into what you're writing, allowing your writing to flow more easily from one idea to the next. Be aware of the differences between paraphrasing and summarizing. Paraphrasing may sound suspiciously like summarizing, but they are actually two different methods of rewriting a text. In both methods, you are putting the text in your own words, though summarizing sometimes uses some of the same phrases as the original, depending on your end goals. For example, let's say the original writing is: “The fox stalked its prey in the moonlight, it's large ears and bright eyes on high alert for the rabbit's next move.” Example of a paraphrased sentence : “The rabbit stayed still in the light of the moon while the fox surveyed the land using its spectacular hearing and night vision.” Example of summarization : “Foxes hunt rabbits at night using their ears and eyes.” Summarizing focuses on the facts of the statement rather than the details. Understand that paraphrasing doesn’t necessarily mean making the text shorter. When you summarize, you are trying to take a longer text and make it into a shorter, succinct text using your own words. This is not the case with paraphrasing. In fact, sometimes your paraphrased paragraph might be slightly longer than the original, depending on the words you choose. When you paraphrase, try to be as accurate as possible. Develop an understanding of the original text. Look over the paragraph you want to paraphrase at least 3 times so you can understand the meaning behind it. Look up any words that you're unfamiliar with. This will help you choose the most accurate words later on. Change the original word choice. When you paraphrase, you must change the diction, or words being used. That is, as a writer you have your own unique way of explaining an idea, and therefore, your diction is important. “Diction” just means the words you choose to make your point. When you are paraphrasing, you must choose different words than the ones in the original text to explain the same idea. Example: The words you would choose to tell someone how to ride a bike are different from the words another writer would choose. Someone else may say “Climb on the bike,” while you might say, “Sit on the bike seat.” Both have essentially the same meaning—“Get on the bike”—yet they are worded differently. Use a thesaurus to help you with word choice. You can use a thesaurus if you can't think of another word to convey the same idea, as it can remind you of other similar words you already know (these words are called synonyms). Be careful to only use words that you are sure fit, however, as a word you don't know may have a connotation that isn't appropriate for the paragraph. “Connotation” is the feeling a word has beyond its literal meaning. For instance, “grumble” and “protest” have similar meanings, and they would be listed as synonyms in a thesaurus. However, they have different connotations. For instance, “protest” is often connected to politics while “grumble” is usually associated with complaining. Create your own syntax for your paraphrased paragraph. Paraphrasing doesn't just relate to word choice; it also has to do with syntax and structure. “Syntax” refers to the order of the words when you form a sentence. For instance, “Jane stared at the sunset as she ate oranges” is syntactically different from the sentence “Jane ate oranges while she stared at the sunset.” Try to change the structure of the paragraph. “Structure” is how sentences and paragraphs are put together. Of course, you want to put the sentences in your paragraphs together in a way that makes sense. You want to lead your reader through the idea you are presenting. Nonetheless, you still have some wiggle room in how a paragraph goes together. When you're paraphrasing, you can't just replace words in the text with synonyms (words that mean the same thing) and call it done. You actually need to restructure it until it is a completely new paragraph that conveys the same idea. Paragraph you would like to paraphrase : “Jane swerved in the road to avoid hitting the deer. As the car veered off the road, Jane couldn't help thinking this day may be her last. Her thoughts flashed to her children and her spouse. The car hit the tree with a sickening crunch, and Jane blacked out. However, she awoke within a few seconds, bruised and sore, but alive.” Paraphrased paragraph example 1 : “Jane saw a deer in the road, so she swung her car around to miss the animal. Her car headed for the trees. Her mind flooded with images of her family, and she wondered if she would die today. As the front of the car crunched into the tree, she lost consciousness for a moment, though she thankfully survived the crash with just a few bumps.” Keep in mind that there is more than one way to paraphrase a paragraph. It's important to note that there is any number of ways to rewrite a paragraph, as many as there are writers. For instance, the same paragraph used in the previous step could be paraphrased in a different way that is not as vivid, and not quite as detailed. Nonetheless, it still tells the reader the same information using different wording. Paraphrased paragraph example 2 : “While out driving, Jane hit a tree because she swerved to miss a deer. She thought about how her family would miss her if she died as the car slammed into the tree. She sustained minor injuries, though the impact knocked her out for a bit.” | Know what ‘paraphrasing’ means. Be aware of the differences between paraphrasing and summarizing. Understand that paraphrasing doesn’t necessarily mean making the text shorter. Develop an understanding of the original text. Change the original word choice. Use a thesaurus to help you with word choice. Create your own syntax for your paraphrased paragraph. Try to change the structure of the paragraph. Keep in mind that there is more than one way to paraphrase a paragraph. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Swim-the-Breaststroke | How to Swim the Breaststroke | To swim the breaststroke, start by learning the kicking movement. When you push off from the wall, point your feet out from your body, and then bring your heels toward your butt. When your heels reach your butt, extend your knees slightly out to the side, and then then kick your legs straight back before bringing them together. After 2 seconds of gliding, push your arms into a “Y” position and bring them toward you as you lift your head to breathe. | Do a warm-up swim before assuming the core position. Move around in the water for about five minutes before swimming the breaststroke. You could do another swimming stroke you're familiar with (like the backstroke or freestyle). This will help your muscles warm up and help your body adjust to the water temperature. If you don't know another swimming technique, walk along the bottom of the pool in a section where the water reaches your shoulders. Alternately move your right and left arms out in front of you in clawing motions, pulling water toward you. Stretch your neck, arms, hips, and legs while in the water. There are many ways to stretch these muscles. For instance, stand on one foot and pull your heel toward your butt. Hold the position for 10 to 15 seconds, then switch to your opposite foot. Repeat on each side three times. Stretch your arms by knitting your fingers together, then pushing them straight out in front of you with the palms facing out. Hold the position for 15 seconds, then bring your arms up above your head and hold for another 15 seconds. Rotate your hips clockwise for 10 seconds, then rotate them in the opposite direction for another 10 seconds. Repeat three times, then do the same thing for your neck. Start in the core position in the pool. Place yourself laterally in the water with your arms extended straight in front of you and your legs behind you. Your toes should point toward the wall behind you, and your fingers should point toward the wall ahead. With your palms down, splay your thumbs out so that they barely touch. The space between your thumbs and index fingers should form a 'V.' Keep your body high in the water and keep your head pointed down toward the bottom of the pool. Push off the wall several times and assume the core position. Float in the position for several seconds. This will help you get used to the way your body should feel when you're in the core position. Grip a buoy between your legs if they tend to sink. Repeat until you feel confident that you know how to assume the core position. Don't hold the position for longer than you can hold your breath. Do a dry land drill if you need practice doing the breaststroke kick. Lean against a wall with your left hand. Bend your right leg at the knee, bringing the foot toward your butt and bending it upward at the ankle. When your foot is close to your butt, push your right leg out sideways while keeping the knee and ankle bent. After raising your leg at a 45-degree angle, extend your leg and point your toes down, then bring your leg and foot back to the resting position. Alternate between your left and right side. Continue performing these practice exercises until you feel comfortable with the motion. Alternately, you could practice the kick in the water by leaning your arms and body against a paddle board and performing the kick repeatedly. Begin the kick by pointing your feet outwards from your body. Start from the core position, and rotate your ankles so that your feet are pointed out from your body. Then, bring your heels toward your butt. At the same time, bend your ankles up toward your shins. Extend your legs out to the side when your heels reach your butt. Extend your knees slightly past the width of your shoulders. Keep your ankles angled up relative to the leg. Extend your legs straight back behind you and bring them back together. Flick your ankles down when you reach the end of the extension. If you extend your knees too far to the sides, you'll cause unnecessary drag on your body. Excess drag will cause you to move less smoothly through the water. Turn the soles of your feet inward toward each other as much as possible after flicking your ankles down. Sweep your arms out without bending your elbows. Start from the core position, then turn both palms outward. Push your hands out and slightly down. When your arms form a 'Y' with your body, bend your elbows and bring your hands down and back toward your mouth. Push them back out and assume the core position again. Take a breath with every stroke. As you bring your hands toward your mouth, lift your head, neck, and upper chest out of the water to breathe. Do not remove your hands from the water. Only bring as much of your head out of the water as necessary to breathe. This will ensure your swimming form stays sleek. Exhale through your nose or mouth when your head is back in the water. Don't hold your breath, or you might become tense, which will negatively impact your breaststroke. Use a pull buoy to provide buoyancy and practice your arm movements. A pull buoy is a flotation device that you can grip between your thighs to keep your legs and body elevated. This will allow you to concentrate on your arms. Bring it all together. From the core position, bring your feet up toward your butt. Kick your legs out behind you, then glide for two seconds. Push your arms out into the 'Y' position, then bring them in toward you and lift your head above the water to breathe. Return to the core position. Ensure your limbs are moving together. Both your right and left arms should move in sync during the breaststroke. The same is true of your legs. If you don't keep your movement balanced and move both corresponding limbs at the same time, you might drift toward one side or the other and your breaststroke will not be smooth. Don't push your arms out too early. After bringing your legs together at the end of the kick phase, allow yourself to glide forward for a second or two. Only then should you pull with your arms. Go to the gym regularly. The gym is a great place to develop your legs, arms, shoulders, and neck -- the key areas that you use during the breaststroke. Hitting the gym will give you lots of opportunities to do weight training exercises that can help you strengthen your muscles, improve your form, and trim your swim times. Do a standing double-arm triceps push down. Stand in front of a cable machine and place your hands on top of the bar so that they're shoulder-width apart. Pull the bar down to a point where your elbows are almost locked, then bring it up to your midline. Perform three reps of 10-15 push-downs. This exercise mimics the final movement of the initial underwater pull. Do a barbell biceps curl. Grip the barbell with an underhand grip. Place your hands shoulder-width apart. Curl the bar toward your chest in an arc until it's level with your shoulders. Slowly lower the bar until your arms are straight again. Begin without weight on the bar. After perfecting your technique, slowly add weight in small increments until 10-12 reps is extremely difficult for you. Perform three sets of 10-12 reps. This exercise will improve the second half of your arm pull motion during the breaststroke. Do some scapular push-ups. Support your body by balancing on your forearms. Keep your spine straight and point the tips of your toes down. Lower your chest and let your shoulder blades come together. Roll your shoulders to come back up to the starting position. Do three sets of 10 scapular pushups. This exercise will improve your shoulder strength, making the arm movements of the breaststroke easier. | Do a warm-up swim before assuming the core position. Stretch your neck, arms, hips, and legs while in the water. Start in the core position in the pool. Push off the wall several times and assume the core position. Do a dry land drill if you need practice doing the breaststroke kick. Begin the kick by pointing your feet outwards from your body. Extend your legs out to the side when your heels reach your butt. Sweep your arms out without bending your elbows. Take a breath with every stroke. Use a pull buoy to provide buoyancy and practice your arm movements. Bring it all together. Ensure your limbs are moving together. Go to the gym regularly. Do a standing double-arm triceps push down. Do a barbell biceps curl. Do some scapular push-ups. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Gerbera-Daisy | How to Care for a Gerbera Daisy | To care for an indoor gerbera daisy, pick a pot with at least 1 drainage hole, since they're prone to root rot if the soil gets too wet. Then, fill the container with 3 inches of potting soil and place the gerbera in the middle. Top up the soil until it's just below the crown, where the stem meets the root. After you've potted your plant, place it in a spot where it gets moderate sunlight, like a window that gets sunlight in the morning. Whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, give your plant plenty of water. If you want to give your daisy a boost, use a fertilizer made for blooming plants. Additionally, remove any dying blooms by pulling them off the stem, which will encourage your daisy to grow new flowers. | Pick a container with good drainage. Gerberas must be in a pot with at least one drainage hole to avoid root rot, crown rot, and powdery mildew which occur when the soil is constantly wet and the plant is sitting in water. However, having even more holes on the bottom will be even better. Add the ideal potting soil mix. It's best to have fresh, high-quality potting soil. Fill the container with about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of the soil. Put in the plant and add more soil until the crown (where the stem meets the roots) is slightly above the soil. Don't cover the crown, or your daisy is likely to suffocate. Modern soils allow water to flow out of the drainage holes rather than be retained at the roots. This is necessary so that your plant doesn't experience root rot or other diseases. Keep your plant in a spot with enough light. Near a sunny window, there's adequate sunlight, but the temperatures may be too high and end up burning the leaves. However, without enough sunlight, you'll have plenty of leaves but no blooms. Morning sunlight is ideal, but be sure to keep you gerbera out of bright light during the afternoon. They can tolerate cool temperatures, but find it hard to survive in temperatures higher than 70 °F (21 °C). If your plant is located in indirect light, make sure it gets it the whole day. Turn on overhead lights or other lamps nearby, particularly during the winter. Water your gerbera deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. If the soil is still moist, leave the plant for a day or two. Thoroughly soak the roots of the plant, but keep the leaves as dry as possible. Make sure the pot is thoroughly drained before putting it back on a saucer or drip tray. Otherwise, the plant's roots may rot in the soggy soil. During the winter months, you should water it less often, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely. Use fertilizer to give your plants a boost in growth. For indoor plants, it's best to use a fertilizer that is formulated for blooming parts. Follow the instructions on the package as to how much fertilizer to use based on the size of your container. Fertilize your daisy during the growing season (mid-spring to early summer), but avoid doing so otherwise. Remove wilted blooms. As the flowers start to wilt and fade, pinch or cut off the stem just next to the flower. Do this with all the dead or dying flowers on the gerbera. This is also referred to as deadheading the plant and will focus the development of the plant into growing more beautiful blossoms rather than producing seeds. It maintains the plant's appearance while also potentially allowing the second bunch of flowers to come out. Bugs may pester your gerbera if you do not deadhead it. Start doing this early, such as around late spring, and repeat the process every couple of days to keep your plant in the best shape possible. If you'd like to keep flowers in a vase, cut them off when they're still fresh and keep them in water. They should last for several days. Repot your gerbera if it begins to multiply. Once the plant begins looking crowded in its pot, it will need to have more space. Pick a pot that's a size larger than your current one with at least one (preferably more) drainage hole at the bottom. Fill it with 3 inches of potting soil. Hold the stem with your fingers while also covering the top of the pot and turn it upside down. The plant along with some soil should slide out, but if it doesn't, you can knock the pot against another surface to turn the plant loose. Transfer the plant to the larger pot and add soil until the top of the roots sit an inch lower than the rim of the pot. Water your replanted gerbera daisy until it begins dripping from the drainage hole(s). When you take the daisy out, you can examine the roots. Trim off any that appear diseased or rotten. Don't cover the crown (where the main stem meets the roots) when adding soil. The plant might wilt slightly following the repot, but will perk up again within a week or two with proper care. Although gerberas don't survive repotting very well because they have deep root systems, suffocating them in a small pot will not help either. Deal with pests that infest your plant. Gerberas may be infested by common household pests like mites or aphids. Spray your plant with an insecticidal soap according to the manufacturer's instructions. Monitor your plants carefully so that you can tackle the problem before they take over and the problem gets severe. You may use an organic insecticidal soap if you wish. Pick the right spot for your gerbera. It should get direct sunlight in the morning and be shaded in the afternoon. Although they prefer bright sunlight, it's best to keep them out of intense light, especially in hot climates. Plant your gerbera correctly. Move them outside only when all risks of spring frosts are gone. Spade the soil to a depth of 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) and add a layer of organic matter like manure or compost. Leave a space of 18–24 inches (46–61 cm) between each plant if you have multiple. Make sure that the crown of the plant (or where the stem meets the roots) is just above ground level so that your gerbera doesn't suffocate. Water your plant if there is no rain for about a week. You can also water when the top of the soil and the crown (the place where the stem meets the roots) of the plant are dry. Do this only in the morning so that the leaves get a chance to dry during the day to reduce problems with fungal diseases and rot. It's recommended to water deeply with a soaker hose or a regular hose with a light trickle. That way, you can avoid getting the leaves wet at all. Make sure to thoroughly soak the roots of your gerbera. Fertilize your plant monthly during the growing season. This will promote growth and add extra nutrients. Use a balanced general-purpose garden fertilizer. You may also apply a time-release fertilizer every 2-6 weeks. A high-quality micronutrient-rich liquid fertilizer is also recommended. Gerberas often need extra iron or magnesium to continually bloom. Try to find a fertilizer that contains at least one of these minerals. Add 2-3 inches of natural mulch or compost around the gerbera during spring. Leave some space between the material and the plant's crown. This will boost the plant's growth and encourage flowering. Deadhead your outdoor daisy using the same method as an indoor plant. Remove wilted blooms by pinching or cutting off the stem just below the flower. Repeat with all the fading flowers to help your gerbera maintain it's attractiveness and channel energy into the second set of luscious blossoms. If you'd like to keep flowers in a vase, cut them off when they're still fresh and keep them in water. They should last for several days. Start doing this early, such as around late spring, and repeat the process every couple of days to keep your plant in the best shape possible. Dig up and replant your gerbera daisy in the fall once every two years. Weather and irrigation will cause the crown to sink beneath the surface of the soil. Dig carefully using a garden fork and avoid damaging the roots. | Pick a container with good drainage. Add the ideal potting soil mix. Keep your plant in a spot with enough light. Water your gerbera deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Use fertilizer to give your plants a boost in growth. Remove wilted blooms. Repot your gerbera if it begins to multiply. Deal with pests that infest your plant. Pick the right spot for your gerbera. Plant your gerbera correctly. Water your plant if there is no rain for about a week. Fertilize your plant monthly during the growing season. Add 2-3 inches of natural mulch or compost around the gerbera during spring. Deadhead your outdoor daisy using the same method as an indoor plant. Dig up and replant your gerbera daisy in the fall once every two years. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Agenda-for-a-Meeting | How to Write an Agenda for a Meeting | To write an agenda for a meeting, start with a title that includes the topic of the meeting. Then, list everything you want to cover during the meeting, and try to phrase the agenda items as questions to intrigue your team members. For example, instead of writing "Project Deadlines," you could write "Can project deadlines be moved up to meet growing demand?" Also, include estimated times next to each agenda topic, as well as who will lead the discussion for that topic. | Request information from your colleagues. People will be more engaged in the meeting if they have a say in the agenda. Ask for suggestions about what to include, and try to add some of them to your agenda. You can send out an email ahead of time or visit with people individually. Make sure to do this at least 6-7 days ahead of time so that your team members have a chance to contribute. You want to have the agenda finalized 3-4 days before the meeting. Establish your main objective or objectives. A meeting should have a defined purpose, such as to make a decision, share information, make plans for the future, or give progress reports. Otherwise, you shouldn't be meeting in the first place. A meeting can have more than one goal. For instance, you might want to share progress reports to help you make decisions about the future. Focus on issues that affect more than just a couple of people. If an item on your agenda could be solved by a meeting between 2 people, leave it off. Instead, use your valuable meeting time to work on problems that everyone needs to weigh in on. For instance, if you and another person need to get together about a new project, set up a separate meeting for that. If you use up valuable meeting time for an issue that's solvable by a few people, others will feel like you're wasting their time. Plus, it's hard to schedule meetings with a large number of people, so make use of the opportunity. Narrow your list of agenda items down to what you want to cover. Prioritize what's most important to get done at this meeting. You may not be able to cover everything, so stick to the what's absolutely most important. For instance, maybe you have "negotiating project deadlines," "progress reports," "new projects," and "brainstorming session." You may decide you don't have time for a brainstorming session at this meeting. You may need to schedule smaller meetings to help get things done that fall off your main agenda for the big meeting. Schedule the most important topics first. When planning meetings, it's usually a good policy to front-load the schedule with the most important topics. This ensures that everyone will be able to discuss these important topics when they're at their sharpest and least fatigued at the very beginning of the meeting. For instance, you might want to put decision-making items ahead of progress reports (unless you need to hear the progress reports to make the decision). Plus, if the meeting needs to end early or certain attendees need to leave before it finishes, you'll already have discussed the most important topics. Map out how much time each item will take. While you cannot know for sure how long each item will take, you do need a general idea. Keep in mind how long the meeting is and how many topics you have to cover. Try to allocate more time to the most important topics. For example, maybe you'll put in 30 minutes for progress reports, 10 minutes for discussion, and 10 minutes to vote on new deadlines. If you don't have any set times for topics, you won't get through your agenda. Think about timing ahead of the meeting because you may decide you can't cover everything you want to in the time allotted. Factor in the number of people attending your meeting when determining time increments. If you have 15 people and you give a topic 15 minutes, that means that each person can only speak for less than a minute. Even if not every person speaks, that may be a tight fit. Start with a title for your agenda and meeting. Your title should tell the reader that they're reading an agenda. It should also introduce the topic of the meeting. When you've made a decision, place your title at the top of your blank document. Keep your title simple and to the point. For instance, your title could be "July Meeting Agenda: Discussing New Project Ideas" or "August 2019 Meeting Agenda: Moving Project Deadlines Up." Stick to a plain, business font like Times New Roman or Calibri. Set aside time at the meeting for greetings and welcomes. This part of the meeting gives people a chance to say hello. It's also a space for you or other meeting leaders to open the meeting and discuss the main items you'll cover. You could also use an ice breaker if the meeting includes many people who don't know each other. If you're writing an agenda for a large meeting, say at a conference, the time needed for this portion could be significant. At a small office meeting, this portion might only take a few minutes. You can also leave a space for agenda changes at the beginning. Phrase your agenda items as questions to intrigue your team members. When you just put a few words on the agenda, it can leave your colleagues confused. A question helps provide context, and it gives them a chance to think about it ahead of time. For instance, instead of writing, "Project Deadlines," you could write, "Can project deadlines be moved up to meet growing demand?" If needed, add a brief description under the question. Write in estimated times beside each agenda topic. While you don't necessarily need to include times, it can help people prepare. It will allow them to request more time if needed, for instance. It also gives people a chance to shorten their remarks if the timing is short. Create a process for each item on the list. The process establishes how you will approach each agenda item. For instance, if you're talking about moving project deadlines, every person is going to come at the topic from a different point in the process. By establishing a process, you get everyone on the same page. For example, say the agenda item is, "Can project deadlines be moved up to meet growing demand?" Your process might be "10 minutes to discuss current progress. 15 minutes to establish what it would take to increase productivity. 10 minutes to weigh pros and cons. 5 minutes to vote on whether deadlines should be moved up." Establish who will lead each section on the agenda. Note who is going to lead each part of the meeting. Don't let this come as a surprise to the person. You should work this out ahead of time, and then write it in the agenda. If you're leading the whole meeting, you can note that at the top of the agenda. Allocate time in the schedule for any special guests. If any guests are coming to your meeting to discuss topics of importance, you'll want to devote a chunk of the meeting time to these people. Plan on assigning each guest a single entry on the agenda even if they have more than one topic of discussion.This way, they will be able to organize their topics as they see fit. It is best to contact the guests ahead of time to figure out how much time each one will need for their discussion topic. This helps to avoid embarrassing scheduling conflicts. Leave an opening for other business. This part of the agenda should come at the end. It just gives you a chance to ask others if anything else needs to be addressed at the meeting. Plus, it gives members a chance to go back to something that may have gotten glossed over earlier. When you include on the agenda, it lets members know they'll have a chance to contribute even if what they need to talk about isn't covered by your agenda. You can also include time for questions and answers in this section. Add the meeting details to the agenda. Include the time, date, and location of the meeting. Also, add the names of anyone who will be at the meeting. That way, people know ahead of time who they will be able to connect with while there. It's also a good idea to include people who would normally be there but can't come to this meeting. Make it clear they won't be able to attend. Include a map or directions if you have people who aren't familiar with your area attending the meeting. Note any pre-work that needs to be done for the meeting. Maybe there's something your colleagues need to read ahead of time, or maybe they need to research solutions. You might also want them to think about certain problems. Create a space at the bottom of the agenda. Make it stand out with bold font or highlighting so that participants see it. Check the agenda for errors before distributing it. Because some attendees may end up relying heavily on the meeting agenda, it's wise to proofread it for errors and completeness before giving it out. Doing so isn't just a courtesy to the attendees; it also reflects positively on your attention to detail and the respect you have for them. Send the agenda out 3-4 days ahead of the meeting. Letting your colleagues see the agenda gives them a chance to prepare. You don't want to send it out too early, though, as it will get lost in the shuffle. For larger meetings at conferences, you may need to get the agenda out months ahead of time. | Request information from your colleagues. Establish your main objective or objectives. Focus on issues that affect more than just a couple of people. Narrow your list of agenda items down to what you want to cover. Schedule the most important topics first. Map out how much time each item will take. Start with a title for your agenda and meeting. Set aside time at the meeting for greetings and welcomes. Phrase your agenda items as questions to intrigue your team members. Write in estimated times beside each agenda topic. Create a process for each item on the list. Establish who will lead each section on the agenda. Allocate time in the schedule for any special guests. Leave an opening for other business. Add the meeting details to the agenda. Note any pre-work that needs to be done for the meeting. Check the agenda for errors before distributing it. Send the agenda out 3-4 days ahead of the meeting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Pescetarian | How to Become a Pescetarian | If you want to become a pescetarian, which is someone who doesn't eat meat but eats fish, shop for a variety of fresh seafood and stock your kitchen with frozen and canned seafood to eat whenever you don't have any fresh seafood available. When cooking at home, try and eat cold-water fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel that's high in heart-healthy omega-3 fats 2 to 3 times a week. Along with seafood, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains to make a balanced diet. You can also replace meat with plant-based proteins like tofu, beans, and lentils. | Commit to going meat-less. Typically, pescetarians follow a plant-based diet and do not consume red meat, poultry, pork or lamb. The majority of their protein is coming from plant-based sources like beans, nuts or lentils in addition to fish and shellfish. All other food groups — like whole grains, fruits and vegetables — are consumed on a regular basis. A healthy diet goes beyond limiting animal products. In addition, you want to focus on well-balanced meals, healthy cooking techniques, limiting processed foods and refined sugar and drinking adequate amounts of water each day. Pescetarian diets are also beneficial to your health. They may help you manage or lower your cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. Design your pescetarian diet. Depending on how restrictive you want your diet to be, you may chose to include or not include foods like eggs and dairy products; however, if you're transitioning from a typical, average diet, it may be easier to include dairy foods and eggs to help give you some variety. Incorporate a variety of proteins into your pescetarian diet outside of seafood. If you're consuming eggs and dairy products, they're an excellent source of protein. In fact, the egg has the highest biological value of all proteins. The biological value provides a measurement of how efficient the body utilizes protein consumed in the diet. In addition, don't forget about beans, lentils, nuts