url
stringlengths 27
124
| title
stringlengths 10
107
| summary
stringlengths 15
6.15k
| article
stringlengths 0
117k
| step_headers
stringlengths 0
5.75k
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Business-Proposal | How to Write a Business Proposal | To write a business proposal, start by asking what the client's needs and concerns are so you can address them in your proposal. Once you've got a good sense of how you can help the client, start formatting your proposal so it includes a title page with your name, company name, the person you're submitting the proposal to, and the date on it. In your actual proposal, identify the client's problem and offer a detailed solution that includes a schedule and budget. Remember to use simple and clear language and to define any key terms. | Read the Request for Proposal carefully. You might submit a business proposal in response to receiving an RFP. Large businesses and government agencies send out RFPs when they need goods or services. For example, a business that is being sued may send RFPs to different law firms, asking them to submit a business proposal. Alternately, the government could send out an RFP when they need to buy supplies of a product. The RFP should contain certain information which you must fully understand before drafting your business proposal. Make sure that you can meet the client's requirements as spelled out in the RFP. For example, if you can't come in under the budget or meet the client's timeline, then you shouldn't submit a proposal. You don't need to submit a business proposal in response to an RFP. Instead, you can reach out to a business you think could use your services. Ask questions. You want your business proposal to respond to the client's actual needs. This means fully understanding the client and clearing up any confusion in the RFP. You should always step into the client's shoes and try to see the problem from their perspective. To help in this process, you should call and get answers to the following: Whether prior attempts were made to address the problem. Why did they fail? What criteria the client will use when evaluating a business proposal. Whether the organization has any concerns. The organization's operating policies. You want to make sure your proposal is consistent with these policies. Format your document. You want your business proposal to be readable. This means that the font should be in a size and style that the reader is comfortable with. Generally, you can use Times New Roman 12 point. You can also look for sample proposals used in your industry. Type “business proposal sample” and then “your industry” into your favorite search engine. There are also business proposal templates online. Using one can make your business proposal look professional. Add a title page. You should have a title page as the cover to your business proposal. The title page should include the following information: your name your company's name the name of the person you are submitting the proposal to the date you submitted the proposal Introduce the problem or business need. A business proposal identifies a problem and proposes a solution. Accordingly, you should begin by identifying the client's problem in simple and clear language. Explain why the current situation is a problem for the client. For example, you could write, “Mathis Gyms is in need of Accounting and Payroll Services as the business continues to grow and hires more employees. Currently, all accounting is done by management, which must devote increasing amounts of time to accounting. By outsourcing this task, management can focus on other business priorities, such as marketing and entering new markets.” Provide context if necessary. You might need to explain context so that the reader understands the proposal. For example, you may need to identify the following for the reader: If any previous solutions have been attempted and failed. Whether someone asked you to write the business proposal. How you became involved in the project or aware of the problem. Define any key terms. Although your business proposal should be written in simple and clear language, there may be terms that you need to define for the reader. Remember that you might submit your business proposal to a purchasing department that understands industry jargon. However, the person who makes the ultimate decision might not be as familiar with industry terms. You can draft the business proposal first and then go through to identify any terms that might be unclear to the reader. Also define terms if you are using them in a unique way. For example, the term “fiscal year” can be defined in many ways, depending on the business. Offer a roadmap for the proposal. If you have a long business proposal, then you might want to offer an overview of what follows the introduction. You could summarize the parts that follow. For example, you could write, “This business proposal has four parts. After this introduction, we offer the proposed solution, timetable, and an explanation of benefits in Part II. In Part III, we provide an itemized budget and a set of standard contract terms. Finally, in Part IV, we summarize our experience and confirm that our proposed solution is the correct course of conduct.” Propose a detailed solution. After identifying a problem, you must tell the reader how you intend to solve the problem. Try to be as detailed as possible. Typically, your solution will be to offer your goods or services to the potential client. For example, you could write: “Acme Accounting specializes in Accounting and Payroll Services for growing small and mid-sized businesses. We can provide complete service in the following areas: ledger maintenance, inventory account balancing, year-end tax statements and summaries, and standard pay period check origination.” It might be better to use bullet points so that this information is easier to read. Explain the benefits of your solution. There may be different ways to solve a problem, so you want to explain why your reason is the best. You can use bullet points to list out the benefits. Common benefits include a cost savings to the business, confidentiality, and professional expertise. Remember to justify your expected benefits with evidence. For example, you could rely on studies that show the benefits of following your proposed solution. If no studies are available, then you could rely on commentary from prominent people in the field. For example, a former client could offer testimony that you saved their business money. Lay out your task schedule. You need to explain the timeline for completing tasks. This is preliminary information that could change in the future, but it is important to give the reader some idea of how you will go about executing your proposal. You can lay out certain milestones. For example, if you propose to remodel a store, then you should include the date that you will start and when the store will be ready to reopen. Always explain that your timeline is an estimate and is contingent on other factors. In the construction example, you might be slowed down by having to obtain the necessary permits from the local government or by relying on a subcontractor. Include your budget. The budget may be the most important part of the business proposal. The reader needs to know whether they can afford your services, so you should include information about pricing. Be conservative. For example, you might want to add up the anticipated budget and then multiply by 1.5 to account for any unforeseen circumstances. Make sure to mention that the numbers are only estimates. Depending on the proposal, you might need to include information on the following: start-up costs or initial set-up labor costs supply costs ongoing monthly charges maintenance costs Describe contract terms. You should also include key contract terms so that the reader will understand more about the agreement they are entering. For example, you could include information such as the following: How much is paid on signing: “50% payment upon signing.” Penalties or interests assessed for late payment: “A late fee of $50 will be assessed on any account past due.” Your cancellation policies: “The contract may be cancelled for any reason with 90 days written notice. There are no pre-payment penalties.” Identify your relevant experience. You want the reader to have confidence that you can follow through and implement the business plan. You should identify one or more similar projects and explain the success you achieved. You may be limited in what you can share by client confidentiality agreements. Nevertheless, you can talk about prior experience in general terms. For example, you could write, “Successfully provided Accounting and Payroll Services to 20 mid-sized businesses (25-100 employees) for the past five years.” Describe who you will bring onto the project. You might not be able to do everything. In this situation, you need to explain who you will hire to help you and how. Also explain how you will guarantee that they are competent. If you know who you will hire, then you should include their resumes along with the business proposal. Discuss any anticipated opposition. Some business proposals might face opposition. For example, if your business proposal is to help a business by identifying which employees they could fire, then you can expect opposition to arise. Also, if you propose to help the company rebrand, then others in the company might object. You need to identify and then counter any anticipated opposition: Summarize the anticipated opposition. Discuss the likelihood of the opposition arising. Raise counterarguments. Add a conclusion. In the conclusion, you should restate the benefits of your proposal. You might also want to include a deadline for the prospective client to respond and hire you. However, some businesses have moved away from deadlines, so you should look at other business proposals used in your industry to see what is standard. Also remember to encourage the client to contact you with questions and to visit your website if they would like to see more information about your business. Insert references. If you refer to studies or other sources in your business proposal, then you will need to cite them at the end. You should format them using a well-known style, such as APA style. Including a list of sources allows the client to easily find what you are referring to and double check that the information is accurate. Revise your business proposal. Set aside your draft for a day or two and then review it. Look for typos and dropped words. To catch typos and missing words, you can read the document beginning at the end. Read the last sentence and then read the sentence before that. Work your way toward the beginning. Also play close attention to your numbers and make sure they are accurate. You also should review the RFP and any other correspondence. Make sure your business proposal isn't missing anything requested by the client. Shorten the proposal, if necessary. Ideally, someone should be able to read your business proposal in eight minutes. If it takes longer than that, then try to move as much material into an appendix. | Read the Request for Proposal carefully. Ask questions. Format your document. Add a title page. Introduce the problem or business need. Provide context if necessary. Define any key terms. Offer a roadmap for the proposal. Propose a detailed solution. Explain the benefits of your solution. Lay out your task schedule. Include your budget. Describe contract terms. Identify your relevant experience. Describe who you will bring onto the project. Discuss any anticipated opposition. Add a conclusion. Insert references. Revise your business proposal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-Ketosis-Strips | How to Read Ketosis Strips | To read ketosis strips, start by urinating directly onto the strip. Next, hold the strip over the toilet bowl so urine won't drip on the floor and wait about 40 seconds for the strip to change color. Then, hold the strip next to the color indicators on the packaging and find the color square that best matches your strip.Finally, find the number and description that correlate with the color to get your results. | Purchase ketone strips at a local drugstore. Ketones are measured primarily by people on a ketogenic (keto) diet. They can also be used by diabetic individuals. Ketone strips are readily available at drugstores and large pharmacies. Look in the dietary supply section, or in a section dedicated to diabetic medical equipment. The strips will come in a plastic container or a cardboard box, and should have “Ketone” printed on the side. Ketone strips will also be available in the pharmacy section of most large grocery stores. The strips are also available through major online retailers. Dip the ketone strip into a urine sample. Urinate into a disposable plastic cup to collect the urine sample. Then, dip about ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) of the ketone strip into the urine. Be sure to dip in the tip that contains the ketone-sensing chemicals. This end will be slightly thicker than the other. You can purchase disposable plastic cups at any grocery store. Check the dental section or the section containing plastic plates and plastic ware. Urinate on the ketone strip if you prefer not to collect a sample. For most individuals, it's easiest simply to urinate directly onto the strip. Do this over a toilet. After you're finished urinating, hold the ketone strip over the toilet bowl so that the urine doesn't drip on the floor. If you're urinating while seated, try not to dip the ketone strip into the toilet water. This will dilute the urine and ruin the sample. Wait for the ketone strip to change its color. As your urine reacts with the chemicals on the urine strip, the strip will turn a yellow, maroon, or purple color. Follow the directions printed on the side of the packaging, which will tell you how long you should wait. Most ketone strips ask you to wait 40 seconds for best results. Waiting too long to read the results—or not waiting long enough—can result in a misleading reading. Match the ketone strip with the color indicators on the packaging. If you look at the ketone-strip container, it will have a series of colored squares on one side. Hold your colored ketone strip up to the side of the container, and find the color square that best matches your urine strip. It may be the case that the color of your urine strips fits in between 2 of the color squares on the packaging. In this case, assume that the higher reading is a more accurate result. Read the numerical value beneath the matching color square. Once you've matched your urine-strip color with a color square, look closely to find the number and description that correlate with the color. The standard ketone-level descriptors include: “Trace,” “Small,” “Moderate,” and “Large.” The colors will also correspond to numerical values: 0.5, 1.5, 4.0, etc. These measure the amount of ketone in your urine in units of milligrams per deciliter, or units of millimoles per liter. Healthy people not on a keto diet will have extremely low levels of ketone in their urine. Increase protein and reduce carb consumption if you have a low result. If you've recently started a keto diet, your body will be eliminating large amounts of ketones through the urine. This will result in a deep, maroon-colored urine strip, which correlates to a “Large” amount of ketones in your urine. If you're on a keto diet and the urine strip reads “Trace” or “Small,” increase the rigor of your diet. This can include cutting out more carbs, or consuming more protein. Expect the ketone-strip color to lighten as your keto diet progresses. When you begin a ketone diet, your ketone strip will turn a dark maroon or purple. By the time you're a few months in to the diet, though, your urine-strip results will lighten, and may only indicate a “Moderate” amount of ketone in your urine. This is normal, and not a sign that your diet is failing. Once your body has become used to burning stored fat for energy, it will have less ketone to eliminate via urine. Contact your doctor if you experience high ketone levels with type-1 diabetes. For type-1 diabetics, high levels of ketones in your blood can indicate dangerously high blood-sugar levels. Test for ketones if you are worried your blood sugar may be dangerously high. If your test reveals a high amount of ketones in your urine, visit your doctor immediately. Other signs of high blood sugar include: weakness, nausea or vomiting, extreme thirst, and difficulty breathing. | Purchase ketone strips at a local drugstore. Dip the ketone strip into a urine sample. Urinate on the ketone strip if you prefer not to collect a sample. Wait for the ketone strip to change its color. Match the ketone strip with the color indicators on the packaging. Read the numerical value beneath the matching color square. Increase protein and reduce carb consumption if you have a low result. Expect the ketone-strip color to lighten as your keto diet progresses. Contact your doctor if you experience high ketone levels with type-1 diabetes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Work-at-a-Hotel | How to Work at a Hotel | To work at a hotel, make sure you're open to working night shifts since hotels operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Additionally, dealing with customers on a daily basis requires a positive attitude and an attentive eye. Indeed, you'll have to read your clients' body language and tone of voice, whether it's in reference to cleaning their room or negotiating their bill. Finally, when working in a hotel, be willing to work your way up, as many hotel managers started by delivering room service, which will give you a greater appreciation for the entire industry. | Build a solid work history. Although where you have worked is important, the amount of time you have spent in a given job is important as well. Try to stay with a job for at least three years. Staying with an employer for three to four years shows commitment and stability. Build a solid yet related work history by starting at entry-level hotel positions like technical support, accounts payable, or even dishwashing. Commitment and stability are desirable traits employers look for in hotel workers, especially since hotels like to invest in their employees. Obtain the necessary skills. Customer service skills are essential in the hotel industry. Secretarial jobs, sales jobs, and restaurant jobs are just a few examples of jobs that can help you develop great customer service skills. However, try to develop specific skills that are relevant to the position you are applying for. If you are applying for a concierge position, for example, try working as a secretary to develop your ability to organize, file, and answer the phone. Get a hospitality degree if you plan to work in upper management. Obtain an associate's or a bachelor's degree in hospitality from a college or a university. If your goal is to be a manager, or if you want to get into the business side of the hotel industry, then get a bachelor's degree. If you plan to stay on the operational side of the industry, then an associate's degree may only be necessary. However, a hospitality degree isn't necessary for all hotel positions. Some positions may only require solid work experience and/or training such as health and safety training, food safety training, CPR training, or other related training. For example, if you are applying for a lifeguard position, make sure you have CPR training. Identify potential references. Choose current or previous bosses and superiors who you have developed a good relationship with as your references. Make sure your references can speak to your skills. This way they will be able to sell you to the employer. Make sure to let your references know that you listed them on your resume before or immediately after applying for the job. Also send them information about the position you are applying for. Create your resume. A great resume doesn't just list what you have done and accomplished, but it convinces the employer that you are the best fit for the position. Create a great resume by outlining the skills, education/training, and job responsibilities that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you previously had a bartending job and you are applying for a concierge position, then mention your ability to serve and communicate with a wide range of customers. Find jobs through a job search site. Hotels often recruit employees through job sites like Monster, Indeed, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and others. These sites are convenient because you can narrow down your search results by selecting your experience level, location, salary requirements, and the type of job you are looking for. Go to the hotel’s website. Visit the website of two to three hotels you are interested in working at. Look for job openings under the “careers” section in the website. If you can't find a job opening at one property, see if there is another property in the area. Visit that property's website to see if they have any job openings. Visit the hotel in person to find out about job opportunities. Ask the hotel's concierge about information concerning job openings and where to apply. The concierge will most likely direct you to the hotel manager or assistant manager. They will provide you with a list of job openings and how to apply for them. If job openings are not currently available, ask if you can leave your resume in case one opens up. Read the job’s description. The description will outline the position's level, responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation. If your qualifications and skills fit the job's description, then apply for the job by submitting your resume. Follow through on your application. After you have submitted your application, call or email the hotel after four or five days. Let the hotel know that you look forward to hearing from them soon. If you get a voicemail, leave your name and number. For example, “Good Morning. My name is Jessica Brown. I submitted an application for the concierge position earlier this week. I just wanted to make sure that my application was received. I look forward to hearing from you.” Show your passion for the hotel industry. Employers are looking for employees who are passionate about what they do. Talk about your lifelong interest in the industry, or your passion for customer service. Since many hotels like to invest in their employees, make sure to mention that you hope to develop a career in the industry. For example, "I have had many different jobs throughout the years, but the one thing that has remained constant is my love for developing relationships with customers. From my experience, quality customer service produces loyal customers." Rehearse your answers to interview questions. Interviewers typically ask questions to understand their applicants' behavior. They want to know how a potential employee will react to different types of people and handle different situations. Write down your answers to these questions. Your answers should be truthful and to the point. Use relevant examples to support your answers as well. Rehearse them in front of the mirror. Some examples of typical questions are: “Where have you worked previously?” “Why did you leave your previous job?” “What were some obstacles you faced in your last job and how did you handle them?” “Do you tend to solve problems on your own, or ask for help?” “Why would you like to work at this hotel?” Dress professionally for your interview. Whether you are applying for a lifeguard or a concierge position, you want to dress professionally. As a rule of thumb, dress one to two levels higher than the job you are applying for. Dressing appropriately shows that you want to be taken seriously and care about the job. For example, if you are applying for a housekeeping position, business casual attire is appropriate. If you are applying for a concierge or managerial position, then formal business attire may be more appropriate. Be open to working night shifts. Hotels operate 24 hours, 7 days a week. Consequently, night shifts are common in the hotel industry. Employees usually take turns working these shifts. Don't be surprised if you get scheduled to work a night shift once or twice a week. If you cannot handle night shifts, then the hotel industry may not be for you. Maintain a positive attitude. Because you deal with customers on a daily basis, having a positive attitude is very important. Whether you are a housekeeper, a front desk clerk, a bellhop, or a manager, smiling and greeting patrons will be a part of your job responsibilities. Be attentive. The ability to read your customers is another important skill hotel workers must have. Pay attention to your clients' body language , tone of voice, and posture. Tailor your services to your clients' needs to satisfy them. For example, if you sense that a client is unhappy due to stiff body language and a curt attitude, then offer the client a complimentary drink or room service to appease them. Be willing to work your way up. Many managers encourage their employees to learn the hotel business from the ground up. Be prepared to be pulled from your main responsibilities to help out with other things such as busing tables, delivering room service, or tending to guests' needs. This way, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of the entire industry. | Build a solid work history. Obtain the necessary skills. Get a hospitality degree if you plan to work in upper management. Identify potential references. Create your resume. Find jobs through a job search site. Go to the hotel’s website. Visit the hotel in person to find out about job opportunities. Read the job’s description. Follow through on your application. Show your passion for the hotel industry. Rehearse your answers to interview questions. Dress professionally for your interview. Be open to working night shifts. Maintain a positive attitude. Be attentive. Be willing to work your way up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-a-Stinkhorn-Fungus | How to Kill a Stinkhorn Fungus | To kill a stinkhorn fungus, start by mixing equal parts boiling water and bleach in a large bucket. Next, pour the solution directly onto the fungus to kill existing mushrooms and prevent others from growing. Keep in mind that this solution is toxic, so it will likely kill other plants it comes into contact with and may also contaminate the soil. If you want to avoid this, you can dig out the mushrooms at the base and get rid of the soil in about a 6-inch radius around each one. | Dig out the mushroom from its base. Don't simply clip off the above-ground portion of the mushroom; you'll need to dig beneath it until you've scooped out the mushroom's egg-shaped base. Also dig under any nearby round white egg-shaped growths, as these are going to be new stinkhorns soon. Secure the foul smelling removed material in a plastic bag. If you don't want to get your hands dirty (and smelly) from the stinkhorn, put on a pair of cheap latex disposable gloves. Put these in an airtight plastic bag and throw them away immediately after you finish killing the mushrooms. Remove the immediate soil. There may be spores or other undeveloped mushrooms in the soil immediately surrounding the mushroom you've removed, so dig up the top layer of soil in about a 6-inch radius around the mushroom you've removed. If the fungus grew in a medium other than soil—such as tree bark, mulch, or other loose decaying plant material—remove this using the shovel as well. Place the excavated soil (or other material) in the plastic bag along with the stinkhorn fungus. Then, seal the bag firmly shut. Place the bag out for trash collection. Do not place the discarded fungal matter with yard waste, since, if the bag were to rupture or open, spores could escape and create new mushrooms. After these steps, if mushrooms begin to reoccur, you may need to apply a chemical agent. Spray the area with an environmentally approved fungal killer. This will make sure that the mushroom and surrounding spores are truly dead. After applying the fungal killer spray as directed on the packaging, allow the affected area to receive sunlight and dry out. The spray should also keep recurrence to a minimum. You should be able to find a safe, nontoxic fungal killer spray at your local plant nursery or gardening center. Mix boiling hot water and bleach. Begin this process in your kitchen by boiling the water in a large saucepan on your stovetop. Then, in your yard or garage, pour in bleach. Add roughly the same amount of bleach as you did of water (e.g. 4 cups of each) so that they're mixed at a 1:1 ratio. When working with bleach, make sure to wear clothes that you don't mind ruining, since the bleach will remove color from any fabric it splashes onto. Also consider wearing eye protection (such as safety goggles) to avoid the risk of splashing bleach into your eyes. Be aware that removing mushrooms using bleach or lime will likely harm—and possibly kill—other plants in the area. The chemicals will also damage your soil. Pour the mixture onto the fungus. Do this while the water is still hot; do not wait for the solution to cool down. The combination of boiling hot water and potent bleach should be enough to kill any lingering stinkhorns, and prevent new mushrooms from growing in the soil. If you choose to first dig up the mushrooms before you apply bleach, simply pour the hot bleach solution over the entire area from which you dug up the stinkhorns. Sprinkle lime over the mushrooms and surrounding soil. If you haven't had success removing stinkhorn mushrooms, lime will help by making the soil uninhabitable for the fungus. Using a shovel or trowel, spread the lime over the patch of soil that has been producing stinkhorn fungi. Lime is a caustic substance, so be careful when handling it. You should be able to purchase lime at a local hardware store, plant nursery, or gardening center. Before applying the lime to the soil, read the instructions printed on the package. You may need to first dampen the soil before laying down lime. Smell the mushroom. If you're dealing with a stinkhorn, this probably won't take a lot of effort. stinkhorns are known to be a noxious fungus, and their smell can be likened to that of feces or a dead and decaying animal. Although the stinkhorns may smell offensive, they are not poisonous to humans or pets. Stinkhorn fungi will not harm your pets or any other plants in their vicinity. Stinkhorns use their unpleasant smell to attract flies. Flies land on the mushroom, pick up spores on their legs and bodies, and distribute these sports wherever they fly. So, if you notice a large number of flies around a specific mushroom, you may be dealing with a stinkhorn. Look for moist or mulch-covered terrain. If you suspect you're dealing with a stinkhorn, confirm that the environment it's growing in correlates with a type stinkhorns prefer. Although stinkhorn mushrooms prefer moist areas and patches of ground covered in mulch, they can pop up in many types of terrains. Like all fungus, stinkhorns can also sprout out of the wood of dead and decaying trees. Varieties of stinkhorn fungus grow naturally throughout nearly all of North America and into Central America. Some varieties prefer subtropical and tropical regions, including parts of Mexico. Inspect the mushroom. The most common type of stinkhorn fungus (''Phallus ravenelii'') has a pale white stalk and a phallic shape. The mushroom typically stands between 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) high, and the cap at its tip ranges in diameter from 1–4 cm (0.4–1.6 inches). The cap itself is slimy and dark brown, with a coarse texture. The mushroom's long, cream-colored stem has a spongy texture. At the very tip of a stinkhorn mushroom's brown cap, there is a white ring-like circle with an opening at the tip. Identify other types of stinkhorn fungi. There are over 25 types of stinkhorn fungi that live in North America. Most, like ''Phallus ravenelii'', have a thin stalk with a bulbous, slimy head which bears the spores. Colors can vary, and many stinkhorns are pink or reddish in color. Shape and size of the mushrooms can also vary. Most mushrooms range from 2–6 cm (0.8–2.4 inches), although some species grow as tall as 15 cm (6 inches). | Dig out the mushroom from its base. Remove the immediate soil. Place the bag out for trash collection. Spray the area with an environmentally approved fungal killer. Mix boiling hot water and bleach. Pour the mixture onto the fungus. Sprinkle lime over the mushrooms and surrounding soil. Smell the mushroom. Look for moist or mulch-covered terrain. Inspect the mushroom. Identify other types of stinkhorn fungi. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Like-a-Guy | How to Know if You Like a Guy | To know if you like a guy, ask yourself if you talk about him all the time, which could be a sign you're into him. Also, notice whether you're spending more time picking your outfits or styling your hair than usual, as this could mean you want to impress your crush. You should also take note of whether you feel jealous if the guy is speaking or flirting with other people, since this may suggest you have romantic feelings for him. | Remain honest with yourself. Devote time to taking inventory of your life. Determine if your feelings towards this guy are genuine or a means of distraction. Ask yourself hard questions and provide yourself with honest answers Do you find yourself daydreaming about him? Have you engineered ways to “accidentally” bump into him in public or at school? Are all of your friends in relationships and you feel left out? Did your crush develop at a convenient time, like just before a dance or a month before Valentine's Day? Keep a journal. While you determine whether or not you like a guy, keep a daily journal. Write about your interactions with him. Describe how you feel when you see him. Note if those feelings carry you through the rest of your day or dissipate shortly after you part ways. Jot down any daydreams; keep track of any hopes you have for a future with him. At the end of each week, re-read your journal entries to evaluate your feelings. Talk to your best friend. Turn to your best friend—the person who knows you the best—for advice. Discuss your feelings with your best friend. Disclose why you are unsure if you like this guy. After you have talked, listen. Allow your best friend to provide you with feedback. Your best friend's response may upset you, challenge you, or confirm how you truly feel. Take time to process their feedback. Assess how frequently you talk about him. When the guy you like is always on your mind, his name tends to enter into every conversation. If you can not stop talking about him, it might be a sign that you can't get him off your mind and you like him more than you think you do! Have your friends or family members called you out on talking about him constantly? Do you find yourself making the most obscure connections between his life and every topic you discuss? Determine if you have new interests. Have you recently developed new interests, interests that just so happen to be shared with the guy you may like? If you have started participating in new activities or developed a sudden interest in an obscure topic as a way to impress him, you might have a crush on him! Did you join a club just to spend more time with him? Have you started reading his favorite books just so you have something to talk to him about? Did you binge-watch his favorite show so you could reference it in conversations with him? Evaluate if you are extra conscious of your appearance and actions. When you like a guy, you may feel extremely self-conscious about your appearance and actions—you strive to present the most attractive, confident, fun, and flirty version of yourself to him. You may spend more time picking out the perfect outfit or styling your hair. You might replay your conversation with him over and over in your head in order to analyze what you could have said differently. If you have become extremely concerned about impressing him with your looks and actions, you might have a major crush on this guy! Examine your reactions to him. Your reactions to his presence, touch, and voice are telling! If you are genuinely excited to see him, have a strong reaction to his physical presence, and could chat with him for hours on end, chances are you like him. If your feelings and reactions are indifferent, you likely just aren't that into him. When you run into your crush, do you get flutters of excitement in your stomach or a sinking feeling? Do you blush when he speaks to you? Do you feel tingly and flushed when his body brushes against yours? If he calls, texts, or messages you, do you smile and answer immediately or do you ignore his attempts to contact you? When you talk to him, do you dread the end of the conversation or welcome its conclusion? Evaluate how much time you spend together. The amount of time you spend with your crush is a great barometer of how you truly feel about him. If you are intentionally creating time in your schedule to see him, engineering ways to “bump” into him, or obsessing about the next time you will see him, you may be interested in him. If, however, you make very little effort to spend time with him, the relationship may not be a priority to you. Determine if you’re jealous. When you are crushing on a guy, it is often difficult to see him flirt or talk to other people. When jealousy rears its ugly head, it is a sign that you have developed romantic feelings towards him. If you begin to feel territorial towards him—you have to know where he is, who he is with, and what he is doing at all times—you may be interested in being more than friends with him. If you aren't upset when he flirts with others, perhaps you aren't the jealous type or maybe you aren't interested in being exclusive with him. Consider if you notice the little things about him. When you like a guy, you often get to know the most minute, arbitrary details about him. You may know how he likes his coffee or what he gets on a sandwich. You might be aware of his favorite band or movie. Perhaps, you are aware of his odd phobia. When you learn and retain the little details about someone's life, you are invested in getting to know that person on an intimate level. | Remain honest with yourself. Keep a journal. Talk to your best friend. Assess how frequently you talk about him. Determine if you have new interests. Evaluate if you are extra conscious of your appearance and actions. Examine your reactions to him. Evaluate how much time you spend together. Determine if you’re jealous. Consider if you notice the little things about him. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Your-Voice | How to Lose Your Voice | To lose your voice, try coughing repeatedly to wear out your vocal cords. If you're having trouble coughing a lot, drink lemon juice or eat dairy products, which can make you cough more. Also, try to limit how much water you drink since water can soothe your vocal cords and restore your voice. In addition to coughing, keep your mouth open as much as possible so your throat dries out even more. | Talk, talk, talk. The most straightforward way to lose your voice is simply to use your voice box until it can't be used any more. Vocal activities like talking, shouting, singing, etc. require the vocal cords of the larynx to vibrate smoothly - with overuse, these cords can become inflamed, interfering with your ability to do these things. Try talking constantly at as loud of a volume as is reasonable for wherever you are. With persistence, your voice should eventually begin to fatigue. The more you talk the better! If you're looking for opportunities to talk loudly and at great length, try signing up for a public speaking class or simply holding conversations in a crowded bar or club. Sing. Singing can put serious demands on the vocal cords - singing at a high volume or in a very low or high register, even more so. These dangers are amplified if you're not a trained or experienced singer. So, for a sure-fire way to ruin your voice, try singing at full volume in a vocal register that's difficult for you. Obviously, you'll want to make it a point to avoid performing warm-up exercises before you sing. If you're embarrassed to sing loudly, try singing in the car with all of the doors closed and the windows rolled up. Other motorists will assume you're just singing along to the radio. Cough. Though it's not uncommon for people with colds to cough until they lose their voice, you don't necessarily have to have a cold to cough. Any kind of repeated coughing will irritate your larynx and eventually cause inflammation that can lead to losing your voice. Try combining your coughs with one of the other methods in this article for maximum effect. As with shouting and singing, excessive coughing in the long term can cause lasting pain and damage to the throat. Keep your mouth open. As discussed above, a dry throat is a throat that's easy to wear out. To speed up the process of losing your voice, allow your mouth and throat to dry out by keeping your mouth open throughout the day. This will work especially well if you live in a dry climate. If you're worried about how you'll look after adopting a "slack-jawed" look, try sleeping with your mouth open instead so that no one will see you. Don't drink water. Well-lubricated vocal cords are the enemy of anyone who's aiming to lose his or her voice. In fact, people who speak or sing in a professional capacity often keep a glass of water onstage to protect their vocal cords. If you're trying to lose your voice, do the opposite! Don't ease your worn-out vocal cords with a refreshing sip of water after you've been talking, yelling, or singing. Be reasonable when it comes to this rule - don't avoid any source of moisture to the point that you become dehydrated. If you're looking for a water alternative that will wear your throat out further, try a drink that's acidic or contains dairy (see below for more info). Consume acidic foods and/or dairy. Certain types of food and drink, especially foods that are very acidic (lemon, vinegar, etc.) and dairy products cause most peoples' throats to produce phlegm. While phlegm won't irritate your vocal cords on its own, it does promote coughing, which can. So, if you're looking to lose your voice, try consuming these types of food and drink in conjunction with one of the other methods in this article. Drink very cold water. Some people find that very cold drinks can have a similar phlegm-producing effect to dairy and acidic foods and drinks. Try drinking an ice-cold glass of water to test its effects on your throat - if you find that you produce lots of phlegm after a cold drink, you may want to use this method to motivate yourself to cough. Yell. The harder you work your vocal cords, the quicker you'll wear them out. Yelling and screaming strains your vocal cords much more than ordinary talking and should lead to a hoarse or lost voice in a fraction of the time. For maximum results, try yelling as loudly as you possibly can. Keep in mind, however, that yelling like this can be quite painful and may even lead to lasting damage. If you're worried about bothering people with your yelling, try attending an event where people are encouraged to yell, like a sporting event or rock concert. Give yourself a cold. Often, when someone loses his or her voice, it's as a result of a recent cold. If you're really serious about losing your throat, consider putting yourself in situations where you're likely to catch a cold. For instance, you may want to spend time around friends with colds and get less sleep than you're used to. Obviously, however, giving yourself a cold on purpose can result in many unpleasant side effects, including fever, nausea, aches, and general malaise, so stay far away from cold viruses unless you're really serious about losing your voice! It may go without saying, but, to be perfectly clear, it's never a good idea to knowingly expose yourself to serious diseases. Use common sense. Aggravate your allergies. Allergies are known to cause throat irritation and hoarseness under certain circumstances. If you have a history of mild allergies and have gotten sore throats from your allergies in the past, you may want to expose yourself to allergens to help you lose your voice. For instance, if you have seasonal allergies triggered by pollen, in addition to using one of the methods above, you may want to go for a walk in the park and smell some flowers! If you have a serious allergy, don't flirt with danger by triggering an allergic reaction simply to lose your voice. Severe allergy attacks can be fatal. Don't give your voice a chance to rest. With time, the body will heal most throat irritation on its own. If you want to lose your voice, don't let this happen! The less you allow your larynx to rest, the quicker you'll be able to lose your voice. Push through the fatigue! Keep in mind, however, that you put your voice at risk by doing so. Wearing your voice out (especially doing so over and over again over a long period of time) can cause permanent vocal damage. For example, many once-powerful singers find themselves with diminished abilities after years of vocal fatigue. | Talk, talk, talk. Sing. Cough. Keep your mouth open. Don't drink water. Consume acidic foods and/or dairy. Drink very cold water. Yell. Give yourself a cold. Aggravate your allergies. Don't give your voice a chance to rest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-a-Dog-Recover-from-a-Broken-Leg | How to Help a Dog Recover from a Broken Leg | If your dog recently got into an accident and broke its leg, you'll need to get it to the hospital right away. While the fees associated with this type of injury may feel overwhelming, it's important to seek medical care or else your dog won't heal properly and make a full recovery. The vet will discuss various treatment options with you, including surgery, splinting, or casting. When you get your dog home, you can help it recover by keeping the injured area dry, especially if it's in a cast. To keep it from getting wet, don't let your dog out in the rain, clean up any spills immediately, and stop your dog from licking the wound by using a neck collar or wrapping the cast in an old sweatshirt. If your dog had surgery, you'll need to restrict its movements for 4 weeks. You can use a crate to keep your dog from overdoing it, and make sure to put it on a leash for brief walks. To keep your dog busy during its recovery, give it lots of attention and rawhides or puzzle toys to work on. | Evaluate the dog for more severe injuries. If your dog has just experienced a traumatic event, take a moment to assess your dog. If your dog has more serious injuries, then you will need to address these first before dealing with the broken leg. If the injury occurred on a road, move the dog to a safe place and then administer emergency first aid. Some things to look for include: Whether or not your dog is alert. If your dog is unconscious, then he may have a head injury. Whether or not your dog can take full breaths. The color of their gums. They should be pink. If they are very pale, muddy, or blueish in color, then your dog is not getting enough oxygen and needs immediate veterinary attention. Strong, synchronous pulses. Feel for the heart beating on the lower chest, near the elbow joint. The femoral pulse is also easy to feel on the inside surface of the thigh, in the middle of the leg. If you cannot find a strong regular pulse, then seek immediate veterinary attention for your dog. Examine the injured leg. If you see your dog limping, take a look to see which leg is injured. Do a slow, careful examination of the injured leg. The broken leg could be really obvious, such as an exposed, open fracture. In this case, you'll need to keep the wound clean. If it is a closed fracture, your dog may be limping but there may not be any blood or obvious wound. Whatever type of break, you'll need to apply first aid and get your dog to the veterinary hospital right away! Apply pressure if you notice that the limb is bleeding. Since injured dogs can be fearful and aggressive, you'll need to be careful. Signs of aggression include growling, snapping, snarling, and rigidness. To avoid getting bitten, don't put your hands or face close to the injured dog, especially if it is already agitated. To help keep your dog calm, place a light towel or cloth over their head. This will help to limit light and sound, which may help to keep your dog calm. If you need to move the dog away from the place where the accident occurred, you can use a towel sling to support some of their weight. Bandage and secure any wounds with first aid tape. Wrap a clean bandage around each of the wounds several times until they're completely covered. You want to wrap the wounds so the bandages are snug but not applying too much pressure. Secure the bandage with first aid tape. If you don't have a clean bandage or gauze, you could use a clean towel. You should be able to fit 2 fingers under the bandage. If you can't, the bandage is too tight and you should rewrap it so it's looser. Put a leg-splint on your dog. You should prevent the fracture from getting any worse by applying a simple leg-splint. Use a medical splint or, if you don't have one, a ruler or a spatula will do the trick! The splint should cover the entire area of the fracture and should extend past the joints above and below the fracture. It may go all the way up to where the leg meets the abdomen. Tie the splint to the leg with a bandage and secure it with medical tape at the top and the bottom. Use a towel as a sling to move your dog to the carrier. Your dog will have a hard time walking to the carrier or the car, so you should assist them. Wrap a towel or a blanket around their abdomen. Hold some of their weight with the towel while they walk to the carrier or the car. An easy way to do this is to pass a large bath towel under your dog's belly. Hold the end up over his back, like a sling, to support his weight. Restrain your dog in a carrier. Because your dog could move around on the journey to the veterinary hospital, you should restrain them. Lay them down with their injured leg up in the carrier. Use the carrier to transport them to the hospital by car or taxi. Since injured dogs can become aggressive, you may want to put a muzzle on your dog before taking them to the veterinarian. However, make sure to remove the muzzle if you feel like it is restricting your dog's breathing. If you don't have a muzzle on you, you can make one by wrapping gauze or a piece of fabric around your dog's snout and tying a knot so it's snug. Get your dog to the veterinary hospital. You'll need to get your dog to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible. Drive them or, if you don't have a car, get a taxi. On the way, try to keep your dog warm and comfortable by loosely wrapping them in a towel or blanket. If your dog was involved in a vehicular accident, it is especially important to get them to the hospital quickly because they could have internal injuries in addition to the broken leg. You could ask a friend to comfort your dog in the back seat while you drive. You'll need professional veterinary treatment. So don't use ointments on the open fracture, or perform other self-treatments on the dog. Don't try to re-set the bone yourself. Get professional veterinary care. When you get to the hospital, the veterinary team will take appropriate emergency action. Depending on the severity of the injury, your veterinarian may focus on stabilizing vital organs. Once vital signs look stable, your veterinarian will attend to the fractured leg. Ask your veterinarian about treatment options. Your veterinarian will diagnose the type of broken leg. They will tell you what type of fracture it is, such as a complete or an incomplete fracture, transverse (straight) or oblique (diagonal) break. And they should be able to tell you some of the treatment options, which may be surgical or non-surgical. If it is a closed fracture, they may put your dog's leg in a cast or a splint. Your vet may perform surgery to insert pins, plates, or screws into the bone to help the broken leg heal. Find out whether amputation is necessary. If your dog's leg is severely broken in multiple places, your veterinarian may suggest amputation. Although this treatment option may sound scary, it could be the most viable option if the injury is very severe. Remember that your dog has four legs and, if necessary, should be able to live a healthy life with three legs. X rays will be taken to determine the extent of damage. The amputation surgery may take several hours. Discuss the cost of treatment. When discussing treatment options, you should ask your veterinarian about any differences in cost. Depending on the severity of the break, you could end up paying between $1200 and $3000 in veterinary fees, and sometimes more. Typically, non-surgical treatment with a cast or a splint will be cheaper than surgical options, although there may be more follow up visits with non-surgical options. The average cost for treating a broken leg is $2000. See if your veterinarian offers a payment plan or more affordable care options. Keep the injured area dry if your dog has a splint or cast. It's important that your dog's splint or cast doesn't get wet. Avoid letting your dog run around in your backyard or the park off leash. Also, make sure you clean up any puddles or spills on your floors so your dog's splint or cast doesn't get dragged through them. If the splint or cast becomes wet, reach out to your vet. They may ask you to bring your dog in so they can replace the splint or cast. Stop your dog from licking the wound. It is important that your dog does not lick his wound. A dog's mouth is full of bacteria and licking will likely infect the wound. Talk to your vet about the different options that are available to prevent licking. There are various neck braces that prevent the dog from turning around to lick its wound. If your dog is not a chewer, a light dressing or an old sweatshirt can provide a barrier between his tongue and the wound. Restrict movement for the first four weeks after surgery. While your dog recovers from the broken bone, you'll need to restrict their movement to a few five-minute walks a day, or just enough to let them eliminate outside each day. Although it is not absolutely necessary, you might want to keep your dog in a crate during this time, so you don't have to worry about them injuring themselves when you can't see them. Crates are widely available from pet retailers and sold for the purpose of housebreaking puppies. You don't want a crate that is overly roomy. The general rule is to use a crate that the dog can sit upright in without banging its head. After a few weeks and if your veterinarian approves it, you can start to increase physical activity. Keep your dog away from stairs and slippery surfaces. If you let the dog out of its crate, it may run around and injure itself again! Ask your veterinarian about pain medication. If your dog is pawing at you, biting, or reluctant to move about, it could be an indication that they are in pain. There have been advances in the treatment of pain in dogs, so you should ask your veterinarian about the different options available for your dog. Your veterinarian may prescribe a pain medication, which could be a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), a synthetic opioid, or an opioid. You should ask your veterinarian which medication works best and when it will make your dog's pain go away. You should also ask about side effects of specific drugs. If NSAIDs do not work, your veterinarian may prescribe opioids. Go for a check-up after six weeks, or earlier if your vet recommends it. Depending on what type of treatment your dog received, your vet will let you know when you need to bring your dog back in. They will do X rays to make sure the fracture is properly healing. They will also give you new recommendations for home care, such as longer, fifteen-minute walks. They may recommend hydrotherapy for your dog. Hydrotherapy is like physical therapy, but it takes place in water. The buoyancy of the water makes it easier for dogs to move their joints during recovery. Provide memory foam bedding. Choose bedding that keeps pressure evenly spread under your dog's weight, such as orthopedic memory foam beds. There are also some beds that have a wicking effect, which means that if your dog accidentally goes to the bathroom in the crate, the moisture will be drawn away from its skin. If the weather is cold, cover the crate with blankets at night. You may also want to give your dog a blanket. Give your dog calming attention. To relax your dog during recovery, you should be sure to give them lots of attention. Giving your dog lots of attention to ensure that your dog is calm and promotes relaxation. Caress your dog's ears for five minutes. Pet your dog's back to make them feel better. Throw your dog a bone. Since your dog will be spending lots of time indoors or in a crate during the recovery period, you'll want to keep them stimulated with toys and loving attention. Give them a new rawhide toy or bone to chew on in their crate. | Evaluate the dog for more severe injuries. Examine the injured leg. Bandage and secure any wounds with first aid tape. Put a leg-splint on your dog. Use a towel as a sling to move your dog to the carrier. Restrain your dog in a carrier. Get your dog to the veterinary hospital. Get professional veterinary care. Ask your veterinarian about treatment options. Find out whether amputation is necessary. Discuss the cost of treatment. Keep the injured area dry if your dog has a splint or cast. Stop your dog from licking the wound. Restrict movement for the first four weeks after surgery. Ask your veterinarian about pain medication. Go for a check-up after six weeks, or earlier if your vet recommends it. Provide memory foam bedding. Give your dog calming attention. Throw your dog a bone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Throw-a-Frisbee-Forehand | How to Throw a Frisbee Forehand | To throw a Frisbee forehand, grip the disc between your thumb, index, and middle fingers, so that your index finger and thumb are straight and your middle finger is folded toward your palm. Step out with your feet slightly more than shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent, so that most of your weight is on your throwing foot. Bend your wrist backward, then flick your hand forward, using your shoulder for the power. | Grip the disc correctly. To properly grip the disc for the forehand, you'll need to use your thumb, index finger, and middle finger while keeping the other fingers out of the way. These three fingers alone should be enough to hold the weight of the disc and to give you the power and control you need. Here's how to grip the disc: You'll need to stick your thumb out, thumbs up style, and make a peace sign with your index and middle finger, making sure your palm is facing the sky. These are the three fingers you'll need. Now, hold the disc with your left (or non-dominant) hand, logo side up, and place it over your "peace sign" fingers, while folding your thumb over the top of the disc. Then, fold your ring and pinkie fingers into your hand as if you were making a loose fist, just touching your palm, to keep them out of the way. Fold your middle finger toward your palm, pushing it against the inside of the rim. Your index finger should stay straight, pointed toward the center of the Frisbee, supporting some of its weight. Squeeze the disc, pushing your thumb down and your middle finger tight against the rim. For a variation, instead of the "split fingers" grip, you can move your index and middle fingers together for the power grip, which will give you more power but less control. Get in the proper stance. Once you've got the grip down, you've got to step out, with your feet slightly more than shoulder width apart, pointing toward the receiver. Your knees should be slightly bent to help you maintain your balance and to gather power. Bring the disc back. Now, bring the disc back with your dominant hand while shifting your weight toward your throwing foot, so that about 80% of your weight is on your throwing foot, while 20% of your weight is on your other foot. Your arm should be close to parallel to the ground. Move the disc back behind your elbow. Keep bringing it back until your elbow is in front of the disc, pointing toward the receiver. Bend your wrist back as far as you can. When you snap it forward, it will generate the momentum you need to spin the disc. Keep the disc at a slight downward angle while moving it forward. The disc should be angled about 10 degrees downward parallel to the ground. Your throwing hand and arm should be parallel to the ground, with your other arm slightly behind you. You should increase the bend in your throwing foot a bit, too. Throw the disc. Now, flick your wrist as you move your throwing arm from the outside to the inside of your body (the opposite motion of throwing a backhand). The power should come from the shoulder, passing naturally through the elbow and into the wrist, allowing the disc to spin. When you throw the disc, make sure that you rotate your body, using your throwing side first, and then your shoulders. Use your non-throwing hand to balance your body after it rotates, to create balance as you move it out and behind you a bit. You may be tempted to flip your wrist because of throwing balls or playing other sports. But for throwing a disc, you should keep your palm facing up toward the sky so the disc will come off flat instead of flipping over, which is a common problem many first-time forehand throwers have. If you've ever skipped rocks, you can think of the wrist movement as being similar. In a sense, you are skipping the rocks by throwing a forehand, if this helps. Follow through. After you release the disc, make sure to point after its flight path with your hand, keeping it level, with your palm up. Keep your pinkie and your ring finger slightly bent up and your hand level. Continue to look at the receiver to make sure that your disc is headed on the right path. Throw the high release flick. This is the same as a regular forehand, except you throw it above your shoulder, flicking your wrist and raising your arm on release. This is good for getting around other people. Throw the low release flick. This is essentially a very low forehand. Lunge to the side you're throwing on, sinking down as low as you can. Release the disc just inches from the ground, trying to get it under a defender's arms. Your elbow should just barely make it past your knee when you throw the disc. This is effective at all ranges, but a little bit tricky to master. Throw the "pizza flip. " This is used mostly for faking. Here, you start to do a regular forehand throw, but at the last minute, you rotate the disc counter-clockwise, under your throwing arm, by using just your middle finger to hold the disc. Then, you release the disc toward your dominant side, which will be perpendicular to the standard way you will throw the disc using a forehand. | Grip the disc correctly. Get in the proper stance. Bring the disc back. Move the disc back behind your elbow. Keep the disc at a slight downward angle while moving it forward. Throw the disc. Follow through. Throw the high release flick. Throw the low release flick. Throw the "pizza flip. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Grandparent-Happy | How to Make a Grandparent Happy | To make a grandparent happy, try to keep in touch by visiting them when you can. You can do activities they like, such as taking a walk together, playing board or card games, or sitting and talking about memories. You should also make a habit of calling them regularly, such as once or twice a week, even if you live close by. Additionally, you can offer a hand with jobs like painting a room or vacuuming the house if they need help. | Know what your grandparent is capable of doing. Depending on how old your grandparent is, he may be limited in some respects. If you would like to spend time with your grandparent, be sure to plan for activities that your grandparent can easily do. For example, if your grandparent needs to use a cane or walker to help him get around, then planning a morning walking around a local park is not a suitable idea. Your grandparent will not be able to walk for a long period of time and will need frequent rest breaks. Be aware of your grandparent's hobbies and habits. Especially if your grandparent has health issues or is past the age of 80, for example, he likely has some limitations for accepting visits. Avoid planning your visits during these times. Know if your grandparent sleeps late in the mornings or takes naps around a certain time every day. Know if your grandparent has a regular doctor appointment each week or has a medical routine to do at the same time every day. Plan what you will do with your grandparent. Based on what you know your grandparent can and likes to do, figure out how the time you spend with your grandparent will go. There are many ideas for making new memories with your grandparent: Cook or bake together Sit and talk about life and memories Read a book together Take a walk around the neighborhood or in a park Make a craft with him/her Learn a skill that he/she has, like carving wood or knitting Have a picnic Visit a local art gallery Play board or card games Go shopping or window shopping Go fishing, boating, or hunting Be realistic if your grandparent lives in a nursing home or other assisted living community. In this case, your grandparent may not be able to leave the facility. Prepare activities to spend time together that can be done where your grandparent is. Talk about life and memories Play board or card games Put a puzzle together Make a craft together Read a book together Write a story or poem together Arrive on time and with the necessary supplies on the day you scheduled to visit. It will be important to your grandparent that you show up on time and on the correct day. He has been looking forward to this and will be disappointed if you are late or if you cancel. If you are running late, call your grandparent and let him know to expect you a little later. Be sure to explain why. If it turns out that you need to reschedule, let your grandparent know immediately. Do not wait until the last minute to call and change the plans, because your grandparent will likely feel very let down. Be sure to reschedule for another day and time that you are certain you are available. Be fully engaged in spending time with your grandparent. It truly means a lot to grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren, so be sure to respect his excitement about seeing you by engaging in the activity and conversation. Enjoy the time you are spending with your grandparent, because you never know how much longer you might be able to do this. Make plans for the next time with your grandparent. Let your grandparent know realistically when you will be able spend time with him again. Create plans for the next time you will visit him. You can do a different activity next time, or you can do the same thing again. Make sure your grandparent has written down somewhere when you will come for your next visit. Scheduling the next time gives your grandparent something to which he can look forward. Chat with your grandparent and learn if she needs help. Your grandparent might still live independently, and in that case, she almost certainly would welcome help with chores around the house. Ask your grandparent if she could use your help with anything. Alternatively, if you know that your grandparent needs some help, you could surprise her by showing up unexpectedly to do the work. Come up with ideas of how you can help. If your grandparent does not want to ask you to help due to pride or a strong feeling of independence, or if she is vague about needing help, think of some ways in which you can help her. Vacuum the house Dust the furniture Pull weeds in the garden Help harvest homegrown vegetables Wash the walls Deep clean the carpets Do the laundry Paint a room Help your grandparent arrange the completion of bigger tasks. Sometimes, your grandparent's home might need professional work done that you cannot help complete. However, you can help your grandparent call different companies or contractors to get price estimates and to get the work scheduled. Having a new roof installed Having a new appliance delivered and installed Getting a porch or deck built onto the house Having a pest issue resolved Having some kind of renovation done inside the house, like replacing cabinets Show up to your grandparent's house to do the work. You can arrange a day and time that works for both you and your grandparent, or you can show up to surprise her. Be sure to follow through with going to her home, if she is expecting you. You will let her down and lose trust if you do not show up. Be polite and respectful if your grandparent is hesitant to let you help due to pride or feelings of independence. While she might truly need the help, she could find it offensive or upsetting if you become pushy about it. If your grandparent does not want you to do as much work as you planned to do, then complete the tasks she is allowing you to do and try to get to the others next time. Do the work well. You are volunteering your time to help your grandparent, but you should still be sure to complete the work to the best of your ability. Your grandparent probably did a lot to help your parents raise you, and this is your opportunity to help repay the favor. This is also a good time to show her how much you appreciate and care about her. You want your grandparent to live in comfort and health, so do your best to ensure that this happens when you offer to take care of chores personally. Follow through with ensuring that the hired company or contractor completes the work. If you can, make plans to be at your grandparent's house the day that the work is supposed to be completed so that you can make sure it gets done. You might need to take your grandparent to your house or somewhere else for the day, depending on what kind of work is being done on her house. Take care of those arrangements ahead of time, if necessary. Visit your grandparent in person when you can. If you live close to your grandparent, then decide how often you can realistically visit him. If you are a youth and cannot drive yet, this will depend on your parents' availability to drive you to your grandparent's house. Consider whether you can go after school or work and how many times per week. Maybe you can only commit to once per week, or maybe you have availability to visit a few times per week. If you live far away, always make an effort to visit your grandparent in person when you are in town. Call your grandparent whenever you have time. Even if you live close to your grandparent, you could still create a habit of calling once or twice per week. If you live far away, you will want to do this regularly. If you have a commute of 20 minutes or more to/from work or school, you could easily spend that time chatting with your grandparent. Bluetooth devices and Bluetooth accessibility in cars are both very common today to make talking while driving safe. Call whenever you know your grandparent is available and whenever you have time. If your grandparent is an early riser and you have time in the mornings, call then. On the other hand, if you cannot call until the evening, call at an appropriate time for your grandparent. Teach your grandparent how to use a video calling service, such as Skype. If your grandparent is tech savvy, he might be up for learning how to use a video calling service. If you live far away, this is a way for you to catch up with your grandparent and for you to see each other. When you visit your grandparent in person, take a couple of hours to teach him how to use the service and practice. Send cards, notes, or letters as another way to stay in touch. Your grandparent will love getting a card or letter from you, and he will appreciate that you took the time to write to him. You can send a card for his birthday, anniversary, or other holiday. Your grandparent will like being remembered and recognized on days like Veteran's Day, if he was a member of the military. You can also simply send a note “just because,” to catch your grandparent up on what is going on in your life. Listen to your grandparent. This is an important step that permeates all kinds of interactions you have with your grandparent. Be an active listener when your grandparent is telling you stories about your family history or about her memories. Ask questions and make comments that prove that you are listening. Respond appropriately to her requests or commands. If she asks you to do a task, then you should do it. Display proper behavior and manners around your grandparent. Your grandparent grew up in a different time period, where societal norms and values were different. Be aware of what habits might irritate your grandparent. Stay off of your cell phone or smartphone while spending time with her. Your attention should be focused on her. Avoid arguing with or talking back to your grandparent. Thank your grandparent when she does something for you or gives you a gift. Be polite to your grandparent and to others when you are out in public. Be helpful and do any tasks or chores without complaint. Treat your grandparent like she is worthy of your time. The fact is that your grandparent is getting older and will likely suffer some health issues. She is not going to be alive forever, sadly, and your grandparent needs to know that you value the time spent with her. Let your grandparent know often that you love her. Focus your attention on your grandparent when spending time with her. Accept your grandparent's advice. Your grandparent has spent many more years alive and has many more life experiences than you do. Even if you do not totally agree with her advice, your grandparent is almost certainly speaking from experience. If you do take her advice, and it works for you, be sure to let your grandparent know and thank her for helping you. Invite your grandparent to events or on vacation. Grandparents truly want to feel included and to be invited to events. If you are having a dinner party, or if you are going on a family vacation, be sure to extend an invitation to your grandparent. Although grandparents love and enjoy babysitting their grandchildren, for example, they feel more respected and included when they are invited to events. Teach your grandparent about today's societal norms, and be understanding about the beliefs that she has. Things were very different when your grandparent grew up, so be understanding of that. Your grandparent likely has many set-in-stone beliefs, so avoid arguing with or scoffing at those beliefs. Do not try to force new ideas or beliefs on your grandparent if she is not open to learning about them. This only sets the stage for an argument and causes tension. Your grandparent might be curious about a topic or norm, but she may not want to learn everything there is to know about it. Respect the boundaries she sets for the conversation. Calmly and carefully explain certain new societal norms, like the ways people interact or the mixture of cultures present in society. | Know what your grandparent is capable of doing. Be aware of your grandparent's hobbies and habits. Plan what you will do with your grandparent. Be realistic if your grandparent lives in a nursing home or other assisted living community. Arrive on time and with the necessary supplies on the day you scheduled to visit. Be fully engaged in spending time with your grandparent. Make plans for the next time with your grandparent. Chat with your grandparent and learn if she needs help. Come up with ideas of how you can help. Help your grandparent arrange the completion of bigger tasks. Show up to your grandparent's house to do the work. Do the work well. Follow through with ensuring that the hired company or contractor completes the work. Visit your grandparent in person when you can. Call your grandparent whenever you have time. Teach your grandparent how to use a video calling service, such as Skype. Send cards, notes, or letters as another way to stay in touch. Listen to your grandparent. Display proper behavior and manners around your grandparent. Treat your grandparent like she is worthy of your time. Accept your grandparent's advice. Invite your grandparent to events or on vacation. Teach your grandparent about today's societal norms, and be understanding about the beliefs that she has. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-out-What-Kind-of-Business-to-Start | How to Find out What Kind of Business to Start | To find out what kind of business to start, first look for gaps in existing markets for which you have a passion. Next, consider your skills, like problem solving and staying calm during crises, and look for inspiration in your day-to-day life. Starting a business is a big commitment, so decide how much time and money you want to invest. For an easier option, consider buying a franchise or starting an online business. Whatever you choose, research your market and business type, and even consider taking a business or management class. | List your interests. The key to starting a solid business is figuring out what you're interested in. Many people desire to start their own company because they want to pursue their passions. The first step to making a decision about forming your own business is listing your own interests. Take a sheet of paper and start jotting down your interests. You can start with the very obvious. For example, what do you like to do on the weekends? Do you read? Go hiking? Play sports? Reach back a little. What were you interested in before you got the job you have now? Did you minor in literature in college? Did you used to knit or engage in another hobby? Is there anything you miss doing that once captivated you? List your skills. Once you've determined your interests, now it's time to explore your skills. What are you good at? What do you think you could contribute to the world? People tend to have surprising skill sets unrelated to their field of work. Jon Stewart was an outstanding soccer player. Neil Patrick Harris is an accomplished magician. Do you have a special skill unrelated to your field of work? Do you, say, quilt on the weekends? Is there any way these skills could be made into a business model? Make a list of abstract skills as well. Take out a piece of paper and write at the top "These are seven things I'm good at" and proceed to list your most marketable skills. For example, "I am a good problem solver" or "I know how to stay calm in a crisis." Pay attention to what's missing. The most successful business models fill in the gaps of an existing market. That is, they figure out what service or product is missing from an existing in demand industry. Consider what's missing in a field of interest to you. Once again, making a list can help. Write a list of 5 products or services that would be useful to you but do not currently exist. Think about moments when, driving your car, watching your TV, or using some electronic device, you wished for a specific feature not on the market. Keep in mind this may take a few days. A frequent complaint of the middle school essay topic "My Most Memorable Moment" is that when forced to think of something memorable on the spot many people's minds go blank. While you might come up with product ideas all the time, when you push yourself to write them down you might find you've forgotten quite a few. Take a couple of days to think about it, keeping your list on hand if an idea comes to you in a free moment. Look for inspiration. A lot of anecdotal evidence speaks to the fact multimillion dollar ideas come at unexpected moments. The concept for Netflix, for example, began when Reed Hastings got a $40 late fee at his local video rental store. He wondered why movie rental companies couldn't work like health clubs, where you get charged a flat fee for using a given product. This is where he began to formulate the idea for his idea for an online DVD rental company. Pay attention to the world around you. Carry at notebook at all times. When you have a moment, like Hastings, where you wish things could work slightly differently write that down. A great idea could come of this later on. Assess your personality. Starting a business is a big risk. You need to know what your strengths and weaknesses are going in so you can reduce the chance of failure. In your current job, what are your strengths? Are you a behind-the-scenes type, making things work from behind a computer desk? Or are you out on the field, making connections and networking with others? What do you genuinely enjoy about your current job? People tend to be more successful in jobs they truly love. Do you love attending conferences? Running meetings? Are the sort of person suited for a leadership position? If so, starting your own business may be a good plan for you. Ask co-workers and colleagues to give an honest assessment of you. It can be hard to self judge so ask someone you trust what they think your best qualities as a worker are. This can help you see what role you can play in your own company and what roles you should assign to others. Decide how much of a commitment you want to make. Are you looking for a side business, something to do for fun and make a little extra money? Or are you looking for something that could potentially replace your current job? Starting your own business, regardless of the size, is a huge commitment and carries a lot of risk. Spend some time assessing how much of yourself you'll willing to put into this new endeavor. Look into education. If you don't have experience with running a business, consider getting educated. Even if you already have a degree, taking extra classes or pursuing some kind of supplementary training can help. Consider going back to school for something like an associate's degree in business, marketing, or managing. Associate's degrees tend to be only two years and the course load may be less strenuous. If you can't commit to getting another degree, consider taking a few business classes at a local college. There are also courses in business and start up companies offered online, which can be convenient if you have existing obligations. Consider a sole proprietorship. A sole proprietorship is the simplest business structure available. In a sole proprietorship, you are the sole owner of your business and entitled to all the profits and also responsible for any debts and losses. You do not have to do anything special to form a sole proprietorship. You just need to be the only owner of the company and the status is set. The main advantages of a sole proprietorship is that it's easy and inexpensive to form. You also have full control of the company and tax preparation is fairly easy. The main drawback to a sole proprietorship is that there is no legal separation between you and your business. This makes you liable for all debts an obligations. As you can't sell stock as a sole proprietorship, it can be difficult to raise funds for expenses. It can also be very stressful to handle all responsibilities alone. Learn about partnerships and LLCs. If you're worried about too much responsibility and liability, consider a partnership or LCC. In these arrangements, you're more protected and it may be easier to raise money for expenses. In a partnership, two or more people share ownership and responsibility of a business. In an LCC, your business would be a hybrid of a corporate structure and a partnership. In a general partnership, you and another business partner share responsibility equally. In some types of partnerships, like a limited partnership, one person has slightly more control than the other. The main advantages of partnerships are they're easy and inexpensive to form, commitment is shared, you can find someone whose skill set compliments yours, and partnerships tend to attract more competent employees. The drawbacks are you will still have a lot of liability, disagreements between partners can hurt business, and profits are shared. In an LCC, you're not an owner but a member and the way the structure is set up limits your liability. This is the main advantage to the LCC structure. Other advantages include less record keeping and profit sharing is far more flexible. Drawbacks include the fact LLCs can dissolve if too many members drop out and the self employment taxes associated with this structure can be complicated. Familiarize yourself with corporate options. Forming a corporation can be a complicated process. However, forming a corporation can make running your business easier. Consider the corporate model when making a decision about your business. The main advantage of a corporation is that you save a lot on taxes. Tax rates for corporations are generally lower. Your business will also have an independent life, separate from you, which limits your personal liability. The biggest drawback about corporations it that operating processes are much stricter. Shareholders also have compensation requirements that can be difficult to meet if you're a smaller company. Consider buying a franchise. An easy way to start your own business is to buy up an existing franchise. Franchises are well-known chains, such as McDonald's, that allow independent owners to purchase and operate a location. Before you start a franchise, do your research. You'll have to follow certain corporate guidelines, so make sure the corporations overall ethics match your goals as a business owner. See if the type of franchise generally performs well in your area. Understand you have less freedom as a franchise owner. You have to follow guidelines based on layout, designs, prices, specials, and other aspects of your business. On the upside, however, you'll receive support from the corporation through training sessions, corporate seminars, and networking opportunities. Read your contract carefully. Contracts for corporations often benefit the franchiser more than the franchisee. Make sure you can feasibly make money running your franchise. Look into an online business. If you're running a business on the side, running an online business can be convenient. You'll also have a more flexible schedule and slightly more creative control. You do have to know a bit about web design in order to start an online business. You'll probably have to register a domain name, design and website, and advertise and market yourself. If you have an existing background in online media and marketing, an online business might be a good choice for you. There are also separate regulations for online businesses, based on your state. Contact a lawyer who specializes in internet law to ask about policies if you're interested in starting a business online. Learn about retail. Retail is a viable business type in which you sell goods and services. Retail is somewhat on decline due to the convenience of buying products online, but clothing items and other items that need to be tried on tend to sell better in a physical store. Retail items tend to do well when they initially open up. Customers are usually drawn in within a couple of weeks. Procedures for taxes and initial opening are less rigid. Having a physical presence also helps you stay in consumer's minds. It can be expensive to maintain a retail outlet as opposed to other businesses as you have to buy your supplies. Scheduling is more rigid, as you need to be physically in the store waiting for customers. Consider consulting. If you're interested in self-employment, consulting is a fairly straight forward business type. Consulting also allows for a more flexible schedule and can be done on the side while you keep a more stable job. Consulting tends to pay fairly high. This means fewer working hours. Having consulting experience also looks good on a resume for future employment opportunities. There are also many chances to network and grow your business. The main downside of consulting is that it does not always provide a steady income. It also takes a lot of time and money to become a consultant. You will also have to take care of your own benefits and taxes. | List your interests. List your skills. Pay attention to what's missing. Look for inspiration. Assess your personality. Decide how much of a commitment you want to make. Look into education. Consider a sole proprietorship. Learn about partnerships and LLCs. Familiarize yourself with corporate options. Consider buying a franchise. Look into an online business. Learn about retail. Consider consulting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-16th-Year-Wedding-Anniversary-Gift | How to Buy a 16th Year Wedding Anniversary Gift | To buy a 16th year wedding anniversary gift, try following one of the 16th anniversary themes. Traditionally, the 16th wedding anniversary theme is wax. A nice candle is a romantic, yet traditional gesture. The modern 16th anniversary theme is silver holloware. Silver holloware is any empty, silver item, like a silver tea set, flask, ice bucket, locket, or fountain pen. Another way to choose a 16th wedding anniversary gift is to use the 16th anniversary color, which is emerald green. For example, you could get your spouse a green gemstone, tie, or shirt. | Pick a gift that is made of wax. Each wedding anniversary has a theme. You can find lists of these themes online. Some people say the 16th doesn't have a traditional theme, but others say it's wax. You can find a candle or something more symbolic, like a wax sculpture of a place you met or went together. You can usually find wax artists in your area online. For example, the first anniversary is traditionally paper. The second is cotton, the third is leather, the fourth is fruit or flowers, the fifth is wood, the sixth is sugar or iron. The seventh is wool or copper, the eighth is bronze or pottery, the ninth is pottery or willow, the 10th is tin or aluminum, the 11th is steel, the 12th is silk or linen, the 13th is lace, the 14th is ivory, the 15th is crystal. And, yes, the 16th is wax. Don't worry, it gets harder than wax. The 19th anniversary is chili pepper. Choose silver hollowware. The traditional anniversary themes get a little goofy. After all, is your significant other really desiring chili pepper? How many people want a gift out of tin? Maybe wax doesn't sound very romantic (although candles are always nice). Thus, modern themes have emerged. The modern theme for the 16th wedding anniversary is often described as silver hollowware. Silver hollowware simply means hollow silver. Some gift ideas for silver hollowware are a silver tea set, flask, ice bucket, silver locket, wine goblets, or a fountain pen. You could put flowers in a silver vase. Embrace the meaning. Explain it to your significant other so it doesn't seem like you're choosing a theme without thought. Historically, silver meant awareness, clarity, and vision! Silverware can also represent family and connectedness. It can symbolize union because people sit down together when they use it. Don't feel badly if you decide to mix it up. Instead of a solid or silver plated item, for example, maybe you just go with something silver colored. You could give your significant other a silver dipped flower or just anything with the precious metal. Pick something green. Follow the 16th anniversary color. Yes, there are also colors for each anniversary year. Some people believe that you can also choose aquamarine for the 16th, even though that has more of a bluish hue. If you want to follow the rules, the color for the 16th is emerald green. Emerald green can mean gem stones, especially if your significant other is a woman. If you're buying for a man or a woman who is not a fan of gems, you could choose a light green shirt or a tasteful green tie. Choose topaz or Peridot. The 16th anniversary also has a gemstone. It's golden topaz. You're lucky about that one. The soft yellow/bronze color is very beautiful. In addition to being the traditional gemstone for the 16th anniversary, topaz is a great choice for that anniversary because it's relatively lower in cost than some other jewels. This can matter because, for many couples, the 16th comes in the midst of big mortgage payments and costs of child rearing (although not always). Examples of topaz related gifts are topaz pendants, earrings, beaded necklaces, cufflinks, and money clips. Peridot is vivid green gemstone with an undertone of gold. It looks very good with summer wardrobes and is so ancient that it's been found in Egyptian jewelry dating to the 2nd millennium B.C. Choose the applicable flower. Yes, there's a traditional themed flower for the 16th wedding anniversary. It's the statice or sea lavender An alternative to the statice flower is the silver rose. The statice flower is said to emphasize enduring beauty, memory and success. That's why it's a great choice for the 16th, which is a marriage that has endured. What is the statice flower? It's often considered a herb and is sometimes called “sea lavender.” It has a seafoam appearance and is sometimes called “marsh-rosemary.” You will often see it in dried flower arrangements because of its hardy appearance. Treat every anniversary like the first. Work hard not to fall into a romantic rut. The 16th is not really a milestone anniversary, like the 1st or the 10th or even the 15th, so it can be easy to forget. However, 16 years is a big accomplishment. Don't coast. Don't forget it. Treat it like a big deal because it is. Make sure your loved dog knows you care. The 16th often gets overlooked because the 15th anniversary is so important. Many people believe that once you get past 15, you're truly in a long-term marriage. So celebrate! Go sentimental. Forget the themes maybe. And forget the generic bunch of wilting roses you pick up at the local grocery store. Instead, go for a gift with meaning. What matters to your significant other emotionally? Is it a moment from your past? Recreate it. Take your loved one to a place where you had an early date or first met. Give your loved dog something that's not tangible but more from the heart. Write a poem. Write a letter. Take him or her on a surprise trip. Treat him or her to a trip to the spa. Show your significant other that, after 16 years, you truly know what he or she wants (and needs). Get creative with a gift that focuses on the number 16. The gift can be quite simple or an elaborate planned event. Fill a jar with chocolates or other candies and attach a card that reads, "Sweet 16." Bake 16 muffins or cookies to give to the anniversary couple or significant other. Create a scavenger hunt in which the couple visits 16 places that are significant in their relationship. Send the couple on a 16-night trip, or make reservations for the couple for a weekend in Tennessee, the 16th state in the United States. | Pick a gift that is made of wax. Choose silver hollowware. Embrace the meaning. Pick something green. Choose topaz or Peridot. Choose the applicable flower. Treat every anniversary like the first. Go sentimental. Get creative with a gift that focuses on the number 16. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Temptation | How to Deal With Temptation | Giving in to temptation can leave you feeling dissatisfied, guilty, or upset, but you can learn how to respond to temptations in more positive ways. One way to deal with temptation is to get away from whatever it is that tempts you. For example, if you're trying to quit smoking, avoid places that you frequently smoked. You can also try to visualize yourself resisting temptation. For example, if you're avoiding sweets, imagine holding a chocolate bar, smelling it, touching it, then putting it down. While it's easy to think about the instant gratification of giving in to temptation, try to take a minute to think about the long-term consequences too before giving in. Visualizing the long-term impacts can also help build your resistance. For example, if you're tempted to smoke, imagine yourself as a cancer patient and think about how terrible you feel. | Recognize potential temptation. Temptation is all about self-control, and tempting situations are often about the conflict between immediate gratification and long-term goals. For example, if you're on a diet, you may be tempted to eat a delicious piece of cheesecake that's beckoning you from the deli case. Immediate gratification would result from giving in to temptation and eating the cheesecake. However, giving in would also interfere with your long-term goal of becoming more healthy by avoiding high-sugar foods. As another example, if you're already in a relationship, become aware of people that might tempt you to cheat. These people may be old acquaintances that have come back into your life, your co-workers, or people that you interact with in private settings. However, temptation isn't always this obvious. For example, say you're a business professional and you're tempted to knock off early on a Friday afternoon a few days a month. A couple of early departures don't seem like a big deal, but this could represent to your employer that you can't be trusted with responsibility, which could jeopardize long-term goals such as promotion and advancement. Remove yourself from temptation. Make it easier to deal with temptation by getting away from what tempts you. For instance, if you're trying to quit smoking, avoid places that you frequently smoked. You may even want to avoid people that you usually smoked with. If you're tempted to drink, the annual work party at the bar will probably challenge your determination. Stay alert for potential temptations and avoid them when possible. This way, you won't be caught off-guard and you'll always be prepared to deal with temptations. If you can't completely remove yourself from a situation or person, try to manage the situation so that it's more difficult to act on your temptation. For example, if you're tempted to cheat with a friend, avoid one-on-one situations. Always meet in a group, if you have to see the person. Be honest. If you're refusing something or someone that's tempting you, don't feel guilty or like you need to lie. Be honest about why you're refusing something. This can strengthen your resolve in the future and may even reduce the temptation. For example, if you're tempted to cheat and the person you're interested in asks you out, honestly refuse her by saying you're already in a relationship. Once she knows this, she may be less likely to flirt with you in the future. Visualize yourself resisting temptation. In this approach, picture yourself acknowledging or touching the temptation before putting it down and walking away from it. Imagine this experience in as much detail as you can. For example, if you're trying to avoid sweets, imagine holding a chocolate bar. Picture smelling it, touching it, and putting it down. Once you've practiced enough, you may even purposely try to resist the temptation. Go to the store and confront your temptation. This technique is not appropriate for addictions, such as drug or alcohol addictions. Visualization of giving in or contact with paraphernalia can act as a trigger and make resistance to this temptation much harder. Think of the long-term consequences. It's easy to think of immediate gratification when you really want something. Take a minute to think of the longer term consequences before giving in to temptation. In some cases, such as cheating on a partner, the long-term consequences are extensive and often extreme. You will hurt your partner, you will damage that person's trust in you, and you may even lose the relationship. However, we're beset all the time with what researchers call "epsilon-cost temptations," or those little things that don't seem consequential on their own but add up to significant consequences. People often have a harder time refusing these temptations because they seem so minor. For example, trying a single cigarette or eating a single slice of cheesecake are not likely to have immediate, long-term, extensive negative consequences. However, smoking that cigarette makes you more likely to have another, and another, which increases your overall risk of highly negative consequences. And even a single cigarette can cause immediate damage to your body and raise your risk of diseases such as cancer. Try to consider your actions in a broader context. A single slice of cheesecake won't kill you, but if you're trying to avoid sugar to become healthier, eating it will hold you back from that long-term goal. The extra calories will also add up over time if you keep giving in. Thinking about things this way, instead of as isolated incidents, can help improve self-control. You may even find that visualizing the long-term consequences can help you build your resistance. For example, if you're tempted to smoke, visualize yourself as a cancer patient hooked up to chemotherapy. Visualize how terrible you feel, how expensive your treatments have been, and how heartbroken your family is. Distract yourself. Sometimes, fixating on what's tempting you can make it harder to resist. Instead, research has shown that distracting yourself by doing something fun or that engages your mind can help fight temptation. You might try meditating, yoga, going for a jog, or meeting up with friends. Whatever you choose to do to distract yourself, throw yourself into it completely. You may want to do something that engages you with others who need help. Shift the focus of your attention away from yourself to people who'd appreciate you. It may take your mind off of the temptation. Having a specific "distraction plan" is a good idea. For example, tell yourself that if you notice the urge for a cigarette, you will get up and go for a short run. This will act as a distraction and improve your health, too. Do not give yourself a choice. If you're tempted by something, don't let yourself believe that you have the choice to give in or avoid it. If you remove choice from the situation, you'll have to refuse whatever's tempting you. For example, if you're feeling tempted to cheat on your partner, avoid flirting with a co-worker that you're interested in. Since you know you don't want to cheat, don't even act like you're interested. As another example, if you're struggling to stay on your low-sugar eating plan given you by your doctor, you could refuse invitations to holiday parties that are likely to be full of sweets and rich foods. However, this option also limits your ability to socialize and interact with others, so consider whether this is the route you really want to take. Make concrete plans. Make an intentional plan for yourself, such as "I will not order cheesecake at lunch today so that I can stay on track with my healthy eating habits. I will have an apple instead" or "I will have only one beer at the party tonight and ask my partner to remind me if I go for another." Declaring these plans for yourself in concrete, specific terms can help you focus on your long-term goals, rather than immediate gratification. Framing your plans in terms of "if-then" may be helpful. For example, you might come up with this scenario: "If I am offered a piece of cake at the party, I will say 'No, thanks, I am watching my sugar,' and go start a conversation with someone close by." Get help from others. If you're finding it hard to say no to something, like another cigarette or piece of pie, ask your partner or a friend to keep you from getting it. This will make you accountable to someone else and remove the choice. For example, if you're at a party and trying to watch your drinking, tell your date to remind you of your plan after one drink. Use technology. Hold yourself accountable by using apps or computer programs that allow you to track your habits. If you're trying to avoid spending money, use budgeting software to monitor your spending. Or, if you're watching your weight, use an application on your phone to keep tabs on what you're eating. Using technology can also let you know when you're more likely to give in to temptation. For example, you might notice that you're more likely to overindulge on the weekends. Challenge someone else. If you find yourself tempted and know someone else trying to give up or avoid something, challenge her to a competition. For example, if you're wanting to exercise more, but having trouble, challenge your friend to see who can lose more weight or log more time at the gym. A friendly competition might be all you need to make you accountable to yourself (and each other). Be sure to agree on terms of the challenge before you both begin. Practice gratitude. Gratitude enables you to remember what you have to be thankful for in your life. Focusing on these things can make you less likely to need other things. Try writing down several things that you're thankful for every day. Keep the list close and read through it whenever you feel tempted. Build up your skills through practice. Many research studies have shown that you can develop self-control even as an adult through practice. These exercises also increase efficiency and lower your impulsivity. Just like your physical muscles, your self-control muscles will get stronger with routine exercise. One way to practice is to try to change or break a habit , even a trivial one. So, if you notice that you always brush your teeth starting on the right side of your mouth, make a conscious effort to start on the left side instead. Setting a daily routine is another good way to practice. For example, you might make a plan to get up at 7:30 AM every day, including the weekends, and eat a cooked breakfast instead of grabbing a doughnut. As you practice this routine, you'll develop your self-control skills. You can also try to practice self-control in more meaningful ways, such as making the decision to bike to school twice a week instead of driving. Getting yourself in the habit of setting goals and following through will help you build up your self-control "muscles." Keep an eye on your self-control energy levels. Just like physical energy, self-control can be "used up." When you exercise, you reach a point where your muscles are tired out and it becomes difficult for you to continue lifting those weights or running. When you exercise your decision-making skills, the same thing happens to your brain. One study found that students who had to exercise self-control in one task did poorer on a subsequent self-control task than students who hadn't had to flex those self-control "muscles" prior to the activity. So, if you're going to a holiday party with a lot of sweets that you want to resist, make sure you don't also eat lunch in the breakroom near that open box of doughnuts. This constant pressure to resist temptation could wear you down. The same study also found that decision-making can impact your self-control ability. If you know you're going to be in a situation that requires you to make decisions, such as a high-pressure meeting at work, try to avoid other situations that day that will require you to resist temptation. For example, perhaps say no to a big party in the evening if you know you will have to make some decisions earlier in the day. Eat well. Eating habits can be a big source of temptation, but healthy eating habits can also help you avoid depleting your self-control resources. One study found that students who had not eaten recently did worse on a self-control task than students who had had a recent meal and had stable blood sugar levels. Even a quick refreshment, such as a glass of lemonade or a piece of fruit, can help bring your glucose levels up and improve your self-control. Eating foods high in fiber, such as beans, oats, potatoes, and vegetables, will help your glucose levels stay steady rather than dipping or spiking. They also take longer to digest, which will help you feel fuller longer and can help fight food-related temptation. Avoid stress. Stress can use up your self-control resources really quickly. There are several ways you can deal with stress : Try daily techniques such as yoga or tai chi. Meditation helps many people relax. Deep breathing exercises can be helpful, and you can do them anywhere, anytime. Get enough rest. Sleep at least 7-9 hours a night, and keep a sleep routine, even on weekends. | Recognize potential temptation. Remove yourself from temptation. Be honest. Visualize yourself resisting temptation. Think of the long-term consequences. Distract yourself. Do not give yourself a choice. Make concrete plans. Get help from others. Use technology. Challenge someone else. Practice gratitude. Build up your skills through practice. Keep an eye on your self-control energy levels. Eat well. Avoid stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Braid-African-American-Hair | How to Braid African American Hair | To braid African American hair, wash your hair as you normally would and apply a deep conditioner. Detangle your hair gently with a wide tooth comb, then let it air dry or blow dry it until it's lightly damp. You can then experiment with popular protective braids like cornrows, or if you want to incorporate synthetic hair into your look, consider box braids. For a less time-consuming option, give two-strand twist braids a try! | Wash and condition your hair. Start by washing your hair as per usual, and then use a deep conditioner to help soften your strands. Leave the conditioner on your hair for the amount of time recommended on the bottle, then rinse it out with cool water. To minimize dryness and frizz, use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. Detangle your hair. When you've rinsed your conditioner out, use a wide-tooth comb to brush out all the tangles, starting from the ends and working towards the roots. For even gentler detangling, use your fingers to tease out any knots and tangles. Blow-dry your hair to relax and defrizz your curls. Use your hairdryer on “low” to blow out your curls, so that they are almost completely dry. Brush out your hair once more to make sure there are no knots, and then you're ready to start your braids. Blow-drying your hair will help stretch and relax the curls, reducing frizz and making the hair easier to manage during the braiding process. Prepare your packages of braiding hair. Box braids use 'braid hair' – synthetic hair strands that are very long – to fill in the space on your scalp and give you plenty of fullness in your braids. Take each chunk of hair out of the packages individually, and hold them in the center, cutting off the elastic bands holding it together. With a grip on the center and the 2 tail ends of the hair hanging down, begin pulling the strands on 1 side of the hair. This will give the ends of your hair a more natural look, otherwise the packaged hair is blunt-cut straight across and your braids will look a bit unnatural when you're finished. Choose your braid hair in a color similar to your own, and get at least 2 large packages. The longer and thicker you want your braids to be, the more packages of braid hair you will need. If you want shorter braids, use fewer packages and cut the braid hair into halves or thirds. When you're pulling the hair, gently tug at small strands rather than big portions of hair. Run your fingers through the hair when you're finished evening out the ends to remove any knots that might have shown up. Get a strand of braiding-hair ready for braiding. Section off your first piece of braiding hair into a strand that is about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) wide. Then, separate off ⅓ of this section. You should be holding 2 sections with 1 that is twice as thick as the other. Wrap the smaller strand around the larger one, so that the tail ends are facing opposite directions (like '><'). Take the smaller strand and grab it at the center where it is intertwined with the first strand. Carefully twist the strand over and under, so that the 2 tail ends form a single piece that sticks out between the original tail strands. You should be left with 3 strands of approximately equal size, which you can hold in 1 hand. Section off your hair on your scalp for braiding. Use a rat-tooth comb to carefully section a small piece of hair on your scalp, approximately 1-inch by 1-inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm). It will probably be easiest to start on 1 side of your head near your hairline and work your way back, but you can start wherever you are comfortable. Use a bit of hair gel or edge control product to prepare this section, making it easier to manipulate. If you want to do basic box braids, you can section the hair into square “boxes.” You can also get creative and make sections in other shapes, such as diamonds or triangles. Start your first braid. Hold your braiding hair in your hand so that 1 strand is between your thumb and index finger, a second strand is between your index and middle finger, and the third strand is hanging behind the first 2. Grab the section of hair closest to your scalp with your thumb and index finger, as close to the roots as possible. To start the braid: Reach your empty hand around your head and grab the third strand of braiding hair hanging behind the ones gripped in your hand. Simultaneously pull the 3rd strand of hair under and incorporate the hair from your scalp into the section between your thumb and index finger, and twist it over in the opposite direction. Pull the third loose section of hair into the middle, between the other 2 sections. You should now have 3 separate strands of hair that are held tight to your scalp, with your natural hair incorporated into 1 of the sections. Braid your section of hair. With your braiding hair as close to your scalp as possible, begin braiding tightly in the traditional pattern. Alternate placing the left-most strand over the middle section, and then the right-most strand over the middle section. When you reach the end of your braid, the strands should taper out into a smaller and smaller braid. You don't need to use an elastic band to hold it in place, as it should hold on its own. Braid additional sections of hair. Repeat the same steps as aforementioned to braid the rest of your head: Section a 1-inch by 1-inch (2.5 cm by 2.5 cm) piece of hair from your scalp, and apply gel or edge control. Prepare your braiding hair and part it into 3 strands. Use the twisting method to combine your natural hair into your braiding hair. Complete the braid using a regular 3-strand method until you reach the ends. Perfect each braid. As you braid, it is important to take the time to make sure they are all smooth, flexible, and even. If you notice any bulging strands or lumps in your braid, you'll need to take it out and start over from the beginning. If your natural hair is sticking out from the strands of your braiding hair, you'll need to remove your braiding hair and add gel or edge control to moisturize it and reduce frizz. You may have to re-braid the same strand multiple times in order to get it just right. If your braid is uneven, you may have started with sections of differing thickness. You'll have to take out your braiding hair and re-split it into 3 even sections. Wash and condition your hair. Because you'll likely be leaving your hair in cornrows for several weeks straight, you want to make sure that you start with clean, well-conditioned hair. Wash your hair with your regular shampoo, and then use a deep conditioner to soften it. You'll also want to use a hair gel of some sort while you braid, to keep your hair smooth, frizz-free, and easy to control and manipulate. Decide where your part will be. Cornrows can be braided in any direction, so it is important that you decide where your part will be before you start braiding. The 2 most common part styles are either in rows from your hairline straight back to the nape of your neck, or braided in a circular motion around your head from a center part. You'll need to use a rat-tooth comb to part your hair in the desired pattern, and to split your hair into sections for braiding. Section your hair. Fill a spray bottle with water and a little bit of olive oil and shake it well. Then, spray down the section of hair you are working with. Use your comb to separate off this section of hair in a row down your head. The smaller the part, the smaller the braid; the larger the part, the larger the braid. Use butterfly clips to hold your remaining hair in place out of your face. Begin your first cornrow. Take the sectioned part of hair in 1 hand and pull a small piece from the very top (near your hairline) away from the rest of the bunch. Separate this small piece of hair into 3 sections of equal size. Start braiding these 3 pieces in the traditional braiding pattern: cross the right-most section over the middle section, then cross the left-most section over the middle section, back and forth. Add in more hair to your cornrow. The cornrows are created by braiding your sectioned hair in a French braid really close to your head. As you work down your parted section of hair, continue your braid the same way you started it. However, as you braid, grab small portions of hair from the un-braided part and incorporate them into each strand you cross over the middle section. You are essentially creating a very tiny french braid. As you add in hair, pull the braid tight and keep your fingers close to your head. Don't braid your hair away from your head, as this will make your cornrows loose and appear funny. Finish your cornrow. When you get to the nape of your neck, you may or may not run out of hair. If your hair is short, you will finish your cornrow by twisting the ends of the braid together to secure them and prevent unravelling. If your hair is a bit longer, you will continue your cornrow past the nape of your neck in a regular braid. Twist the ends to secure the braid when you're finished. You can choose to use small, clear elastic bands to hold your cornrows in place if you're worried about the braids coming loose. Some people choose to put beads on the ends of each braid as a decorative detail. Cornrow the rest of your hair. Work across your scalp, sectioning out even pieces of hair and braiding them into cornrows. The process can be quite time-consuming, so don't be alarmed if it takes several hours to complete. Make sure that each cornrow is the same size and follows the same pattern, so that it appears even and intentional across your head. If your hair is sticking out from your braids, it is likely not moisturized enough and your braids aren't tight enough. Add more styling product, such as gel, edge control, pomade, or mousse, to remedy this. You might need help from someone to make sure that all your rows are even and parallel, especially on the back of your head. Wash and condition your hair. Just like with other braiding styles, your hair needs to be well-moisturized and de-tangled prior to starting your 2-strand twists. Wash your hair as per usual, and then use a deep conditioning cream to moisturize it. Your 2 strand twists will be easier to style if they are wet or at least slightly damp, so do not blow dry or air-dry your hair completely before styling. Use a comb to remove any tangles or knots that might be present. Decide on the size of your twists. There are many options when it comes to braiding your 2-strand twists. The most obvious decision you'll need to make is how large you want your braids to be. You can do 'micro twists,' which use dozens of teeny-tiny braids, or you can do jumbo twists that use 1-inch (2.5 cm) sections or larger of hair. Small twists will last much longer than large twists, but the process is obviously more time-consuming. Decide what size you want based on your personal style and the amount of time you have to work on your hair. Prepare your first section. Use a rat-tail comb to part a section of hair to your desired size. The section of hair should be a square in shape. Rub a bit of style gel or cream through your hair and mist it with a little water and olive oil to reduce frizz and make it easier to manipulate. Use your comb to brush through this section several times, to make sure that the hair is completely smooth and tangle-free. Start twisting your first section. Split your section of hair into 2 equal strands. Begin winding them tightly away from your head in a rope-like pattern. You'll simply wrap the strands simultaneously around each other to create a twist. To keep it tight, you'll want to pull the twist tight to your scalp as you work. Finish your first twist. When you near the end of your strand and begin running out of hair to twist, you will need to switch to doing a 1-strand twist to secure the ends. To do this, take the 2 strands and combine them together (there shouldn't be much hair left to do this with). Then, wrap this section around your finger many times, in the same direction you were twisting the 2 strands of hair. This will curl the ends of the hair in the same direction, securing them in place. This method works best if your hair is naturally curly rather than chemically relaxed or permed. Repeat the twisting process on the rest of your hair. Continue working your way across your scalp, creating your 2-strand twists. The process is the exact same for each twist, just make sure that you section off equal amounts of hair so that all your twists are the same size. Section a small piece of hair, comb it, and apply your gel or cream. Split your section into 2 equal strands. Wrap the strands around each other to form a rope-braid. Twist the ends of the 2-strand braid together to secure them and prevent the braid from unravelling. | Wash and condition your hair. Detangle your hair. Blow-dry your hair to relax and defrizz your curls. Prepare your packages of braiding hair. Get a strand of braiding-hair ready for braiding. Section off your hair on your scalp for braiding. Start your first braid. Braid your section of hair. Braid additional sections of hair. Perfect each braid. Wash and condition your hair. Decide where your part will be. Section your hair. Begin your first cornrow. Add in more hair to your cornrow. Finish your cornrow. Cornrow the rest of your hair. Wash and condition your hair. Decide on the size of your twists. Prepare your first section. Start twisting your first section. Finish your first twist. Repeat the twisting process on the rest of your hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-an-Ultrasound-Technician | How to Become an Ultrasound Technician | If you're considering becoming an ultrasound technician, focus on science, health, and math classes in high school. Ultrasound technicians study human anatomy and help doctors diagnose and treat medical problems, so you'll also need to work on developing good communication skills. Once you've gotten your high school diploma or GED, apply to an ultrasound technician program approved by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. To get certified, take the American Register for Diagnostic Medical Sonography's exams. | Get a high school diploma. You'll need a high school diploma or GED in order to enroll in the educational programs that prepare you to become an ultrasound technician. As part of your prep for a career as an ultrasound technician, study math, English, computer science, health, and both the physical and life sciences as part of your high school curriculum. Complete an accredited Ultrasound Technician program. Find a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and get your Associate's Degree or complete a postgraduate certificate program. If you're shifting careers in the health care industry, or you're a high-school graduate, you can take a one-year program. These fast-track programs generally reward you with a vocational certificate. Two-year programs are the most popular, and when you complete the two years (one to one and a half years if you have taken many of the prerequisite courses), you will earn an associate's degree. You can also take a four year program, and graduate with a bachelors degree. Stay away from eight week or six month programs. Not only do they not prepare you adequately for a career as an ultrasound technician, but it will hardly matter as you will not be competitive in the job market. Note that some colleges may require you to complete a Certified Nursing Associate (CNA) course before being accepted into a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (DMS) program. If you already have a Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree and want to become an ultrasound technician, the diploma program may be the best option. Each program has different requirements, and the previously earned degrees may or may not have to be in a related field like Radiologic Technology, Nuclear Medicine or an Allied Health discipline Diploma programs offer you the opportunity to expand your career options by adding Diagnostic Medical Sonography to your expertise The previous degree earned and the program requirements will determine how long it takes to complete the program, but it usually take 12-18 months You may need to complete prerequisite courses depending on your previously earned degree Always choose a CAAHEP accredited diploma program Earning a Master's degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography can open up many new career options. If you are interested in moving into administration, teaching, research, publishing or a position in private industry, this is the degree to pursue. You must have a Bachelor's degree to apply to a Master's degree program The program is designed to be completed in 12-15 months You may have to take additional courses that are not part of the Master's degree program's core curriculum, which adds to the time it takes to complete the program Always attend a CAAHEP accredited program Clinical training may have to be completed. Get clinical training. While you're enrolled in a program, you'll have opportunities to take internships that provide hands-on clinical experience. You'll learn ultrasound skills in a health care setting and have the opportunity to put what you've learned into practice. You can receive additional training at professional conferences and continuing education opportunities. Work on gathering enough hours to take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams. Take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams. These are not required for ultrasound technicians, but you will greatly increase your marketability—and in turn, your paycheck—by successfully completing these exams and becoming a certified ultrasound technician or Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer (RDMS). The exams include two parts: a general physics section and a sub-specialty of your choice (ob-gyn, abdominal, etc.). Take as many exams as you want to get extra certifications that will let you specialize in certain fields. Apply for jobs. You've gone through the training, taken the tests, and now you're officially a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer. Look for job openings at hospitals, doctor's offices and health clinics in your area. | Get a high school diploma. Complete an accredited Ultrasound Technician program. Get clinical training. Take the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) exams. Apply for jobs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Horse-Flies | How to Get Rid of Horse Flies | To get rid of horse flies, try spraying them with a solution of dish soap and water to suffocate the flies without harming your plants and animals. Alternatively, spray your grass and shrubs with a repellent made from water, lemon-scented dish soap, lemon-scented ammonia, and mint flavored mouthwash. You can also discourage horse flies from coming onto your property by trimming weeds and tall grasses, and cleaning up manure, old bedding, and spilled feed in your animal areas. | Invest in a physical trap. Nontoxic physical traps work best in areas with a lot of livestock, people, or important plants. Here are some physical trap options that are effective against horse flies: Light traps. The lights on these traps are especially chosen to attract unwanted insects. When the insect lands on the light, it is either trapped on glue cards or zapped and killed instantly. Flypaper. This paper contains an adhesive that both attracts and traps house flies and horse flies. Flies-be-Gone fly trap. This trap holds fly food in a plastic bag for bait. The fly must enter the bag through funnel. Once inside the bag, the fly cannot escape. Horse Pal fly trap. These large traps have a target specifically designed to attract primarily visual hunters such as horse and deer flies. When the flies approach the target and see that it is not prey, they get trapped in the metal portion of the trap and die from the heat of the sun on the trap. Make your own trap. Hang the chair or stool from the ceiling of your shed or other place where horse flies congregate. Attach a dark colored, medium-sized ball to a rope. Attach the rope to the bottom of the chair or stool so that the ball dangles down. Attach Flypaper to the bottom of the chair or stool. Every few hours, start the ball swinging. Because horse flies are attracted to dark color and movement, they will be attracted to the ball. When they fly over and see that it is not interesting, they'll fly upwards and get caught on the paper. Pick a chemical. Certain chemicals are just about as effective as others. To prevent insect resistance, it's a good idea to rotate different chemicals when you treat the area. Possibilities include: Pyrethroids (cypermethrin, fenvalerate, permethrin, resmethrin, tetramethrin, s-bioallethrin, sumithrin); Organophosphates (coumaphos, dichlorvos, malathion, tetrachlorvinphos) Organochlorines (lindane, methoxychlor) Treat your livestock directly. Always double-check that the chemical you're using is safe to apply directly to livestock. Then: Use a small mist blower or a handheld mist sprayer to mist the chemical over your animals. If your animals are spooked by the sprayer, then dip a sponge or a mitt in the chemicals and rub the sponge or mitt on your animals. Always wear rubber gloves. Never let these chemicals come into contact with your skin. Apply insecticides to areas around your property. Spray a resting areas or barns around the eaves, walls, ceiling and and rafters. Always remove your livestock from the barn before you spray. Some of your animals may have to stay outside for a while. Just follow the directions on the packaging. Coarsely spray resting areas with insecticides. Make sure to spray under low pressure. Be careful not to contaminate your animals' water and feed buckets. Also, keep the spray off of your farm equipment. Spray a large area that will protect multiple properties. Spraying a big area is efficient; it won't require too much time or labor. However, area sprays tend to have a short-lived effect. Use aircraft, loggers, hydraulic sprayer or mist blowers to dispense the chemicals. The find chemical droplets will travel to where flies live, killing the insects. Mix a cup of ivory liquid dish soap with a gallon of water. Spray flies with the solution. The soap will suffocate the flies without being harmful to the plants and animals on your property. Mix 5 cups water, 1 cup lemon-scented dish soap, 1 cup lemon-scented ammonia, and 1 cup mint flavored mouthwash. Mix in gallon jug. Pour into garden sprayer and spray on grass and shrubs. This solution is harmless to plants but repels horseflies, as well as other biting insects. Keep your animal areas clean. Clean up manure, old bedding and spilled feed. If needed, you can spray your manure pile with insecticide to keep larvae from developing. Eliminate standing water near your livestock. Build proper drainage systems and eliminate buckets of standing water. Cover your pool or pond at the peak of horse fly season. Trim weeds and tall grasses. Horse flies can find a suitably moist and cool breeding ground in tall grasses and weeds. Insects sometimes also retreat to shady vegetated areas during hot parts of the day. To avoid this, keep your grasses trimmed and weed on a regular basis, especially along ditches. Provide a shaded, sheltered area for pets and livestock. A barn, stable or doghouse will give your animals a place to retreat when horse flies are bothering them outdoors. Make sure that windows and doors are screened to prevent horse flies from entering. Apply ear nets, face masks and repellant tags or tapes to your animals. Perform annual rituals like castration during the winter season. The fly population should be minimal at that time, which will prevent horse flies from flocking toward the animals' wounds. | Invest in a physical trap. Make your own trap. Pick a chemical. Treat your livestock directly. Apply insecticides to areas around your property. Spray a large area that will protect multiple properties. Mix a cup of ivory liquid dish soap with a gallon of water. Mix 5 cups water, 1 cup lemon-scented dish soap, 1 cup lemon-scented ammonia, and 1 cup mint flavored mouthwash. Keep your animal areas clean. Eliminate standing water near your livestock. Trim weeds and tall grasses. Provide a shaded, sheltered area for pets and livestock. Apply ear nets, face masks and repellant tags or tapes to your animals. Perform annual rituals like castration during the winter season. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Your-Dog-from-Being-Exposed-to-Household-Poisons | How to Keep Your Dog from Being Exposed to Household Poisons | To keep your dog from being exposed to household poisons, store chemicals and medications out of your dog's reach by putting them in a high cupboard or separate, locked room. In particular, keep your dog away from paint thinner, anti-freeze, bleach and other cleaners, pool chemicals, fertilizers, and pest-control products, like rat poison and insecticide. You should also make sure all members of your family, especially children, know it is dangerous to feed a dog certain foods, like chocolate, alcohol, artificial sweeteners, grapes, raisins, Macadamia nuts, onions, and garlic. Keep these foods in locked containers, and keep trash bins locked as well. | Keep medications secured. Make sure to secure all medications in a medicine cabinet or high cupboard. This should include anything from prescription pills to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. Even a small dose of medication could cause symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, stomach and intestinal ulcers, kidney failure, or cardiac distress. To prevent any accidents (e.g. your dog jumping to eat a pill you drop on the ground before you can stop it), take your medications when your dog is out of the room and be sure to close pill containers firmly after use. Store household products in a separate, locked area. Household products with harsh chemicals should be kept as far as possible from your dog, preferably in a room it does not frequently enter (e.g. the garage or laundry room). Make sure that these products are placed in a closed closet or cupboard, and that they are firmly sealed so that they do not leak or spread. Products to be especially vigilant about are: Paint thinner Anti-freeze Bleach and other cleaners Pool chemicals Fertilizers Beware of pest-control products. Keep pest-control products like rat poison and insecticide away from your dog, as both can be toxic. If possible, avoid using these products inside your home. Instead, opt to use live traps placed in areas that your dog can't reach. If you do use pest-control poisons, place them only in rooms closed off to your dog (e.g. by means of a baby gate or locked door) and store them securely with other harmful household chemicals. Write a list of dangerous foods. Many everyday foods that we eat can be harmful, and even lethal, to dogs. Make a comprehensive list of “never” foods and hang it on a wall or on the refrigerator, so that the entire family knows to keep them away from the dog. These foods include: Chocolate Alcohol, which can be life-threatening even in small amounts. Artificial sweeteners (e.g. xylitol) Grapes and raisins Macadamia nuts Onions and garlic Talk to kids about the dangers of “never” foods. Kids, especially very young ones, will think little of sharing their favorite snack with the family pet, so it is important to talk to them honestly about the dangers involved. Make sure that children understand the difference between human food and dog food. Convey the consequences of feeding your dog the wrong foods gently but firmly. For instance, say something like, “We can't feed the dog chocolate because it will get very, very sick if it eats it”, and prompt your child to repeat it back to you (e.g. “Can you tell me why we aren't going to feed Rover chocolate?”). Use locking containers to store dangerous foods. Any foods that can be dangerous to dogs should be kept in locking containers that they cannot open. Most store packaging can be chewed through easily if your pet gains access to it. Tupperware with airtight seals and snap-lock latches can be purchased at department stores, or online. Store dangerous foods in the fridge or high cupboards. To make sure your dog can't get to foods that are toxic to it, store them in the fridge or in a high cupboard. This will remove the opportunity and temptation for your dog to eat them, and provide peace of mind when you leave the house. To make things easier, clearly label all containers. Keep your dog out of the trash. Make sure that your dog can't gain access to the trash by purchasing a dog-proof trash container from a hardware store. Common trash items like food scraps, fruits pits, or chicken bones can be both inviting and toxic to your dog. Look for a model with a tight-locking and a sturdy enough base to prevent your dog from knocking it over. Look for a garbage container that is also charcoal lined, to prevent the temptation of food smells. Keep your dog busy with toys and chews. Visit a pet store to buy your dog puzzle toys and chews to keep it busy and out of trouble. Puzzle toys are hollow toys to fill with treats, which your dog must work to get at for at least a few hours. Chews will also appease your dog's natural instinct to chew things, which will make it less likely to get into poisonous household items. Opt for dental chews like Nylabone, which will clean your dog's teeth and gums while it chews them. Buy dog-friendly houseplants. Note that many household plants are poisonous to dogs, so be careful before purchasing any for your home. Visit the Humane Society website at http://www.humanesociety.org/assets/pdfs/pets/poisonous_plants.pdf for a comprehensive list of common plants that might be toxic to your pet (e.g. poinsettia and elephant's ear plants).Opt instead for a plant proven not to be poisonous to dogs, such as: Lemon button ferns Spider plants Areca palms Baby rubber plants Ponytail palms Make your own household cleaning products. Many commercial cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to your pet, even just by inhalation. To keep your pet safe and healthy, make your own cleaning products using non-toxic ingredients like baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. Using homemade cleaners will also save you money on cleaning supplies. For instance, mix 3 cups of warm water with 2 tbsp. of lemon juice and 2 tbsp. of baking soda for an all-purpose cleaner. Master basic training. To keep your dog out of danger, make sure that it stays well-behaved. Your pet should respond to the basic five commands: "Sit”, "Stay", "Lay down”, ”Heel”, and "Come here”, and it should obey promptly when given them. If you and your dog need to review these steps, visit the American Kennel Club website at http://www.akc.org/content/dog-training/articles/teach-your-puppy-these-5-basic-commands/ for more in-depth training information and helpful videos. Crate your dog if it misbehaves. If your dog does not behave while you are out of the house, prevent dangerous misbehaviour by crating it during your absence. Crate training is meant to regulate your dog's behaviour and should not be treated as a punishment. Continue crating your dog when you go out until you see signs that you can trust it to behave while alone in the house (e.g. it seems calmer and more obedient). | Keep medications secured. Store household products in a separate, locked area. Beware of pest-control products. Write a list of dangerous foods. Talk to kids about the dangers of “never” foods. Use locking containers to store dangerous foods. Store dangerous foods in the fridge or high cupboards. Keep your dog out of the trash. Keep your dog busy with toys and chews. Buy dog-friendly houseplants. Make your own household cleaning products. Master basic training. Crate your dog if it misbehaves. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Vicks-VapoRub | How to Apply Vicks VapoRub | Vicks VapoRub can be a great way to help suppress your cough. All you need to do is rub a dime-sized amount of product into your hands and massage it into your chest and neck. Wear loose clothing to help the cream work and help prevent it from getting rubbed off. You can apply VapoRub up to 3 times a day if it gets rubbed off. VapoRub can also be used to treat sore muscles and joints. Just rub a dime-sized amount over the sore area. You can apply it up to 3 times a day if you need to. Don't use VapoRub on a child younger than 2 years old, since this can have negative effects. | Rub a dollop of VapoRub in the palms of your hands. Scoop a dime-sized portion of VapoRub into one of your hands. Then, rub both of your hands together to spread it over your palms. Rubbing your hands together first will warm up the VapoRub and make it more pleasant to apply. Apply the VapoRub to your chest and neck. Massage the VapoRub deep into your skin, covering the entire area. Continue rubbing the VapoRub until there's a thin layer over your skin. Keep the clothing around your neck and chest loose. Keeping your clothes loose will allow the vapors to better reach your nose and mouth. This can enhance the effects of the cream and will help it work faster. Reapply the VapoRub up to 3 times a day. As the VapoRub gets rubbed off throughout the day you can reapply it. To avoid skin irritation, spread applications several hours apart. You shouldn't apply it to your neck and chest more than 3 times a day. VapoRub should never be used on children younger than 2 years of age. Stop using VapoRub if your skin becomes irritated. See a doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 2 weeks. Don’t apply VapoRub under your nose. VapoRub contains a chemical called camphor that can be toxic if absorbed through your mucous membranes or if ingested. While commonly put under the nose, VapoRub should never be applied in this way. Rub a layer of VapoRub into the palm of your hands. Scoop up a coin-sized dollop of VapoRub into your hand and then rub your hands together. Spread an even layer of the product onto your palms. Rubbing your hands together will warm up the VapoRub. Rub your hands over the sore muscle. Take notice of any soreness you have and identify the exact muscle or joint that's painful. VapoRub's heating sensation may relieve the pain. Rub the VapoRub deeply into your skin until you've covered the entire muscle or joint. Repeat the application process 3-4 times a day. As the VapoRub gets rubbed away from your clothing or evaporates, reapply the cream to the sore muscle. Spread applications over several hours and don't exceed 3-4 applications per day or you may cause skin irritation. If you notice a rash or skin irritation, stop using the VapoRub immediately. | Rub a dollop of VapoRub in the palms of your hands. Apply the VapoRub to your chest and neck. Keep the clothing around your neck and chest loose. Reapply the VapoRub up to 3 times a day. Don’t apply VapoRub under your nose. Rub a layer of VapoRub into the palm of your hands. Rub your hands over the sore muscle. Repeat the application process 3-4 times a day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Eggless-Cake | How to Make Eggless Cake | To make a vanilla eggless cake, start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. Then, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, followed by white sugar. Next, whisk in sweetened condensed milk, water, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and melted butter, one ingredient at a time. Finally, transfer the batter into a greased and parchment-lined cake pan and bake for 25 to 35 minutes. Once the cake is done, let it cool for 20 minutes before removing it from the pan. | Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease the inside of a 9 by 13-inch (22.86 by 33.02-centimeter) rectangular cake pan, then line it with two crisscrossing sheets of parchment paper. If you'd rather have a round pan, lightly grease the inside of an 8-inch (20.32-centimeter) spring form pan instead. Leave a few inches/centimeters of parchment paper hanging over the edge of your rectangular pan. This will make it easier to remove. If you are doing a round pan, lining the bottom with an 8-inch (20.32-centimeter) parchment paper circle would be a good idea. Sift together the dry ingredients, then add the sugar. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl, then add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk everything together, then stir in the sugar. For a lighter, fluffier cake, try cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. Whisk in the wet ingredients, one at a time. Make a large well in the center of the dry ingredients first. Pour in the sweetened condensed milk, water, white vinegar, vanilla extract, and melted butter, whisking well after each addition. Don't worry if there are a few lumps in the batter. For extra flavor, switch out the water for orange juice. Add some orange zest. Sweetened condensed milk may come in different-sized cans. A large (400-milliliter) can will give you a sweeter cake than a small (300-milliliter) can. Transfer the batter into the pan. Pour the batter into the pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape out any leftover batter in the bowl. Gently tap the pan to help release any air bubbles. Bake the cake for 25 to 35 minutes. Place the pan into the center of the oven, and let it bake for 25 to 35 minutes. It is ready when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool on a rack before removing it from the pan. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven using oven mitts or a potholder. Set it down onto a wire cooling rack, and let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes before removing it from the pan. To remove a rectangular cake: lift it out by the over-hanging parchment paper. To remove a spring form cake: undo the clasp on the side of the pan, then lift away the side wall. Frost the cake as desired. Use a long knife to cut the cake in half. Prepare some buttercream frosting, then use an off-set cake decorating spatula to spread some of it across the bottom later of the cake. Place the second layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake. Add some sliced strawberries to the center of the cake for more flavor. Instead of a buttercream filling, you could try chocolate hazelnut spread, or strawberry/raspberry jam. If you don't like buttercream, try chocolate ganache instead! Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease the inside of a 9-inch (22.86-centimeter) spring form cake pan. You can make the cake even easier to remove by lining the inside with a 9-inch (22.86-centimeter) circle cut from parchment paper. If you want to make a layered cake, double this recipe and make two 9-inch (22.86-centimeter) cakes. Mix together the sweetened condensed milk and the butter. Pour the condensed milk into a large mixing bowl, then add the butter. Mix the two together until they turn light and fluffy. You can do this with a whisk or an electric mixer. Sift together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Sift the flour into a separate bowl. Add the cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until the color is consistent. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Pour the flour mixture into the condensed milk mixture. Stir them together with a rubber spatula, scrapping the bottom and sides of the bowl often. Stir in the vinegar, vanilla extract, and milk. Start with about half the amount of milk you need, then add more as necessary. Keep stirring until the texture is sooth and drippy. Pour the batter into the cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to help scrape out any excess batter from the bowl and into the pan. Gently tap the sides of the pan to help release any air bubbles. Bake the cake in the center of the oven for 25 to 35 minutes. Check the cake for doneness after 25 minutes by poking a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the cake is done. If the toothpick has crumbs on it, bake the cake longer; check it every 5 minutes or so. Allow the cake to cool before taking it out of the pan. Use a potholder or an oven mitt to take the cake out of the oven. Set the cake down onto a wire cooling rack, and let it cool for about 15 to 25 minutes. Once the cake has completely cooled, take it out of the pan. Frost the cake as desired. Vanilla buttercream , chocolate buttercream, or chocolate ganache are all great choices here. If you make a layered cake, frost the top of your first cake with an off-set cake decorating spatula. Set the second cake on top, then finish frosting the top and sides of the stacked cakes. For a more flavorful cake, fill it with some raspberry jam instead. For a fancier cake, coat the top with chocolate ganache, then let it drop down the sides like icicles. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease the inside of two 7-inch (17.78-centimeter) cake pans. To make the cakes easier to remove, consider lining each pan with a 7-inch (17.78-centimeter) circle of parchment paper. Mix together the dry ingredients. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl first. Add the sugar, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together with a whisk. Whisk in the wet ingredients. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the soy milk, vanilla extract, olive oil, and vinegar into the well. Stir everything together with a whisk until the color and texture are consistent. Distribute the batter evenly between both pans. Use a rubber spatula to scrape any leftover batter out of the bowl and into the pans. Gently tap the sides of each pan to help settle any air bubbles. Bake the cakes in the center of the oven for 30 minutes. The cakes are ready when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. If the cakes are not ready by then, continue baking them at 5-minute intervals; check the cakes for doneness with the toothpick between each interval. Cool the cakes on a rack before removing them from the pans. Use oven mitts or a potholder to take the cakes out of the oven and transfer them to a wire cooling rack. Allow the cakes to cool off completely, then remove them from the pans. Run a knife along the inside of each pan first, then invert the pans to release the cake. Prepare the frosting. Mix the powdered sugar, vegan butter, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk together using an electric mixer. Start off with a low speed, then work your way up to a high one. Keep mixing until the frosting is creamy and smooth. The frosting should be thin enough to spread, but thick enough to hold onto the spatula. If the frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it's too thick, add more milk. Frost the cakes. Set one of the cakes onto a plate, and spread some of the frosting on top with an off-set cake decorating spatula. Add the second cake on top, then finish coating the top and sides with the rest of your frosting. For a more flavorful cake, add some sliced strawberries inside the cake, and whole strawberries on top. If you are preparing the cake ahead of time, hold off on the strawberries until serving time, or the cake will get soggy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease the inside of two 8-inch (20.32-centimeter) cake pans. Cut two 8-inch (20.32-centimeter) circles out of parchment paper, and place one inside of each cake pan. Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the all-purpose flour into a large mixing bowl, then add the sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together with a whisk until the ingredients are distributed evenly throughout the flour. Whisk together the wet ingredients in a medium bowl. Pour your choice of non-dairy milk (such as soy) into a medium mixing bowl. Add the light cooking oil, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until evenly combined. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Make a well in the center of the dry mixture first. Pour the wet mixture into the well, then stir everything together with a rubber spatula. Be sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl so that everything gets mixed in evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, however! Distribute the batter evenly between both cake pans. Scrape any leftover cake batter out of the bowl and into the pans with a rubber spatula so that you don't waste anything. Once you have the batter in, gently tap the sides of the pans to release any air bubbles. Bake the cakes in the middle of the oven for about 40 minutes. The cakes are ready when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean. If the toothpick comes out with crumbs on it, bake the cakes at 5-minute intervals until they are done; do the toothpick test between each interval. Allow the cakes to cool before removing them from the pans. Run a knife around the inside of each pan, then flip the pans upside down to remove the cakes. Peel the parchment paper off of each cake. Prepare the frosting. Use a stand mixer to mix together the vegan butter, vegetable shortening, powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the frosting turns creamy and forms peaks. If the frosting is too stiff, add 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 milliliters) of non-dairy milk, then mix again. Fill and frost the cake. Place one of the cakes onto a place. Use an off-set cake decorating spatula to spread a generous amount of frosting on top. Place the second cake on top, and spread more frosting over the top. Finish off by spreading the remaining frosting down the sides of the stacked cakes. For a fancier cake, use a spatula to create swirly patterns in the frosting. | Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Sift together the dry ingredients, then add the sugar. Whisk in the wet ingredients, one at a time. Transfer the batter into the pan. Bake the cake for 25 to 35 minutes. Allow the cake to cool on a rack before removing it from the pan. Frost the cake as desired. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix together the sweetened condensed milk and the butter. Sift together the dry ingredients in a separate bowl. Fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture. Stir in the vinegar, vanilla extract, and milk. Pour the batter into the cake pan. Bake the cake in the center of the oven for 25 to 35 minutes. Allow the cake to cool before taking it out of the pan. Frost the cake as desired. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Mix together the dry ingredients. Whisk in the wet ingredients. Distribute the batter evenly between both pans. Bake the cakes in the center of the oven for 30 minutes. Cool the cakes on a rack before removing them from the pans. Prepare the frosting. Frost the cakes. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Whisk together the wet ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ones. Distribute the batter evenly between both cake pans. Bake the cakes in the middle of the oven for about 40 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool before removing them from the pans. Prepare the frosting. Fill and frost the cake. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Any-Boy-to-Fall-in-Love-With-You | How to Get Any Boy to Fall in Love With You | To get any boy to fall in love with you, smile when you're around him, which shows you're an attractive and confident person. If you want to grab his attention, make eye contact with him until he notices you, then smile and look away. You should also use open body language when you're talking to friends, such as keeping your arms open and standing tall, to show that you're relaxed and comfortable. When you're talking to the guy, flirt with him by gently teasing him about one of his interests, like his pet or video games. Additionally, lightly touch his arm or shoulder from time to time to let him know you're attracted to him. Once you get to know him a bit better, tell him about your hopes or goals, such as becoming a pastry chef or event planner, since he won't be able to love you unless he knows what makes you unique as a person. Remember to show that you're interested in his interests as well by asking him questions about them so he doesn't think you're just focused on yourself. | Love how you look. If you want a boy to fall in love with you, he has to grow to love all of you, inside and out, but the outside is a great place to start. If you love the way that you look and are proud of your appearance, then the boy will be able to tell and will start to love how you look, too. If you are not happy with your appearance, you may need to spend some time working on loving yourself before you try to attract a boy. Wear clothes that make you feel pretty and comfortable. If you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious in tight clothes, then it'll show. If you see a sweatshirt that is on sale and you think he will notice it, go ahead and buy it if you can! Don't cake on the makeup! Your true love won't admire that if you do that. He'll want your natural beauty. Take care of yourself. Doing things like working out, eating well, getting your hair and nails done, and taking time to put on scented lotion will increase a man's attraction for you and make you feel better about yourself as well. Have a positive energy. Any boy will be much more likely to fall in love with you if you love what you do and feel more positive about the things in your life. If you make it known that you're happy pursuing your interests, schoolwork, or career, then he'll be more inclined to want to get to know you. If you're in school, don't complain about your classes and teachers. Instead, focus on the things you do love and why they make you happy. Love your extra-curricular activities and interests. Don't complain about soccer practice; instead, talk about how excited you are for Friday's game. Who wants to be around a person who doesn't like anything she's doing by choice? Stay positive. Whenever you talk about what you're doing that weekend or what your day looked like, say five positive things for every one negative thing. It's okay to complain once in a while, but complaining all of the time is a turn off. Love who you are. Getting someone to love you if you don't love yourself may be impossible. If you want a boy to fall in love with you, then you have to love who you are and be proud of the person you're becoming. To love yourself, try some of the following techniques: Understand your strengths. Think of the top five things that make you remarkable -- write them down, if you have to. Then, use them to your advantage. Make the most of your good attributes by showing them off as much as possible. For example, if you know you have an amazing sense of humor, then flaunt it in front of your boy. Address your flaws. Loving who you are doesn't mean thinking you're flawless -- in fact, if you're aware of at least three qualities you need to work on, then you'll only love yourself more as you try to improve your problem areas. Develop confidence. As you work on loving how you look, loving what you do, and loving who you are, your confidence will skyrocket. If you're confident and comfortable with yourself, your boy will feel more confident about you as well. To project your confidence, learn to speak clearly, stand up for yourself, and be comfortable enough with yourself to laugh at yourself now and then. Remember that there's a difference between being confident and being arrogant. If you end up bragging about how great you are all the time, then that will be a turn off as well. Be fun. If you want a boy to love you, then you have to look like a fun person to be around. Whenever he sees you, you should have a big smile on your face, do something silly, and be giggling or laughing with a group of friends. If you're a fun person, you'll become magnetic, and more people will want to hang around you because it'll be a guaranteed good time. Be adventurous. Fun people are okay with going out of their comfort zones to have a good time. Are you afraid of riding a unicycle, learning to do the foxtrot, or going hiking? Well, transfer your fear into positive energy, and you'll get more out of life. Don't be afraid to be goofy or just plain silly. You don't have to be an aloof model type to get a guy to fall in love with you. Show that you don't take yourself too seriously by wearing silly t-shirts, dressing up for theme parties, and even telling jokes that make people groan. Just look like you're having a good time. Be the person that everyone at the party gravitates toward by being animated, gesturing, and being excited whenever an old friend walks through the door. If you look like the most fun person in the room, your boy will notice you for sure. Work your body. Your body language can be essential in grabbing your guy's attention. Your body can get your guy interested before you even say a word, so it's important to get it right and not send him the wrong message from across the room. Here's how you can get a guy's attention with a few subtle moves: Don't be afraid to make eye contact. Lock eyes with the boy, let him know you see him, and then smile and look away. Don't stare -- just make eye contact for long enough to get the guy's attention. You can also try raising your eyebrows at him for a quick second to get his attention. Don't cross your arms over your chest. Keep them at your sides or use them to gesture. This will make you look open and approachable. Stand tall. Good posture will show that you're confident, and that you're comfortable with being who you are. Tilt your head. Tilting your head shows interest in a conversation and let's him know you are engaged and listening. Be cute. Don't be afraid to blush. Blushing is caused by blood rushing to the cheeks which makes them a pink or red color. This is attractive because it mimics the body's response to sexual activity, and is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation to attract the opposite sex. You can try creating this effect with some pink blush and red lipstick. Go easy with the make up so you don't end up looking garish. Flirt with him. If you want the guy to start falling in love with you, you have to show that you're interested by flirting a bit. You don't have to come on too strong to be able to keep up light banter with the guy, tease him a bit, and just be playful when you talk to the boy. Keep up a light banter. If he says something quick and funny, don't just laugh -- fire back an equally cute and funny comment. Then you can laugh to show him how much you're enjoying the conversation. Tease him. If you and the guy are comfortable enough with each other, then you can gently tease him for one of his interests -- like his obsession with his dog or guitar -- or even lightly poke fun at something he's wearing while obviously letting him know he looks good. If you really want to flirt, touch him lightly on the shoulder from time to time to get closer to him. Many guys find soft touches attractive. Let him see what makes you special. If a boy falls in love with you, then he has to think that you're completely special in some way. Otherwise, why should he love you and not someone else? Let him know what makes you a unique person who is worth loving. Be yourself. Let him see who you really are, even if you think you're a bit nerdy, a bit shy, or just afraid to really open up to any boy. He can't love you if he doesn't really know you. Open up. Let him know a bit more about your dreams or your fears. You should only do this once you get to know him better. If you've always wanted to be a pastry chef or event planner, let him know. Talk about your interests. Let him know what makes you want to get up in the morning -- whether it's learning French, volunteering at the local homeless shelter, or just spending time with your best friends. See other guys if you are not exclusive yet. One way to get a guy hooked on you is to demonstrate that other guys find you attractive too. This does not mean that you should flirt with other guys in front of him or try to make him jealous, but keep seeing other guys if he has not committed to you yet. If he complains about you dating other guys, just let him know that you would be happy to just see him if he wants to be in an exclusive relationship with you. But don't stop seeing other guys until it is clear that he is also going to stop seeing other girls. Take an interest in him. If you want him to stay in love with you, then you can't just let him worship you. You have to show that you care about who he is as a person too. After all, you want to be in love too, right? Here's how to show that you really care about him as a person: As you get to know each other, ask him questions about his personal life. Talk to him about his childhood, his family, and his background. Take an interest in his work or studies. If he's really into science or history, talk to him about those subjects instead of brushing him off. Ask his opinion. Ask what he thinks about different subjects, from your newest outfit to world affairs. Show that his perspective really matters to you. Understand his moods. Learn to be extra supportive if he's having a bad day. Compliment him. You don't have to smother him with praise to let him know that he's truly special, but you should give him a sincere compliment now and then. You can compliment him in person, through texting, or by leaving a note at his desk or his locker. This will let him know that you're thinking about how great he is. Try complimenting him for something he excels at. For example, you might say something like, "Dinner was delicious! You are such a good cook!" Or, "I really enjoyed your show last night. You are such a talented musician!" Only compliment him when you really mean it. Don't give him false praise just because you think it'll make him like you more. Be fascinating. If you want to keep the guy hooked, then you should not only let him know how unique he is to you, but make him love picking your brain and talking to you about almost any subject. If he's only attracted to you physically or just thinks you're a fun girl, he won't stay in love with you forever. Try playing board games together. The mental challenge and competition of games like Scrabble or chess will peak his interest in you. Be up to date on current events. A lot of boys love watching sports and keeping up on politics, so you should try doing these things too so you can keep up your end of the conversation. Read more in general. Reading more will expand your mind and will give you more to talk about in general. Don't ever be bored. Only boring people are truly bored. Be excited about your life and the world around you, and he'll only want to spend more time with you. Maintain your independence. Though you may think that the boy will only stay in love with you if he sees you every second of every day, the opposite is actually true. Your boy will be much more likely to stay in love with you if he sees that you have a life of your own, that you have some of your own friends, and that you're OK with just spending some time alone. Don't try to have the exact same schedule as the boy. Keep up your sports, outside friends, and hobbies. If you drop everything just to be with him, then it'll look like you don't value your own goals very much. You and the boy don't have to have the exact same friends. Continue having "girl time" and let him have his "boy time" -- your relationship will be healthier if you don't spend all of your social time together. Stay busy. He'll want you more if he knows that your schedule isn't wide open and that you can't have him whenever you want. Keep things fresh. If you want the boy to stay interested, then you have to keep mixing it up. Don't do the same old thing every day or he'll begin to get tired of the same old routine. You should try to make the relationship always feel new and exciting no matter how long you've been together. Pursue a new hobby together. Pick a new hobby to do together, whether it's learning how to make the best cupcakes in the world or becoming master golfers. If you do something new together every month, then your relationship will continue to feel new. Discover new places together. Don't go to dinner at the same restaurant every Friday night. Find a new place to eat and keep things interesting. Go out of your comfort zones together. You should both do something that makes you feel squeamish -- whether it's learning to surf or conquering your fears of spiders. Find a new way to tell your boyfriend how much you love him. Don't just say "I love you" every time -- be creative when you tell him how you feel. Know when to call it quits. If you're falling out of love, or not really feeling the love to begin with, then there's no point in forcing something that just isn't there. This will only make you both miserable. It's better to cut things off once you both know it will never work instead of letting the relationship die a slow, painful death. Be honest. If you really think it's not working , sit down and have a talk about parting ways. Don't be discouraged. Most people fall in love more than once in a lifetime, and you have a whole lifetime of falling in love with boys -- and one day, men -- ahead of you. Remember-there are many more fish in that sea! If he doesn't like you, that is okay. You can always move on. But, you can continue liking him and keep trying. | Love how you look. Have a positive energy. Love who you are. Develop confidence. Be fun. Work your body. Flirt with him. Let him see what makes you special. See other guys if you are not exclusive yet. Take an interest in him. Compliment him. Be fascinating. Maintain your independence. Keep things fresh. Know when to call it quits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-White%27s-Tree-Frog | How to Care for a White's Tree Frog | To care for your White's tree frog, use a UV lightbulb to keep its tank around 80 degrees Fahrenheit so it doesn't get too cold. You should also lightly mist its tank with water every day to keep it humid and moist. White's tree frogs eat insects in the wild, so feed your frog crickets, roaches, or moths 2 to 3 times a week, and give it about 4 insects per feeding. Keep a shallow dish of fresh water in your frog's tank at all times, and replace the water once a day. Don't forget to clean out the tank once a week, too, to keep your frog healthy and happy. | Buy a large aquarium. The tank should be at least 20-gallons. The taller the better, as White's tree frogs love to climb and to perch themselves high on branches. You can purchase a tank at a local pet store or online through a company like Exo Terra. Arboreal and terrestrial tanks are your two best bets. The former provides room for climbing, the latter has a wide base. Install a mesh lid. White's tree frogs love to climb, so this lid should be secure and should ideally latch on to the terrarium to prevent your frog from escaping. A mesh material will allow for proper ventilation as well as for natural light to come through. These are usually sold separately from tanks and are available at most pet stores. Install perches and hiding places. These will satisfy your frog's instinct for comfort and security. You can buy perches at pet stores. Useful DIY decorations can range from draping a leaf over a perch to creating hiding boxes out of cardboard and moss to strategically placing a few hollowed-out logs. Fill the base of the tank with substrate. You can use moist paper towels, coconut husk fiber, organic mulch, moss, peat bedding, or large reptile bark chips as substrate. Don't use small substrates like sand, gravel, or pine shavings - your frog could ingest these when they're diving for prey, and this could lead to death. Equip your terrarium with a clamp lamp. Turn the light on during the day and turn it off at night. This will help establish the appropriate temperature, which should range between 75-85°F (23.9-29.4°C). Use a 2.0 UVB light bulb. These are great for use with live reptiles and amphibians, as they mimic natural light. Keep humidity at 50-60%. You can measure humidity by using a hygrometer. In the wild, these animals live in moist forested environments and are usually found close to sources of water, so they prefer a humid habitat. Keep humidity levels low by making sure the tank stays dry and has a fully exposed mesh lid. Keep humidity levels high by misting the tank, keeping the substrate damp, or covering 2/3 of the mesh lid with plastic. Keep track of the temperature regularly. There should be no sudden rises or drops in tank temperature. Instead, maintain a comfortable average of 75-85°F (23.9-29.4°C) during the day and 65°F (18.3°C) at night. Mist the terrarium frequently. To regulate moisture levels, it helps to lightly mist the tank with water once a day. Don't mist too much - a soggy tank will be unsuitable for a White's tree frog. Clean the terrarium thoroughly once a week. Place your frog in a secure location, then scrub the tank, rinse it with hot water, allow it to dry, and install fresh substrate. Feed your frog small insects. In the wild, White's tree frogs feed on moths, locusts, crickets, and roaches. You should feed these insects to your adult frog 2-3 times a week and to younger frogs 1-2 times a week. Feed your frog, adult or tadpole, 4-5 insects per feeding. Frogs reach adulthood when they are no longer in the tadpole stage. Your frog will be adult when it has developed legs and its tail has re-absorbed into its body. You can feed your adult White's tree frog the occasional pinkie mouse as a treat. Mice are high in fat, so refrain from giving pinkie mice to your adult frog too often to avoid health complications. Dust the live food with reptile calcium powder and reptile multivitamin supplements once a week. Change the water daily. The pool should be shallow enough that the water does go over your frog's head. Use bottled spring water or charcoal-filtered tap water. Wash your hands before and after handling a White’s tree frog. Rinse them thoroughly. Residue or oil on your hands can harm your frog, and your frog secretes toxins that could be harmful to you, so washing your hands is important. You can even wear latex gloves as a protective barrier if you must handle your frog. | Buy a large aquarium. Install a mesh lid. Install perches and hiding places. Fill the base of the tank with substrate. Equip your terrarium with a clamp lamp. Keep humidity at 50-60%. Keep track of the temperature regularly. Mist the terrarium frequently. Clean the terrarium thoroughly once a week. Feed your frog small insects. Change the water daily. Wash your hands before and after handling a White’s tree frog. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Spots-from-Pet-Urine-in-Lawn-Grass | How to Repair Spots from Pet Urine in Lawn Grass | Over time, pet urine can lead to unsightly dead patches on your lawn. Fortunately, there are a couple simple remedies you can use to repair dead grass. Try applying a lawn repair treatment to the affected areas, which will introduce enzymes and nutrients to encourage the grass to grow. You can also repair dead grass with limestone. You'll need to start by scraping away the dead grass with a trowel. Once you've disposed of the grass, sprinkle finely ground limestone over the area and water it lightly. Wait for a week, then cover the area with a layer of soil and grass seed. Add a layer of peat moss on top to encourage the grass to grow back even faster. | Identify spots caused by animal urine. Dead spots in your lawn caused by animal urine will be round, and generally all in a single area of your yard. The individual spots may range in diameter from a few inches to over a foot. Dogs especially tend to habitually urinate in a single area. Animal urine is not the only agent that can cause lawn damage and dead, brown spots of grass. Various lawn diseases and insect problems can cause similar looking spots, but will need to be treated by lawn professionals. Tug firmly on the dead grass. Make sure to put on a pair of gardening gloves before touching the grass. In order to determine if the dead grass spot(s) are caused by an animal's urine, you'll need to grasp the dead grass firmly. Then give it a sharp tug; if the roots of the grass hold, it's probably caused by urine. If you can easily pull the roots from the soil, you're more likely dealing with a grub problem. If you suspect that you have a grub infestation in your lawn or that your lawn has a disease, contact a landscaping company or a lawn-care business for assistance. Apply a lawn repair treatment. These products are typically applied by spraying the treatment liquid to the affected area of grass. A good lawn-repair treatment will introduce healthy enzymes and nutrients to the urine-damaged soil. This will allow the grass roots to heal, and will encourage the damaged grass to re-grow. You should be able to find a lawn-repair product, specifically designed to repair grass damaged by pet urine, at your local pet store. You may also be able to find this product at a local supermarket, or at larger home improvement stores, such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Remove as much of the dead grass as possible. You can do this by using a trowel, hoe, or small shovel to scrape the dead grass. Work on your hands and knees, and get as close to the roots as possible. While you don't need to tear up the soil itself, try to scrape away as much of the dead blades and stems of grass as possible. You can dispose of the dead grass by burning it or throwing it in the trash. Sprinkle extra fine grind limestone over the area you’ve scraped. You can do this using the small shovel or trowel from the previous step. Coat the scraped area with a fine layer of the ground limestone. To avoid inhaling the fine limestone dust, you should wear a standard dust mask while working with the stone powder. You can purchase this at any hardware store. You may be able to purchase extra fine grind limestone at your local hardware store also. If not, check at larger home improvement stores, such as Lowe's or Home Depot. Finally, see if there is a landscaping company in your area, as they may be willing to sell ground limestone. Water the area lightly. Use a hose or sprinkler to gently water the area with the limestone, and also dampen the surrounding grass. Getting the limestone and soil wet will help the limestone reduce and neutralize the acid that the soil has absorbed from the animal's urine. Let the limestone set for a week. Don't create runoff from your watering. If the water overflows and the limestone begins to run to a different part of the lawn, its effect will diminish. Cover with topsoil and grass seed. Once you've waited a week, you can generously cover the area with a fresh layer of topsoil. Then, sprinkle the area with a few handfuls of grass seed. Don't worry about over-seeding; you can be liberal with your use of the seeds. Use your hand to pat down the grass seed into the soil, so that they can begin to grow. After you've patted down the grass seeds, you can use your hose or sprinkler to soak the soil with water. Be careful not to over-water, though, in which case the seeds will flow away. Topsoil and grass seed should both be available for purchase at your local hardware store, or at a plant nursery. Top with peat moss. If you've generously seeded the area formerly damaged by pet urine, but the grass is growing slowly, you can top the area with peat moss. This light moss will hold moisture in, and so encourage the grass seeds to sprout without drying out. You can find peat moss at a local plant nursery, or through a landscaping supply store. If the majority of the initial grass seeds have not sprouted or died, you may need to re-seed before you put down the layer of peat moss. Water a patch of lawn after a dog urinates on it. If your dog—or a neighbor's dog—has urinated on a patch of your lawn, you can reduce the damage by watering the area. Use a hose or a large watering can and pour a generous amount of water over the spot where the dog urinated. As long as you have a mature lawn, you don't need to worry about over-watering the patch of grass. This will help by diluting the concentrated acid in the dog's urine, and washing the urine off of the grass. Apply baking soda to neutralize the acid. To use this method, dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a gallon of water (you can do this in a large watering can or pitcher). Then, pour the baking soda mixture over the spot where the pet has urinated. The baking soda will neutralize the ammonia and nitrogen present in dogs' urine, and prevent the soil from turning brown. As an added benefit, baking soda is harmless to dogs. So, if your dog walks through the baking soda-soaked grass and licks their feet, they won't be harmed. Teach your dog to pee in a specific area. If you don't want brown dog-urine spots across your lawn, you can train your dog to only urinate in one concentrated area. You can teach your dog to pee in a single location by sticking a “pee post” in the ground. “Pee posts” are treated with pheromones and designed to attract your dog's attention so that they urinate on the post. You can purchase a “pee post” at your local pet-supply store. If part of your lawn is covered with stones or mulch, have your dog urinate there, since those materials won't be harmed by the acidity. | Identify spots caused by animal urine. Tug firmly on the dead grass. Apply a lawn repair treatment. Remove as much of the dead grass as possible. Sprinkle extra fine grind limestone over the area you’ve scraped. Water the area lightly. Cover with topsoil and grass seed. Top with peat moss. Water a patch of lawn after a dog urinates on it. Apply baking soda to neutralize the acid. Teach your dog to pee in a specific area. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Regular-Hexagon-with-Only-a-Ruler | How to Draw a Regular Hexagon with Only a Ruler | Don't worry if you don't have a compass and you need to draw a hexagon, since you can draw one with a ruler and a pencil. Start by drawing a dot for the middle of your hexagon. Then, draw a faint line of the same length above and below the dot and mark the ends of the lines with dots. Next, draw a faint horizontal line halfway between your central dot and each of the dots at the end of the vertical lines. Make the length the same as the vertical lines. Mark another dot at the end of each horizontal line. Then, connect those dots in a cross going through the central dot. Finally, draw straight lines between all of the dots to make your hexagon shape and erase the faint lines in the middle. | Plot the center point of your hexagon and decide how long you want each side to be. Label this length "S". {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/8\/80\/6gon_step-0.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/80\/6gon_step-0.png\/150px-6gon_step-0.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":463,"bigWidth":"150","bigHeight":"151","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Plot 2 points on the vertical axis, S distance away from the center point. These points can be "A" and "B". {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/c\/c0\/6gon_step-1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/6gon_step-1.png\/220px-6gon_step-1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":341,"bigWidth":"220","bigHeight":"163","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Find the points halfway between the center point and A and the center point and B. There, plot perpendicular guide lines. (You'll erase these later, so don't make them dark.) As a side note, the distance between the two guide lines is also equal to S. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/7\/76\/6gon_step-2.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/6gon_step-2.png\/287px-6gon_step-2.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":261,"bigWidth":"287","bigHeight":"163","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Draw 2 more guide lines that are equal to the length of 2S, or line AB, from each perpendicular line to the other so that they run through the center point. The point where the guide lines intersect are the last 4 points of the hexagon. (These can be called CD and EF.) {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/c\/c1\/6gon_step-3.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c1\/6gon_step-3.png\/161px-6gon_step-3.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":431,"bigWidth":"161","bigHeight":"151","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Connect the dots between the points and erase the guide lines. Congrats! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/9\/95\/6gon_step-4.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/6gon_step-4.png\/161px-6gon_step-4.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":431,"bigWidth":"161","bigHeight":"151","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Draw and measure one line. This will be the first side (and S length). {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/4\/47\/6gon2_step-1.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/6gon2_step-1.png\/198px-6gon2_step-1.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":460,"bigWidth":"198","bigHeight":"198","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Draw 2 perpendicular guide lines at each end of the side extending in the direction you want your hexagon by at least 2S. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/8\/8b\/6gon2_step-2.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/6gon2_step-2.png\/203px-6gon2_step-2.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":433,"bigWidth":"203","bigHeight":"191","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Draw 2 more guide lines, each the length of 2S, from the end points of your first side to the perpendicular guide line of the opposing point. Draw a line between the points where they intersect. This is your second side. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/2\/2a\/6gon2_step-3.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2a\/6gon2_step-3.png\/201px-6gon2_step-3.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":446,"bigWidth":"201","bigHeight":"195","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Find the point halfway between these 2 sides. Draw one last guide line parallel to the sides. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/a\/a2\/6gon2_step-4a.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/6gon2_step-4a.png\/215px-6gon2_step-4a.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":428,"bigWidth":"215","bigHeight":"200","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Mark where the center point between the horizontal guide lines is, on the vertical guide line. Then mark the line S length away from it to the top and bottom. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/5\/55\/6gon2_step-4.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/6gon2_step-4.png\/215px-6gon2_step-4.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":428,"bigWidth":"215","bigHeight":"200","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Connect these points to the ends of the drawn sides. Erase the guide lines. Congrats! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/9\/95\/6gon_step-4.png","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/95\/6gon_step-4.png\/161px-6gon_step-4.png","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":431,"bigWidth":"161","bigHeight":"151","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} | Plot the center point of your hexagon and decide how long you want each side to be. Plot 2 points on the vertical axis, S distance away from the center point. Find the points halfway between the center point and A and the center point and B. Draw 2 more guide lines that are equal to the length of 2S, or line AB, from each perpendicular line to the other so that they run through the center point. Connect the dots between the points and erase the guide lines. Draw and measure one line. Draw 2 perpendicular guide lines at each end of the side extending in the direction you want your hexagon by at least 2S. Draw 2 more guide lines, each the length of 2S, from the end points of your first side to the perpendicular guide line of the opposing point. Find the point halfway between these 2 sides. Mark where the center point between the horizontal guide lines is, on the vertical guide line. Connect these points to the ends of the drawn sides. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-an-Origami-Lily | How to Fold an Origami Lily | To fold an origami lily, first, fold a square piece of paper in half diagonally. Open it back up, then fold it diagonally in the other direction. Fold your paper again to form a triangle, then grab the corner and fold it back to the center so it forms a diamond shape. To make the smaller folds, flip your paper over and repeat the last step so that your entire paper is diamond-shaped. Then, take the 2 widest corners of the diamond and fold them into the center. Unfold them, then pick up the top flap on the right side of your diamond and fold it to the center. Flip the paper over and repeat the last 2 steps. To complete the lily, fold the top flaps inward, then flip the base of the triangle up. Then, fold the flaps over so you hide the sides and flaps you just folded to the middle. Finally, fold the tops of the smooth flaps over and use your finger to curl them downward so they look like petals. | Start with a square piece of paper. In order to fold your origami lily, or any origami shape, you need to use a square piece of paper. If you don't have origami paper you can take A4 printer paper and make it a square. Lay your A4 paper horizontally and fold the top left corner down to make it even with the bottom of your paper. You should now have a folded triangle shape with a rectangle shape on the right. Cut or rip the rectangle portion off. Unfold your paper, and you'll have a square. If you are using origami paper, start with the colored side of the paper facing up. Fold your paper in half. Place your paper on a flat surface and position it so it resembles a diamond. Fold it in half both ways diagonally. Take the top corner and fold it down to meet the bottom corner. Then make a crease on the fold. Open the paper back up and repeat this fold with the other end of the paper, folding from left to right. Open the paper back up and rotate it 90 degrees. Now fold the top down on a horizontal fold and crease. Repeat folding one more time with a vertical book fold. Fold you paper again to form a triangle with the base at the bottom. Fold your triangle in half on a vertical fold from left to right. You should now have a triangle with two flaps at the right corner and one at the left. Your paper should look like a right-angled triangle with the left crease and base forming a right angle. Grab the top layer from the bottom right point of your triangle. Collapse the top layer, pressing it down. This is called a squash fold. The trick is to hold the bottom right layer down with one hand, while folding down and creasing the balloon flap with your other hand. The portion of paper you just folded should look like a diamond. Flip your paper over. Now you're going to repeat the squash fold on this side of the paper. Your paper will look like a square with a triangle attached to it on the left. Pick up the top left flap of the triangle that's sticking out. It should look like a shark fin when standing up with the points of your diamond on each side. Flatten the squash fold so you have a diamond shape with one crease at the bottom, and four flaps at the top. This is a variation of what's called a balloon fold. Rotate your diamond 180 degrees. You should now have the single crease of your paper at the top with the open end at the bottom. There should be two flaps at the top and bottom of your paper, with two other folded flaps sandwiched in the middle. Fold the left and right top flaps inward toward the center line. Your top layer should resemble a long diamond shape. This diamond shape is made from two folded isosceles triangles on top of an equilateral triangle pointing downward. Once you have creased the folds, then unfold fold the corners back. Pick up the top flap on the right side of your diamond. Perform another squash fold. This squash fold will look slightly different with two flaps sticking out at the bottom. Use the creases you made in the previous step to guide your squash fold. Open the pocket up with your finger and fold, creasing the edges. Use your free hand to keep your paper in place. You should now have a kite shape. Flip the paper over and repeat the folds you just performed. You'll have to repeat these steps three more times with the other three layers. This part can be difficult so take it one fold at a time starting with the opposite side of the paper from your first fold. Once both side of your paper have the same kite fold, grab the top flap that you haven't squash folded on the left side of your paper. Pull it up and squash fold it, creating another kite fold. Once you have folded the left side over. Flip the paper over again and repeat. Fold your paper down on a horizontal fold. You should now have a solid crease point at the top of your paper with four points at the bottom. Two on each side. Your paper should look like an upside down kite. Fold the tip of the kite down so it meets the four points at the bottom, then unfold. If you don't have two points on each side of your paper, fold the flaps over until they are evenly divided. Fold the top flaps inward. Fold the sides to the middle to form a diamond shape instead of an upside down kite shape. Crease and unfold to reveal your kite shape once again. Flip base of your triangle up. You should see an opening at the base of your triangle which is forming your upside down kite shape. Lift the mouth of the are up and fold it back, using the creases you've just make. This is sort of like the squash fold from before. You should now have another kite shape on as the top layer. This one should be right side up. Flip your paper over to the other side. Once again, you should see an upside down kite shape with the base of a triangle triangle flap opening downward. Repeat the previous sets of folds on this side. You should end up with another right side up kite shape like you had on the other side of your paper. Repeat these folds on all the sides of your paper that have the triangle opening and upside down kite. Even out your flaps and folds. Rotate your paper so you now have one point at the bottom of your paper and four flaps at the top, two on each side. Flip the triangle flaps of your kite shapes up. Then fold the top layer of each flap inward towards the center line. repeat this step on each side of your paper with the triangle flaps. Fold your flaps over so that you hide the sides with flaps you just folded to the middle. You should have one creased point on the bottom of your paper with four open points at the top. You should only see two smooth, flat sides now on the side of the paper facing you, and facing the table. Fold the tops of the smooth flaps over. Use a pencil or your finger to curl these flaps down. Once you have folded down the first two flat-sided flaps, fold your paper over to reveal the second two flat-sided flaps. Repeat the process. You may have to play with the already curled flaps when you fold the sides over to prevent these flaps from flattening. | Start with a square piece of paper. Fold your paper in half. Fold you paper again to form a triangle with the base at the bottom. Grab the top layer from the bottom right point of your triangle. Flip your paper over. Flatten the squash fold so you have a diamond shape with one crease at the bottom, and four flaps at the top. Rotate your diamond 180 degrees. Fold the left and right top flaps inward toward the center line. Pick up the top flap on the right side of your diamond. Flip the paper over and repeat the folds you just performed. Fold your paper down on a horizontal fold. Fold the top flaps inward. Flip base of your triangle up. Flip your paper over to the other side. Even out your flaps and folds. Flip the triangle flaps of your kite shapes up. Fold your flaps over so that you hide the sides with flaps you just folded to the middle. Fold the tops of the smooth flaps over. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Introduce-Your-Boyfriend-to-Your-Parents | How to Introduce Your Boyfriend to Your Parents | Introducing your boyfriend to your parents can be nerve-wracking, but you can make it much more relaxed by choosing the right environment. One way to introduce your boyfriend to your parents is by arranging a dinner at a restaurant. That way, everyone can relax and get to know each other over a nice meal. Or, you can plan a group activity to help break the ice, like mini-golfing or a board game. A group activity will take some of the pressure off everyone. If you'd rather have a more intimate meeting, plan to get together at your parents' house instead. Whatever you decide, let your boyfriend know about any of your parents' quirks beforehand so he can prepare. Stay positive and keep the conversation going once you're all together, and things should go fine! | Ask your boyfriend if he’d like to meet your parents. Meeting your partner's parents is a big step in any relationship. Have a conversation with your boyfriend and ask him how he feels about meeting your family. It's normal for him to be a little nervous, but if he feels uncomfortable or wants to wait, you should respect his wishes. Try approaching the question by saying, “We've been dating for a little while now and I'd love for you to meet my parents.” Or, “My parents have been asking about you. Would it be okay if I set up a time to introduce you guys?” Tell him about how your parents might act. If you've brought home boyfriends before, you might have some idea of how your parents will act. Make sure to tell your boyfriend important details, like if your father will stare him down, or if your mom will ask him embarrassing questions. Give examples like, “My mom might tell you embarrassing stories about my from my childhood. It's just what she does,” and, “My dad can be a little bit intense sometimes, but he means well.” Tell your boyfriend about your parents’ interests. Conversation will flow more smoothly if your boyfriend has some idea about who your parents are. Clue him in on your parents' hobbies, jobs, and social lives to give him an insight into what to talk about. If you want to, you can help your boyfriend think of specific questions beforehand. Try preparing questions like, “I heard you like to knit a lot, Mrs. (Surname). Are you working on any projects right now?” Tell your parents about your boyfriend’s interests. Your parents will also be meeting a new person, so give them a heads up by telling them a little bit about your boyfriend. You don't have to go into too much detail, but letting them know what he does for work and a little bit about his lifestyle will give your parents an idea of what to talk to him about as well. If your boyfriend has any interests that line up with your parents', make sure to mention those. If your father and your boyfriend both like fishing, let your dad know so that they can talk about it. Tell your boyfriend what to wear. If your parents are formal or traditional, tell your boyfriend to wear a button down shirt and some nice pants. If they are more laid back, you can tell your boyfriend to wear jeans and a nice t-shirt. Ask him to dress based on what you think your parents will appreciate. Don't tell him to dress up too much - a full suit is probably too formal for a casual dinner. Try saying, “I know you want to make a good impression on my parents. Maybe you could wear one of your nice shirts to dinner, since I think they'd appreciate that.” Reassure your boyfriend that everything will be okay. Encourage him to not feel nervous, worried, or freaked out. Explain that your parents are excited to meet him, that they've heard a lot of good things about him and that they're lovely people whom he'll like. Try to be understanding if your boyfriend is super nervous. It's always scary to meet new people, especially if they are people that your partner loves and respects. Calm your boyfriend down by saying things like, “My parents just want to get to know who I'm dating,” and, “I've told them a lot of great things about you, so they're excited to meet you!” Introduce him to your parents one on one, rather than at a family event. Meeting your significant other's parents is a nerve wracking task on its own. Try to schedule a time to meet when there won't be a ton of other people around, like a family event or party. A one on one meeting will give your boyfriend and your parents a better chance to talk and get to know each other. This will probably also help lessen your boyfriend's anxiety about meeting your parents, if he has any. Get together at your parents’ house for an intimate introduction. If you'd like your parents to get to know your boyfriend in a private place, ask if you can meet up at their house. Offer to bring side dishes or drinks to a meal that they cook. Introducing your boyfriend at your parents' house will feel more one on one than a public place. Float the idea to your parents by saying, “I'd love to get together at your guys' house so that we can all get to know each other. We can bring some drinks if you don't mind cooking!” Meet up at a restaurant to have a more relaxed introduction. Restaurants are a good place to meet because they are neural territory. Make a reservation at a restaurant and show up with your boyfriend so that he doesn't have to wait with your parents without you. Bring up this idea by saying, “I don't want anyone to have to worry about cooking a meal. Why don't we meet up at one of our favorite restaurants?” Do an activity together so that you have something to focus on. If you want to take the pressure off of the conversation, try going out and doing an activity with your parents and your boyfriend, like bowling or mini golf. This gives the outing a goal and will create a bond between all of you as you work toward a similar goal. Doing an activity together also gives your meeting a timeline and lets you leave once the activity is done. Introduce everyone by name. Start everyone off on the right foot by making sure your parents know your boyfriend's name and vice versa. Make sure that everyone is pronouncing everything correctly so that no one gets offended. Say something like, “This is my boyfriend, Zack. Zack, these are my parents, Mike and Terese.” Keep small talk going by asking questions and making comments. You are the person who knows the most about everyone in the room, so ask your parents and your boyfriend about their lives and their hobbies. Try to include everyone in the conversation. Use conversation starters like, “Dad, I heard you went hiking the other day. Where exactly did you go? Zack and I love to hike together.” ”Mom, have you read any good books lately? I just finished a great one, and I'd love to tell you about it.” ”Zack loves to work on computers. I bet he could tell you guys a thing or two about yours.” Let your parents ask your boyfriend questions. It can be hard to let your parents interrogate your boyfriend, but the goal is to let everyone get to know each other. Let your parents ask your boyfriend about what he does and what his goals are in life. Only step in and change the subject if your parents start asking inappropriate questions that make your boyfriend uncomfortable. Questions like, “What do you do for fun?” and, “What did you go to school for?” are totally acceptable questions. Things like, “How many people have you dated before?” can make your boyfriend uncomfortable, and should be avoided. Use phrases like, “I don't think he should have to answer that, Mom. Why don't you tell us about your new job instead?” Keep the topics of conversation light and social. If there are certain subjects that you and your parents don't agree on, like religion or politics, don't bring those up. Instead, focus on topics that will be fun to talk about and will let everyone chime in on a happy note. Stick to subjects like individual hobbies, fun vacation stories, or life accomplishments. Use conversation starters like, “Our trip to Europe was super fun! We can show you some pictures, if you'd like.” Or, “Didn't you guys just go to the beach? How was that trip?” Don’t leave your boyfriend alone with your parents for too long. Since your parents and your boyfriend just met, try not to leave him by himself in case he runs out of things to say, or feels uncomfortable. If you need to go to the kitchen or grab a drink, ask him to come with you and help. You can go to the bathroom on your own, of course, but try to be brief. | Ask your boyfriend if he’d like to meet your parents. Tell him about how your parents might act. Tell your boyfriend about your parents’ interests. Tell your parents about your boyfriend’s interests. Tell your boyfriend what to wear. Reassure your boyfriend that everything will be okay. Introduce him to your parents one on one, rather than at a family event. Get together at your parents’ house for an intimate introduction. Meet up at a restaurant to have a more relaxed introduction. Do an activity together so that you have something to focus on. Introduce everyone by name. Keep small talk going by asking questions and making comments. Let your parents ask your boyfriend questions. Keep the topics of conversation light and social. Don’t leave your boyfriend alone with your parents for too long. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Fresh-Cut-Tulips | How to Care for Fresh Cut Tulips | To care for fresh cut tulips, start by filling a tall vase with cold water, which will help keep the tulips fresh and crisp. Then, arrange the tulips in the vase so they're evenly spaced and not leaning on each other. Keep an eye on the vase and fill it up with more cold water whenever it's low so the tulips don't wilt. Also, keep the vase away from direct sunlight or heat so the tulips last longer. | Choose young tulips. When you're at the flower shop, you might be tempted to buy the tulips with fully-opened, vibrantly colored petals. This would be a fine choice if your tulips were meant to "wow" for a one-night occasion, but if you want them to last a long time, choose tulips that are still tightly closed, with some green buds that aren't fully colored yet. The flowers will open over the course of a few days, giving you more time to enjoy them. If you're cutting your own tulips and you want them to last as long as possible in a vase, cut them before they're fully opened. Cut as close as possible to the ground. Wrap the stems in wet cloth or paper towels. When you bring the tulips home from the shop, keep them wrapped in paper towels or a washcloth soaked in fresh water. This will ensure that the tulips don't start prematurely drying out on the way home. Do this even if the distance from the flower shop to your house isn't very far. Any time out of water will cause the tulips to age faster. Cut 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) from the base of the stems. Use a small pair of clippers and cut the stems at an angle. This will help them readily soak up water from the vase. Remove extra leaves from the base of the stems. If the stems have any leaves that would be submerged in water when you put them in the vase, remove them. The leaves could start rotting and cause the flowers to go limp before their time. Choose a suitable vase. Pick a vase that will rise up to cover at least half the height of the tulips you've brought home. They'll be able to lean against the vase without bending over. If you use a shorter vase, the flowers will eventually bend forward. This is an effect some people like, but it may cause the flowers to die more quickly. Wash the vase. Make sure it doesn't have sediment leftover from your last bouquet. Use soap and warm water to wash it thoroughly, then dry it completely with a towel. This way your fresh tulips won't pick up bacteria that could case them to start rotting more quickly. Fill the vase with cold water. Cold water will keep the stems fresh and crisp, while warm or hot water would cause them to become weak and soggy. Position the stems around the vase. Arrange the tulips so that they each have a little space in the vase, rather than leaning them all on top of one another. Giving them each a little room will prevent them from crushing one another, which will lead to premature petal drop-page and shorten the lifespan of your flowers. Keep the vase filled with fresh water. Tulips drink up a lot of water. Make sure it never completely runs out, or they'll begin to wilt very quickly. Add some flower food. The addition of flower food, or flower preservative, which is available at flower shops, will greatly lengthen your flowers' lifespan. Read the directions and sprinkle in some food when you add water. It'll keep your tulips standing tall and looking perky for as long as possible. You can try putting lemon juice, pennies, and other such materials in the vase with the flowers. Some say these tricks work, but research shows that flower food is much more effective. Don't style tulips with flowers in the Narcissus family. Daffodils and other flowers in this family exude a substance that causes flowers to fade faster. Tulips work best in a vase all by themselves. Keep the vase out of the sun. Place it in an area that doesn't get too hot and sunny. Otherwise, the tulips will wilt in the heat. | Choose young tulips. Wrap the stems in wet cloth or paper towels. Cut 1⁄4 inch (0.6 cm) from the base of the stems. Remove extra leaves from the base of the stems. Choose a suitable vase. Wash the vase. Fill the vase with cold water. Position the stems around the vase. Keep the vase filled with fresh water. Add some flower food. Don't style tulips with flowers in the Narcissus family. Keep the vase out of the sun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Conduct-a-Time-and-Motion-Study | How to Conduct a Time and Motion Study | A time and motion study observes the timing of tasks to analyze how efficiently they are performed. You can perform a time and motion study yourself or observe another person. When conducting the study, you can either do it in real-time or record the task so you can watch it several times to see where efficiency might break down. After you observe the task, set up a spreadsheet to write down the tasks observed. If possible, break them down into smaller actions. For example, if you're focusing on checking email, look at logging into the computer, deleting spam, reading emails, and so on. Time each action and find the average time for each task. Finally, cut back on tasks that take a lot of time but are of low overall value. | Use work sampling if you have limited time to record. In this approach, you observe the person at certain times rather than continuously. The intervals can be regular or random. You observe the person for a given time, and then extrapolate from the samples how much time is spent on each task. This type works better on tasks that have fewer components or workers that do fewer tasks overall. For instance, if a person's main job is invoicing, random sampling can work because each time you check in, you get a snapshot of what the person is doing. Once you have all the data, you can figure out which task or component the person spends the most time on by looking at how often and how long it showed up in each random sample. The benefit with this method is you can observe more than one person in a set time period by rotating through each person. If you're using this method on yourself, set up an alarm to go off at certain intervals so you can record what you're doing for a set amount of time. Observe the task in real time to be able to ask questions. In this approach, you are in the room with the person as they do the task. Observe what they do, breaking the task into smaller components as you record times. Each component should make sense as a whole without getting so detailed that you can't keep up. Timing a large task isn't helpful without looking at the components of each task. If you analyze the components, you can look for inefficiencies. You won't stop the person; you're just breaking down the task for recording purposes. For instance, if the task is checking the mail, the components would include walking to the mail area, finding the mail, taking it back to the desk, opening envelopes, reading the mail, and discarding or dealing with each letter. It can help to have a group for observation. That way, you can have one person to work the stopwatch, 1 person to record times, and 1 person to make notes. You can also use this approach on yourself. In that case, you'll be writing down each component as you do it. Record a video to make the participant perform more naturally. Instead of observing the tasks in real time, take a video. That way, you can go back later and analyze how long each task takes. You won't miss as much because you can always rewind the video to see something again. Record a video of yourself to perform a more accurate study. If you're doing the study on yourself, this approach will be much easier than the other 2. Set up a camera on a tripod in a place that can capture what you're doing. Let it record while you go through a set task, such as writing a report. Test the task over a given period. For example, you may want to test it over a week or even month. Set up a spreadsheet to record data on. You'll need a place to write what the task is, and a spreadsheet is ideal. Next to it, you'll need a place for the time. Often, tasks are done in batches. If that's the case, have a place to record the time for each component of each task. You'll just need a set of numbered boxes for this part. Also add a column for notes. For instance, if the task is checking email and one of the components is reading email, make a record of the time it takes to read each email in the numbered boxes next to the component. Divide work into small categories. Part of performing a time and motion study is figuring out exactly how much time is spent on each task. Generally, the only way to improve efficiency is to look at the small actions within each task. As the work is being done, establish each component of the task and write a short description down. The key is finding the right level of detail. You don't want to be overly detailed, as timing how long it takes to hit a single button isn't useful. However, you also don't want to be too broad, as that won't give you enough data to work on efficiency. Say you're checking email. You might break it down into logging on to the computer and into your email, deleting spam mail without opening, reading emails, composing replies, and organizing email into folders. Time each task. Start with a stopwatch. Time each component of the task, jotting down the time it took to complete each component. It's often easier to just stop and start the timer, using the elapsed time. You can go in later and figure out how many seconds were spent on each task. For more accuracy, take data over multiple days. Time tasks using video. When you're using a video, you'll need to stop and start the video for each component you're timing. That way, you'll have time to write down your notes and the times for each component. Average out the times for each component. After you're done, take the times for each component and find the average. To find an average, add all the times for 1 component together, and then divide by the number of times in that group. For instance, if you have reading emails as the component, the times might be 65 seconds, 210 seconds, 240 seconds, 39 seconds, and 354 seconds. Add the numbers together: 65 + 210 + 240 + 39 + 354 to equal 908. Divide by the number of times. In this case, that's 5, so divide 908 by 5 to get 181.6 seconds on average per email. Find the average time for the task. The easiest way to find the average time for the whole task is to simply add all the averages for the components together. That will give you the average for the whole task. Assign a high or low value to your tasks. Assigning a high or low value to each task can help your prioritize what's important. You don't have to assign a number; just label them as high value or low value. For instance, answering emails at your job may be important, but unless you're in customer service, it likely has a lower value overall than finishing an important report. Cut back on low-value, high-time tasks. After you've rated your tasks, look at which tasks take a large amount of time while having a low value overall. Those are the tasks that you need to figure out how to cut back. It's also important to look at the tasks that take a lot of time but also have high value. It doesn't hurt to try to make these tasks more efficient. Watch for multitasking. Multitasking tends to make each individual task take longer because you can't give either your full attention. In cases where you're multitasking, such as going back and forth between email and writing a report, try changing up. Set a time period where you are only doing one thing. If you're writing a report, ignore your email. If you read email constantly throughout the day, you're constantly pulling your train of thought from whatever else you're doing. Often, it's better to do all of a task at once, such as only reading emails in the morning, at midday, and right before you leave work. Look for inefficiencies to cut back on them. Often, you'll find inefficiencies in the routines you time and describe. Eliminating inefficiencies can help you work better and get more done in the time you have. For instance, if you must file paperwork daily in another room away from your office, considering saving it to do all at once. If you are constantly going back and forth, that takes away time you could be spending on other tasks. | Use work sampling if you have limited time to record. Observe the task in real time to be able to ask questions. Record a video to make the participant perform more naturally. Record a video of yourself to perform a more accurate study. Set up a spreadsheet to record data on. Divide work into small categories. Time each task. Time tasks using video. Average out the times for each component. Find the average time for the task. Assign a high or low value to your tasks. Cut back on low-value, high-time tasks. Watch for multitasking. Look for inefficiencies to cut back on them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-of-Notice-to-Your-Landlord | How to Write a Letter of Notice to Your Landlord | To write a letter of notice to your landlord, write the date and the landlord's official address, which is on your lease agreement, at the top of the page. Begin the first paragraph by stating your name, current address, and the purpose of your letter. Next, specify the date you plan to vacate the space. Then, create a final paragraph and respectfully ask that any refundable deposits be returned to you after you move out. Be sure to give the landlord your new address, then sign your letter and make a copy for yourself before submitting it! | Know what type of tenancy you have. In order to provide adequate notice to terminate your lease agreement, you will need to know what type of tenancy you and the landlord have entered into. For residential rental agreements, the most common type of tenancy is a periodic tenancy. Periodic tenancies can come in many forms, but two of the most common forms include: Month-to-month tenancies. A month-to-month tenancy is an arrangement in which the lease may be altered or terminated monthly upon proper notice. This type of lease offers a great deal of flexibility because of your ability to terminate the lease once every month. However, the landlord also holds a good level of flexibility and may be able to raise rent or change rental terms with the same minimal notice. Fixed term leases. Fixed term leases are rental agreements in which you agree to stay and pay rent for a fixed period of time, most often one year. In this situation, a renter who breaks their lease early may incur penalties for not staying for the agreed upon period. Read the termination clause in your lease. Your rental agreement may or may not include a termination clause. If it does, be sure to read and understand it because in most situations this will provide you with directions on how to terminate your lease. If your rental agreement clearly sets forth the manner in which you should provide your landlord with notice, then follow those directions. For example, a lease agreement may state, "Tenant shall provide landlord with at least 10 days notice prior to vacating the premises." In this situation, you should provide your landlord with notice at least 10 days before you move out. If your rental agreement is silent regarding termination, you should follow your state's laws. For example, in Oregon, a month-to-month tenancy can be terminated by giving the landlord written notice not less than 30 days prior to the date you plan to move out. If you have a fixed term lease of at least one year in Oregon, you can terminate the lease by providing not less than 30 days notice prior to the agreed upon end date of the fixed term, or not less than 30 days prior to the date you designate in your notice letter, whichever is later. As you can see, in Oregon, at least 30 days notice is required. If you are in a month-to-month tenancy, you can terminate your lease at any time so long as you provide 30 days notice. However, if you are in a fixed term lease, you will not be able to terminate until the fixed term is up (unless you are willing to incur some penalty). Look for a delivery clause in your lease. In addition to understanding how much notice you need to provide your landlord, you also need to understand how that notice needs to be delivered. If your rental agreement sets out the manner in which you must deliver the notice, then you must follow that language. If your lease agreement is silent, then you should follow your state's law. For example, your rental agreement may state, "Any notice must be provided in writing and delivered in person and through first class mail to the address provided in this Agreement." Under this clause, you would be required to write your notice (i.e., not provide notice verbally) and deliver that written notice both in person to the landlord and through the mail. If there is no delivery clause, your state statutes will set forth the manner in which delivery must take place. In Oregon, you can choose to deliver your written notice either in person to the landlord or through the mail to the landlord. If you provide notice through the mail, the minimum notice requirement (e.g., 30 days) will be extended by three days. Therefore, in Oregon, if you deliver your 30 day notice through the mail, you will actually have to provide the landlord 33 days notice in order to account for the delivery time. Address the letter to your landlord. When you write your termination notice to your landlord, you need to address the letter properly. In order to do so, look at your lease agreement and find the landlord's official address. If it is not provided, call your landlord and ask how the letter needs to be addressed. If you cannot get a hold of your landlord, use the address you have for paying rent. In most states, including California, a rental agreement is required to include an address where notices can be addressed to. Date your notice letter. Either before or after the landlord's address, you will include the date your notice is delivered. This ensures your landlord understands when your notice period will start. For example, if you are required to provide 30 days notice in order to terminate your lease, and you date your notice August 1, 2013, which is when you personally delivered the notice to your landlord, you and your landlord will understand that the 30 day period starts on August 1, 2013. State the purpose of your notice letter. The first body paragraph of your notice letter should state the reason you are writing the letter. This gives the landlord an idea of how they need to respond, if they need to respond at all. You can write something as simple as, "I, John Smith, live at [address]. I am writing to notify you of my intent to terminate the lease agreement between myself and you. I am providing the required 30 days notice, which will start from the day this letter is dated." In most states, you do not need to state any specific reason for your intent to terminate. It is sufficient to simply state that you are terminating your tenancy as required by law. Include the date you will vacate the rented space. In addition to the date of delivery, the body of your letter should also state the date in which you will vacate the premises. This date will need to be some time after the required notice period is up. For example, if you are required to provide 30 days notice and you delivered it on August 1, 2013, the date you will vacate will have to be August 30, 2013 or after. While you can certainly move out before the 30 days are up, you will be responsible for the rental unit, including rent payments, until the 30 days are up and you have vacated. Ask for any refundable deposits to be returned to you. In another body paragraph, you should respectfully request that any refundable deposits (e.g., security deposit) be returned to you upon satisfactorily vacating the premises. In addition to requesting any deposits be returned to you, you should state all of the reasons you have complied with the lease agreement, and therefore why you deserve the deposits back. For example, your security deposit is often returned to you so long as you vacate the premises on time and so long as you clean the premises as required before you vacate. If this is the case in your lease agreement, state that you plan on leaving on time and that you will clean the premises in a satisfactory manner. Your request may look something like this: "In addition to providing the required notice to vacate, I am also respectfully requesting that any and all refundable deposits be returned to me, in full, within the required period set forth under the law. Per our Agreement, I will clean the apartment, fix any damage, and will have the carpets professionally cleaned. In addition, I will vacate the premises on time and will return all keys to you as requested." Give the landlord your new address. Before you end the letter, be sure to give the landlord your new address. This new address is where your refundable deposit will be sent, as well as any notifications you may need to receive after you vacate the premises. Sign your notice letter. Once you have written the entire notice letter, you will want to sign it. This will make it official and help if there is some dispute between you and your landlord about the notice. Make a copy of your notice letter. Once you have written the notice letter, make a couple of copies for yourself. If your landlord doesn't receive the notice, or there is some dispute about the notice, you will want a copy you can look back on. Choose when you want to deliver your notice letter to your landlord. After completing your termination notice letter, you will want to consider when to give it to your landlord. Remember, the notice period will not start until your notice is delivered to your landlord. If you are in a month-to-month tenancy, you should deliver your notice letter along with your last month's rent. This will ensure that you provide the required 30 days notice and that you will have paid the last month's rent. If you have a fixed term tenancy, you should deliver the notice 30 days (or however long your state's notice requirement is) before the term is up. For example, if you signed a lease that ends on August 31, 2013, you should deliver your notice August 1, 2013. While you can give the landlord notice at any time during the rental period, if you give notice in the middle of the month you will be required to cover part of the next month's rent. For example, assume you have a month-to-month tenancy and you pay rent on the first of the month. You could give your notice on the tenth of the month but you would be required to pay rent through the tenth of the following month. Deliver the notice letter to your landlord properly. After deciding when you want to deliver your notice, remember to look at your lease agreement or your state's laws and understand how you will have to deliver your notice. Make sure you follow the correct procedures to ensure your notice is valid. Move out by the required date. Once you have delivered your notice, be sure you vacate the property on or before the date you specified in your notice letter. | Know what type of tenancy you have. Read the termination clause in your lease. Look for a delivery clause in your lease. Address the letter to your landlord. Date your notice letter. State the purpose of your notice letter. Include the date you will vacate the rented space. Ask for any refundable deposits to be returned to you. Give the landlord your new address. Sign your notice letter. Make a copy of your notice letter. Choose when you want to deliver your notice letter to your landlord. Deliver the notice letter to your landlord properly. Move out by the required date. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Good-Video-Date | How to Have a Good Video Date | There are tons of different awesome video date ideas you can choose from to make your virtual date romantic and fun instead of awkward and boring. There are the classics, like having a drink together or eating the same meal over video chat, or you can try something more creative. Do a round of 20 questions to get to know each other better, watch a movie together virtually, or play an online board game. You can even recreate a sip-and-paint class where you and your partner each paint the same thing while having drinks. If you're worried about awkward silences, prepare some questions in advance so you have a backup just in case. Just focus on getting to know the other person and having a good time and you'll do great! | Pick a video call platform you both use. You have a ton of options for doing a video date. Talk to your partner about the platforms they like to use. Then, pick one you both like. Here are some ideas: Use FaceTime if you both have iPhones. Try Facebook Messenger if you both use Facebook. Pick Skype for an easy, free option that allows for screen sharing. Use Zoom if you're more comfortable using its video meeting feature, which also allows screen sharing. Charge your device so it won’t die during the date. You don't want your phone, tablet, or computer to crash in the middle of your date. Make sure your battery is full before you start your date, and monitor your charge so you can tell your date if you need to sign off. Keep your charger nearby if you want to quickly charge your device during the date. If you're using a computer for your video call, you might just leave it plugged in so it stays charged. Schedule your date in advance so it feels like an event. Part of the fun of dating is building anticipation. Plan your date in advance so you can look forward to it. Arrange a time and day that works for both you and your date. For instance, you might set the date for Friday at 7:00 p.m. Be specific about the time and place. Don't just say, “What about some time this weekend?” Tell your date if you're uncomfortable with them recording the call. Many video call platforms allow you to film your call. You may prefer that your date not record you, so discuss your preferences beforehand. Additionally, ask your date if they're okay with you recording the video call if you desire. For instance, you and your date might talk about past relationships or topics related to your sexuality during the call. You may not want a video recording of this conversation because of privacy concerns. Even if you've agreed not to record it, treat the date like it's being recorded, just in case. Send flirty messages to build anticipation if you're in a relationship. Before your date, text or email your partner about your excitement over the date. Tell your date how much you want to see them and give them hints about what you might be wearing. If you feel ready, consider sending them a suggestive pic. You might say, “I can't wait to see you tonight,” or "I've been thinking about you all day." Dress up like you’re going out, especially if it's a new relationship. Dressing up may not seem important for a video date, but it helps make the occasion feel special. Choose an outfit that makes you feel great about yourself. Additionally, style your hair and consider applying makeup, if you wear it. For instance, you might wear a cute top, a polo shirt, or a nice button-up shirt. If you know you'll only be visible from the chest up, you might just wear a nice shirt with your sweat pants. Don't feel like you need to get dressed up like you're going to prom. If you're in a long-term relationship, you may decide to not dress up for every date. Do what makes you feel most comfortable. Choose a well-lit area to stage your video call. You likely want your date to be impressed by you, and good lighting will help you look your best. If you can, find a spot in your home that gets good natural lighting, such as near a large window. Otherwise, pick a place with bright overhead lighting. You might set up a lamp near the spot where you want to set up your camera so that you get more lighting. Arrange the area where you’re filming so it looks nice. This may not matter if you've been in a relationship for a while, but you may want a new partner's first impression of your home to be a good one. Your date is probably going to check out your background to see what your home is like. Tidy up the area so it won't distract your date. Then, position your items so that they present you in a way you like. Consider the story that your space tells about you. You might arrange your spot to show off your hobbies or interests. Alternatively, you might pick an area with a bare wall so your date will stay focused on you. Position your camera at a flattering angle. You likely know that certain camera angles make you look fabulous while others are unflattering. Play around with your camera to see which angle makes you look most attractive. Make a test video to see how you'll look on your date. Try the angle you typically use when taking selfies. Do a practice call or test video before a first date. While this is optional, a test call or video can help you ensure you look your best on your date. Call a friend and ask them what they think of your date look and how your background looks. Alternatively, film yourself to get an idea of what your date will see. If you're feeling nervous, this can help you calm down and feel more excited about the date. Look into the camera when you talk instead of watching the video. It's hard to make eye contact when you're on a video call. Your eyes will naturally go to the video of yourself or your date. When you speak, look directly at the camera so it looks like you're making eye contact. To your date, it will feel like you're looking directly at them, even though you're really looking at the lens. Be yourself instead of trying to be perfect. You likely want to impress your date, but don't try to be someone you're not. Your date is interested in you, so show them who you really are. Be honest about what you like, how you spend your time, and what you want in a relationship. Additionally, don't try to use filters or angling to make yourself look different. No one is perfect, so it's okay to show some flaws. Try to relax and just act the way you would on a normal date. Remember, it's all about having fun and getting to know someone you really like! Try to limit your fidgeting if you've just started dating. Fidgeting can be distracting, especially during a video call. Plus, your date may see fidgeting as a sign that you're nervous. Be mindful of your movements and try to be as still as possible. It may help to drape a blanket over your lap so your movement is restricted. Keep your comments positive if you're still getting to know each other. You might be really stressed or worried right now, and that's okay. However, try not to share those feelings with someone you've just met. Instead, focus on the good things that are happening in your life. This will help you end your date on a positive note. It's okay to mention that you're having troubles, just try not to dwell on them. For instance, you might say, "Things have been hard lately, but I'm getting by. How are things going for you?" Prepare questions for a first date in case there's an awkward silence. It's totally normal to have an awkward silence during a date, but they might be more noticeable during a video chat. Fortunately, you can quickly overcome these awkward moments by asking a question. Make a list of questions related to your date's interests, pop culture, or current events. You might also ask basic background and personality questions. You might ask things like, "What was your favorite toy when you were a child?" "Which character in Star Wars do you relate to the most?" "How do you like to spend a day at the beach?" or "What book would you recommend and why?" Have a drink together for an easy first date. You've probably met up with a potential love match to grab a coffee or enjoy happy hour. Why not recreate this fun, easy date via video chat? Arrange to share a drink during your video chat, and treat it like an in-person date. Make your drink in advance and agree to end your date soon after you each finish drinking. For instance, you might plan a coffee date for lunchtime or a wine date for after work. If you normally love group dates, try finding an online happy hour that the two of you can join. Share a meal together if you want a conventional date. If you can't go out together, eat together over video chat. Prepare a homemade meal or order take-out. As you eat together, talk about what's going on in your lives, ask each other questions, and have a good time. Consider ordering take-out from the same restaurant if possible. Do a round of 20 questions to get to know each other better. Video dates are a great opportunity to build a deeper connection with someone. Asking each other questions is a convenient, easy way to learn more about them so you can grow closer. Write down your list of questions before your date. Then, take turns asking and answering the questions. You might ask questions like, “What's your favorite movie and why?” “What is your dream vacation?” “What's the most exciting adventure you've been on?” “Are you a morning person or night owl?” “What do you do in your free time?” “What mythological creature would you choose as a pet?” Watch and discuss a movie if you're in the mood for a film. Choose a movie that interests both of you, then start it at the same time. Share your reactions to the movie like you would if you were sitting together. After the movie, spend 15-30 minutes talking about it. Try a simultaneous video streaming platforms to help you watch your movie together. For instance, TwoSeven and Metastream work with most streaming services and allow you to start your movie at exactly the same time. If you're using Netflix, try Netflix Party for an easy, convenient option. You might decide to turn off your video call during the movie itself. For instance, you could start your date with a short 10-15 minute video call, then transition to text during the movie. After the movie, you could return to video chat for another 15-30 minutes so you can discuss the movie. Recreate a sip-n-paint date if you like being creative. During a sip-n-paint date, you and your partner follow along with an art instructor and enjoy your favorite drink, like wine or soda. You can easily recreate this kind of date over video chat! Pick an online art instructional video to follow or keep it simple by expressing your own creativity. As you create together, sip on a drink you enjoy. Pick a project that fits your skill level. If you're both beginners, look for an easy project. You might try one of artist Bob Ross's instructional videos, which are widely available online. Try stargazing if you want a romantic, late-night date. Looking up at the stars is very romantic and is easy to do in a video chat. Schedule your date for after dark, then lay out a blanket in your yard or pick a cozy spot on your balcony or near a window. Open a stargazing app to help you find planets, stars, and constellations. You might try SkyView for Android or IOS or Night Sky for IOS. You'll be able to see the stars best outdoors. However, you might try stargazing from a dark room in your home if you can't go outside or don't have a yard. Go on a digital tour of a museum or city for a cultural experience. Some famous museums offer a virtual tour feature that you can use to check out their most popular exhibits. Similarly, you can use Google street view and tourism materials to take a virtual tour of a city you've always wanted to visit, like Paris or Mexico City. Use the screen sharing feature on your video call software so you can both see the same thing. For instance, you can take a virtual tour of the Louvre in Paris here: https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne Check out the Google Arts & Culture exhibits here: https://artsandculture.google.com/project/exhibits Play an online or board game for a fun, interactive date. A game night is a fun date idea that's easy to do online. Pick a game you can play with 2-players, whether it's an online game or a board game. Here are some ideas: Try a two-person online game, such as tic tac toe, Connect 4, Minecraft, The Forest, or Slither. Play a board game you both own, like Yahtzee, Monopoly, or Life. Pick a game that uses dice so you can each roll for yourselves, but have 1 person control the game board. | Pick a video call platform you both use. Charge your device so it won’t die during the date. Schedule your date in advance so it feels like an event. Tell your date if you're uncomfortable with them recording the call. Send flirty messages to build anticipation if you're in a relationship. Dress up like you’re going out, especially if it's a new relationship. Choose a well-lit area to stage your video call. Arrange the area where you’re filming so it looks nice. Position your camera at a flattering angle. Do a practice call or test video before a first date. Look into the camera when you talk instead of watching the video. Be yourself instead of trying to be perfect. Try to limit your fidgeting if you've just started dating. Keep your comments positive if you're still getting to know each other. Prepare questions for a first date in case there's an awkward silence. Have a drink together for an easy first date. Share a meal together if you want a conventional date. Do a round of 20 questions to get to know each other better. Watch and discuss a movie if you're in the mood for a film. Recreate a sip-n-paint date if you like being creative. Try stargazing if you want a romantic, late-night date. Go on a digital tour of a museum or city for a cultural experience. Play an online or board game for a fun, interactive date. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Sarcastic-Person | How to Deal With a Sarcastic Person | The best way to deal with a sarcastic person is to respond to their remarks gracefully instead of reacting negatively. Determine whether the sarcastic comments are meant to be playful or hurtful. If they're playful, ignore the remarks. If they're hurtful, tell the speaker that their words weren't funny and that they upset you. Stay calm and avoid reacting with anger in order to diffuse the situation. | Distinguish between playful and hurtful sarcasm. Sometimes sarcasm is used to inject humor into a situation or dissipate tension. In other cases, sarcasm could be wielded as a verbal weapon. Knowing the difference is important, since you don't want to overreact if the sarcastic person is just trying to be funny. In general, if the remark doesn't single a person out, it's possible it was intended to be humorous. But other times, people find something that could become a joke and say it right away without thinking, and could possibly hurt someone. For example, someone might try to lighten the mood in a long line by saying, "Oh, I'm so happy to be standing in this ridiculously long line right now." There's nothing aggressive about that statement; the person probably just wants to get a few chuckles. On the other hand, this statement could be perceived as rude and aggressive, depending on the tone with which it's delivered, such as an insult: "Wow, I'm so lucky that you're the person I'm standing next to in this ridiculously long line." Ignore the sarcastic remark. The simplest way to deal with a sarcastic remark in the moment is to recognize it (nod, say "Okay") as if the words were sincere. This is a way to move the conversation along without interruption, and allows you to remain confident and collected. You can also ignore the sarcastic remark completely, pretending not to hear it. If the speaker's intention was to upset you, you won't be rewarding him with your attention. The speaker is looking for a reaction, so don't give any return (value) to the words. Turn to talk to another person altogether. This will send the message that you're unwilling to engage in additional conversation with the sarcastic person. They might enjoy your company, but they show it differently than you do, or you are used to. Consider correcting it as a mistake. Proceeding as if not understanding can deflect the speaker's negative intent. For example, if the person said, “What a surprise - you're doing something nice!” you can respond by saying "My action wasn't meant as niceness. John, I was simply helping out." By responding with apparent sincerity, you'll make the mean comment look especially inane/inapt. Tell the person how you feel about the remark. Sometimes being frank can be the better response, particularly if the person is sarcastic on a regular basis. You don't have to be angry or defensive. Just tell him that his comment was not funny/hurt you. That person most likely didn't mean it seriously as you took it, even if it feels harsh. Keep your comment simple and direct, without bringing up a list of remarks that might have hurt your feelings in the past. If he tries to explain it wasn't a big deal, don't respond. This reaction to the sarcastic comment wasn't an invitation to debate your feelings. You can also find a time to talk to the sarcastic person when you're both calm. Find a time and place where you do not have an audience, and you're unlikely to be interrupted, then express your feelings. This may result in "arms length negotiation," greater sincerity and understanding. Stay calm. Responding to a sarcastic comment with intentional sarcasm doesn't usually result in a happy ending. When you start to feel yourself getting vengeful, take a deep breath and try not to say anything. If possible, walk away from the situation. If this is a workplace situation, responding in anger, with abrasiveness to fellow workers could mean loss of your job or other negative consequences. Do whatever you can to prevent yourself from responding quickly. An option is to mentally count to 10 before responding. If you're still upset after counting to 10, repeat the process. Think about why you’re reacting. If the sarcasm is really getting under your skin, there's a good chance that there's something going on inside of you. Is this a topic that you're especially sensitive about? Are you struggling with poor self-esteem that the comment reminds you of? If that's the case, it might not be the sarcasm that's the problem. Talking to a counselor or a friend about issues that routinely cause you to feel upset can be helpful in dealing with social teasing. As you build your confidence and appreciate yourself more, you may notice an increased resilience in social situations. Consider your options. If the sarcastic person is someone that you'll need to get used to, such as, your supervisor, mother-in-law, partner, etc. Try to respond to it in the best way you can. If the sarcasm comes from someone you'll be unlikely to see often, then it might be easier to ignore their taunts. If the sarcasm comes from someone you have to work with or see on a regular basis, talking to them about the affect their sarcasm has on you is often a better option, Realize that the person may have their own reasons for wanting to see you react to his sarcasm. Realize that you may just have a different sense of humor. Males are far more likely than females to consider sarcasm as a form of lighthearted humor. If your feelings are hurt by sarcasm, consider whether or not the intentions were really unkind. Some people just use sarcasm as a habit. Most often they don't think about how it effects others. Think about other things the person has said or done and how they made you feel. If the majority of actions were kind, it's possible that the person just as a different sense of humor than you do. Their words may have come out different then they intended. Recognize the roots of sarcasm. Sarcasm can be a form of anger, or just a go-to on how to deal with life. Sometimes sarcastic people is resentful, angry or bitter about perceived slights he or she's received, whether at home or in the workplace. These slights may have come from you, but they're just as likely to have come from someplace else altogether. Because some of us handle trials in life by taking it head on, crying, pushing the problem away, etc. But deep down, most sarcastic people are afraid. They don't know how to deal with life, so their go-to is sarcasm. That is how they cope. The impulse behind sarcasm is sometimes to help the person using it, feel better. Maybe they just like to make people laugh, or they could be trying to hurt someone so that they can have more power. It's a dysfunctional communication that can injure others feelings, and does less to help the sarcastic person then what they want. It's quite common. Consider whether it’s a habitual response. If a person lives in a social environment in which sarcasm is a common method of communicating anger, he or she might not even realize that he/she's using it with others. Even if he/she is aware, it's a hard habit to break. If the person wants to try to learn better patterns of communication, talking to a counselor or therapist can be helpful. Even if it's a habitual response, there is a time and a place for sarcastic behavior, but sometimes people who use sarcasm doesn't know the right time. Listen for voice tone. A sarcastic tone is easier to recognize when you know a person well, as it involves a subtle alteration in the person's typical speaking voice. If the person wants to make sure his sarcasm is recognized, these qualities may be exaggerated. While a sarcastic tone doesn't have qualities that are easily described, it is generally recognized by these qualities: The speaker's voice will be pitched lower than usual for his typical speaking voice. The sarcastic words may be elongated, emphasized, or drawn out. For instance, “Yeah, it's a GREAT day for a picnic.” Sometimes people will mutter sarcastic comments slightly under their breath. And if they do, ignore it. If the person that is using sarcasm mutters something, it could mean they are aware that it might hurt someone's feelings but it would bother them if they didn't say it, so they simply mumbled it. Most of the time it isn't something you should push further. You may notice a slight sigh following the sarcastic remark. Pay attention to facial expression. Someone making a sarcastic comment will often convey their feelings through facial expressions that contradict his statement. For example, someone may grimace as they're making a statement that would be positive, if intended truthfully. For example, if he/she scowls as he/she says what a fine day it is for a picnic, there's a good chance he/she's being sarcastic, since most people enjoy fine days and picnics. Other facial expressions that often accompany sarcasm include eye rolls, raised eyebrows, or shrugged shoulders. Sometimes people employing sarcasm have seemingly no facial expression at all; that is, they have a “flat” affect, and are speaking in a “deadpan” tone. People who use sarcasm often may not know how to respond to a situation, so they respond sarcastically. Consider if the person seems to be telling the truth. Sarcasm could be when someone says something untrue without intending to deceive anyone. A sarcastic remark implies the opposite of what's being said. For example, when someone says, “Great weather for a picnic,” on a day that's clearly not ideal for a picnic, he/she's being sarcastic. The remark isn't intended to mean that it was, in fact, great weather for a picnic. Check for hyperbole. A hyperbolic statement is one that is greatly exaggerated, not meant to be taken literally. This type of statement can often be used sarcastically. For example, if a person really thought a singer's concert was terrible, he might say, “That was so good - I wish I'd paid 5 times as much for the ticket. A bargain!” To detect hyperbole, see if the statement matches reality. You can then read the person's tone to determine whether it was meant to be funny or aggressive. The use of hyperbolic sarcasm might be either to amuse, or cause aggression. In the example above, if the speaker assumes that he's speaking to a friend who feels similarly disappointed in the over-payment for their tickets, the statement is sarcastic but not to wound. If the statement was made to the host of the evening's entertainment, the use of the sarcasm may be intended to be hurtful. Sometimes hyperbole is used to express enthusiasm, not sarcasm. For example, someone might say, "That was the most delicious cupcake in the entire world. I could eat 10 dozen more!" If the person ate the whole cupcake, you can assume the statement wasn't meant to be sarcastic. Notice certain phrases are frequently sarcastic. There are certain phrases that are so often used sarcastically that you should assume that they're not intended literally. For example, when someone says, “Aren't you special?” or “Tell it to someone who cares,” the meaning is almost always sarcastic. When someone responds to a statement with the phrase, “Big deal,” the phrase is almost always meant sarcastically. (This only applies to the phrase when used as a single utterance, however; the words “big deal” are usually sincere when spoken within a sentence.) The phrase “yeah, right,” is sarcastic nearly 25% of the time it's used, according to one study. Be aware of regional variations in sarcasm. Sarcasm is more a part of common language in some portions of the United States than others. Regional surveys have found that sarcasm is much more common in northern states than southern. In addition, more Northerners describe themselves as being sarcastic than Southerners. But it doesn't mean you can't find any in the Southern areas. Children as young as 4 years old can pick up sarcasm from their parents and/or caregivers, and also any other people who may be around the child (or children) often. That is how they can grow up using it. Sarcasm isn't necessarily a horrible thing, but it can be a bad habit. Know that certain conditions affect recognition of sarcasm. While there are many cultural cues available to correctly interpret sarcastic remarks, these cues may be inaccessible to people with certain cognitive processing issues. For example, it may be quite difficult for people with closed head injuries, brain lesions, autism or schizophrenia may to learn to recognize sarcasm. If you notice a diminished ability to recognize sarcasm in others, this may be a sign of dementia or other neurodegenerative disease. Sarcasm is the simplest form of a lie. If a person can't reliably interpret sarcasm, he'll likely be unable to discern a lie. | Distinguish between playful and hurtful sarcasm. Ignore the sarcastic remark. Consider correcting it as a mistake. Tell the person how you feel about the remark. Stay calm. Think about why you’re reacting. Consider your options. Realize that you may just have a different sense of humor. Recognize the roots of sarcasm. Consider whether it’s a habitual response. Listen for voice tone. Pay attention to facial expression. Consider if the person seems to be telling the truth. Check for hyperbole. Notice certain phrases are frequently sarcastic. Be aware of regional variations in sarcasm. Know that certain conditions affect recognition of sarcasm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Telemarketer | How to Be a Good Telemarketer | To be a good telemarketer, start by getting to know the product and anticipating questions you may get. Additionally, practice the suggested call script several times, adding your own personal touches whenever possible. When you make your calls, speak clearly and pause after each sentence to give the customer a chance to respond or ask questions. If the customer is quiet, try asking open-ended questions that can't be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” such as “What are you looking for in this type of product?” | Get to know the product. Before you start calling, spend some time reading all of your product materials. Memorize as many of the details as you can. Try to think about what questions a potential consumer might have about the product. If you get an actual physical product sample, use it or examine it closely. For example, if you are signing up people for a credit card, it's a good idea to know the annual percentage rate and annual fees. Reference your customer data database. If you have a computer screen that pulls up customer profiles, make good use of it. These screens will sometimes show a customer's call history, service requests, or complaints. It will also include some general demographic or contact information. This database is just one way to get to know your customer better, so that you can anticipate their needs. Familiarize yourself with the database format. You want to know where each piece of information is on the screen, so that you won't have to search for it mid-call. For example, if you are speaking with a customer of 10+ years, then they may appreciate you saying something about their product loyalty. Speak clearly. If you are nervous, then you might speak much faster than you normally would. To avoid rushing, concentrate on carefully pronouncing each of your words. Make yourself pause after sentences to give the customer time to respond. If you are asked a question, take a few seconds before answering. This will make you seem confident and in control of the call, instead of flustered. If you find that many customers are asking you to repeat yourself, then this is another sign that you may be speaking too fast or unclearly. Adhere to a blueprint script. Your company will usually provide you with a suggested calling script. It will offer suggestions for an attention-catching introduction, possible questions for mid-conversation, and how to close the deal. A good script will also address how to counter a customer's concerns in an effective way. It's important to use the script as a guide, not something that you simply memorize and repeat. Rehearsing and rereading your script many times will help you understand how to modify it to suit your personality and strengths. For instance, you may want to try out a closing method that's worked for you in the past, instead of the one suggested in the script. Sprinkle open-ended questions into the conversation. It's easy for a customer to end a call if they don't feel connected with you. Make them feel valued by asking questions about their customer experiences and choices. If they've bought a product before, ask how it worked out for them. If they have tried other brands, ask them why they haven't tried yours yet. Stay away from questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” These can make a caller feel as if they are being interrogated. Give directions with signposting. A good telemarketing call should feel like a conversation that keeps moving forward to final destination of a sale. Letting the customer know what you'll need from them a bit in advance can make them feel more in control of their decisions. It will also establish trust. Use phrases like, “in a moment” or “in a bit” to signpost where the conversation is headed. For example, you might say, “In a moment I will go over the final terms of the credit card.” This prepares your customer before you jump into a potentially longwinded explanation of terms. Keep up a friendly tone. Some telemarketers find it helpful to smile while they are talking with customers. This will usually make you sound friendly and more approachable right away. Aim for the same kind of tone you'd use with a friendly coworker. Use words and phrases that convey a positive message, such as, “great,” “perfect,” “of course,” and “my pleasure.” Be polite when talking with assistants or other gatekeepers. If you are calling executives or other professionals, you'll likely reach an assistant or secretary first. Use these opportunities to demonstrate your professional nature and friendliness. Go through an abbreviated version of your script with the gatekeeper, so that they'll understand why you are calling and how they can help. For instance, instead of stating that you will call back at a certain time, ask the assistant, “When would be a good time for me to call back?” This lets them know that you value their opinion and time. Don’t blame yourself for other people’s bad reactions. If you speak with a caller who is rude or angry, it's a good idea to remind yourself that you are likely not the cause of their emotions. They might have had a bad day. It's possible that they don't like getting calls at a certain time. These are things that are out of your control. What you can do is move on from that call the minute the customer hangs up and start fresh with a new one. If a caller makes you feel uncomfortable or is particularly rude, there is nothing wrong with saying, “Thank you for your time” and ending the call. Learn from more experienced agents. If you are working in a call center, take advantage of the opportunity to see what calling techniques work for other people. Approach a more senior, or really successful, representative and ask if you can listen in to a few of their calls. Make notes about any tips or tricks that you notice. For instance, you might notice that your coworkers tend to ask their customers a lot of open-ended questions. This makes customers feel more comfortable and then tend to stay on the call longer. Record yourself talking. Get a friend to go through a pretend phone call with you and record it. Or, put a real caller on speakerphone and record your conversation. Then, play back the call. Pay attention to the clarity and speed of your voice. Look for areas that you can improve on, like sounding friendly early on in the call. Attend any training sessions. Most telemarketing companies will provide at least one online or in-person training period for all representatives. Go to as many of these sessions as you can, especially when you are first starting out. Write down your own notes to consult later. Ask any questions that come to mind. This sessions are also important because they often involve a practicing component. For example, you may get to work with a partner making calls. Follow all legal regulations and laws. As part of your training, you'll likely learn about the particular laws that apply to telemarketers in your location and sales area. Pay close attention to this information and reread the guidelines every few weeks. If you are concerned about a regulation impacts a particular call, put the customer on hold and ask your supervisor. For example, the Federal Trade Commission regulates much of what telemarketers can promise their customers. If you oversell the benefits of a particular product, then both you and your company could get into trouble. | Get to know the product. Reference your customer data database. Speak clearly. Adhere to a blueprint script. Sprinkle open-ended questions into the conversation. Give directions with signposting. Keep up a friendly tone. Be polite when talking with assistants or other gatekeepers. Don’t blame yourself for other people’s bad reactions. Learn from more experienced agents. Record yourself talking. Attend any training sessions. Follow all legal regulations and laws. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Weight-on-a-Cat | How to Put Weight on a Cat | To put weight on a cat, make sure that you take it to the vet beforehand to rule out any underlying health problems, like hyperthyroidism. If your cat is healthy but underweight, have your vet recommend an ideal target weight for your cat. Next, choose a high quality, calorie dense cat food, such as Hills AD, and increase how often you feed your cat. Additionally, consider giving your cat treats in between meals for an extra boost of calories. Then, weigh your cat once a week to monitor its progress. | Know your cat's ideal weight. Have a target weight or body shape in mind. It is a common problem to overshoot the mark and turn a thin cat into a fat cat, which comes with a whole new set of health problems. Learn how to body score your cat. This will help you recognize when it reaches an ideal weight. Body scoring is about feeling for your cat's ribs and backbone, to see how much fat covers the bones, and looking at the cat's body shape to recognize if it is over or under weight. The perfect cat should have ribs and a backbone that is easily felt, but without standing out through the fur. The cat should also have a slight waistline when viewed from above and the side, but without sharp angles. Healthy weight charts can easily be found online that illustrate and describe feline body scores, making it easier to analyze your cat's body. Alternatively your vet can weigh your cat and make an estimate of their desired target weight. Weigh the cat weekly at home and keep a record of its weigh-ins. Take your cat to the vet. They can assess your cat's health and make suggestions for any necessary treatments. In addition, your vet can take care of routine deworming. If your cat is healthy but underweight, make sure it is dewormed against both roundworms and tapeworms. Be sure to check whatever product you use is effective against both sorts of worms. Some common products, such as Stronghold (UK) Revolution (US) and off the shelf products such as Hartz once-a-month wormers, work against roundworms but NOT tapeworms. Speak to your vet about a multi-wormer containing praziquantel, in order to kill tapeworms as well. Be aware that a greedy cat with a thin body indicates a problem. If your cat is older, runs around like a kitten, eats well, but is losing weight, be aware the cat may have a medical problem called hyperthyroidism. This involves the cat having high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood stream, which acts as a stimulant. The cat burns off calories quickly and eats loads to try and replace them. However, despite the cat's apparent good health, this stimulation puts pressure on the organs, including the heart and kidneys. Rather than trying to combat the problem by feeding the cat more, seek veterinary help and get the source problem corrected to preserve your pet's good health. The vet might tell you that your cat has anorexia. This means that it lacks the desire to eat. In this case, they may tell you to water down canned food and give it to your cat using an oral syringe. Ask your vet if they think this approach would help your cat bridge the gap until it is in better health. Assess the quality of your cat's diet. Cat digestion is designed to process a high protein diet. A food which contains a high proportion of cereal or non-animal protein is less than optimal and may be hard for your cat to digest, resulting in insufficient calories. Read the label of your cat food. It should list a named meat as the first two or three ingredients, with cereals and vegetables way down the list. If cereals or soy are high up the list, switch foods. Speak to your vet about a high quality diet. Many premium supermarket foods are highly palatable, but are made so with the addition of flavorings and therefore not nutritionally ideal. Your vet should have some suggestions about what foods will be best for your cat. Raw food diets are high in water and nutrients. Ask if raw food would be a better choice for your pet. You can buy raw food at pet stores, online, or make at home. Be very careful that your raw food is nutritionally complete or you may end up damaging your cat's health. A good indicator of quality is to chose a manufacturer who also creates prescription diets for the veterinary market, because their knowledge of treating ill health through diet could also cross-pollinates into their regular cat foods. Royal Canin and Hill's are examples of over the counter foods that also manufacture prescription food. Consider competition between cats. If your have several cats be careful to observe the dynamics between the cats and make sure the thin cat is not being bullied or kept away from the food bowl. Make sure each cat has its own food bowl, and be sure to place the food bowls at opposite ends of a room, or even in separate rooms. This makes it harder to a dominant cat to patrol the food area and prevent other cats getting access. If you have a greedy cat that eats everyone else's portions, consider getting a microchip activated food bowl. These devices have a locked lid which is only opened when the cat approaches whose microchip bears the number programmed into the dish. Increase the frequency of feeding. Most cats would rather graze throughout the day, rather than gorging themselves all at once. With this in mind, feed the cat more frequently, rather than offering larger meals. This is more in tune with the cat's natural digestive processes and its more likely to finish a small bowl of food than a large one. Increase the calorie content of the food. Canned food has a high moisture content (around 70-75% is water) so an easy way of getting more calories into a cat is to switch to dry kibble (provided kitty is happy to eat dry food). The lower moisture content means that for each mouthful of food eaten the cat is taking in nearly four times as many calories. Consider offering a highly palatable, calorie dense food. Hills AD is a recovery diet made to put weight on cats that are convalescing after an illness. It is liver based and ultra tasty for many cats, as well as being calorie dense. It's soft pate like texture also encourages cats to eat who have sore mouths, or are otherwise feeling delicate. Consider giving your cat treats between meals. Treats are usually tasty, which means high calorie, and attractive to most cats. However, be careful not to dull the cat's appetite when it comes to mealtimes. Be careful what you add to food. For example, be careful if you decide to increase your cat's calorie intake by giving cream or milk. The cream has a high fat content that can trigger diarrhea, which will then cause your cat to lose precious calories. Milk contains lactose which many cats are unable to digest and will therefore also give the cat diarrhea. Reassess your feeding schedule once the cat reaches its target weight. Stop feeding for weight gain and start on a maintenance food. Weigh out the ration and give the amount recommended on the package for a cat of that weight. | Know your cat's ideal weight. Learn how to body score your cat. Take your cat to the vet. Be aware that a greedy cat with a thin body indicates a problem. Assess the quality of your cat's diet. Speak to your vet about a high quality diet. Consider competition between cats. Increase the frequency of feeding. Increase the calorie content of the food. Consider giving your cat treats between meals. Be careful what you add to food. Reassess your feeding schedule once the cat reaches its target weight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-for-a-5K | How to Train for a 5K | To train for a 5K, create a training plan for the 8 weeks before the race and getting the proper running equipment. When you start training, aim to run a short distance, such as 1 mile, twice a week. Add 2 days of cross fit, which can include things like swimming or biking, to improve your fitness. At the end of each week, plan to run a longer distance, like 1.5 miles. As the weeks go by, gradually extend the distances you're running so your body gets used to them. Remember to stretch after each session to help strengthen your muscles and avoid injury. Purchase running shoes and clothing made out of cotton or another light fabric, which will make training and running the race easier. | Make sure you're physically able to run a 5K. You don't have to be incredibly physically fit to run a 5K, but you do have to make sure that the training won't pose a risk to your health. Though you can work yourself up to a 5K if you've never run before, you need to make sure that your heart and body are physically strong enough to handle the race training. If you have a history of heart trouble, back pain, or any issues with your feet or the rest of your body, check with a doctor to see if you can run the race. Even if you feel healthy, it's never a bad idea to check in with a doctor about the race just in case. Make enough time to train. This requires two things: for you to make sure you have enough weeks between your first training day and the race, and to see that you'll actually have enough time in your schedule to train for the race. If you can run at least one mile without stopping, then you can start training 8 weeks before the 5K. If you can't run to the end of your block without getting tired, it will take longer for you to train for a race. Give yourself at least 12 weeks to build up the stamina to run a 5K. Check your schedule to make sure you have time to train. While training for a 5K can require just 20-30 minutes of your time 5 days a week, it may be harder than you think to factor this time into your busy schedule. Select a time slot for your training, leaving room for two days of rest. It's ideal if you can train for the race around the same time each day so your body gets settled into a routine. It's even more ideal if you can train around the time of the actual race you choose, but that may be challenging if the race is in the morning, as most are. Sign up for a race. Search for races in your area and pick one that appeals to you that is far enough away for you to have enough time to train. Don't pick a race that is too far off in the future unless you want to hold off on your training for a while. Register for the race as early as you can. Once you've registered, you have made a commitment to finish the race! The longer you put off actually registering for the race you've chosen, the less real your goal will seem. Registering early will also usually save you some money. Get appropriate running gear. Though you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to get the best running gear, it will be much easier to get through your training runs, as well as the actual race, if you're well equipped. Here are some things to get: Running shoes. Your shoes are the most important form of running equipment. Go to a running store and get help finding the perfect shoes for your feet. If you already have running shoes, the rule of thumb is that you should get a new pair of shoes every time you've run 300–400 miles (480–640 km). Even if you're not sure if you've run that far in your old shoes, if they feel worn-down or just not right, consider getting a new pair of shoes. Running apparel. Invest in some clothes made especially for running, which are any non-cotton synthetic fabrics like DriFit or CoolMax. Cotton clothes will absorb your sweat and will wear you down. Instead, get synthetic running shorts, spandex, tank tops, or t-shirts. Running socks. Get thin, stretchy socks that are made for running. If you run in bulky cotton socks, your feet will be instantly weighed down. A digital watch. If you want to want to time yourself, a watch is your best option. You can also use the clock on your iPod or phone, if you run with those. Set a goal. This is easy. Do you just want to run the whole race, or do you have a goal time that you want to beat? Having a goal before you start training can help you determine how to approach your training from the very first day. If you just want to run the whole race, you don't have to worry about timing as much during your training. If you're determined to run the 5K in a certain amount of time, then you should work on trimming down your time as you train. Pick your training plan. Pick a plan that works best based on your running abilities and goals. If you've never run before, your training routine will be different from the routine of someone who is a champion sprinter and wants to run a 5K in under 25 minutes. Check out online running resources to see which training schedule works for you. Once you pick your plan, you should write it into your planner so you know what you're doing every day for the next eight weeks. Allow for two days of rest per week. Don't wear yourself out by running and training every day. Pick two days that are far enough apart that fit your schedule. Typical rest days are Mondays and Fridays. Make time for cross-training for at least one day of the week. You should ideally cross-train one or two days every week. Cross-training is anything from biking or swimming to using elliptical at the gym. Plug two days of cross training into your routine, but take one of them off to rest if you need to. Don't forget to stretch before or after your training runs. Stretching will maximize your performance and prevent injury. Gradually build toward running a 5K at the end of each week. Run the same distance for 2 days a week, such as Mondays and Thursdays, and build toward running a slightly longer distance on your long run day, which will be a Saturday or Sunday. Here is what your training should look like if you are able to run one mile before you start training: Run one mile on the Tuesday and Thursday of the first week, and 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on the first Saturday of that week. On the second week, run 1.5 miles (2.4 km) on Tuesday and Thursday and then 1.75 miles (2.82 km) on Saturday, and so on. By the seventh week, you should be running 2 or 3 miles (3.2 or 4.8 km) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 3 miles (4.8 km) by Saturday. On the last week, you can train during the week but rest on the day before the race instead of doing your long run. Go online to find a way to measure the distance of the streets in your town. You can also run these distances on a treadmill, but running outside is optimal for race training. Allow some room for flexibility. Though it would be amazing to be able to do what you say you're going to do for 8 or even 12 weeks in a row, it's likely that you'll have to make some adjustments, whether it's because you got a cold, have another obligation to attend to, or if your body just feels too tired to do anything that day. If you have to skip a day, keep up the rest of your schedule. If you miss a cross-training day and you have a running day the next day, just start back up on the running day. You shouldn't have to shift your entire schedule around because you missed one day. If you have to miss a week of training because of a cold or minor injury, don't worry. It's better to take time for your body to recover than to make yourself feel worse. Just try to get back on schedule as soon as you can. Stay healthy. It's important to maintain your health while you train for a 5K. Your training won't get you very far if you're not trying to be as healthy as you can in all aspects of your life. Though you can still have fun, you should aim to maintain a healthy diet and a regular sleeping schedule. Eat three healthy and balanced meals a day. Have a blend of carbs, proteins, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. Work on going to bed and waking up at the same time so you build up a regular sleeping schedule. Though you can still drink alcohol from time to time, try not to overindulge the nights before your training runs. Don't overdo it. If you feel physically exhausted after all of your training, take a break. You want to reach your physical peak on your race day, not several weeks before. Get lots of rest. Though you may find it hard to sleep the night before your race, you should try to get to bed as early as you can and wake up with plenty of time to get ready for the race. You should also focus on getting a lot of rest not just the night before the race, but the day before that as well as earlier that week. If you haven't already, you should spend the week before the race waking up around the same time as you will for the race to get your body in gear. Part of being well-rested means having your body feel rested as well. Don't train the day before the race. Take it easy the two days before the race. Prepare for the weather. Check the forecast the night before so you can lay out the clothes you need right then instead of scrambling to find them in the morning. Remember not to overdress; your body will warm up once you start running. If it's a bit chilly in the morning, wear a sweatshirt to the race and leave it with a friend or at the check-in for your belongings. Be familiar with the course. Before you start the race, you should not only know where the course is, but you should know what the course looks like. If the course is near you, then you'll be even more confident if you've practiced running along it before race day. Here's what you should know: What does the course look like? Is it a circle, or a line from one path to another? Are there hills, or is it flat? If you know where the hills are, it'll be easier to prepare for them mentally. Where are the water stations? You should know where they are so you can use them as landmarks. Where are the bathrooms? Though the race will be short, knowing where the bathrooms are can put you at ease. Eat the right foods. You don't need to carbo-load the night before a 5K race or the morning of the race. Eating too much, or to soon before the race, can leave you feeling stuffed or give you some digestive trouble. Here's what you should and should not eat: The night before a 5K, eat around six or seven o'clock in the evening, so you don't go to bed feeling stuffed. Eat simple carbs like whole grain pasta, bread, or rice, and some protein like chicken and fish. You can eat a little bit of vegetables, which have fiber, for balance, but remember that they will be more likely to upset your digestive system. Eat at least 1.5 to 2 hours before the race. You should be at the finish line feeling neither hungry nor full. If you're hungry, you may run out of energy, and if you're too full, you may feel too sluggish to run at your normal pace. Focus on eating carbs the morning of the race. If you normally have caffeine, have a little bit of coffee or tea, but be aware that it could hurt your digestive system. Get in the zone when you get to the race. Get to the race at least half an hour early so you have enough time to pick up your bib and other race materials, to use the bathroom, and to get warmed up. Once you get to the race, you should work on getting in the zone, and doing whatever you have to do to have an amazing race day. Here are a few things you can do: Maintain a positive attitude. You should be excited to be surrounded by other runners, not intimidated or nervous. Remember that's not really a race. You're not there to win first place, but to try your hardest and improve your fitness. Listen to your favorite "pump up" music. If you love running to music, pick your favorite jams and bob to them at the starting line. Jog a little bit to get yourself in the grove. Don't sprint a mile before the race. Just jog fifty feet from time to time to get your body active and get your limbs warmed up. Stretch. Don't forget to stretch before the big race. Do the stretches you've been working on throughout your training. Do what you've been doing — just kick it up a notch. Remember that the 5K is the last extension of your training practice. You shouldn't try to sprint your hardest at the beginning because it feels like everyone is running fast, and you shouldn't run much slower than you normally do because you're afraid of running out of energy. Check your watch from time to time to make sure you're relatively on schedule. Race day will fill you with adrenaline, so don't be surprised if you're going a bit faster than usual. That's okay as long as you don't feel exhausted after the first five minutes. Stop for water breaks. Use this time to slow down for a second and get hydrated. You don't have to stop at every station if you're really feeling pumped, but try to make a habit of it. Don't forget to have fun! Don't huff and puff through your first 5K. It's hard work, but you should have a big smile on your face when you cross that finish line! | Make sure you're physically able to run a 5K. Make enough time to train. Sign up for a race. Get appropriate running gear. Set a goal. Pick your training plan. Allow for two days of rest per week. Make time for cross-training for at least one day of the week. Don't forget to stretch before or after your training runs. Gradually build toward running a 5K at the end of each week. Allow some room for flexibility. Stay healthy. Get lots of rest. Prepare for the weather. Be familiar with the course. Eat the right foods. Get in the zone when you get to the race. Do what you've been doing — just kick it up a notch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Persuasive-Speech | How to Write a Persuasive Speech | To write a persuasive speech, start with a strong opening that will make your reader want to pay attention, including an attention grabber, your credentials, the essay's goal, and a road map for the essay. Next, offer persuasive evidence or reasons why the reader should support your viewpoint. Arrange these points logically, use credible sources, and employ some real life examples. Additionally, address counter-arguments to show that you're looking at the topic from all sides. Finally, conclude by clearly letting the audience know how to put your ideas into action. | Learn about your topic. It is important to know as much as you can about the topic you'll be speaking on. If you aren't already well-versed in the subject (e.g. because it has been assigned to you), do some research and learn as much as you can. Especially if your topic is a controversial one, it's a good idea to know the arguments on all sides of the issue. Whatever argument you are making, you'll be more persuasive if you can address the views of the opposing side. Spend some time reading books or articles about your topic. You can go to the library and ask a librarian for help finding books, or just go online and find some articles. Make sure to use reliable sources, like major news organizations, or academic books or articles. Opinion-oriented sources, like editorials, talk radio, or partisan cable news, can be valuable for finding out what other people think about your topic. But, don't rely on them as your only source of information. They can be very biased. If you use them at all, make sure to read a variety of viewpoints on the matter, not just one side. Know your goal. It's important to understand exactly what it is you are trying to achieve with your speech. This way, you can tailor your content to fit your goals. For example, if your topic is recycling, it's important to know a lot about recycling. But, your speech will need to reflect exactly what you hope the audience will do. Are you trying to get people to vote in favor of a citywide recycling program? Or are you trying to convince them to sort out their glass and cans and put them in a separate bin? These will be different speeches, so having the goal spelled out early will help you craft your message. Understand your audience. It is also important to understand your audience and their views and knowledge about the topic. This will also influence the content of your speech. An audience that knows little about your topic will need more background information and simpler language. An audience made up of experts on the topic would likely find such a simple speech boring. Likewise, an audience that already supports your view on a topic will be easier to persuade to take some action. You won't need to convince them you are right, but only that they need to do something. By contrast, an audience that does not agree with you will need persuasion to even consider your point of view. For example, imagine you want to convince your audience to support a city-wide recycling program. If they already think recycling is important, you only need to convince them of the value of this specific program. But, if they don't care about recycling or oppose it, you will need to first convince them that recycling is worthwhile. Choose the right persuasive approach. Depending on your topic and your audience, there are several ways you might try to convince people of your point of view. Since the days of ancient Greece, speakers have relied on three main persuasive approaches. Ethos. These are appeals to the audience's ethics or morals. For example: "Recycling is the right thing to do. Wasting our limited resources steals from future generations, which is immoral." Pathos. These are appeals to the audience's emotions. For example: "Think of the animals that lose their homes every day because of trees being chopped down. If we recycled more, we could save these beautiful forests." Logos. These are appeals to the audiences logic or intellect. For example: "We know that there is a limited supply of natural resources. We can make this supply last longer by recycling." You can rely on any one or some combination. Outline your main points. Once you've chosen the best persuasive approach for your audience, brainstorm the main points you'll make during the speech. The number of points you can make to support your position will be determined by how much time you have to speak. As a rule of thumb, three to four supporting points is usually a good number. For example, in the speech about recycling, your three main points might be: 1. Recycling saves resources, 2. Recycling reduces the amount of garbage, and 3. Recycling is cost-effective. Write a strong opening. Before you can begin persuading your audience, you need to open the speech in a way that will make them want to pay attention. A strong opening has five main elements: An attention grabber. This could be a statement (or sometimes a visual) that gets your audience's attention. It can be a good idea to be a little startling or dramatic at the opening of your speech. For example, you might start with information (or pictures) showing how a nearby landfill is nearly full to capacity. A link to the audience. This is a means of showing that you have something in common with the audience. Show that you have a similar background or share an emotional connection of some kind. This will really depend on knowing your audience. For example, if you are a parent, speaking to other parents, you might emphasize the concern for your own children's future. If you share a common interest or ideological position with your audience, you can emphasize that. Your credentials. This is a means of showing that you are knowledgeable or an authority on the topic of the speech. Highlight the research you've done on your topic. If you have any personal or professional experience with the topic, be sure to emphasize that, too. In the recycling example, you might say "I've invested many hours studying the recycling issue and the types of programs available in other cities." Your goal. Explain to the audience what you hope the speech will accomplish. For example: "I hope by the end of my talk that you will agree that we need a city wide recycling program." A road map. Finally, tell the audience what the main points of the speech will be. For example, "I believe we must start a recycling program for these three reasons...." Offer persuasive evidence. The main body of your speech should contain the points you outlined in Part 1. It should provide the audience with several convincing reasons to support your viewpoint. Arrange these points logically. Don't jump from one point to the next, and then back again. Instead, complete an argument, then move on to another that flows logically from it. Use credible sources from your research to back the points you are making. Even if your point is more emotional (pathos), introducing some factual information will make your argument stronger. For example "Each year, 40,000 acres of beautiful forests are destroyed to make paper, according to a study from the American Recycling Institute." Use real life examples that the audience can relate to. Even an argument based on facts and logic (logos) should relate to the audience's lives and interests. For example: "In these hard economic times, I know many of you are afraid that a recycling program will mean a costly increase in taxes. But, the city of Springfield started a program like this one three years ago. So far they've seen an increase in revenue as a result of the program. Many residents have seen a decrease in their taxes as a result." Address the counter-argument. Although it is not strictly necessary, your argument may be stronger if one or more of your supporting points addresses the views of the opposing side. This gives you a chance to address your audience's possible objections and make your argument stronger. Make sure that you describe opposing views fairly and objectively. Consider whether someone who actually holds that view would approve of the way you are describing their position. If you aren't sure, find someone who thinks that way and ask! For example, you would not want to say: "opponents of recycling just don't care if we waste our precious resources, or our money." That's not a fair description of their opinion. Instead, you might say: "opponents of recycling are concerned that the cost might be much higher than just using new materials," and then go on to offer an argument about why recycling might be the more cost-effective option. Conclude with a call to action. The conclusion of your speech should remind your audience of what you have told them. It should also make it clear exactly what you hope they will do next. Don't just restate, verbatim, what you've already said. Instead, use this as an opportunity to reinforce the way your main points support your call to action. For example: "To sum up, I've shown you (points a, b, and c). These three undeniable facts point to a city-wide recycling program as the most sensible and ethical step we can take in helping create a more sustainable future. Please, join me in voting 'yes' on this program in November." Practice your speech. When it comes to making your speech work in real life, the most important thing you can do is practice, as much as you can. Try practicing in front of a mirror, so that you can see how you are delivering the speech. This can help you notice your facial expressions and body language. These can help or hinder your ability to get your message across. For example, you might notice you are slouching, or that that you fidget with your collar. These actions suggest to an audience that you aren't confident. Better still, record yourself with a video camera and watch the tape afterwards. This can help you see (and hear) where your delivery needs improvement. It has the benefit of providing audio, and also won't distract you as much as a mirror when you're speaking. Once you've practiced on your own a few times, try giving the speech to a small group of friends or family members. Ask for their feedback on your message and delivery. Dress appropriately. On the day of the speech, dress appropriately for the venue and audience you'll be speaking to. Generally speaking, this will mean dressing professionally. But, the degree of formality will vary. A speech to a film club to convince them to show your film won't require the same degree of formality as speaking to the executives of a movie distribution company. For the executives, you would want to wear a suit. For the film club, that might be overdoing it. Relax. Many people find public speaking intimidating, but try to relax and be yourself as you give your speech. Be friendly and make eye contact with the audience. Move around, where appropriate, but don't fidget or pick at your clothes or hair. Don't read the speech. It's okay to use a few notes to keep yourself on track, but your speech should be mostly memorized. Roll with the punches. If you make a mistake, don't let it derail your whole speech. This might be an opportunity to use a little humor. Then, move on. Involve your audience. If there is something specific you'd like your audience to do, provide them with any resources you can to make it easier. It is difficult to motivate people to take action, but if you make it simple, they will be more likely to follow through. For example, if you want them to contact the mayor, demanding a recycling program, don't just ask them to do it. Give them stamped, addressed envelopes to send a letter, or cards with the mayor's phone number and email address. If you do this, many more people are likely to follow through. | Learn about your topic. Know your goal. Understand your audience. Choose the right persuasive approach. Outline your main points. Write a strong opening. Offer persuasive evidence. Address the counter-argument. Conclude with a call to action. Practice your speech. Dress appropriately. Relax. Involve your audience. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roleplay | How to Roleplay | To role play, look online or in comic book and gaming stores to find information about a live-action group if you like to act or play fight. Once you find a group, it's time to create your character! Some groups will have a character sheet for you to fill out, including your strength, luck, agility, and intelligence. Other groups will only ask for a name and a brief backstory for your character. Additionally, some groups may ask you to supply a costume for your character, so you'll want to keep this in mind. | Choose text-based roleplaying if you like to write fiction or fanfiction. It is essentially the same thing, except that you will be writing the story with at least one other person. When you do text-based roleplaying, you take on the role of a character, and write his or her actions and reactions to other characters and events. Here is an example of what a roleplay might look like: fanfiction4ever: Jane was breathless as she hurried to school through the pouring rain. She had forgotten her umbrella at home, and it was too late now to go back and get it. She was soaked and cold. roleplay_queen: John saw Jane dash across the school yard, and ran over to her. "Hey, Jane!" he called, "Wait up!" He then pulled out his umbrella, and held it over both their heads. "Here," he said, "Let's walk to class together. fanfiction4ever: Jane blushed as John stepped closer to her, so that both of them could fit under the umbrella. She had always had a crush on him, but too afraid of rejection to admit it. "T-thank you, John," she said, and slipped her arm through his. Find a place to roleplay on and obey its rules. There are many websites that allow roleplaying. Some of them are entire websites dedicated to roleplaying, while others have roleplaying sub-forums, such as GaiaOnline and Neopets. Pick a site that suits your interests the most. You will be prompted to create an account and log in. Some websites are geared towards only certain types of roleplays, while others allow a broader spectrum. For example, you may find a site that focuses only on vampire-themed roleplays. You can play with people you already know, or play with people you don't know. Roleplayers often become best friends! Wherever you choose to roleplay, be sure to read the rules and respect them. Breaking these rules can result in suspension or even banning. Learn the terminology in the roleplaying community. The terms might vary depending on where you choose to roleplay, but in general, they are the same. Here are some common terms you might see: RP stands for roleplay. You will often see this in search threads. OC and Canon : "OC" stands for "original character," while "canon" refers to a character from an existing book, game, or movie, such as Harry Potter, Cloud Strife, or Tony Stark. Pairing : this refers to two characters in an rp; they interact with each other the most, and often end up in a relationship. OOC stands for "Out of Character." It is usually followed by a colon to signify the writer him/herself speaking. People use these for comments and questions about the rp. Literate, Semi-literate, and Advanced-literate refer the amount of writing expected per post. These terms are arbitrary, as every one has different ideas of what means what. In general, "semi-lit" refers to posts that are less than a paragraph, and "advanced-lit" refers to posts that are several paragraphs long. Understand the main types of text-based roleplaying. Besides genre, roleplays fall into different categories: fandom, original, group, and one-on-one. You should choose one that appeals the most to you. Fandom an RP based on an existing universe from a book or movie, such as Harry Potter or The Avengers. It can contain both canon and original characters. AU stands for "Alternate Universe." It is a sub-category of "Fandom," and usually contains some changes, such as reversed genders or the characters are all cats. Cross-Over : a sub-category of "Fandom." It is a combination of two or more fandoms. For example: Harry Potter and Hunger Games. Original : an RP based on a completely original setting that the roleplayers make up. It can be anything: fantasy, historical, real-life, etc. Group : an RP between a group of three or more people. They can be fast-paced. One-on-One : an RP between two people. It is often written as 1x1, and may contain 1 to 2 pairings. Create your character, if needed. If you are playing a canon character, then you will not need to create a character for the rp; you should be prepared to portray the canon character as accurately as possible, however. When creating an original character, you will need to make them believable; if you are in a group rp, you may need to submit them to the creator for approval. Consider the following when creating your character: Physical appearance : Describe your character's hair, eye, skin color, and whatever else is most important to you. This will help other writers to visualize your character. You can also use an image instead, if permitted. Personality : What is your character like, and how do they act around other characters? You should also think about your character's goals, motives, and desires. Likes and dislikes : What sorts of things does your character like and dislike/fear? It could be as simple as a love for chocolate and a fear of spiders. It could be as complex as having a hobby (ie: painting) and having a fear (ie: being abandoned). Skills and talents : Everyone is good at something, and your character should too! It might be a good idea to include something your character is bad at in order to make them more believable. Backstory : This will root your character in the fictional world. You will need to consider your character's history, family life, occupation, and so forth. Make your character believable and realistic. In the rp world, flawless characters—called "Mary Sues" or "Gary Stues"—have a notorious reputation and are extremely frowned upon. Create a character with both positive and negative traits. For example: your character is smart but too shy to speak up in class and show off her intelligence. Add a fun quirk or two! Characters that have unusual approaches to solving problems, odd habits, or strange mannerisms can make your character compelling and interesting to others. If you are creating a character for a fandom rp, try to blend them into the fandom's world as much as possible. Don't make them too similar to an existing character, however! Choose between a narrative and script style. Some roleplayers prefer to write using a narrative style, which reads like a typical book. It is the most popular style. Others prefer a screenplay style, which reads like a script. It is most suitable for fast-paced roleplays. Here's an example of what a screenplay style roleplay might look like: fanfiction4ever: Jane: *running breathlessly through the rain* roleplay_queen: John: Hey, Jane! Wait up! *runs over and pulls out umbrella* Here *open umbrella* Let's walk to class together. fanfiction4ever: Jane: *blushes and gets under the umbrella* O-okay! Use concrete details and ample description while writing. This will immerse yourself and fellow roleplayers in the fictional world. At the same time, you'll want to avoid rambling, as this can make the other person lose interest. Use the five senses: sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste. Describe the setting: weather, temperature, location, and important surrounding objects. Use gestures: what are your characters doing/thinking? How do they walk, talk, and position themselves? Contribute to the plot. This is especially important when doubling; don't expect your partner to do all the work. Don't just respond to everything he or she writes; add something new to your posts as well. If your partner is doing all the work, eventually he or she will run out of ideas and get tired or drained. Rps where two people are contributing to the plot are more interesting than rps where one person is doing all the work. Read what other people write, wait your turn, and post a replay. In text-based roleplaying, everyone writes out what their character says, thinks, and does, and posts it, usually in a forum. If you are doing a one-on-one roleplay, this may be in an instant messenger or even email. When your turn comes, post your character's part of the story. Post as soon as you can. If you are unable to post in a timely manner, let your roleplay partner or the group leader know. Do not pester people for replies. This can be seen as annoying. Wait a week before asking for a reply; sometimes people forget or get busy. Don't ditch a roleplay without a word. This can be seen as very rude in the roleplay community. If you get tired of the roleplay and don't want to do it anymore, be upfront about it. Politely tell the person you are roleplaying with that you are no longer interested. Know what doubling is. Doubling occurs in one-on-one roleplays, where there are two pairings: your pairing and your partner's pairing. These pairings are often romantic. Each person plays their desired character and a character of their partner's choosing. For example, if you were doing an Avenger's rp, the pairings might be: Steve Rogers x your OC, and Tony Stark x your partner's OC. In this case, you'd be playing your OC and Tony Stark. Your partner would be playing their OC and Steve Rogers. Here is an example of what doubling might look like: roleplay_queen: John grinned as Jane slipped her arm through his, and began to lead her to class. "Hey, Jane," he said at last. "I was wondering if you wanted to come to homecoming this weekend with me." His heart pounded in his chest as he waited for her reply. Meanwhile, Mary was hurrying through the halls, trying to get to her class. She was running late again, but wasn't her fault. Elizabeth and her gang had stolen her bag earlier that morning. She got to class moments before the first bell and sat down. fanfiction4ever: Jane's eyes widened at John's invitation, and she could hardly believe what she was hearing. This was practically a dream come true! "Oh John!" she said, "I would love to!" And here she thought that John never liked her. Chris was already sitting at his desk; when he saw Mary enter the classroom, he waved her over, and held up her book bag. He had seen what happened earlier, and managed to get it back from Elizabeth. "Here," he said softly, and gave it to her. Maintain good etiquette when doubling. When to roleplaying, fair is fair. You should give the same amount of attention to both characters that you are playing: your character and the character you are playing for your partner. If you write two paragraphs for your original character, you should write two paragraphs for the other character you are playing (ie: Tony Stark). If you only write two sentences for that other character, you would not be fair to your partner. Just imagine if you only got two sentences back for Steve Rogers! Choose live-action roleplaying if you like to act or play fight. Many people like to compare live-action roleplaying to playing "pretend." That is, you hang out with other people and pretend that you are someone else, such as a vampire or a pirate. Find a type of live-action roleplay that interests you. Some live-action roleplays are action-based, where you fight opponents with boffers (weapons made from foam). Others are story-based, where you do not touch the other characters. Instead, you decide whether you win or lose a battle by rolling dice, playing rock-paper-scissors, or comparing character stats. Story-based live-action roleplays are also called "theater-style" or "freeform." Some live-action meet regularly in a public area, while others meet seldom (ie: once a month or once a year) in a staged area, such as a campground or hotel. Understand the terminology. When you first enter the world of LARPing, you may hear certain terms that are completely new to you. Most of them are pretty self-explanatory, but some might be confusing. Different groups might have different terms for certain things, but the following are the most common: LARP stands for "live-action roleplay." Boffer a foam padded weapon, commonly used in action-based LARPs. Game master the person in charge of leading the LARP's story. He or she will be in charge of bringing in new characters, dilemmas, etc. They may also be called a "Storyteller," and are common in story-based LARPs. NPC stands for "non-player character." They are unavailable to the other players, and are usually played by the game master. PC stands for "player character." This is the character that you, the LARPer, plays. Crew also called "stagehands." They help the game master setup the event. Some may also play NPCs. Review the gaming rules. They will vary depending on which group you join. For example, action-based LARPs often have rules against where you can or can't hit a person with a boffer (ie: the head). Story-based LARPs, on the other hand, often have no-touching rules. Breaking these rules may result in disciplinary action, such as a temporary ban or point deduction. Many LARPs require you to be in character. You have to indicate when you are not in character. How you do this may vary from group to group. Create your character, and make sure that they fit the LARP's world. Some types of LARPs may have a character sheet for you to fill out, complete with stats like strength, luck, agility, intelligence, etc. Other types of LARPs only require a name and a brief backstory for your character. Some LARPs require costumes. When creating a character, you might want to keep this in mind, especially if you plan on making the costume yourself. Get a costume, if needed. Some LARPs require you to be in costume at all times, while others do not. In either case, the costume will help make your character more believable, and the world more engaging. Many people find it easier to get into character while they are in costume. Many action-based LARPs only require costumes for the actual game or battles. They do not require costumes during training sessions. Stay in-character whenever possible. Typically, you would be in-character when the LARP is taking place; you would be out-of-character before and after the LARP, such as when plans are being made and points are being tallied. If you need to get out of character, such as during an emergency, remember to indicate accordingly; again, how you indicate will depend on the group you join, as they all have different rules. Find a place to roleplay or a group to play with. Most LARPs will have websites telling you where their roleplays take place. Many LARPs have multiple groups in multiple locations, all playing the same game—that is, they use the same character types and rules. If you find a LARP that interests you, look it up and see if it is playing near your city or town. If they don't, then see if you can register a group of your own, and start your own game. Some LARPs take place at anime, comic book, or science fiction and fantasy conventions. Check the schedule to see if there is one planned. Most cons will post their schedules ahead of time on their website. Be well-prepared for longer roleplay sessions. Some LARPs take place in public areas, such as a park, and last only a few hours. Others may span over the course of a weekend, and take place at a campground, forest, or lake. Some of these longer LARPs may have accommodation for the players, such as cottages or hotels, but others won't. In these cases, you will need to pack for the trip, and bring items such as: tents, sleeping bags, food, medications, change of clothes, etc. A costume and prop repair kit would be highly recommended for any weekend-long LARP session. Even the sturdiest costumes and props break, and not every place will have a repair station. Don't be afraid to interact with other people, but don't take the spotlight either. LARPing is all about interaction. Once a session starts, you will walk around and talk with other players, while in character. This means that if you are playing a 100-year-old vampire, you will be using lots of Victorian-era mannerisms. Don't be afraid to go out of your shell, but don't take the spotlight and try to be the center of attention. Let other players talk as well!! If this is a combat-based LARP, have your boffer ready, because people might start charging at you. There is not much chatting or "acting" in combat-based LARPs once a battle starts. There is no real winner or loser in a story-based LARP, but the last one standing is the winner in a combat-based LARP. Play hard! Choose tabletop roleplaying if you like video games or storytelling. Many tabletop games focus on the story, but they also focus on building your character. You will typically sit around a table with a group of people, and take turns describing what your character does. One of the most popular tabletop roleplay games is Dungeons and Dragons. Find a game that you want to play. Typically, you can find a game to join online or in your local gaming/hobby shop. Some games require you to be there in person, while others can be played online. There are lots of different settings and genres, ranging from fantasy, to science-fiction, to historical, to horror. Some may have other themes too, such as steampunk or western. There are lots of game guides and rule books available online, in bookstores, and at libraries. You can always pick one of these up, and start a game with your friends. Choose a play style that suits you, your personality, and your lifestyle. Some group meet regularly, while others meet occasionally. This can be as often as once a week to a seldom as once a month or only a few times a year. Also, some games are lighthearted and easy-going, while others are very serious and focused. If you are just starting out, a lighthearted, easy-going play style might be the best for you. If you are very busy with work and/or school, a group that meets weekly night be too much for you, but a group that meets monthly might be perfect. Choose a roleplay whose focus appeals to you. Some roleplays will focus more on story or setting, while others will focus more on battle and combat. If you are a very active person, a story-focused roleplay might bore you. On the other hand, if you enjoy a good story, a combat-focused roleplay might not be engaging enough for you. There are three main types of roleplays: Game-oriented roleplays focus on leveling characters via challenges. The battles and monsters become more complex as the characters gain more power. Simulation-oriented roleplays focus on exploring the setting, genre, or theme. Combat tends to be dangerous in these games. Narrative-oriented games focus on how a character's decision affects the story. These games tend to give players more control over setting and story. Understand the terminology. Every tabletop roleplay will have its own unique set of terms, but there are some terms that remain consistent across all the different games and genres. The most common ones are:. Game master: the in charge of the roleplay. They are the narrator, and lead the story. "Game master" may also be written as "GM" or "Gamemaster." Game mechanics: the rules of the roleplay. Adventure: the game, but limited to a single story or plot set by the GM. Campaign: a series of adventures. It typically follows or continues the story and includes the same characters from previous sessions. Create your character. How detailed your character is will depend on what game you are playing. Some games will give you complete freedom during character creation, while others will require you to add stats. Some games will also limit what stats you can use based on what class or race you pick for your character. Depending on the game you play, you may have to use the 20-sided die to determine your character's stats. Understand the basics. After you have created your character, the GM will establish the plot and setting. The players will then take turns describing their characters' actions, and the GM will then decide on the consequences of those actions. Sometimes, a 20-sided die will be used to determine the outcome. For example, if your character comes across a treasure chest, the GM may have you roll the die to determine whether or not your character succeeds in opening the chest. Be descriptive but only to a certain point. For the most part, you will be in charge of describing your character's actions, and the GM will be in charge of describing the results of your character's actions. He or she will also be in charge of describing any scene changes. For example, if your character enters a dungeon, the GM may describe the dungeon. He or she may even throw in a monster for your character to battle. | Choose text-based roleplaying if you like to write fiction or fanfiction. Find a place to roleplay on and obey its rules. Learn the terminology in the roleplaying community. Understand the main types of text-based roleplaying. Create your character, if needed. Make your character believable and realistic. Choose between a narrative and script style. Use concrete details and ample description while writing. Contribute to the plot. Read what other people write, wait your turn, and post a replay. Know what doubling is. Maintain good etiquette when doubling. Choose live-action roleplaying if you like to act or play fight. Find a type of live-action roleplay that interests you. Understand the terminology. Review the gaming rules. Create your character, and make sure that they fit the LARP's world. Get a costume, if needed. Stay in-character whenever possible. Find a place to roleplay or a group to play with. Be well-prepared for longer roleplay sessions. Don't be afraid to interact with other people, but don't take the spotlight either. Choose tabletop roleplaying if you like video games or storytelling. Find a game that you want to play. Choose a play style that suits you, your personality, and your lifestyle. Choose a roleplay whose focus appeals to you. Understand the terminology. Create your character. Understand the basics. Be descriptive but only to a certain point. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Absorbing-Other-People%27s-Emotions | How to Stop Absorbing Other People's Emotions | It can be overwhelming if you constantly absorb other people's emotions, but you can learn to prioritize your own by setting firm boundaries. Start by telling your loved ones what you need so that you can have space to decompress. For example, you could say, “I need some downtime to process what you've just told me. Can we talk again in half an hour?” It can also help to set time limits if someone is overwhelming you. For example, you could listen to them talk about their problems for 20 minutes and then make an excuse and leave. To stop absorbing other people's emotions, you also need to look after yourself. Make your own, private space if you live with other people so that you have somewhere you can go when things get too much. | Reflect on whether you’re a highly sensitive person. A highly sensitive person (HSP) is easily excited and emotional. Some of the central characteristics of an HSP are: Sensory detail: You have an appreciation for details that your five senses notice: fabrics that feel delicate, deep colors, rich sounds, and so on. Nuances in meaning: You understand hidden meanings and don't rush into decision-making. Emotional awareness: You are attuned to your emotional health, and have the potential to take better care of yourself because of this awareness. Creativity: You are likely very creative yet introverted. Greater empathy: You are very sensitive to other people's emotions. Determine if you’re an “empath. ” An empath is someone who is especially sensitive to other people's emotions in general, and much more so than most people. All empaths are HSPs, but not all HSPs are empaths. The following are signs that you might be an empath : You sense fear, anxiety, and stress from other people. You draw these feelings into your body, resolving them as your own physical pain and symptoms. It doesn't have to be people you don't know or don't like. You're also impacted by friends, family, and colleagues. You quickly feel exhausted, drained, and unhappy in the presence of crowds. Noise, smells, and excessive talking can set off your nerves and anxiety. You need to be alone to recharge your energy. You're less likely to intellectualize what you're feeling. Your feelings are easily hurt. You're naturally giving, generous, spiritually inclined, and a good listener. You tend to ensure that you've got an escape plan, so that you can get away fast, such as bringing your own car to events, etc. The intimacy of close relationships can feel like suffocation or loss of your own self. Identify when you’re most susceptible to absorbing others’ emotions. Not everyone is affected by other people to the same extent, or even in necessarily similar ways. But everyone certainly has moments when their emotions are influenced by others around them. Try to learn in which type of situations this happens most for you. Keep track of how you feel when you're around other people. Also, take note of the emotions that come up the most often. Are your emotions influenced when you are around someone you are trying to impress? Are they influenced by someone who intimidates you? Do you feel overwhelmed when you're in a crowd? Recognize people who bring you down. People who are particularly difficult for emotional empaths include criticizers, victims, narcissists, and controllers. These people are often termed "emotional vampires." Assess the people around you. Are there people who criticize you a lot? Do they try to manipulate you? Do they constantly talk about themselves? Do they ever ask about how you're doing? When you know how to spot these behaviors, you can protect yourself against them. This includes removing yourself from their presence and telling yourself, "I respect who this person is within even though I don't like what he's doing." Determine what your needs and values are. Figure out what you really need and what you won't compromise on. These are your most valued priorities and non-negotiable things, such as your health, your children and so on. Once you establish what you absolutely need to live peacefully, then you can start to establish boundaries. The flipside is to determine where you're flexible. What are you willing to compromise on, reduce or give up? Express your needs to your loved ones. When you need to get some space in order to process your own feelings and decompress, tell your loved ones. Communicating your own needs will help your partner, for example, understand why you are pulling away briefly. When this person understands your motivations, your relationship can strengthen while you get the space you need. Plan how you will respond to difficult situations. When you are confronted with a difficult situation, you may find yourself relaxing your boundaries too much. If you plan out your response in advance, you'll be able to hold the line better. For example, how will you respond when a friend needs an ear to listen to complaints about work? You might say, “I am happy to hear about your work situation, but I only have 10 minutes to talk today.” Then stick to that 10 minutes. In another example, say you have a coworker who always leaves projects to the last minute, and you pick up the slack to minimize their stress. You might establish a boundary by saying, “I have my own work to complete at this time. I'm sorry, but I can't help you right now.” Set time limits. Knowing how much you can stand and obeying that limit is vital to ensure your mental well-being. Set kind but meaningful boundaries with others who overwhelm you. For example, don't stand around listening to someone talk for two hours when you can only cope with 30 minutes. Make your excuses and leave the situation. Learn how to rely on yourself. Get to know your own emotions, feelings, wants and needs. Assert yourself with others so that you can get what you need to be happy and fulfilled. If you constantly rely on others to determine how you feel or how you should act, you tend to adopt their emotions and reactions. Instead, prioritize your needs and wants by learning to act on your own. Don't wait to ask permission of other people to act. You can make your own decisions without asking someone else for approval. Start with small decisions. Don't ask someone if a piece of clothing looks good on you before you buy it. Just buy it if you like it. Gradually make larger decisions without other people's input. This will build your self-confidence and will create space for your own feelings and needs to shine through. Ensure that you don't have to rely on other people to get you out of difficult situations. Bring your own car or know how to get home easily when needed. Have enough money to be able to make alternate arrangements if you start feeling overwhelmed. Create your own private place in a home shared with others. Ask others to respect your downtime during which you can rejuvenate. Set up a space for yourself for when you need to remove yourself from situations or when you feel more vulnerable, such as when you're tired. This is especially important to prevent you from taking on your partner's feelings too much. , Find a place that you associate with peace and tranquility. Keep a picture of a waterfall or a lush forest with you and look at it when overwhelmed. Give yourself physical space when you’re in public. Having physical space when you're in a crowd, for example, can help you find a bit of emotional space. When there is a lot of people around, find places of refuge, such as sitting on the edges or standing apart. If you are an HSP and you are extra sensitive to your surroundings, make a conscious effort to choose locations that give you emotional space. For example, when you're at a restaurant, sit at a table where you can sit with your back up against the wall. Don't sit at a table in the middle, near the bathrooms, or near the garbage. Develop a sense of inner peace. Learn to center yourself in distressing situations by concentrating on your breath or imagining a place that makes you happy. This can be a great tool to use when you sense yourself becoming absorbed by other people's emotions. For a few minutes, keep exhaling negativity, inhaling calm. This helps to ground yourself and purify fear or other difficult emotions. Visualize negativity as gray fog lifting from your body, and hope as golden light entering. This can yield quick results. Try yoga and breathing techniques. These practices draw upon emotional centering and provide safe harbor in times of storm. Your breathing habits have developed unique to your own life rhythms. They can sometimes keep you from getting the optimal amount of oxygen throughout your body in the right moments. Your breathing can be altered, however, by practicing yoga or other breathing techniques, which can give you more control over negative emotions when they begin to arise. Cultivate positive emotions that boost your inner strength. If you're surrounded by peace and love, you'll flourish as strongly as negative emotions cause you to wilt. Studies show that when you have more positive emotions, you will have more satisfaction in your life. Think of someone you love. Think of the warmth and joy you feel around that person. Now apply that feeling to someone you know a little less. Find something about that person that makes you happy. Then apply that same feeling to others around you. As you learn to recognize other people's positive traits, you can build positive emotions in yourself that keep you focusing on the good things in life, which in turn suppresses negativity. Build other positive emotions. Smile frequently. When you smile, your brain releases chemicals that enhance the positivity in your mind. Do things that you love. When you engage in hobbies that you enjoy, you surround yourself with positive feelings. Look for positive people and situations. Surround yourself with people who make you feel good and who are supportive. Positivity can influence your well-being, just as negativity can. You may not be able to fully eliminate being sensitive to other people's emotions, so it's better to choose positive people over negative ones. Call a friend who sees the good in others. Spend time with a colleague who affirms the bright side of things. Listen to hopeful people. Relish hopeful words, songs, and art forms. Manage your emotional overload. Because some people are empaths, and are naturally more sensitive to what's going on in their environment than others, they can feel overwhelmed in situations that other people might not even consider uncomfortable. However, no matter how uniquely sensitive you are, you don't need to be beholden to your ability to absorb other's emotions. Recognize that certain situations might be too overwhelming for you. Remove yourself from these situations. For example if you know you'll absorb the stress of people doing their Christmas shopping, avoid stores during this season. Recognize your inner creativity. HSPs often exhibit an enhanced degree of creativity in aesthetic activities. Some philosophers, moreover, describe a capacity for creativity as being essential to growth and transformation. Creativity is something that we are all capable of regardless of whether or not we've ever picked up a paintbrush. Art, in this sense, can occur every time you have a conversation with someone else, or even each time you make breakfast. Learning how to become more creative in your day-to-day life. Experiment with your personal style or daily activities. This can be a great way to turn an exceptionally high sensitivity to stimuli in your environment into a gift rather than a curse. Turn your empathy into positive action. When you feel overwhelmed by others' emotions, use this feeling to your advantage by pursuing something positive. Pick a cause that is relevant to the emotions you feel. For example, simply walking by homeless people on the street might cause pain in a highly sensitive person. This feeling might keep him from frequenting cities or certain neighborhoods in order to avoid this pain. Invest your emotional energy in something constructive. You might volunteer at a homeless shelter or offer to buy a homeless person a meal. Listen to this person's story. Be compassionate with yourself. Learn to use compassion as a way to defend yourself against overwhelming emotions. Compassion allows you to be empathetic with other people, but it also requires that you are compassionate toward yourself. This means that you don't need to feel guilty about seeking respite from being overwhelmed. Be aware of your common humanity. You are not alone in your feelings. When you recognize that your feelings are part of a common human experience, you will not feel so isolated. For example, if you're feeling overwhelmed, you can tell yourself: “Everyone feels overwhelmed sometimes.” Accept yourself for who you are. Sometimes being highly sensitive to your environment can make you feel out of sync with others, especially when everyone around you appears to be outgoing or sociable. This is because HSPs and empaths can often be introverted. In fact, about 70 percent of HSPs are introverted, so you may feel at odds with others around you. , But because your degree of sensitivity is unique to your own body, it is essential to accept these feelings as part of yourself. Put yourself in diverse situations. Empathy tends to happen spontaneously, and can produce very different emotions depending upon the situation. If you are around the exact same people every single day, it's going to be difficult for you to figure out precisely which types of emotions are elicited by which people. When you try out a situation you'd normally avoid, you might find that you respond differently. Try a new hobby or go to a party where you don't know very many people. Being in a new environment might just give you the freedom to respond differently. | Reflect on whether you’re a highly sensitive person. Determine if you’re an “empath. Identify when you’re most susceptible to absorbing others’ emotions. Recognize people who bring you down. Determine what your needs and values are. Express your needs to your loved ones. Plan how you will respond to difficult situations. Set time limits. Learn how to rely on yourself. Create your own private place in a home shared with others. Give yourself physical space when you’re in public. Develop a sense of inner peace. Cultivate positive emotions that boost your inner strength. Look for positive people and situations. Manage your emotional overload. Recognize your inner creativity. Turn your empathy into positive action. Be compassionate with yourself. Accept yourself for who you are. Put yourself in diverse situations. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Acrylic | How to Clean Acrylic | Acrylic can be difficult to clean because of how easily it's scratched, but by using the right cleaner, you can avoid damaging it. For acrylic windows, use water or a non-abrasive cleaner such as castile soap or baby shampoo and a microfiber cloth to gently blot the surface clean. To clean acrylic furniture, use a cleaner designed for plastic, like Brillianize cleaner, and clean small areas at a time with a microfiber cloth to prevent scratches. To clean acrylic tubs, wet a soft sponge with warm water and add a small amount of a mild dish soap to the sponge. Gently scrub the tub with the sponge to clean it. If the tub has hard water stains, rub lemons over them, then rinse the tub with water. | Blow dirt or dust off the window. Because acrylic is easily scratched, you don't want to just wipe away any dirt or dust that is on the surface of the window. Instead, use air or water to remove dirt before you begin to clean. You can use canned air to blow dirt off of the windows, or drip water onto the surface that picks up the dirt and allows you to float it off. If you use water, blot the window dry with a microfiber cloth after the dirt has come up. Use clear water to clean lightly soiled acrylic. If your acrylic window still needs a bit of cleaning after you've removed the top layer of dust and dirt, use clear water to clean it. Simply repeat the process of dropping water onto the surface of the acrylic and blot it dry with a microfiber cloth. Don't rub the window with the microfiber cloth as this can cause scratches in the acrylic. Use a non-abrasive cleaner on dirtier windows. If you're washing particularly dirty or outside-facing windows, mix equal parts non-abrasive cleaner and water to make a cleaning solution. Then dip a microfiber cloth in the solution and gently blot the acrylic surface clean. Good non-abrasive cleaners for this type of cleaning are castile soap, baby shampoo, or Woolite or Dreft. Blot the surface dry. Once you're done cleaning the acrylic window, use a dry microfiber cloth to blot the surface of the window dry. Avoid wiping the cloth across the surface of the window as this can cause scratches. Remove scratches using car wax. If, once you've cleaned the window, you discover scratches in the surface, you can use car wax to remove them. Apply wax to the areas that are scratched and use the buffer that comes with the wax to buff the surface. If you've never buffed a surface before, proceed for gently with this step. Scrape the surface. If you have very deep scratches in the acrylic, you scrape the surface of the acrylic. Hold a sharp scarping tool at a 10 degree angle and move it from side to side, evenly and gently scraping off the excess. This technique should only be used for very, very deep scratches. Sand the surface. Sanding the surface of acrylic gives it a matte finish, which gives it a frosted look. You can perform this technique with sand paper by hand, or with sanding tools. Simply sand the acrylic surface the same way you would with a piece of wood – start with a coarser sand paper and once you've worked over the entire surface, move to a finer paper and repeat the process. Using a buffer after you sand acrylic can give your acrylic an extra shiny finish. This technique should only be used on unfinished acrylic or if your acrylic windows have suffered extreme damage from storms. Avoid using dusting cloths. When you're prepping the surface of your acrylic furniture, avoid using a dusting cloth to remove dirt and dust. These types of cloths can trap particles that won't seem big to the naked eye, but will scratch your furniture. Use cleaners specifically designed for plastics. Even though acrylic furniture is clear, you shouldn't use the same cleaners that you do on glass windows to clean it. Cleaners specifically made for plastics, like Brillianize cleaner, is the best option for cleaning your acrylic furniture. It prevents scratches and won't break down the acrylic, giving it a cloudy appearance. Clean small areas at a time. Squirt a small amount of cleaner onto the piece of furniture you're cleaning and then polish that area with your cloth. Once you're done with that small area, move on to the next. Don't spray the whole piece of furniture and then wipe it down. Don’t use aerosol cleaners on acrylic bath tubs. When cleaning an acrylic bath tub, avoid using any aerosol or acetone cleaners. The chemicals in those cleaners can eat through the acrylic of your tub. Use mild dish soap on acrylic tubs. To clean acrylic bathtubs, use a mild dish soap with warm water. Wet the sides of the tub and a soft sponge with warm water. Apply a small amount of a mild dish soap to the sponge and gently scrub the tub. You should avoid using wire brushes or scrubbing pads as these can scratch the acrylic and ruin it. Use lemons to remove hard water stains. Instead of using cleanser on hard water stains on your bathtub, try rubbing lemons over the stains. Let the lemon juice sit on the stain for a few minutes, and then rinse with water and before drying it with a microfiber cloth. | Blow dirt or dust off the window. Use clear water to clean lightly soiled acrylic. Use a non-abrasive cleaner on dirtier windows. Blot the surface dry. Remove scratches using car wax. Scrape the surface. Sand the surface. Avoid using dusting cloths. Use cleaners specifically designed for plastics. Clean small areas at a time. Don’t use aerosol cleaners on acrylic bath tubs. Use mild dish soap on acrylic tubs. Use lemons to remove hard water stains. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-a-Lemon | How to Cut a Lemon | To cut a lemon for wedges, start by cutting off the “top” and “tail,” or the top and bottom ends, so it looks like a barrel. Next, stand the lemon upright and cut it into 4 sections. Then, take each quarter, hold it upright along the skin side, and slice down through the stringy section to remove the pith and seeds. Once you clean your quarters, cut them in half to create 8 wedges. You can store your lemon wedges in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. | Cut off the “top” and “tail” of the lemon. Lay the lemon on its side on a cutting board and hold it steady with one hand. With a sharp knife in your other hand, cut off the top and bottom ends (the “top” and “tail”) of the lemon. The fruit should now be in the shape of a barrel placed on its side. You only need to remove about 0.5–1 in (1.3–2.5 cm) from both the top and tail ends. This process will end up creating 8 wedges. If you need 16 smaller wedges, cut the lemon in half while it's on its side, after you remove the “top” and “tail.” Then proceed with each lemon half as described below, as if they are whole lemons. Stand the lemon upright and cut it into quarters. Place the lemon vertically on the cutting board so that the now-flattened top or bottom is facing up at you. Cut straight down through the lemon with your knife to cut it in half lengthwise, then rotate the lemon 90 degrees and make another downward cut to create 4 equal sections. Steady the upright lemon with your free hand while cutting it, but be sure to keep it clear of the knife. Cut down to remove the pith and seeds from each upright lemon quarter. Take each quarter one at a time and hold it upright along the skin side. Slice down through the pith (the stringy, more sponge-like section at the center of a whole lemon), which also contains the seeds. Discard the pith and seeds. The pith will likely be around 0.25–0.5 in (0.64–1.27 cm) thick at the tip of each quarter. Cut each quarter in half to create 8 completed lemon wedges. Simply lay each quarter on its side (skin side down) on the cutting board. Use your free hand to hold each piece steady, and cut each quarter in half to end up with 8 equal wedges. Add lemon wedges to cold drinks like ice water or iced tea, or use them as a garnish for seafood or other dishes. You can store cut lemon wedges in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring the lemon up to room temperature if it's chilled. The juice will flow more easily if the lemon is warmed, so let it come to room temperature on the counter, place it in warm (not boiling) water for 3-5 minutes, or microwave it for no more than 10-15 seconds. This is only necessary if the lemon was in the refrigerator. Roll the lemon on the table by hand to soften it a little. After you bring the lemon to room temperature, apply steady pressure with your palm as you roll the lemon back and forth on the table or counter. Pressing on the lemon as you roll it will weaken the membranes inside and allow the juice to flow more easily. However, don't press so hard that you split the lemon open and spray yourself with lemon juice! Cut the lemon in half lengthwise instead of widthwise (option 1). If you're like most people, you probably cut a lemon in half at its fattest section in the middle. However, if you cut it from end-to-end lengthwise, you'll expose far more of the interior of the fruit, and therefore make it much easier to extract more juice. To further increase the amount of extracted juice, use a fork to loosen up the interior membranes of the lemon before you squeeze each half. Slice the lemon widthwise into thirds instead of halves (option 2). Instead of cutting it in half at its fattest part in the middle, make 2 widthwise cuts to create 3 roughly equal sections of lemon. Use a fork to loosen the membranes, then squeeze out the juice. By cutting the lemon into thirds instead of halves, you'll expose more of the surface area of the membranes that contain the juice. You can compare it to pouring water through a funnel with a wide-mouth spout instead of a narrow spout. Square off the rounded sides of an upright lemon with your knife (option 3). Hold the lemon upright on the cutting board with one hand, so that the lemon looks like a circle from above. Make 4 downward cuts with your knife around the outside of the lemon to turn the circle shape into a square shape. Squeeze the squared-off center section to get most of the juice, then squeeze each of the 4 cut-off pieces to extract whatever juice they contain. There's no way to avoid getting lemon juice on your hand when you squeeze the center section, so consider wearing gloves if that's a concern for you. Slice a 0.25 in (0.64 cm)-thick round from the fat part of the lemon. Lay the lemon on its side and cut it in half. Take one half and cut a quarter-inch thick slice from the cut end. Place this lemon slice flat on the cutting board. You can use the remainder of the lemon for juicing or to create wedges. If you need to make several garnishes, cut off either the top or bottom of the lemon and then cut a series of 0.25 in (0.64 cm) rounds as you work your way to the other end of the lemon. Cut the lemon round nearly in half, but preserve the rind and peel on one side. With the lemon round flat on the cutting board, insert the tip of your knife just inside the perimeter of the white rind at the 12 o'clock position. Chop straight down through the center of the lemon pulp, as well as the rind and peel at the 6 o'clock position. If you need help picturing this, imagine cutting a pizza in half with a pizza cutter, but stopping just before you cut through the crust on one side. Cut around the inside perimeter of the rind and remove the lemon’s interior. Start at the 6 o'clock position where you cut through the rind and peel, and use the tip of your knife to cut all the way around the inside perimeter of the rind. Once the rind and peel are separated from the lemon pulp, discard the pulp. When you're finished, you'll have a ring that's yellow on the outside (the peel) and white on the inside (the rind), with a single cut going through it at the 6 o'clock position. Rotate the ends of the ring in opposite directions to create the twist. Pick up the ring and pull it apart into a straight line with one end in each hand. Rotate one hand away from you 180 degrees while you rotate the other hand toward you 180 degrees. Then, re-grip each end and continue rotating in opposite directions another 180 degrees (for 360 degrees total). This twisting motion will create a series of spirals in the lemon ring. The spirals will hold their shape once you let go of the ends. If you want more spirals, twist the ends around in opposite directions another time. Hook one of the curls onto the rim of your glass to use this twist as a garnish. You can follow the same process to make lime twist garnishes. | Cut off the “top” and “tail” of the lemon. Stand the lemon upright and cut it into quarters. Cut down to remove the pith and seeds from each upright lemon quarter. Cut each quarter in half to create 8 completed lemon wedges. Bring the lemon up to room temperature if it's chilled. Roll the lemon on the table by hand to soften it a little. Cut the lemon in half lengthwise instead of widthwise (option 1). Slice the lemon widthwise into thirds instead of halves (option 2). Square off the rounded sides of an upright lemon with your knife (option 3). Slice a 0.25 in (0.64 cm)-thick round from the fat part of the lemon. Cut the lemon round nearly in half, but preserve the rind and peel on one side. Cut around the inside perimeter of the rind and remove the lemon’s interior. Rotate the ends of the ring in opposite directions to create the twist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Modeling-Job | How to Get a Modeling Job | To get a modeling job, first choose what type of modeling you'd like to do, like high fashion or catalog modeling. Then, take at least 3 headshots in different settings or environments, and use these as your portfolios when you're applying for jobs. Additionally, use one of these photos to print out composite cards, which have your headshot on the front and your important information, like your measurements and contact details, on the back. Once you have your portfolio, look for open casting calls online and send in your portfolio to be considered. | Take your measurements. Since most modeling jobs have particular types of models in mind, you should have a clear understanding of your own physical attributes. If you're a woman, measure your chest, waist, and hips, and verify your height and weight. If you're man, measure your shoulders, waist, and inseam, as well as your height and weight. Keep track of these measurements over time, especially if you're a younger model. Men in particular continue to add height into their early 20s. Decide what type of modeling you want to pursue. As art comes in many forms, there is a wide range of modeling options. Your headshots and portfolio should emphasize your physical attributes and personality, based on the type of modeling jobs that you want to pursue. If you're interested in becoming a fashion model, the most exclusive type, the physical standards are quite strict. For example, female models must be “fashion-industry size-standard”, which means you must be 5'9” to 6” tall, have measurements of 34-24-24, wear clothing size 0-4, and weigh between 105-130 pounds, proportional to your height. An “alternative” or “alt” model, on the other hand may not fit the industry standard. Many have tattoos and piercings, as well as atypical hairstyles. Catalog models can be a range of sizes and shapes as well, depending on the clothing designer and retailer. Have professional pictures made. Find a reputable photographer who specializes either in model photography or in headshots. Make sure that you have access to the negatives, too,so that you can build your own composite card and portfolio. Ask the photograph to help you to keep them simple and natural. Modeling agencies and clients are looking for confident models who seem relaxed in front of the camera, not potentially awkward poses or false “glamour.” Make composite cards. A composite is an important marketing tool, much like a business card, that agencies and clients will keep as a reference for you. It consists of a single page, often a 5x7 card, and sometimes a full 8.5x11 sheet, that has your headshot on one side and several photos with your vital statistics (physical characteristics and personal qualities) on the back. Create physical and digital portfolios. Use your photographs to create an attractive portfolio to carry to go-sees, cattle-calls, and agency interviews. This portfolio should represent the range of your expressiveness and emphasize your personal style and physical attributes. For instance, if your emotional expressiveness is your best quality, then select images that highlight the way you show emotion in different lights, with different make-up, and in different contexts. A digital portfolio, such as a DVD or flash drive, might be a useful investment, especially if you're interested in modeling for television or the catwalk. You can include video footage of your walk or your previous video modeling experience. Consider working as a freelance model. If you live in a big city, such as New York or Los Angeles, then having an agent is ideal. However, if you live in a small or mid-size city with a population of less than one million, then you may want to consider working as a freelance model. While agencies in large cities will often cover the cost of things like headshots, agencies in smaller cities will not and they may also charge more for their services in order to stay in business. Keep in mind that working as a freelance model will mean that you are in charge of your own booking, development, billing, and dispute resolution. If you do not think that you are up to the task, then try to find an agent. Network with people in the modeling industry. Networking is a great way to meet models and people in the modeling industry who can help you to find modeling jobs. Networking involves meeting people, getting to know them in a casual, conversational way, and then asking them for suggestions and advice about how to find jobs. Attend modeling industry events in your area. Mixers, parties, and other events can offer you some great networking opportunities. Make sure that you add these events to your calendar and start making yourself a regular presence in the modeling world. Try to meet people who have influence. For example, someone who hires models for a magazine is more influential than someone who has modeled for that magazine. However, keep in mind that someone who it not influential today may be influential tomorrow, so be nice to everyone. Be friendly and engaging. It may be tempting to start talking about your career and as for help finding a job, but this is a mistake. Instead, try to have a nice, friendly conversation with everyone you meet. Ask questions, listen, and show genuine interest. Set up an online portfolio. Whether you plan to freelance or work with an agency, consider setting up a web site as another kind of digital portfolio. As a marketing tool, a web site under your own name will make you easier to find, and you can direct potential clients to a wider variety of your work. Social media sites are not as professional as a web site, and so potential clients might not take you seriously. In addition, on a web site of your own, you have control over the content and the format in a way that you do not on social media. Make sure that your web site is attractive, professional, and easy to navigate. Potential clients want to get to your pictures and reel quickly, so make links to your work as clear as possible. Add your name to credible model listing sites. These sites are a clearinghouse for models seeking work and clients looking for models. Most of them require membership fees, but a few reputable free sites do exist. Many sites allow you to tag your modeling interests, such as fashion, athletic, or parts modeling. These sites often include photographers, too, so you can make new contacts with professionals in that field and further build your portfolio. Use caution when listing your name and photographs online. Some of these listing sites have raised significant concerns about predators posing as photographers or agents. Models have been sexually assaulted or have gone missing after responding to a false casting call or contact. Make the rounds. Use an Internet search to identify businesses in your area that might employ models, such as photographers, graphic design firms, casting companies, and advertising agencies. “Cold call” them by going by their front office and dropping off your composite. You can also “cold call” by telephone and follow up with an email of the composite as an attachment, although it's wise to meet the client in person so that you can show them your friendly and relaxed personality. Check your city's yellow pages or local business directory for businesses and their contact information. You can find these directories in most local libraries. Go to open casting calls. Search the Internet or your local paper for open casting calls for models in your area. These calls may be for anything from local fashion shows to television commercials, so be open to the challenge of different kinds of modeling situations. Consider charity fashion shows for the experience and portfolio building, even if you're not paid for your work. Be sure that the open casting is for a legitimate client and is not a scam or a dangerous situation. If you have any concerns, take a friend with you to the call or photo shoot. Know the signs of a modeling scam, such as unsolicited direct contact from a photographer, filmmaker, or advertiser. Treat modeling like a day job. If you want to be successful as a model, you'll need to work hard at obtaining work every day. Thought the life of a model may seem glamorous, the most highly-paid models make their career their focus, and not the night life. Plan to do at least one significant thing every day to further your career, whether that's making a call or visit to a potential client, working on your portfolio, or searching for jobs online. Consider other fields in your career. A number of highly successful models have discovered other careers related to modeling, but in other areas, such as acting, hosting, and photography. Be willing to change direction if you're no longer suited to your preferred modeling style, or if you're not finding the success that want. Apply to reputable agencies. An agency will manage and promote your modeling career, marketing you to clients, fashion shows, and online, and helping to arrange jobs based on your availability and assets. Most agencies take a standard 20% commission from your earnings. Being a part of an agency does not mean that you're guaranteed work, though you should feel that they're marketing you appropriately. Some non-exclusive agencies will allow you to sign with other agencies, so that you have even more opportunities for modeling jobs. Go to open castings for agencies and clients. Some agencies will offer open casting calls for new talent, so add those dates to your calendar and be prepared for a go-see or a cattle-call. Be sure that the open casting is for a legitimate agency and is not a scam or a dangerous situation. If you have any concerns, take a friend with you to the call or photo shoot. Know the signs of a modeling scam, such as unsolicited contact from a photographer or agency, or the requirement for a down payment or fees in advance of your acceptance to the agency. Take your contract to a lawyer before you sign it. Most contracts are biased towards the agency, but always contact a lawyer before signing any documents. The terms of an agency contract are always negotiable, so review the document with a lawyer and propose any changes to the agency before deciding whether or not to sign. Manage your finances carefully. Modeling for an agency, especially at the beginning, can be expensive, as you will need start-up costs for marketing, such as for your composite cards and messenger services between the agency and the client. Agencies often bill these expenses were billed to your future earnings, so that it may take some time to see any pay at all. Foreign models may need to pay the agency for travel expenses, and so may be deep in debt before they've begun working. Keep in touch with your agency representative. Make sure they're promoting you on a regular basis, and ask if you need to do anything else to be more marketable. If your agency is not doing a good job of finding work for you or you do not like the way that they are marketing you, then you may want to consider looking for a new agent or going freelance. Review your portfolio and composite. After reading the casting call, take some time to go over your photos and portfolio. Ask yourself: does my portfolio meet the expectations of this client? Do my pictures seem to fit with the client's style? If you answered “no” to either question, then consider taking new pictures or, at least, updating your portfolio and composite to be more specific for this job. Practice your expressions in front of the mirror. Even if you feel confident in front of a camera, applying for a job is a stressful situation. Watching yourself make expressions will not only help you to make those movements more natural, you'll learn how they “feel” on our face, so that, during the go-see, you'll be confident that you're showing the client what they want to see. Take care of your skin and body. In the days or weeks before the go-see, pay extra attention to your health. Make sure that you're eating healthy foods that are high in vitamins and antioxidants, in order to reduce any inflammation of the skin or body. Exercise to keep your muscles toned, and use gentle products on your skin and hair to reduce the chance of irritation or oiliness. Make sure that you eat enough; undereating can lead to irritability and disorientation, which could cause a mistaken impression of your personality during the go-see. Get enough sleep so that your skin can replenish itself and so that you don't have circles or bags under your eyes. Make an appointment for a haircut. Although you want to look as relaxed and natural as possible in the casting call, you should still sharpen up your usual look. Get a trim to reduce split ends or try a new style to update your look. Try to schedule your hair appointment for a few days before the casting call. This will allow your new haircut to settle and give you a chance to play around with it as well. Choose casual clothing. Most potential clients want to see someone with a natural look that they can dress up or down. Try wearing nice jeans and a t-shirt with medium-heels. Wear minimal make up, such as blush and lip gloss, so that they can see your face as a palette. Avoid trying to appear “glamorous,” as that might not be the style they want, and many aspiring models may not yet be able to pull of that look. Arrive early and prepared. Have your portfolio and composite on hand, as well as knowledge about the agency's and the client's styles. Modeling can be fun, but it's also a professional industry, so treat every call as a serious job interview. If you take yourself seriously, the client will, too. Show your sunny personality. The successful models are not self-involved diva-types. In fact, the most highly recognizable faces in the industry are genuinely friendly and open with photographers and other members of the profession. In the call, have a positive attitude about modeling, about yourself and your willingness to learn, about the agency, and about the client. This attitude will help you survive the many rejections, but also let your potential client know that you'll be enjoyable to work with. Be as warm and genuine as you can. You don't need to be falsely charming to get a modeling job. Instead, be the best version of yourself: natural and relaxed in any context. Answer questions about experience honestly, but with the confidence that you can learn. | Take your measurements. Decide what type of modeling you want to pursue. Have professional pictures made. Make composite cards. Create physical and digital portfolios. Consider working as a freelance model. Network with people in the modeling industry. Set up an online portfolio. Add your name to credible model listing sites. Make the rounds. Go to open casting calls. Treat modeling like a day job. Consider other fields in your career. Apply to reputable agencies. Go to open castings for agencies and clients. Take your contract to a lawyer before you sign it. Manage your finances carefully. Keep in touch with your agency representative. Review your portfolio and composite. Practice your expressions in front of the mirror. Take care of your skin and body. Make an appointment for a haircut. Choose casual clothing. Arrive early and prepared. Show your sunny personality. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Indent-in-Word | How to Indent in Word | Press the Tab key before the first word of a sentence to indent the line. To indent an entire paragraph, highlight the text, then press Tab. | Open your document in Microsoft Word. You can do this by double-clicking the file on your computer. Press Tab ↹ on the keyboard. This inserts a standard indent, which is 0.5” wide. Type your sentence. Once you reach the end of the line, Word will automatically arrange your text so that only the first line contains that 0.5” space. Open your document in Microsoft Word. You can do this by double-clicking the file on your computer. Highlight an entire paragraph. To do this, click the mouse before the first word, then drag the cursor (don't let go of the button!) all the way to the end. When you lift your finger from the button, the paragraph should appear highlighted in blue. Press Tab ↹ on the keyboard. The entire selected paragraph will move 0.5” to the right. To move the paragraph another 0.5”, press Tab ↹ again. Open your document in Microsoft Word. You can do this by double-clicking the file on your computer. A hanging indent indents the second line of a paragraph instead of the first. This type of indent is most often used in bibliographies and reference pages. Highlight an entire paragraph. To do this, click the mouse before the first word, then drag the cursor (don't let go of the button!) all the way to the end. When you lift your finger from the button, the paragraph should appear highlighted in blue. Right-click the highlighted area. A pop-up will appear. Click Paragraph…. Click the drop-down menu under “Special. ” It's in the “Indentation” section. Select Hanging. Click OK. The second line in the paragraph will move 0.5” inward. | Open your document in Microsoft Word. Press Tab ↹ on the keyboard. Type your sentence. Open your document in Microsoft Word. Highlight an entire paragraph. Press Tab ↹ on the keyboard. Open your document in Microsoft Word. Highlight an entire paragraph. Right-click the highlighted area. Click Paragraph…. Click the drop-down menu under “Special. Select Hanging. Click OK. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Fleas-and-Ticks-on-Cats | How to Kill Fleas and Ticks on Cats | To kill fleas and ticks on your cat, start by choosing a spot-on medication specifically made for cats that kills both fleas and ticks, like Frontline Plus for Cats. Next, spread your cat's fur at the base of its skull and apply the medication using the pre-measured applicator on a single spot directly on its skin. If the medication is a year-round preventative treatment, continue administering it once a month, or as frequently as the medication specifies. | Learn what fleas look like. Most people think that fleas are microscopic, but if you look closely you can see them without a magnifying class. Adult fleas are very small, less than 1/8 inch long. They're reddish-brown insects and they don't have wings, but they can still jump very high. Fleas' bodies are laterally compressed, so their bodies are wider from back-to-belly than they are from side-to-side. Look for signs of fleas on your cat. Take a fine-toothed comb and comb your cat's hair from back to front. Look at the skin for flea bites. Since fleas must bite in order to feed on blood, their bites will leave behind red, broken skin. You should also look for flea dirt, or poop. Once you've combed your cat, shake the flakes and specks of dirt out of the comb onto a white paper towel and add water. The flea dirt will become reddish brown, because it's made of digested blood. This is another sign that your cat has fleas. If you are unsure if your cat has fleas, take her to your veterinarian. The veterinarian can identify the fleas and prescribe treatments to get rid of the parasites. Check your cat closely if she's been outside or somewhere where she may have been exposed to fleas (boarding facility, groomers, friend's house, motel, etc). Talk with the veterinarian about flea medications. The vet will make sure that you choose a safe and effective product. You should also purchase flea treatments directly from your vet, since some of the medications sold at pet stores can be dangerous for cats. Topical "spot-on" products are available to treat fleas, as well as oral medications. Let the vet know if there are any small children or pregnant women in the home. This is an important factor in determining the safest course of medication for both you and your pet. Choose a spot-on medication. You may have several options when it comes to choosing a topical flea treatment. Many of these monthly treatments should be used year round as a preventative treatment. Make sure that the product you choose is labeled for cats and not dogs. Cats can get very sick (or even die) if they are treated with a flea medication that is meant for dogs. “Spot-on” treatments are applied directly to your cat's skin to kill fleas quickly. Some common flea medications include: Dinotefuran and pyriproxyfen (known as Vectra): This product only kills fleas. Be sure not to get a similarly named product, Vectra 3D, which is a product for dogs. Vectra 3D contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. Fipronil and (S)-methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for Cats): This product kills flea larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. It also kills ticks and chewing lice. Imidacloprid and pyriproxyfen (known as Advantage II): This product kills fleas of all life stages. Be sure not to get a similarly named product, Advantix II, which is a product for dogs. It contains permethrin, which is harmful to cats. Selamectin (known as Revolution): Apply this once a month to kill adult fleas and their eggs. It also kills ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mites. Be aware that Selamectin is not licensed as a product to kill ticks. It only has partial success with some ticks, and is not effective against Ixodes, which is the species which carries Lyme disease. If ticks are your main concern then speak to your veterinarian about more effective methods of control, such as a Seresto collar or Frontline. Consider using an oral flea medication. If you're only trying to treat fleas and not ticks, you might think about giving your cat oral treatments, which may come as liquid suspensions or tablets. Oral products usually act quickly and don't leave any residue on your cat's fur. They're only available through your vet, who can recommend the best product for your cat. Many of these monthly treatments should be used year round as a preventative treatment. These medications may include: Lufenuron (known as Program): This comes as tablets, an oral suspension liquid, or injections. Give this medication with food once a month to kill flea eggs and larvae. Nitenpyram (known as Capstar): This comes as a pill. Give it to your cat according to your veterinarian's directions to kill adult fleas and their eggs. Spinosad (known as Comfortis): This comes as chewable tablets, which you should give your cat with food once a month to kill fleas. Correctly apply spot-on medication. Generally, you'll need to hold the applicator upright to keep it from spilling and open it according to the instructions. Spread the fur on your cat's neck (at the base of the skull or between the shoulder blades) to expose the skin. This way, your cat won't be able to lick the medication off when grooming. Turn the applicator upside down and squeeze all of the medication into a single spot directly on the skin. Make sure to get it on the skin and not just the fur. Check the applicator to make sure it's empty. Always read the product label for complete instructions, since they are different for each medication. Learn what ticks look like. Although different tick species have different characteristics, most ticks have an oval-shaped body with a small head. They're usually reddish brown, dark brown, black, or grey in color. Ticks are generally no bigger than 1/4 inch long and some species may be much smaller. Note that fully fed females can dramatically swell up to 1/2 inch in size when they're full of blood. Unlike fleas, ticks aren't insects. They're arachnids, like spiders, so the adults have 8 legs. The younger or smallest ticks (larvae) have 6 legs. Look for signs of ticks on your cat. Ticks can't jump or fly, so they crawl onto the host's body. When the tick bites your cat, it will stay firmly attached until it's done feeding. You won't be able to see the tick's head while it's feeding, which might make it hard to tell if you're looking at a tick or dark skin growth. To tell the difference, look for the tick's legs. Ticks also tend to accumulate in warm, protected areas of the body, like between the paw pads, in the ears, and armpits. However, they can be found anywhere on your cat's body. If you are not sure whether the insect is a tick, you can place it in a completely sealed plastic bag and bring it to your cat's veterinarian. Check your cat closely if she's been outside or somewhere where she may have been exposed to ticks (tall grassy fields, barns, farm, etc). Properly remove ticks. If you notice a tick on your cat, make sure that the object is in fact a tick. Look for the legs to be sure it's a tick and not just growth on your cat's skin. If it is a tick, put on gloves and grasp the tick with fine-tipped tweezers, as close to the skin as possible. Pull back slowly, taking care not to twist your hand. You need to remove the tick's head along with the body. If not, the head could cause infection. Put the tick into a small container filled with rubbing alcohol to kill and preserve it, in case you want to show it to the vet. You should check your cat every day from head to tail for ticks if there's a tick infestation or your cat's been exploring areas where ticks live (like tall grassy fields). Talk with the veterinarian about tick medications. The vet will make sure that you choose a safe and effective product. You should also purchase tick treatments directly from your vet, since some of the medications sold at pet stores can be dangerous for cats. Topical "spot-on" treatments are available to treat fleas and ticks, while there are no oral products for treating ticks. Let the vet know if there are any small children or pregnant women in the home. This is an important factor in determining the safest course of medication for both you and your pet. Choose a spot-on medication. You may have several options when it comes to choosing a topical tick treatment. Many of these monthly treatments should be used year round as a preventative treatment. Make sure that the product you choose is labeled for cats and not dogs. Cats can get very sick (or even die) if they are treated with a tick medication that is meant for dogs. Some common tick medications include: Fipronil and (S)-methoprene (known as Frontline Plus for Cats): Apply this once a month to kill the larvae, eggs, and adult fleas. It also kills ticks and chewing lice. Selamectin (known as Revolution): Apply this once a month to kill adult fleas and their eggs. It may also kill ticks, heartworms, ear mites, and sarcoptic mites, but it is not licensed as a product to kill ticks. It only has partial success with some ticks, and it not effective against Ixodes, which is the species that carries Lyme disease. Correctly apply the spot-on medication. Generally, you'll need to hold the applicator upright to keep it from spilling and open it according to the instructions. Spread the fur on your cat's neck (at the base of the skull or between the shoulder blades) to expose the skin. This way, your cat won't be able to lick the medication off when grooming. Turn the applicator upside down and squeeze all of the medication into a single spot directly on the skin. Make sure to get it on the skin and not just the fur. Check the applicator to make sure it's empty. Always read the product label for complete instructions, since they are different for each medication. Ask your vet about other tick control options. Your vet may be able to recommend other options to keep ticks off your cat. One popular option is the Seresto collar, manufactured by Bayer. This collar can be used on kittens older than 10 weeks and adult cats. It repels and kills ticks for up to 8 months. Other brands of tick collar exist. You should consult with your veterinarian to see what is recommended for your cat. Keep your yard mowed and dry for effective tick control. Ticks thrive in moist, shady areas and tall grassy spaces. Cut your grass frequently to keep them from infesting your yard. You should also trim any low-lying bushes and rake up any decomposing leaves. This will remove shady and damp sections of your yard, which fleas and ticks love. Making the environment (your yard) uninhabitable for them is key to preventing them from attaching to your pet. Keep moist compost piles away from the house and outdoor play areas, like sandboxes and decks. Create barriers for ticks. Ticks do not like crossing paths lined with wood chips, mulch, or gravel. Place these path materials around the edges of your yard to prevent ticks from approaching your yard and home. The barrier should be 3 feet wide. Don't be tempted to leave wood piles along the edge of your house. Instead, keep them stacked in the sun since messy wooded areas can actually attract ticks. Block unwanted animals from entering your yard. Don't let animals like stray cats, rodents, and deer gain access to your yard. These animals may bring fleas and ticks into your yard. To keep them out, place bird feeders and wood piles away from your house, set up fencing, block crawl spaces, and plant trees and plants that discourage deer. Plants that discourage deer include: boxwood, butterfly bush, ginkgo, and jasmine. Consult your local nursery for more planting ideas. Spray an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). These treatments disrupt the fleas' life cycle and keep them from reproducing. IGRs are considered safe for people and pets, but they are harmful to fish. Be careful if you're applying the regulator near a water source. Spread diatomaceous earth around the yard. This natural product can be used in your garden to kill fleas, ticks, or insects. It works by dehydrating and shredding their bodies after they ingest the powder. Be cautious when applying it. Always wear gloves and purchase food grade diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle it around the yard where you've seen fleas or ticks. Avoid touching diatomaceous earth with your hands, ingesting, or breathing it in. The very fine powder is actually very sharp and can irritate your skin or lungs, if you breathe it. When used correctly outdoors, it won't harm humans or pets. Use pesticides if you have found large numbers of fleas or ticks in your yard. To determine if you have fleas in your yard, you can walk around your yard in white socks that are pulled up to your knee. If there are fleas, you will be able to see them on your socks. You can call an experienced professional exterminator or talk to your vet about less expensive environmental pesticides you can buy. For fleas, you'll need to spray areas of the yard where your pet usually rests (such as a kennel or dog house), under decks, and next to the foundation. For ticks, spray moist and shady areas of the yard. If you do a good job of treating your pets and protecting your yard from fleas and ticks, you may not need to treat your yard with pesticides. Never use Pyrethroid-, Permethrin-, or Amitraz-containing products on cats or in your yard. These products can cause severe side effects in cats, including death. Vacuum thoroughly. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstered furniture daily to eliminate adult fleas, eggs and larvae. Don't forget to vacuum the carpet under your furniture. When vacuuming upholstered furniture, remove the cushions and vacuum all areas of the furniture, including all crevices. Afterwards, place the used vacuum bag in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away in an outdoor trash can. The majority of the fleas in your house will be in the places where your pets sleep and rest. Concentrate your cleaning efforts in these areas. You should also clean the cracks and crevices around cabinets and baseboards every 1 to 2 days. Wash home fabrics and bedding. Wash your pet's bedding and small rugs weekly in hot, soapy water. You may also want to wash any pillow covers, pet bedding, human bedding, and other home fabrics as well. Washing in the hottest water will kill the flea eggs. Treat the rugs with an all-natural powder. Choose from baking soda, borax, or silica gel and sprinkle the powder over any rugs or carpeting in your house. Work the powder deep into the fibers of the carpet and let it sit overnight. The powder will dehydrate fleas that live in the fibers. Vacuum the powder up the next day and be sure to empty the vacuum canister or bag to an outside dumpster. Keep any pets off of the rugs and carpets while there's powder spread on them. Only let them back on once the rugs are completely vacuumed and all the powder is removed. Choose an insecticide. Look for insecticides that contain insect growth regulators, like methoprene or pyriproxyfen. Check the label to make sure that the product can be used in households with cats. If you're not sure, ask a veterinarian before using it. Realize that insecticide sprays don't kill all stages of the flea's life cycle, so you may continue to see fleas for 2 weeks after you treat. Keep vacuuming during this time to keep flea numbers down. Never use products that contain pyrethroid, permethrin, or amitraz. These can be lethal for cats. Apply the insecticide. Remove all people and pets from the room (including your cat, birds, or reptiles). Cover any fish tanks with plastic wrap and turn off tank aerators. Spray the insecticide directly onto areas where your pet sleeps. You can also spray carpets, rugs, furniture, baseboards, and windowsills. Don't forget to spray the carpet under your furniture too. Keep all household members (including your pets) away from sprayed areas until the insecticide dries (usually within 24 hours). Opening your windows or turning on your air conditioning can improve ventilation and the drying time. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label of the insecticide for additional tips. | Learn what fleas look like. Look for signs of fleas on your cat. Talk with the veterinarian about flea medications. Choose a spot-on medication. Consider using an oral flea medication. Correctly apply spot-on medication. Learn what ticks look like. Look for signs of ticks on your cat. Properly remove ticks. Talk with the veterinarian about tick medications. Choose a spot-on medication. Correctly apply the spot-on medication. Ask your vet about other tick control options. Keep your yard mowed and dry for effective tick control. Create barriers for ticks. Block unwanted animals from entering your yard. Spray an Insect Growth Regulator (IGR). Spread diatomaceous earth around the yard. Use pesticides if you have found large numbers of fleas or ticks in your yard. Vacuum thoroughly. Wash home fabrics and bedding. Treat the rugs with an all-natural powder. Choose an insecticide. Apply the insecticide. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Address-a-District-Attorney-in-a-Letter | How to Address a District Attorney in a Letter | When writing a letter to a district attorney, you should address them the right way to show respect. If you don't already know the DA's full name, look it up online so you can use it in your letter. You should also make sure the chief prosecutors in your state are actually called district attorney, since this is only true of 21 states. Other states use titles like “attorney general” or “county attorney.” On your envelope, write, “The Honorable,” followed by your district attorney's full name. On the next line, write, “District Attorney for San Diego County,” or whatever their jurisdiction is. Then, write their full address underneath. To open your letter, you can either write, “Dear Mr (or Mrs) District Attorney” or address them by their surname. | Research the name of the person you wish to address. If you do not already know the name of the district attorney in your jurisdiction, you can find it online by searching for the website of the "office of the district attorney" or "district attorney's office" in your area. "District attorney" is the title of the chief prosecutor of a jurisdiction within only 21 of the 50 states. Other jurisdictions may use "attorney general," "county attorney," "prosecuting attorney," "state's attorney," "state attorney," "commonwealth's attorney," "circuit attorney," "solicitor," or "district attorney general." Write the inside address. The inside address includes the recipient's full name, title, and address. For example, "The Honorable Jane Doe, District Attorney for San Diego County, 330 W Broadway #1300, San Diego, CA 92101." "The Honorable" is used to refer to elected officials. 47 of the 50 states elect their chief prosecutors by popular election in each jurisdiction. If your jurisdiction's chief prosecutor is appointed rather than elected (Alaska, Connecticut, New Jersey, and District of Columbia), use Mr. or Ms. instead of "The Honorable." Write the salutation. The salutation, or greeting, normally begins with "Dear." It is acceptable to begin your salutation with "Dear Mr./Madame District Attorney" or "Dear Mr./Ms. (surname)." The term "Dear" is always appropriate in a business situation and does not mean that the person is dear to you. It is simply a proper opening salutation. Verify that your question or concern is best addressed to the district attorney. The district attorney may not have the authority to address your concern, and may simply refer you to another office. If you are not sure to whom you should address your concern, consider telephoning the district attorney's office or contacting an attorney. If you are making unsolicited contact with the district attorney or his or her office, you may not be entitled to attorney-client privilege, and your communication may not be confidential. If you are a defendant in a criminal case and are represented by an attorney, the district attorney may be prohibited from communicating with you without your attorney's consent. Organize your thoughts prior to writing your letter. Write down the most important points that you wish to make. Think about what the district attorney needs to hear, not just what you want to say. Imagine yourself talking to the district attorney in person in a rational manner and write it down. Be brief. Explain your situation in as few words as possible, addressing the issue and the solution you would like to see. Remember that the district attorney is likely to be very busy, and he or she will be more receptive if a letter's author is considerate of his or her time. Be professional in your language and positive in your approach. Try to keep your personal feelings out of your letter. Keep your tone formal and respectful. Do not allow casual language or slang to creep in. Review the letter before sending it. If possible, have someone else proofread it for clarity and typographical errors. | Research the name of the person you wish to address. Write the inside address. Write the salutation. Verify that your question or concern is best addressed to the district attorney. Organize your thoughts prior to writing your letter. Review the letter before sending it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Geographical-Report | How to Write a Geographical Report | A geographical report is a report that clearly states the findings of a geographical investigation. The report should explain how you collected data and information for your investigation and provide accurate and specific evidence, such as statistics and lab reports. It should also include relevant materials and media, like graphs, charts, and images, that help explain the subject. Write your report in the third person, and cite your research sources in the proper style, whether it's MLA or Chicago. Include a bibliography of all of your sources at the end of your report. | Identify the subject or research question. Your professor or supervisor may assign you a research question or subject, or you may be able to choose your own. The subject or question should be very specific and focused. Consider the scope and the limitations of the investigation. For example, the question could be, “What factors contribute to landslides?” or “What is a volcanic eruption?” Alternatively, you could investigate whether the mean population density of land-locked states is lower than the mean population density of the world. Develop strategies for answering the question or exploring the subject. Do you simply need to compare data or will you need to work in the field? Figure out how to collect the data you'll need and make arrangements to do so. For instance, you may need to study the ecology of several locations that are prone to landslides. Obtain the information you need. You should collect at least 2 kinds of information: primary (talking to researchers or interviews with eyewitnesses) and secondary (statistics, reports, and other published material). Always choose reliable sources for information. When investigating volcanoes, collect eyewitness statements to serve as primary information sources. A secondary source could be a report on volcanic lava composition. Analyze the data. Depending on your research, you may need to graph data or analyze statistics or observational notes. Evaluate what the data means in terms of your research question or subject. Is your question answered completely or your subject fully explored? Look for relationships, patterns, and trends between the issues and ideas you explored. For instance, your research may show that the mean population density for landlocked states is greater than the mean world population density. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. The first sentence of each paragraph should state what the paragraph is about. The subsequent sentences should explain the topic in more detail and provide evidence. In this way, you move from general to specific information. For example, a topic sentence could be, “Above average rainfall contributes to increased likelihood of landslides.” The subsequent sentences could discuss how much the likelihood is increased based on the amount of rain, and how this was determined. Detail your methodology and findings. Explain how you collected data and information for your investigation. List the methods used, like research or lab testing, as well as the sources, such as lab reports or interviews. Tell the audience what you observed or discovered and draw conclusions based on facts. For instance, you could write, “World population and landlocked state population density statistics were obtained from 2 sources. The mean population density was calculated for each set of data.” Then, detail the method used to find the mean density, state both mean densities, and compare them. Provide accurate and specific evidence. Evidential support should be relevant and detailed. Statistics, lab reports, and mathematical conclusions are examples of good sources of evidence. For instance, if writing about volcanic eruptions, provide findings from a lab report that explain the composition of samples taken from a volcanic site or eruption. Include relevant materials or media. You may have graphs, charts, or images that help explain your subject. If so, include them in the appendices and label them clearly. Don't forget to discuss the materials in the text as well to explain their significance. Maps or photographs of the area may be particularly helpful for a geographical report. For example, include a photo of a landslide and list where and when it took place. Alternatively, add a link to video footage of a volcano. End with a strong conclusion. Restate the question or subject, then summarize the methods you used to answer the question or explore the subject. State your findings and discuss impacts or ramifications of your research. Use your conclusion to connect all the information you provided. For instance, list all the factors that contribute to a landslide. Discuss how landslides affect animal and human populations as well as their impact on the environment. State your research question or subject in the introduction. You need to tell the readers what the paper is about, and why it matters, in the introduction. Explain how and where the study was carried out, and define any pertinent terms that the audience needs to know. Outline the structure of the report as well. For example, if writing about population density, define “landlocked states” and explain what units would be used to discuss population density (such as people per square mile). It's actually better to write your introduction last, rather than first! That way you'll be able to quickly outline what's to follow. Write in third person and keep things professional. Third person point of view means you take an objective approach to the report. You shouldn't use words like “I,” “you,” or “we.” Avoid referencing yourself or the audience and don't use slang. Stick to the facts and don't include your personal opinions unless the guidelines for the report specifically ask you to. Instead of writing, “I discovered…” or “I used 3 data sources...” say “Findings showed...” or “Three data sources were used…” Ensure your paper is organized logically. Each paragraph should focus on 1 main idea and the paper should transition smoothly from 1 point to the next. The last sentence of each paragraph should segue the reader into the following paragraph. Play around with the organization of ideas until the paper flows smoothly from start to finish. For instance, the last sentence of the paragraph about rainfall and landslides could say, “Rainfall was especially impactful if the area lacked vegetation on the hillside.” The topic sentence of the next paragraph should then describe the relationship between amount of vegetation and frequency of landslides. Cite your sources and include a bibliography. Cite the research sources you used as directed, whether by APA , MLA , or Chicago style. Don't forget to include in-text citations as well! Proofread and edit carefully. Look for misspelled words and grammatical errors. Remove irrelevant information, opinions, assumptions, and anything that is unclear. Be sure to vary your sentence structure and word choice, and use appropriate technical terms where applicable. | Identify the subject or research question. Develop strategies for answering the question or exploring the subject. Obtain the information you need. Analyze the data. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence. Detail your methodology and findings. Provide accurate and specific evidence. Include relevant materials or media. End with a strong conclusion. State your research question or subject in the introduction. Write in third person and keep things professional. Ensure your paper is organized logically. Cite your sources and include a bibliography. Proofread and edit carefully. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Treat-Dramatic-Weight-Loss-in-Cats | How to Treat Dramatic Weight Loss in Cats | If your cat is losing a lot of weight, keep an eye out for other symptoms that might be related, like loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, stomach sensitivity, or dental problems. Then, report any symptoms you've noticed to your vet so they can help you figure out what's going on. Your vet will most likely test your cat for underlying problems that could be causing the weight loss, like parasites, an infection, diabetes, or hyperthyroidism. Depending on the diagnosis, your vet may recommend changes to your cat's diet, medication, or possibly surgery. | Look for changes in appetite and activity level. Observe your cat at meal times and take note of any changes in its eating habits. Try to see if your cat is losing weight despite a healthy appetite, or if the weight loss is due to not eating. In addition to changes in appetite, look for any changes in activity level that accompany sudden weight loss. Sudden weight loss despite a healthy appetite and overactivity could indicate hyperthyroidism. Note travel, medications, or lifestyle changes. Try to think of any lifestyle changes that might have occurred around the same time as your cat's weight loss. For example, stressful situations, like travel or relocation, could impact your cat's appetite or metabolism. Take note of any new medications that might be related to its dramatic weight loss. If affected by travel or relocation, your cat's appetite might normalize as its stress decreases. If weight loss could be related to a new medication, ask the vet about switching to an alternative with fewer side effects. Look for increased urination, vomiting, or diarrhea. Check for any other obvious symptoms that accompany the weight loss, including vomiting or diarrhea. Vomiting or diarrhea can indicate a number of underlying conditions, such as thyroid disease, diabetes, allergies, parasites, and infection. Increased urination can be related to diabetes. Notice if your cat tries to avoid putting pressure on its stomach. Observe your cat when it lays down, and notice if it appears to avoid putting pressure on its abdomen. Look for any unusual positions or movements that seem to favor its stomach or indicate pain in the region. Try to notice if picking it up seems to cause pain or discomfort. Check for dental problems. Look into your cat's mouth and check for decayed or failing teeth. If your cat has tooth decay and a decreased appetite, it might experience pain when it eats. You'll likely need to have its tooth or teeth extracted and treat it for dental disease. Report all symptoms to the vet. If you observe dramatic weight loss in your cat, you'll need to have a vet examine it to make an accurate diagnosis. You'll need to report your cat's symptoms and when you observed them with as much detail as possible. A patient history is a vital part of diagnosing dramatic weight loss in cats. Have your cat tested for underlying conditions. In addition to giving your cat a full physical examination, the vet will do some lab work. Screenings will most likely include a complete blood count (CBC), blood chemistry panel, heartworm test, and thyroid hormone test. They might also recommend testing your cat for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia (FeLV), especially if it hasn't already been vaccinated against these infections. Depending on the results of lab work and physical examination, the vet might also call for imaging techniques, like x-ray or ultrasound. Treat your cat for infection or parasites. If your cat tests positive for a gastrointestinal infection or for parasites, the vet will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic medication. The dosage might be an in-office injection or a pill or liquid to be administered at home. Be sure to give your cat its medication as directed by the vet. To prevent parasites, be sure to clean out your cat's litter box daily, keep your cat on a flea control regimen, and avoid feeding it raw meat. You should also try to keep your cat in areas where it cannot hunt for or interact with stray or wild animals. Work with the vet to come up with a diabetes treatment plan. The most common signs of diabetes are weight loss despite a ravenous appetite, increased water consumption, and increased urination. Your cat's vet will help you create a treatment plan that's right for its specific condition. Most diabetic cats require insulin injections twice a day. Some cats can be treated with oral medication. In addition to medications, the vet will likely advise increasing your cat's fiber and complex carbohydrate intake. If your cat is underweight, they'll recommend a high-calorie diet until it reaches its ideal body weight. Your vet may also recommend changing your cat's diet to something that is specially formulated to help manage feline diabetes. Talk to your vet about the best foods for your cat and where you can buy them. Treat your cat for hyperthyroidism. Weight loss along with increased appetite, thirst, and urination can also indicate hyperthyroidism. If a thyroid hormone test show that your cat has an overactive thyroid gland, its vet will help you decide between three treatment options: Daily medications can control the disease by regulating the thyroid, but are not an actual cure. Surgical removal of the thyroid is a relatively straightforward procedure, but not all cats are good candidates for surgery. Ask your cat's vet if it's up to the bodily stresses associated with anesthesia, surgery, and recovery. Radioactive-iodine treatment is becoming the preferred method, but it's only permitted in specially licensed facilities and isn't available in all locations. Your cat's vet can tell you the location of the nearest treatment center. Ask the vet about dietary changes. It's always best to discuss any dietary changes with a vet. You'll both need to consider your cat's age, activity level, allergies, and any existing health conditions. Even if the vet can't identify any underlying conditions, they will help you create a diet that can increase your cat's weight in the healthiest way possible. Switch to cat food that contains at least 50 percent animal protein. Protein consumption is essential to maintaining proper body weight, especially if your cat is age eight or older. While you should ask the vet about your cat's specific protein needs, a general rule of thumb is to feed it at least six to eight grams of protein per day. Check the label of your cat's food. It should consist of at least 50 percent animal protein. You might need to switch to a premium brand that consists of animal protein instead of plant protein. Try improving a meal's flavor with canned tuna or fish oil. If your cat doesn't have an underlying condition but has a low appetite, it might not like its food. Try adding a bit of canned tuna or fish oil to enhance its flavor. Warming food can also make it more appetizing. Be sure to consult the vet to make sure they approve of any flavor enhancers. Add extra calories with high-protein cat treats. Treats can be an effective means of adding calories to your cat's diet. Go for an animal protein based cat treat. While vets recommend limiting treats to 10 to 15 percent of a healthy cat's daily caloric intake, you should ask your cat's vet to help you determine the right number of daily treats to offer your underweight cat. Chicken breasts, pieces of egg, tuna, and salmon all make tasty, healthy treats for your cat. Avoid using raw meat as a treat, since it can carry parasites and infectious diseases. | Look for changes in appetite and activity level. Note travel, medications, or lifestyle changes. Look for increased urination, vomiting, or diarrhea. Notice if your cat tries to avoid putting pressure on its stomach. Check for dental problems. Report all symptoms to the vet. Have your cat tested for underlying conditions. Treat your cat for infection or parasites. Work with the vet to come up with a diabetes treatment plan. Treat your cat for hyperthyroidism. Ask the vet about dietary changes. Switch to cat food that contains at least 50 percent animal protein. Try improving a meal's flavor with canned tuna or fish oil. Add extra calories with high-protein cat treats. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Greet-a-Girl | How to Greet a Girl | Greeting a girl can feel scary, but there are plenty of ways to feel confident and approachable. When you're greeting a girl you don't know, introduce yourself in a friendly, confident manner. Give her a kind smile, and tell her “It's very nice to meet you.” You can then ask her name and tell her yours. If the conversation doesn't seem to go anywhere after that, keep it short and politely excuse yourself instead of trying to force anything. If, on the other hand, you're greeting a girl on a first date, make a great first impression by being on time. Go the extra mile by giving her a flower or telling her how excited you are to finally meet her. Then, give her a specific, sincere compliment to break the ice a bit. For example, tell her something like “I like your hairstyle. It really frames your face,” or “I can't wait to talk to you and learn more about you.” | Decide on how close you two are. Depending on how close your relationship is, figure out what feels comfortable between the two of you. If you're close friends you can probably be more physical, but if you two aren't super close it's probably better to keep contact minimal. Do what makes you feel comfortable. It's good to step outside of your comfort zone from time to time but when you're greeting a girl, in general, the more comfortable you are the more she'll be. Engage her like you would any friend. Just because she's a girl doesn't necessarily mean you have to treat her unlike your guy friends, especially if your relationship is platonic. But also use common sense here and don't do something inappropriate. A simple “Hello” or “Hey” is always a great place to start. If you're greeting a girl who is more like one of your guy friends, bump fists with her or give her a playful nudge. If you two are close enough give her a hug, as physical touch can strengthen relationships. Compliment her. Compliments go a long way in any type of relationship. Noticing something about her appearance or even something she has recently done that she's proud of is a great way to make her feel more comfortable with you, and shows you're genuinely interested in her. This doesn't have to be done in a flirty way, just notice something you like about what she's wearing. Maybe you like her shoes, or she has a new haircut. Noticing details and pointing them out will make her comfortable around you. "I really like your shoes. [Color of her shoes] looks really good on you!" "Did you get a haircut? I really like the new look, it works for you." Make eye contact. By looking her in the eyes, you're making a connection and showing genuine interest. Keeping eye contact is also a good way to help you stay calm and comfortable. Just focus on her and forget about everything happening around you. Tell her you’re excited to see her. People like to feel wanted in any capacity and telling her that you're glad to see her shows that you value her in your life and you like that she's a part of it. "It's great to see you! I'm excited we're hanging out." Ask her what she’s been up to. Even if you're shy by nature or feel awkward in social situations, especially with girls or women, just treat her like any other friend and show that you care about her. You can even reference something you saw that she did on social media. For example, if she went on a trip a simple "I saw you went on vacation. I'm so jealous, it looked awesome! Did you have a good time?" works well. By asking questions about her day you are further showing interest and that she's important to you. Introduce yourself with confidence. Whether you're meeting her for the first time or you don't know her well, but you have mutual friends, just be friendly and sure of yourself. A simple “It's very nice to meet you.” is a great opener in this situation. Remember that in this situation she's in the same place as you. So don't feel like you need to one-up her (or anyone else there) or act like someone you aren't. Just be yourself. Read her body language. Remember that you don't know this girl very well or at all, so reading her body language can give you a good indication of her comfort level. Trying to embrace her with a hug may be too forward if you two aren't close. You can offer to shake her hand if she seems open to it, or even just give a friendly wave. Be polite. Like the saying goes, “You catch more flies with honey.” In this scenario you're probably making a first or second impression. Trying to show off or joking with her like you might a good friend could offend her. Smile at her. Don't overdo it though by smiling too big or being too enthusiastic. Acting too eager to meet her or greet her could make her uncomfortable and make you look like you're coming on too strong. Learn her name. If you're greeting her in a group of friends, hopefully your friends will properly introduce you, but if you're not introduced, politely ask her name and offer yours. When you learn her name repeat it back to her when you tell her yours. Making eye contact and using her name can also help you to remember it better. Use humor in your introduction. There's a reason that people are drawn to comedians and funny people, as laughter can be comforting. When you greet a girl you may not know all that well, some humor will show her that you're comfortable with yourself (even if you're nervous) and not a rude person. Using humor is a great approach when greeting a girl because it can ease any tension. If you're shy or nervous you can use a little bit of self-deprecating humor to break any tension and make her feel more comfortable around you. Joke about your appearance or the situation. "I'm glad [name of mutual friend] dragged me to this, I had a pretty crazy night of Netflix binging planned, but this seems better." Don’t overstay your welcome. Sometimes the best impression is a quick one that leaves her wanting to know more about you. If you have a hard time making small talk with people, especially when greeting a girl, keep it short and sweet. Don't try to force any conversation. If the conversation doesn't seem to be going anywhere, politely excuse yourself. Create a great first impression. You can do this by showing up to where you are meeting a little early. Showing up on time will also give you a few minutes to compose yourself and relax. Being punctual shows her that you're mature and reliable. Go the extra mile. Chances are you already know some things about her so use what you know to help break the ice. For example: if she likes flowers, get her favorite one and bring it for her. This can also be a good way for her to find you if you've never met before and are meeting somewhere public. Take cues from her. Don't come on too strong; instead wait to see how she acts. Is she being flirty or touchy? Or is she more reserved? You don't always have to wait for her to make a move (sometimes it's better to take the lead and be assertive), but acting too comfortable before you get to know each other can put her off. Even if you've talked before and made a connection, assuming she'll be comfortable with physical touching might be a bad idea and could make things awkward. If she does go in for a hug or something like a handshake, meet her halfway. Tell her how excited you are to greet her. Like in the earlier methods, employ eye contact and smile. "I'm excited to finally meet you, [name]. I've been looking forward to this." Remember that she wants to be there too, and that she's probably just as nervous as you are, so just breathe and act confident. Give her a compliment. There's a difference here in complimenting a girl and being rude or objectifying. You may be nervous and be tempted to try and act suave, but being a jerk won't help you. Be specific when you compliment her. Don't just say "Your hair looks nice." Instead, look for something that she's clearly taken time on. Maybe she has a specific style, like bangs. Don't just say "Your hair looks nice." Instead, look for something that she's clearly taken time on. Maybe she has a specific style, like bangs. Say "I like your bangs, you really pull those off, they frame your face really well." Compliments don't have to be physical either. Show her that she has that special something that makes you attracted to her. Tell her that as soon as she walked in, the whole room brightened up. Tell her that she has a great sense of humor, or that her intelligence is sexy. You don't have to say that she's turning you on, that may be a bit forward, but you can say something like "I was attracted to you as soon as I saw you, but talking with you has only made me more attracted to you." You can employ a bit of humor here as well and add something like "I just hope I'll be able to keep up with you." Remember here that you're on a date, and while being friendly is always a great place to start, you want to show her that you're interested in her as more than just a friend. With a friend you want to keep compliments platonic, but here you can tell her how she makes you feel, that you are attracted to her. | Decide on how close you two are. Engage her like you would any friend. Compliment her. Make eye contact. Tell her you’re excited to see her. Ask her what she’s been up to. Introduce yourself with confidence. Read her body language. Smile at her. Learn her name. Use humor in your introduction. Don’t overstay your welcome. Create a great first impression. Go the extra mile. Take cues from her. Tell her how excited you are to greet her. Give her a compliment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kill-Mushrooms | How to Kill Mushrooms | To kill mushrooms, first put latex gloves on to keep potentially poisonous spores off of your hands while you work. Then, pull each cap out of the ground by hand. Put the mushroom caps in a plastic bag and discard it to keep the mushroom spores from spreading. Mix 4 parts water with 1 part horticultural vinegar in a spray bottle. Mist the soil where the base of each mushroom was sticking out of the ground. Continue doing this for 5 days to ensure that the mushrooms don't grow back. Alternatively, you can work a fertilizer high in nitrogen into the soil where the mushroom caps were growing to kill the roots. You can also mix 3 tablespoons (45 mL) of dish soap with 2 gallons (7.5 L) of water and pour this mixture into the soil to keep the mushrooms away. Keep in mind that a small patch of mushrooms is actually good for your lawn and is a sign of healthy soil. | Remove the mushrooms from the ground as soon as you see the caps appear. If you leave them for too long, they will release spores, which will lead to more mushrooms. When you see mushrooms appear, simply pull them out of the ground. You can also try mowing or raking over the mushrooms, but this will heighten the chances of them spreading spores across your lawn. Dispose of the mushrooms properly. Do not toss them into your compost pile. Instead, keep a plastic bag with you, and put them into the bag as soon as you pull them out of the ground. Once the bag is full, tie the bag up tightly, and toss it into a trashcan or incinerator. This will help prevent the mushrooms from spreading spores across your lawn. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer to deter mushrooms from growing in organic matter. The fertilizer will quicken the decomposition of the matter, which will leave the mushrooms nothing to feed off of. Plan on using 1 pound (453.59 grams) of nitrogen for every 1,000 square feet of lawn. Do not use slow release or water-soluble nitrogen fertilizer. You will need to do this annually. Consider adding some phosphorous and potassium as well. You will need 3 parts nitrogen, 1 part phosphorous, and 2 parts potassium. Use soap and water to kill off the mushrooms. Mix 2 to 3 tablespoons (29.6 to 44.4 ml) of dish soap with 2 gallons (7.57 liters) of water. Poke holes into the soil around the mushrooms using a shovel, trowel, or screwdriver. Fill the holes with the soapy water. Take care with potted plants. Potted plants are often subject to mushrooms and other types of fungi. They are often subject to over-watering, and stay indoors, where the air is warm and still. This is a perfect environment for mushrooms. Here are some simple ways to keep your potted plants mushroom-free: Pluck mushrooms as soon as you see them appear, and toss them in the trash immediately. Provide ample air circulation by keeping the plant near a window or fan. Avoid over-watering. Let the soil become dry at the top before watering. Use a watering bulb to keep the soil deep inside the pot moist, and the upper layer dry. Make sure that your lawn has proper drainage. Mushrooms love damp and humid places. If your lawn holds too much water, you will need to make sure that it drains properly. Here are some ideas on how you can introduce proper drainage to your lawn: If water is flowing down a slope, build up soil to redirect excess water to a more desirable location. Add a pond or water garden to catch excess water. They are easy to maintain and can act as a decorative feature to your garden. Place rain barrels beneath waterspouts to collect excess water during storms. This will prevent the water from soaking into your lawn. Consider adding an underground drain, such as a French drain (an underground ditch filled with gravel) to help disperse water and prevent it from becoming stagnant. Make sure that your lawn has well-drained soil. If your garden has a clay base, the water will have nowhere to go once it soaks through your lawn. It will sit and become stagnant. If you can, try mixing some sand or other well-draining material into your lawn to help disperse the water better. When watering your lawn, try to water it in the morning instead of at night. The sun will help the excess water evaporate instead of sit and become a breeding ground for mushrooms. Trim down tree branches to minimize shade. Cut close to the trunk, just beyond the bark ridge. Do not leave any stubs. Angle the cut downward, so that rainwater does not collect in the hole and cause rot. Keep your trees fungus free by trimming out any dead or diseased branches. De-thatch the lawn to minimize shade and create more air circulation. Manually go over the lawn with a convex rake. Use a power rake. You can rent it from some hardware or home improvement stores. Once you are done power raking your lawn, you will need to use a regular rake to sweep up the debris. If you have cool-season grasses, de-thatch the lawn between late summer and early fall. If you have warm-season grasses, de-thatch in late spring. Make sure that there is enough air circulation by aerating your lawn. Not enough air circulation will lead to moisture being trapped—and where there is excess moisture, there will be mushrooms. Get an aerator from a home improvement or hardware store, and go over your lawn with it. The aerator will pull out plugs of earth out of your lawn. This will help loosen the soil and let more air in. Consider aerating the ground with an aerator to prevent the mushrooms from sitting in a stale, moist environment. Eliminate decaying elements that enhance the growth of mushrooms. Remove decomposing wood chips and small branches, a favorite of many mushrooms. Also keep your lawn clear of pet waste and any other decomposing matter the mushrooms could feed off. Keep grass clippings off your lawn by raking them up after mowing, or by attaching a grass catcher to your mower. Clean up pet waste. Have tree stumps ground and removed. Locate the fairy ring. A fairy ring is a ring of mushrooms growing in grass. They're usually easy to spot, but sometimes the mushroom caps are not visible. In these cases, the fairy ring will appear as a ring of dark green grass. In some cases, the ring will appear as a circle of dead grass. Determine how deep the fairy ring goes. Get a trowel, shovel, or screwdriver, and prove the soil around the mushrooms. You may notice some white, fibrous stuff in the soil. This is known as the fungal mat. Depending on how thick it is, you will need to employ different methods of eradicating the ring. Use a lawn aerator on fairy rings if the fungal mat is fewer than 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) thick. Start aerating 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) outside the outer rim of the ring, and work your way inward towards the center. Dig out fairy rings if the fungus mat is deeper than 3 inches (7.62 centimeters). Get a shovel, and dig out the soil containing the mushrooms. Go about 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) deep. Once you have dug out the mushrooms, you will need to expand the ring you just dug by 12 to 18 inches (30.48 to 45.72 centimeters) to either side. 24 inches (60.96 centimeters) would be better. Some experts advise digging all the way to the center of the ring. As you dig, try to determine the cause of the fairy ring. Look for rotting wood, construction debris, or anything that could keep water from draining. Remove any of these causes as you go. Discard the mushrooms and contaminated soil. To avoid spreading the mushroom spores all over your garden, toss everything into a large garbage bag. Tie the bag up tightly, and toss it into the bin. Do not throw the mushrooms or the soil into your compost pile. Fill the plugs in with fresh soil. Avoid using immature compost, which could contain mushroom spores. (Mature compost is great for soil drainage and sterilized by the composting process.) If you have heavy clay soil, add sand to the mix to help with drainage. Consider patching up the soil with a quick-growing grass. The grass will cover the soil on its own, but it can take a while. If you are in a hurry to get your lawn looking green again, you can cover the bare soil with some fresh sod (turf). You can also sprinkle some grass seeds over the soil instead. | Remove the mushrooms from the ground as soon as you see the caps appear. Dispose of the mushrooms properly. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer to deter mushrooms from growing in organic matter. Use soap and water to kill off the mushrooms. Take care with potted plants. Make sure that your lawn has proper drainage. Make sure that your lawn has well-drained soil. Trim down tree branches to minimize shade. De-thatch the lawn to minimize shade and create more air circulation. Make sure that there is enough air circulation by aerating your lawn. Eliminate decaying elements that enhance the growth of mushrooms. Locate the fairy ring. Determine how deep the fairy ring goes. Use a lawn aerator on fairy rings if the fungal mat is fewer than 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) thick. Dig out fairy rings if the fungus mat is deeper than 3 inches (7.62 centimeters). Discard the mushrooms and contaminated soil. Fill the plugs in with fresh soil. Consider patching up the soil with a quick-growing grass. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Solar-Energy-to-Heat-a-Pool | How to Use Solar Energy to Heat a Pool | Using solar energy to heat your pool is a great way to save money on your bills and reduce your carbon footprint. One simple way is to cover your pool with a solar blanket, which soaks up heat from the sun and transfers it to the water. These can help increase water temperature by about 5 degrees Fahrenheit for every 12 hours of coverage. You can also get solar rings, which work the same way as a pool cover and cost about $20 each. Rings float on your pool's surface, so you can use them at the same time as a pool cover if you'd like. If you're willing to make a big investment, consider installing a solar heating system, which generates electricity from solar panels, then heats and filters your pool water. These generally cost 3,000 to 4,000 dollars and should last up to 7 years. | Use a long, dark-colored hose to fill up your pool. The longer it takes for water to make its way through the hose and into your pool, the warmer that water will be. While fifty feet of hose is generally sufficient, additional length means the water will have even more time to warm up. The added surface area of the hose collects more heat, as well. If you use a dark-colored hose, the water can get even warmer because dark colors absorb more solar energy. A black rubber hose is ideal and relatively inexpensive. You can also use a black garden irrigation pipe, because it's thin walls allow for a faster heat transfer. While it is inexpensive, it will also kink easily. Both of these are available in most home supply stores. Make sure the hose is in direct sunlight. When filling your pool, make sure the hose gets full sun exposure to absorb as much energy as possible. Point the hose directly towards the sun or mount your hose on a board that can be angled toward the sun for even more exposure. You may want to consider mounting the hose on a board and attach it to a sun-facing roof. This is not recommended unless you have a suitable low roof, such a shed, or are skilled at working at roof height. Fill the pool slowly with a thin hose. A thinner stream of water will heat more quickly when filling your pool. Use a hose that is ⅝ or ½ inch in diameter to slowly fill the pool. Try keeping the stream around half an inch in diameter to allow it to take in heat while still filling the pool at a decent rate. Always fill up your pool on a sunny day to take the most advantage of the sun's energy. Use a solar blanket. Solar blankets are pool covers designed to soak up solar energy and transfer it directly into the water. These covers can help increase water temperature by about 5°F for every 12 hours of coverage. Solar blankets also insulate the surface of your pool, which prevents the heat from escaping. A transparent or nearly transparent solar blanket works best. Just like a regular pool cover, solar blankets also minimize water evaporation, which conserves energy. They also prevent debris from getting into your pool and minimize the amount of chemicals needed to treat the water. Use solar rings. These clear, inflatable disks float on the surface of your pool and heat the water. One ring transfers up to 21,000 BTU a day. A ring is generally 59 inches in diameter, so buy enough rings to cover approximately 80% of your pool. Rings will generally last five years and cost up to twenty dollars each. However, considering that they don't use any electricity, this is a moderate cost. Another advantage of solar rings is that they are easy to remove and disassemble for winter storage. Rings can be left on your pool while the cover is being used. Mount solar panels on the roof of your home. These panels collect heat from the sun to warm pool water. They are easy to install and quite durable in all climates. You can get glazed or unglazed solar collectors. The unglazed panels are less expensive but also slightly less effective in producing heat. However, the unglazed versions are efficient as long as you don't want to use your pool when temperatures are below freezing. If you live in a warm, sunny climate, these panels are an ideal solution. Install a solar heating system. These systems include a solar collector, a filter, a pump and a flow control valve. Water is pumped through the filter and then through the collector, which heats it before returning it to the pool. They are an excellent solution, but expensive. A solar heating system will cost between $3,000 and $4,000 to buy and install. The system should last up to seven years. They are generally more effective than gas and heat pump heaters. They tend last longer, too. Maintain your pool. The pump and circulation systems must be kept in good condition to get the most out of your solar collectors. Routinely check to make sure the filter is effectively cleaning debris from your pool. Keep the drain systems clear of debris to allow the water to flow freely and easily. Check the pump frequently to confirm water is circulating properly. Use pool water test kits to maintain the proper pH and chlorine levels. When chemicals need to be added, do it as far from the collector intake pipes as possible. Watch the water temperature. The correct range for recreational use is 82-84°F and 78-80°F for more active swimming. If your temperatures are far above that, you are probably wasting energy. Buy a pool thermometer to help you monitor the temperature and reduce the pump speed when the water becomes too hot. Use a solar blanket whenever the pool isn’t in use. Evaporation is responsible for the greatest loss of energy in pools. To prevent energy from being lost, keep the solar cover on the pool whenever it isn't in use. The solar blanket will continue to collect energy from the sun and heat the water, while also preventing the heat from escaping. Pool covers block debris from entering the pool, which will reduce the pool's cleaning time and chemical consumption. | Use a long, dark-colored hose to fill up your pool. Make sure the hose is in direct sunlight. Fill the pool slowly with a thin hose. Use a solar blanket. Use solar rings. Mount solar panels on the roof of your home. Install a solar heating system. Maintain your pool. Watch the water temperature. Use a solar blanket whenever the pool isn’t in use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Jackpot | How to Play Jackpot | To play Jackpot, split up into teams of 2 and then come up with secret hand signals with your partner to use during the game. Then, sit in a circle with the other players. Go around the room clockwise and have everyone swap cards from their hand with the face-up cards in the center. The goal of the game is to get 4 of a kind and then get your partner to guess that you have it. If your partner guesses, your team wins a point! The first team to get 4 points wins the game. | Divide into pairs of two. Jackpot is played with partners on teams of two. It can be played with multiple teams, but the difficulty dramatically increases when you have more than 8 players attempting to play. Decide on signals. Before you begin the game, discuss a set of secret signals to use with your partner. The signals should be discreet so they are not deciphered by opposing teams. Signals are used to notify your partner that you have collected four of a kind. Come up with fake signals as well to trick your opponents. You can use signals to let your partner know what cards you are trying to collect as well. Pick a strategy with your partner. In Jackpot there are different ways to score points. You can score by collecting four of a kind, or you can score by knowing when your opponents have four of a kind. Decide if you and your partner will both try to get four of a kind, or if one partner plays a support role trying to provide the other partner with the right cards. Determine if you will focus on watching your opponents to score off their hands or if you will only try to score on your own hand. Sit around a table or in a circle on the floor. Partners should be seated across from each other. If there are more than four people playing the game make sure that partners are not sitting next to each other. Deal four cards to each player. Players should sit around a table where each person has access to the center of the table. If there is an even number of players, the person who is designated as the dealer can rotate between each player. When playing with an odd number of players, one person can be selected as the dealer while the other players have a partner to collect four of a kind. Place four cards face up in the center of the table. If you are playing with six or eight players, place six or eight cards respectively in the center. The cards in the center of the table are available for anyone to choose. Begin the game. The dealer or a designated starter will say “3, 2, 1, Go!” Each player selects a card from the discard pile to add to his hand. When a card is selected from the discard pile, the player will discard one card from his hand to only have 4 cards in his hand at any given time. Take turns going around clockwise. Each turn, a player must pick up one card and discard one card. Try to collect four of a kind. The goal of the game is to collect four of the same card in your hand. Choose cards that match what you already have in your hand and discard those that you don't need. If no players want the cards that are on the table, the dealer can place four more cards in the center to keep the game going. Call out “Jackpot” when your partner has collected four of a kind. Watch your partner for the secret signals you created at the beginning of the game. When your partner gives you the signal, yell “Jackpot!” You earn one point for correctly identifying your partner's four of a kind. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/192885-9.jpg\/v4-460px-192885-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b1\/192885-9.jpg\/aid192885-v4-728px-192885-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} If you call out “Jackpot” and your partner does not have four of a kind, you lose one point. Score points off your opponent's four of a kind. Watch your opponents to see if you can discover their secret signals. If you notice an opponent picking up a card and discarding the same card, they may have collected four of a kind. Call out your an opposing team player's name followed by jackpot, “John Jackpot!” If John has four of a kind then you score a point. If the opposing player does not have four of a kind, you lose a point. Win the game by scoring four points. Once a team has collected four points, they win the game. Longer games can be played by setting a higher point limit. Play a free for all game. Instead of taking individual turns, players can all pick up and discard cards at the same time. This makes it harder to tell when someone has gotten four of a kind in their hand. Try to pay attention to what other players are doing so that you can be aware of their hands as they try to collect four of a kind. Try a full contact game. In full contact jackpot, players can take cards out of other players hands. Set rules regarding whether you can only take the card that was just picked up, or if you are allowed to grab any card out of an opposing players hand. Play in rounds. Set a point limit for each round; four points per round is a good limit. Play a game of best of 5 or 7 rounds. The first team to reach 3 out of 5 or 4 out of 7 rounds won is the winner of the game. Use a dealer. If you have an odd number of players you can designate one person to be the dealer. The dealer can add more cards to the center if no players want to pick up any cards on the table. The dealer serves as a judge to determine who calls jackpot first in the event of a tie. Set a rule of silence. Players must remain silent during game play. Decide on penalties for communication or talking during the game. Without talking, game play becomes more challenging due to each players desire to speak or shout at their opponents. | Divide into pairs of two. Decide on signals. Pick a strategy with your partner. Sit around a table or in a circle on the floor. Deal four cards to each player. Place four cards face up in the center of the table. Begin the game. Try to collect four of a kind. Call out “Jackpot” when your partner has collected four of a kind. Score points off your opponent's four of a kind. Win the game by scoring four points. Play a free for all game. Try a full contact game. Play in rounds. Use a dealer. Set a rule of silence. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Turkish-Angora | How to Take Care of a Turkish Angora | To take care of a Turkish Angora, brush it every day to keep its silky, medium-length coat looking nice. Because of its delicate bone structure, make sure your cat maintains a healthy weight by feeding it a meat-based commercial cat food. In addition to a healthy diet, you'll also want to give your cat plenty of places to climb, jump, and play. You can also give your cat fake mice or soft balls to pounce on and chase. Since Angoras are social, make sure to spend time with your cat every day, whether cuddling or dangling cat toys over its head. Though generally healthy, Turkish Angoras can develop heart and hearing problems, so make sure to take your cat to its yearly veterinary exam. | Brush your cat every day. Turkish Angoras have beautiful, silky coats of a medium length. The coat does not have an undercoat, so it will not get tangled or matted. However, you should still brush the coat every day or every couple of days to keep it looking nice. Use a long-toothed metal brush for your cat's longer coat. You can find these brushes at pet stores. Trim your cat’s nails. You should trim your cat's nails every few weeks to once a month. You can trim the nails yourself or you can take your cat to the vet to have them trimmed. To trim the nails yourself, start by making your cat comfortable in your lap. Place your dominant hand around the cat's upper body to secure them. Take one paw into your free hand. Gently press the paw so the claws come out. With your free hand, trim the nails. Make sure to avoid cutting the quick, which is the pink living part of the nail. Only trim the white part of the nail. If you are uncomfortable cutting the nails on your own, ask your groomer or vet tech to show you how to identify the quick and properly trim the nails. Clean the ears. Make sure to clean your cat's ears once every couple weeks. This removes all dirt and buildup. Sometimes cats may clean their own ears, but not all of them will. Therefore, you should check your cat's ears to see if they need cleaning. Use a damp cotton ball or cloth to clean the ears. Gently rub the inside of the ear flap with gauze or a cotton ball, avoiding the ear canal Clean ears will be pink and odorless. Dirty ears are darker with visible dirt. They also may have a foul odor. If the ear has a foul odor or a lot of discharge, make an appointment with your vet, as this may be part of a larger medical problem. Brush your cat’s teeth. Cats can develop periodontal disease if their teeth aren't taken care of. You can prevent gum disease by brushing their teeth often. Make sure to brush their teeth with a cat toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft bristles. Never use human toothpaste on a cat. The fluoride is poisonous. You will probably have to get your cat used to the toothpaste. To do this, start by letting your cat taste the toothpaste. Place a small amount of it on your finger, and then let the cat lick it. After your cat gets used to the toothpaste, move your finger along the gums. After they are used to that, carefully rub a toothbrush that has toothpaste on it along the gums. Work on each tooth one at a time until the cat lets you brush all of the teeth. Feed your Turkish Angora a quality cat food. Because of the delicate bone structure of Turkish Angoras, you should make sure they do not get obese. To help with this, feed your cat a meat-based diet. Check the ingredient list on the label. Meat should be in the top two or three ingredients. Don't give your cat foods that contain less than 40% protein. To monitor your Turkish Angora's weight, weigh them once a month. If your cat starts gaining a few pounds, cut back on their food. Look for the AAFCO certification on the cat food to ensure it is quality. You can also talk to the vet for high-quality cat food suggestions. Take your cat to the vet. Turkish Angoras are usually healthy cats, but they can develop heart and hearing problems. To make sure they stay healthy, take your cat to get the vet regularly. You should take them at least once each year. Get your cat all their vaccinations and their boosters each year. Your cat should receive FPV, Rabies, FeLV, FIV, FIP, Chlamydophila felis, Bordetella, and Feline Giardia vaccine courses soon after adoption. They will also need an annual rabies booster. Spay or neuter your cat. If you are not planning on breeding your cat, have them spayed or neutered as soon as possible. You can desex your cat at around five to six months of age. Spaying or neutering can help reduce negative behaviors, like spray marking, and help also reduce the risk of mammary tumors and uterine infection common in unspayed female cats. Notice any hearing problems. Turkish Angoras that have blue eyes may develop hearing problems. If your cat is white with two blue eyes, they may develop complete deafness in both ears. If your Turkish Angora has only one blue eye, they will probably only use hearing in one ear. Monitor for heart problems. Turkish Angoras are genetically predisposed to have hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This is a common type of heart disease that cats get where the muscle thickens. Take your cat to the vet to get them screened for HCM. Reputable breeders won't breed Turkish Angoras that have HCM. However, never trust a breeder who promises you an HCM-free cat or that the cat came from a HCM-free line. Provide plenty of places to climb. Turkish Angoras love to climb, jump, and play. They will climb on bookcases and tall cabinets. Because of this, you should give your cat plenty of vertical space. Consider placing cat trees, cat shelves, and other vertical furniture in your house. You may want to place perches up high for your Turkish Angora to lay and watch what's going on. Cat shelves that lead to a shelf over a door or near a window for watching and napping will be ideal. Interact with your cat often. Turkish Angoras are very social. They like to be around their human family, right in the middle of whatever activity you are doing. Make sure to take time each day to spend with your cat. This breed does not do well if they spend too much time alone. They will get into trouble just to get your attention. This is not an aloof cat. This cat does well with all types of family members, including children and seniors. Turkish Angoras are not known to be lap cats, and most only like to be held in limited amounts. However, they love to be near you in the same room. Give your cat plenty of toys. Turkish Angoras are active cats that love toys. Make sure your cat gets enough physical activity to keep them occupied and prevent them from getting bored and engaging in negative behaviors. Giving them toys can help with this. This breed loves to run after and pounce on toys. Consider giving your cat toys to play with, like fake mice or dangling toys. You can also play with your Turkish Angora by tossing a soft ball or piece of paper for them to chase, or having them chase a laser pointer. Provide your cat a scratching post to help keep them active. Provide a companion for your cat. Turkish Angoras are social cats. They like to interact with others, whether that is a human family member or another pet. Consider getting another pet for your Turkish Angora if you don't have one. This will help keep them active, occupied, and out of trouble. You may get another cat or a cat-friendly dog. | Brush your cat every day. Trim your cat’s nails. Clean the ears. Brush your cat’s teeth. Feed your Turkish Angora a quality cat food. Take your cat to the vet. Spay or neuter your cat. Notice any hearing problems. Monitor for heart problems. Provide plenty of places to climb. Interact with your cat often. Give your cat plenty of toys. Provide a companion for your cat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Scale-Insects | How to Get Rid of Scale Insects | To get rid of scale insects from your plants, rub their stems with an old toothbrush or a cotton swab dipped in Isopropyl alcohol, which will kill any insects on them. If you have a heavy infestation outdoors, prune away the stems with the most scales. Then, use a garden hose to wash away any loose insects. Once you've rinsed your plants, spray a horticultural oil on a leaf or 2 and wait 36 hours to make sure your plant isn't sensitive to the oil. If there are no signs of bleaching or yellowing on the leaves, spray the whole plant with the oil to kill any remaining insects. You may have to repeat the process after a week or 2 if there are still scale insects. | Look for adult scales. Scales are usually off-white, tan or brown but can also be other colors. Most of them have a smooth, flat covering but some may look cottony or fluffy. The adults do not move. Identify ‘crawlers’. The young scales, called crawlers, have legs and will move very slowly, or are blown by the wind, to a spot on a plant that they like. Crawlers are often not the same color as the adults of the species. Cottony cushion scales, for example, are off-white but the crawlers are orange. After the crawlers get to their spot, they will attach to the leaf or stem and eventually lose their legs. Familiarize yourself with what scales do when they get on a plant. When they attach to the plant, they pierce it with their mouths and suck the plant juices out. Scales can become a problem for gardeners all over the world. They survive the winters on plant leaves and stems only to reproduce again when the weather warms and make a meal out of any nearby garden plant. Spot signs of scale damage. The first symptoms are yellow, falling leaves. Eventually twigs and entire limbs die and the tree bark cracks and oozes sap. Soft scales will do some damage but they rarely do enough damage to kill a plant. The most serious problem they cause is honeydew which is a clear, sticky secretion they leave behind as they feed. Aphids, small, soft-bodied insects excrete honeydew as well. They are usually green or red, although they can be nearly any color, and are more mobile than scale insects. Sooty mold, a fungus, will often grow on the honeydew causing unsightly dark spots on the leaves and interfering with the plant's ability to absorb sunlight. Rub the scales off your plant. Scales can attack houseplants, even if they are never put outdoors. They often go unnoticed at the greenhouse or store where the houseplant is purchased and flourish on the plant after it is brought home. Remove scales from houseplants by rubbing them off with an old toothbrush, your thumbnail or a cotton swab dipped in Isopropyl rubbing alcohol. Try using insecticidal soap. Insecticidal soap can also be sprayed on houseplants to kill scales. Mix about 5 tablespoons of insecticidal soap or a very mild dish soap into 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water. Pour the soap into a spray bottle and spray the plant, including the undersides of the leaves and stems, until the soap solution begins to drip. Repeat the treatment every four to seven days until the scales are gone. Avoid using regular house soap. Do not use laundry soap, automatic dishwasher soap or highly concentrated dish soap that has additives or antibacterial ingredients. They can damage the plant leaves, causing discoloration and leaf tissue damage. Use the same methods as those used for houseplants when fighting a small-scale attack. Scales are most prevalent outdoors where they infest all species of trees, shrubs, perennial plants and annual plants. When the plants are small enough and infestation is not too severe, get rid of the scales in the same way as you would houseplants. Scrub the scales off with your nail or an old toothbrush. Spray the plant with an insecticidal spray every four days or so. Prune away parts of the plant that are infested with scales. When the scale infestation is severe, use sharp hand pruners or loppers to trim off branches and leaves which hold high concentrations of these insects. Make the pruning cut about 1/4-inch above a leaf or at the base of the branch. Use a garden hose to spray off the pruners or loppers before using them on another plant to remove any scale insects that may be left on them. Spray the plants with horticultural oil. This is also commonly called summer oil or dormant oil, to kill any remaining scale insects. Spray the oil on the tops and bottoms of the leaves as well as the stems. There are various horticultural oil formulas on the market that are all equally good. They are commonly mixed at a rate of 2 to 4 teaspoons per gallon of water, but this varies. Read and follow the manufacturer's recommendations carefully. Shake the spray bottle vigorously to mix it initially and every few minutes while spraying to keep the oil mixed with the water. Keep the seasons in mind. Spray the plants in early spring to kill any scale insects that have survived the winter before new growth starts. During the summer, spray the plants for scales in June, July and August but only if they return after the early spring treatment. Horticultural oils work by smothering the scale insects that are on the plant when it is sprayed. The treatment may have to be repeated after a week or two. Test the spray on a leaf or two. Wait 24 to 36 hours to make sure the plants are not sensitive to horticultural oil. Some plants, like junipers, cedars and Japanese maples can be damaged by oil. If there does not appear to be bleaching or yellowing on the test leaves, go ahead and spray the whole plant. Avoid windy days. Do not spray plants with horticultural oil when it is windy as the oil could drift to other plants that do not need to be sprayed and damage them. Do not spray plants when the leaves are wet. This is because the oil will not make good contact with the plant and could be washed off before it kills the scales. Avoid using the oil on humid days. When the relative humidity is 90 percent or higher, horticultural oil should not be sprayed on plants because it will not evaporate quickly enough. If the temperature is over 100 °F (38 °C), the plant leaves could be damaged. Alternatively, if the temperature is below 40 °F (4 °C) the oil will not cover uniformly, making it much less effective. Avoid using the oil on certain plants. The leaves on plants that are stressed or wilting from lack of water are more likely to be damaged when sprayed with horticultural oil. In addition: Do not spray oil on young, new plant stems or leaves as it will likely damage them. Plants that have been treated with sulfur for fungal diseases within the previous 30 days should not be treated with horticultural oil. The oil could cause a plant-damaging reaction when it comes in contact with the sulfur. Wear protective glasses when using the oil. Horticultural oil is not very toxic to people or animals but it can irritate the eyes and skin. | Look for adult scales. Identify ‘crawlers’. Familiarize yourself with what scales do when they get on a plant. Spot signs of scale damage. Rub the scales off your plant. Try using insecticidal soap. Avoid using regular house soap. Use the same methods as those used for houseplants when fighting a small-scale attack. Prune away parts of the plant that are infested with scales. Spray the plants with horticultural oil. Keep the seasons in mind. Test the spray on a leaf or two. Avoid windy days. Do not spray plants when the leaves are wet. Avoid using the oil on humid days. Avoid using the oil on certain plants. Wear protective glasses when using the oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Maintain-Dreadlocks | How to Maintain Dreadlocks | To maintain your dreadlocks as they grow, you'll need to wash them regularly and practice good hair care to keep them healthy. Aim to wash your dreadlocks once every 2 to 4 days, which will give your scalp time between washes to produce natural oils that nourish your hair. You should also only leave shampoo in your hair for 1 to 2 minutes, since leaving it in longer can cause your dreadlocks to unravel. When you rinse your hair, squeeze your dreadlocks to get the shampoo out. If your dreadlocks look dry or frizzy at any time, spray on a moisturizer to keep them looking healthy. It's also a good idea to sleep with a silk scarf on, which will prevent your pillow from pulling on your locks if you move during the night. | Wash your dreadlocks once every 2-4 days. It's important to keep your dreads clean and to remove buildup from your locks. Aim to wash your hair at least 1 time per week, but not every day. It's best to wait at least 2 days between each wash to allow your scalp to produce natural oils. If you have very dry hair that's prone to breakage, talk to your locktician about how often you should be washing your hair according to your hair type. Wet your hair with warm water. In the shower or at a wash tub, get your hair wet by spraying it with warm water. Make sure the water isn't so hot that you can't touch it, and don't soak your dreads for more than a few moments at a time. Aim for them to be coated with water, but not completely saturated. Soaking your hair completely can cause it to become too heavy and might make it hard to get your hair dry again. Massage a quarter-sized drop of shampoo into your scalp and dreads. Start with a small amount of residue-free shampoo, and work it into your hair, starting at the scalp. Gently pat the shampoo into your dreads, but don't rub or twist the dreadlocks while you wash them. If you feel like you don't have enough shampoo, you can always apply more. Residue-free shampoo helps to clear debris and build-up from your dreads without leaving behind a layer of shampoo. You can purchase a residue-free shampoo from most supermarkets and beauty stores. If you can't find it in store, you can order it online. Let the shampoo sit in your hair for 1-2 minutes. Before you rinse your hair, let the shampoo sit on your dreadlocks and scalp. This will ensure that it is working to clean the hair and remove any oils or dirt from your locks. If you have thin or dry hair, only let the shampoo sit for a minute or so to prevent it from making your hair too clean, which can cause it to unravel. Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly after using shampoo. Tilt your head backward or downward and let the water run all the way through your locks, from your scalp to the end of your hair. As you're rinsing, squeeze your dreadlocks to remove the shampoo and let the water wash it away. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and no shampoo comes out of your dreads when you squeeze them. Squeeze the water out of your dreadlocks after you wash them. Once you've rinsed your dreadlocks, dry them by using your hands to squeeze out any excess water trapped in the locks. Then, use a microfiber towel to pat your scalp and dreadlocks completely dry. Never style your dreadlocks when they're wet, as this can cause them to smell or grow mildew. Wait until they're completely dry to the touch before styling them. If you're worried about your dreadlocks smelling or becoming moldy, you can spray them with witch hazel after your shower to make them smell better and to kill mold. Avoid using conditioner or waxy products on your dreadlocks, as this can cause buildup in the hair and make them untwist. Visit a hair stylist, or loctician, for advice on keeping your hair healthy. Find a hair stylist that is experienced with dreadlocks and other natural hairstyles, and don't be afraid to ask them questions about your hair. If you are looking to get dreadlocks or maintain the ones you have, make an appointment with a stylist and explain what you want to do with your hair. A “locktician” is a hair stylist who specializes in dreadlocks. They might do only dreadlocks or a variety of different natural hair styles. Retwist your dreadlocks as needed when they begin to loosen. Depending on your hair, your dreadlocks might naturally untwist as they grow. If you know how to tighten dreadlocks, you can do it yourself by rolling or wrapping them in whichever method you prefer. However, if you're new to dreadlocks, visit your locktician for twisting and tightening to maintain your locks. Twisting your locks too frequently can cause them to grow in thin and can make your hair break. If you're inexperienced with dreadlocks, ask your locktician about how often they recommend twisting. Never twist your dreadlocks when they're dry, which can cause the hair to break. Use a spray-on moisturizer as needed to keep your locks shiny and smooth. Dreadlocks can sometimes look frizzy due to a lack of moisture or frequent re-twisting. When your hair is dry, spray on a light moisturizer and work it into your dreads with your fingers before styling your hair. You can use spray-on moisturizers every day as long as you're washing your hair weekly to remove buildup. If you aren't washing your dreadlocks frequently, try to avoid using excess products. Do a hot oil treatment every 1-2 months to rehydrate your scalp. Make an appointment with your locktician for a moisturizing treatment that is formulated for people with dreadlocks. This will restore moisture to your hair without making your dreadlocks untwist or dirty. If you have naturally oily hair, you may be able wait 3 months in between treatments. However, it's important to maintain your scalp health to ensure that your hair is strong and healthy. Sleep with a silk scarf on your hair to protect it from damage. While you're sleeping, your pillowcase can pull or tug on your dreadlocks, causing the hair to break. Pull your hair into a ponytail or bun, and fasten a silk scarf around your dreadlocks. The silk will slide smoothly across your pillowcase and won't pull on your hair. There are also special wraps you can buy that are made specifically for dreadlocks. You can order them online or buy them at the beauty supply store. Remove your dreadlocks when they feel too heavy or unruly. Depending on your hair type, dreadlocks can become heavy and cause stress on your roots and scalp as they get longer. When you feel like your locks are too long, visit your loctician to have the dreads cut off or combed out. Removing dreadlocks by combing them out requires a lot of patience and can be slightly painful due to the tugging. However, it's a great option if you want to keep your hair long. In general, you can keep dreadlocks as long as you want, but be sure to check with your hairstylist regularly to ensure that your hair is healthy. Leave your dreads down to show off their length. Once your dreadlocks have grown out, let them rest naturally around your face. You can tuck some behind your ear, or use a clip to hold shorter pieces back. Some people with dreadlocks put accessories in their hair, like beads, or wrap them with yarn to protect them. Wearing your hair down is a great way to show off your personal style! Braid your dreads for a quick, easy style. If you want to get your dreadlocks away from your face, you can do a traditional, thick three-strand braid. For a more fashionable style, try a fishtail braid , or a rope braid. Normally, people wear braids to protect their dreadlocks from breaking or twisting, which can happen when the dreadlocks have been recently tightened. Braids are a great way to wear dreadlocks in a professional setting when your hair can't be down or in your face. Pull your dreads into a bun for a more relaxed look. Simply pull your hair into a ponytail, wrapping the ponytail holder around the hair one more time. Don't pull your dreadlocks all the way through the holder to form a “messy” bun with all of your dreads. This style pulls all of your dreadlocks onto your head, so it can be heavy. If it's too heavy, consider making a bun with only half of your hair up. Put extensions in your dreadlocks if your hair is short. For people with shorter hair, dreadlock extensions can be a great way to get the style that you want. Look for clip-in or tie-in varieties, preferably made from synthetic hair, and install them near your scalp. Then, twist your around the dreaded extension to combine them. This is a great option for people who don't want the commitment of caring for long dreadlocks, but like the look of them. Try to stay away from dreadlock extensions made from real human hair. They are more susceptible to mold and mildew growth. | Wash your dreadlocks once every 2-4 days. Wet your hair with warm water. Massage a quarter-sized drop of shampoo into your scalp and dreads. Let the shampoo sit in your hair for 1-2 minutes. Rinse your dreadlocks thoroughly after using shampoo. Squeeze the water out of your dreadlocks after you wash them. Visit a hair stylist, or loctician, for advice on keeping your hair healthy. Retwist your dreadlocks as needed when they begin to loosen. Use a spray-on moisturizer as needed to keep your locks shiny and smooth. Do a hot oil treatment every 1-2 months to rehydrate your scalp. Sleep with a silk scarf on your hair to protect it from damage. Remove your dreadlocks when they feel too heavy or unruly. Leave your dreads down to show off their length. Braid your dreads for a quick, easy style. Pull your dreads into a bun for a more relaxed look. Put extensions in your dreadlocks if your hair is short. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Awake-for-a-Long-Period-of-Time | How to Stay Awake for a Long Period of Time | If you need to stay awake for a long time, it's important to keep your body moving with physical activity, like a jog around the room. Try making an exercise circuit for yourself and do 10 pushups, 10 sit-ups, 10 jumping jacks, and 10 air squats on repeat until you feel more awake. If you don't have the space to exercise, keep yourself cold to stay alert by drinking ice water or adjusting the air conditioning. Additionally, listen to loud, upbeat music like rock, death metal, or pop. | Keep moving. BUD/S candidates who have successfully completed “Hell Week,” in which they are awake for virtually five days, say that it is difficult to fall asleep when you are moving around. During Hell Week, BUD/S candidates are subjected to running, calisthenics, and exercises with logs and rubber boats. The soldiers are almost constantly in motion. Try some of the same techniques: Run sprints or jog around the room. Create an exercise circuit for yourself. Try doing 10 pushups, 10 sit-ups, 10 jumping jacks, and 10 air squats. Repeat this until you feel more awake. Play a game of tag with a friend who is also trying to stay awake. Throw a football or baseball with a friend. Talk to a friend. Conversation can help you stay awake. Stories can capture your attention; laughing can help wake you up. Tell your funniest story. Discuss your most embarrassing moment. Tell a suspense story. Chat about what you will do when your period of extended wakefulness is over. Play a game. Try games that make you use your brain, such as trivia or 20 Questions. Try games that force you to stand up and move around. Play a game of chess, Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Risk, or other board game. Shoot pool or play a game of darts. Create a cold environment. Warm or hot environments can make us feel tired, sluggish, and sleepy. In contrast, cold environments can make us feel more alert. Indeed, BUD/S candidates say that when you're freezing cold, it's almost impossible to fall asleep. They are subjected to up to 15 minutes immersed in water that is barely above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Go outside and jump in the snow. Drink a glass or two of ice water. Sit in an ice bath. Adjust the air conditioning to make the room cold. Take a cold shower. Perform the above techniques with caution. Too much time spent in the cold can cause your body temperature to drop too low, resulting in hypothermia. Hypothermia is a potentially deadly condition. Create an uncomfortable environment. You're less likely to fall asleep when you're uncomfortable, according to one military member who successfully completed Hell Week. This may involve getting “wet and sandy” like the BUD/S candidates do or standing up instead of sitting or lying down. Listen to loud, upbeat music. Crank up the volume on your stereo. Loud noises will make it difficult to relax and fall asleep. For added benefit, get up and dance to the loud music. Listen to rock, death metal, or upbeat pop. Avoid slow, boring music. Change your surroundings. Go outside or move to a different room in your house if you feel yourself getting tired. Often, new surroundings can provide novel things to focus your attention on. This can help you feel less tired. If you are inside, go outside and vice versa. Move to a different room. Avoid rooms with beds, comfortable couches, and comfortable chairs. Take it one hour (or one minute) at a time. Set short, manageable goals for yourself. Break your time down into small chunks. Congratulate yourself when you reach these small goals. Repeat or chant a mantra. Often times, repeating a mantra can help focus your mind on something other than the difficult experience you are having. Good mantras are short, encouraging, and rhythmic. Make up a mantra. Use someone else's mantra and repeat it. Try out: “Feeling strong, feeling good.” Try out: “All the way! Hey let's go! All the way to Tokyo!” Try out: “Looking good, feeling good, oughta be in Hollywood.” Believe in yourself. Plenty of people before you have stayed up for days on end. If you are truly committed to this goal, you will be able to succeed. Say your goal out loud or write it down. Visualize yourself succeeding. When you feel doubtful, return to your goal. Say it out loud or look at what you have written down. State out loud that you can and will achieve your goal. Try taking caffeine. Caffeine is a legal drug found in coffee, chocolate, energy drinks, and in pill form. It is a stimulant and can make it difficult to fall asleep. Caffeine has other effects including increased blood pressure, increasing heart rate, dizziness, dehydration, and headaches. According to experts, up to 400 milligrams per day of caffeine is safe for most people. Children and teenagers should not consume more than 100 milligrams of caffeine per day. Over-the-counter caffeine pills for adults should not be more than 100–200 mg every three to four hours as needed. Avoid over-consuming caffeine. In large doses it can be dangerous. Avoid alcohol. Too much alcohol has a depressant effect on the nervous system (the opposite of the stimulant effect that caffeine has). Moreover, even a little alcohol will likely help you to relax, and this is exactly what you do not want when trying to stay awake for many hours. Avoid illegal drugs. Although some illegal drugs are stimulants (methamphetamine, cocaine), you should avoid using these as a method to stay awake. These drugs can be harmful and potentially deadly. Unintended adverse side effects of cocaine include anxiety, irritability, panic attacks, suspiciousness, paranoia, psychotic symptoms, delusions, and hallucinations. Side effects of methamphetamine include similar symptoms of hypertension, rapid heart rate, severe agitation, and psychosis. Avoid using legal prescription drugs contrary to how they are prescribed. Do not take someone else's prescription drugs. Do not take your own prescription drugs in a manner that is different from how your physician prescribed them to you. Failure to follow the directions on the prescription label can result in severe medical complications and even death. Adderall (Ritalin) is a commonly misused prescription stimulant. Never take someone else's pills or misuse your own prescription drugs. | Keep moving. Talk to a friend. Play a game. Create a cold environment. Create an uncomfortable environment. Listen to loud, upbeat music. Change your surroundings. Take it one hour (or one minute) at a time. Repeat or chant a mantra. Believe in yourself. Try taking caffeine. Avoid alcohol. Avoid illegal drugs. Avoid using legal prescription drugs contrary to how they are prescribed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Study-English-Literature | How to Study English Literature | To study English literature, always take notes as you read, which will make it easier to recognize themes and connect the dots in the text. Also, highlight important passages that you can use as evidence when you make claims about the story. It's also helpful to make profiles for each main character as you read so you can analyze their character arc after you finish the story. If you think something a character says is important, add it to their profile. | Start early. Don't wait to study until the night before a big exam! Particularly with a subject such as English literature, where you will probably be asked analytical questions as well as content questions, you must have time to familiarize yourself with some of the complexities of your material. Being able to summarize the plot or name some characters is unlikely to be all you'll need to do. Examine what you already know. Write out all the details you can remember from your first reading of the text, as well as anything you remember from your course lectures. Don't “cheat” by looking at your notes or your text -- just write down what you are confident you remember. This will be your starting base and will reveal any gaps in your knowledge. Consider whether there are literary terms you’re unfamiliar with. Many tests and exams in English literature want you to be familiar with some key terms, such as stanza, irony, alliteration, speaker, and figurative language. While you're not likely to be expected to have comprehensive knowledge of literary terminology, understanding some of these key concepts will be important to your success. There are many guides available that can help you find definitions for important literary concepts, but here are a few crucial terms: A stanza is a poetic division of lines and is equivalent to the paragraph in prose writing. Usually, stanzas are at least three lines long; groups of two lines are usually called “couplets.” Irony at its basic level says one thing but means another, which is almost always the opposite of what is actually said. For example, a character who meets someone in a raging blizzard might say “Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?” This is ironic because the reader can see that it is clearly not lovely weather. William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens are famous for their use of irony. Do not confuse irony with misfortune, which Alanis Morissette's song “Ironic” is culpable of: “a black fly in your chardonnay” is definitely unfortunate, but it's not ironic. Dramatic irony occurs when the reader or audience knows important information that a character does not, such as the fact that Oedipus killed his father and will marry his mother. Alliteration is a technique used most often in poetry and plays; it is the repetition of the same initial consonants in multiple words within a short space. “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” is an example of alliteration. A speaker usually refers to the person from whose point of view a poem is given, although it may also be used to refer to a novel's narrator. Keeping the speaker separate from the author is important, especially in poetic dramatic monologues such as Robert Browning's "My Last Duchess," in which a maniacal duke admits to having murdered his first wife. Obviously, it is the speaker, not Browning, who is saying these things. Figurative language is discussed in more length in Part 2 of this article, but it is the opposite of “literal” language. Figurative language uses techniques such as metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole to make a point more vividly. For example, in Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra, Cleopatra describes Mark Antony this way: “His legs bestride the ocean. His reared arm / Crested the world.” This is hyperbolic language: obviously Antony's legs didn't literally straddle the ocean, but it powerfully conveys Cleopatra's high opinion of him and his power. Look at sample questions, if you can. If you were given a study guide or sample questions, see how much of this material you are already familiar with. This will help you zone in on what needs more work and make a study plan. Re-read your text. You should have already read the text for class, but if you're studying for an exam, make sure you go back and re-read it to catch things you missed out on the first time. Look for figurative language. Many authors use techniques such as metaphors, similes, and personification to emphasize their points. These may be crucial to understanding the literary work you're reading: for example, knowing that the white whale in Moby-Dick represents (among other things) Captain Ahab's hubris is essential to being able to understand Melville's novel. Metaphors make direct comparisons between two seemingly dissimilar things. They are stronger than similes. For example, the last line of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby is a famous metaphor comparing human lives to boats trying to make progress against a strong current: “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” Similes also make comparisons, but they don't directly state that “x” is “y”. For example, Margaret Mitchell uses a simile to describe Scarlett O'Hara's interest in Ashley Wilkes with a simile in her novel Gone With the Wind : “The very mystery of him excited her curiosity like a door that had neither lock nor key.” Personification occurs when a non-human animal or object is given human characteristics in order to express an idea more powerfully. For example, Emily Dickinson frequently uses personification in her poems, as in this poem about a snake: “A narrow fellow in the grass / occasionally rides; / You may have met him, -- did you not, / His notice sudden is.” Here, the snake is a “narrow fellow” who “rides” in the grass, which makes it seem almost like a dashing Victorian gentleman, rather than a reptile. Consider the structure of your text. The way that an author expresses her or his ideas is often as important as the ideas themselves. In many cases, the form and structure of the text will have some kind of influence on its subject matter. If you're reading fiction, think about the order in which the events are recounted. Are there flashbacks or places in the narrative that cycle back in time? Sandra Cisneros's novel Caramelo begins close to the end of the actual “story” and switches between various times and places in order to emphasize how complicated family histories are. If you're reading poetry, think about the form of the poetry. What type of poem is it? Is it something formally structured, like a sonnet or sestina? Is it free verse, which makes use of elements such as rhythm and alliteration but doesn't have a set rhyme scheme? The way the poem is written will often offer clues as to the mood the poet wanted to convey. Think about character archetypes. An archetype is usually a character -- although it may also be an action or situation -- that is believed to represent something universally recognized as part of human nature. The influential psychologist Carl Jung argued that archetypes tap into the “collective unconscious” of humanity, and thus we recognize experiences we've shared with others in archetypes. Several types of of literature analysis have been influenced by Jung, so being familiar with some archetypes that may appear in your text will probably be useful. The Hero is a character who embodies good and often fights against evil in a struggle to bring justice or restore order. Beowulf and Captain America are perfect examples of the Hero archetype. The Innocent Youth is a character who is usually inexperienced, but whom others like because of the faith s/he has in other people. For example, Pip in Charles Dickens's novel Great Expectations is an Innocent Youth, as is Luke Skywalker from Star Wars. Often, these archetypes will experience some sort of “coming of age” in later parts of the story. The Mentor is tasked with caring for or protecting the main character through wise advice and assistance. Gandalf in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is an excellent example of a Mentor archetype, as is Obi-Wan Kenobi from the Star Wars movies. The Doppelganger is a character who doubles for the main character in order to represent the “dark side” of the hero or heroine. Common examples of doppelgangers include Frankenstein and his Creature in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in Robert Louis Stevenson's' novel of the same name. The Villain is a character with evil plans whom the hero must oppose. The villain will usually do anything to defeat the hero and is often, though not always, clever. Good examples include Shere Khan from Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book , Smaug the Dragon from The Hobbit , and the Joker from the Batman comics and films. Think about situational archetypes. The other main type of archetype you'll probably encounter is situational, i.e., a very familiar and expected type of plot and progression. Some common situational archetypes include: The Journey. This is an incredibly common archetype and is referenced in everything from stories of King Arthur to Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels to Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. In this archetype, the main character undertakes a journey -- physical or emotional, literal or figurative -- to understand something about herself/himself or the world around her/him, or to achieve an important goal. Often, the journey is very important to the plot, as with the Fellowship's quest to destroy Sauron's One Ring in the Lord of the Rings. The Initiation. This archetype has similarities with the Journey, but the focus is more on the hero/heroine's developing maturity through their experiences. This type of story may also be called a ''bildungsroman.'' Henry Fielding's Tom Jones is an excellent example of this, as are the origins of most comic book heroes (for example, Peter Parkers lessons about how to handle “great power and great responsibility” as he becomes Spiderman). The Fall. This is another very common archetype. In this archetype, the main character experiences a fall from grace as the consequence of her/his own action. Examples of this archetype are all over classic literature, including King Lear from Shakespeare's play King Lear, Ahab from Melville's novel Moby-Dick, and Satan from John Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost. Consider how action develops from conflict. For many texts, particularly plays and fiction, there is an “inciting incident” that sets the main action of the story in motion. This moment disturbs the equilibrium of the situation, poses a problem, and sets off a series of events that will form the rest of the story. For example, in Shakespeare's Macbeth, Macbeth hears a prophecy from a trio of witches that says he will become King of Scotland. While he has never wanted to be king until this moment, the prophecy sets him on a path of ambition and murder that eventually leads in his downfall. As another example, in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, a group of young girls face a conflict: they've been caught doing naughty things in the woods and face punishment. To try to cover up their actions, they accuse their fellow villagers of witchcraft. This action incites the rest of the play's story, which follows these accusations as they spin out of control. Summarize each chapter or act in bullet points after you read through the text for the second time. This will make future review easier, as you will have a rough summary to work from. Don't get too bogged down in summary. You don't have to summarize every little thing that happens in a chapter or act. Aim to note the main action of each one, as well as any important character or thematic moments. Make out character profiles for each main character. Include anything important that the character says or does, along with links to other characters in the text. For plays, you may want to note any speeches that seem particularly important, such as Hamlet's “To be or not to be” speech or the “attention must be paid” speech from Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman. Outline any problems the characters face. This can often be even more helpful than chapter summaries. What challenges and conflicts do the main characters face? What are their goals? For example, Shakespeare's Hamlet has several problems he needs to solve: 1) Is the ghost of his father urging him to seek revenge trustworthy? 2) How can he take revenge on his uncle in a court full of people who are watching his every move? 3) How can he overcome his natural tendency to overthink things to work up the courage to take the revenge he wants? Determine whether these problems are solved. Sometimes, problems are solved fairly neatly at the end of a story: the Death Star is destroyed in Star Wars, the One Ring is destroyed and Aragorn restored as King in Lord of the Rings. Sometimes, problems are solved but not in ideal ways: for example, Hamlet does achieve his revenge and fulfill the ghost's request, but he also kills several innocent people along the way and ends up dead himself. Understanding whether characters achieved their goals, or why they didn't, will be useful in discussing the works in your exam. Remember some important statements made. While you don't necessarily need to memorize important statements or speeches, remembering what they're generally about can be very helpful when you go to make an argument about a text. For example, if you're studying Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice , remembering that Mr. Darcy admits to meddling in Elizabeth's family affairs will be useful in explaining why they are so angry with each other early in the book (i.e., he is too proud to admit that meddling really was wrong, and she is too prejudiced to admit he might have had motivations that made sense). Make more detailed notes, including main themes in the text and how each character is important in the text. Don't skimp on detail here! Noting that “the tone of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein is very sinister” won't be much use in the exam if you don't have a way to describe what's making it feel sinister. Write down particularly vivid moments from the text. Not only can these help you remember what happened in a chapter, they will give you evidence to use when you make claims about the text in your exam. For example, consider this quotation from Chapter 41 of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick, when Ahab has finally caught up with the White Whale: “He [Ahab] piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart's shell upon it.” This is far more evocative than simply saying “Ahab attacked the whale.” This passage emphasizes that Ahab is after the whale not just for taking his leg, but because he's come to embody every single horrible thing that has happened to humans since time began in this whale, and he is willing to destroy himself -- it's as if his chest is a cannon, remember, with a cannonball exploding from it -- to take the whale down. Write down any symbols in the text and where they appear. Symbolism is a favorite tool of authors. If some element, such as a color or specific item, shows up more than once or twice, it's likely to be a symbol that represents something important. For example, in Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel The Scarlet Letter, the “A” that Hester Prynne must wear in punishment of her adultery is an obvious symbol, but her daughter Pearl also serves as a symbol. Like the “A,” Pearl is a reminder of her adultery, a “token of her shame.” Hester often dresses Pearl in beautiful gold and red dresses, physically linking her to the letter and to Hester's crime. Look up contemporary connections. It is often very helpful to be able to reference in your exam or essay some important cultural or social issues that were relevant at the time a text was first written. Use any course material you have, along with introductions to critical editions of the text and reliable resources such as those found through a library database to do a bit of research. Do not rely on websites such as wikipedia or your own knowledge of a period, as both of these may be incomplete or inaccurate. For example, if you are studying Charlotte Perkins Gilman's short story "The Yellow Wallpaper," it's important to be able to speak about the condition of women in the late 19th century. Gilman was a very important feminist writer who wrote against the traditional social structure of her time, which insisted that a woman's only place was as a wife and mother. Importantly, her arguments usually insisted that this structure harmed men as well as women -- something that is very useful to bring up in a discussion of her fiction, and something you might not know if you were only acting on “common knowledge” of the era. Note what type of poem you’re dealing with. Sometimes, knowing the type of poem you're studying, such as whether it's a sonnet or sestina or haiku, can be very important to being able to discuss its meaning. You can often determine what type of poetry you're dealing with by examining the rhyme scheme (the pattern of rhymes at the end of each line) and the meter (the number of poetic “feet” each line has). For example, Edna St. Vincent Millay tackles how difficult it is to write poetry in her poem “I Will Put Chaos into Fourteen Lines.” Knowing that this poem is a sonnet about writing sonnets helps explain part of what the poem's goal is: putting a little modern “chaos” into a very old and established poetic form. Recognizing that Millay uses a classic Petrarchan rhyme scheme and that many of the lines are in iambic pentameter (meaning they sound like “ta-TUM ta-TUM ta-TUM ta-TUM ta-TUM”) will help you identify the poem as a sonnet. Many modern poets write in free verse, but this doesn't mean they aren't also paying close attention to the form of their poetry. Look for elements such as alliteration, assonance, repetition, enjambment (the breaking of poetic lines), and rhythm in free verse poetry just as you would in more formally structured poetry. Identify the speaker and the audience of the poem, when possible. This is particularly important for poems such as dramatic monologues, where the speaker is definitely ''not'' supposed to be the poet. Felicia Hemans, Robert Browning, and Alfred, Lord Tennyson all wrote dramatic monologues from the points of view of characters very different than themselves. Identifying the speaker can be trickier in lyric poetry, such as the type written by poets like Wordsworth or John Keats, because these poems are often written in first-person but don't make a clear distinction between the speaker and the poet. Nevertheless, even in poems that are written using first-person pronouns like “I”, always refer to the speaker as the speaker, not the poet. Write down any symbols in the poem and where they appear. Just as with prose writing, symbolism shows up all the time in poetry. Be on the lookout for repeated elements, especially things like colors or natural imagery. For example, in William Wordsworth's poem “Tintern Abbey,” the eye is an important symbol that represents many things, including the poet's imagination. Wordsworth will often play on the similarity of sound between I and eye , further relating the two concepts. Symbolism is all over the place in the Anglo-Saxon epic poem Beowulf. One key symbol is the hall of Heorot, King Hrothgar's great golden mead-hall. Heorot symbolizes community, bravery, warmth, safety, wealth, and civilization, so when Grendel invades Heorot and murders warriors in their sleep there, he's violating everything about the Scyldings' lives. Remember that you don’t have to memorize poems you’re studying. Just make sure you know the basics such as structure of the poem, themes, and overarching idea or story. It can sometimes be helpful to memorize a key line or two from a poem so that you can use it as evidence. For example, if you're studying Walt Whitman's huge poem Leaves of Grass, you might want to memorize the short phrase “dismiss whatever insults your own soul; and your very flesh shall be a great poem.” This short quotation encapsulates much of the meaning from the larger text, and being able to drop it into an exam will help you support your claims. Look up context for your poems. Context is just as important for poetry as it is for fiction or drama. Knowing what types of issues the poet may have been addressing can help you understand the goal of the poetry. Contextual information can also be useful in keeping you from making incorrect statements about poems. For example, it's important to know that Shakespeare's sonnets are not all written to female lovers, even though that was the standard for sonnets of the era. In fact, most of them are written to a “fair youth,” a wealthy young man to whom the poet has some sort of deep, possibly romantic, attraction. Re-read passages you don’t understand. Particularly in poetry, authors may use language unconventionally in order to make a more powerful impact on the reader. This can be confusing at first, but re-reading the passage slowly and carefully will reward your attention. Look for footnotes and other aids. Often in books edited for a student audience, the editors will include explanatory footnotes, word definitions, and other aids that can help you grasp what's going on. Don't ignore these! They can really help clear up confusing passages. Avoid skimming material. Especially if you're reading poetry or plays, reading everything is very important. Skipping things such as stage directions in a Shakespeare play can mean you miss out on crucial information. Language in poems is precisely chosen and structured to have a particular effect, so missing even a word or two could damage your understanding of the whole text. Read passages aloud. This technique works especially well with poetry and plays, but it can also work for long, dense passages of prose in a novel, especially if it's something like a Charles Dickens novel where sentences can run to a full paragraph. Reading the language aloud will help point out elements such as rhythm, alliteration, and repetition, which are all things that your exam may ask you to speak about. Make flash cards. If you're having trouble remembering things, make yourself some flash cards. Sometimes, the transfer of material from one medium to another (e.g., from written notes to flash cards) will help you learn it more effectively. Flash cards are especially helpful for memorizing things such as literary terms and character names. They may be less helpful for remembering more complex information. | Start early. Examine what you already know. Consider whether there are literary terms you’re unfamiliar with. Look at sample questions, if you can. Re-read your text. Look for figurative language. Consider the structure of your text. Think about character archetypes. Think about situational archetypes. Consider how action develops from conflict. Summarize each chapter or act in bullet points after you read through the text for the second time. Make out character profiles for each main character. Outline any problems the characters face. Determine whether these problems are solved. Remember some important statements made. Make more detailed notes, including main themes in the text and how each character is important in the text. Write down any symbols in the text and where they appear. Look up contemporary connections. Note what type of poem you’re dealing with. Identify the speaker and the audience of the poem, when possible. Write down any symbols in the poem and where they appear. Remember that you don’t have to memorize poems you’re studying. Look up context for your poems. Re-read passages you don’t understand. Avoid skimming material. Read passages aloud. Make flash cards. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-a-Song-You-Know-Nothing-About | How to Find a Song You Know Nothing About | To find a song you don't know the name of, try entering any lyrics you can remember into a search engine with quotes around them, which will pull up better results. You can also try searching for the context you heard the song in, like "song playing during the credits of the new Superman movie." Also, try including any information you know about the artist, like whether they're male or female or if there's anything distinct about their voice, in your search. | Use Shazam or MusicID. These are popular apps that analyze sounds and identify songs from their database of recordings. If you've got Shazam on your phone and hear a song you can't identify and don't know anything about, activate the app and hold it toward the audio source and wait for a result. You can also use MusicID or Google Assistant to identify songs that are playing in your environment. Shazam can be used on iPhone, Blackberry, Android, and most other mobile devices. It can also be used on iPads and iPod touches. MusicID costs a few dollars to put on your iPhone and can also be used on other devices. Google Assistant is available on a wide variety of smart devices. Shazam was bought by Apple Music in 2018, but don't worry—it's still available for Android devices. In fact, the Android version even has features that iOS doesn't, like a pop-up window that you can use to identify songs playing in another app on your phone. These apps typically don't work as well with live performances. If you're watching a band doing a cover, but you can't quite place it, you'll probably need to use another method to identify the song. Record the song with your phone and upload it to AudioTag. Even if you can only record a brief clip of the song you like and want to identify, you can upload it to AudioTag to identify the song from its own database when you're back at your computer. At the very least, you've got a recording of the song that you can use to play for friends or music aficionados and see if they recognize the tune. Hum it into a song ID app like SoundHound. On your phone, you can hum the melody into SoundHound, which is available for free. The app will analyze the melody you sing and give you a list of possible options. On your computer, Midomi serves the same function. Both of these apps are typically a lot more effective for contemporary songs. Trying to find the name of the song your grandfather used to sing while he worked tends to be more difficult on these apps, and may require other methods. WatZatSong is a crowd-sourced option that works basically the same way. On this website, you can upload your clip (or yourself trying to sing and describe the song) and other people will get back to you with options. Play the song on a virtual keyboard. If you've got an ear for the melody and an elementary knowledge of the keyboard, you can enter the melody into Musipedia or MelodyCatcher to search for the melody. These sites tend to work better for classical, wordless music and other types of non-pop music, because they have a slightly different sort of database of material to analyze. Google any lyrics you remember in quotes. Type any lyrics you remember into Google or another search engine, making sure to add quotation marks around the lyrics. This limits the search to those words in that order, so even if all you can remember is "she said you would be mine," it'll be easier to find if you group them in quotes. Search for the context of the song to help narrow it down. If you're looking for a song you heard during the credits of a TV show, do a quick search for "Song playing at the end of Sopranos Episode Six, Season Five" or "Song in Mazda commercial." If you heard the song on a TV show or movie, try searching for the soundtrack on iTunes. If you find it, play free samples of each song on the album by hovering your mouse over the track number and pressing the blue play button that appears. You can also try searching on YouTube when you've narrowed your search down some. Search the artist by describing them. Describe whether its sung by a male, female, or group, and any other kinds of descriptions of the song you might remember. Ask yourself if the song sounds familiar. Is the voice distinct? Could it be somebody you already listen to or like? If you think it sounds a lot like a singer or group you have heard, check that band's website or their fan sites to see if they have any new releases and listen to them Listen for the radio DJ. If you're hearing the song on the radio, try to stick around for a moment and listen. The DJ may go over the songs they just played. Call the station or visit the station's website to see if they post a playlist of the songs played that day. | Use Shazam or MusicID. Record the song with your phone and upload it to AudioTag. Hum it into a song ID app like SoundHound. Play the song on a virtual keyboard. Google any lyrics you remember in quotes. Search for the context of the song to help narrow it down. Search the artist by describing them. Listen for the radio DJ. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Back-a-Trailer | How to Back a Trailer | To back up a trailer, place one hand on the steering wheel and turn your body and head to look behind you. Next, turn the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left so you can back the trailer to the driver's side. Pull past the parking space, turn right, and then turn left sharply so that you're positioned at an angle. Finally, shift into reverse and back slowly into the space, adjusting the wheel as needed to keep the trailer traveling in the right direction. | Devise a strategy. Recognize that backing up a trailer requires preemptive motion of the towing vehicle to move the trailer in the correct direction. A pre-planned route is required, keeping in mind the direction of the trailer, the direction of the towing vehicle, any object in the immediate vicinity of the driving path, and the relative motion between all involved objects. Practice in an empty space such as a parking lot. Buy some small orange cones to help spot you. Try learning with a long trailer, and then attempt a small trailer. Whenever you are learning be sure to take it slow. Short trailers are more maneuverable and responsive, thus more difficult to reverse. Longer trailers are more forgiving of mistakes, but will take more work to get around a corner. Get a spotter. A spotter may be helpful as another pair of eyes behind the trailer will be able to see things you (as the driver) cannot. You can even invest in a set of short-range 2-way radios. This will make communications a lot easier than yelling and/or trying to watch a spotter. The spotter needs to remember to look up! It's easy to become so preoccupied with obstacles on the ground that you forget to check overhead for tree limbs and wires. Always watch for leaning trees you may miss the base of the trunk just fine, but if that tree is leaning toward your trailer, it will take a bite out of your rig high up on the roofline! Adjust your mirrors. It's going to be very important that you can see behind you, since you're going backwards with a big rig attached to your truck. Make sure that the mirrors are adjusted so that you can clearly see the rear of the trailer. Try to set yourself up so that you’re backing up towards the driver's side of your vehicle. You will be able to see the rig and the site much better in your driver's side mirrors and can also glance back over your shoulder and see the rear of the rig. If you need to drive a loop around the campground to be able to approach the spot on your left side, then do so! Place one hand on the steering wheel and turn your body and head to look behind you and at your trailer. Put place your right hand on the bottom of the steering wheel (6 O-Clock position). That way when you're ready to move you'll simply move your hand in the direction that you want the rear of the trailer to go! Try it! If you use this hand position, it will all but eliminate turning the wheels the wrong way while backing up. Turn the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left (as you are looking toward the front of the vehicle). Another way to look at it is, the bottom of the steering wheel directs the trailer. Facing backwards tends to help the backwards feel of steering the trailer. If you need to turn the trailer around a corner, steer the trailer toward the corner. Then you must steer slightly in the opposite direction to maintain the turning angle. Back the trailer to the driver's side (e.g. to the left in a left-hand drive car) not the passenger side, which is harder to see. The most common backup is a right angle. Pull past as you approach the space and turn right to the middle of the road. This is assuming that you are attempting a left-hand drive. Now turn the vehicle sharply left, so that you are positioned at an angle. You should be at less that 180 degrees on the left hand side as if you have been driving forwards around a left hand bend. Place your hands at the bottom of the wheel. As you reverse adjust the steering wheel to keep the trailer traveling in the right direction. Remember to go slow. Don't be afraid to step out of the vehicle and check out the progress you've made. There's not use trying to do it in one try to keep your pride if you end up wrecking your trailer. It is important not to get the truck and trailer jackknifed, so do not let the turn go too far. Ideally, you can back into the space in one smooth motion. You almost always will have to stop, pull forward to achieve a more straight reverse. Back up and pull forward as often as necessary until your trailer is in place. Sometimes the hardest part of the process is having many people watch you. Try not to stress out if there are a lot of people checking out your progress. They aren't invested in the outcome, and you are. Keep your focus. | Devise a strategy. Practice in an empty space such as a parking lot. Get a spotter. Adjust your mirrors. Try to set yourself up so that you’re backing up towards the driver's side of your vehicle. Place one hand on the steering wheel and turn your body and head to look behind you and at your trailer. Turn the wheel to the right to make the trailer go left (as you are looking toward the front of the vehicle). Back the trailer to the driver's side (e.g. Pull past as you approach the space and turn right to the middle of the road. Place your hands at the bottom of the wheel. Back up and pull forward as often as necessary until your trailer is in place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Persuade-Your-Parents-to-Get-a-Dog | How to Persuade Your Parents to Get a Dog | To persuade your parents to get a dog, offer to do more chores around the house to show them you're responsible. Also, pick up some odd jobs in your neighborhood so you can help pay for the dog's food and vet bills. Additionally, if you know anyone who has a dog and needs a pet sitter, ask you parents to let the dog stay with you as a trial run. | Talk about a dog as a “family” pet. Talk to your parents about how having a dog will make you spend more time around the house. Therefore, you will have more time with your dog. Tell them that having a dog can be fun for the whole family—you can go for walks in the park together, or have a family barbecue in the backyard while throwing a Frisbee to the dog. Ask them to picture how nice it will be to have a family dinner with the dog by your side, or to have a family movie night with the dog sitting at your feet. Say that having a dog will make you spend more time outside. Are your parents tired of all the time you spend alone in your dark room, staring at your computer or playing video games? Are they always telling you to go outside and enjoy the sunshine? If so, tell them that having a dog will make you spend more time in the park, in the sunlight, and more time getting physical exercise instead of texting your friends or eating junk food. Tell them that having a dog will help you to unplug and have a simpler adolescence or childhood outside with your furry pal. Show them that having a dog can improve your mental health. Having a dog is therapeutic and people who own dogs have been known to live longer and to be happier. A dog knows when you're upset and can comfort you in times of stress. Dogs are intuitive creatures that know exactly how to cheer up their owners. If your parents spend a lot of time at work, then tell them that having a dog in the house will not only be soothing for everyone but that a dog can keep you company while they're away. Tell them that having a dog can make a home feel more secure. Dogs are protectors of their pack, and will take any means necessary to ensure the safety of those they regard as their family. You will feel more secure with a dog around in your house. With some careful training, your dog can learn who is and who isn't welcome in your home. Homes that have dogs visible inside are much less likely to be robbed. Show your parents that a dog, once trained, will not only be your lifelong companion, but will also be your protector. If you're old enough for your parents to go on vacation without you, tell them how much more secure you'd feel if there was a dog by your side. Explain how having a dog will teach you responsibility. Though you should show your parents that you're capable of having a dog by being responsible, you can also tell them that having a dog will make you an even more responsible and careful person. Here's why: Having a dog will teach you to follow a routine. You'll have to feed, walk, and play with the dog at certain times. Having a dog will make you go to bed earlier and wake up earlier so you can walk it. No more staying up until three in the morning staring at your computer or TV screen. Tell them that having a dog will teach you the value of being responsible for another being. Talk about the type of dog you want. Do a bit of research to figure out what kind of dog you want and why. Whether you want a small breed dog, like a miniature schnauzer, or a large dog, like a Labrador, explain your reasons for wanting a particular breed of dog. This will show your parents that you have put time and effort into thinking about getting a dog. When you talk with your parents about the type of dog you want, you may also want to: Tell them about the strong suits and features of a particular breed of dog. Is it known for being easy to train, fiercely loyal, or just really cute? Explain what works best for training this breed of dog. Show them that you already know what to do to house train and teach the dog basic commands like "sit" and "stay." Show them a picture of the dog or dog breed. Showing a picture of the dog to your parents may help to make them much more sympathetic. Who can resist a picture of a cute dog? Make sure that you are ready for dog ownership. It's very easy to fall in love with the idea of dog ownership, especially after watching a great dog movie, but the reality requires a great deal of work. Even though you may like the idea of getting a dog, are you really ready for the time, expense, and effort? Will you be willing to give up some of your social time to spend time with your dog? Figure out a way to help with the cost. Dogs can be expensive because of the cost of food, grooming, veterinary care, and toys. Think about how you can help out with this household expense. Then, offer to pay for all, or some, of the dog's expenses. You will need to stick to this promise, so make sure that your money making ideas are realistic. You can offer to do odd jobs around the neighborhood, deliver newspapers, or use your savings or birthday money to help with the cost of buying the dog. Pull your weight with household chores. If you want your parents to see that you'd be a great dog owner, then you have to be able to do the basics: make your bed, keep your room clean, wash the dishes, and do anything that is required of you. Then, take it to the next level and pick up more household chores, help cook dinner, mow the lawn, do laundry, and maybe even make your parents coffee when it looks like they need caffeine or do whatever you can to go above and beyond what is required of you. Keep your grades up. If you want your parents to see that you can handle the added responsibility of a dog, then you should make sure to keep your grades up as you continue to ask to add a new member to your family. If you can, try to do even better in school to show them that you're committed to working hard and doing whatever it takes to get the dog. If you decide to make a verbal promise to your parents, be as specific as you can. You might say, “I will keep my grades in math at an A.” Or, “I will score an A on all of my science tests.” Show them that you can take care of something. Have your parents give you something to take care of for a set amount of time. It can be an egg (don't let it break!), a sack of flour, a plant, or even a hamster. Doing well on this test run may show your parents that you're responsible and serious about wanting a dog. Though this may seem silly, you should treat the situation with the utmost seriousness. Do a test run. If you have a friend or family member who needs someone to take care of his or her dog for a little while, volunteer to help them. Taking good care of the dog for a few days will show your parents that you're ready to take on a pet, and it will make them see how happy you are to be hanging out with a furry creature. Give them time to think about it. Remember, don't ask them over and over every day, or they will shut you out. If they say no, keep showing maturity and understanding, keep being helpful in the house, and occasionally mention the dog, to get them used to the idea. Being patient will also show them that you're so committed that you're willing to wait. Show them that you will walk the dog. They may be worried that you will get the dog, get bored, and force them to take care of the little creature instead. Tell them that you've already selected the best walking times for the dog and are determined to walk the dog every day; if you have a sibling, show that you've split up the walking duties. To prove your point, you can even go for walks on your own during the appointed doggie-walking times. Assure them that the dog won't destroy their home. Your parents may be worried that the dog will chew up all of their furniture and cords, bring dirt into the house, and shed all over the place. It's your job to show them that none of this will happen. When you talk with your parents about their concerns, make sure to: Tell them that you'll get the dog plenty of chew toys to make sure the dog doesn't chew the furniture. As for any loose cords or wires, tell them that you'll tape or cover them up, which will make your house look more orderly anyway. Explain how you'll prevent the dog from tracking dirt into the house. You can explain that you'll clean the dog's paws in the garage or the back porch before the dog sets foot into the house again. Discuss how you will prevent the dog from shedding too much. Dogs shed, but you can explain to your parents that you'll make a cleaning schedule to clean up the fur. Let them know that you plan to give the dog a weekly bath, or bathe it however often is necessary for the breed. Create a food and water chart. Your new dog will need to eat at least once, but usually twice, per day. Do some research to determine whether or not you'll go with wet, dry, or combination dog food. Find a food that is nutritious, but also fits your budget. Then, craft a chart showing when the dog will eat and how much. You can also estimate food cost over time. Think about house training. If you plan to adopt an older dog, they may already be house-trained. However, you will likely need to work with a puppy or younger dog on their bathroom skills. Be prepared to talk with your parents about how you will not only pick up the poop, but will also clean up and place pee pads in the home. Provide a list of recommended veterinarians. Show them that you'll be able to give the dog medical care. Do your research in advance and find the best vet in your area. Ask your friends with dogs which vets they recommend, or do research on your own. Try to find a vet that is close to home so you can walk to his office if you don't drive, and show your parents that you've already done your research and can take care of it. Make a plan for vacations and other extended outings. Show them that you have a game plan for watching the dog if your family goes on vacation. Your mom might ask, "What will we do when we go away to the beach for a week?" Don't get caught off guard and do your research in advance. Find a doggie daycare nearby that can take your dog in, or find a close friend or neighbor who is willing to take care of the dog. Be willing to wait to adopt. Show them that you won't get bored with the dog. Your parents may worry that once you get the dog, you'll stop taking care of it after a few weeks. To ease their concerns on this front, tell them that you're willing to wait a few months and to keep discussing the dog to show that this isn't just a passing phase; you're really committed to getting a dog and are willing to wait to show them how dedicated you really are. | Talk about a dog as a “family” pet. Say that having a dog will make you spend more time outside. Show them that having a dog can improve your mental health. Tell them that having a dog can make a home feel more secure. Explain how having a dog will teach you responsibility. Talk about the type of dog you want. Make sure that you are ready for dog ownership. Figure out a way to help with the cost. Pull your weight with household chores. Keep your grades up. Show them that you can take care of something. Do a test run. Give them time to think about it. Show them that you will walk the dog. Assure them that the dog won't destroy their home. Create a food and water chart. Think about house training. Provide a list of recommended veterinarians. Make a plan for vacations and other extended outings. Be willing to wait to adopt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-German-Blue-Ram-Cichlids | How to Keep German Blue Ram Cichlids | To keep German blue ram cichlids, keep them in a tank that holds at least 10 gallons of water, and install a heater in the tank since German blue ram cichlids prefer water that's between 82 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also line the bottom of the tank with sand or gravel and add plenty of plants, rocks, and caves for your fish to hide in. To feed your cichlids, give them as many flakes or pellets as they can eat in 2 minutes twice a day. | Know your fish. If you are unfamiliar with the details of the breed, do some research online by typing “German Blue Ram Cichlids” into a search engine. You will see a number of aquarium center websites and hobbyist blogs describing the detailed characteristics of Rams. They are an Amazonian fish, so many of the sites might describe how to create an “Amazon” freshwater tank. Blue Rams grow to an adult size of 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) and have a life expectancy of between 2-3 years. This means that you should consider these fish as an extended commitment of care. The males of the species can be identified by their more pronounced dorsal fine. The females have additional coloring on the 'false eye' mid-body. Females will have a pink stomach, and this is almost always noticable. Females are usually also slightly smaller. Purchase your cichlids. Make sure to buy or 'adopt' your Blue Rams from a reputable online or brick-and-mortar fish dealer. Choose a store that you have worked with before or that you've researched online. If you have friend who also has a tank, ask for their advice regarding good places to purchase. Some fish dealers breed Blue Rams en masse for sale purposes. These fish are heavily treated with hormones, making them less suitable for breeding and lowering their life span. Be wary of 'cheap' Blue Rams. Buy from private breeders. Complete a tank "cycle. " Before you put your Blue Rams in your tank, you must prepare the water. Blue Rams are especially picky about water parameters. The nitrogen cycle is extremely important, and doesn't happen overnight. Your tank needs to build up enough nitrifying bacteria to break down fish waste. The article on How to Cycle a Fish Tank can help. Acclimate your cichlids to your tank. Place your Blue Rams in their plastic bag directly in the water at the top of your aquarium. Let them sit in the bag for 15-30 minutes. When this time is up, open the top of the bag just a bit. Let a little tank water into the bag. Repeat this process every 3-5 minutes for another half-hour. Then, open the bag fully, net your cichlids and place them in the tank. Watch them closely. For the first twenty-four hours especially, keep a close eye on your new additions. Observe how they interact with the other fish. Try to see if they experience any difficulties navigating amongst the plant life. Monitor their physical behaviors and appearance. If one of your cichlids appears listless or sickly, remove it quickly as it may spread infection to the rest of the tank. Select the proper tank size. A pair of Blue Rams will do best in a tank that is at least 10 gallons. If you add other fish or other cichlid pairs, then you'll need to go up to at least 20 gallons. Disregard everything you've heard about the one gallon of water per inch of fish rule, it's simply outdated and extremely flawed. Remember that German Blue Ram Cichlids can grow to be 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) at maturity. Overcrowding is not a problem to be taken lightly. It can stress your fish out, making them more prone to illness. It can also lead to increased aggressiveness and even starvation. Install the proper heater, hood, and light. Rams are accustomed to the tropical waters of Venezuela and Colombia, right near the equator. The areas they occupy are shallow with minimal cover, and they require consistent water temperatures of at least 80 degrees, with 82-86 being optimal. A heater can be used to regulate your tanks temperature. An aquarium light improves tank visibility. Many people choose to purchase an aquarium hood that includes a built-in light and heater. Whatever lighting setup you choose, German Blue Ram Cichlids do best with light during the daytime. 6-8 hours of light a day is plenty; any more than that and you may run into algae problems. Add substrate. This is the base material that covers the floor of your tank. Blue Rams prefer sand or gravel, as they mirror a Ram's natural habitat. Make sure to rinse your substrate out before adding, otherwise it will make your tank appear murky. Add at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) of sand or gravel at the bottom of the tank and spread it out evenly. Provide ample and appropriate tank decorations. Blue Rams do best in a complex habitat with a number of good hiding spaces. Be sure to include plants, rocks, caves, and driftwood in your tank. These items will make water changes more of a hassle, but will improve the health of your cichlids in the long term. Place larger plants on the outer perimeter of the tank. Make sure to leave swimming space in between and an open area in the middle of the tank. The Dwarf Amazon Sword and Brazilian Water Ivy are two plants that Blue Rams enjoy. A good selection of driftwood pieces can help regulate the pH level, provide great hiding spaces, and serve as a plant anchor. Make sure to buy your driftwood from a pet store, as this will ensure that is safe for aquarium use. You may notice some water yellowing after adding driftwood, this is perfectly normal and can be remedied via regular water changes. Find suitable tank mates. Look for species that are categorized as non-aggressive. Tetras, Corys, and even some other types of Cichlids can coexist peacefully with Blue Rams. You will want to closely observe the interactions between various fish species to make sure that all parties are doing okay. Pay special attention to meal times as Blue Rams are leisurely eaters. Other aggressive eaters may consume all of the food, leaving only scraps for the Rams. This can cause starvation if not monitored and corrected. Male Blue Rams can become aggressive with one another if you don't carefully control population numbers. Try to keep a ratio of one male for every three females. And, remember to up the tank size if you increase the number of fish. Feed them the right foods on the correct schedule. German Blue Ram Cichlids are omnivores, meaning that they eat both meats and vegetables. Feed them twice a day, as much food as they can eat in two minutes. Flakes and pellets work well, as do frozen options such as brine shrimp. Supplement their diet with fresh veggies, such as small pieces of spinach or romaine lettuce. These can be dropped directly in the tank and the leftovers removed with a net, if needed. Be aware that some Blue Rams will not eat well after being transferred to a new environment. Try to encourage eating by offering delicacies such as mosquito larvae. Make your tank suitable for breeding. If you want your Blue Rams to breed, it is best to start with a group of 6-8 juveniles of both sexes. Keep a close eye on the water conditions and provide lots of rocky terrain and let nature take its course. Be aware that your newly mated couples might lose a batch or two. This is nothing to worry about and they will eventually figure out how to successfully breed. They may also eat some the eggs from these initial batches. After you spot the eggs, you can either leave them in their current tank or remove them to a 10-gallon aquarium. If you remove them, make sure to wait 24-hours to ensure fertilization. Test the water regularly. Blue Rams are notoriously picky about water quality. Readings that would be acceptable for most freshwater fish can cause a Blue Ram to become ill. A water testing kit will contain everything that you need to monitor the water parameters. Blue Rams require a pH of between 5.5-7.5. Do not chase your PH; the general and carbonate hardness of your water is much more important. Rams do best with a general and carbonate hardness of 100 ppm or lower. If your hardness is correct, your PH will follow. Artificially changing PH is not the way to solve this. If your water is hard, you should mix your tap water with reverse osmosis water, or consider keeping different fish. Keep an eye on the readings of Ammonia, Nitrites, and Nitrates. Ammonia and Nitrites should be 0 at all times, while Nitrates should be kept under 20 ppm. Otherwise, a Blue Ram can essentially be poisoned by its own feces. Commit to frequent water changes. To keep your tank up to Blue Ram standards, you need to do a 25% water change on a bi-daily or twice-weekly basis. Use this as an opportunity to clean your tank surfaces as well. You can suction out the debris from the rocks, etc. Respond to any concerns immediately. Blue Rams are generally quite healthy, but they can succumb to certain diseases and parasites. Ich is a parasite that can prey on Blue Rams. You will notice your fish acting listless if it is affected. Respond quickly with a tailored chemical treatment. Poorly bred Rams are notorious for suddenly getting emaciated and dying. If this happens with no other fish affected and ample water conditions, consider a different source of Rams. | Know your fish. Purchase your cichlids. Complete a tank "cycle. Acclimate your cichlids to your tank. Watch them closely. Select the proper tank size. Install the proper heater, hood, and light. Add substrate. Provide ample and appropriate tank decorations. Find suitable tank mates. Feed them the right foods on the correct schedule. Make your tank suitable for breeding. Test the water regularly. Commit to frequent water changes. Respond to any concerns immediately. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Lion | How to Draw a Lion | To draw a cartoon lion, start by sketching a circle for the head and 2 small circles for the eyes. Next, draw 2 circles for the ears, a triangle for the nose, and rounded curves around the head for the lion's mane. Then, sketch an oblong that connects to the head to make the body, and draw 4 elongated ovals for the limbs. Finish off the limbs by adding small circles for the feet, then refine the drawing with details for the face, ears, and tail. Afterwards, erase any unnecessary lines and color your lion as desired. | Sketch 2 circles to make the guiding shapes for the lion's body. Draw a large circle where you'd like the lion's chest to be. Leave a gap that's as wide as 1/2 of the big circle and sketch another circle to the left. This will be the rear of the lion so make it about 3/4 the size of the large circle. Sketch your guiding circles lightly so you can go back and erase lines as needed. Draw an egg-shape with guidelines above the large circle to make the head. Position the wider end of the egg-shape above the big circle and leave a space that's as big as you want the lion's neck to be. Then, make facial guidelines. Lightly draw a horizontal and vertical line that cross through the head. Then, draw a small curve in the top quadrant, which will be the ear. The top quadrant is the highest quarter in the wider end of the head. Taper the egg shape down to become the lion's muzzle. If you feel comfortable drawing the facial features, you don't need to draw the guidelines. Draw 3 angled lines that extend from the circles to make guidelines for the legs. Make 2 parallel lines that come down from the smaller circle. Sketch them going to the left and then down to the right. For the front leg, draw a line that curves slightly to the right. There's no need to draw 4 lines because 1 of the lion's legs will be hidden by the leg that's next to it. Connect the 3 circles and make the outline of the tail on the small circle. To make your outline look more like a lion, draw a line that connects the top of the circles with the head. To make the outline realistic, make the line dip down towards the chest. Then, draw a line across the bottom of the circles that curves up to the right. Connect this line to the tapered end of the head. To make the tail, draw a line coming out of the small circle that curves in an "S" shape. You now have a basic outline for the lion. Draw a detailed eye and triangular nose in the bottom right quadrant of the head. To make the eye, draw a small slightly curved triangle halfway above the horizontal line. Place a dot in the middle to make the pupil. For the nose, draw an upside-down triangle at the tapered end of the head. You can make the eye and nose as detailed or simplistic as you like. Create the lion's muzzle and whiskers. Draw a line from the bottom of the nose and curve it down towards the bottom left quadrant of the head. Then, make a handful of dots right below the nose and draw 4 or 5 light whiskers extending away from the nose. Define the head and ear shapes. Go back and use short, quick strokes to make the ear look fuzzy. Then, lightly sketch along the top of the head with loose strokes to make it narrow between the eye and the nose. It may help to look at a reference photo when you're adding details to your drawing. Add a mane if you're drawing a male lion. Since the large mane surrounds the head and covers the back, make lots of small feathery strokes that look like hairs going from the top of the head down to the end of the large circle. Draw the mane so it frames the lion's face and covers the lion's chest. Sketch a rough line to connect the mane from the top of the back to the front of the chest. To draw a female lion, skip this step. Think about how the hair falls around the lion's face and make the hair near the top of the head point up more before it curves down to the side. Make the hairs near the bottom of the mane vertical since they're hanging. Draw the lion's legs and make them look furry. To make a leg, draw 2 parallel lines on the opposite sides of a leg guideline. Make the legs wider near the torso and narrow near the foot. Sketch 3 half-circles in a horizontal line at the base of the foot to create a paw. Then, go back and sketch short, quick lines that look like shaggy hairs coming off of the legs. Remember that 1 of the front legs won't be visible so you don't need to draw it. Define the shape of the lion's body and make the outline look furry. Go back and add short lines along the end of the tail to make it fuzzy. If you'd like your lion to look statuesque, make the bottom line that connects the circles indent up near the small circle and then push down towards the big circle. You can erase the guidelines and circles once you're done with this step or leave them if you want the lion to have a sketched look. Finished. Draw a circle for the lion's head and make 2 half-circles for ears. Sketch a circle that's as large as you want the lion's head to be. Then, draw a half-circle on the top of the circle off to 1 side. Make another half-circle on the opposite side. These will be the ears. Sketch a triangular nose in the middle of the face. Since you're making a cartoon, you can exaggerate the size of the lion's nose. Draw a horizontal line in the center of the circle and make it as long as you like. To make this into a triangular-shaped nose, draw a "V" coming down from the ends of the line. You can keep the triangle pointed or round the edges to make a smoother looking nose. Draw a curved mouth coming down from the nose. Place your pen or pencil at the bottom point of the nose and draw a curved line like a half-circle at the bottom of the straight line. Make the half-circle curve up in both directions. The upward curves will make your lion look like it's smiling. Make 3 long lines extend from the side of the face to create whiskers. To make your cartoon lion look whimsical, add 2 or 3 horizontal lines going away from each side of the face. You can make the whiskers as long as you like. If you're drawing a female lion, you might want to leave out the whiskers but make dots above the mouth. Draw 2 circular eyes in the top half of the lion's head. Decide how large you'd like the lion's eyes to be and make 2 circles halfway between the nose and top of the head. Leave a gap that's the size of 1 eye in between the eyes. Shade in most of the circles, but leave 2 tiny dots to represent the pupils. Make the eyes as expressive as you like. You could leave the circles very simple or sketch eyebrows and eyelashes, for instance. Add a bushy mane around the head if you're drawing a male lion. Create a scalloped edge around the lion's entire head. To make a large mane, leave a wide gap between the mane and the face. Skip this step if you're drawing a female lion. Draw the lion's legs if you want to show it sitting on its haunches. Sketch 2 lines from the bottom of the mane that curve down towards the center. Make 2 paws at the bottom and bring the lines back up to make the lion's legs. Then, make 2 taller legs that stick out from the sides of the lion so it looks like the lion is sitting on its haunches. Keep in mind that you won't see most of the lion's body in this position. To draw the paws, make 3 half-circles in a row. Make a tail that sticks out from 1 side of the lion. Draw a thin line coming from the lion's back leg and make it curve up. Sketch another parallel line to make the thin tail look 3-dimensional. Then, add a bushy circle at the end of the tail. If you prefer, draw the tail so it curves around and lies in front of the lion on the ground. Finished. | Sketch 2 circles to make the guiding shapes for the lion's body. Draw an egg-shape with guidelines above the large circle to make the head. Draw 3 angled lines that extend from the circles to make guidelines for the legs. Connect the 3 circles and make the outline of the tail on the small circle. Draw a detailed eye and triangular nose in the bottom right quadrant of the head. Create the lion's muzzle and whiskers. Define the head and ear shapes. Add a mane if you're drawing a male lion. Draw the lion's legs and make them look furry. Define the shape of the lion's body and make the outline look furry. Finished. Draw a circle for the lion's head and make 2 half-circles for ears. Sketch a triangular nose in the middle of the face. Draw a curved mouth coming down from the nose. Make 3 long lines extend from the side of the face to create whiskers. Draw 2 circular eyes in the top half of the lion's head. Add a bushy mane around the head if you're drawing a male lion. Draw the lion's legs if you want to show it sitting on its haunches. Make a tail that sticks out from 1 side of the lion. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Crab-Salad | How to Make Crab Salad | To make crab salad, start by heating butter in a pan, and frying chopped onions and bell peppers for 3 minutes. Next, add flaked crab meat and cook for 3 minutes. Then, in a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, and parsley. Once the crab meat and vegetables are ready, stir the mixture into the dressing until it's fully coated. Finally, season the salad with salt and pepper, and serve it warm or cold. | Use lump crab meat or imitation crab. Both real crab and imitation crab meat can be used for crab salad, but the two have slightly different textures and, as such, will produce slightly different results. Real crab is usually more expensive. You can buy it frozen, canned, or pasteurized, but when making crab salad, canned crab meat will work best. Imitation crab meat is actually made from various species of white fish. The fish is ground into a paste and enhanced with crab flavoring, then molded into the form of a crab leg. You'll usually buy imitation crab as “crab sticks.” Pick through lump crab meat before use. When using real crab meat, you'll need to sort through the contents of the can and pick out anything that isn't actually meat. Open the can and squeeze out any excess liquid using the back of a fork. Dump the crab meat into a bowl and use your fingers to pick over it. Remove any pieces of shell or cartilage hiding among the meat. Separate imitation crab sticks. If you decide to use imitation crab meat in the form of crab sticks, you'll need to separate the molded crab sticks into chunks or shreds. Thaw frozen crab sticks by submerging the package in cool, running water. Wait 10 to 15 minutes, flipping the package once halfway through. Remove the plastic package once the crab sticks finish defrosting. Cut each crab stick into three or four evenly sized pieces. You can use it like this, or you can pick apart each piece with your fingers to tear the meat into smaller shreds. Melt the butter. Place the butter in a medium skillet and set it on the stove over medium-high heat. As the butter melts, turn the skillet back and forth to evenly coat the bottom. Wait until the butter completely melts before continuing. Sauté the green pepper and onion. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the melted butter. Cook the vegetables, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on how large your pieces are. Only cook the vegetables until they become tender, and do not wait for the onion to turn translucent or brown. Add the crab meat. Flake the crab meat into the vegetable mixture. Stir to combine, then continue cooking for another 3 minutes. Stir the mixture frequently as it continues to cook. Cook the crab meat until it becomes warm throughout. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. Place the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and parsley in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until evenly combined. Fresh parsley is ideal, but if you don't have fresh parsley, use 2 tsp (10 ml) of dried parsley instead. Note that this amount of dressing will just barely coat the crab salad. If you prefer crab salad with heavier dressing, you may need to double the dressing ingredients. Combine the dressing and crab. Remove the crab mixture from the stove and spoon it into the bowl of dressing. Mix gently until the crab mixture and vegetables are evenly coated. If there's extra butter in the skillet after cooking the crab and vegetables, drain it before combining the mixture with the dressing. Keeping the butter could cause the salad to become runny. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle and mix in as much salt and black pepper as desired according to your own sense of taste. Start with small amounts, like 1/8 (0.6 ml) each, and increase the salt and pepper as needed until satisfied. Serve warm or cold. You can enjoy the crab salad immediately or store it in your refrigerator for later. The crab salad may need to chill for 30 to 60 minutes before it becomes cool. Store crab salad in a sealed plastic or glass container and keep it in your refrigerator for three to four days. Season the crab meat with lemon juice. Flake the crab meat and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle it with the lemon juice and toss gently with a fork. Add the lemon juice to taste. Start with 1 Tbsp (15 ml) and taste the results with a clean fork. Gradually increase the amount up to 3 Tbsp (45 ml), mixing and tasting with a clean fork each time. Combine with the dressing ingredients. Add the mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, and diced celery to the bowl of seasoned crab. Mix until evenly combined. The hot sauce is another ingredient that should be added and adjusted to taste. If you like your crab salad mildly spicy, 1 tsp (5 ml) should be enough. For a stronger kick, add up to 3 tsp (15 ml). Add the salt and pepper. Mix in salt and ground black pepper, adjusting the amount to fit your preferences. If you aren't sure about how much to add, start with 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) of each. Add more until you're satisfied with the taste. Chill before serving. Place the crab salad in your refrigerator and chill it for 30 to 60 minutes, or until cook. Serve and enjoy cold. When refrigerated in a sealed glass or plastic container, this crab salad should remain edible for about three to four days. Boil and peel the eggs. Hard boil the eggs, then allow them to cool to room temperature before removing the shells. Place the eggs in a small saucepan and cover with 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of cold water. Set the saucepan on your stove over medium-high heat. Bring the water to a boil, then immediately remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover it with its lid and let the eggs sit in the hot water for 15 minutes. Submerge the eggs in ice water for 2 to 5 minutes. Once cool, peel off the shells. Dice the eggs, crab, and onion. Use a sharp kitchen knife to dice the hard boiled eggs, crab meat, and onion. Dice the egg white and yolks together. If using actual crab meat instead of imitation crab, flake the crab into small chunks. Note that the onion should be diced into very fine pieces. Combine the crab, eggs, onion, and corn. Place all four ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Gently toss them together with a fork until evenly mixed. Make sure that the corn is fully drained before adding it to the mixture. If any of the canned juice remains, it could make the resulting crab salad too runny. Add the mayonnaise and horseradish sauce. Add these two ingredients to the crab-vegetable mixture, then stir until evenly coated. Consider mixing the mayonnaise and horseradish sauce in a separate bowl before adding it to the crab mixture. Doing so is not strictly necessary, but it may make it easier for you to distribute both ingredients evenly throughout the crab salad. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the crab salad with salt and pepper, then adjust these seasonings to taste. The 1/4 tsp (1.25 ml) salt and 1/8 tsp (0.6 ml) black pepper listed in the recipe are estimates. You can add more or less as desired, or even omit the salt and pepper completely. Fold in the peas. Add the peas to the rest of the ingredients and gently fold them into the salad. Adding the peas last can help prevent them from breaking apart as you mix the ingredients. As with the canned corn, make sure that you completely drain the can of peas before adding them to the crab salad. Chill before serving. Place the crab salad in your refrigerator for at least 60 minutes. Serve cold. Store extra crab salad in a sealed glass or plastic container. Refrigerate it for up to three or four days. Finished. | Use lump crab meat or imitation crab. Pick through lump crab meat before use. Separate imitation crab sticks. Melt the butter. Sauté the green pepper and onion. Add the crab meat. Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. Combine the dressing and crab. Season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or cold. Season the crab meat with lemon juice. Combine with the dressing ingredients. Add the salt and pepper. Chill before serving. Boil and peel the eggs. Dice the eggs, crab, and onion. Combine the crab, eggs, onion, and corn. Add the mayonnaise and horseradish sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Fold in the peas. Chill before serving. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-a-Grave-Site | How to Decorate a Grave Site | Decorating a loved one's grave site is a nice way to honor them and brighten their resting place. Fresh, seasonal flowers are a popular way to decorate graves. Many cemeteries allow potted plants, but try to use unbreakable pots, like metal or plastic, so they don't make a mess on the ground if they get damaged. You can also place small, solar-powered lights, painted statues, or stuffed animals around the grave. During Christmas, you can leave a small wreath to share the holiday spirit with your loved one. If in doubt about how you can decorate the grave, contact the cemetery or check their website to see if they have rules. | Pick the best floral option for the time of year. When fresh flowers are available, especially in the spring and summer, most cemeteries would prefer that you bring fresh flowers. However, if you want something else, consider a small flowering shrub, which will continue to bring beauty to the grave site for many years. If you want a flowering shrub or flowers, pick something small, native, and easy to maintain. Check with a local nursery to ask what would be best for your area. Also, ask about how often you need to prune the bush. For instance, in a very dry, hot area, you may want to consider a succulent or pretty blooming cactus. Some people use flowers such as chrysanthemums and geraniums because they don't take as much effort to maintain as other flowers. Think about the season. For instance, in fall, you may want to place several small pumpkins on the grave site. Near Christmas, you may want to add poinsettias or a small wreath made of evergreens. In other words, you may want to decorate the grave site periodically, updating it by what's available for the current season or upcoming holiday. Consider lighting. You can find a number of options for lighting that are solar powered. Many companies build lighting specifically for burial grounds, so consider one of those options first. However, you can also find inexpensive solar-powered lighting even at home improvement stores or garden stores. Go for permanence. Even if your cemetery allows any type of decorations, most prefer non-breakable options. For instance, pick metal containers over glass or stone and plastic over ceramic. Broken containers can be unsightly and a hazard. Consider art. You can use art to decorate your loved one's grave site. For instance, try small saint statues or painted stones. Just remember that anything you use should be weatherproof, including sun-proof; if art isn't made for outdoors, the colors will fade quickly. Think about the religion of the deceased. One way to honor the deceased person is to decorate the grave with items related to his or her religion. For instance, you could use crosses for a person who was Christian. Alternatively, some Jewish people use small stones to decorate their graves. Place small stuffed animals. If your loved one had a favorite animal, think about a small stuffed animal. Alternatively, you can use a small animal made out of stone for a more permanent option. Honor veterans with flags. If your loved one was a veteran, consider adding a small flag to the grave site. You could also use a small stone painted with a flag or the emblem of the branch the person was in. Think about what the person loved. Above all, give the person what he or she loved in life. From a favorite school to a favored sport's team, use the person's favorite things to guide your decorations. Just remember that you have to account for wind, weather, and sun; something like a football would blow away, so chose something else to represent it, such as a small weatherproof flag. Contact the cemetery. Most cemeteries these days have websites with the grave site decorating rules listed; if the one you're visiting does not, you'll need to call the office or city in charge of the cemetery. Every cemetery has different rules for decorating grave sites, and you need to know what rules apply before you decorate. Understand the space limits. What you place on the grave site will often be limited to just the grave site, meaning you can't encroach on any graves next to the one you're decorating. Even if you have space around the site, most cemeteries will limit what you place to your site. Ask about flags. Some cemeteries will not allow you to place flags on grave sites at any time. In turn, they may put out flags on certain holidays, such as Memorial Day. Pay attention to the rules about flowers and plants. Most cemeteries will allow fresh-cut flowers at any time. However, some limit the times that you can use silk flowers, such as not allowing them in the summer. Others will allow potted plants, but only if you maintain them. Anytime flowers become faded or die out, the cemetery will likely remove them. You may also be allowed to plant a small bush or flowers in the ground over the grave, but this practice varies from cemetery to cemetery. In general, you must maintain them yourself and make sure they stay within the grave site. If the plants die, they'll likely be removed. Similarly, other cemeteries will allow wreaths at certain times of year, such as winter wreaths only during winter months. Often, to place a wreath, you'll be required to use a tripod. Look for information about holiday decorations. Some cemeteries allow you to place holiday-related decorations. However, you'll usually have to place them and remove them within a certain time frame. Ask about other types of decorations. Some cemeteries do not allow any other type of decoration. Items such as food, statues, rocks, lights, stuffed animals, and so on may or may not be allowed, so check before you bring them. Know that mausoleum rules may be different from grave site rules. Some cemeteries have more restrictive rules on mausoleums than grave sites. In other cemeteries, the reverse is true. Make sure you check the rules for the correct type of grave. Check where you can place vases and other containers. For instance, some sites do not allow you to attach anything to the headstone. Other places will not allow you to place permanent vases below the ground. Don't leave anything that is irreplaceable. The cemetery has the right to remove decorations at its discretion. In addition, it is possible that others may disrespect the site and remove the items. Don't put anything out that you may want back. | Pick the best floral option for the time of year. Think about the season. Consider lighting. Go for permanence. Consider art. Think about the religion of the deceased. Place small stuffed animals. Honor veterans with flags. Think about what the person loved. Contact the cemetery. Understand the space limits. Ask about flags. Pay attention to the rules about flowers and plants. Look for information about holiday decorations. Ask about other types of decorations. Know that mausoleum rules may be different from grave site rules. Check where you can place vases and other containers. Don't leave anything that is irreplaceable. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Coil-Pot | How to Make a Coil Pot | To make a coil pot, start by flattening a chunk of clay and shaping it into a circle for the base. Next, form another chuck of clay into a thick cylinder, roll it so it's about the thickness of your pinky, and rip it into coils. After that, use your needle tool to scrape the edge of the base and the bottom of the first coil to create rough surfaces that will stick to each other. Then, put a little water on the scored surfaces to act as glue, and lay the coil on the base. Make sure you blend the pieces together before continuing to add coils to get your desired height and width. | Situate your work surface. Most clay workers like to work on smooth, firm, and non-porous surfaces while handling and molding their clay. Work surfaces can be large countertop-like tables made of glass, acrylic, or marble, or smaller surfaces like individual ceramic tiles, plexiglass sheets, or wooden slabs about 12 x 12”. The smaller work surfaces help for moving projects around. For making pots, especially pots made from coils, it's sometimes easier to work on a turntable on which your smaller work surface can be applied. That way, you can spin your project around as you coil. However, if you plan to use a turntable, you will put your clay or smaller work surface on the turntable after you have prepped all of your clay (base and coils) and are ready to start laying down the coils. Wax paper and foil can also function as work surfaces, but if you plan to be roll out any of your clay, the wax paper or foil needs to be taped down so it doesn't move. For help on finding and deciding the right work space for your project, visit any craft store and ask one of the employees for some advice. Gather your tools. Near your work surface, you will need a small cup of water for slipping the clay, a clay needle tool for scoring, a soft piece of sponge for smoothing the clay surfaces, either a wooden or metal rib to help smooth out blending bumps in the clay, and a small roller to flatten your base. Keep these tools off to the side until you're finished wedging the clay and are ready to use them. Alternatively, you can use an ordinary kitchen fork to score the clay if you don't have a clay needle tool. Rip off your chunk of clay. Rip off a chunk of clay from your clay bag that's about the size of an orange. This will be the first piece of clay that you wedge, but depending on how big you want to make your pot, you may have to wedge a few more. Throw your clay into a cube. Hold the chunk of clay with both of your hands and throw it onto your clean work surface from about 24” above. The surface of the clay that hits your work surface will be flattened from the impact. Peel the clay off of your work space, and again throw the clay to flatten a side. Repeatedly throw the clay, focusing on turning and rotating the clay piece to flatten the sides and form a uniform cube. Wedge your cube of clay. It's important to wedge your clay before you start shaping it, because air bubbles in the clay will cause your piece to explode while drying in the kiln. Position the clay so one of the flat faces of the cube is facing you. Stand on your feet so you have more power to push on the clay. Place both heels of your hands on the corner side of the face of the cube and push down, then forward. Peel the front of the cube off of your work surface back toward you, and push that side down and forward. Keep peeling back the front portion of the clay and pushing it down and forward. Wedge your clay in this way approximately ten times. It's customary and recommended to repeat the cubing process and wedging process at least twice just to be sure that all the air bubbles have be removed from the clay. If some of the clay is sticking to your work surface as you push down on it, simply place the chunk of clay on top and drag it away. The stuck clay will adhere to the larger chunk. Make your rough base. Hold your chunk of clay in both hands. Use your fingers to gently pinch and flatten the clay, rotating the clay in your hands as you pinch. Rotating the clay will make all sides of the clay relatively even. This will be your rough base. Flatten the clay on your work surface. Place your piece of clay on your work surface. Use the heel of your hand to flatten your piece of clay even more. The base should be about ¼ inch in thickness, and at least 3 inches in diameter. For a rough measurement, ¼ inch is about as thick as your pinky. Once you have flattened out your piece of clay, consider using a small roller to smooth out the base's surface. You can also flatten out and stretch the clay by throwing it onto your work surface. Simply pick up your piece of clay, hold it in one hand, then turn your hand over and throw the clay onto your work surface. The clay should resemble a pancake. Do this as many times as you need to get the clay to its appropriate thickness. Shape your base. At this point, the edges of your base will be uneven. Try to make your base as even as possible. This could mean making the base a perfect circle, or making the base into an even oval. With either shape you choose to start with, use a needle tool to slice off irregular edges of the base. If you want to make your base into a perfect circle, consider placing a glass or cup onto your base and tracing around the edge. This is an easy way to make a perfect circular base. Refine the base. Once you have your base traced out, consider smoothing out its edges. If you have a soft sponge, dip it in your water and wring out excess water. Then, gently drag the sponge around the outer edges of the base to smooth out any nicks and burrs created while tracing the base shape. This same smoothing technique can be done using your finger dipped in water. You don't want to add too much water to the base with your finger, you just want to smooth out any rough edges. Form a fat cylinder. Rip off another piece of clay from your clay bag and use your hands and fingers to pinch and squeeze it into a cylindrical shape. This shape doesn't have to be perfect; it just has to be in a rough cylinder so you can start rolling it out on your work surface. One fat cylinder will make many coils. Once you have your rough cylinder, softly twist the ends of the cylinder in the opposite direction from one another, almost as if you're wringing out a cloth. This doesn't have to be extreme twisting, just enough to give your cylinder a bit of a twisted appearance in the clay. This twist will help the clay roll out evenly and keep its circular shape. Roll the cylinder with your hands. Place the rough cylinder on your work surface and position both of your hands in the middle of the cylinder. Roll the cylinder forward and backward underneath your hands, making sure the cylinder makes a complete 360° rotation. As you roll the cylinder, spread your hands out to the ends of the cylinder. This will elongate the cylinder making it look more like a coil. When you get to the ends of the coil, bring your hands back to the center and continue rolling the coil and pulling your hands out to the edges. Eventually, the coil will get long enough that you can rip it in half and continue rolling to make more coils. The bigger you're planning on making your pot, the more coils you will need. Your coils should be about as thick as your pinky finger, but there can be some slight variation. If you roll your coils too thin, they will start to dry and crack. Fix any irregularities. If you notice a flat spot forming in the coil, stop rolling and twist the ends of the coil opposite from each other and continue rolling. Adding too much pressure to one section of the coil as you roll causes a flat spot. If you see a thinner or thicker section of your coil, you are not adding equal pressure as your roll. Fix the thicker section of the coil by adding more pressure with your hands as you roll that area. Fix the thinner section of the coil by bringing your hands together as you roll rather than spreading your hands out. This will bring some clay back toward the thinned out area. Score the edge of the base. Use your needle tool, kitchen fork, or serrated edge of your rib tool to gently scrape at the top edges of the base where your first coil will be laid. Scratch at the base surface in both directions (crisscross appearance) to create a rough surface for the coil to grip and adhere to. Score the first coil. You will also need to slightly score the bottom of the coil that will be laid on top of the base. Again, this creates a coarse surface so both the coil and base can adhere to each other. Slip the base. Once the base is scored you need to slip it. That means adding a little bit of water onto the scoring to act as glue. You can use your damp sponge or your finger dipped in water to add slip onto the scored edge of the base. Lay down the first coil. Place the scored coil on top of the scored edge of the base. Once you have laid the coil all the way around the base, overlap the coil ends. Use your needle tool to slice through the overlapped ends of the coil diagonally. Remove the excess ends, and use your fingers to connect and blend the two remaining ends of the coil together. The two remaining ends of the coil should match up evenly because they were cut at a diagonal. Blend the inside of the coil and base. Use your finger to push down and blend the interior edge of the coil to the base of your pot. As you push down on the clay from the inside of the coil, use your other hand to support the outside of the coil, as the pushing can slightly disturb the coil you have laid. Once you have blended the entire coil, consider, using your finger to smooth out all the little ridges made by the blending. Add more coils. After your first coil is laid, continue the process of scoring and slipping as you add more coils. Gently score the top of the first laid coil, and add a little bit of slip. Lay down your next coil, slicing the ends of the coil off diagonally, and connecting the remaining ends of the coil. With each consecutive coil added, the interior edge of that coil must be blended into the coil below it. Manipulate the shape of the pot. As you add coils, you can either widen or narrow the shape of the pot. If you want to widen the shape of the pot, lay down upcoming coil on the outer edge of the coil beneath it. Eventually, the pot will slowly widen. In the same way, if you want to narrow the shape of the pot, lay down the upcoming coil on the inner edge of the coil beneath it. Keep adding coils to your pot until it reaches your desired height. If you are widening your pot, your coils will eventually need to be longer. If you are narrowing your pot, your coils will become shorter. To make the widening or narrowing of the pot more gradual, the coils must be laid down on the outer or inner edge of the previous coil in small increments. The bigger the increments between each laid coil, the more abrupt and drastic the angle of the widening or narrowing will be. Finish the pot. Once you are finished building your pot, decorate the top coil or lip of the coil to complete your pot. You can stamp shapes into the coil, you can use your fingers to pinch a design into the coil, or you can leave it as is. Finishing the pot is really all about your personal and artistic preference. When you are ready to dry your pot, read the instructions that came with the clay on how it must be dried. Some clay can harden and dry by being left out and air-dried, but most clay needs to be fired in a kiln. | Situate your work surface. Gather your tools. Rip off your chunk of clay. Throw your clay into a cube. Wedge your cube of clay. Make your rough base. Flatten the clay on your work surface. Shape your base. Refine the base. Form a fat cylinder. Roll the cylinder with your hands. Fix any irregularities. Score the edge of the base. Score the first coil. Slip the base. Lay down the first coil. Blend the inside of the coil and base. Add more coils. Manipulate the shape of the pot. Finish the pot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Fit-in-the-Gym | How to Get Fit in the Gym | To get fit at the gym, set yourself a realistic schedule to begin, like going 2 days a week, so you can get used to it without feeling overwhelmed. You should also wear shirts and shorts made out of comfortable materials, like nylon or polyester, which can absorb sweat and won't restrict your movement. During your workouts, aim to drink 8 ounces of water every 15 minutes, since you need to replenish the fluids in your body and prevent your muscles becoming weaker. In order to burn calories while also toning your muscles, balance your workouts between cardio and strength training exercises, like running on a treadmill and doing push-ups. Afterwards, eat a healthy snack, like a banana, to replenish your body's nutrients. | Come up with a realistic gym schedule that you'll be able to stick to. It may be tempting to plan on going to the gym every day of the week for faster results, but this can lead to burnout and you might feel discouraged if you miss days and don't meet your goal. Instead, decide how many days of the week you can realistically make it to the gym and start there. You can always increase the frequency of your workouts later on when going to the gym becomes more of a habit. If you're new to working out, try setting aside 2 days a week to go to the gym. That way, you can get your feet wet without feeling overwhelmed. You could also try going to the gym every other day of the week so that you have a day off in between your gym sessions. If you think you'd have a hard time going to the gym on the weekends, you could go every day after work or school and then take the weekends off. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive athletic shoes to the gym. You want to wear clothes that will make your workout easier and that won't get in your way while you're exercising. Go with shirts that will wick away sweat and shorts that don't restrict your range of motion. Shirts and shorts made out of polyester, spandex, nylon, or a cotton-polyester blend are good choices for the gym. Polyester, in particular, needs to be laundered after every time you sweat in it. Unwashed polyester can quickly develop an unpleasant smell. Bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated during your workouts. Working out at the gym makes you sweat and lose water, so it's important that you're replenishing your body as you exercise. Aim to drink 8 fluid ounces (240 mL) of water every 15 minutes during your workouts. Dehydration can actually negatively affect your workouts by causing cramps and dizziness, as well as making your muscles weaker. If you're going to be working out for longer than 1 hour, it's a good idea to bring a sports drink with you too so you can refuel your body. However, not all sports drinks are the same. Look for an isotonic sports drink that contains carbohydrates and sodium, which will give your body more energy during your workout. Warm up for 5-10 minutes before your workouts so you don't injure yourself. Make it a habit to do your warm-ups right when you get to the gym. Focus on doing active, dynamic movements that bring your muscles through their full range of motion, like leg swings, high knees , and arm circles. A dynamic warm-up will get your body ready for your workout session. Not warming up before exercising can leave your body more prone to injury, so make sure you don't skip your warm-ups at the gym. Do both cardio and strength-training exercises. Try not to limit yourself to just one kind of exercise. Instead, take advantage of the weight machines, cardio machines, and free weights so you're getting a balanced workout. With cardio and strength-training exercises, you'll be burning calories and also toning your muscles and transforming your body. Aim to get 150 minutes of moderate cardio a week. For strength training, try to get at least 2 workouts comprised of 20 minutes of resistance training each week. You don't need to do cardio and strength training on the same day. Instead, you could spend one workout doing cardio and then your next one doing strength-training. While a balanced workout will help you get fit in the gym, you can adjust what exercises you're doing more of depending on your personal fitness goals. For example, if your goal is to build more muscle, you could spend most of your time doing strength-training exercises. Or, if you're trying to lose weight, you could focus more on cardio exercises. The right ratio of cardio to strength-training exercises will depend on your personal fitness goals, your weight, and the type of exercises you're doing. Have a post-workout snack after the gym to replenish your body. Choose a healthy snack with carbs to restore your body's energy, and protein to help build your muscles. If you're trying to lose weight, have a low-calorie snack that's between 150-200 calories. For example, you could have a banana and some almond butter or a cup of nonfat Greek yogurt with some honey and fruit as a snack after the gym. You could also make a fruit smoothie with some protein powder. Walk or run on a treadmill. Treadmills are available at most gyms, and they're a convenient way to get some cardio exercise in and burn calories. Many treadmills let you adjust the speed and incline that you want to work out with, so it's a good choice regardless of your fitness level. You can burn around 125 calories per 1 mile (1.6 km) walking briskly on a treadmill if you weigh 150 pounds (68 kg). Using a treadmill can be hard on the knees, so you may want to use a different cardio machine if you suffer from knee pain or have a knee injury. Try using an elliptical machine. Working out on an elliptical is also a good calorie-burning cardio exercise, and like a treadmill, you can usually adjust your intensity level. Ellipticals are popular exercise machines, so you shouldn't have a hard time finding one at your gym. You can burn 170-320 calories in 30 minutes on an elliptical, depending on your weight and the level of intensity you're working out at. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds (91 kg), you could burn 286 calories by working out on an elliptical at a high intensity for 30 minutes. Exercise on a stationary bike. Pedaling on a stationary bike at moderate intensity for 30 minutes can help you burn 200-700 calories, depending on your weight. It's also a great choice if you have knee problems since most of your body weight is being supported by the machine. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds (68 kg), you could burn 250 calories by exercising on a stationary bike with moderate intensity for 30 minutes. If you're new to exercising, you can start out pedaling on a light intensity setting and then gradually increase your intensity level as you improve. Work out on a rowing machine. Rowing is a great, full-body cardio exercise that won't place a lot of stress on your joints. On a rowing machine, you can burn calories while working out your arms, legs, and core. Start out on a low-intensity setting and progress slowly so you don't hurt your back. Depending on your weight, you can burn around 400-700 calories by spending 1 hour on a rowing machine. For example, if you weigh 240 pounds (110 kg), you could burn 650 calories by working out on a rowing machine with moderate intensity for 1 hour. Try bodyweight exercises when you're first starting out. Using weight machines and free weights at the gym can be intimidating if you're new to working out. Fortunately, you can still get a good strength-training workout in by doing exercises that only use your bodyweight for resistance. Some bodyweight exercises you can try are: Squats Push-ups Lunges Planks Crunches Do free-weight exercises to add more resistance to your routine. Most gyms will have free weights you can use, like dumbbells and barbells. The extra resistance will make your exercises more effective at building muscle. Start out with light weights that are easy to lift so you can perfect your form, and gradually progress to heavier, more challenging weights. Some free-weight exercises you can try at the gym include: Deadlifts Bicep curls Bent over rows Bench presses Give your gym's weight machines a try. Weight machines can be intimidating if you don't know how to use them, but they can be an effective way to build muscle if they're used correctly. If you're interested in using your gym's weight machines but you're not sure how, ask someone who works there to show you the right technique, or consider working with a personal trainer who can show you what to do. Some common weight machines you can try are: Lat pulldown machine: A good machine to try if you're looking for an upper body workout, including your latissimus dorsi, biceps, and forearms. The Smith machine: It's great for working out your quads, hamstrings, glutes, shoulders, core, and upper back. Cable machine: You can use different types of cable machines to add resistance to exercises like shoulder presses, step ups, lateral raises, and crunches. Lower back extension machine: It's helpful for exercising the muscles along your back. | Come up with a realistic gym schedule that you'll be able to stick to. Wear comfortable clothes and supportive athletic shoes to the gym. Bring a water bottle with you to stay hydrated during your workouts. Warm up for 5-10 minutes before your workouts so you don't injure yourself. Do both cardio and strength-training exercises. Have a post-workout snack after the gym to replenish your body. Walk or run on a treadmill. Try using an elliptical machine. Exercise on a stationary bike. Work out on a rowing machine. Try bodyweight exercises when you're first starting out. Do free-weight exercises to add more resistance to your routine. Give your gym's weight machines a try. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Cash-Advance-Through-an-ATM | How to Get a Cash Advance Through an ATM | You can withdraw a cash advance from an ATM using your credit card, but you should only do so as a last resort because you will eventually have to pay the money back, including any fees or interest rates. To get a cash advance, insert your credit card into an ATM and enter your PIN number. If the ATM asks you to choose between “debit” or “credit” choose the credit option. Then, enter the amount of money you'd like to withdraw and accept any fees or charges for the transaction. The ATM should then give you the cash you requested. If you have any problems withdrawing a cash advance, call your bank's helpline. | Check your account status. Most credit cards have some sort of cash advance option, but you may not be able to get one if you're behind on your payments. Make sure your account is in good standing before attempting to get a cash advance. Check your statement online to make sure you haven't missed a payment or reached your borrowing limit. If either of these is a concern, you likely won't be able to get a cash advance. Make sure you have permission. Your bank or credit card company needs to authorize you to withdraw cash from an ATM using your credit card. Call your bank or credit card company's customer service department and ask how to start that process. Most cards automatically offer the option, but some either do not offer it or set restrictions. For example, some cards end the cash-advance option once your balance reaches a certain limit. You may be able to get this restriction removed by calling customer service and asking. Again, this is more likely if your account is in good standing and you don't have late payments on your record. Find your Personal Identification Number (PIN). People sometimes try to use a PIN they've set up on their other cards, but you need to know the PIN for this particular credit card. Make sure you know the correct PIN before attempting to withdraw cash. Too many wrong attempts could freeze your account. Change your PIN if necessary. Many credit cards come with preset PINs that users never get around to resetting. If you've forgotten the original PIN, call the customer service department and ask about how to reset it. This usually involves dialing an automated 800-number and changing your PIN over the phone. The automated system may ask you to enter your existing pin to make the change. If you don't know your existing PIN, ask a customer service representative to send a new PIN to you in the mail. Note that it may take 7-10 days before you receive it. If you know you'll need a cash advance soon, inquire about your PIN at least two weeks in advance. Know the fees. Read through your account agreement before withdrawing any cash. You should understand the costs involved before taking action. You may be able to do this by logging into your account and searching on the website for your bank or credit card company. Standard terms for cash advances may include fees of 3-5% of the amount withdrawn. Learn the interest rate. Find out what interest rate you'll have to pay on your cash advance, when it starts accruing, and how often it will accrue. Make sure you'll be able to pay the interest before you take out the advance. Median annual interest rates for cash advance on most credit cards is currently around 24%. Generally, the cash advance rate is 5%-6% above the rate of purchases. Interest on cash advances often begins accruing immediately. Even if you pay off the advance as soon as possible, you may not be able to avoid paying at least some interest. Understand the repayment system. Always ask if your next payments will go straight toward your higher-interest balances. If not, the cost of your cash advance may become punitive. Pay off cash advance balances as soon as possible. The high interest rates on them mean the debt can quickly grow well beyond the amount you took out as an advance. Find an ATM to withdraw your cash from. Look for one associated with your bank. Otherwise, you might get charged a fee of $2-$5 by both your bank and the out-of-network ATM. Once again, log into your account and browse the website. There should be a tool you can use to locate a nearby ATM. If you're abroad, search the website for foreign affiliations that offer fee withdrawals. You can find these relationships with many European and South American nations. They can save you a lot of money for both debit and cash advance withdrawals. Request your cash advance from the ATM. Insert your credit card and enter your PIN. The menu of choices should include a cash advance option. Enter the amount of money you want as your cash advance. Accept the fees. If there will be any extra fees for your transaction, the ATM will ask whether you accept them or not. To receive your cash, you will need to accept these routine fees. Take your cash. After you've accepted any fees, the ATM should give you the cash you asked for. Make sure to finish up the transaction and take back your credit card before leaving the ATM. Otherwise, the next person who visits the machine might be able to take out further advances on your card. | Check your account status. Make sure you have permission. Find your Personal Identification Number (PIN). Change your PIN if necessary. Know the fees. Learn the interest rate. Understand the repayment system. Find an ATM to withdraw your cash from. Request your cash advance from the ATM. Accept the fees. Take your cash. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Respond-to-Guys-on-Tinder | How to Respond to Guys on Tinder | To respond to a guy you're interested in on Tinder, say something friendly or interesting to get the conversation going. For example, you could write, “Hey Eric! It's nice to meet you,” which will let him know you got his message and are interested. If you want to initiate conversation, ask a simple question that won't seem too personal, like “What are you doing?” or “How's it going?” You could also comment on something you saw in his biography, like that he competes in sports or plays music. If the conversation is going well, flirt with him by teasing him in a light-hearted way about a comment he made or something on his profile. Then, find a light-hearted way to ask what he's looking for, like, “I'd really like to meet up sometime, fun or future?” | Send a brief response if he sends a short message. If you are shy, but want to show interest, respond with something simple just to keep the conversation alive. You can add a hand-waving emoji if you want it to seem more friendly. This response will at least get you on his radar. Respond with something like, “Hey Eric! It's nice to meet you.” At least he knows you got his message and it will be up to him to start moving the conversation forward. Ask a simple question to keep the conversation going. If you want to steer the conversation in a particular direction, respond with a simple question. Avoid questions that are too personal in the beginning and try to get to know a little more about him. For instance, you can write, “How's it going?” This is simple but will get the conversation started. You could also try, “What are you up to?” This gives him a chance to tell you about what he's been doing. A more targeted question could ask, “How was your weekend?” Answering that provides him an opportunity to share some activities of interest to him. Comment on his biography to point out something that interests you about him. Direct comments on his biography help the guy understand a bit more about why you are interested in him in the first place and give the conversation a direction to go. For example, “I saw that you compete in triathlons. Wow, how long have you been doing that?” This opens the door for more conversation on either of your interests. Another comment could be, “I read in your bio that you have four sisters! I guess you've spent a lot of time around women.” This gives him a chance to share about his family. Tell him something new about you to give him something else to comment on. If you have an interest in common with his bio you could share that with him to get more conversation started. Be honest and stay true to your actual interests. Reveal only what you are comfortable with. If both of you like sports try something like, “I bet, like me, you are tired today from watching the overtime and penalty shots from the hockey game last night. Can you believe we won?” This opens the door to discussing mutual interests. Tell him you have a common interest by sharing a detail about yourself, “I am also training for a half marathon. It will be my sixth one. How long have you been running and what distances have you tried?” Reply with a flirty comment to show you are interested. After you've been talking a while, show interest by gently flirting. Lightly tease him for saying something silly or tell him you really enjoy talking with him. You could try, “I enjoy chatting with you. You seem really funny and sweet.” Express to him, “I can't believe how comfortable I am talking to you. If feel like we have known each other a lot longer.” Send a GIF if you think it would spur conversation. This can set the tone for the conversation or at least get a reaction from him. Images are a nice way to keep your response simple but be a little different from all the other responses he might receive. The GIF you choose could be funny, nostalgic or silly. These images can be used to help advance the conversation or share something about your personality. Inquire about one of his photos to learn more details about him. This will show that you took time to look through his pictures and are interested in getting some details. Don't be afraid to give compliments. You could comment, “Hey, I love the photo of you at the waterfall. Where was that taken?” Point out, “You look really happy in that picture of you at the beach. What beach were you visiting?” Respond with a wild card question if the conversation is lagging. This can show that you are fun and adventurous and willing to be spontaneous. It can give him some insight into your personality and may highlight a new side of you. Out of nowhere you could ask, “Have you ever been whitewater rafting? Because I have always wanted to go.” It may seem random but fun and can bring out more conversation. Send him a joke if you want him to know you have a funny side. If the conversation stalls out, break the ice with humor. Show a flirty side, corny side or really funny side but aim to get a laugh or smile. An example of a cheesy, but funny joke would be, “What's the difference between a poorly dressed man on a tricycle and a well-dressed man on a bicycle? Attire.” Inquire about his agenda to gauge his interest. At some point if you are interested in continuing the conversation, you might want to know what he is looking for. You may want to know before giving him your number if he is only interested in a booty call. Try something cheeky like, “I'm interested in meeting up. Fun or future?” You can attempt to keep it light and still get a read on what he is hoping for. If you want to be more serious try, “So I'm enjoying our conversations but I'm wondering what type of connection you are looking for?” Give him your number and offer to meet after the call. If you are interested in meeting him, offer your number and talk about meeting in person. This way you can hear the tone in his voice to further gauge his interest. You could say, “I'm really enjoying getting to know you, here's my number. Give me a call and let's find a time and place to meet.” This example let's him know that you are interested in moving forward but you want to plan it together. If you want to talk first and then discuss meeting try responding with, “Here's my number. Give me a call, I'd love to chat. Maybe we can even meet up sometime.” Offer a casual, safe meet up location with friends for your first face to face meeting. Let him know you are interested and would love to chat more over coffee or drinks. To be safe, choose a location that is public and where there will be other people around including a few of your friends. For instance you could say, “My friends and I are going out for drinks later, I would love if you dropped by so that we can meet.” Inform him about a public event you'll be attending,”There's a watch party for the World Series game tonight in town. I'll be there hanging out with some friends. Why don't you join us?" Suggest a traditional type date if you are ready to be alone with him. If you want a more romantic setting than going for drinks with friends, try suggesting a “real date.” You could offer going to dinner, a park and picnic, a museum, sporting event or a shared interest activity. This can still be a public place for safety but for just the two of you. Offer a suggestion like, “There is a great park by the river downtown, what if I pack a picnic lunch, you grab something for dessert and afterward we go kayaking?” For a bit more romantic setting, “There's a new restaurant I've been dying to try in the city. Would you like to meet there for dinner this weekend?” Tell him you are not interested if you don’t want to move forward. Ghosting isn't fun for anyone involved! Be direct and honest. If you've been chatting with this guy for a while, let him know you are not interested and it's time to move on. If you enjoyed chatting, thank him for the lovely time but let him know it's not going any further. Try telling him, “I've enjoyed chatting with you but I don't think we have enough in common. I don't want to waste any more of your time and I wish you the best of luck.” Explain if he turned you off. Sometimes you will have to respond boldly to a guy who has made a vulgar or off-putting comment. Be ready with a response if he starts down a path you are not interested in. Respond with, "I'm not interested in something like what you suggested. Good luck finding someone else who is." Cease responding if he doesn't give you anything to go off of or if he sends unwanted vulgar messages. If he ignores you or continues to try to get your attention after you have made it clear you are done, stop responding. Eventually, he will get the message loud and clear. If he has made comments that put you down or made it clear that he can't accept you for who you are, stop responding and move on. He is not worth your time. You have no obligation to respond to messages you receive. If they're off-putting to you, don't reply. | Send a brief response if he sends a short message. Ask a simple question to keep the conversation going. Comment on his biography to point out something that interests you about him. Tell him something new about you to give him something else to comment on. Reply with a flirty comment to show you are interested. Send a GIF if you think it would spur conversation. Inquire about one of his photos to learn more details about him. Respond with a wild card question if the conversation is lagging. Send him a joke if you want him to know you have a funny side. Inquire about his agenda to gauge his interest. Give him your number and offer to meet after the call. Offer a casual, safe meet up location with friends for your first face to face meeting. Suggest a traditional type date if you are ready to be alone with him. Tell him you are not interested if you don’t want to move forward. Explain if he turned you off. Cease responding if he doesn't give you anything to go off of or if he sends unwanted vulgar messages. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-the-Most-Benefit-from-Laser-Hair-Removal | How to Get the Most Benefit from Laser Hair Removal | To get the most benefit from laser hair removal, keep your skin as healthy as possible in the weeks leading up to the procedure. To do this, stay out of the sun to avoid burns. Additionally, make sure to avoid waxing, plucking, or bleaching for at least 6 weeks before your hair removal. A couple days before your procedure, shave the area where you're getting the hair removal. This may seem strange, but laser removal targets hairs that are in the active growing stage, so this is an important step. When the day arrives for your hair removal, make sure to shower and wash your skin with a gentle cleanser so your skin is clean for the procedure. | Make sure laser hair removal is right for you. Laser hair removal works by targeting and breaking down the melanin (the pigment that gives hair its color) in a hair follicle, which makes that hair fall out. The process, therefore, works best to remove coarse, dark hair. It won't work as well—or may not work at all—to remove red, blond, gray, or white hair. Laser hair removal likely won't work for women with polycystic ovaries disease or other hormonal problems. If you are taking any medications, especially new ones or a course of antibiotics, talk to your doctor before undergoing laser hair removal. Some medications can cause photosensitivity, which could lead to a bad burn from the treatment. Go for a consultation. A consultation with a laser hair removal technician before your first treatment will allow the clinic to assess your health. They will also administer a patch test to determine whether you are a good candidate for the treatment, and which process will work best based on your skin and hair type. Avoid tanning before your treatment. Once you are deemed a good candidate for laser hair removal, it's important to avoid the sun and tanning beds in the six weeks leading up to your treatment. Showing up for a laser treatment with tanned skin can lead to burns and blistering. Don’t remove hair by the roots. In the six weeks leading up to your treatment, avoid plucking, waxing, bleaching, and electrolysis treatments. Plucking or pulling hair out by the roots means there won't be any hair for the laser to target. To manage hair growth before your treatment, shave or use depilatories that only remove the hair above the skin. Avoid caffeine 24 hours prior to your treatment. You want to be calm and relaxed before and during your laser treatment, but caffeine can make you more agitated and tense. Shave the day before. When you go for your initial consultation, the technician will tell you exactly when to shave in preparation for your treatment, but most clinics recommend shaving one to two days beforehand. Although it may seem strange to shave right before a laser removal treatment, it's an important step in the process: the laser targets hair in the active growing stage, and shaving encourages hair to enter this stage. Show up with clean skin. Before leaving for your treatment, shower and wash your skin with a gentle cleanser. You want to remove all makeup, dirt, and oil from your skin. Avoid moisturizing before your treatment. Avoid the sun. Just as you protected your skin from tanning in the six weeks prior to your laser hair treatment, so too should you avoid the sun for the six weeks following it. Not only will your skin be sensitive, but it can also complicate the removal process and follow-up treatments. Expect your hair to fall out. Shortly after your treatment, the targeted hair will begin making its way out of the hair follicle, making it look like it's growing again. But within 10 to 14 days, your hair will reach the shedding stage and begin to fall out, at which time you can gently remove it with a washcloth in the shower or bath. Don’t pluck or wax. During the shedding stage, your hair needs to fall out naturally, so don't pluck, tweeze, or wax the targeted area. If there is any resistance from a hair, it means the root is still alive, and that hair will have to be targeted again in a follow-up treatment. You can shave after your laser hair removal, but avoid anything that pulls hair out by the roots. Go for multiple treatments. Laser hair removal only targets hair in the active growth phase, so many patients need anywhere between four and 10 sessions to achieve the desired results, Treatments generally occur every one to two months. After each treatment, you should notice less and less hair in the targeted area. The hair that does continue to grow should be finer and lighter in color. | Make sure laser hair removal is right for you. Go for a consultation. Avoid tanning before your treatment. Don’t remove hair by the roots. Avoid caffeine 24 hours prior to your treatment. Shave the day before. Show up with clean skin. Avoid the sun. Expect your hair to fall out. Don’t pluck or wax. Go for multiple treatments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Naturally-Dye-Your-Hair | How to Naturally Dye Your Hair | If you want to naturally lighten your hair by a shade or two, use lemon. Mix 1 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Then, apply the mixture to wet hair and allow your hair to dry naturally. After your hair dries, you can wash it. Repeat this treatment weekly to slowly lighten your hair. Alternatively, you can use coffee to darken your hair. Grind 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules into a course powder. Then mix the powder into 1 cup of conditioner. Let the coffee conditioner sit in your hair for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing. | Try lemon. If you want to lighten your hair naturally, try using lemon. Lemon may be able to lighten your hair a shade or 2. Mix a cup of water with two tablespoons of lemon juice. Then, apply it to wet hair and allow your hair to dry naturally. See if you notice a lightening effect. Wait until your hair has dried on its own to wash or rinse. Repeat this treatment once a week to slowly lighten your hair. Don't do it any more than this or you could damage your hair. Use honey and vinegar. Honey and vinegar can also work together to lighten hair naturally. A simple recipe using honey and vinegar can be used on your hair if you want to lighten its natural shade. Use raw, unpasteurized honey, which you can find at most health food stores. Use a cup of raw honey, two cups of distilled vinegar, a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, and a tablespoon of ground cardamon or cinnamon. Mix the ingredients together into a paste. Run your hair under the shower to get it damp. Divide your hair into sections. Apply the paste to each section from roots to tips. Wrap your hair using plastic wrap and keep the wrap secure using a shower cap or swim cap. Leave the mixture in overnight. Then, wash it out in the morning. Use baking soda. Simple baking soda works by stripping your hair of the chemical buildup that can darken your locks. Mix a small bit of baking soda into your shampoo when showering once a week. With time, your hair should begin to lighten. This method might take a few weeks before you get your desired effect. This method works well for people who have already dyed their hair using professional dye or who use many styling products. Consider cinnamon. The common spice cinnamon can actually help lighten hair. Add a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a small handful of your regular conditioner. Evenly coat your hair, working from the roots to the tips. Pull your hair back, securing it with clips or ties when necessary. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap. Leave in overnight and then rinse and shampoo in the morning. Add salt. Salt mixed with water creates a natural lightening agent you can safely use on your hair. Mix one part salt without about 5 parts water. Rinse the mixture into your hair and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. Then, wash your hair. See if it gets any lighter. Lighten hair with a homemade leave-in conditioner. Gather juice from three lemons, two bags (four grams) of camomile tea steeped in one cup (eight ounces) of boiling water, one teaspoon (5 grams) of cinnamon, and one tablespoon (0.5 ounces) of almond oil. When the tea has cooled, strain out the leaves and combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and transfer to a spray bottle. Shake before use and spray the mixture on the areas of your hair that you want to lighten. Expose your hair to the sun for 10 to 15 minutes, making sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the UV rays. Prepare for a chamomile rinse. To enhance the natural blond color of your hair, rinse chamomile tea into your hair. If your hair has brown streaks from sun exposure, for example, a chamomile rinse may be helpful. First, prepare the tea. You can use a regular tea bag, but for best effects try to purchase chamomile flowers online or at a local health food store. Steep half a cup of flowers in a quart of boiling water for half an hour. Then, strain and cool the mixture. Shampoo your hair. While waiting for the tea to cool, shampoo your hair. Do so as you normally would, using your regular hair care products. You will add the chamomile after your regular washing regimen. Add the chamomile. Once you finish washing your hair, you can add the chamomile. Soak your hair in a basin of the rinse at least 15 times. You can also apply it to your hair and cover your head with a shower cap. When you finish, wring out any excess moisture. Let the mixture set for half an hour and then rinse out your hair using clear water. If you can't find chamomile flowers, you can also use calendula, mullein blossoms, yellow broom flowers, saffron, turmeric, or quassia chips. Try rhubarb if chamomile is ineffective. A chamomile rinse might not work for everyone. Many blonds use rhubarb root to enhance their hair color. Rhubarb tends to add a honey-colored glow to naturally blond or light brown hair. Take three cups of hot water and pour them over four tablespoons of rhubarb root, chopped into small chunks. Let simmer for 20 minutes. Strain the concoction and soak your hair in it. Rinse your hair with clear water and let your hair air dry. If possible, let your hair dry in the sun as this will enhance the dyeing effects. Decide on the right henna mixture for you. You can use henna powder to bring out your hair's natural brunette shades. However, how you prepare a henna mixture depends on the specific shade of brown you're trying to achieve. When used alone, henna can produce an orange-red shade. For a brunette color, it's a good idea to mix henna with other herbs or roots. However, if your hair white, gray, or another very light shade you may be better off using henna solo. If you have dark hair already, mix henna with some chamomile to lighten its effects while keeping the red-brown tone. Use one part powdered chamomile and two parts powdered henna. Prepare your paste. Once you've decided how dark you want to go, prepare your paste. Take the henna powder, with whatever additives you're using, and throw in enough boiling water to produce a paste. Then, add a tablespoon of vinegar. Blend well and allow the mixture to sit until lukewarm to the touch. Apply to your hair. First, run your hair under clean running water to get it damp. Then, slip on a pair of rubber gloves. Massage the paste into your scalp and hair. Brush your hair using a fine-toothed comb to make sure the mixture is evenly distributed throughout your hair. Then, place all your hair under a shower cap or swim cap. Leave the paste in for 30 minutes to 2 hours. If your hair is darker, wait longer. Rinse your hair. Remove the shower cap and rinse your hair under clean running water. When you are don, the water should run clean when leaving your hair. Allow your hair to air dry. Dry your hair in the sun, if possible, to increase the dye's effects. Try a sage rinse. If your hair is black or very dark brown, you can bring out these natural colors using sage. If your hair is graying, sage can also serve to hide gray hairs. Use dry sage, which you can buy at most supermarkets. Steep about a handful of sage in a quart of boiling water for at least 30 minutes. Allow it to cool. Strain the sage and water. Then, pour the mixture over your hair 15 times. Make sure to catch the mixture as it falls through your hair, using a bowl or basin. You'll want to re-use the same substance. Allow it to sit in your hair for 30 minutes before washing it out with cool water. This is a method that takes awhile to work. The effect will build over the course of a few weeks. Repeat this process weekly until you get the shade you want. From there, re-dye your hair once a month to maintain that shade. Use alder bark. If sage does not work for you, you can try using alder bark. This is a botanical substance that produces a slightly lighter shade than sage. It can be used to lighten graying locks or darken naturally blond hair. Obtain bark chips from a health food store or buy them online. Simmer an ounce of the chips in a quart of water for about half an hour. Cool, drain, and use the mixture the same way you would use a sage mix. Try walnut hulls. Simple walnut hulls are something many swear by when it comes to darkening hair. Walnut hulls (the nuts' outer casings) stain easily, so be careful when using this method. It's a good idea to wear gloves. Walnut hulls also require a lot of preparation before they can be used on hair. Crush the hulls into a paste. How much you use depends on how much hair you have. You want to be able to coat your hair completely, so you'll need more for longer hair. Cover the paste with boiling water and a dash of salt. Allow the paste to soak for three days. Then, add 3 more cups of boiling water and simmer for five hours. Make sure to simmer the walnut paste in a non-metal pan. Strain the liquid and place the remaining bits of walnut hulls in a cloth sack. Twist the sack very tight, making sure to strain out any remaining juice. Place the remaining liquid in a pot and boil it until it's about a quarter of its original volume. Add a teaspoon of ground allspice to the remaining water. Place the mixture in your refrigerator for about a week. Then, apply to your hair as you would a sage or alder bark mixture. Use tea to change your hair color. Although the coloring teas made by steeping plants in water aren't as permanent or strong as commercial dyes, they can still change the color of your hair, especially if you repeat the treatment frequently. To darken hair with tea: Choose a loose-leaf black tea or black tea powder and steep one-half cup (72 grams) of tea in two cups (16 ounces) of boiling water. Allow the water to cool with the leaves still in it. When it reaches room temperature, strain out the leaves and transfer the tea to a spritzer or spray bottle. Spray your scalp with the tea water and massage it gently in to the roots of your hair down towards the tips of your hair. Twist your hair or pile it on top of your head and secure it with a large plastic clip. Then, cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic wrap and let the tea sit for an hour. Rinse with lukewarm water only and style as usual. For best results, repeat on a weekly basis. Make hair darker with coffee. Like tea, coffee also contains tannins that can be used to change your hair color. With coffee, it's easiest to grind one tablespoon (15 grams) of instant coffee granules into a coarse powder in a coffee grinder or with a pestle and mortar. Mix the powder into a cup (eight ounces) of your favorite conditioner. When you bathe, use the coffee conditioner instead of regular conditioner. Each time you use it, let the conditioner sit in your hair for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing it out. Blend grey hairs with sage. Add to a small pot one tablespoon (15 grams) each of fresh or dried rosemary, nettle, and sage. Add two cups (16 ounces) of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. When it's boiling, continue simmering for 30 minutes, and then remove it from the heat to cool. When the mixture has boiled and cooled to room temperature, strain out the herbs and transfer the infused water to a spray bottle. Spray the herb water on your hair after every shower, comb it through your hair, and style as usual. The sage will help cover greys, the rosemary will give your hair a nice shine, and the nettles are a great restorative. Give henna a try. Henna is a plant-based powder that has been used for centuries to dye hair, skin, nails, and much more. Although the powder is green, henna will naturally dye your hair a reddish-orange. Mix about three tablespoons (45 grams) of henna powder with enough boiling water to form a thick paste. Then, let the mixture sit in a cool, dark place for about 12 hours. When the mixture is ready, put on disposable gloves and apply it to your hair with a tint brush. Pile your hair on top of your head and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let sit for at least one hour, and for as long as four hours for a more intense color. Rinse with water and a gentle conditioner when your time is up. Use beet or carrot juice. To add red tints to your hair, try beet or carrot juice. For deep reds and strawberry blonds, use beet juice. For a more orange-red color, go with carrot juice. All you have to do is add about a cup of juice to your hair. If your hair is dry, you can add in a splash of coconut oil to condition your hair at the same time. Beet and carrot juice be used to create deeper and more purple tones in your hair. When you finish, wrap your hair in a towel or shower cap and let the juice sit for about an hour. Wear older clothing and gloves while you wait, as these juices can stain easily. Beet stains, especially, are difficult to get out. Rinse the juice out after an hour. If you want a darker color, repeat the process the next day. Give your hair a richer red with tomato juice. Open a fresh can of tomato juice. Reserve about two cups (16 ounces) of juice and refrigerate the rest for other uses. Either dip your fingers into the juice and then massage the juice into your hair and roots, or apply the juice to your hair with a tint brush. When all your hair is saturated, pile it on top of your head or twist your hair up and secure it with a clip or bobby pins. Cover your hair with a shower cap or plastic. Let it sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Repeat weekly for best results. Try tea. If you already have reddish hair, using tea can enhance your natural color. It will not, however, create a red tinge on its own. Use rooibos tea if you want to enhance your natural red shades. Other effective herbs and flowers to use for red hair include calendula (marigold) flowers, hibiscus, and rose hips. Use 3 to 5 teabags in two cups of water. Let cool, and then apply to your hair. You can mix the tea in with conditioner or simply add it on its own. You should let the tea sit in your hair for at least an hour. For a darker color, leave the tea in longer. Then, rinse out thoroughly. Alternative : Steep the herbs in the water until it has cooled to room temperature. Transfer to a spray bottle and apply as before. Wrap your hair in plastic and rinse with water after an hour. Repeat weekly. Apply herbal treatments. Herbs can be used to create a reddish color for your hair. However, this is a slower method. You'll need to apply herbs over time to bring out your desired shade. Use 2 cups of water, half a cup of calendula flowers, and 2 tablespoons of hibiscus petals. You can buy herbs at a health food store or purchase them online. Add the herbs to boiling water and let simmer for at least an hour. Strain the flowers and then store the remaining water in the fridge. Every day, use the mixture as your final rinse in the shower. Repeat this process until you reach your desired hair color. Then, rinse your hair with the herbs every few days to maintain the color. Test your hair first. You'll want to test out any natural hair dye method before using it. Your hair may react poorly to a certain method or produce a color you dislike. Dye a small portion of your hair first, using a lock from the back of your head. See if you like the results before attempting to dye your own hair. Do not attempt major changes with natural dye. Natural hair dye will not dramatically change the color of your hair. It seeks primarily to enhance your hair's existing shades. For example, if your hair is a dirty blond using chamomile can produce a lighter, more yellow blond. However, adding henna to naturally blond hair will not turn your hair brown. If you want to completely change your hair color, it's better to go to a salon. Use caution if you've dyed your hair at a salon previously. Some salon products may cause your hair to react poorly to certain natural hair dye methods. As always, test the method on a small piece of hair before attempting to dye all your hair. You may also want to call your stylist and ask her what products he or she used and whether they interact poorly with natural hair dyes. | Try lemon. Use honey and vinegar. Use baking soda. Consider cinnamon. Add salt. Lighten hair with a homemade leave-in conditioner. Prepare for a chamomile rinse. Shampoo your hair. Add the chamomile. Try rhubarb if chamomile is ineffective. Decide on the right henna mixture for you. Prepare your paste. Apply to your hair. Rinse your hair. Try a sage rinse. Use alder bark. Try walnut hulls. Use tea to change your hair color. Make hair darker with coffee. Blend grey hairs with sage. Give henna a try. Use beet or carrot juice. Give your hair a richer red with tomato juice. Try tea. Apply herbal treatments. Test your hair first. Do not attempt major changes with natural dye. Use caution if you've dyed your hair at a salon previously. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-Fun-Alone-in-Your-Bedroom-(Girls-Only) | How to Have Fun Alone in Your Bedroom (Girls Only) | To have fun alone in your bedroom if you're a girl, try giving yourself a mini makeover. Paint your nails crazy colors and give yourself a new hairstyle. You can also mix and match different pants, skirts, and shirts to find new, cute outfits to wear! If you like being creative, write some stories or poetry in a journal. If you'd like, you can even act out your story in a play with your favorite stuffed animals. Another fun way to pass the time is redecorating your room. Try moving your furniture around or putting up new posters to spruce up your walls. | Create a new look for yourself. This is play time so don't take yourself too serious. It is good for you. If you want to decorate your face with dramatic makeup, paint your nails crazy colors, tease your hair four inches high, or try on every outfit you own, do it. There are no rights and wrongs to this mini-makeover. You are creating so anything goes. Mix and match different shoes with pants, skirts and sweaters that you haven't worn before. Take photos of the ones you really like. You never know, you might be a designer for women's and men's clothing someday. You won't know unless you explore. Paint each fingernail and toenail a different color. If you like it, keep it that way. If you don't, you can always use nail polish remover to start over. Put on a one-girl show. Gather up a cast of characters including stuffed animals, or stray plastic army men and set up a scene. You get to make up the words that everyone says and the costumes, and direct the show. Create new songs for the sound track to your show or use your favorite tunes. It's all up to you. It's your show. Start your story by saying, “Once upon a time there was a girl who spent time in her room.” If you get stuck say, “And now we are going to take a commercial break.” Use the break time to come up with other ideas by asking your stuffed animals for input. If you're comfortable with it, video your show and watch it. You may want to keep it or delete it. Either way, it will be fun. Exercise. You might be in your room, but that doesn't have to stop you from being active. This is your space so make the most of it. A little activity might be just what you need to shake off the stress you've been feeling. If you enjoy a more relaxing type of exercise try yoga or meditation. If you want to get your heart rate up, put on some music and dance. Pretend you are a Zumba instructor and your stuffed animals are your students. If it's okay with your parents, bounce on your bed as long as it is safe. Write stories or poetry. Many girls and women keep a journal and write in it every day. Others write poems or stories that may or may not get published. Stories, whether they are made up or are true, make life more entertaining. You might be fantastic at writing happy, funny, sad, or scary stories, but you won't know unless you try. You can keep your stories to yourself if you want them to be private. If you want to share your stories, make sure you share them with someone you trust and who cares about you. Catch up on the movies you want to watch. Do you have a list of movies you've been meaning to watch? Even if you've seen your favorite movie 100 times, you may want to watch it again. There are benefits to watching movies, so turn on the TV or mobile device and stream away. After you watch a movie write down what you liked about it and what you didn't. Next time you talk to a friend or family member you can discuss it. You may want to binge watch a few episodes of a TV series you heard about. Read some magazines to get up to date on trends. Magazines provide a glimpse into what is popular in the news, fashion, sports, and just about any subject. Pick magazines that cover your interests, and include some new ones that might expose you to new and exciting topics. Try CosmoGirl, Seventeen, AstroGirl, etc. If you are interested in musical artists, sports figures or scientists, there are magazines available. Catch up on sleep. Most growing girls need a lot of energy to get through the day. Sometimes it's fun to set everything aside and take a good long nap. Without proper rest, you can't expect yourself to be your best. The average person functions well on 7-8 hours of sleep a night. If you enjoy napping in your cozy bed, do it. Invite all your stuffed animal friends to join you. Sleep is healing for your body, so get as much as you need. Redecorate your room. It can be a small improvement or complete make-over. Even moving your furniture around might be fun to create a new look. A change in your living area can be fun, healthy and energizing. If you've got the paint and drop cloths and approval from your parents, paint your room. This takes planning so make sure to make a plan before you start. Exchange old posters for new ones. This will give you something new to look at, which will make you feel like it's a new room. A new bedspread, or pillows can spruce up the room. Open up your window coverings and let the natural light in, which is healthy and helps you to see your room in a different light. Clean your room. Most people don't enjoy cleaning their room, but they enjoy having a clean room. Cleaning your room will result in a more organized, peaceful feeling. If you have a lot of disruptions and difficulties in your life, cleaning your room will soothe some of the struggles. Focus on the fun feeling you will have once the room is clean. Listen to music while you clean. It will distract you and make time pass quickly. Your room will be clean before you realize it. If you clean your room without being asked, it will win you points with your parents. Organize your closet. You've probably got shoes, clothing or toys in your closet that you haven't worn or played with in a while. The fun comes when you get to donate them to a charity of your choice. Consider charities that help children. Your generosity will help someone have fun too. If you haven't worn something in a year, consider donating it. Hang lavender-filled sachets in your closet to freshen it. Pick outfits for the upcoming week. If you hate taking time in the morning to pick out what you are going to wear that day, then lay out the outfits ahead of time. Start with one and get inspired. You may have created a new look earlier in the day and believe it is worthy to be seen at school. Choosing outfits ahead of time will save you time and effort, and allow for more sleep in the morning. You will know what items need to be washed to ensure you can complete your outfit idea. Investigate colleges. There are so many colleges in the world, and you will eventually need to choose one. That time will be here before you know it, so it would be fun to learn about the ones that might interest you. There are fun and interesting things to learn including: where they are located, what special programs they offer, and what the student population is like. Attending college is one of the hardest, but most fun and memorable times of your life. Making a good choice is directly related to your success and happiness. Scholarships and grants are available to pay for part or all of your college expense. Identifying financial support for college is possible. Learn about careers. You can dream about what you want to be when you grow up, or actually learn what it takes. The more you know about various careers, the more informed you will be about pursuing the education and jobs that will lead you to your eventual goal. If you want to be a doctor determine what classes you would need to take, how long it will take you to become one, and how your efforts will impact the world. Call a person who performs the job that you would like and ask her a list of questions you've prepared. You can start the conversation by saying, “Hello, my name is _____ and I'm thinking about becoming a ________. Are there any words of wisdom you can give me?” This will start the conversation. People spend approximately fifty years of their life working. It is crucial for you to find fun and fulfilling work. Read about what it takes to buy a house. Owning real estate is a common goal for a lot of people. Wouldn't it be fun to find out what it takes to buy your dream home? Explore areas where you might want to live. Determine what the average price of a home might be. How much money would you need to make the purchase? Set a long-range goal to purchase a house. Once you know what it takes to buy one, you can focus your career and financial efforts toward that goal. You will find that most people start with small properties. Make sure that you can not only afford the payments, but also be able to consistently live within the required budget. If you don't have money to have any fun, then you need to consider a smaller property. Identify women in history that made a difference. It could be fun to use your alone time to study the achievements and personal qualities of women who have had great success in their lives. Wouldn't it be fun to find a mentor or role model who could help and guide you? You don't have to copy everything a person does; but instead look for the ways in which she struggled and failed and then bounced back to achieve success. Tenacity, self-reliance and resourcefulness are qualities to admire and develop in yourself. Success can be fun. Make a homework schedule for the upcoming week. You might be spending the day in your room, but you're going to be spending the next week at school. Organizing the week ahead will help manage the stress of upcoming tests, reports and projects. Seeing the demands of the week on paper alleviates some of the pressure and uncertainty you might be feeling. Schedule the time necessary for each item. It's a great feeling when you make it through the week feeling organized and accomplished, which nurtures your motivation to learn at school. Don't forget to schedule some fun time for yourself. It's important to have fun to maintain balance and a positive outlook about school. | Create a new look for yourself. Put on a one-girl show. Exercise. Write stories or poetry. Catch up on the movies you want to watch. Read some magazines to get up to date on trends. Catch up on sleep. Redecorate your room. Clean your room. Organize your closet. Pick outfits for the upcoming week. Investigate colleges. Learn about careers. Read about what it takes to buy a house. Identify women in history that made a difference. Make a homework schedule for the upcoming week. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Horse-to-Piaffe | How to Teach Your Horse to Piaffe | To teach a horse to piaffe, or trot in place so only one hoof is landing forward in each step, start by doing tapping exercises with your horse, where you guide it through the movements you want it to do using its reins and whip as aids. Make sure to have your horse repeat the movements multiple times, and reward it with sugar cubes every time it moves correctly. Once your horse knows how to piaffe on its own, get it accustomed to trotting and halting smoothly while you're in the saddle by using your reins to guide its movements. Then, teach it to trot on the spot by slowly shortening its trot stride and reducing the number of strides it makes between each halt and trot. | Understand what the ideal piaffe looks like. The ideal piaffe will look like your horse is trotting in place, with only one hoof print landing forward in every step. Your horse should be bent at his haunches, with his pelvis tilted, his back arched, and his front legs lifted. When your horse does a piaffe, he should look like he is doing a rapid trot, with short, active and high steps. He should move through four clear stages or steps to achieve the piaffe. First, he should bend his body from head to tail. Second, he should bend his inside hind leg and put his weight in this leg. Third, he should bend his outside hind leg and put weight in this leg. Fourthly, he should be able to bend both of his hind legs so both legs carry weight. In a piaffe, your horse's movements should be high, energetic, and smooth. His mouth should be relaxed and his entire body should be engaged but also calm and fluid as he moves. His front leg should lift until his forearm reaches a horizontal level, and his posture should be constant and even. As the rider, you should be tall and relaxed as your horse does a piaffe. You should follow the movements of your horse and give him aids very subtly. Consider your horse’s temperament and your experience as a rider. Teaching your horse to piaffe successfully will require you to use gradual or more accelerated training, based on his temperament. If your horse is energetic and seems comfortable with moving diagonally, you may have an easier time of teaching him how to piaffe. If your horse's temperament is more calm but he has difficulty moving diagonally, you may need to be more patient and work slowly to teach him how to piaffe. As the rider, you should consider your relationship with your horse. If you are an experienced rider who has taught horses to piaffe before, you may use a method you are comfortable using. But if you are less experienced rider, you may try more than one method when you teach your horse to piaffe. Make sure your horse is comfortable with basic dressage movements. Your horse is ready to learn how to piaffe if he is relaxed and calm as you ride him, and if he can halt and trot with ease. He should also be familiar with shoulders-in and half passes and should be able to execute these movements comfortably. Your horse may already know how to do the “school walk” and the “school trot”. If so, he may be able to pick up the piaffe fairly quickly. Do tapping exercises with your horse. Start by standing on one side of your horse with a good grip on his reins. You will need a horse whip to guide the horse and sugar cubes to reward him when he moves correctly. You want to make your horse more comfortable with lifting his front legs and his hind legs up, one at a time. Do this by using the whip to tap on one of your horse's legs. This should then signal to him that he needs to lift up the leg you have tapped. When he does this, reward him with a sugar cube. Continue to practice this, alternating from one hind leg to the other hind leg. Reward him with a sugar cube when he lifts up each leg in succession. Then, alternate from one front leg to the other front leg. Reward him again when he lifts up each leg in succession. This will allow him to get more comfortable with how he should be moving his hind legs and his front legs. Some horses are uncomfortable with being tapped or touched, especially on their legs. Before you try tapping exercises, make sure your horse is comfortable with being touched with the whip and that you have done some in hand exercises with your horse before where he responded positively. Use your horse’s reins as aids. In order for your horse to successfully piaffe, you will need to develop certain aids or movements you can perform on him to get him to then move as you would like. Your horse's reins can act as aids and you can teach him to read the movements of his reins to perform the piaffe. You can also use the whip and the rein to help your horse get more comfortable with the aids. Face the horse's shoulder with your legs apart and your upper body turned towards the horse's croup. Hold the left rein with your left hand and hold the right rein in your right hand. You can then hold the whip in your right hand, with the right rein. Ask your horse for one or two easy halts along the rail. His neck should be flexed and his jaw should be relaxed. Then, ask your horse for one to two backing up steps by vibrating the reins in your left hand towards the back side of the horse. Once he backs up two steps, reward him with a sugar cube. Then, repeat these movements and reward him after he completes them again correctly. Have him repeat his back and forth movements using the reins. Once your horse appears comfortable with moving one to two steps backward, ask him to take one to two steps back and then carry your upper body forward. Loosen your grip on the left rein and the right rein and carefully touch your horse on his inside buttock to move him forward. If he moves forward, reward him. Continue to practice these movements, increasing to two to three steps forward and two to three steps backward. You should be leaning forward as your horse moves forward and leaning backward as your horse moves backward. Practice these movements until he starts to piaffe. If your horse responds well to rein training, you should try to increase the speed of his movements over time until he makes several strides forward and backward, with his knees lifted high, and does the piaffe. Keep your touches quick and light on his backside, and keep the reins semi taut as you train him to move forward and backward. Your hold on the reins should be confident and smooth so he does not get confused or thrown off as he moves. Start by asking your horse to halt. Ease your horse into the movements of the piaffe while you are riding him by beginning with sharp, smooth halts, followed by collect trot departs. You can use the reins as aids to communicate when your horse should halt and when he should trot. After your horse appears comfortable with halting and then collect trotting, you can start to reduce the amount of strides he takes between halts. You can also shorten the duration of the halt. Note how quickly your horse complies with halting and trotting. If he hesitates or appears confused, you may have moved too fast and need to spend more time halting and trotting with longer strides between halts. You should also pay attention to how relaxed your horse is and how balanced your horse's movements are. Your horse should move smoothly and fluidly from a halt to a trot. Get your horse to trot on the spot. Once your horse seems comfortable with halting and trotting, you can work on getting your horse to trot on the spot. Try to reduce the amount of strides between each halt and trot and also shorten the trot stride. Hold the reins loosely and do not jolt or roughly tug at them, as this can throw off your horse. When your horse starts to move at a slow and relaxed pace, have him slow down for several strides and shorten his trot stride by sitting taller and deeper in the saddle. Try to get your horse to do two to three strides one after the other on the spot and then allow your horse to move forward again. His balance should not shift as he strides and then moves forward. Reward your horse when he successfully trots on the spot and moves forward with ease and confidence. You should then end the training session and allow your horse to rest. Practice diagonal walking on the spot. Only move on to this final step if your horse can perform an energetic walk that contains a fluid trot and stride. You can then work on moving your horse diagonally on command to create the piaffe. Be light and relaxed in the saddle as you work on this skill with your horse. Ask your horse to move forward and do a fluid short trot and then two to three fluid strides. Allow the horse to move on his own after you ask him and do not pull or tug at the reins. Reward him when he does this and then let go of the reins and allow the horse to walk on loose reins. This will give him a moment to stretch his neck, as the piaffe requires a balanced body and a straight neck. Continue to practice diagonal walking on the spot until your horse seems comfortable with the movements and is doing the piaffe. You can also have a helper watch you and your horse move to ensure you are both moving fluidly together. The helper can also help to guide your horse's hind legs with a long whip by lightly tapping or touching his hind legs as he moves. | Understand what the ideal piaffe looks like. Consider your horse’s temperament and your experience as a rider. Make sure your horse is comfortable with basic dressage movements. Do tapping exercises with your horse. Use your horse’s reins as aids. Have him repeat his back and forth movements using the reins. Practice these movements until he starts to piaffe. Start by asking your horse to halt. Get your horse to trot on the spot. Practice diagonal walking on the spot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Empathy-in-Animals | How to Identify Empathy in Animals | To identify empathy in animals, watch how the animal responds to a dead or injured animal, since they may guard it or try to revive it if they feel empathy. You should also note if an animal reacts to something you do, such as your dog yawning after you yawn. When you feel stressed or upset, note if your pet shows empathy by trying to comfort you, like nuzzling you or sitting in your lap. If you see animals working together, such as building a den or capturing pray, this may also indicate empathy. | Look to see if the animal reacts to another animal when they are stressed or in danger. In a study on empathy in pigs, researchers looked at how pigs responded when their pen mates were placed in stressful or potentially harmful situations. When one group of pigs were in danger or experiencing a threat, the other group responded with stress signals like pushing their ears back and becoming more alert. This indicates that pigs have the ability to show emotional contagion, where they share the emotional response that another pig is having, which is a key part to having the capacity for empathy. While you may not want to conduct your own test on animals, you can observe if the animal reacts when another animal appears in danger or under stress. The animal may respond with stress related noises or actions, such as a more alert or rigid body movements, cries or howls, and moving towards the animal under stress. Note if the animal responds to an injured animal or a dead animal in the area. In a study on empathy in elephants, a researcher observed an elephant mother who gave birth to a stillborn baby. The mother then guarded her dead calf for two days and tried several times to revive the dead calf's body. When the researcher offered the elephant mother water, the elephant drank the water and then touched her chest as if in a sign of mourning. Though elephants have been one of the more studied animals in terms of empathy, an animal may display empathy by trying to protect an injured animal from a predator. The animal may also respond to a dead animal by displaying signs of mourning over their body or to others, such as the elephant mother touching her chest. Check if the animal works together with other animals. Often, animals of the same species will protect each other and respond to the needs of their herd or pack. You may observe animals working together to build a habitat, such as a den, or you may observe animals working as a team to capture a prey or elude a predator. These group related activities can be a sign of empathy among the animals, as they must focus on how their fellow animals are thinking and feeling and respond to it in kind. Watch if the animal yawns when you yawn. A new study done on empathy in dogs notes that dogs may yawn as a way to emotionally respond to someone that they are emotionally attached to, such as their owner. The researchers concluded that dogs will yawn in response to a real yawn from their owner to identify with their actions and express empathy. Test your dog's ability to empathize with you by sitting in front of her and letting out a real yawn. Note if she yawns back at you, as this could be a sign of empathy. Note if the animal comforts you when you upset or in distress. The next time you are upset, stressed out, or in a distressing situation, note how your household pet responds to you. Your dog may go over to you and lick you or nuzzle you as a sign of empathy or your cat may try to sit in your lap or rub against you to show that she is aware of your distress. These actions are indicators that your animal is able to identify and respond to your emotional state. Test the animal's empathy and self-awareness with a mirror. Another key element of empathy is the ability to be self-aware, and researchers are currently testing the capacity for self-awareness in animals. You can do this on your own by placing your animal, such as a cat or dog, in front of a mirror and noting how they react to the mirror. If your cat or dog tries to paw or lick at their reflection, they may not be aware that they are looking at themselves in the mirror and may be believe they are seeing another cat or dog. You can test the animal's capacity for self-awareness further by making a small mark in washable marker on the animal's face. You can then note if the animal tries to rub off the mark on their face when they look in the mirror or if they ignore it completely. If they ignore it completely, this may be a sign that the animal is not self-aware and not able to respond to his own reflection. Keep in mind empathy is a cognitive and emotional skill. Empathy is considered a thinking response and an emotional response. This means that when you empathize with someone, you are demonstrating your ability to experience another person's feelings in a certain circumstance. You also experience a negative response to someone's difficult circumstances and their negative emotions. So, empathy requires to exercise your ability to process someone else's circumstances and your ability to experience someone else's circumstances. In the human world, empathy is seen as a way to demonstrate social competence. It is also a highly valued skill in people who are perceived as leaders and role models. When you are empathetic, you also display your ability to be self-aware of your responses and reactions. This can help you to better process your own emotional thoughts and feelings. Note the difference between empathy in humans and empathy in animals. While there is still debate around the presence of empathy in all animals, many researchers argue that empathy in humans operates differently than empathy in animals. Humans make moral judgements based on empathy that differs from the way animals make judgements, which is often based on the strength of survival and a “you scratch my back, I'll scratch your back” mentality. We also use our empathy differently than animals, as we are conditioned by social codes to react to others. This means that animals and humans may not view empathy in the same way or use it in the same way. Do not be alarmed if the animal displays no indicators of empathy. It is important to remember that studies on empathy in animals are ongoing and there are no definitive studies on the topic. If you observe an animal and interact with an animal but do not note any signs or empathy, this may not mean the animal does not have the capacity for empathy. This may just mean their empathy is not being triggered properly or they may be processing the situation differently than you might think they would. | Look to see if the animal reacts to another animal when they are stressed or in danger. Note if the animal responds to an injured animal or a dead animal in the area. Check if the animal works together with other animals. Watch if the animal yawns when you yawn. Note if the animal comforts you when you upset or in distress. Test the animal's empathy and self-awareness with a mirror. Keep in mind empathy is a cognitive and emotional skill. Note the difference between empathy in humans and empathy in animals. Do not be alarmed if the animal displays no indicators of empathy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Whites-White | How to Keep Whites White | To keep your white clothes white, only wash them with other white garments. Even light colors, like light grey, can ruin your white clothes if you wash them together. When you do a load of whites, use the hottest setting on your washing machine since hot water will lift stains. Also, try to avoid machine drying your whites if possible since the dryer can cause stains and discoloration to set and become permanent. Air drying is preferable, or you can hang your whites up to dry in the sun, which will act as a bleaching agent and make your clothes whiter. | Avoid wearing your whites on days you’ll be outside. If you know you will be outside a lot, or outside in rainy or windy weather, skip your white clothes in favor of a more forgiving color. Although whites do not have to be stuffed into the back of your closet or set aside only for calm, careful lounging indoors, to keep your whites a brilliant white, you do have to be careful how and when you wear them. White can be useful to wear in the summer heat, so you may not be able to avoid wearing white outdoors or in inclement weather. If this is the case, try to only wear white on top; white bottoms and shoes will tarnish quickly. Watch what you eat. White clothes and pizza do not mix. The same goes for virtually any dish with a tomato-based sauce, or a food item with a dipping sauce. Opt instead for fresh ingredients (think vegetables and salads) whenever possible, as few of these ingredients stain. If you are wearing white when you go out and have no choice but to eat stain-prone foods, use your napkin to your advantage; tuck it into your collar, or spread it over your lap to catch dripping food. Avoid whites with children. Children spiffed up in their Sunday best are undeniably adorable. Children covered in dirt and food, while also adorable, are highly likely. Trying to keep whites white with children is a difficult task. Although using these tips and tricks will help, largely avoiding whites for children will prove an easier task. If you must use whites with your children, treat any stains immediately upon removal. White onesies and T-shirts are often stained yellow from drool. To prevent this difficult-to-remove staining, use drool bibs or handkerchiefs. Wash whites after each wear. While some clothing items allow you to wear them 2-3 times before needing a wash, whites do not hold up quite as well. Each time you wear your white clothes, they should be washed. Even if you can't see dirt or grime, everything from the sweat of your body to the chemicals contained in your deodorant has the potential to turn your whites a dingy yellow or gray. These items should not be allowed to linger any more than necessary. For jeans and skirts, wash every 1-2 wears. Bottoms are typically made of a hardier fabric and can take more of a beating, so to speak. Immediately take care of stains. If you are out and about, blot the stain carefully, but do not rub. If you have a laundry pen with you, you can dab the stain with that. If not, immediately remove the stained article of clothing upon coming home and use either a stain remover or a toothbrush and your standard detergent to pre-treat the stain. When pre-treating, always use a white cloth to dab away the stain, as a colored cloth may leave behind some dye. Separate whites from other colors. You can even go so far as to have a pile of more dingy whites, such as underclothes and socks, and a pile of crisp whites, such as dress shirts, or work attire. Whatever you decide, this is a step that cannot be skipped under any circumstances. While it may be tempting to throw really light colors in with your whites, or even light grays, stick to white alone. Keeping your whites separate may mean washing whites in small loads. If this is the case, adjust your washer's settings accordingly; using too much water could interfere with the laundry soap's ability to clean properly. After a pre-treatment with a detergent or stain spray, soak your whites in hot water. After each spot treatment, rinse and soak them for 30-60 minutes in hot water. This will help lift any lingering stains, and will give the treatment a chance to dissolve. If you used a lot of soap, you may need to repeat this step twice, gently squeezing the garment in between soaks. If your laundry is sensitive to hot water, a warm or cold soak will achieve the same effect, though to a lesser degree. Sort according to fabric. The type of fabric will determine the ideal wash cycle; some fabrics can withstand extremely hot water, while others will shrink or become disheveled. Sort your white laundry according to color, as well as fabric, to avoid discoloration and disrepair. Cotton is a tough fabric, while wool and linen are both prone to shrinking. While cotton can withstand high temperatures, wool and linen should be washed in cold or warm water. Synthetic fibers vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Check your tags. The fabric and cut of your clothing will play a significant role in the type of wash cycle you should use. Instead of merely sorting your piles into whites and throwing all of your whites into a one-size-fits-all washer setting, wash and dry each of your whites according to the tags' specifications. Although it may seem easier to just throw all of your delicates together, different fabrics require different care and washing settings. Failing to adhere to the labels' instructions could damage the fabric, cause colors to run, or void warranty and return policies. Use the hottest setting. Hot water lifts debris and disinfects. To keep your whites white, use the hottest setting your washer (and your fabric) will allow. The exception to this rule is, of course, when delicate fabrics such as silk, linen, and wool come into play. Although hot water is ideal, your washer itself should be disinfected regularly to prevent buildup from transferring to your clothing. Once per month, run an empty load with hot water and vinegar to remove buildup and residue. Make sure the rinse cycle is thorough. A rinse cycle is designed to rinse away detergent, dirt, and debris. If the rinse cycle is impeded in any way, dirty water will soak into your whites. If you have the option, run your whites through a second rinse cycle to make sure everything has been washed away. Using an extra rinse cycle can get expensive quickly. If having multiple rinse cycles each wash is too difficult, simply pay careful attention to how clean your washer is, and the amount of laundry soap you use. Never exceed the recommended amount. Avoid the dryer. The heat from the dryer can set stains deeply into fabric. Whenever possible, avoid drying your white clothes, instead hanging them to dry. As an added benefit, your whites will last longer; the extreme heat used in the dryer can cause fabrics to break down and wear through more quickly, which means replacing your favorite white items more often. Dry in the sun. If you have the option, dry your whites in the sun; the sun acts as a wonderful bleaching agent, and can be an indispensable tool in keeping whites white. In addition, the outdoor air may provide a natural method of giving your clothes a fresh, clean smell. When drying in the summer, be sure to check for bugs on your clothing before bringing them in. The last thing you'd want while folding laundry is to encounter a large beetle or spider. If you cannot dry clothes outdoors in the sun, drying next to a sunlit window is the next best thing. Pour vinegar into your washer. Vinegar's acidic nature helps disinfect and remove stains, and can also remove unpleasant smells, such as mold mildew, and body odor. If your whites have been overtaken by poor smells, vinegar is the best option to remove them. All it takes is between 1 tablespoon and ¼ cup poured directly into the wash basin or detergent reservoir. Do not overdo vinegar use; because vinegar is acidic, too much can cause damage to your clothes over time. Squeeze pure lemon juice into your laundry. Lemon juice is an all-natural bleaching agent. You can use lemon essential oil, pre-squeezed lemon juice, or juice directly from a lemon. If you juice your own lemons, be sure to strain the juice through cheesecloth or a thin strainer to prevent getting lemon residue on your clothes. If you are using lemon juice, you can place the juice of two lemons in a bowl or tub with one gallon of warm water and allow them to soak for 30-60 minutes. If you are using lemon essential oil, simply place 2-3 drops directly into the wash bin. Make a baking soda paste. To remove stains, you can make a paste with baking soda and warm water, then apply this mixture directly to the stain using a toothbrush or clothes brush. Allow the stain to soak in the mixture for 10-15 minutes before running it under warm water. This treatment is gentle enough that it can be done multiple times to get rid of a stubborn stain. However, be sure to thoroughly rinse the clothing item between each soak, as leaving baking soda in place can cause clothes to become brittle. Coat stains in peroxide. Peroxide is an excellent, safe way to get tough stains out of clothes. Peroxide is particularly useful for removing blood and other dark, hard-to-lift stains. Once you have pretreated a stain, place the stained or discolored item in a tub filled with hot water and peroxide. Peroxide disinfects and cleans, and provides a safer alternative to bleach. Peroxide is used as an alternative to bleach for a reason: it acts as a bleaching agent, not merely a brightening or cleaning agent. Do not use peroxide on clothes you not wish to whiten. Use bleach as a last resort. Although bleach is useful in disinfecting and whitening clothing items, there is some doubt as to how safe it is for use. Being a harsh chemical, bleach can begin to break down the fibers in a given fabric, weakening it and causing tears. If you do decide to use bleach on your whites, be sure to store it away from the reach of children and pets, and away from fire hazards such as the stove or dryer. | Avoid wearing your whites on days you’ll be outside. Watch what you eat. Avoid whites with children. Wash whites after each wear. Immediately take care of stains. Separate whites from other colors. After a pre-treatment with a detergent or stain spray, soak your whites in hot water. Sort according to fabric. Check your tags. Use the hottest setting. Make sure the rinse cycle is thorough. Avoid the dryer. Dry in the sun. Pour vinegar into your washer. Squeeze pure lemon juice into your laundry. Make a baking soda paste. Coat stains in peroxide. Use bleach as a last resort. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Spend-the-Night-at-a-Boy%27s-House | How to Spend the Night at a Boy's House | Spending the night at a boy's house can be fun and exciting as long as you plan ahead. If you're staying at your boyfriend's house for the first time, it's best to talk about boundaries beforehand, like where you'll both be sleeping and what you'll be doing. If you need to convince your parents to stay at a guy-friend's house, you might need to agree boundaries with them and the boy's parents so they'll let you go. You'll need to pack a bag with a change of underwear and clothes, toiletries and cosmetics for the night and morning after, and your phone charger. It's best to bring some feminine products with you too, just in case. If you feel uncomfortable at any time during the night, it's okay to change your mind and come home. If he's a nice guy, he'll understand. | Have fun. This may be a new experience for you, but don't let that freak you out. If you know this boy well then just expect to have a good time hanging out and getting to know each other. Come prepared with activity suggestions. You don't want to be sitting around all wondering what to do next. Your guy friend might have some ideas of his own, but you can also bring your favorite board game or movie to pop in and watch. Be open what your friend wants to do as well. For example, if he wants to play video games and you never have, try it out. You may find a new hobby or interest. Bake snacks for the movie you watch or just to have on hand when you get hungry. Invite other people to hang out. With a group, there's less pressure on you and your guy friend. You won't have to worry about being mistaken for a couple if you're just friends. A group of friends is also more fun in general because you have more options for games and hijinks. Be a gracious guest. You're a guest in another person's home and you want to leave a good impression. Practice good manners, especially if he lives with his family. Don't go poking around in closets or bedrooms if you were not given a tour; some families are more private than others. Don't raid the fridge or pantry if it wasn't offered. Avoid drinking too much water or food before bed so that you don't have to get up in the middle of the night. Take the time to clean up before sleeping over. If you need to shave, trim your nails or pluck your eyebrows, do it beforehand so that you don't waste time at his house. Set boundaries beforehand. Have a discussion with your boyfriend before you sleep over as far as where you both are in your relationship physically. This will be different for everyone, but don't go through with a sleepover if you haven't set boundaries that you are both comfortable with. Deciding on boundaries beforehand will help you be prepared to handle any situations that could arise. Make sure you don't do anything at the boy's house that you would regret later. Be careful so that you don't get yourself in trouble or give yourself a bad reputation. Wake up first. If you're staying over on a school or work night, you want to make sure that you have enough time to get ready for the day. Waking up early also gives you an opportunity to do something sweet like make breakfast or write a cute thank-you note. If you have to leave early, make sure you say goodbye first. Have an exit plan. In case you need to leave early in the morning or decide you don't want to stay all night, come up with a plan. If something goes wrong, like he wants to move too quickly and physically than you're comfortable with or you're allergic to his pets, have a legitimate excuse. You could say that your parents need you to come home or that you're not feeling well. Don't be afraid to be honest and say that you need to go home. Honesty is still the best policy. Ask to see if your parents will allow you to go. Bring up the subject casually so that they aren't caught off-guard if this is your first time asking. Checking to see if you can spend a night away from home is better than sneaking off or simply disappearing. If you're staying at a guy friend's house, they may be more lenient. Your only discussion may be that you decide with your parents when you'll be home and if his parents will be present. When you want to stay at your boyfriend's house overnight, your argument will need to be different. You may want to sit down with your parents and possibly your boyfriend and discuss boundaries and rules. Showing this kind of maturity can help your parents agree to a sleepover. To strengthen your argument, introduce your boyfriend or guy friend and his parents to yours so that they're not strangers. Listen to their concerns and comments. Your parents most likely have your best interest at heart and they could have reasons they don't want you to go. If they ask questions, answer them clearly and honestly so that they know they can trust you. Explain why you want to go and what you will be doing to reassure them. If they're worried about your safety, then invite other guy and girl friends to go along with you so that it's more of a party than one-on-one event. Discuss with them that you will have a cell phone and charger or at least a list of numbers to call in case of emergency. Respect your parents no matter their decision. They may not say yes to you the first time you ask to sleep over. However, they may change their minds in the future if you show them that you're mature and responsible. You don't want to break your parents' trust in you or start a fight with them. One day you can decide to sleep over at whoever's house you want but try your best to keep a good relationship with your parents. Decide how long you’re staying. Staying for just one night means you don't need to pack your entire room into a bag. A few essentials will see you through a whole night of staying over another house. But if you're staying for a whole weekend, you'll need a few changes of clothes and more than just a toothbrush. Pack a bag for your sleepover. Get a small to medium sized bag for your things. Don't expect him to have everything you need. Guys can be very easy-going with their toiletries and appearance. Think about your daily routine and determine what items you will need for going to bed and waking up. Make a list of everything you want to pack. Start with your basic hygiene needs and clean clothes first so that you're sure they fit in your bag. Then, prioritize your items. You definitely need a toothbrush and toothpaste and they fit easily into a bag. A hair straightener is bulky and if it's possible for you to go one day without it, leave it at home. Here's a sample packing list: Change of clothes Clean underwear Comfy pajamas Toothbrush and toothpaste Deodorant and travel-sized shower products Hairbrush and bobby pins Make-up and make-up remover Cell phone and charger Extra contacts, your eye glass case, retainer, or specific medicines you might use Be sure to include feminine products. Save yourself any embarrassment by thinking ahead and packing tampons and any medications you take for cramps or migraines. Even if this boy lives with his mother or sister, you may not have the chance to ask them for help. Protect yourself from discomfort and any awkward situations by stashing a few extra supplies in your overnight bag. | Have fun. Come prepared with activity suggestions. Invite other people to hang out. Be a gracious guest. Take the time to clean up before sleeping over. Set boundaries beforehand. Wake up first. Have an exit plan. Ask to see if your parents will allow you to go. Listen to their concerns and comments. Respect your parents no matter their decision. Decide how long you’re staying. Pack a bag for your sleepover. Make a list of everything you want to pack. Be sure to include feminine products. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Mops | How to Clean Mops | To keep your mop clean, thoroughly rinse it out with hot water after each use and let it dry completely, as this will help it last longer. However, if you want to give your mop a good deep clean, you can soak it in vinegar or wash it in the washing machine or dishwasher. This is best to do after 3 or 4 uses. To soak your mop, place the head in a bucket of hot water with 1 cup of vinegar and a 1/2 cup of bleach. Let it soak for 10 minutes before wringing it out and letting it dry. If your mop has towel or cloth strips, you can detach the head and wash it on the hot water setting of your washing machine. Then, let it air dry before reattaching it to the handle. You can also remove the mop head and put it in the top rack of your dishwasher. Put a 1/2 cup of white vinegar in the detergent dispenser and wash it by itself on a normal setting. | Rinse the mop head after every use. As soon as you are done using your mop, rinse the head under hot water until the water runs clear. Then, wring your mop head out as completely as possible and allow it to dry in a well ventilated area. Let the mop dry completely before you store it again. If possible, let your mop dry in the sun. You can even let it dry outdoors if it's a hot day to help expedite the process. Soak your mop in a cleaning solution after four uses. Your mop will need a deep clean every three to four uses, or whenever it starts to smell funny. Sanitize your mop head by adding a cup or about 237 milliliters (8 fl oz) of white vinegar or three percent hydrogen peroxide, or half a cup (118.5 ml) of bleach to a gallon (3.79 l) of hot water. Allow your mop head to soak in the solution for ten minutes before wringing it out and letting it dry. Do not use bleach on sponge mops or synthetic mops. It will cause the materials to degrade. Instead, try the vinegar or peroxide solutions. Make sure you let your mop dry in an area with good ventilation, and store it safely away from children and pets. Wash detachable mop heads in a washing machine instead of soaking it. Some mop heads, such as those made with towel or cloth strips, can go straight in the laundry. Detach the mop head from the handle and wash it on a hot water setting. Then, allow it to air dry before reattaching it to the handle. Add a cap of bleach to the wash to help disinfect your mop head. Wash your mop head with items that you don't mind getting beat up, such as other cleaning rags and towels. Rinse it in the dishwasher instead of a washing machine. Mops with removable heads can also be washed in the dishwasher. Simply remove the mop head and place it in the top rack of an empty dishwasher. Add a cup (237 ml) of white vinegar to the detergent dispenser. Then, run the dishwasher on a normal cycle. Once the cycle is over, squeeze out the remaining water and allow the mop head to air dry before using it. Shake out the mop head after every use. Start cleaning your dry mop or dust mop by shaking it out as soon as you are done with it. This will remove any loose dust. Remember to shake it out in a well ventilated area where you don't mind things getting dusty. A garage, shed, or outdoor space might be good for this purpose. Vacuum the mop head after every three uses. After every three or four uses, your dust mop will need to be vacuumed, too. After you shake out the head, use the hose of your vacuum and a dusting brush attachment to gently pick up the extra dust left on your mop. Wash the mop head in a washing machine. Dust mop heads should only be laundered after they have become soiled or very dirty. Wash them on a gentle cycle using hot water and a mild detergent. Then, squeeze out any excess water and hang them up on a line or rack to dry completely before reusing them. Clean your dry mop head by hand instead of in a washing machine. Fill your sink with warm water and dish soap, and use your hands to work the dirt out of the mop. Then, rinse it with hot water until all the soap is gone before wringing it out and allow it to dry. Wash the pads in the washing machine after every use. Most steam mops have removable fabric pads that are easy to clean and maintain. Make sure the mop head is cool enough to touch, and remove the pad. Then wash it on a normal cycle with every-day laundry detergent/ Try to put your mop pad in with other loads of laundry so that you aren't washing it by itself. This is more environmentally friendly, and also less harsh on your mop pad. Wipe out the reservoir. Clean the tank or reservoir of your steam mop by emptying it out and wiping it down with a damp dish towel or rag. Change out dirty cloths as necessary to avoid re-soiling the inside of the tank. Clean the surface of your mop. Use a dry towel or rag to wipe down the whole surface of your steam mop after every use. This helps wipe away built-up debris, and wicks away any moisture left behind after mopping. Let your mop dry completely before storing it. Storing your mop while it is still wet encourages mold and bacteria to grow. Let your mop head dry completely before you store it so that your mop head will last longer. Store dry mops and sponge mops with their heads up. Dry mops, sponge mops, and other mops with flat heads should be stored with the head up. This keeps their heads off the floor and away from dust and debris while not in use. It also helps them better maintain their shape. Store string and strip wet mop heads separate from the handle. Traditional wet mops should be stored in a way that allows their strings or strips to hang down naturally. If possible, the best way to do this is to hang the head off of a hook or rack on the wall, separate from the handle. If you cannot store your wet mop head separate from the handle, store the mop with the head up. This may cause some misshaping, but it is more sanitary and will help your mop last longer. Keep your mop in a dry place. To help avoid mold and mildew growing on your mop head, keep it in a dry place. A closet or another indoor space generally works just fine. Garages that aren't temperature-controlled and laundry rooms aren't always the best idea, though, as these can get humid. Replace your mop as necessary. Exactly when you need to replace your mop will depend upon how often you use it and what you use it for. In general, though, a mop head will last about three months. If your mop smells even after disinfecting or if it has continued problems with mold growth, replace it immediately. | Rinse the mop head after every use. Soak your mop in a cleaning solution after four uses. Wash detachable mop heads in a washing machine instead of soaking it. Rinse it in the dishwasher instead of a washing machine. Shake out the mop head after every use. Vacuum the mop head after every three uses. Wash the mop head in a washing machine. Clean your dry mop head by hand instead of in a washing machine. Wash the pads in the washing machine after every use. Wipe out the reservoir. Clean the surface of your mop. Let your mop dry completely before storing it. Store dry mops and sponge mops with their heads up. Store string and strip wet mop heads separate from the handle. Keep your mop in a dry place. Replace your mop as necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Carpet-Beetles | How to Prevent Carpet Beetles | To prevent an infestation of carpet beetles, vacuum your carpets, furniture, and closets about once a week. Every month, wash any unworn clothes kept in dressers and other storage areas. Each time you empty them, spray the inside of your trash cans with a mixture made from 1 tablespoon of bleach and 24 ounces of water to disinfect them. If you're still seeing carpet beetles, seal holes in your storage containers, window screens, and air vents. | Vacuum and steam clean carpets regularly. Go over carpets and rugs thoroughly at least once a week with a vacuum cleaner. Doing this and annually cleaning with steam will prevent larvae from being able to live, grow and eat because it removes their food sources: lint, hair, and dead insects. You can either hire a professional to clean your carpets or you can steam them yourself. Keep storage areas clean. Vacuum floors, walls, and shelves of storage spaces at least two or three times a month to remove dust, spider webs, and any inconspicuous eggs or larvae that are hiding in corners. Wash potentially infested clothes and other fabrics with hot, soapy water. Any trace of adult carpet beetles, larvae, and eggs can be removed with a good washing. Carpet beetles won't have time to sustain life on your clothing if you stay on top of washing them. Wash and air out clothes immediately after they're removed from storage. Don't wait to do this until after you wear the clothes or hang them in your closet because this will allow any present beetles to find a new area to thrive in. Each month, make sure that any clothes kept in your closet or dresser that you haven't worn and washed get a good warm wash and air dry too. Clean out your trash cans. Every time you take out your trash, wipe the inside of your trash can lid with a disinfectant wipe. Once or twice a year, spray down your trash cans inside and out with a mixture of 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of bleach and 24 fluid ounces (709.8 ml) of water, rinse the cans thoroughly with a hose, and wipe them dry with a hand towel or paper towel. Remove dead bugs from crevices. Constantly be on the lookout for dead insects in the cracks of the walls and flooring of your home. Try removing dead bugs by vacuuming over them or picking them up with a paper towel. Cracks are one of the more subtle living spaces that carpet beetles can thrive within. Choose synthetic materials over organic fabrics when possible. Get products made of synthetic fibers instead of natural ones as often as you can. Carpet beetles don't feed on synthetic fabric. Keep this in mind when purchasing furniture, rugs, and carpets. Donate old clothes instead of keeping them stored for months or years at a time. The longer you keep fabrics folded in a compact manner in a dark, hidden place, the more likely it is that carpet beetles will get to them. This is the kind of environment that they prefer. Avoid keeping garments, bedding, wool rugs, or upholstered furniture