and whole grains! Ensure that your meals feature fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy (if you're including this) each day. This means you have a well-balanced diet. Purchase print resources. Take a trip to your local or online book store and think about buying a few quality printed resources. Cookbooks and magazines that feature pescetarian recipes will help motivate and excite you as your transition to this new eating pattern. Cookbooks have a wide arrangement of recipes and are a great resource to browse through. Plus, they generally have great photographs which can help motivate you to continue with your new eating pattern. Go beyond printed resources and find bloggers that post regularly about pescetarian recipes. They might also have good tips on adopting this new eating pattern. Find other pescetarians. Finding friends, co-workers or others who also follow a pescetarian diet can be helpful. They'll be a great support to you as you make your new diet transition. You can try joining online communities or forums where you can post questions, link up with other pescetarians and get helpful information from others already following this diet pattern. Take a cooking class. Many restaurants, cooking stores and private companies offer cooking classes. Try signing up with a friend or family member for a class that focuses on seafood preparation. Discuss your new diet with your family. Transitioning to a new diet may affect more than just you. If you're living at home with your family, your dietary changes may influence what is purchased and prepared at home. Speak to your family members about what you'll be changing in your diet and what foods you will and will not be eating. Make sure they fully understand what a pescetarian diet is. If some family members want to continue eating meat or animal products, that's OK. Discuss with them how you can accommodate both eating styles in your household. A quick family meeting will help. Ask your family members if they'd be interesting in following a pescetarian diet along with you. They might be interested in following a pescetarian diet a few days a week or a few specific meals during the week. Finding a common ground may help cut down on extra food prep for a variety of different eating patterns. Prep your kitchen. Switching to any new diet or eating pattern will most likely require that you prep your kitchen and re-stock your pantry and refrigerator with new or different types of foods. Purchase a variety of seafood each week. Keep frozen seafood, canned tuna or salmon or frozen salmon or tuna burgers on hand as well. They have a longer shelf life and can be used in a pinch or when fresh seafood isn't available. You might also want to consider purchasing special kitchen tools or equipment. For example, a fish filleting knife, fish spatula or boning tweezers; however, these aren't necessary for general seafood preparation. Purchase spices or seasonings that complement seafood well. For example, Old Bay is a mixed seasoning blend designed for fish and shellfish. It's a quick all-in-one spice that will boost up the flavor of your dishes. In addition, stock up on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains so you have all the food groups to make well-balanced meals. Create weekly meal plans. If you're busy or on the go, prepping weekly meal plans can help you easily implement a pescetarian diet. Take an hour or two each week and write out each of your meals. Then, write up a grocery list of all the items you need to purchase that week. It'll help keep you on track and minimize the time you spending shopping and looking for items in the store. Find meals that can be prepared in advanced. If your weeknights are busy, doing some meal prep on the weekends or during your free time can make weeknight dinners a breeze. Prepare lunches or parts of your dinners ahead to cut down on cooking time. Creating meal plans in advance can also help cut down on costs. You'll buy the items that you need and skip purchasing things you think you need but already have at home. Breakfast ideas can include: whole wheat English muffin with an egg and cheese; an individual low-fat Greek yogurt with fruit; or high-fiber, high-protein cereal with almond milk. Lunch ideas can include: grilled salmon over a spinach salad; two grilled shrimp and vegetable soft tacos; or lentil and vegetable salad with a vinaigrette dressing. Dinner ideas can include: grilled mahimahi with brown rice and steamed mixed vegetables; portobello mushroom burgers with baked sweet potato fries; or salmon burgers and a small green salad. Prepare pescetarian recipes. Seafood can be intimidating to prepare. Many people have never tried or only prepared one or two types of fish. Review a variety of recipes and keep trying new things. The longer you stick with the plan, the more comfortable you'll become preparing a wide variety of fish and shellfish. Try to incorporate some cold-water fish like salmon, tuna or mackerel. These fish are known as "fatty fish" and generally contain higher amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fats. Try to consume these anywhere from two to three times per week. If preparing a seafood-based meal each night is overwhelming, try focusing on one new recipe or one new type of seafood per week. This will help expose you to a variety of cooking techniques, but will be less stressful. Start with a simple meal or recipe. Or incorporate recipes you already make that feature seafood more often into your weekly meals. Incorporate plant-based proteins. Fish and seafood are the defining trademarks of a pescetarian diet; however, don't forget about plant-based sources of protein too. Items like beans, lentils, nuts and whole grains are healthy, lean sources of protein. Meat replacements, tofu, tempeh, seitan and veggie burgers are other great sources of protein that will fit into a pescetarian diet. Keep a stock of canned beans, nuts and whole grains for quick and easy meals. Plant-based proteins can also be the main source of protein in your meals. It's not necessary to make seafood the main source of protein in each meal. Quinoa, for example, is a great source of protein as it contains all nine essential amino acids. Find a reliable fishmonger. It's important to find a trustworthy market with knowledgeable staff. The fishmonger is person at the store or market who orders, handles and manages all the seafood and the department. They will be able to provide accurate information on the quality of the seafood, whether it was fresh or frozen, whether it was farmed or wild and how sustainable the fish is. Try to avoid road-side stands that sell seafood. You won't be able to tell where or when the seafood was harvested or know the reliability of the individual selling it to you. Also invest some time reading and researching websites like Seafood Health Facts or Fish Watch. They are reliable, trustworthy sources of information. They review the safety, sustainability and health of seafood. Choose both fresh and frozen fish. Many people think that fresh foods are always better; however, many times frozen foods — especially seafood — are sometimes more fresh. When fish and shellfish are harvested, they are immediately cleaned and frozen on the boat — at the peak of freshness. Many times, seafood that's labeled as fresh was harvested several days prior, however it should have never been previously frozen. Ensure you thaw frozen fish properly. Take frozen items and place them in a sealed container in the bottom of the refrigerator and allow them to defrost overnight. Purchase frozen fish that's packaging is intact and completely frozen solid. At well-stocked grocery stores and markets, there are a large variety of frozen fish and shellfish available. Your options are far from limited if you choose frozen items. Evaluate the quality of your fish. Once you have chosen the store or market where you're going to purchase your seafood, evaluate the quality and freshness of the options available. Look at the display or counter. All seafood should be kept at 32 °F (0 °C) and be on ice. When you're purchasing whole fish like a trout or mackerel, pay attention to the eyes. They should be bright and clear. As fish ages, the eyes will get cloudy and sunk in — this will indicate fish that is not fresh. Fish fillets should have firm, elastic flesh. They should also have a clear, shiny appearance to them. Fillets that are prepackaged should contain some liquid, however it should be at a minimum. Shellfish like mussels, oysters or clams can be sold live, cooked or freshly shucked. If you're purchasing live shellfish, look for unbroken shells that close tightly if squeezed. If the shells do not close, they are most likely dead and not fresh. Scallops are also considered shellfish, but are generally sold freshly shucked. They should be firm with a creamy white color and a slightly sweet smell. Scallops that smell sour indicate they are most likely spoiled. Do not hesitate to ask to look at your fish selections up close. You'll get a better idea of what it smells like, how its flesh looks and its overall appearance. Research sustainable seafood options. Try to choose fish and shellfish that are ethically farmed or raised. You can always ask your fishmonger for more information on the items they have for sale. In addition, check out the EDF Seafood Selector Guide for more information. Sustainable seafood includes fisheries that handle plentiful species in addition to species that are lower on the food chain (they can reproduce quicker and maintain an adequate population). They also have to maintain a variety of very high standards and fishing practices. Choosing fish and shellfish that are sustainable helps ensure some more rare species are not overfished. When certain species are overfished, it increases their chances to reach critically low levels which can affect the environment, food chain and the longevity of the species. Sustainable species include fish such as: Alaskan Cod, farmed Artic Char, Atlantic Pollock, Catfish, Dover Sole, U.S. MahiMahi, Alaskan and Canadian Halibut and farmed Rainbow Trout. Decide on eggs and dairy. Many plant-based diets like the pescetarian diet do include eggs and dairy products while others do not. These foods, especially when ethically raised, are a great and healthy addition to your diet. Both are wonderful sources of protein in addition to having a variety of important nutrients. You can also trying using dairy alternatives like soy or almond milk, soy based yogurt or vegan cheeses. This will allow you more flexibility with your food choices and recipes. If you choose to omit eggs and dairy be mindful to replace the nutrients prevalent in those foods. For example, dairy foods are high in calcium. Try getting your daily calcium from foods like dark greens, almonds or fortified orange juice. Eat fruits and vegetables daily. Although a pescetarian diet does have a focus on fish and shellfish, you cannot forget about the main components of this type of diet — fruits and vegetables. Produce is truly the crux of all healthy diets. These plants are high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They're incredibly important to your diet and health. Make 50% of most of your meals a fruit or vegetable. These low-calorie, nutrition powerhouses will fill you up, keep you satisfied and add an array of nutrients to your diet. When you're including fruits and vegetables into your diet, try to eat fruits and vegetables that are different in color each day. You'll get a variety of different nutrients with each colored fruit or vegetable. Include whole grains. Many people forget that whole grains are not only a great source of fiber, but also contain protein. Pair whole grains with legumes like lentils and beans for the perfect protein combo. Pairing these two types of foods together makes them a complete protein. This means, this combination has all of the necessary amino acids for your body. Aim to make most of your grain choices whole grain if possible. Try whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, 100% whole wheat pasta, farro or oats. | Commit to going meat-less. Design your pescetarian diet. Purchase print resources. Find other pescetarians. Discuss your new diet with your family. Prep your kitchen. Create weekly meal plans. Prepare pescetarian recipes. Incorporate plant-based proteins. Find a reliable fishmonger. Choose both fresh and frozen fish. Evaluate the quality of your fish. Research sustainable seafood options. Decide on eggs and dairy. Eat fruits and vegetables daily. Include whole grains. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-a-Mango | How to Eat a Mango | If you want to eat a mango, gently squeeze it to see if it is ripe. If your fingers leave a slight indent, the fruit is ready to eat. Slide a sharp knife carefully into the mango and run it along the side of the pit, then repeat on the other side so you have 2 large pieces of mango. Use your knife to cut the mango into cubes or slices while it's still in the skin, then push the skin inside out and scrape out the flesh. You can then enjoy the mango on its own, in a fruit salad, on top of your favorite dessert, or in a mango salsa. | Make sure the mango is ripe. If you push your fingers into it and they leave a dent, then the mango is ready to eat. Use the same method as you would to tell if an avocado or pear is ripe. If you touch the mango and it remains firm, then leave it out for a few days until it's ready. If you eat a mango that isn't ripe, it'll taste hard and bitter, and you don't want to waste a good mango, especially because they can get expensive. Wash the mango. The mango should be clean even if you plan on peeling the skin. Gather materials. To cube or slice your mango, you'll need a knife, a cutting board, and a bowl for your mango cubes or slices. Cut the mango. Cut the mango into halves or thirds while avoiding the large pit. Then, make vertical cuts on the piece you're holding. Be careful not to cut through the skin. Now make horizontal cuts to create a checkered pattern. Grasp the skin on the back of the half and push it forward. The chunks you cut should come out, making the mango piece look like a flower. Next, just pull off the mango chunks. If they don't give, use a knife to slice them off into a bowl or a spoon to scrape them off. Eat the cubed mango on its own. Place the cubed mango in a bowl, grab a spoon, and enjoy! If you want to save the cubed mango for later, put it in Tupperware, but recognize that it's best enjoyed fresh and will get soggy if you put it away for a while. Add a touch of lemon juice to the mango for zest. Put the mango cubes in a fruit salad. Cubed mango can be a fantastic addition to any fruit salad. If you don't want the salad to be overwhelmed by mango juice, drain the mango chunks before adding them to the salad. Here are some suggestions for making a delicious mango salad: : Make a salad with papaya, apples, and cantaloupe. Make a salad from mangos and pineapples. Add a pinch of cinnamon for flavor. Make a salad of mangos, pears, and a few cherries sliced in half. Eat a salad of mangos and oranges with a touch of lime juice. Use the mango cubes to add spice to a main course. Though you may think mangos work best in fruit salads and desserts because of their sweet and juicy flavor, they can add a perfect kick to almost any main course. Here are a few examples of ways to use mango chunks in main courses: Create mango salsa just with papaya, avocado, a little bit of lemon juice, and some cilantro. You can put the salsa over chicken, beef, or shrimp, or just use it for potato or plantain chips. Put the cubes of mango in a burrito. Use the mango in Caribbean rice or any other foods with a Caribbean flavor. Put the mango cubes in a dessert. Mangos are naturally sweet and would work well in many desserts. Here are some suggestions: Put cubes of mango into yogurt. Put cubes of mango into ice cream. Put the cubes of mango into rice pudding along with some raisins. You can put the cubes on top of these desserts, or stir them in. Slice the mango. Before you slice a mango, be aware that it has a large pit the shape of a giant almond in the center. Slice the mango as you would an apple, but take care to avoid the pit. Cut wedges into the mango that are no more than an inch thick. Once you're done slicing, you should have several slices of mango with the skin still on, and a pit that still has some skin on it. Here's what to do next: If you just want to eat the mango, pick up the slices by the skin and eat them. You can try to eat some of the looser skin around the pit, but don't eat the skin too close to the pit because it can be stubborn and will get stuck in your teeth worse than corn-on-the-cob. If you want to peel the mango, you can pick up the slices by the skin and gently scoop them out with a spoon. If the pieces aren't ripe enough for that, use a knife. Add the sliced mango to a variety of foods. Though cubed mango is a bit more versatile, fresh sliced mango can spice up many ordinary meals, from desserts to main courses. Make the most of your sliced mango by adding it to the following foods: Thai mango salad Sweet and spicy chicken Chicken with lime and cilantro Beef teriyaki Mango, corn, and black bean stew Mango and pineapple pie Dry the sliced mango. To do this, cut the mango into thin slices and dry the pieces to get dried mango. For a sour tang, mix the pieces in a ziplock bag with li hing mui powder, or a small amount of citric acid. | Make sure the mango is ripe. Wash the mango. Gather materials. Cut the mango. Eat the cubed mango on its own. Put the mango cubes in a fruit salad. Use the mango cubes to add spice to a main course. Put the mango cubes in a dessert. Slice the mango. Add the sliced mango to a variety of foods. Dry the sliced mango. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Your-Craving-for-Soda | How to Stop Your Craving for Soda | To stop your craving for soda, start by pinpointing what's so appealing to you about soda so you can seek it elsewhere. For example, if you crave the caffeine, try replacing soda with a healthier alternative, like black tea or cold brew coffee. If it's the sweetness and carbonation that you want, try drinking carbonated water or sparkling juice instead. You can also minimize cravings by drinking a full glass of water before you allow yourself to have a soda. Cutting down on soda can be tough, so try to gradually reduce the amount you drink rather than going cold turkey to avoid caffeine withdrawals and fatigue. | Decide what your ultimate goal is. Do you want to cut soda out of your diet completely? Or will it be something you have as a treat once or twice a week? Think about what will work best for you. If you're not sure how much soda you want to cut out, use a calorie counter to figure out how much you are consuming. You will probably discover that you're taking in hundreds of empty calories in the form of soda. Determine why you crave soda. For some, it's about the sugary taste. For others, it's the caffeine rush. It's important to know what you are getting from soda so that you can figure out an alternative to help move you away from soda. Try alternatives for the caffeine in soda. If it's caffeine you like, coffee and tea are going to be better choices than soda. Investigate different coffee drinks (both hot and cold) and teas. There are many options beyond black coffee and black tea. You might want to try Iced tea Flavored black tea Cold brew coffee Explore sweet drink alternatives. For many people, the sweetness and carbonation of soda are what make it most appealing. There are many alternatives that can help satisfy your craving. There are even water bottles and pitchers that you can fill with herbs or fruits to make your own infused waters. Flavored and/or infused water Carbonated water Sparkling juice Drink a glass of water before soda. By drinking a glass of water before you drink soda, you're not thirsty by the time you get to the soda. This will help slow down your soda consumption. Start small. Replace one of your daily 8 oz servings of soda with water. That way you hydrate and get fewer calories. Do that for one week and then decrease your intake again. Continue to lower the amount of soda that you drink until you have given it up completely. Find a replacement. Hopefully you've found some drink that's not soda that can be your daily drink -- coffee, tea, flavored water. Try to replace one of your servings of soda with your new drink and one serving of soda replaced by water. Do this for a week. Keep cutting down the soda. Find out a combination that works for you -- water, some soda, some of your new drink -- and keep drinking less and less soda. This process might take a few weeks, or even a month. By doing it slowly, you're allowing your body to get used to the lower levels of soda it's taking in. Try cutting soda out completely. Now that you have water and some other beverage to hydrate you and satisfy some of what soda gave you, hopefully you will be able to stop drinking soda. It might be difficult at first, but by working up to it slowly, your body has gotten used to progressively lower levels of soda. Treat yourself sometimes. Just because soda is no longer as central to your diet doesn't mean that you can't enjoy it occasionally. One serving of soda a week may be an acceptable amount. Stay committed. Don't let yourself fall back into bad habits because you're tired or wanting a sugar fix. If you are tempted by the vending machine at work, bring your own beverages. Keep water as your main beverage -- don't let yourself be sucked into craving your new beverage choice (coffee, tea, flavored water). Find new treats. Even though you're not drinking soda, you can consume or do other things that can satisfy your cravings that are healthier. When you start to crave soda, do something enjoyable that can take the place of the soda craving. In addition to the drinks mentioned earlier, some options might be: Chewing gum Taking a walk Playing a game on video or smartphone Texting with a friend for support Make a list of the reasons you want to quit drinking soda. Write down your reasons and keep them somewhere that you can look at regularly, such as on your refrigerator or on your phone lock-screen. When you feel a craving come on, look at your list and think about how you'll feel afterward. Remind yourself of the ways that soda can impact your health. Sugary sodas increase the risk for obesity, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, kidney stones, and heart disease. Sugary drinks are bad for your teeth. Soda is also expensive. Be prepared for lower levels of caffeine. Large quantities of soda typically keep you highly caffeinated. Even though the levels of caffeine in coffee are higher, if you have a serious soda habit you're probably drinking a lot of caffeine. Think carefully about how you're going to deal with the effects of reduced caffeine. You're going to feel more tired and less alert than usual, and this could last weeks as your body adjusts. Deal with the caffeine headache. Serious caffeine withdrawal will typically involve a headache. Because your body has been so used to the elevated levels of caffeine, it's going to take it a while for it to readjust to functioning normally without the high levels of caffeine. Try using over-the-counter headache remedies containing acetaminophen, which do not contain caffeine. Stay hydrated. Drinking plain water is a healthier choice to keep you feeling full. It can also help combat the caffeine headaches and become your drink of choice, rather than soda. Sleep when you need to. Chances are, without caffeine you are going to feel much sleepier than usual. Go to bed earlier to get more sleep and nap when you can. These extended periods of sleep can help you get through the withdrawal and alleviate the headaches. | Decide what your ultimate goal is. Determine why you crave soda. Try alternatives for the caffeine in soda. Explore sweet drink alternatives. Drink a glass of water before soda. Start small. Find a replacement. Keep cutting down the soda. Try cutting soda out completely. Treat yourself sometimes. Stay committed. Find new treats. Make a list of the reasons you want to quit drinking soda. Be prepared for lower levels of caffeine. Deal with the caffeine headache. Stay hydrated. Sleep when you need to. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Someone-Who-Really-Annoys-You | How to Deal With Someone Who Really Annoys You | Dealing with annoying people can be frustrating, but by learning how to keep yourself calm, you can set an example the other person might one day follow. Practice breathing slowly or visualizing relaxing things like a beach when the person annoys you. When you're face to face with them, avoid conflict by making sure your body language is neutral and speaking to them calmly. If you have nothing nice or constructive to say, don't worry about responding unless asked a direct question. Lastly, try avoiding the person whenever possible. For instance, take a different route to class, take a different lunch break at work, or close your door to exercise your right to privacy. | Identify what annoys you about the person. Take some time to think about why the person annoys you. Is it the sound of their voice? The things they say? Their attitude? Or something else. Becoming more aware of why the person annoys you may help you to manage your interactions with them a bit better. For example, you might prepare yourself for an interaction with someone who annoys you because of their negative attitude by telling yourself something like, “Tom and I see things differently, and that's okay. He has a pessimistic point of view, but it is likely because of things that have happened to him. Just because he sees things this way does not mean I have to see them that way.” You may also want to consider ways that you can limit your interactions with the person. For example, if you work together then you will likely need to see them every day. However, if the person is a family friend, then you can reduce your exposure to them by showing up a little late to gatherings where you know they will be present, or leaving a bit early. Stay calm. When you see the person who annoys you, you might begin to feel angry, agitated or even nervous. Employ various tactics and strategies to keep yourself calm during this time so that you don't react negatively or get yourself worked up. One thing you can do is to breathe deeply and slowly. Another thing you can do is to think of a memory or mental scenario that calms you. For instance, imagine that you are on a beach or on a relaxing walk through nature. Try to visualize the sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations of being in your relaxing place. For example, you could imagine the feeling of sand between your toes or the smell of flowers in a nearby field. Practice this frequently and you will be able to calm yourself more quickly. Breathe in slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth until you feel calm. Choose a word to calm you. Sometimes, your anxiety and agitation can be similarly soothed if you repeat certain mantras in your head to calm yourself. Repeat something like “peace” over and over until you feel that the word truly resonates and describes your current mental state. You can also choose a word like “happiness” or “serenity.” Repeat it in your head or write it down in a notebook. Manage nonverbal reactions. Often times, nonverbal communication is even more telling than the things you say. Avoid adding more hostility and angst to the situation by being visibly closed off and angry. Keep your arms and legs uncrossed, avoid frowning or looking down, and never put your hands in someone's space or face. Make sure that you are doing your part to not escalate the situation verbally or nonverbally. Practice talking to them in the mirror. You might be feeling a lot of anxiety about having to interact with people who annoy you. Practice different ways of speaking to them without sounding too harsh. For instance, if they tend to talk over or interrupt you, practice continuing to speak despite interruption, or better yet, point it out to them to let them know when they are doing it. You might even practice with a friend. Work on your facial expressions as well so that you don't look too stern. Be direct and discreet. Sometimes the best way to combat the annoyance is to address them directly rather than trying to avoid or ignore them. Pull them aside away from earshot of others and have a talk with them about your relationship. They may be unaware that they are annoying you at all. Or perhaps they know but don't understand the extent of your frustration. After your talk, keep the things discussed between the two of you. You can start by saying “Hey Ryan, sometimes in the mornings, I need time to get settled in before chatting. It really is starting to frustrate me. Do you think you could give me an hour before you come by to talk about non-work related things?” Communicate boundaries. The person annoying you might have difficulty understanding or respecting your boundaries. They might get into your physical space, talk over you, or overshare personal details about their lives that you do not want to know. Perhaps they even pry for inappropriate details about yourself. Let them know that you need them to cease this behavior and ask them to keep things a bit more cordial and professional. You can say something like “Sarah, I know you like to talk about your sex life, but could you do that with someone else? I don't really like to share or know about details like that.” Don’t engage in arguments. It can be tempting to argue with people who are annoying, particularly if they are combative or know-it-alls. However, avoid engaging in these debates with them. Unless they have presented some information about you or something important to you that is untrue, let it go. Learn to pick your battles and don't sweat the small stuff. Remember that you do not have to get involved in other people's issues. This will help you to save precious emotional energy. If they are telling others things that will defame your character, then address and correct it. If they have an opinion about their favorite musician however, let it be. Practice silence. Know that every statement or action does not require a response on your part. If you are feeling overwhelmed or simply do not have anything nice or constructive to say, exercise your right to be silent. If the person who is annoying you is not getting a rise from you, they will likely cease their behavior and find someone else to interact with. Though you should respond if someone asks you a question, you don't necessarily need to respond to general statements or comments. Set the example. It can be tempting to be petty or act in ways to annoy this person on purpose to get back at them. Doing so will only likely cause their annoying behavior to increase, however. In order for you to establish more peace in your dynamic, you should be embodying those characteristics yourself. Work towards being kind, hardworking, and respectful at all times, regardless of what people do. If they ask you for a favor and you have time, try to do it. Don't ignore them if they tell you “hello.'' Don't gossip or talk badly about them or others. Try to avoid the person when possible. Sometimes, the best way to prevent being annoyed is to get space from the person who is bothering you. Walk a different route to your classes, take a different lunch break at work, or even reconfigure your office so that you do not have to face them if you are in neighboring cubicles. If you work closely with the person, this might be a bit difficult, but you can set up more phone calls and emails rather than meeting in person frequently. Close your door. Though you cannot change the person, you can alter your surroundings. Perhaps the person who annoys you lives in your home or is someone you work with. If you have your own room or your own office, you can simply close your door when you need some alone time or when you have something to work on that requires your full attention. Exercise your right to privacy as much as possible and whenever you need it. Make yourself unavailable. One other way to monitor and limit your interactions is to make yourself unavailable so that they cannot approach you. Put your headphones in, make a phone call, or put your purse or bookbag in the chair next to you so they can't sit by you. If that is the only seat left, don't be cruel. Allow them to sit down and pull out a book so they know you are busy. Back yourself up with a friend who knows about your situation. Though you should steer away from gossip, if the person's annoyance begins to escalate, tell a friend or give them a sign so they can create an excuse for both of you to walk away from the person. Don't make it obvious that you are trying to get away from the person, or they will think you are mean, especially if they do not intend to annoy you. Perhaps your sign is that you pat their shoulder or wink at them. Step away from the situation. Sometimes, the best way to keep yourself calm is to walk away. If someone is annoying you in particular and you feel yourself on the verge of lashing out, step away, take a walk, go get a snack, or go to the restroom. You will often find that once you return to the situation, you will be much calmer and less likely to respond negatively. For instance, if a coworker is bragging again about how much money his family has, knowing that you are going through a financial hardship, say “Excuse me for a moment,” and take a quick walk until you are calm. Talk to a close friend who does not know the person. Sometimes, you just need to vent, and venting can help you to feel better and decrease feelings of annoyance. Rather than taking your frustrations out on the person who is annoying you, which will only further damage your relationship, vent to a trusted friend or family member. Though it can be tempting to gossip to your coworkers or to others who this person might annoy, shy away from doing this so you don't create drama. Call your mom or spouse and say “Do you have a few minutes to talk? I need to vent about this person I work with.” You can either have them just listen to you or you can ask for advice. Put their behavior into perspective. Remember that they might not be purposely annoying you, it might just be one of their characteristics. People could find some things that you do annoying, so don't be too harsh to the person or you could offend and upset them. If you feel the situation is starting to get out of control, or if they are getting angry, walk away or an argument could erupt. Reflect on the times that others have called you annoying. Recognize that them lashing out in anger towards you did nothing to dissipate the situation, but often times only made both of you feel worse. Try to remind yourself that what you find annoying might not be annoying to other people. The feelings of annoyance are coming from within yourself, not from the other person. Think about the situation broadly. Often times you might find that what annoys you in the moment is something that will hardly or never cross your mind again in a week or even in an hour. When you are getting worked up because someone is annoying you, badgering you, or being loud, think to yourself “Will this matter later?” Use humor. Laughter is the best medicine and this instance is no different. When you feel yourself on the brink of annoyance, take a moment to laugh. Watch a funny video on YouTube, revisit some funny memes that you have in your phone, or call a friend who is hilarious. Doing so will improve your mood and allow you to let things go more easily. Distracting yourself can be helpful when the emotions you are felling are getting to you. Take some time to focus on something you enjoy for a while and then come back to the situation. Report their behavior to the necessary people. The person annoying you may be doing so purposely or their behavior may border on bullying. For example, if they are regularly playing pranks on you that are disrupting your work or your peace, this is unacceptable. If they are calling you names or contacting you frequently outside of work, this is not okay either. Report their behavior to the necessary people, whether that be your boss, teacher, or someone else. | Identify what annoys you about the person. Stay calm. Choose a word to calm you. Manage nonverbal reactions. Practice talking to them in the mirror. Be direct and discreet. Communicate boundaries. Don’t engage in arguments. Practice silence. Set the example. Try to avoid the person when possible. Close your door. Make yourself unavailable. Back yourself up with a friend who knows about your situation. Step away from the situation. Talk to a close friend who does not know the person. Put their behavior into perspective. Think about the situation broadly. Use humor. Report their behavior to the necessary people. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Enable-Remote-Connections-SQL-2008-Express | How to Enable Remote Connections SQL 2008 Express | “Cannot connect to SQL-Server-Instance-Name: An error has occurred while establishing a connection to the server. When connecting to SQL Server 2008, this failure may be caused by the fact that under the default settings SQL Server does not allow remote connections.” | As default SQL 2008 Express installs with the SQL Browser service and SQL Agent disabled and as the browser service listens for incoming requests for Microsoft SQL Server resources and also provides information on the available instances to the network, we need to enable and start it. OpenSQL Server Configuration Manager from the Start menu and highlight SQL Server Services
Right click onSQL Server Browser and select Properties
Under theService tab change the Start Mode to Automatic
Click apply then return to theLog On tab and click Start then Ok
That is basically it, once TCP/IP is enabled and the SQL Browser is running you will be able to see the instance from other machines on your network. | As default SQL 2008 Express installs with the SQL Browser service and SQL Agent disabled and as the browser service listens for incoming requests for Microsoft SQL Server resources and also provides information on the available instances to the network, we need to enable and start it. OpenSQL Server Configuration Manager from the Start menu and highlight SQL Server Services
Right click onSQL Server Browser and select Properties
Under theService tab change the Start Mode to Automatic
Click apply then return to theLog On tab and click Start then Ok
That is basically it, once TCP/IP is enabled and the SQL Browser is running you will be able to see the instance from other machines on your network. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Batting-in-Cricket | How to Improve Your Batting in Cricket | To improve your batting in cricket, spend time working on your stance and practice your swing. Grip the bat with both hands with your dominant hand closer to the blade. Then, stand side on to the bowler with your feet shoulder width apart. Make sure you swing the bat back as the bowler runs in to deliver the ball, since you won't have time to swing in the other direction if you wait until they release the ball. After the bowler lets go of the ball, watch it closely so you know when to begin your swing. Aim to strike the ball in the middle of your bat, then follow through by swinging through and upwards to generate more power. Practice your batting technique as often as you can, since regular work will help you sharpen your skills. | Take a firm grip on the bat with both hands. Wrap both hands around the handle of the bat with your dominant hand closest to the blade. For maximum control and precision, place your hands somewhere between the middle and top of the handle and keep them close enough together for the space between the thumb of your upper hand and the forefinger of your lower hand to form a 'V' shape. The further away you place your hands on the handle, the more awkward maneuvering the bat will become. Assume a comfortable stance. Most batsmen prefer a side-on stance. If you're right-handed, turn your left side toward the bowler with the bat off to your right side. If you're left-handed, simply reverse this position. Plant your feet about shoulder width and put a little bend in your knees. Keep your weight distributed evenly on the balls of your feet. Once you're in a basic side-on stance, angle your feet or upper body to get into a position that feels more natural. There's no single best batting stance for cricket. The important thing is that you choose a stance that offers maximum stability and leverage so you can hit with more force. Be prepared to tweak your stance during games to adapt to different shots. If the bowler delivers a bouncer just in front of your feet, for instance, you'll need to be ready to shift your weight and play a cut off your back foot. Chamber the bat at waist height until it’s time to swing. Hold the bat out to the side so that it's parallel with the ground, or keep it pointed up or down at a slight angle. The exact position of the bat doesn't matter as long as you're able to move it quickly and easily to initiate your swing. Make sure you're holding the bat with the flat side facing the bowler. Since most bowls tend to be delivered closer to ground level, a cricket bat shouldn't be held as high as a baseball bat. Begin lifting the bat as the bowler delivers the ball. Bring the bat up and back until it's hovering just below shoulder height. From here, you'll be able to move forward or backward while making sure the bat stays in the ready position. Keep your elbows bent and your shoulders relaxed but ready to strike. If you wait until the bowler releases the ball to start pulling back, you won't be able to reverse the motion of the bat in time to make contact at the optimal distance. Avoid raising the bat at too much of an angle, as this can throw off the accuracy of your swing. Swing the bat straight up to meet the ball. Quickly bring the bat back across your body with the blade perpendicular to the ground or at a horizontal angle. Make an effort to strike the ball as close to the center of the bat as possible. This is the basic technique used for most basic shots, including drives and defensive hits. Watch the ball closely as it crosses the pitch to determine which type of shot you'll need to play. The batting action in cricket has more in common with a tight, controlled golf swing than the wide, horizontal arc of a baseball bat. Follow through to get more distance on your shot. As you make contact, twist your hips and open up your chest in the direction of your swing. Continue driving the bat upwards without taking your non-dominant hand off the handle. A smooth, well-timed rotation will generate more momentum, sending the ball further. An exaggerated follow through is most useful for hitting drives, and may not be necessary when you're just trying to prevent the ball from making it to the wicket. Study the bowler for tells. Pay close attention to the bowler and study the way their run up, foot placement, and release change when they're delivering different types of shots. Picking up on subtle cues can sometimes tip you off to the type of shot they have in mind. For example, a bowler may modify their grip when they're planning on delivering a Yorker, or lean slightly when bowling wide on the leg side. A elite-level batsman puts just as much thought into the bowler's game as his own. Keep your eye on the ball as it comes down the pitch. Once the ball has left the bowler's hand, do your best to anticipate where it will end up as it nears the batting crease. By following the movement of the ball closely, you'll able to predict its path and react appropriately. Most bowls tend to move very quickly, so try not to take your eyes off the ball for even a second. Move forward or backward as needed to stay behind the ball. As the ball comes closer, be ready to adjust your footwork so you can put yourself in just the right position to get a good swing. This will often require you to make the split-second decision whether to play forward or back. As a general rule, it's a good idea to keep to the range you're most comfortable with as much as possible. Staying behind the ball also cuts down on your chances of stopping it with your body rather than your bat (a leg-before-wicket foul). Wait for the perfect moment to swing. The main objective of batting is to rack up runs, not to hit every ball that comes your way. For this reason, knowing how to bide your time is just as important as knowing how to swing. Attempting to answer every delivery will only waste valuable energy and cause you to become frustrated. If hitting a ball requires you to get into an awkward position or alter your stance or technique dramatically, it's usually best to just let it go. Double back after a driving hit to score more runs. Once you reach the far crease, turn around and run back to your starting position before a fielder can deliver the ball to the wicket. If you're successful, you'll be awarded a run each time you reach the opposite wicket. This strategy works best when you've managed to hit the ball far enough afield to buy yourself extra time on the pitch. By hurrying back and forth across the pitch repeatedly (a strategy sometimes referred to as "running between wickets"), you stand to score as many as 4 runs off a single ball. Always check to make sure you and your fellow batsman are in the clear before attempting multiple runs. If a fielder gets hold of the ball while you're still in motion, there's a chance they could hit the wicket and score a run-out. Practice regularly to improve your skills. There's no substitute for practice. Attend team practices as often as you can, and try to get out and train on your own at least a couple times a week. These sessions will give you a chance to refine your technique, smooth out your weak points, and get some experience hitting different kinds of shots. Make better use of your practice time by choosing 1 or 2 specific skills to work on. You might drill off-drives one session, then focus on hooks or sweeps the next. Swinging a heavy cricket bat repeatedly can place a lot of strain on your shoulders, so be sure to take a day off to rest here and there when you start to feel sore or achy. Try weight lifting or resistance training to increase your total body strength. Start lifting weights or doing some form of resistance training 3-4 times a week to supplement your batting practice. Focus on movements like the bench press , shoulder presses, rows , and bicep curls that target the main muscle groups used in batting. The stronger you are, the more power you'll be able to channel into your swing. If you don't have access to free weights, you can still get an effective workout by performing bodyweight exercises like push ups , pull ups , dips , and crunches. Batting isn't just done with the upper body. In order to put your full power into a swing, you also need a stable base and a strong core, so be sure to incorporate some lower body and abdominal exercises, such as squats, lunges , sit ups , and planks. Hone your preferred batting style. If you're unmatched as a forefoot batter, for example, there's no sense in making yourself play off your back foot unless it's absolutely necessary. Similarly, if you have difficulty hitting cuts, stick to shots you can make time after time to increase your chances of success. Regular practice will help bring up the weak parts of your game, but it's just as crucial to use what you're good at. Continue sharpening your strongest skills until you can execute them consistently under pressure. The most capable batsmen are the usually the ones who know how to take advantage of the skills that come most naturally to them. Learn to concentrate in short, intense bursts. Batting requires incredible focus. To perform at your peak, you need to be able to shut out the roar of the crowd, the taunts of the opposing team, and the feeling of disappointment that comes from missing a shot. Keep your mind fixated on your technique and tracking the ball as it moves into striking range. Try not to let 1 or 2 bad innings shake your confidence. When you're coming off a disappointing play, take a few slow, deep breaths to calm and recenter yourself. Don't forget to have fun! After all, you wouldn't be playing cricket if you didn't enjoy it. | Take a firm grip on the bat with both hands. Assume a comfortable stance. Chamber the bat at waist height until it’s time to swing. Begin lifting the bat as the bowler delivers the ball. Swing the bat straight up to meet the ball. Follow through to get more distance on your shot. Study the bowler for tells. Keep your eye on the ball as it comes down the pitch. Move forward or backward as needed to stay behind the ball. Wait for the perfect moment to swing. Double back after a driving hit to score more runs. Practice regularly to improve your skills. Try weight lifting or resistance training to increase your total body strength. Hone your preferred batting style. Learn to concentrate in short, intense bursts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-up-a-Coldwater-Aquarium | How to Set up a Coldwater Aquarium | To set up a coldwater aquarium, purchase a 20 to 55-gallon tank for larger fish, or a 10-gallon tank for smaller fish. Then, research which gravel to buy for your fish. For example, crushed coral gravel works great for fish that prefer a higher pH, like the African cichlid, but sand substrate is better for fish with delicate barbells, like the Corydoras catfish. Once you've found the right gravel, rinse it clean with tap water, then add it to the tank. Before you add water, decorate the tank with driftwood, plants, rocks, and other hiding places for your fish. When you're ready, slowly fill the tank with cold water, pour in the water conditioner or de-chlorinator, and let the filter run for a week before adding in fish. | Determine what kind of fish you want. Goldfish, Rosy Barbs, and Guppies are excellent starter fishes. Before you buy your tank and other supplies, determine what kinds of fish and how many fish you will have in the tank. This way, you can buy an appropriate sized tank and the appropriate gravel or substrate. Buy a tank. It is recommended that you buy a large tank instead of a small tank. Larger tanks are easier to clean, and you can add more fish to larger tanks. Avoid common myths that tell you it is acceptable to keep fish in bowls. Larger tanks also allow your fish to grow while still being comfortable. Keeping fish in an overcrowded tank is the fastest way to reduce water quality and introduce toxins and diseases to the water. It is recommended that you start with a fish tank that can hold between 20 and 55 gallons. For smaller fish, use a tank that can hold around 10 gallons. It is also better to buy a wide tank instead of a tall tank. Wide tanks have more surface area, and thus, allow more oxygen to enter the water and more waste gasses to escape. Select the appropriate gravel. Gravel, or substrate, comes in various sizes, colors, and forms. You can choose from gravel, sand, or crushed coral. Gravel is the most common form of substrate and comes in small to large sizes. It is recommended that you buy gravel that is medium in size. Do not buy gravel with sharp edges. The sharp edges can harm the fish's scales. Fish that like to pick up the gravel or dig into the gravel are especially at risk. Sand substrate is great for fish with delicate barbells, such as the Corydoras catfish. However, it is very difficult to clean and can get stuck in your filter. If you have a picky eater, like a puffer fish, it might swallow the substrate. Crushed coral gravel is great for fish that prefer a higher pH, such as African cichlids, as this reflects on their natural habitat. Choose a high-quality filter. There are three different types of filtration systems: external, internal, and under gravel. However, whichever you choose, make sure it is high-quality. Internal filters are great for small tanks. Under gravel filters move the water through the gravel, which induces biological filtration to occur. They pull water in and they release it out of the spout. Examples of high-quality filters are the Fluval External filter, Penn Plax Cascade canister, and the EHEIM Classic External canister. Pick your decorations. There are a variety of decorations you can choose from. There are aquarium backdrops, rocks, driftwood, plants (both real and fake), and furniture or decoration caves, tunnels, and bridges. Make sure to purchase a variety of decorations. A starter kit tank though comes with a rather childish decor, as it is marketed toward children. Plants and furniture allow your fish to hide out, feel safe, and relieve stress. However, for more greedy, herbivorous fish, make sure to get more sturdy, nip-proof plants. Aquarium backdrops are great for hiding cables and equipment behind the tank. They also create an illusion of depth for the fish. Make sure the decorations you buy are safe and non-toxic sharp objects are harmful to fish, especially to the Eye goldfish and the Black Moor fish. Clean the tank once a week. The tank and other materials (gravel and decorations) that will be placed in the tank need to be cleaned with warm tap water. Do not use soap or detergent to clean the tank and other materials. The residue left by soap or detergent is toxic to fish. Place your tank on a sturdy surface. One gallon of water weighs 10 pounds, and the average tank size is 30 gallons. Therefore, the object that you'll place your tank on needs to be very sturdy. Place your tank on a sturdy wooden cabinet or table, as the tank might fall down, which would kill the fish and make a mess on your carpet. If you do not have a sturdy cabinet or table, use a cabinet or stand that is designed for holding fish tanks, especially big ones. Make sure to place your tank in a cool area, away from heat and out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating the tank, because overheating might boil the water, and this will burn the fish to death. Add the gravel. Before placing the gravel, also known as substrate, into the tank, clean it first. Run tap water through the gravel about five times until the water runs clear. Place the gravel on the bottom of the tank until it is about two to three inches high. Spread the gravel evenly in the tank. Arrange the decorations. If you bought an aquarium wallpaper or backdrop, attach it to the back of your tank first. Then, begin arranging your decorations as you like. Put the larger decorations near the back of the tank and smaller ones near the front of the tank. Install the filtering system. Most filters require assemblage before placing them into the tank. Assemble your filter according to the manual provided by the manufacturer. For most filters, you just need to assemble a few parts. Do not turn the filter on until the tank is filled with water. For gravel filters, you will need to place the filter underneath the gravel. Make sure it is stable under the gravel. Attach the pump airlines and power head to the appropriate lift tubes before turning the filter on. For an internal and external filter, mount it onto one of the tank's walls, preferably onto the wall that is closest to an outlet. These filters have an external power cable that connects to the main power for filtration to begin. Make sure the power cable will not come into contact with the tank's water. Fill the tank. Begin filling the tank with cold water. Slowly add the water to the tank with a pitcher or a hose so as not to disrupt or displace the gravel. Most tanks have a water line indicating where you should fill it to. Once the tank is filled, add the water conditioner or de-chlorinator and stress coat to the water per the instruction manual. The water conditioner and stress coat make tap water safe for your fish to live in. Place a bowl on the gravel when filling the tank with water to prevent the gravel from moving and dispersing. Let the filter run. Once everything is set up, turn on the filter. Let the filter run for at least a week before placing your fish in the water. Letting your tank run or cycle allows beneficial bacteria to build up. These bacteria help keep the tank's water stable for the fish to live in. The longer you let the tank filter the safer the water will be for the fish. Add the sturdiest and strongest fish first, like the starter fish, before adding in more fish. Purchase the cleaning materials. In order to the clean the tank you will need a net to safely remove the fish, a vacuum or siphon to remove the debris, and a five gallon bucket to change the water. You do not need to remove the fish from the water each time you clean the tank. It is best if you can try to keep the fish inside the water while you clean it. If you need to remove the fish, then use the net to transfer them to a large container. Make sure the water is de-chlorinated before placing the fish in the temporary container. Vacuum the tank. You will need to vacuum or siphon feces and debris from the tank at least once a week. Use a siphon to remove the debris. If you have gravel in your tank, run the vacuum over the top of the gravel. If you have sand, hold the vacuum slightly above the sand to avoid dispersing and/or sucking up the sand. Change the water. You will also need to change the water once a week. Use a five-gallon pitcher to remove and replace the water. Replace a third of the water with fresh water each week. If algae is growing on the tank's walls, then clean and remove this, as well. Use a clean rag to remove the algae. If the fish is attempting to get past your hand and nip the rag you can use an algae scrubber, which you can buy online or at your local pet store (Or Fish Market.) | Determine what kind of fish you want. Buy a tank. Select the appropriate gravel. Choose a high-quality filter. Pick your decorations. Clean the tank once a week. Place your tank on a sturdy surface. Add the gravel. Arrange the decorations. Install the filtering system. Fill the tank. Let the filter run. Purchase the cleaning materials. Vacuum the tank. Change the water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Mean-Teacher | How to Deal With a Mean Teacher | Dealing with a mean teacher can be frustrating, but try to be nice to them and do your work, since fighting them will only make things worse for yourself and your classmates. To help yourself be the better person, remind yourself that your teacher is human and probably has to deal with loads of mean kids. If you disagree with your teacher, calmly tell them why after class instead of answering back in front of everyone. This way, they'll take you more seriously and won't shout at you. If your teacher keeps hurting your feelings for no reason and you want to report them, write down what they say whenever they upset you. Then, show your parents the list so they can help you resolve the situation. | Put yourself in your teacher’s shoes. Though you may think that your teacher is the meanest person in the world, you should try having some compassion to see if there may be something more going on. Try to think about why your teacher is being “mean” and if this is because your teacher feels disrespected in the classroom. Maybe all of the students are mean, maybe many of them don't take the material seriously, or maybe a handful of students are so disruptive that it's impossible to learn. Your teacher may be “mean” because they feel like there's no other way to get people to listen. Putting yourself in another person's shoes is a skill that can be useful for the rest of your life. Developing empathy and compassion can help you in social and work situations for the rest of your life. Learning to step outside yourself can help you see a situation in a new light and solve problems. You should tell them how you feel. Of course, it can be hard to see your teacher as anyone other than a mean person who is getting you down, but you should remember that they're only human, too. Work with your teacher, not against them. If you're dealing with a mean teacher, then your natural impulse may be to prove your teacher wrong, to make your teacher feel bad about themself, or just to be a wise guy in the classroom. However, if you try to fight fire with fire, that is only guaranteed to make the situation worse. Instead of trying to outsmart your teacher, work on being positive towards your teacher, helping them out when it's needed, and being a good student. If you make an effort to be kinder to your teacher, then they will return the favor. Though it may be challenging to be nice to a person you don't like, it can help them be nicer to you, which can lead to better feelings all around. This is another skill you may need to use later on in life, so it's best to get some practice, now. Don't think of it as being fake. Think of it as making the situation as bearable as possible for everybody. Be positive instead of complaining. Another way to deal with a mean teacher is to work on being positive in the classroom, instead of arguing or complaining about every little thing. Don't spend so much time complaining that the last test was hard; instead, ask yourself if you can do better next time if you study more. Don't talk about how Charlotte's Web was the most boring book you've ever had to read; instead, focus on the parts of it you really liked. Being more positive toward your teacher will help set a more positive tone in the classroom, and it should lead your teacher to be less mean. Try to focus on the things you do like about the learning experience. Being excited about new material will make class more fun for you, and will make your teacher less likely to be mean. They will be more inclined to soften if they see that you genuinely care. Think about it: it can be pretty discouraging for your teacher to teach something they are really excited about, only to get groans and eye rolls in response. Of course that would encourage meanness. Don’t talk back to your teacher. Talking back to your teacher won't get you anywhere. Sure, you'll experience some brief satisfaction at telling them off and might make your friends giggle, but this will only lead you to make your teacher resent you more and to become more mean. If you have something to say, talk to them after class in a calm and reasonable manner instead of trying to show off during class. You may see other students talking back and may think this is appropriate. However, it's your job to rise above the common denominator and set an example for others. If you disagree with your teacher, try to be as respectful as possible, and ask them questions instead of making statements that make them feel wronged. Find what makes your teacher tick. Figuring out what motivates your teacher can really help you deal with them. If your teacher is being mean because no one is participating, then try to speak up more in class. If your teacher is mean because they feel disrespected, then try to stop laughing at them behind their back. If they're mean because no one is paying attention, then make an extra effort to answer their questions and to put away any distractions. Giving them what they want can help them become less mean. Believe it or not, but everyone has a soft spot. Maybe your teacher is really into cats. Doing something as simple as telling them about your cat or asking to see pictures of theirs can make them open up to you a bit. Even giving your teacher a real compliment, like saying you like a new poster on the wall, can help motivate your teacher to be nice if they take a lot of pride in their classroom. If there’s really a problem, start documenting what the teacher does and get your parents involved. Sometimes, your teacher really is behaving poorly and their actions are not justified. If your teacher is truly mean and is hurting your feelings, making fun of you, and making you and the other students feel inadequate, then you may need to take further action. First, you should take some time to document all of the things your teacher says and write them down; then, you can take these comments and actions to your parents and discuss what to do next. Don't make this too obvious. Just bring a notebook to class and write down the upsetting things your teacher says. You can also make a mental note of them and write them down after class. Though generally saying your teacher is mean can have an impact, just as you might have learned in school, solid arguments need to be made with specific examples. The more specific examples you have about your teacher's meanness, the more convincing your case will be. Get to class on time. One way to make sure your teacher isn't mean to you is to respect their rules. One of the rudest and most disrespectful things you can do is to get to class late, especially if you make a habit of it. This is a way of telling your teacher that you don't care at all about their class and to get their on your bad side immediately. If you are late, then you should apologize and make sure it doesn't happen again. Don't be one of those kids who packs up all of their things when there's five minutes left of class. The need to leave early will drive your teacher even crazier than being late to class. Listen to your teacher. If you want to deal with a mean teacher, then you should really make an effort to listen to what the teacher is telling you. One of the reasons teachers may seem mean is because they feel like their students aren't listening to them and like they're not getting any respect. When your teacher is talking, listen carefully and avoid getting distracted by your phone, the people in the halls, or your classmates. Though it's important to ask questions, one of the things that can make teachers mean is students who ask very obvious questions about things their teachers have stated again and again. Make sure you listen carefully so you don't make this mistake. Take notes. Taking notes will show your teacher that you really do care about their class and that you're not just there to pass the time. It will also make you gain an understanding of the subject matter and will show your teacher that you really care about the class. Teachers also like to see their students taking notes when they talk because it's a sign that they're paying attention. Make a habit of taking notes as often as you can so your teacher starts to feel more kindly towards you. Taking notes will also help you do better in school, and this can make your teacher nicer, too. Participate in class. It's possible that your teacher is being mean to you because they think you don't care about the class at all. This may be because you haven't been making an effort to participate. The next time you get a chance, you should raise your hand to answer your teacher's questions, volunteer to help your teacher out, or be active in a group discussion. This will make your teacher see that you really do care and they will be kinder towards you. Though you shouldn't try to answer every question every time, make an effort to be engaged in the material so your teacher is more inclined to be nice. Participating in class will not only make your teacher nicer, but it will also make the learning experience more fun for you. If you're more engaged in the material, you'll be less likely to get bored or distracted in class. Avoid talking to your friends during class. If you want to get on your teacher's good side, then you should avoid talking to your friends unless you're engaged in a group activity. This is distracting for teachers and makes them feel like you don't care about them at all. The next time your friends try to laugh with you or pass you a note, make them see that you want to focus on the class and that you'll talk to them later. If you have a chance to choose your seat, try to sit away from your friends or distracting students so your teacher has less reason to be mean to you. Make sure you always bring all the required materials for their lesson. Don’t make fun of your teacher. If you're dealing with a mean teacher, then chances are that the other students often make fun of them. Though it may be tempting to join in on their antics or even to lead the pack, you should hold back and avoid making fun of your teacher, because this is guaranteed to only make your teacher feel angrier and act meaner. You may think you're being clever, but it's very likely that your teacher is on to you if you're openly making fun of them in class. Teachers are people, too, and they can be sensitive. If your teacher catches you making fun of them, then it'll be hard to win your teacher over again. If your friends are teasing your teacher, try to separate yourself from them. You don't want to be associated with that kind of behavior. Ask for extra help after class. One way to make your teacher less mean to you is to ask for extra help with the material after class. You may be terrified of being alone with your teacher, but you'd be surprised to find that most teachers actually love sharing their wisdom on the subjects they teach and that your teacher would actually be very happy to help you. If you have a test coming up in a week or two or have a concept you don't quite understand, then ask your teacher if they can help you after school one day; you'd be surprised by how much nicer your teacher will act after you ask. This should work most of the time. However, if your teacher is really very mean, then they may turn you down, but it's worth trying. If you do choose to ask for help, the important thing is to ask well in advance before any tests. If you ask for help a day or two before the test, your teacher may get angry and may wonder why you didn't ask sooner. Don’t suck up too much. Though being a good student and respecting your teacher's rules can definitely make your teacher less mean to you, you don't want to take it too far. If your teacher thinks that you're sucking up and not being genuine, and if you try a little too hard to answer your teacher's questions, compliment your teacher, or to hover around your teacher's desk, asking how you can help, then your teacher may actually act meaner because they will be suspicious of your true intentions. If your teacher is naturally mean, then they will naturally be suspicious of a student who is trying too hard to get in their good graces. Make it feel natural. Ask your child to describe what the teacher did. When it comes to dealing with a mean teacher, the first thing you need to do is to get the facts straight. Talk to your child about what the teacher did and why the teacher is really mean. Make sure your child has specific examples instead of just saying the teacher is generally mean; if your child doesn't have many examples, ask them to go to school and try to write some down to show you what mean things the teacher did. This will give you a better sense of the situation. Sit your child down and have a frank conversation about the teacher. Make sure the child takes the time to tell you as much as they can in as much detail as possible instead of just making passing comments. If your child is crying or very upset when talking about the teacher, help them calm down so you can get more concrete information. Make sure that the teacher is out of line. Of course, it can be challenging to see if your child is really experiencing unfairness because you love them so much and can't stand the idea of anyone being mean to them. However, you have to make sure that what your child is telling you is an indication that the teacher is really out of line and that this behavior needs to be stopped. If your child is being sensitive and has made a similar complaint about many teachers before, then you have to think carefully before taking action. Of course, your first instinct should be to trust and protect your child, but you need to think about how your child's behavior may be impacting your teacher. Consider the possibility that both your child and the teacher may be at fault. Talk to other parents to see if they’ve heard the same from their children. Another thing you can do is to talk to the other parents of the children in your school to see if they've heard similar complaints from their kids. If they've heard similar comments, then this will help you see that the situation needs to be stopped. Of course, just because they haven't heard anything doesn't mean that the teacher isn't really acting inappropriately, but it's good to cover your bases. You don't need to pry too much, but it won't hurt to casually mention that your child has been running into some trouble with their teacher, and to see if their children have made similar comments. Strength in numbers is important. If there are more parents who are angry about the teacher, it's more likely that some action can be taken. Meet with the teacher face to face to see for yourself. If your child is really being hurt by your teacher or is just telling you that they're mean, then it may be time to set up a meeting with the teacher to see for yourself. Either the teacher will prove your child right and will be mean and dismissive in person, or the teacher may cover up their meanness and will pretend that everything is fine; additionally, you may find that the teacher isn't as mean as you expected, and you will have to decide what to do next. Take the time to really get a sense of who the teacher is and what they may be frustrated about. If your teacher is mean or demeaning when talking about your child, or just generally seems to dislike their students, then you may have a problem. Trust your gut. If the teacher seems nice, do you think they're faking it, or does it feel genuine? If there’s a problem, take it to the principal or other administrators. If you're convinced, after talking to the teacher or your child, that further action really needs to be taken, then it's time to take the matter to the school principal or other administrators. You don't want your child to be in a learning environment that is very discouraging and keeps them from being excited about learning and coming to school. Set up an appointment with the administrators at your earliest convenience and plan exactly what you're going to say. Use the concrete details your child has given you to show that the behavior is inappropriate. You can't just say that the teacher is mean, but you can point to several things the teacher said that were out of line. If other parents are with you on this, then having them also make appointments with the administrators, or even setting up a group meeting, can have an even larger impact. If nothing can be done, decide if you want to take further action. Unfortunately, your complaints with administrators may not be enough to move the needle. At that point, you can decide what, if any, further action needs to be taken. You may see if you can place your child in a different class or even if it's worth it to switch schools. Or alternately, if you think these drastic steps aren't worth it, then you may need to have a conversation with your child about getting through the year and not letting the mean teacher shake their confidence. If you decide not to take further action, you can talk to your child about how this is a life lesson. Unfortunately, in life, we sometimes have to deal with people we really don't like. Learning how to cooperate with them and not letting them get to you is an important skill that can help us get through life. This may not feel like the most comforting answer, but this may be the best you can do. | Put yourself in your teacher’s shoes. Work with your teacher, not against them. Be positive instead of complaining. Don’t talk back to your teacher. Find what makes your teacher tick. If there’s really a problem, start documenting what the teacher does and get your parents involved. Get to class on time. Listen to your teacher. Take notes. Participate in class. Avoid talking to your friends during class. Make sure you always bring all the required materials for their lesson. Don’t make fun of your teacher. Ask for extra help after class. Don’t suck up too much. Ask your child to describe what the teacher did. Make sure that the teacher is out of line. Talk to other parents to see if they’ve heard the same from their children. Meet with the teacher face to face to see for yourself. If there’s a problem, take it to the principal or other administrators. If nothing can be done, decide if you want to take further action. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Compass | How to Make a Compass | To make a compass, start by rubbing a needle against a magnet 50 times in the same direction, which will magnetize it. Next, push the needle horizontally through the piece of cork so that it comes out the other side. Place the cork into a bowl of water and watch as the needle aligns itself to point North and South. | Decide what to use for your compass needle. A compass needle can be made from any piece of metal that can be magnetized. A sewing needle is a straightforward, practical choice, especially since it's an item you'd normally find in a first aid or survival kit that you might have on hand on a backpacking trip. You could also try these other "needles": A paperclip A razor blade A safety pin A hairpin Choose a needle "magnetizer. " You can magnetize your needle using a variety of methods: tapping it with a piece of steel or iron, rubbing it with a magnet, or rubbing it on another item that magnetizes it with static electricity. A refrigerator magnet works well for this purpose. You can also buy plain magnets from craft stores. You can use a steel or iron nail, horseshoe, crowbar, or other household item if you don't have a magnet. The hair and fur shown in the photo should be ignored! To magnetize a piece of metal, only another magnet will do the trick. Rubbing it can electrically charge it - but not magnetize it. Gather additional materials. In addition to a needle and a magnetizer, you'll need a bowl or jar, some water, and a coin-sized cross section of cork. Magnetize the needle. Whether you're using a sewing needle or another metal item, rub the item with the magnet. Stroke the needle in the same direction, rather than back and forth, using steady, even strokes. After 30-40 strokes, the needle will be magnetized. Use the same method for magnetizing the needle with silk, fur or hair. Stroke the needle with the item up to 50 times to magnetize it. Don't use these soft items if the needle you're using is a razor blade. If your magnetizer is a piece of steel or iron, tap the needle to magnetize it. Stick the needle into a piece of wood and rap the top of the needle 50 times. Insert the needle or place the needle in/on the cork. If you're using a sewing needle, insert it horizontally into the edge of the coin-sized piece of cork, so that the needle pierces through the cork and comes out the other side. Push the needle through until the same amount of needle protrudes from either side of the cork. If you're using a razor blade or another type of needle, simply place it on top of the cork so that it's evenly balanced in the middle. You may need a larger piece of cork to hold the razor blade. Any small item that floats can be used in place of the cork coin. If you're in the wild and in need of something on which to float your needle, you can use a leaf. Float the compass. Fill a bowl or jar with a few inches of water and place the compass on the water. The magnetized needle will align itself with the earth's magnetic field to point north to south. If a breeze hits the compass, it may have trouble aligning itself north to south. Try to shield the compass from wind by using a deeper jar or bowl. Currents will also disturb the direction of the compass, so you can't expect to get an accurate reading if you suspend it in a lake or pond. You might be able to use a still puddle. Assess whether the needle is magnetized. The needle and cork or leaf on which it is situated should slowly spin either clockwise or counterclockwise to point from north to south. If it doesn't move, rub or tap the needle again to magnetize it. Figure out which way is north. Since the magnetized needle points from north to south, you can't use it to figure out where east and west are located until you know which way is north. Use one of the following techniques to get a sense for which direction is north , then mark that side of the compass with a pen or pencil so you can use it to navigate in other directions: Read the stars. Locate the North Star, the last star in the handle of the Little Dipper constellation. Draw an imaginary line from the North Star to the ground. The direction of the line is due north. Use the shadow method. Place a stick upright in the ground so you can see its shadow. Mark the spot where the tip of the shadow falls with a rock. Wait fifteen minutes, then mark the shadow's tip with a second rock. The line between the rocks is roughly east to west. If you stand with the first rock on your left and the second rock on your right, you are facing north. | Decide what to use for your compass needle. Choose a needle "magnetizer. Gather additional materials. Magnetize the needle. Insert the needle or place the needle in/on the cork. Float the compass. Assess whether the needle is magnetized. Figure out which way is north. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Farmer-Loans | How to Get Farmer Loans | A farmer's loan can be a super helpful way to achieve your goals. To get a loan, you'll need to apply for one through the Farm Service Agency, or the FSA. To be eligible for most loans, you'll need to have no delinquencies or federal debts, have a good credit history, and be the owner or operator of a farm. If you'd like the loan for purchasing livestock or farm equipment, a direct operating loan is usually best. Or, if you're just starting out, you might want to apply for a microloan. On the other hand, if you want to purchase or expand a farm, you may want a direct farm ownership loan. Whichever loan you choose, you'll need to fill out a basic loan request application and meet with an FSA representative to discuss your financial history and how you plan to use the loan. | Make sure you meet basic requirements. Not everyone qualifies for farmer loans. Before you begin the process, be aware that you must: Be a family farmer Have a good credit history Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident Be able to legally incur loan obligations Have no history of causing the FSA a loss due to a loan Have no delinquencies on federal debts Be the owner/operator of a farm Apply for a direct operating loan to fund purchases. A direct operating loan is handed out if there is a specific item you want to purchase. If you're looking to buy something like livestock, farm equipment, fuel, and so on, your best option is to apply for a direct operating loan. Go for a microloan if you're a smaller farm. A microloan is a smaller loan given out to independent farms. Farms of this type are usually just starting out and produce a niche service or specialty crop. Ask for a direct farm ownership loan to purchase/expand a farm. If you've been in the farming business and are now looking to buy your own farm, direct farm ownership loans give money to help farmers obtain their own property. These can also be used to enlarge or add buildings to an existing farm or to adjust an existing farm's soil or water. Apply for a guaranteed loan to extend credit to others. If you're looking to grant the money from your loan to others, a guaranteed loan is your best route. This loan allows you to extend your funds to others who do not meet qualifications. Money given from this loan is meant to be used to finance or expand an existing farm. For example, if you want your child to eventually take over your farm, you can get a guaranteed loan if they don't qualify for a loan. Your child will be able to use the funds from the loan to expand and manage your farm. See if you qualify for any targeted loans. There are some specialty loans for specific groups. If you fit into a targeted group, try applying for one of these loans. If you're a young farmer participating in things like 4-H and need to fund your education, you can apply for a Youth Loan. Women and minority farmers can apply for Women and Minority Farmers and Ranchers Loans. If you've been in business for less than 10 years, look into Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loans. If you're Native American, ask about Native American Tribal Loans. Apply for an emergency loan. Floods, droughts, and other natural disasters can greatly set back a farm's finances. If your farm has been harmed by a disaster, you can apply for an emergency loan for help. Fill out the basic loan request form. Applying for loans requires an extensive amount of paperwork. To start, fill out a form requesting a loan. This will specify the type of farm you're operating, the type of loan you're applying for, how you plan to use the loan, and other basic information. Any forms you need for the process can be downloaded on the FSA website or picked up at a local FSA or USDA office. Gather information about your financial history. When you're applying for a loan, the FSA will want to know a great deal about your financial history to ensure you're responsible with money. If you've been keeping quality records on your farm, you can find this information where you keep important documents. Provide the following documents with your application: 3 years of financial history 3 years of production history A list of any other creditors Provide details of your training as a farmer. The FSA will want to make sure you're a trained, professional farmer. Present them with any training certifications, college transcripts, or other documents proving you received professional training to become a farmer. For example, if you have an associate degree in a field related to agriculture, this would be something to include. Authorize the release of sensitive information. Online or at an FSA or USDA office, you should find a form authorizing employers, financial institutions, and other entities to release sensitive information regarding your financial and employment history. The FSA will want to review this information to make sure you're a safe investment. Sign and date the form and provide any other information requested to authorize the release of this information. Seek assistance to write a business plan. A business plan overviews the goals of your farm, as well as your general operating practices. Unless you have extensive experience in business, or work with someone who does, it's highly recommended you seek assistance to draft your business plan. Remember, a farm loan is a business loan and the lender wants to see a story in which their investment is successful. The business plan you present is likely the most important piece of your entire application. Small Business Counselors is a non-profit organization. Volunteers have experience managing and running a business and can help you write a business plan. The USDA has various subgroups, such as the Extension Risk Management Education Program, that may be able to help you with your business plan. If you have a friend or family member who runs a business, ask if they'll assist you with your plan. Submit your application to a local FSA office or USDA service center. You can look up local centers online. Once you've found a center near you, gather your paperwork and submit it there. Make sure you've signed and dated in all the necessary places and have all the information you need to apply. Some loans may allow you to submit materials online, which is often easier. Check the FSA website to see if materials for your loan can be submitted online. Meet with an FSA representative. Usually, someone will contact you about scheduling a meeting with an FSA representative to discuss your request. You will have an opportunity to address any questions or concerns the FSA has regarding your loan to help them process the application. If someone else helped write your business plan, make sure you are intimately familiar with it before this meeting, as many of the questions are likely to revolve around your business plan. Not every loan requires a meeting with an FSA representative. This is more likely to occur when you're applying for a direct loan. Wait to hear back. While times will vary, you will usually hear back on your loan within 60 days of submitting your application. During that time, the FSA will reach out to you if they're having any problems. For example, if documents are missing, an FSA representative may contact you to request these papers. Sign several documents to receive your funds. If your loan is approved, you will have to meet with an FSA representative to sign the paperwork. Review the paperwork carefully so you understand the terms of your loan and then sign in the required places. It's a good idea to take the paperwork home for a night to review it. This ensures you completely understand the terms of the loan. If you're not used to reading legal documents, have a lawyer or accountant go over the information with you. See if you can appeal if your loan is rejected. If your loan is rejected, you can ask to meet with an FSA representative to go over the reasons why and ask for an appeal. A mediator may be present at the meeting to help the conversation run smoothly. You can also submit an appeal request to the National Appeals Division found within the USDA. You can find information on the precise means to request an appeal via the USDA website. Work on improving your chances in the future. If you don't receive a loan, review the reasons why. There are many reasons your loan may have been denied. Work on improving your odds for a loan and then reapply in the future. Review the documents you submitted. Was your business plan as detailed as necessary? Did you provide all the requested financial information? A lack of detail can often cause a loan to be rejected. Next time, think about enlisting help from business professionals to make sure your application is as thorough as possible before applying for a loan. | Make sure you meet basic requirements. Apply for a direct operating loan to fund purchases. Go for a microloan if you're a smaller farm. Ask for a direct farm ownership loan to purchase/expand a farm. Apply for a guaranteed loan to extend credit to others. See if you qualify for any targeted loans. Apply for an emergency loan. Fill out the basic loan request form. Gather information about your financial history. Provide details of your training as a farmer. Authorize the release of sensitive information. Seek assistance to write a business plan. Submit your application to a local FSA office or USDA service center. Meet with an FSA representative. Wait to hear back. Sign several documents to receive your funds. See if you can appeal if your loan is rejected. Work on improving your chances in the future. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Liquid-Nitrogen-Ice-Cream | How to Make Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream | To make liquid nitrogen ice cream, decide how much ice cream you want to make and multiply that amount by 5 to figure out how much liquid nitrogen you need to buy. Next, combine the heavy cream, half and half, vanilla, and sugar in a large stainless steel mixing bowl until the sugar has dissolved. Then, put on safety gloves, add the liquid nitrogen to the mixture, and stir it with a wooden spoon or stainless steel whisk for about 3 minutes until the mixture freezes. | Use gloves. Liquid nitrogen is 320 degrees below zero , so it's important to take certain precautions to avoid frost burns and other injuries. Make sure that you always wear gloves when handling the liquid nitrogen. Admittedly, it is okay if the liquid nitrogen comes into contact with your skin briefly. In most cases, it will just slide right off your skin. The real danger comes when you try to contain it, like in a fist, or if your skin is already wet. Just be very cautious when handling it. Wear safety glasses. You definitely don't want to get the liquid nitrogen in your eyes. So be very careful when mixing, but still wear protective eye gear just to be safe. Liquid nitrogen is so cold that it can make your finger shatter; just imagine what it could do to your eyes. Be careful not to splash the liquid nitrogen. You want to always be in control of where the liquid nitrogen ends up, so try not to splash it as you're mixing it or when you're carrying it in the container. Figure out how much you want to make. Multiply the amount of ice cream by 5 to find out how much liquid nitrogen you need. For example, one gallon of ice cream requires five gallons of liquid nitrogen. Find a place that sells liquid nitrogen. This might not be as easy as it sounds. Since liquid nitrogen has to be stored and transported carefully (and because it is somewhat dangerous), you can't just buy it at any old grocery store. Look in your local Yellow Pages to see if there is a liquid nitrogen supplier listed. You might also try calling a dermatologist to ask them where they purchase the liquid nitrogen they use for burning off warts. You could try calling a local high school or college chemistry department to see where they get their liquid nitrogen for science experiments. Some farmers and welders also use liquid nitrogen, so you might try calling people in those professions. Rent a container for the liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen is usually held in a special container called a Dewar that helps prevent it from evaporating. You'll need a container like this to transport your liquid nitrogen to your home. But most places that sell liquid nitrogen will let you rent or borrow a Dewar for relatively cheap. Each Dewar usually holds about 5 liters (1 US gal) of liquid nitrogen. Combine the heavy cream, half and half, vanilla, and sugar in a large stainless steel mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together. Using a wooden spoon or stainless steel whisk, mix all of the ingredients together until the sugar has dissolved. If you can still feel some sugar at the bottom, you need to keep stirring. Optional: Add in any additional items such as strawberries, bananas, or other things for flavors. Add the liquid nitrogen. Put on your gloves and then slowly pour in the liquid nitrogen. Stir it with your wooden spoon (or stainless steel whisk) until it is frozen. This will take, at most, three minutes. Serve the ice cream. Put scoops of the ice cream in cups or ice cream cones and let your guests enjoy. | Use gloves. Wear safety glasses. Be careful not to splash the liquid nitrogen. Figure out how much you want to make. Find a place that sells liquid nitrogen. Rent a container for the liquid nitrogen. Combine the heavy cream, half and half, vanilla, and sugar in a large stainless steel mixing bowl. Mix the ingredients together. Add the liquid nitrogen. Serve the ice cream. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Rescued-Dog | How to Care for a Rescued Dog | To care for your rescue dog, keep it confined to a couple of rooms for the first few days after you bring it home so it doesn't get too overwhelmed while it's adjusting. Don't worry if it drinks or chews a lot at first, which is completely normal and just a sign that your dog is excited and nervous. For the first couple of weeks, keep things quiet around the house and avoid inviting a lot of people over, since loud noises and lots of people can be scary for a rescue dog. Then, gradually start exposing your dog to noises and people so it gets used to them. You should also put your rescue dog's bed in your room so it feels like a part of the family. However, don't let it sleep in your bed at first, since you want to establish some boundaries up front. | Dog proof the house. Making your house safe for your dog will save you a lot of stress when you bring him home. Move household chemicals out of your dog's reach. Protect your furniture with a throw or slip cover if your dog will be sitting on it. Look for any long cords, tassels, or dangling items that may be attractive to your dog. If you have a yard, make sure that your fence is secure. Your dog should not be able to jump over it or dig underneath it to get away. Gather your supplies. Purchase a crate, baby gates, bedding, water bowls, food bowls, flea comb, 20 foot (6.1 m) leash, food, toys, and grooming supplies. When you go to pick up your dog, take his buckle collar, ID tag, leash, and a harness/collar with you. These supplies can be purchased from your local pet store. It is important that you get these supplies before you bring your dog into your home. You want to start out on the right foot. The earlier you can establish consistency, the better. Establish house rules. If you live with other people, sit down and discuss the house rules for the dog. Where will the dog's crate, bed, and bowls be? What will the dog's schedule be like? Also, remind everyone to be calm and inviting when meeting the dog for the first time. Avoid hugging, kissing, or patting the dog on top of its head. Discuss how the dog will be introduced to each member of the household. The dog should only meet one person at a time. Learn about his past. Try to find out as much as you can about your dog's previous life. This will help you deal with any behavioral or medical issues your dog may have. Some questions you should ask are: Was the dog abused? How did the dog end up at the shelter? Has the staff noticed any behavioral problems? How is his health? Give him space. Your dog will need time to adjust to his new environment. Keep him restricted to roaming just one or two rooms for the first few days, while you stay close by to supervise. This will help him from feeling too overwhelmed by his new surroundings. As you start to open up the whole house to him, he'll want to examine and smell everything. Take him on a tour of the house while his leash is still on and allow him to take in his new environment. Your dog may pant, pace, have an upset stomach, or chew or drink more than usual at first. This is completely normal. He is just excited and nervous. Be patient. Depending on his past, your dog may be shy and has not been housetrained or socialized. Because of this, your dog may be afraid of new things or engage in unpleasant behaviors like eating his own feces or marking his territory. Pay attention to how your dog responds and adjust your behavior. For example, if you are trying to teach a new command and your dog becomes tense or starts looking out of the corner of his eye, you need to give your dog some space and stop what you are doing. Dogs like to run away when they are scared. Keep the crate door open so your dog can always retreat when he feels overwhelmed. Be firm, but kind. Do not punish your dog for misbehaving at first. Your dog will not make the connection between punishment and bad behavior. Instead, your dog will be scared of you. If your dog misbehaves, stop the behavior and then give your dog a treat for stopping. For example, if your dog is biting shoes or trying to pee in the wrong area, tell your dog, “No, don't do that” in a firm voice. Once your dog stops, give him a treat and give him some praise. Introduce noises gradually. Do not yell or make loud, sudden noises around your dog. You do not want to scare him. Use a soothing tone anytime you are speaking to or around your dog. Introduce new noises like the television or vacuum slowly. Try to keep the house quiet for the first couple of weeks. For example, after a couple of weeks, you may start watching TV when the dog is in the room. Once the dog is used to the TV, you may vacuum around him. Always judge his reaction. If he looks scared, reassure him that everything is fine and allow him to retreat into his crate. Make sure that everyone else in the home keeps it relatively quiet as well. Recognize signs of separation anxiety. Living in a new environment often triggers separation anxiety. Your dog may become anxious when you leave him home alone and act out. Dogs typically do not do these behaviors in front of their owner. Common signs of separation anxiety include: Urinating and defecating when you leave him alone Barking, crying, or howling when left alone Destroying objects (e.g. door frames, doors, household items) when left alone Trying to escape from a confined area Eating faeces when left alone Pacing in straight line or in a circular motion. Deal with separation anxiety. Do not spend all of your time around your dog when you first bring him home. If you are home all day, go to another room for 5-10 minutes to give your dog space. Try to vary your routine, leaving at different times in the morning or at night, so that your dog doesn't get upset when he anticipates your departure. Give your dog a treat or a toy when you leave so that he associates your absence with something positive. Have brief absences before you leave your dog home alone while you are at work. Start with 5-10 minute absences and build up to 40 minutes. Most of your dog's anxious behavior happens in the first 40 minutes he is alone. If the anxiety is not getting any better, talk to your veterinarian about your dog's behavior. Let him sleep around others. Your dog should sleep in the same room as you or other housemates. This helps your dog understand that he is a member of the group. Your dog should have his own bed or sleep in his crate. Make sure your dog can see you from where he is sleeping. Do not allow your dog to sleep in the bed with you. Your dog may take this as a sign that he is in charge. Feed him twice a day. Keep your dog on the same feeding schedule for the first few days. He probably ate once or twice a day at the shelter. Maintaining the schedule will keep your dog from getting diarrhea due to a new regimen. If he was only eating once a day, you can begin to transition him to eating twice a day. Divide his meal into two and give him the majority of his food during his first meal. Gradually increase the amount of food he gets at the second meal until he is eating twice a day. If possible, feed him the same food he was given at the shelter and slowly transition into the food of your choice. If your dog was living in shelter, he may have had to fight to make sure he got something to eat. This can result in him being territorial about food. If you notice that your dog is barking or lunging when you get too close to his food, feed him in a crate or a bathroom. Eventually your dog will learn that he does not need to guard his food. your dog. Potty train Take your dog outside to use the bathroom first thing in the morning, one hour after a meal, as soon as you get home from work, and right before bedtime. Praise your dog when he uses the bathroom. If your dog has an accidents or pees in the wrong place, do not punish him. This will only teach him to fear you. If you will not be around to take your dog to the bathroom, keep him in his crate. Dogs will usually not use the bathroom in their home. Try to take your dog to the bathroom at the same times each day. This will help him develop a routine and feel secure. Exercise regularly. Your dog will need to have at least one exercise session each day, but the amount and duration of exercise will depend on his individual needs. Pay attention to your dog's preferences as well. Some dogs may be happy with a walk while other dogs may want more intense activities like running or playing fetch. If your dog is breathing heavily and no longer wants to participate in the activity you are doing, it is time to end the exercise session. For example, if you were playing with a stick and he no longer wants to bring the stick back, take a break. Establish care with a veterinarian. Your dog should visit a veterinarian within the first week that you bring him home. Your vet will do a general checkup, discuss preventive health care, and determine any special needs that your dog may have. Try to have the visit scheduled before you bring your dog home. Consider buying pet insurance to help with the costs of care. | Dog proof the house. Gather your supplies. Establish house rules. Learn about his past. Give him space. Be patient. Be firm, but kind. Introduce noises gradually. Recognize signs of separation anxiety. Deal with separation anxiety. Let him sleep around others. Feed him twice a day. your dog. Exercise regularly. Establish care with a veterinarian. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Irritable-Bowel-Syndrome | How to Treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome | To treat irritable bowel syndrome, try to avoid foods that are known to produce symptoms, like canned fruits, fruit juice, dairy products, wheat, and high-fructose corn syrup. Also, make sure you're eating regular meals since skipping meals can make irritable bowel syndrome worse. You should also drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, which will help combat some of your symptoms. | Keep a food diary. Start keeping a food diary to keep track of what you eat and how it makes you feel. You can use your food diary to identify the foods that tend to trigger your IBS symptoms and use that information to avoid trigger foods in the future. In your food diary include things like: what you ate how much you ate when you ate how you felt one to two hours after eating Follow the low FODMAP diet. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols. These ingredients are more likely to produce IBS symptoms, so reducing your intake of foods that contain these ingredients should help to improve your IBS symptoms. Foods that you should limit or avoid include: certain fruits such as apples, blackberries, apricots, cherries, nectarines, mangoes, pears, watermelon, or plums canned fruits fruit juice dried fruit certain vegetables such as artichokes, cabbage, garlic, lentils, cauliflower, mushrooms, asparagus, beans, onions, snow peas , and sugar snap peas dairy products wheat rye high-fructose corn syrup honey Eat regular meals. Having an irregular eating pattern can also contribute to IBS symptoms, so try not to skip any meals or eat meals that are spaced too far apart. Maintain a regular meal schedule and try to eat about once every three hours during the day. Avoid eating large meals as well. Large meals may also contribute to IBS symptoms, so try to eat four or five small meals throughout the day. Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can also help to combat some of the symptoms of IBS. Aim to drink about eight 8 ounce glasses of water every day. If you exercise or have an active lifestyle, then you may need to drink more. Steer clear of fizzy water and other carbonated beverages. These can make IBS symptoms worse. Reduce alcohol and caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine can irritate your digestive system. They may cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation. Try to reduce or eliminate caffeine and alcohol from your diet and see if your symptoms improve. For example, instead of having two cups of coffee in the morning, just have one. Or, instead of having a martini with dinner, have a glass of water. Limit processed foods. Processed foods tend to contain the types of sugars that are hard for your body to digest and may pass through your system without getting broken down. Eating these foods may cause your IBS symptoms to flare up. Eliminate artificial sweeteners. Artificial sweeteners that end in “ol” may make your IBS symptoms worse if you tend to get diarrhea, so it is important to avoid these. These sweeteners are common in chewing gum and diet products, such as slimming shakes. Get into the habit of reading labels to make sure that none of the foods you are eating contain these sweeteners. Some of the sweeteners to avoid include: xylitol maltitol sorbitol mannitol Exercise more. Regular exercise can help to stimulate your digestive system and reduce your stress levels as well. Try to incorporate at least 150 minutes of activity every week. For example, you could go for a 30 minute walk five days of the week to meet this goal. Try yoga. Yoga can provide some good exercise and allow you time to relax. Express your feelings. Not having an outlet to express your feelings can contribute to stress and worsen IBS symptoms, so try to find an outlet for your emotions. Find healthy ways to deal with your emotions, such as: calling a friend writing in a journal drawing talking to a counselor Practice deep breathing. Deep breathing exercises can provide an almost instant sense of calm when you are feeling stressed. Try to practice deep breathing throughout the day to manage your stress. To practice deep breathing, focus on using your diaphragm to pull air down into your abdomen. As you breathe in, count to five slowly. Then, hold the breath for a few seconds and release while counting down from five. Set aside some time for you each day. Ensuring that you take time to focus on yourself is also essential for managing stress. Make sure that you set aside at least 20 minutes every day to do something that you want to do. For example, you could: read a book take a bubble bath watch an episode of your favorite show listen to some music Take fiber supplements. Fiber is important for regulating your bowels and dealing with IBS symptoms. If you are having trouble getting enough fiber from your diet alone, then taking a fiber supplement may help to improve your IBS symptoms. Choose bulk forming laxatives because they are the least likely to irritate your bowels. The recommended daily amount of fiber is between 25 to 35 grams. If you are not getting this amount of fiber from food sources, then you can supplement with fiber. Fiber supplements are available as powders, capsules, and biscuits. Make sure that you read and follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Always take fiber supplements with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Incorporate a probiotic supplement. Probiotics may also be helpful for treating your IBS symptoms. Probiotic supplements contain good bacteria that can help to regulate your digestion. Try taking a probiotic for about a month to see if it helps you. A typical dose is between one to two billion colony forming units (also known as CFUs) per day. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer's dosing instructions. Some doctors will recommend a higher dosage for their patients. Check with your doctor for a specific dose recommendation. When choosing a probiotic, make sure that the package provides the name and contact information of the manufacturer, the scientific names of the bacteria strains included in the probiotic, a "best by" date that states how many of the bacteria will be alive when the product expires, information about how to store the product, and dosage instructions. Avoid any products that make claims that the product will cure or treat a disease or condition. Try coated peppermint oil capsules. Peppermint oil capsules have been found to be effective for children with IBS. Peppermint capsules seem to reduce the abdominal pain that is common with IBS sufferers. Try taking peppermint oil capsules for a couple of weeks to see if it helps to soothe pain associated with your IBS. A suggested dosage is to take one to two coated 0.2 mL peppermint oil capsules. You can take up to three doses per day. Keep in mind that some people experience heartburn from taking peppermint capsules. Ask your doctor about antidiarrheal medicines. There are a few different medications available for those who have IBS with diarrhea. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in trying a medication for your IBS diarrhea. Some common drugs include: Alosetron Rifaximin Eluxadoline Talk to your doctor about medications for constipation. IBS can also make some people constipated. If constipation is a symptom of your IBS, then talk to your doctor about IBS medications for people with constipation. These drugs also help to relieve abdominal pain from constipation. Drugs available for those with IBS constipation include: Lubiprostone. Linaclotide Discuss antidepressants with your doctor. Antidepressants have also been found to be effective for those with IBS. Antidepressants seem to help regulate the digestive system for some people and they also have pain relieving effects. Your doctor may recommend a tricyclic antidepressant or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor to help treat your IBS. Ask about antibiotics for bloating. Antibiotics, such as rifaximin, may be necessary to treat IBS bloating. This antibiotic works by reducing the number of gas causing bacteria in your digestive system. Ask your doctor about rifaximin if bloating is a common problem for you. | Keep a food diary. Follow the low FODMAP diet. Eat regular meals. Drink plenty of water. Reduce alcohol and caffeine. Limit processed foods. Eliminate artificial sweeteners. Exercise more. Express your feelings. Practice deep breathing. Set aside some time for you each day. Take fiber supplements. Incorporate a probiotic supplement. Try coated peppermint oil capsules. Ask your doctor about antidiarrheal medicines. Talk to your doctor about medications for constipation. Discuss antidepressants with your doctor. Ask about antibiotics for bloating. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Foot-Blister | How to Treat a Foot Blister | If you get a blister on your foot, you can protect the area from further irritation by covering it with a bandage. Change the bandage daily to keep the blister clean and prevent infection. You can also promote healing by putting an antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly on the blister. To reduce friction and keep your blister from getting worse, apply a blister powder or cream before putting on your shoes and socks. Additionally, cushion the area by doubling up your socks and wearing comfortable, loose-fitting shoes. | Cover your blister. Foot blisters should be covered to reduce irritation and cut back on the risk of infection. Cover your blister with a soft dressing, like gauze or a loose bandage. If the blister is very sore, cut your dressing into a donut shape and place it around the blister to avoid putting pressure directly on it. If your blister is just a superficial irritation on your skin, you may only need to cover it with a bandage and leave it alone. It should dry out and be fine after a couple of days. Your dressing should be changed each day. Always wash your hands before touching the dressing and the area around the blister. Use antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Antibiotic ointment helps prevent infections in a blister. You can buy antibiotic ointment at a pharmacy. Apply it to the blister as directed, especially before you put on your shoes or socks. Just petroleum jelly may also be used. Remember to wash your hands thoroughly before touching the blister. Try powders and creams to reduce friction. Friction can make a blister worse and increase pain. In order to reduce friction on a foot blister, pick up a powder designed for your feet at a local pharmacy. Pour it into your socks before putting on your shoes to reduce pain. Not all powders work for everyone. If a powder causes your blister to become irritated, stop using it. Care for your feet while the blister persists. Take extra precautions to keep your feet comfortable while a blister is healing. Wear an extra pair of socks and loose-fitting shoes as the blister persists. More padding can help you feel more comfortable when you're walking, which may help the blister heal more quickly. You should also try to stay off your feet as much as possible while the blister is healing. Try changing your socks twice a day to help decrease the possibility of blisters, usually cotton socks are better than polyester. Protect a burst blister from infection. Unless a blister becomes extremely painful, it's best not to drain it yourself. This can increase your likelihood of developing an infection. Let the blister's skin peel on its own. Avoid touching or irritating the blister to prevent it from popping prematurely. Use a moleskin over the blister to protect it if you must walk on it. Wash your hands. In rare cases, you can pop an extremely sore blister on your own. You should only do this if the pain becomes debilitating. Before popping a blister, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. You should never touch a blister with dirty hands. Only drain a blister if it's a large area that's filled with fluid. If it's small or minor, let it heal on its own. Clean the blister. Before popping your blister, clean the area around it with water. Using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or iodine can slow healing. Sterilize the needle. You will use a sewing needle to pop the blister, but this should be sterilized first to prevent infection. Wipe the needle down with rubbing alcohol, which you can purchase at a local drugstore. You can dab rubbing alcohol from a bottle onto a cotton swab or use rubbing alcohol pads. Alternatively you can sterilize the needle by running it through an open flame until it turns red. Use something to grasp the needle when you do this like Kelly clamps, since the needle will become very hot. Puncture the blister. Take the needle and gently insert it into the blister. Puncture it several times, near the edge of the blister. Allow the fluid to drain out naturally while you leave the skin covering the blister in place. Do not remove the skin from the top of the blister. Just drain the fluid, then cover the blister with a bandage. That piece of skin will eventually dry up and fall off on its own. Apply an ointment. Once you've drained the blister, apply an ointment to it. You can use Vaseline or Plastibase, both of which can be purchased at a drugstore. Use a clean cotton swab to rub the ointment over the blister. Some ointments may irritate a blister. If you notice any signs of a rash, cease use of your ointment. Cover the blister. Place a piece of gauze or a bandage over the blister. This will protect it from infection while it heals. Change the dressing twice a day and, when you change it, add new ointment. Remember to wash your hands before touching your blister. See a doctor if you notice complications. Most blisters heal on their own. However, complications warrant a trip to the doctor. If you notice any of the following complications, make an appointment with your doctor: A painful, red, and hot blister or a blister with red streaks Yellow or green pus A blister that keeps coming back Fever Having diabetes, heart conditions, auto immune disorders, HIV or undergoing chemotherapy can make your blister rapidly become worse, causing sepsis or cellulitis. Rule out underlying conditions. Most foot blisters are benign. However, some blisters can be caused by underlying conditions like chicken pox and should be treated differently. Depending on your other symptoms, your doctor may want to run some tests to rule out underlying conditions before addressing your blister. If an underlying condition causes your blister, your doctor will advise you how to treat it. Follow your doctor's treatment plan. Depending on the cause of the blister, your doctor will form a treatment plan for you. Follow all of your doctor's instructions closely and ask your doctor any questions you have before leaving the office. Avoid wearing the shoes that caused a blister. If your blister came in response to a new type of shoe, or a very uncomfortable shoe, stop wearing the shoes that caused it. Purchase shoes that leave your feet with some wiggle room and fit comfortably. Wearing the right shoes can prevent a future blister. Also make sure that you wear the right type of shoes for the activity you're engaging in. For example, you can help prevent foot blisters when running by wearing running shoes. Try to figure out exactly what's causing the abnormal motion that's causing your blister. For instance, it could come from a fold in your sock, or from an ill-fitting shoe. Add moleskin or padding to your shoes. Attach a small bit of moleskin or padding to the inside of your shoes, particularly the sole, or the areas where your shoes rub against your feet. Moleskin can provide some padding and cut back on friction and irritation that causes blisters. Wear moisture-wicking socks. Moisture can cause blisters or make existing blisters worse. Invest in a pair of moisture-wicking socks. These will absorb sweat from your feet and cut back on blisters and other injuries. | Cover your blister. Use antibiotic ointment or petroleum jelly. Try powders and creams to reduce friction. Care for your feet while the blister persists. Protect a burst blister from infection. Wash your hands. Clean the blister. Sterilize the needle. Puncture the blister. Apply an ointment. Cover the blister. See a doctor if you notice complications. Rule out underlying conditions. Follow your doctor's treatment plan. Avoid wearing the shoes that caused a blister. Add moleskin or padding to your shoes. Wear moisture-wicking socks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Who-Is-at-Fault-in-a-Car-Accident | How to Determine Who Is at Fault in a Car Accident | To determine who is at fault in a car accident, look at all of the evidence you have from the scene, such as photos of damage, witness statements, and dash-cam or surveillance footage. Take note of any traffic violations either party made, like running a red light, not using a blinker when turning, or driving without lights at night, which will tell you who was at fault. Decide if the accident was a result of a rear-end collision, where the driver who rear-ended the other one is usually to blame. In the same way, if a driver is taking a left-hand turn and hits you, they will often be found at fault. Try to record any comments made by the driver, such as, "I'm sorry for hitting you," or, "I didn't see you there," since this can help you demonstrate that it was their fault. | Note any traffic citations or violations of traffic law. Any driver violating traffic law will be held largely responsible for a resulting car accident. If one of the drivers is issued a citation for speeding, running a light, or another violation, he or she will likely be at fault. If no police are present to issue citations, judge for yourself whether an obvious infraction has occurred. Consult local traffic laws, as these may be different from state laws. Insurance companies can always choose to disagree with police findings when determining liability. You should always call the police to the scene of an accident. Consider evidence relevant to the accident. Police and insurance companies can rely on several different types of evidence when determining fault in an accident. Generally speaking anything relevant can be introduced as evidence. Photos of the accident can help establish what happened and the extent of the damages. Witnesses statements, while less reliable, can help explain what happened. If several people corroborate each other, then this can help solidify a case. Police reports provide an impartial view of what happened at the scene. However, unless the police officer witnessed the accident, it is based on the evidence they collected at the accident. Video cameras (private and public) may show what happened in an accident. The physical evidence from the accident will also play an important role in determining fault. This includes damage to the vehicles, skid marks, paint on a car, etc. Decide whether the accident is the result of a rear-end collision or a left-hand turn. In most cases, a driver who hits another car from behind is at fault. Likewise, a driver making a left turn is most often blamed for any accident that results from this turn. Although these situations are common, they are not always the case. Make sure that you consider the full situation to make a determination of fault and not just whether the driver rear-ended another or was making a left turn. For example, if a driver slammed on his or her breaks without justification, that driver may be at fault if another driver rear ends him or her. Similarly, a driver making a left turn on a green arrow obviously isn't at fault if someone else runs a red light. Record any comments made by the drivers after the accident. Police reports and insurance claims often reference one driver's (often inadvertent) admission of guilt after an accident. If one driver says something like, "I'm sorry for hitting you,” or "I didn't see you," the driver can be assigned most or all of the blame for the accident. Consult witnesses about how the accident occurred. In most circumstances, drivers will not admit blame. Witnesses, however, often have a definite opinion about fault in an accident. Record witnesses' names and phone numbers. Ask them to relate their account of the accident, including the reason why they think one or the other of the drivers is at fault. In situations without witnesses and conflicting information—especially regarding which driver had a green light—insurance companies (and lawyers if a hearing is applicable) is try to determine which driver is more credible based on driving record and other information. Consider whether either driver was negligent before the accident. Unless the driver caused the accident intentionally, negligence is the usual legal justification for requiring one driver to reimburse another for damage caused in an accident. Negligence is defined as breaching a certain duty and thereby causing damages. In terms of an accident, this means that one driver failed to do (or not do) something that he or she should have done, resulting in an accident causing damages. Negligence may be an obvious violation of traffic law, such as running a red light, or a subtler failure to drive responsibly. Common examples of driver negligence include driving without headlights on at night, failing to look both ways before turning, failing to wear glasses with poor eyesight, or not using a blinker at a turn. Determine if you live in a no-fault auto insurance state. The state you live in determines to some degree how the insurance company might assign fault. There are twelve no-fault auto insurance states: Florida, Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania and Utah. In those states, each insurance company is responsible for covering their insured claims. In Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, consumers have the choice between no-fault and the “full-tort” coverage found in the other thirty-eight states. Determine if you live in a pure contributory negligence state. In some state's, if an injured party is even the slightest bit at fault in the accident, then he or she cannot recover any losses for his or her injuries or damages. The few states that have pure contributory negligence laws include Alabama, the District of Columbia, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia. Research if your state has pure comparative fault statutes. In these states, if an injured person is partially at fault for causing his or her own injuries, the damages are reduced by the percentage of fault. States where this applies include Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Washington. Note whether your state adopts proportional comparative fault at 51%. In these states, you cannot recover any losses if you are more than 51% at fault for the accident. This means you cannot file a liability claim and lawsuit against the other driver's negligence if you were more than 51% at fault. These states include Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Note whether your state adopts proportional comparative fault at 50%. In these states, an injured person who is less than 50% at fault for the accident is entitled to compensation. If you are 50% or more at fault, you are not entitled to recovery for injuries. States that have adopted this standard include Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia. | Note any traffic citations or violations of traffic law. Consider evidence relevant to the accident. Decide whether the accident is the result of a rear-end collision or a left-hand turn. Record any comments made by the drivers after the accident. Consult witnesses about how the accident occurred. Consider whether either driver was negligent before the accident. Determine if you live in a no-fault auto insurance state. Determine if you live in a pure contributory negligence state. Research if your state has pure comparative fault statutes. Note whether your state adopts proportional comparative fault at 51%. Note whether your state adopts proportional comparative fault at 50%. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stand-at-Attention | How to Stand at Attention | To stand at attention, start by standing up straight and rolling your shoulders back. Then, bring your heels together and point your feet out at a 45-degree angle. Finally, hold your arms straight against your sides and cup your hands so your thumbs are touching your index fingers. Once you're standing at attention, stay silent and unmoved until you're prompted. | Stand up straight, and roll your shoulders back. Straighten your spine as much as you can without feeling significant strain or tension. Hold your shoulders back and level with the top of your chest. One common error is to raise your shoulders up towards your ears. If you notice this, shrug your shoulders down and try to relax them of tension. Don't worry if your lower back still has a slight curvature, as this is natural. Holding your back too straight can cause immediate strain and back problems over time. Point your feet at a 45-degree angle with your legs straight and heels touching. Keep your legs straight, and try to balance your body weight evenly between your right and left feet. Avoid locking your knees while you stand at attention, as this can cause dizziness. Hold your head and neck erect. Look straight ahead and hold your head up so that your neck is directly parallel with the ground. Draw in your chin to keep your head and neck in a vertical alignment. Try not to look around or move your head while standing at attention to keep an air of formality. To prevent stiffness, try to relax the muscles in your neck and jaw while holding your head erect. Cup your hands, and let your arms hang straight down. Hold your arms straight against your sides, relaxing them as much as possible to prevent tension. Cup your fingers so that your thumbs are touching the first joint of your pointer finger. To ensure proper hand alignment, try to position your thumbs along the seams of your pant legs. Stay silent and unmoved until prompted. Standing at attention is just as much about your actions as your posture. Do not speak, look around, or make any movements until directed to by your drill leader. Moving or talking without being addressed while standing at attention is considered a violation and may result in apprehension, depending on the situation. Face the U.S. flag or direction of the music. If you notice a visible flag, position your body toward it. In situations where no flags are visible, position your body toward the direction of the music. If no flags are visible and the music seems to come from your right, for example, stand facing the right. Place your hand over your heart while performing a position of attention. Whether in military uniform or not, perform a basic stand of attention while the National Anthem plays. Place your right hand over your heart, with your left at your side. If you're a U.S. military personnel, you may also follow this during other songs like Taps, the Marines Hymn, or the U.S. Army Anthem. Remove any non-military headdresses, if applicable. If you are in civilian clothes and wearing a hat or other headdress, take it off as the National Anthem plays. Hold it in your right hand and, while holding your hand over your heart, drape the headdress over your left shoulder. Unless directed otherwise by your superiors, you usually may wear military headdresses while the National Anthem plays. Salute if you are a member or veteran of the Armed Forces. If you are a current or former military personnel, you may render the military salute during the National Anthem whether you're in uniform or not. Bring your right arm up with your forearm at a 45-degree angle, and touch your forehead or hat brim with the tip of your index finger. If you are former or current part of the U.S. Military, you may salute for the entire National Anthem. To show respect for the U.S. Military, do not salute if you are not a current or former member of the Armed Forces. Stand at attention as directed by your instructor. Marching bands stand of attention as military personnel do when directed, though with some variations. Practice the military stand of attention, with some variations to accommodate your instruments and uniform. Hold your instruments perpendicular to the ground. While standing at attention, grasp the instrument firmly in your hands and hold it perpendicular to the ground with your arms out in front of you. The instrument should be held in front of you so that, when directed by your instructor, you can swiftly bring your instrument up to march or play. Your arms should be straight and extended while standing at attention. Do not tuck your elbows in towards your chest while standing at attention. If standing without instruments, hold your hands at your side with your fingers slightly cupped, as you would while performing a military position of attention. Look down instead of straight ahead. Because of the headgear worn by marching band members, looking straight ahead can block your vision while standing at attention. To keep your vision clear, look down the bridge of your nose instead. As with military positions of attention, do not move your eyes around while standing at attention. Avoid locking your knees while standing at attention. Accidentally locking your knees is common among marching band members, which can be dangerous while carrying heavy instruments and wearing bulky uniforms. To avoid this, keep your leg muscles as relaxed as possible without bending your joints. Locking your knees for too long can cause lightheadedness or even fainting. | Stand up straight, and roll your shoulders back. Point your feet at a 45-degree angle with your legs straight and heels touching. Hold your head and neck erect. Cup your hands, and let your arms hang straight down. Stay silent and unmoved until prompted. Face the U.S. flag or direction of the music. Place your hand over your heart while performing a position of attention. Remove any non-military headdresses, if applicable. Salute if you are a member or veteran of the Armed Forces. Stand at attention as directed by your instructor. Hold your instruments perpendicular to the ground. Look down instead of straight ahead. Avoid locking your knees while standing at attention. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Mammary-Disease-in-Intact-Female-Dogs | How to Treat Mammary Disease in Intact Female Dogs | To treat mammary disease in an intact female dog, it's important that you take it to the vet so they can recommend the best treatment plan. If your dog has mammary gland tumors, the vet may recommend removing the tumors surgically. They'll also probably spay your dog to prevent future tumors. Alternatively, if your dog is suffering from mastitis, the vet will most likely prescribe antibiotics. You can also apply a warm compress to your dog's glands several times a day to help relieve some of its pain and discomfort. | Check the mammary glands in your female dog. Mammary gland tumors can occur in any of the mammary glands in your dog. It can also occur at any time, before or after they have given birth or while they are lactating. Check your female dog often for any irregularities. Most often, mammary tumors occur in the back glands, nearest the hind legs. Half of the time, more than one tumor is found. Remove the tumor. One way you can treat a mammary tumor is to remove the tumor surgically. This can be done by removing just the tumor or removing the gland. If the tumor has started to spread, the vet may choose to remove the gland and surrounding lymph nodes. In extreme cases, the vet may remove all of the mammary glands. The type of tumor and the location will influence what your vet decides to do. Get the dog spayed. After the tumors are removed, the vet will more than likely spay your dog. This helps reduce the risk of ovarian and uterine tumors. Provide follow up care for your dog. After the surgery, you will need to continue taking your dog to the vet for follow up care. Your vet will perform physical exams and x-rays to check for any changes in the mammary glands or signs of additional tumors. You will probably have to take your dog to the vet one month after the surgery, and then once every three months after that. Get your dog antibiotics. If the dog is suffering from mastitis, the vet will probably prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. The antibiotics given to your dog will depend on whether or not the puppies have been weaned. To choose an antibiotic, the vet will need to collect milk for a culture. This will help them know exactly which antibiotic is appropriate for your dog. Place a warm compress on the affected glands. When your dog has mastitis, you can place a warm compress on the glands multiple times each day. This helps to relieve any pain or discomfort in the glands. This will also help the glands to drain the infection. Have the gland lanced. In severe cases, the mammary gland abscesses. If this happens, the gland will have to be surgically lanced by a vet. The vet will drain the infection from it. Then, the site of the lancing will be treated as an open wound. Notice any lumps in the mammary glands. Lumps or swelling in the mammary glands is a symptom of mammary tumors. They can be felt just under the skin in the mammary glands area. To check for them, just gently press along the area. You may feel a small, hard, or smooth lump under the skin that moves around when you press it. The other type may be irregular in shape and feel like it's fixed in the skin so it doesn't move. Look for red or swollen glands. If your female dog has mammary gland tumors or mastitis, then the area around the mammary glands will be red or pink. The area may be swollen, and often, it is warm or hot when you touch it. Because of this, the dog may experience pain or discomfort when you touch the area. Look for any irregularities to the skin around the mammary glands. Another symptom of mammary gland tumors is tissue loss on the skin of the mammary glands. This generally occurs with swollen or reddened skin. With mastitis, puppies may scratch the mammary glands, leading to infection of the glands. Check the dog’s nipples while lactating. Mastitis is an infection that can occur when a female dog is lactating. The nipples may be swollen and sore, which causes the dog to avoid nursing. This can lead to delayed development or poor nutrition for the puppies. The nipple gets infected during mastitis, so the redness, swelling, or pain may be more apparent in the nipple than surrounding glands. Notice any abnormalities in the milk. If the dog has mastitis, the nipples get infected, which affects the milk. The milk from the nipples may be a different consistency and thicker than normal milk. It may also be full of pus. In some cases, the milk is bloody or has a pink-tinge. Check for any sickly behavior. If a dog has mastitis, then the dog may act normal and healthy. However, mastitis can cause the dog appear sick. She may have a fever, refuse to eat, or overall seem lethargic or listless. In some cases, the female dog may neglect the young due to feeling sick or the glands being too painful to touch. Recognize risk factors for mammary tumors. Mammary tumors can occur in a female dog over one year. However, it is not common until after age five. Certain breeds are more prone to mammary cancer than others. These include: Toy and miniature poodles English springer spaniels Cocker spaniels German shepherds Yorkshire terriers Maltese English setters | Check the mammary glands in your female dog. Remove the tumor. Get the dog spayed. Provide follow up care for your dog. Get your dog antibiotics. Place a warm compress on the affected glands. Have the gland lanced. Notice any lumps in the mammary glands. Look for red or swollen glands. Look for any irregularities to the skin around the mammary glands. Check the dog’s nipples while lactating. Notice any abnormalities in the milk. Check for any sickly behavior. Recognize risk factors for mammary tumors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prove-Emotional-Abuse | How to Prove Emotional Abuse | It can feel hopeless when you're being abused emotionally, but if you find evidence you may be able to prove it and get yourself help. Emotional abuse is often harder to prove than physical abuse, but it's still just as real and just as hurtful. Name-calling, insulting, mocking, threatening, humiliating, and manipulating are all examples of emotional abuse. One way to document abuse is to keep a journal and include what the abuser said, the date, and the names of any witnesses. You should also hold onto any emails, notes, and voicemails where they use abusive language, as this can be used as proof. If you visit the doctor and tell them how the abuse is affecting you, this can also serve as proof of emotional abuse. Regardless of whether you have proof or not, you should get out of the situation as soon as possible and get help from the police or a trusted friend. | Define emotional abuse. Emotional abuse, also known as “psychological abuse,” is any act of verbal assault, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or confinement that diminishes someone's self-worth or dignity. It can take many forms and can exist in every relationship, whether familial, intimate, or work-related. Emotional abuse, like physical abuse, develops in cycles: the abuse builds as the abuser tries to establish dominance, then the abuser expresses remorse and life returns to normal. However, the cycle will start up again, often with the abuser acting in a more extreme manner. Identify common abusive acts. Any act that diminishes your sense of self-worth can be abusive. Common abusive acts include: swearing or yelling name calling, mocking, and insults verbal or physical threats or intimidation isolation or excluding someone Check for abuse in romantic relationships. Emotional abuse can be every bit as damaging as physical violence in a relationship. Emotional abuse begins to take its toll on your self-esteem, happiness, and even your physical health. Common signs of emotional abuse in romantic relationships include: The abuser criticizes, judges, or humiliates you. The abuser dominates or controls you. The abuser focuses on blame and accusation. You are the victim of emotional distancing. Identify child abuse and neglect. Children can be abused emotionally, not just physically. Although children may lack the words to tell someone that they are being emotionally abused, there are common warning signs: The child withdraws socially. The child loses self-confidence or suffers a decline in school performance. The child is desperate for approval and affection. The child suffers repeat ailments like stomachaches or headaches that do not have a medical cause. Understand elder abuse. The elderly can also be abused emotionally. In the United States, over half a million cases of elder abuse are reported each year. Elder abuse can be perpetrated by anyone who cares for the elderly, whether a family member or a professional. There are many symptoms of emotional abuse in the elderly: They often suffer from hopelessness or low self-esteem. They become shy and withdrawn. They experience sudden changes in sleeping or eating habits. They express a desire to hurt themselves or someone else. Recognize emotional abuse in the workplace. Workplace bullying is a serious problem. It is not limited to supervisors bullying subordinates. In fact, almost anyone can become the victim of bullying in the workplace. Some tension is common in most workplaces, but you may be the victim of bullying if: You obsess about work while at home and have trouble sleeping at night. You come home from work lifeless and without any emotional energy. You are afraid to admit to loved ones that you are being bullied and may even suspect that you brought the abuse on yourself. You are isolated by other employees, some of whom are afraid to work with you. Nothing you do is good enough for your boss, and your boss expects perfect performance without offering adequate training or supervision. Keep a journal. One good way of documenting the emotional abuse is to record it in a journal. Write down what the abuser said, the date, and how it made you feel. Also note the names of any witnesses. You may also find that writing a journal is cathartic and an effective defense mechanism against the emotional abuse. However, you should be careful that you do not leave the journal lying around. If you live with the abuser, then the abuser could find the journal. Instead of keeping a clothbound journal, you could keep a digital one. Take notes on your smart phone or laptop and store them electronically. It is much harder to find your notes on an electronic device, especially if it is password protected. Preserve abusive communications. You should hold onto any letter, email, note, or voicemail in which the abuser uses abusive language. This evidence will help you later establish the abuser's behavior. If you live with the abuser, then see if a trusted friend or family member will hold onto copies of these communications. Visit the doctor. Emotional abuse can manifest itself in physical symptoms: anxiety, weight loss, high blood pressure, depression, and heart disease. Although emotional abuse is serious regardless of any resulting physical symptoms, the presence of these symptoms will increase your ability to prove emotional abuse at a later date. Tell your doctor about the emotional abuse. By reporting it, your doctor can make a note in your medical records. A copy of your medical reports will then serve as powerful evidence of the emotional abuse and its physical effects on you. If you are taking a child or elderly adult to the doctor, then you can inform the doctor that you think the person is being emotionally abused. The doctor can then talk to the patient and draw out helpful information. Ask abuse victims what they are feeling. You can help prove emotional abuse if you document the abuse someone else is suffering. You need to write down the dates the abuse happened and the substance of the abuse, just as you would if you were the victim. Some people might hesitate to tell someone else that they are being abused. The elderly, for example, may feel embarrassed that they are powerless. Children may be fear that you will believe the things the abuser says about them. To put people at ease, simply ask them what they are feeling. This strategy can help them open up. Share your feelings with other people. If you are experiencing emotional abuse, then you should share that fact with at least one trusted person. It is always difficult to come forward and admit that you are in an abusive relationship. However, a witness can help confirm your history of abuse. Find someone you trust. You may fear physical violence from your abuser. You don't want the person you confide in to tell other people. In that situation, the abuser could find out that you have been complaining about him or her and strike back. Determine the appropriate authorities. To effectively deal with emotional abuse, you need to report it to the authorities who can deal with it. The appropriate authority will depend on the abuse. For example, if someone is suffering extreme emotional abuse, then you should call the police. However, if you know a child is being emotionally abused, then contacting Child Protective Services might make more sense. Call the police. If the emotional abuse has gotten to the point where the person feels terrorized or is suffering severe physical ailments, then you should call the police. Only the police can extricate someone, in particular an older person being emotionally abused by a caretaker or legal guardian. Contact Child Protective Services (CPS). If a child is being emotionally abused by an adult in the house, then you should report the abuse to your local CPS office. You can find the appropriate office by calling the Childhelp hotline at 1-800-422-4453. When you are connected to CPS, you may be asked for the following information: your relationship to the child the child's name and age the child's home address and current location the suspected abuser and his or her relationship to the child the parents' contact information the names of other witnesses and contact information for each Report elder abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS). Each state should have an APS agency. To find the number for your state, call 1-800-677-1116. You may also use the Eldercare Locator at https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx. Be sure to provide the following information: the elder person's name his or her address and contact information the reasons why you suspect emotional abuse the extend of the elder person's family or social support network whether you have seen abusive behavior if you know of any medical problems, such as dementia Contact Human Resources to report workplace bullying. Your company should have a grievance process in place. Check your employee handbook or manuals. If you can't find any information, then reach out to Human Resources and ask for a meeting. You might work for a small company without a Human Resources department. In that situation, you should talk to the business owner to report bullying by your coworkers. If your boss is the bully, then you might not have any other choice but to quit your job. Share your documentation. The appropriate authorities will want proof of the abuse, and you should readily share it with them. For example, you can provide copies of any abusive communications. You can also share copies of your medical records or give the authorities the names of witnesses. | Define emotional abuse. Identify common abusive acts. Check for abuse in romantic relationships. Identify child abuse and neglect. Understand elder abuse. Recognize emotional abuse in the workplace. Keep a journal. Preserve abusive communications. Visit the doctor. Ask abuse victims what they are feeling. Share your feelings with other people. Determine the appropriate authorities. Call the police. Contact Child Protective Services (CPS). Report elder abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS). Contact Human Resources to report workplace bullying. Share your documentation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Concentration-Meditation | How to Do Concentration Meditation | To do concentration meditation, start by sitting comfortably in a spot that's free from noise and other distractions. Next, close your eyes and focus on your breath as you count “1” on your first inhalation and exhalation. Then, count “2” on your second inhalation and exhalation, and so on until you get to 10. Concentrate as much as possible on your count, but if your thoughts wander, recognize that you've lost focus before returning to counting your breaths. Try meditating in short, 5-10 minute sessions, and repeat them throughout the day. | Find a quiet, private spot for meditation. Ideally, your meditation should be in a space free of pets, distracting noises or other people. Some people choose to set aside a corner of a room in their homes for the sole purpose of meditation. Others prefer to sit outside, weather permitting. Sitting in the same spot might help increase your ability to concentrate. Your body will start to associate this area with meditation, and nothing else. Many people find that morning meditation helps them start their day. Others prefer to meditate at the end of the day. An office that's private offers an opportunity to meditate during the workday. Sit comfortably. Your body should not experience discomfort during meditation. The goal is to be comfortable in your body while allowing your attention to be focused completely on the object of concentration. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that doesn't pinch or cut off circulation. Clothing that gathers behind the knees when you sit is not recommended. Concentration meditation is typically practiced either sitting or standing, but may be practiced lying down if necessary. Set a timer. Because you'll need to train both your body and your mind to meditation, start with short sessions, 5-10 minutes in length. You can repeat these short sessions throughout the day. Use a timer rather than a clock so that you won't have the distraction of checking to see how much time you have left. If you are sleepy, it may also keep you from falling asleep for longer than the time you've allotted. Gradually work you way up to longer intervals of time. After several weeks of 10-minute meditation, for example, increase the time by 5 minutes, then 10 minutes. There are many meditation timer apps available to help you, or you can use an ordinary kitchen timer. It doesn't matter what you use to set the time, so long as you let go of the need to attend to it. Allow your eyelids to relax. You may choose to close your eyes, or to keep them partially open without being entirely focused. If visually focusing on an object of concentration, make sure your eyes are entirely relaxed. Never strain your eyes or hold tension in your eyes. This includes your eyelids, the small muscles around the eyes, and the muscles which move the eyes. You may hold your lips in a slight smile, lips closed. Direct your attention to the focus of concentration. Many people chose to focus on the breath. Do not force your attention, or become frustrated with yourself when distracted. When distracted, simply redirect your attention. This form of meditation is not intended to be stressful or coerced. If you have chosen to focus on the breath, turn your attention to your breath as you inhale and exhale. One complete inhalation and exhalation will be 1 breath. In your mind, concentrate on the number 1. Then take another breath, all the way in and all the way out. This is breath 2. Continue until you've counted 10 breaths. Then start again. Holding your attention to this count will deepen your concentration meditation. Your choice of objects may vary depending on the day, the situation in which you find yourself, or the experiences you have as you continue your practice. Allow yourself to experiment with different objects. Enjoying the practice of concentration is a pleasure, but not a goal. Allow your feelings to arise as they will. Notice them, and let them go. Set aside distracting thoughts. The goal of concentration meditation is to train the mind for continual focus. When thoughts or feelings arise, notice them, and return your attention to the object of its focus. If you start to feel disappointment, frustration, or irritation with yourself for being distracted, this feeling itself is a distraction. Notice the feeling, and return to the object of concentration. There is a subtle balance between holding onto the object of concentration too tightly and holding on too loosely. When concentration is held too tightly, you will feel a certain tension that impedes your spiritual progress. When held too loosely, you'll find yourself distracted. Some people experience a shift in their awareness between themselves and the object of concentration. You may find that you feel a certain sensation of merging with the object. Do not be afraid: this is a common sensation, and a sign of deeper insight. Choose to stand for meditation. This posture allows meditation free from the distraction of physical ailments, the feeling of having one's legs "fall asleep" and may be beneficial for people who work in a seated posture for much of the day. Stand with the weight on the balls of the foot, and bend your knees slightly so that your back is straight. Turn your toes slightly inward, with legs shoulder-width apart. Choose to sit for meditation. The traditional position for meditation is sitting, either on the ground or on a "zafu," a small round cushion. Modern practitioners may choose to sit in a chair if necessary for physical support. The seated method allows for greater stability. If using a zafu, position it in a quiet area. You may choose to place it on a mat or blanket to prevent your knees from resting on the hard ground. Lower your body onto the zafu. Position your buttocks on the top third of the zafu, so that your buttocks are slightly raised, and your knees are directed towards or resting on the floor. Use a cushion under your knees if you need to. Imagine the top of your head being pulled with an imaginary string towards the sky, straightening the spine. Feel a soft curve in your lower spine. Arrange your hands. In a seated position, you can allow your hands to rest, palms up, on your thighs. You may also choose a more traditional position, hands together. Holding arms slightly apart from the body, gently bring your hands together as if holding a beach ball. Place your left hand over your right hand, palms up, thumbs together. If your arms are short, you can rest them on a cushion placed on the thighs. This is particularly helpful if you are seated on a chair. Choose an object for your concentration meditation. The object you select should be one which is easy for your attention to rest upon, which brings pleasant emotions without too much excitement or boredom. If you select an object which has meaning for you, try not to allow its associations to distract you. The goal is to focus on the object itself. Choosing an object of the senses is an ancient meditation technique. Some traditions encourage meditation upon the elements (earth, air, fire, water). Others focus on sacred places within the body, or chakras. There are literally thousands of possible objects from which to choose. Popular choices include: the flame of a candle, a sacred symbol or object from the religious tradition meaningful to you, a word or short phrase that is sacred to you. Remember, it is the training of the mind, not the object, that is the goal of concentration meditation. A skilled practitioner might focus on a box of tissues with equal success. Light a candle. Focusing your attention on the flame of a candle is called Tatrek meditation. Position your body far enough away from the candle so that you can easily focus your gaze upon it. Make sure that your candle is placed in a quiet, draft-free area. A flame that dances in the breeze will create worry that its flame will be extinguished. Select an unscented candle for optimal concentration. A scented candle may distract from your meditation. Read a short passage from a sacred text. In some traditions, this type of meditation is known as Lectio Divinio, or "divine reading." Read slowly. A certain word or phrase may draw your attention. When it does, allow your attention to remain upon this word or phrase for your meditation practice. You may memorize the word or phrase, or you may keep the pages of your text open before you, reading them again as needed. The words of the text may become abstract, losing their former meaning. This is fine. The words themselves are not important. They are just a pathway towards the meditative practice. Choose the breath. For concentration meditation, close the mouth and breathe through the nose, unless the nose is occluded. Breathing through the nose allows a greater range of sensation. The concentration on breathing meditation is called Zazen meditation. This form of meditation encourages the practitioner to focus on the fact of the breath. Counting each breath, starting at 1 and continuing through 10, is a form of Zazen practice. Concentration on the physical sensations of breathing is called Vipassana meditation. These sensations may be outer, such as the feeling of breath against one's upper lip, or inner, such as the awareness of breath flowing into the upper, middle, and lower lung area. It may also incorporate the awareness of breath flowing to particular regions of the body known as chakras. | Find a quiet, private spot for meditation. Sit comfortably. Set a timer. Allow your eyelids to relax. Direct your attention to the focus of concentration. Set aside distracting thoughts. Choose to stand for meditation. Choose to sit for meditation. Arrange your hands. Choose an object for your concentration meditation. Light a candle. Read a short passage from a sacred text. Choose the breath. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Grease-Off-Stainless-Steel | How to Clean Grease Off Stainless Steel | While most grease will come off stainless steel with some dish soap and water, heavier stains may need scrubbing and additional cleaners. Before the grease settles in, mix soap and water in a container, dip a soft washcloth or nonabrasive sponge into it, and wipe the steel surface in the direction of the grain. Finish by rinsing the cloth and wiping the steel surface off with clean water. For heavier grease, mix a mild soap with hot water, then dip a nylon scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub along the grain lines. You can also mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a paste, which you can spread onto the stained area. After 15 minutes, scrub the stain with a nylon brush or an old toothbrush. When you're done, rinse the area clean with warm water. | Mix soap and water. The mixture can be made in the sink while you're washing dishes. Simply mix a squirt of liquid dish detergent with some water until you have a bubbly cleaner. The soapy water won't harm stainless steel surfaces or appliances. Commercial products such as Barkeeper's Friend, Cerama Bryte, Sprayaway, and Weiman are also non-abrasive cleaners that work well on stainless steel. Dip a soft washcloth into the soapy water. Pick up the soapy water using the cloth. A sponge can be used instead as long as it isn't an abrasive scrubber. Any abrasive scrubber can end up scratching the steel. Wipe the steel surface in the direction of the grain. Look closely at the stainless steel. You'll notice that its particles form lines going in a certain direction. For example, your steel object will have lines going up and down or left and right. Move the cloth along those lines. When using soft cloths and soapy water, you aren't likely to scratch the surface if you make a mistake, but it's a good idea to always try to clean stainless steel along the grain. Rinse the same cloth with water. After soaping up the stainless steel, place the same cloth you used under the faucet. Run warm water over it to clear off the soap. Wash the soap off the steel. Take the rinsed cloth and wipe it over the surface of the stainless steel to remove the soap. Remember to wipe along the grain. Dry the surface with a fresh cloth. A clean, soft cloth such as a terrycloth towel will do. Wipe it along the grain to remove the moisture and prevent water stains. Mix a mild detergent in hot water. Empty the sink or get a clean bowl. Fill it with hot water, then add a squirt of a liquid detergent. Mix in the detergent to create soapy water. Mild detergents are those such as Palmolive and Dawn that don't have abrasive qualities. Dip a nylon scrub brush into the mixture. A nylon brush for dish cleaning is soft enough to avoid scratching the steel. Dip it into the soapy water. If you are worried about the brush scratching the steel, you can try to apply the cleaner using a soft cloth, sponge, or non-scratch scouring pad such as a Scotch-Brite. Scrub the greasy surface. Again, remember to take a close look at the surface of your stainless steel. If you can see the grain forming lines, scrub along those lines. This keeps the brush from scratching the steel. Rinse the scrubbed surface. Place the appliance under warm running water if possible or use a soft cloth. The scrub brush will dislodge the grease, and the water will rinse away the grease and soap. Use the cloth to wipe along the grain and remove the soap. Dry the surface with a towel. Use a clean, soft cloth and move it along the grain. Make sure you remove all the moisture so that the stainless steel doesn't get a water stain. Mix baking soda and water. In a bowl, combine equal parts baking soda and water. Mix the two together until they form a paste. Rest the mixture on the stained area for 15 minutes. Apply the baking soda mixture by spreading it with a spoon or soft cloth without scrubbing it into the steel. Come back after 15 minutes. Scrub the stain using a nylon brush. An old toothbrush will suffice if you don't have a nylon brush. Remember the orientation of the steel's grain and scrub back and forth along it. Rinse off the surface. Place the stainless steel under warm, running water if possible or use a damp cloth to remove the baking soda cleaner. Check to see if the stain has gone away. Pour vinegar over the stain. If the stain persists, pour vinegar straight from the bottle. Vinegar is acidic and can help remove the stain, so use the undiluted variety for the best results. When working with pots and pans, you can also try adding a half a cup of water and a sprinkle of baking soda to the vinegar before heating the mixture to a simmer on the stove for 20 minutes. Scrub the stain again. Use your nylon brush or old toothbrush to move along the grain. Be gentle to avoid causing scratches. Rinse off the vinegar. Again, place the stainless steel under warm, running water or use a damp cloth to remove all of the vinegar once you are done scrubbing. The stain should be minimized or removed. Dry the steel with a soft towel. Wipe away all the moisture using a terrycloth or microfiber towel. Make sure all the moisture is gone so it doesn't leave water stains. | Mix soap and water. Dip a soft washcloth into the soapy water. Wipe the steel surface in the direction of the grain. Rinse the same cloth with water. Wash the soap off the steel. Dry the surface with a fresh cloth. Mix a mild detergent in hot water. Dip a nylon scrub brush into the mixture. Scrub the greasy surface. Rinse the scrubbed surface. Dry the surface with a towel. Mix baking soda and water. Rest the mixture on the stained area for 15 minutes. Scrub the stain using a nylon brush. Rinse off the surface. Pour vinegar over the stain. Scrub the stain again. Rinse off the vinegar. Dry the steel with a soft towel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Honest-with-Yourself | How to Be Honest with Yourself | It can be natural to deceive yourself a bit when things aren't going your way, but by identifying your weaknesses and finding solutions, you can start to be more honest with yourself. First, take a look at your habits and the way you deal with challenges in your career, finances, and personal life. Take note of your strengths and potential areas for improvement. Once you've identified a few areas for improvement, set yourself a few goals to help you make positive changes. For example, if you often tell yourself you don't have time to workout, try setting aside a couple of hours a week to go to the gym. By acknowledging your weaknesses and working towards your solutions, you'll have a more honest relationship with yourself. | Get into the right mindset. Be open to doing a self-assessment, which could be a useful problem-solving tool. You should approach it without shame or blame. You don't have to be brutally honest with yourself. Instead, be gentle and kind while still being honest. Think of yourself as a friend providing advice to yourself. This will keep you from being too rough on yourself. Identify an area for self-evaluation. You don't need to evaluate every aspect of your life in order to start being honest with yourself. Think about things that both cause you discomfort and can be changed. Choices for focus include goals, career, money, family, spirituality, and love. You could also examine how you spend your time. For example, who do you spend your time with? What is the quality of the time you spend with others? You could look at choices you make about yourself. For example, what are your goals, your exercise, eating, drinking, or work habits? You could look at your performance in a role you fulfill, such as a worker, a parent, a child, a partner, etc. Evaluate your goals and progress towards them. Be courageous. A good place to start is with issues you do feel comfortable approaching, then working your way up to the issues that make you feel uncomfortable. As you gain confidence in your ability to be honest with yourself, continue to challenge yourself by approaching topics you feel less comfortable addressing. Be careful not to pick and choose what you assess based only on how comfortable you feel about the topic. If you avoid things that make you uncomfortable, you may be avoiding the most important issues of all. Set some time aside for yourself. Get up earlier or later than your family, or find a quiet space where you can sit and think. Some people think better while doing some other simple task (such as laundry) or while walking. Find out what works for you. Write things down. Putting something in words helps you to be specific. You can write in whatever way you feel comfortable, be it lists, notes, cartoons, drawings, or maps. If you're not a writer, consider talking into a tape recorder or recording your thoughts some other way. Be specific and complete. Instead of vague, broad assessments, come up with specific strengths and areas for improvement. This will help you when the time comes to take action. Don't just focus on areas for improvement, focus on strengths and skills as well. For example, instead of noting that you're “too shy,” you can say “I would like to be more assertive to get my point across in meetings at work when I feel strongly about something.” Start with your strengths. What are you good at? What do you have a passion for doing? What do others compliment you on or tell you you're good at? Once you have these listed, think about how you can make them even better or use them to your advantage. Take 10 minutes and complete the following sentence as many different ways as you can: One of my strengths is that... List your areas for improvement. What do you dislike? What doesn't work too well for you? Focusing on areas for improvement can put things into perspective. Once you have listed them, you can choose whether to try to improve upon these areas or let them go. Take another 10 minutes and complete the following sentence as many different ways as you can: Things don't work well when... Write down your opportunities. These could be based on how you use your strengths or improve yourself. At a personal level, an opportunity isn't just the potential to make money. Rather, an opportunity might satisfy your own needs or help you improve yourself. For example, learning an instrument might not provide you a financial opportunity, but the satisfaction of learning to play could be opportunity enough. List the factors that undermine your success. What could undermine those opportunities, derail your hopes, or sidetrack your success? Identifying these factors will make you more aware and make them less threatening. Some risks are beyond our control, but many can be lessened or anticipated. Perform a verbal self-assessment. Place an empty chair across from you and imagine yourself sitting in the chair. Say out loud all of the things you are withholding from yourself. These can be both positive things about yourself. If you feel more comfortable talking to someone else, you can imagine them sitting in the chair. You may even want to contact the person and tell them the things you said for real. Review your lists of strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Cross off things that do not make sense or do not seem quite true after you give them more thought. Replace them with things that you notice are missing. Also, put an asterisk next to things that are really true or strike a chord with you. Don't give up. Fight against feelings of hopelessness and discouragement as you identify areas of self-improvement. One way to do this is to give yourself small rewards for identifying areas of self-improvement and acting on them. Also, when feelings of hopelessness and discouragement surface, focus on “low hanging fruit” and evaluate something that feels relatively painless and easy to fix. Remember, you are not rating your worthiness as a human being, just trying to identify differences between your actual self and your ideal self. Ask friends you trust how they see you. Seeing yourself objectively is not always easy, and an honest assessment by somebody outside can help you gauge whether your personal assessment is reasonable. Keep things in perspective. So you haven't won your Nobel Peace Prize yet. Neither have most of the rest of us. You're only human, and nobody, including yourself, should expect perfection of you. Create an action plan. Take your areas of improvement and create goals for working towards. For goals that seem too audacious, consider breaking them down into sub-goals. Make sure to define success in such a way that you can identify when you have been successful and are likely to be successful. For example, if you think you have a weight problem, take a goal like “Lose 100 pounds” and break it up into smaller steps that will get you to your goal. Think of as many small changes as you can that together can add up to you meeting your audacious goal. For example, the first week cut out all soda and drinks with sugar. Second week, cut out all packaged baked goods, like cookies and doughnuts, and replace them with healthier versions. Keep restructuring your diet until you are eating mostly healthy foods almost all the time. Chart your progress. Keep your lists to remind you of both your strengths and your new goals. When you successfully complete an action or reach a goal, cross it off and add another item to your list. If you get stuck, identify the barriers to progress and focus on how to overcome them. For example, if you can't get rid of your gambling addiction, think about how you started the process of quitting and when you have not been successful. Maybe you identified that you turn to gambling on the weekends when you do not have anything else to do, and you can start planning more activities to occupy your time on the weekends. Be gentle on yourself and maintain perspective. Through all of this remember to separate your behaviors from who you are as a person. You are not your actions and your actions do not define your self worth. As you focus on areas of improvement, it can seem like all you are ever doing is “improving” yourself. So, make sure to focus on areas where you do not need improvement. For example, if you are focusing on exercising more, and you have met all your exercise goals over the last month, it's okay to take a day off and go to the movies instead of going for a run. You just have to be careful that you are not backsliding and undoing all of your good work. | Get into the right mindset. Identify an area for self-evaluation. Be courageous. Set some time aside for yourself. Write things down. Be specific and complete. Start with your strengths. List your areas for improvement. Write down your opportunities. List the factors that undermine your success. Perform a verbal self-assessment. Review your lists of strengths, opportunities, and areas for improvement. Don't give up. Ask friends you trust how they see you. Create an action plan. Chart your progress. Be gentle on yourself and maintain perspective. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Horchata | How to Make Horchata | To make rice horchata, blend some rice until it's the consistency of a coarse polenta. Put the rice, a cinnamon stick, and 3 cups of water into a bowl and let it sit at room temperature for at least three hours, or overnight if possible! Then put the mixture back into a blender, add 2 cups of water, and blend until completely smooth, which can take up to 4 minutes. Pour that mixture through a very fine strainer, then mix in the sugar until it's dissolved. Refrigerate and serve! | Gather your ingredients. Authentic recipes call for white, long grain rice. It is possible to make horchata with different kinds of rice; just know that you will get a different flavor with different varieties of rice. Indian Basmati rice is a white, long grain rice. Your horchata will have a more "rice-like" flavor, so you may want to add a little extra cinnamon to counter this effect. Long grain brown rice will have a nutty flavor. It will not taste like authentic horchata, but it could be a tasty spin on this classic beverage. If you can find Mexican cinnamon (Canela), this will lend a more authentic flavor to your horchata. Canela is slightly milder than American cinnamon. Pulverize the rice. You can use a blender, coffee bean or grain mill to grind the rice. Try to get the rice to the consistency of a coarse polenta. This will allow the rice to better absorb the water and cinnamon. You can try to blend the rice with a food processor, but the rice may just whirl around and not actually break up. You can also grind the rice by hand using a metate, or corn grinding stone. If you can't get the rice that fine, simply break it up as much as possible. Pour the rice, cinnamon stick, and 3 cups of warm water into a bowl. Cover the mixture and allow it to come to room temperature. Allow the mixture to sit for a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight if possible. The longer you allow the mixture to soak, the more flavorful it will be. If you have the time, it is highly recommended that you give it 12 hours to soak. Don't refrigerate the mix. Let it sit out at room temperature. Pour the mixture into a blender and add 2 cups of water. If you do not have a blender or food processor, you will need to soak the rice in water for two days, or until the water becomes milky. The horchata may be grittier with this method, so be sure you strain it well and mix it up before drinking. If you have a hand-held or burr mixer, you can mix the horchata right in the bowl. Blend the mixture until smooth. This may take between 1 and 4 minutes, depending on your blender. Try to get the mixture as smooth as you possibly can. Strain the mixture through a sieve lined with three layers of cheesecloth or a very fine strainer. Pour just a little at a time, and use a spoon or spatula to stir the mixture as it goes through. If you have trouble straining the mixture because of a build up of rice gunk in the strainer, you can discard this as you go. Gather the cheesecloth at the top and twist to squeeze out any remaining liquid. Mix in the sugar until dissolved. You can substitute different sweeteners, like simple syrup, honey, or agave. Transfer the horchata to a pitcher and refrigerate. Serve over ice with ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick as garnish. Gather your ingredients. Tiger nuts can be tricky to find. You can order them online or find them at an African grocery store. Place tiger nuts and cinnamon into a bowl and cover with water. The water should cover the nuts by at least two inches. Allow the tiger nuts to soak for 24 hours at room temperature. The nuts have to rehydrate, and because they can be so difficult to find, they may be older and take longer to become useable. Pour the tiger nuts, cinnamon, and soaking water into a blender. Add 4 cups of hot water and blend until smooth. This should take about two minutes, depending on your blender. Strain the mixture through a strainer lined with a layer of cheesecloth or through a fine sieve. Use a spoon or spatula to stir the mixture as you strain, keeping any large particles from keeping the liquid from passing through the cloth. Gather the top of the cheesecloth and squeeze out any remaining liquid. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher and mix in sugar and salt. Use a large spoon or whisk to mix the horchata until sugar and salt have dissolved completely. You can substitute honey, simple syrup, agave, or other sweeteners for sugar if you wish. Refrigerate horchata until cold. Serve over ice with a dash of cinnamon or cinnamon stick as a garnish. Add lime zest to the mix. Lime will compliment the other flavors in the drink. Just make that you only get the green part of the lime skin when you zest. The white is bitter and unpalatable. Add a cup of milk (regular, almond milk, or rice milk) for a creamier texture. Before the final blend, add only 1 cup of water and then add 1 cup of milk of your choosing. Add 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract for a touch of vanilla flavor. Try making horchata with almond milk. Use 1/3 cup of rice, plus 1 cup of blanched and skinned almonds. Grind the rice separately, then add the almonds, cinnamon, and 3 cups of hot water, and allow the mixture to sit overnight. Proceed to blend and strain the mixture as normal. | Gather your ingredients. Pulverize the rice. Pour the rice, cinnamon stick, and 3 cups of warm water into a bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for a minimum of 3 hours, or overnight if possible. Pour the mixture into a blender and add 2 cups of water. Blend the mixture until smooth. Strain the mixture through a sieve lined with three layers of cheesecloth or a very fine strainer. Mix in the sugar until dissolved. Transfer the horchata to a pitcher and refrigerate. Serve over ice with ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick as garnish. Gather your ingredients. Place tiger nuts and cinnamon into a bowl and cover with water. Allow the tiger nuts to soak for 24 hours at room temperature. Pour the tiger nuts, cinnamon, and soaking water into a blender. Add 4 cups of hot water and blend until smooth. Strain the mixture through a strainer lined with a layer of cheesecloth or through a fine sieve. Transfer the mixture to a pitcher and mix in sugar and salt. Refrigerate horchata until cold. Serve over ice with a dash of cinnamon or cinnamon stick as a garnish. Add lime zest to the mix. Add a cup of milk (regular, almond milk, or rice milk) for a creamier texture. Add 1/2 tablespoon vanilla extract for a touch of vanilla flavor. Try making horchata with almond milk. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Area-of-an-Object | How to Calculate Area of an Object | To calculate the area of a planar object, you'll need the formula for the object depending on the shape of the object. For example, to get the area of a rectangle, you multiply the width by the height, and to calculate the area of a triangle, you multiply the base by the height and divide by half. If you have an irregular shape, you may need to break it up into smaller shapes with a known formula for the area. | Identify the shapes embedded in an object. If you're not working with a simple easily-identifiable shape, like a circle or a trapezoid, then you may be working with a shape that is made up of several other shapes. You have to recognize what those are so you can break the larger object down into a series of smaller objects. In this case, this object is composed of the following shapes: a triangle, a trapezoid, a rectangle, a square, and a semi-circle (half of a circle). Write down the formulas for finding the area of each of these shapes. These formulas will allow you to use the given measurements of each shape to find their areas. Here are the formulas for finding the area of each shape: Area of a Square = side = a Area of a Rectangle = width x height = w x h Area of a Trapezoid = [(side 1 + side 2) x height]/2 = [(a + b) x h]/2 Area of a Triangle = base x height x 1/2 = (b x h)/2 Area of a Semi-Circle = (π x radius )/2 = (π x r )/2 Write down the dimensions of each shape. Once you write down the formulas, write down the dimensions of each shape so you can plug them in. Here are the dimensions of each shape: Square: a = 2.5 in Rectangle = w = 4.5 in, h = 2.5 in Trapezoid = a = 3 in, b = 5 in, h = 5 in Triangle = b = 3 in, h = 2.5 in Semi-Circle = r = 1.5 in Use the formulas and dimensions to find the area of each object and add them up. Finding the area of each shape will lead you to find the area of each part of the shape; once you've found the area of each shape using the formula and measurements you were given, all you have to do is add up each area to find the area of the entire object. When calculating area, you have to remember to state the area in square units. The area of the entire object is 44.78 in. Here's how you get it: Find the area of each shape: Area of Square = 2.5 in = 6.25 in Rectangle = 4.5 in x 2.5 in = 11.25 in Trapezoid = [(3 in + 5 in) x 5 in]/2 = 20 in Triangle = 3 in x 2.5 in x 1/2 = 3.75 in Semi-Circle = 1.5 in x π x 1/2 = 3.53 in Add the areas of each shape together: Area of Object = Area of Square + Area of Rectangle + Area of Trapezoid + Area of Semi-Circle Area of Object = 6.25 in + 11.25 in + 20 in + 3.75 in + 3.53 in Area of Object = 44.78 in Write down the formulas for finding the surface area of each shape. The surface area is the total area of an object's faces and curved surfaces. Every three dimensional object has a surface area; the volume is the amount of space taken up by the object. Here are the formulas for finding the surface area of a variety of objects: Surface area of a square = 6 x side = 6s Surface area of a cone = π x radius x side + π x radius = π x r x s + πr Surface area of a sphere = 4 x π x radius = 4πr Surface area of a cylinder = 2 x π x radius + 2 x π x radius x height = 2πr + 2πrh Surface area of a square-based pyramid = side of base + 2 x side of base x h = b + 2bh Write down the dimensions of each shape. Here they are: Cube = side = 3.5 in Cone = r = 2 in, h = 4 in Sphere = r = 3 in Cylinder = r = 2 in, h = 3.5 in Square-Based Pyramid = b = 2 in, h = 4 in Calculate the surface area of each shape. Now, all you have to do is plug the dimensions of each shape into the formula for finding the surface area of each shape and you're all done. Here's how you do it: Surface area of the cube = 6 x 3.5 = 73.5 in Surface area of the cone = π(2 x 4) + π x 2 = 37.7 in Surface are of the sphere = 4 x π x 3 = 113.09 in Surface are of the cylinder = 2π x 2 + 2π(2 x 3.5) = 69.1 in Surface area of the square-based pyramid = 2 + 2(2 x 4) = 20 in | Identify the shapes embedded in an object. Write down the formulas for finding the area of each of these shapes. Write down the dimensions of each shape. Use the formulas and dimensions to find the area of each object and add them up. Write down the formulas for finding the surface area of each shape. Write down the dimensions of each shape. Calculate the surface area of each shape. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-French-Manicure | How to Do a French Manicure | To give yourself a French manicure, first remove any old polish on your nails using nail polish remover. Then, trim and file your nails so they're all the same length. Keep in mind that a French manicure looks best on longer nails that are rounded, not square. Soak your nails in warm water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles, then push back the cuticles with an orange stick or cuticle pusher. Now, apply a pale pink, cream, or clear base coat to your nails. Let it dry completely, then apply a second coat. Once that dries, it's time to apply the white tips. Carefully paint white polish over the whites of your nails in a crescent shape. Let the white tips dry completely. Finally, apply a clear top coat over your nails to protect your French manicure. If you're having trouble painting the white tips, try placing a piece of tape across your nail, leaving the white of your nail exposed. Then, paint the exposed part of your nail with white polish, and remove the piece of tape. Repeat for each of your nails. | Remove your old nail polish. Dip a cotton swab into some nail polish remover and remove all of your old nail polish, even if it's clear. Be sure to remove traces of polish from all the corners and cracks, since you'll be able to see other colors through the pale French mani polish. If you're wearing acrylics and wish to do the French manicure on top, use appropriate polish remover and don't let it soak into your nails for too long. Note that acetone nail polish remover can dry and damage your nails, so you may want to choose a remover that doesn't contain this chemical. French manicures look more striking with longer nails, so you don't want to trim them too close to your fingertips. Start by trimming your nails to the desired length. Make sure all of them are even. Use nail clippers to trim uneven spots and make sure all your nails are the same length. If you want to apply acrylic nails, you can trim them down to your fingertips first. After your nails are trimmed, apply the acrylic glue and nails according to the instructions on the package. File and buff your nails. Use a nail file to finish shaping your nails so that they each have a smooth, crescent-shaped edge. You can file your nails into a square or round shape, depending on your preference. Use a nail buffer to buff the surface of your nails. When you file your nails, don't push down, as this can damage them. You want to gently drag the file across your nails. Soak your nails. Place your hands in a warm bowl of water, whole milk or olive oil. This softens your cuticles and makes them easier to push back. Soak for about three minutes, then dry your hands with a towel. Push back your cuticles. Use an orange stick or cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back. Don't trim your cuticles; this leaves your nail matrix (the area your nails grow from) open to infection and can cause deformities on your nails like ridges or discoloration. You may also massage some cuticle oil into your nails at this time. After applying cuticle oil you could put a few drops of rubbing alcohol on your nails. Make sure not to put on too much or it can cause your nails to turn brittle. Apply the base coat. The base coat of a French manicure is usually pale pink, cream, or clear. Start by painting a stripe down the center of your first nail, then two more stripes on either side. Paint from the cuticle to the tip , with the brush angled forward. Fill in the entire nail using smooth, even strokes. Continue painting the base coat on each nail of both hands. You can buy French manicure kits that come with a classic base coat color, a tip color, and other equipment you can use to create a perfect manicure. If you want to stray from the classic French mani, choose a base color that isn't pink or cream. You could go with red, purple, blue, green, or any other color you like. For the tips, you can use white nail polish or another contrasting color. Allow the base to dry thoroughly and apply a second coat. Make sure the base is completely dry before proceeding. Paint your nail tips with white polish. Making sure your hand is steady, paint white crescents on your nail tips. The white polish should stop right where the whites of your nails stop. Allow the tips to completely dry, then apply another coat if you wish. If you have a French manicure kit, you can use the crescent-shaped nail guides to make sure your tip paint goes on neatly. You can also create your own nail guides by cutting them out of painter's tape. Using other kinds of tape might ruin the base coat, so stick to either painter's tape or the nail guides that come in a kit. Use white nail polish to paint a tip on the nails. Then use a nail polish remover pen to carefully touch up or shape the area. If you don't have a pen you could also use a Q-tip. Add a clear top coat to protect the look of your freshly painted nails. Using a top coat will help the manicure last longer, too. Finished. Use scotch tape. If you're not so great at painting a straight line, you can make your job a bit easier by using scotch tape. Once your nails are completely ready and are just missing the white tips, put a strip of scotch tape across the top of each of your nails. The tape will block off the majority of your nail, leaving just a small strip at the end exposed. Paint this with your white polish; if you make a mistake, it won't matter since it will just get on the scotch tape instead. When your nails are dry, peel off the scotch tape to reveal your finished manicure. Use moleskin pads. You know the little round moleskin pads you might use for blisters on your feet? Well, they happen to work perfectly for getting rounded white tips without wiggly edges. When you've finished your nail color (the light pink or tan, whichever you prefer), and the color has dried, put a moleskin pad at the top of the nail, so that only a small portion of the tip is exposed. Paint your white polish over the top of this, and when the paint is dry, peel the pads off. Your white tips should be perfectly rounded, and any mistakes you made will peel off with the moleskin. Try using white-out. It may sound strange, but if you're having difficulty painting with a white nail polish, white-out (for pen mistakes) might be the perfect solution. Because the application sponge for white-out is square, it makes it easy to dab the white color in a perfect line across your nail tip. Just use white-out instead of white nail polish, and finish it off with a top coat. Nobody will know the difference, and you'll have saved yourself loads of time!, and there you go,you are ready to show off your beautiful french manicure. | Remove your old nail polish. French manicures look more striking with longer nails, so you don't want to trim them too close to your fingertips. File and buff your nails. Soak your nails. Push back your cuticles. Apply the base coat. Paint your nail tips with white polish. Add a clear top coat to protect the look of your freshly painted nails. Finished. Use scotch tape. Use moleskin pads. Try using white-out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rum | How to Make Rum | To make rum, dissolve sugar and molasses in hot water, let it cool, and add hydrated yeast. Let that mixture ferment for a couple days before you chill it to knock the yeast to the bottom of the bucket. Then, distill the rum by running a siphon from the mash to a collection tank. As the rum evaporates, it will condense in the siphon and flow into the other container. | Begin by placing 20 L of water in a clean boiler. The operative word is clean. The slightest bit of contamination can spoil the rum. Before you start, make sure you're dealing with the cleanest ingredients and a sanitary area. Clean and then submerge any utensils you will be using in boiling water. Turn the heat off the boiling water and soak your pot or barrel in the near-boiling water. Then dump the water. This will help kill off any potentially harmful germs. Dissolve both the sugar and molasses in 20 liters of water over medium heat. The sugar will dissolve easily, but the molasses will be tougher dissolve, as it is very sticky. Try not to boil the water. Continue to let it heat up until bubbles just start to form, and then turn the burner off. Cool the solution to 28 °C (82 °F) and add the hydrated yeast. You may find it helpful to take out about 1 liter of the mash in a jug first; try dissolving the yeast in the smaller jug. Then, when the mixture begins to foam up, incorporate with the rest of the wort. Allow solution to ferment at 25° C (77° F) until the airlock on your pot stops bubbling. The yeast needs heat to keep converting sugar to alcohol. So be sure to store the wash in a warm place or keep the room artificially heated. The airlock on the pot will let the carbon dioxide out without letting oxygen in. It should take about 24 - 48 hours for the airlock to stop bubbling. The airlock is a really important piece of the fermentation process. You can make an airlock yourself pretty easily, or you can buy one inexpensively. Either way, be sure the airlock fits well and doesn't let additional air into the container. Why is it important that no air gets into the wash? The yeast feeds on oxygen from the sugar molecules, leaving ethyl alcohol behind (and spitting out carbon dioxide). If the yeast has a continuous supply of oxygen to eat, it won't be effective scavenging the oxygen from the sugar molecules. Once airlock has finished bubbling, allow the mash to sit for 3-7 days. You can use a hydrometer to test when the mash is ready. Hydrometers measure the ratio of a density of a liquid to the density of water. Measure once a day starting on the day when your mash should be finished. Take a bit of mash out of the container and put it into a graduated cylinder. Float the hydrometer into the cylinder, gently swirling the cylinder to release any bubbles. When you get the same reading on the hydrometer for three days straight, your wash is ready to distill. Knock your yeast down by lowering the temperature. At this point, your yeast may still be on the surface of your wash. Allowing the yeast to enter the still during distillation will cause bad smells and flavors. To knock the yeast down to the bottom of the mash, you should move your mash to a cool place — ideally, 10° - 14° C (50° - 57° F) — and wait up to two days. At this point, you can siphon your wash directly into the still or rack it and save a part of the yeast for another batch in the refrigerator. Place a collection vessel under the distillate valve to catch your alcohol solution. It's very important that all connections are tightly sealed and fit well. Connect a water source to coolant input. You want a water source to cool the alcohol vapor. As the alcohol vapor cools, it condenses into liquid ethanol. This will then drip from the condenser into a collection vessel. Now siphon the solution into the still. Be sure to siphon the mash carefully, avoiding the bottom, where the yeast collected. A siphon is a tube or conduit bent into legs of unequal length, for use in drawing a liquid from one container into another on a lower level. Siphoning works by placing the shorter leg into the container above and the longer leg into the one below. The liquid is forced up the shorter leg and into the longer leg by the pressure of the atmosphere. Begin slowly bringing the solution to a boil. For rum, a slow boil is best; no need to crank it up. Begin running cold water once the solution reaches between 50-60°C (122-140 °F). The solution will start distilling when clear drops of liquid start to exit the spout into the collection vessel. Discard the first 100mL (3.38 fl. ounces) of clear liquid. This is called the "heads," and is routinely discarded for safety precautions. The heads contains volatile methanol, which can be lethal if ingested. Better to be safe than sorry, especially when you're distilling three liters of spirit. Collect the next 2-3 L of distillate exiting the spout. Stop collecting once temperature reached 96 °C (204.8 °F). Turn off the heat source, then turn off the cold water. Open the lid to still so as to avoid creating a vacuum inside your still. Age your rum in oak barrels or toasted oak (optional). Often, rum is aged in toasted oak barrels for 10 years or longer to add depth of flavor and color. If you don't have the luxury of a toasted oak barrel, or 10 years' time, you can safely soak your rum in toasted oak chips for three weeks to impart a signature taste. Filter your rum through a cheesecloth or clean cotton shirt to catch any of the wood particles. Use water to dilute alcohol to expected proof. Depending on the reflux still, your undiluted rum can be up to 95% alcohol, which is dangerously strong for consumption. Use a dilution calculator to bring your rum down to around 45% for the best taste experience. Add flavors of other additives to improve the taste. Make spiced rum by adding cinnamon, ginger, and cloves to the final rum mixture, soaking for 1 - 2 weeks. Some choose to add a small amount of caramelized sugar to the rum. | Begin by placing 20 L of water in a clean boiler. Dissolve both the sugar and molasses in 20 liters of water over medium heat. Cool the solution to 28 °C (82 °F) and add the hydrated yeast. Allow solution to ferment at 25° C (77° F) until the airlock on your pot stops bubbling. Once airlock has finished bubbling, allow the mash to sit for 3-7 days. Knock your yeast down by lowering the temperature. Place a collection vessel under the distillate valve to catch your alcohol solution. Connect a water source to coolant input. Now siphon the solution into the still. Begin slowly bringing the solution to a boil. Discard the first 100mL (3.38 fl. Collect the next 2-3 L of distillate exiting the spout. Turn off the heat source, then turn off the cold water. Open the lid to still so as to avoid creating a vacuum inside your still. Age your rum in oak barrels or toasted oak (optional). Use water to dilute alcohol to expected proof. Add flavors of other additives to improve the taste. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cucumber-Sandwiches | How to Make Cucumber Sandwiches | To make a basic cucumber sandwich, start by peeling the skin away from the cucumber and cutting it into thin, crisp slices. Next, let the cucumber drain in a colander for 10 minutes so your sandwich won't up soggy. Then, combine the cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion salt. Finally, spread the cream cheese mixture on 2 pieces of bread and sandwich a few slices of cucumber in between them. | Peel and slice a fresh, washed cucumber. Traditionally, cucumber sandwiches use thin, crisp slices of cucumber with the dark green peel removed. Use a potato peeler or a small, sharp knife to shave off the peel. You can use thick slices or leave the peel on if you wish — it's up to you. The peel won't hurt you, but its texture is slightly tougher than the flesh of the cucumber. Drain the liquid from the cucumber slices. Drop the slices into a colander in the sink. Let them drain for about 10 minutes, then remove them to a plate and pat dry with a paper towel. Getting your cucumber slices as crisp and dry (on the outside) as possible is important for a good sandwich. Soft, wet slices of cucumber are exactly what you don't want — they'll leave you with a dull, soggy mess. Make your cream cheese spread. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion salt. Stir well until smooth and uniform. Spread the cream cheese mixture on both pieces of bread. You can be as generous as you like with the spread. One of the nice things about putting the spread on both pieces of bread is that it traps the moisture from the cucumber slices in the middle of the sandwich so that they don't make the bread soggy. This is something you can do with many fat or oil-based spreads (like peanut butter). Sandwich the cucumbers between the bread slices. Lay down a few slices of cucumber on one of the pieces of bread. You can be generous here — you want a little cucumber in every bite. When you're done, lay the other piece of bread on top (spread facing down, of course). Congratulations — you just made your first cucumber sandwich! Remove the crusts and cut the sandwich into small pieces. There's no "wrong" way to eat a cucumber sandwich, but in England, the sandwich is often eaten in small, crust-less squares, triangles, or fingers. Cut the sandwich how you wish (or leave it how it is) and serve immediately. If you're serving guests, repeat the steps above for more sandwiches, working through your loaf of bread. If needed, make more spread or cut more cucumber slices. In the section below, you'll learn a few tips for "spicing up" the basic cucumber sandwich recipe. Use these variations as you wish — you may even want to try serving a platter with every different kind of sandwich for variety's sake. Sprinkle dill over the cucumbers for a subtly fresh flavor. Dill pairs excellently with the smooth, subdued flavors of a typical cucumber sandwich. After all, it's a crucial ingredient in dill pickles (which are made from cucumbers). A pinch or two of dried dill sprinkled into the sandwich will add some of this unique pickle-y flavor to the dish. For an eye-catching presentation, try serving the sandwiches open-faced (without the top piece of bread) and laying a single sprig of fresh dill across the cucumber slices. It'll look gorgeous (and taste great, too). Use lemon pepper for a tangy twist. With their crisp, cool taste and texture, cucumber sandwiches are the perfect summertime snack. Adding a little lemon pepper to the spread or sprinkling it over the cucumber slices gives your sandwiches just a hint of sourness, making them even more refreshing. Lemon pepper can be bought for fairly cheap at most mid- to high-end grocery stores. You can also make it yourself from lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Add Italian-style salad dressing for savory flavor. If the standard cucumber sandwich doesn't have quite enough flavor for you, try adding a splash of your favorite Italian salad dressing as you're mixing the spread. This will give it a slightly more savory, substantial flavor without ruining the overall smoothness that makes a cucumber sandwich so great. Use pumpernickel rye bread for a traditional combination. Cucumber sandwiches are great with any good-quality white or wheat bread, but for an old-fashioned taste, use pumpernickel rye. Its heavy, sweet flavor contrasts well with the light, crisp bitterness of the cucumbers and the smoothness of the spread. Rye breads aren't always sold at neighborhood grocery stores, but you should be able to find it at many higher-end locations. Try with chopped mint for added coolness. Cucumbers are cool and crisp on their own, but with the added flavor and aroma of fresh mint, they're practically ice cold. Chop a few sprigs of mint and sprinkle them over the cucumbers or add them on top of each sandwich as a garnish. If you can, chop the mint into small, fine pieces. It's a little difficult to chew through whole mint leaves when they're in the middle of a sandwich. Try the sandwich with Marmite spread (if you're bold). Marmite is an infamous, strong-flavored spread made from yeast extract that is popular in the U.K. and some Commonwealth countries. Some people love it and some people hate it — it doesn't leave many tasters without a strong opinion. People who enjoy Marmite have been known to add it to cucumber sandwiches. If you want to try it but you've never had Marmite before, using a small amount is recommended. Marmite is often described as having a very salty taste with fishy qualities. It also has a strong odor that, to some, is unappealing. | Peel and slice a fresh, washed cucumber. Drain the liquid from the cucumber slices. Make your cream cheese spread. Spread the cream cheese mixture on both pieces of bread. Sandwich the cucumbers between the bread slices. Remove the crusts and cut the sandwich into small pieces. Sprinkle dill over the cucumbers for a subtly fresh flavor. Use lemon pepper for a tangy twist. Add Italian-style salad dressing for savory flavor. Use pumpernickel rye bread for a traditional combination. Try with chopped mint for added coolness. Try the sandwich with Marmite spread (if you're bold). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Buttercup-Squash | How to Cook Buttercup Squash | To cook a sweet and savory buttercup squash dish in the oven, start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees F. Next, coat a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and lay the squash wedges inside in a single layer. Then, mix the agave nectar and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl and use a basting brush to coat each wedge with the mixture. Finally, roast the squash in the oven for 30 minutes, turning the wedges over at the halfway mark and brushing the other side with the agave and vinegar mixture. | Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Coat a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Lay the squash wedges in a single layer on the baking dish. Mix together the agave nectar and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Use a basting brush to coat each piece of squash with the mixture. Roast the squash in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove halfway through, turn the squash over, and brush the other side with the agave and vinegar mixture. Remove the squash from the oven. The pieces should be lightly browned when finished, and easily pierced with a knife. Sprinkle with black pepper and sea salt and serve immediately. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). On a cutting board, use a sharp chef's knife to cut the squash in half from top to bottom. Remove the stem first if it is still intact. Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside of each half. Place the squash halves skin side down on an ungreased baking sheet. Combine the apples, butter, sugar, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Spoon the mixture into each half of the squash. Cover and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes. The squash should be tender when finished. Serve the squash warm as a sweet side dish or as dessert. Finished. | Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Mix together the agave nectar and balsamic vinegar in a small bowl. Roast the squash in the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the squash from the oven. Sprinkle with black pepper and sea salt and serve immediately. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside of each half. Combine the apples, butter, sugar, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Cover and bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hack-a-Computer | How to Hack a Computer | If you want to hack a computer with Windows, first create a Windows 10 installation tool by downloading the tool from the Windows 10 download page onto a flash drive. After you have the installation tool, change the computer's boot order to your flash drive's name so it starts from there rather than its hard drive. Once you've adjusted the boot order, open the Command Prompt window and replace Utility Manager so you can execute administrator-level functions without a log in. Then, restart your computer from the Command Prompt. When the computer has rebooted, open Command Prompt by clicking the Utility Manager icon and create a new user. Restart the computer again and log in with the new user you just created to access all of the main account's files. | Understand what this will accomplish. While Windows 10 doesn't allow you to abuse the Administrator account like you could in past renditions of Windows, you can use a Windows 10 installation drive and Command Prompt to add a new administrator-enabled user that can see the main account's files and folders. Create a Windows 10 installation tool. Make sure that you have a blank flash drive that is at least 8 gigabytes in size, then do the following: Attach the flash drive to your computer. Open the Windows 10 download page. Click Download tool now Double-click the downloaded tool. Follow the on-screen prompts, making sure to use your flash drive as the installation location. Leave the flash drive plugged in after the creation process completes. Change your computer's boot order. This is necessary in order to prompt your computer to start from the flash drive rather than the hard drive: Access your computer's BIOS. Find the "Boot Order" section in the Boot or Advanced tab. Select your flash drive's name, then press + (or the "Up" key listed in the legend on the right side or bottom of the screen) until the flash drive is at the top of the list. Save and exit using the key(s) listed in the legend on the right or bottom of the screen. Open Command Prompt. On the setup screen, press ⇧ Shift + F10. You should see the Command Prompt window open. Replace Utility Manager with Command Prompt. Utility Manager is a service which has an icon available on the lock screen. By replacing Utility Manager with Command Prompt, you'll be able to execute administrator-level functions without having to log in: Type move c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe c:\windows\system'''32\utilman.exe.bak into Command Prompt. Press ↵ Enter Type copy c:\windows\system32\cmd.exe c:\windows\system32\utilman.exe into Command Prompt. Press ↵ Enter Restart your computer. Type wpeutil reboot into Command Prompt, then press ↵ Enter. At this point, you'll need to remove your installation media from the computer in order to ensure that Windows reboots to the login screen rather than back into the installation setup. If Windows boots into the installation setup before you have a chance to remove the installation flash drive, remove the flash drive and then press (or press and hold) your computer's hardware Power button. Open Command Prompt. Once the lock screen loads, click the "Utility Manager" icon, which resembles a dial with a right-facing arrow in the middle, in the bottom-right corner of the screen. A Command Prompt window will open. If you don't replace Utility Manager with Command Prompt, clicking this icon will open the Utility Manager instead. Create a new user. Once Command Prompt opens, do the following: Type in net user name /add making sure to replace "name" with a username of your choice. Press ↵ Enter. Type in net localgroup administrators name /add again replacing "name" with the name of the user you just created. Press ↵ Enter Restart your computer again. Click the Power {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Windowspower.png\/30px-Windowspower.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Public_domain\">Public Domain<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} icon, then click Restart when prompted. Your computer will restart one final time, after which point you'll be able to log in with your new administrator account. Log in with your new user. Once Windows finishes restarting, you'll be able to use the account you created to log in: Select your new user's name in the lower-left side of the screen. Click Sign In Wait for Windows to finish setting up your new user account. View the main account's files. You can see all of the files and folders from the main user account by doing the following: Open {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/b\/b1\/WindowsFileExplorer.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/WindowsFileExplorer.png\/30px-WindowsFileExplorer.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"30","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Windows icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} File Explorer. You can also press ⊞ Win + E. Scroll up and click This PC in the left-hand column. Double-click the computer's hard drive. Double-click the Users folder. Double-click the main account's user folder. Click Continue when prompted, then wait for the user's folders to load. Browse the user's files and folders as needed. Understand the limitations. While you'll be able to use the following method to bypass the login on most Macs, some Mac users will have enabled FileVault and/or a firmware password, making it impossible to hack the Mac without knowing the password(s). Keep in mind that the Mac user will know that someone accessed their computer due to the password change. Restart the Mac. Click Restart at the bottom of the login screen. If you're logged into the Mac, click the Apple menu {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Macapple1.png\/29px-Macapple1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":476,"bigWidth":"29","bigHeight":"30","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>I edited this screenshot of a Mac icon.\n<\/p><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"http:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a><br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} , click Restart... , and click Restart when prompted. Press and hold the ⌘ Command and R keys. You'll need to do this immediately after clicking Restart. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo. This will cause your Mac to start into the recovery menu. Click →. It's at the bottom of the screen. Click Utilities. This menu item is at the top of the screen. Clicking it prompts a drop-down menu. Click Terminal. It's in the drop-down menu. Doing so opens a Terminal window. Enter the password reset command. Type in resetpassword and then press ⏎ Return to do so. A few Terminal commands will run, and the password reset page will open in the background. Close Terminal. Once you see the password reset page open in the background, click the red circle in the upper-left corner of the Terminal window. Select a user. Click the name of the user account you want to hack, then click Next at the bottom of the window. Create a new password. Fill out the following fields: New password — Enter your new password. Verify password — Re-type the password. Password hint — Add a hint for the password. Click Next. It's at the bottom of the screen. Click Restart. You'll find this option at the bottom of the screen. Clicking it prompts your Mac to begin restarting; when it completes, you'll be back at the login screen. Log in with your new password. In the password box below the user you selected, type in the new password, then press ⏎ Return. Click Continue Log In if prompted. This will allow you to continue logging in without setting up a new Keychain. Browse the Mac as needed. Since you're on the user's account, you shouldn't have any limitations as long as they have administrator privileges. Understand how this method works. If you have access to the target computer during some hours but want to be able to access it remotely whenever it's on, you can use TeamViewer to do so. Keep in mind that you'll need physical access to the computer if you want to use this method. If you have physical access to the computer but you don't know the password, use the Windows or Mac bypass listed above. Create a TeamViewer account. You'll need to do this in order to enable some features on the target computer: Go to https://www.teamviewer.us/ in your computer's web browser. Click LOGIN Scroll down and click Sign Up in the lower-left corner. Enter your email address, name, and preferred password on the left side of the page. It's best to use a new email address that doesn't appear affiliated with you for this step. Check the "I'm not a robot" box. Click Sign Up Verify your email address by opening it, clicking the email from TeamViewer, and clicking the long link in the middle of the email's body. Install TeamViewer on both computers. Go to https://www.teamviewer.us/downloads/ in each computer's web browser, click Download now , double-click the file that downloads, and then do the following: Windows — Check the "Installation to access this computer remotely" box, check the "Personal / Non-commercial use" box, uncheck the "Show advanced settings" box if necessary, click Accept - finish , and click Yes when prompted. Mac — Double-click the box-shaped icon in the middle of the TeamViewer window, then follow the on-screen instructions. You will first need to reset the Mac's password if you don't know the password as you'll be prompted for the password during the installation. Open TeamViewer on your computer. Double-click the blue-and-white TeamViewer app icon to do so. Set up TeamViewer. Do the following: Close the "Unattended setup" window if prompted by clicking Cancel. Click the Try it now button at the top of the window if possible. Check the "Remote control" box. It's on the right side of the window. This ensures that you'll be able to use your computer to access the target computer later. Open TeamViewer on the target computer. Double-click the TeamViewer app icon to do so. Set up the target computer's TeamViewer for easy access. Beneath the "Unattended Access" heading, do the following: Check the "Start TeamViewer" box. Check the "Assign to Device" box. Enter your email address and password when prompted, then click Assign. Check the "Grant Easy Access" box. Review the target computer's ID and password. On the left side of the computer's TeamViewer window, you should see an "ID" number and a "Password" number or jumble of characters. You'll need to know both of these credentials in order to access the computer. Connect to the target computer from your computer. Enter the target computer's ID in the "Partner ID" text box, click CONNECT , enter the password when prompted, and click Log On. Doing so will allow you to access remotely the other computer whenever you like. Since the other computer is configured to allow you to sign in whenever you like, you shouldn't have to touch the target computer again once you've installed and set up TeamViewer. | Understand what this will accomplish. Create a Windows 10 installation tool. Change your computer's boot order. Open Command Prompt. Replace Utility Manager with Command Prompt. Restart your computer. Open Command Prompt. Create a new user. Restart your computer again. Log in with your new user. View the main account's files. Understand the limitations. Restart the Mac. Press and hold the ⌘ Command and R keys. Release the keys when you see the Apple logo. Click →. Click Utilities. Click Terminal. Enter the password reset command. Close Terminal. Select a user. Create a new password. Click Next. Click Restart. Log in with your new password. Click Continue Log In if prompted. Browse the Mac as needed. Understand how this method works. Create a TeamViewer account. Install TeamViewer on both computers. Open TeamViewer on your computer. Set up TeamViewer. Check the "Remote control" box. Open TeamViewer on the target computer. Set up the target computer's TeamViewer for easy access. Review the target computer's ID and password. Connect to the target computer from your computer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Communicate-With-Your-Dog | How to Communicate With Your Dog | To communicate with your dog, learn how to interpret its body language so you'll know when your dog is feeling happy, playful, afraid, or angry and can react appropriately to its needs. Additionally, get to know your dog's eye signals, ear positions, and facial expressions to understand your dog's moods. You can also communicate directly with your dog by training it to understand and respond to your verbal commands. Remember to be clear, consistent, and concise with your commands for the best results! | Observe your dog. Learning your dog's habits, mannerisms, and movements through observation will allow the process of understanding its communication behavior to feel more natural. There will be plenty of things it does that will make sense to you without explanation. Just as every person is unique, so is your dog. Be aware that much of a dog's language or communication techniques are subtle. By learning canine communication, you will be able to respond to any problems your dog expresses before a situation escalates. Not noticing small signs of stress or unhappiness can soon lean to more aggressive or distressed behaviors. Remember that this is a two-way learning process. Dogs have to learn our behavioral cues as well, and you should be careful about your own gestures and posture. Dogs also do not understand English. It is important that you teach your dog what you mean by "no" or "sit". Just saying "sit" over and over again won't make him learn it, and will make him think it's just part of the random nonsense you say during the day. Luring your dog into a sit position and then rewarding them heavily for doing that task will make him eager to sit, and then saying the word as he sits will make him connect the dots that the word "sit" means "put your butt on the floor". Note that a dog's ability to signal may be hampered by the breed in question. For example, if your dog has squat ears or a docked tail, some of the signals may not apply to him/her. Know your dog’s response to eye contact. Consider how you feel when someone stares at you directly rather than using normal eye contact. Just as you find it confronting, dogs also feel confused and threatened by direct head-on staring because it is a threat stance for them. A dog that looks away in this situation is actually being polite and is seeking to avoid confrontation. Alternately, training your dog to make eye contact to communicate is extremely helpful for keeping his focus on you. The most effective forms of dog training are positive reinforcement and clicker training. These are the most consistently proven type of training shown by scientists, veterinarians and animal behaviorists. Punishment is frowned upon because it is proven that dogs have very short memories, and likely do not connect situations like them pooping on the floor to your dissatisfaction. In fact, dogs do not feel guilt. Their owners simply stop being as mad when they "look guilty" and it becomes rewarding for both the owner and dog for the dog to offer signs of "guilt". The dog learns you dislike it when poop is on the floor and when you come home, they "act guilty" in order to appease you. They do not in fact relate their action of pooping to you being mad. Clicker training is the idea is to lure your dog into a position and indicate instantly they have done the right thing, and reward them for that behavior. Dog behavior is driven by the most rewarding or least punishing option they have in every situation. If the most rewarding option is to chew on your shoes, they will do so. If you reward them for not chewing on your shoes, they will choose to do that even when you are not around. In contrast, punishment or dominance suggests showing the dog who is boss, which simply results in the behavior being done when you are not around. Dogs are highly reward based and the dominance theory has been disproven. Dogs act in ways that are most rewarding, not based on trying to "dominate" you or another dog. Be the most rewarding thing in your dogs life and he will be eager to do whatever you say. Rolling over and exposing the belly is a gesture to appease you, and giving a belly rub serves as excellent reinforcement for this behavior. An exposed belly can also indicate passive resistance to a perceived threat. Mounting (or humping) can be a sign of stress in a dog, especially where a low-confidence dog is trying to establish allegiance with a higher-confidence animal. Dogs use a variety of gestures and postures to express discomfort, including excessive/misplaced sneezing or yawning, licking of the lips, avoiding eye contact, cowering, whale eye (seeing the whites or their eye) and a stiff body. When a dog is showing discomfort, the best thing to do is to stop what you are doing and not do it in the future. If you need your dog to be comfortable with something, make it very rewarding by giving them tons of treats and introducing them to the uncomfortable thing slowly. Soon your pooch will be offering to do those things for a treat! A dog can show many emotions with his tail. A wagging tail and wiggly butt mean pure joy. A slowly wagging tail means a cautious nature. A stiff tail held high is a sign of alertness, a low tail is a sign of content. A tucked tail means they are scared. Learn to interpret your dog's posture. The ways in which a dog holds its body can tell you a great deal about its mood and emotions. Many of the signals will be subtle and it can take some time to learn all of its expressions but it is well worth the effort. Identify playful and affectionate behavior. Dogs communicate easy confidence and a desire to play through posture and body signals. Confident stance: A dog that is feeling confident will stand tall, have its tail up and probably wagging slowly, its ears will either be pricked up or relaxed, and it will generally look relaxed. Its eyes will have smaller pupils as they are also relaxed. Bowing: Facing you and with head and chest dipped low to the ground, front legs splayed out, and with rear end and tail up is a clear invitation to play. This is known as the "play bow". It can be mistaken by owners as an attack stance but it clearly denotes playtime. Hip swings: Hip swings or nudges are another sign of play.This involves the dog swinging around another dog and knocking them to the ground using the backside (the end of the dog without teeth!). When the dog's rear is presented to you, it is an indication of trust and depending on your dog, it might mean your dog wants a scratch. Wiggling its rear end is a sign of excitement and friendliness. If a dog is stretching with his butt in the air, front legs and paws stretched out in front, and head close to the ground, he is probably feeling playful. If your dog raises his/her paw to touch your knee or another part of your body, the dog wants to get attention, make a request or ask for something, or indicate a wish to play. The gesture begins as a puppy with kneading associated with obtaining mother's milk but becomes similar to that of offering a hand for a handshake – it's about connecting and friendship. Repeatedly pawing at the air is often used by puppies as an invitation to play. If a dog's tail is in a neutral (level with body or slightly lower, he is most likely feeling secure and friendly. If your dog's tail is fiercely wagging and his/her tail up, he/she is feeling mischievous and inclined to bother and annoy you or a fellow canine! It could also signal swatting away another animal. If your dog is slowly or slightly wagging his/her tail and watching you, he/she is relaxed but alert and is anticipating, ready to play. Interpret discomfort or unease. Knowing when your dog is uncomfortable or feeling insecure can help you meet the animal's needs and provide comfort and reassurance when necessary. Pacing can be a sign of nervousness, but it can also be a sign of excitement or boredom. If your dog gets plenty of exercise and entertainment, watch for other signs of nervousness that may accompany the pacing. A dog who feels threatened may raise his/her hackles. This tactic, which involves the raising of the strip of fur running down the middle of the dog's back, is a dog's attempt to make itself appear larger than normal. It is not necessarily an aggressive stance but one of "high alert", making itself ready for whatever may come next. A scared dog can bite, so be extremely careful around a dog raising its hackles. A dog who is frightened or insecure may cower or crouch down. A slight crouch can denote submissiveness or nervousness. A similar stance can be an arched back, slightly bent legs, and the tail down (but not tucked under), and looking at what is concerning it. A dog raising one paw while keeping most of the body away from the person, animal or object creating uncertainty, and backing away is showing uncertainty or puzzlement. If the dog's head is tilted to one side, this means that the dog is listening, or is uncertain and puzzled and is awaiting more information. A slow tail wag with the tail slightly lowered can indicate that the dog is confused and is asking for an explanation, or is investigating a non-threatening new object. If your dog's tail is slightly lowered and still, he is alert and watching. If the tail is lowered and is barely moving, it can also indicate insecurity. If there is slight movement with a low tail, this can indicate that the dog is either sad or not feeling well. Recognize warning signs of aggression. Aggression may lead to unwanted dog fighting or attacks. Recognizing early warning signs of aggression can help your deescalate a situation before it gets worse. A dog whose tail is lowered or tucked between its legs is showing anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Wagging can still occur in this situation, which can lead to the misunderstanding that the dog is happy. This position can also indicate a need for reassurance or protection. A dog that suddenly freezes in the middle of an action is feeling unsure of itself and would rather be left alone, or is preparing for an attack. This is commonplace when a dog is holding a bone; don't get between the dog and its bone! If your dog leans forward and appears very rigid, he most likely feels aggressive or threatened. This occurs in response to what the dog perceives as a threat or a challenge. The tail will usually be tucked down or under, or wagging in a quick and frantic manner. When a dog is considering an attack or feels threatened, the whites of his/her eyes will likely show as the dog looks at the perceived threat. A dog that was showing signs of aggression but who then shakes the head and shoulders may be signaling the end of a certain level of tension, such as being alert to a threat or an anticipated event that doesn't occur. Understand your dog's ear position. While we're not able to do much with our own ears, a dog's ears can be incredibly expressive. Be aware that dogs whose ears were clipped as a puppy may not have the full range of motion to express themselves through their ears. A dog whose ears are pricked forward or straight up is fully engaged in play, hunting, or concentration. This ear position can also indicate curiosity and can express the intent to do something, as the dog is turning to catch sounds. It is an obvious ear position in the early stage of a chase. A dog's ears being flattened, sitting against the dog's head, indicates that the dog feels afraid or threatened. Ears that are forward but close to the head can also indicate aggression. A dog's ears part way back but not flattened may be feeling unhappiness, anxiety, or uncertainty. Interpret your dog's eye signals. A dog's eyes express as much as human eyes do, and just as you learn to interpret people's eye signals, you can also learn to interpret your dog's. Here are some of the more common eye signals: Eyes wide open: this means that your dog is feeling alert, playful, and ready. Staring: staring indicates dominant, challenging behavior. Avoiding eye contact: a dog trying to look away from your face can be showing politeness, deference, or submission. Blinking or winking: these indicate that your dog is being playful. Narrowed eyes: this can indicate that your dog is feeling aggressive and is preparing to attack. This gesture may be accompanied by staring. Watch your dog's face. Dogs often show how they are feeling with facial expressions. Understanding facial expressions can help you interpret your dog's feelings and communicate with your canine companion. Smiling: believe it or not, dogs can smile. While it can be difficult to differentiate a smile from a snarl, checking other body language for signs of play or aggression can help you determine whether your dog is happy or feeling aggressive. If everything else adds up to a happy dog, then your dog is smiling, and this means it's happy and relaxed. Yawning: the meaning of a dog's yawning is dependent on the context, just as it is with humans (humans yawn because we're tired, need more oxygen, we're feeling stressed or embarrassed, or we notice someone else yawning). For dogs, yawning appears to be contagious just as it is with humans. Indeed, if you yawn in front of your dog, it may interpret it either as you being stressed (in which case, it will likely turn away from you to give you some space), or it will respond in kind and yawn too. Dogs also yawn as a way to ease tension, to show confusion or when they feel slightly threatened especially when meeting new situations or new dogs or animals. Mouth position: a dog that has its mouth stretched back, closed or just slightly open, is showing that it is very stressed, in fear, or in pain. This may be accompanied by rapid panting. If its mouth is stretched back and open, it is a neutral or submissive sign. A dog that is alert and content will have its mouth closed or slightly open, with the teeth covered. Lip licking: if your dog licks its lips in combination with a yawn, this can be a clear indication that it is feeling stressed, under pressure, or facing a threat. It's a commonplace gesture shown by puppies around adults, but the behavior should not continue into adulthood. In mature dogs, licking can also be part of the dog's sexual behavior as it finds chemical signals on grass, carpet, and the genitals of other dogs. A dog that is licking another dog's lips is showing deferring behavior. Bared teeth: a dog whose lips are curled out and his teeth bared is signaling aggression and an intention to use the teeth for biting. This doesn't mean that every flash of teeth means aggression though, and you must take care to note the other elements. If the teeth are bared and there is no wrinkling of the muzzle, this is a warning and a sign of dominance and territorial defensiveness. If the lips are curled, the teeth are bared, the muzzle is wrinkled, and the dog is snarling, this indicates that the dog is angry and ready to fight, and there is every chance that it will bite. Listen to your dog. Barks, growls, yelps, and howls all carry their own unique language indicators that can take time to learn but are also an important part of understanding your dog's overall behavior. Many people think a bark is a bark is a bark. As you begin to really listen you will hear very distinct differences in the types of vocalizations. Note that a lack of barking or other dog noises can indicate a predatory state, aimed at not alerting the prey. This may also be accompanied by sniffing the air, keeping low, remaining rigid, ears flicking forward and backward to catch sounds, mouth closed and eyes wide open. Equally, no noise can indicate a submissive dog seeking approval. Recognize your dog’s barks. Dogs bark for different reasons, and observation and listening can help you learn to differentiate your dog's distinctive barks in different situations. A loud, high pitched, rapid bark can be either aggressive or territorial. A short, frequent guttural alert bark is aimed at warning the pack (wolf or human) of potential danger. It may be accompanied by snarling or growling. A crisp, short bark is usually a form of greeting from your dog. A high-pitched bark is often delivered when your dog is being playful. A short, high bark is a sign of friendliness, and may be accompanied by whimpering or yapping. A sudden high-pitched, sharp yelp may be an indication that your dog is in pain. A low-pitched, single or spaced out bark is another warning to back off. Interpret your dog’s growls. Growling in a strange dog can be somewhat frightening, but not every growl is aggressive. Your dog may growl as part of play or as an alternative form of verbal communication to barking. You should use caution, however, with any dog growls because even a playing dog that has become too boisterous and carried away in play may still snap at a human who intervenes or gets too close. A low, quiet growl indicates that the subject of the growl needs to back off. It is a sign of assertiveness in a dominant dog. A low growl ending with short bark is the sound made when your dog is responding to threat. It can be a prelude to a snap. A medium growl, leading to or combined with bark indicates that your dog feels nervous, and possibly aggressive. You should proceed with caution. Low sustained growl or 'woofing' is an indication that your dog is feeling either anxious or suspicious. A low murmuring grumble is a lovely sign of contentment. Soft growling is generally play growling; assess it by taking in the context and the general stance of your dog. Play growling will often be accompanied by excited barking. Understand why dogs howl. Knowing the different reasons that your dog may howl can help you respond to his/her needs. There are several different kinds of howling that have different meanings. A long, sustained howl indicates separation or loneliness. If your new dog or puppy was separated from other dogs to join your home, he/she may howl at first. Keeping his/her close to you can help him/her feel less lonely. A short howl with rising pitch generally signals that your dog is happy and/or excited. Baying is a hunting signal and can be common in breeds who are bred to hunt, even if your dog has never had any training as a hunting dog. A siren howl is a response to another howl or a sustained noise. You may notice that your dog howls in response to sirens going by your home. If your dog howls at night, he may be howling in response to other dog howling that is out of the range of human hearing. Learn to differentiate whines and whimpers. Another type of vocalization given by dogs is whining. Like barking, howling, and growling, whining or whimpering may mean different things in different contexts. Short whines accompanied by short barks indicate that your dog is eager, curious, and excited. Short whimpers are often a sign of fear or anxiety. A low-pitched whine indicates that your dog is mildly anxious or submissive. A persistent, high-pitched whine can be a plea for attention, reflect intense anxiety, or indicate severe discomfort or pain. Avoid unintentional signals. Dogs understand your language to some extent, but it's very important to understand how you appear to your dog and how some of your gestures may be causing your dog distress, fear, or worry, even though you're completely unaware of this. Always be aware that your dog is watching you, learning, and seeking to predict your routine, habits, and preferences. Withdrawal of your gaze and your arms at the same time informs your dog that you have decided not to touch him/her anymore and he/she may respond negatively. Yawning can indicate to your dog that you're distressed and cause him/her to move away from you. It can be a good idea to cover your yawn around your dog if he/she seems to respond negatively to the action. Prevent your dog’s discomfort. Some actions that we see as normal or loving do not translate well from “human language” to “dog language.” Avoiding activities that make dogs uncomfortable can help strengthen your relationship with your pet. Staring at your dog can be viewed as a threat. Some trainers used to believe that a dog looking away from a stare was showing disobedience, but it is better understood now as being a sign of politeness or submission. Punishing or reacting negatively to signs of fear in a dog will serve only to increase the dog's sense of fear and does nothing to instill better behavior from our perspective. Do not interpret signs of discomfort or fear as signs of guilt. Many dogs do not like being patted directly on the head. However, this is something a dog usually needs to learn to tolerate. You should never pat a strange dog on the head until you're more familiar with it, but if you live in an urban environment where people are likely to want to pet your dog, early training (with treats) to help your dog tolerate head patting is essential. Hugging and cuddling is often another action that dogs do not like. Nature has programmed the dog to believe that being held in close proximity means one of two things: one, that it is trapped as prey, or two, that it is being mounted. Since neither of these actions brings on happy responses, a dog that is not used to frequent cuddling and hugging may respond by fleeing, wriggling, and snapping. If this is the case with your dog, be patient and take a gradual approach to getting it used to a loving embrace. Ensure that children who hug dogs always keep their faces away from the dog, and monitor the dog's reaction so that you can intervene quickly if needed. Dogs are social animals and need contact, so you should avoid making them feel overly isolated. The first nights of having a puppy in the home are essential. Try to stay near the puppy (such as having its crate in your room), then gradually move his/her to where he/she will sleep permanently. This will reassure the dog that all is well. Do not share your bed with a dog unless you want this to become a permanent arrangement. Doing this creates a permanent expectation in your puppy's mind. Clarify intentional commands. Being clear, consistent, and concise with your commands and direct communication with your dog can help your dog understand what you want him to do. Most dogs want to please their owners, so they will try to adapt their behavior to your expectations. Always repeat commands using the same words and tone so that your dog knows his name and understands that he should be listening to you. Alter your tone when communicating different emotions to your dog. Dogs have instincts that help them discern if we are happy with them or upset with them. If you smile and tell your dog good dog in a happy tone, he will know that he has done something right. Likewise, if you correct him in an angry tone, he will know that he has done something wrong. This is an important thing to take in consideration when training. Remember that dogs forget things frequently. However, they will remember things that they have been trained about, where certain things and people are, who you are and who their friends are, getting praised, and surprising things (good or bad) that happen. Shouting at your dog, gesticulating wildly, or shaking "weapons" like a broomstick at your dog will seem like crazy behavior and does nothing to change your dog's behavior. It can, however, upset an already insecure and fearful dog even more. Spare your energy and stay calm. Keep your communication tactics clear and reasoned. Keep this in mind while correcting a dog. If you come home to a destroyed sofa, yelling at the dog will not achieve anything, as the dog will not make the connection between the destroyed sofa and the correction. Develop mutual communication. Having a 2-way communication relationship with your dog will help both of you maintain a healthy relationship. Keeping the lines of communication open and showing your dog that you understand his/her will help you know when to step in if something is wrong. Research how dogs communicate with each other. Modeling your own communication strategy on dog-to-dog communication can lead to more successful communication. | Observe your dog. Know your dog’s response to eye contact. Learn to interpret your dog's posture. Identify playful and affectionate behavior. Interpret discomfort or unease. Recognize warning signs of aggression. Understand your dog's ear position. Interpret your dog's eye signals. Watch your dog's face. Listen to your dog. Recognize your dog’s barks. Interpret your dog’s growls. Understand why dogs howl. Learn to differentiate whines and whimpers. Avoid unintentional signals. Prevent your dog’s discomfort. Clarify intentional commands. Develop mutual communication. |
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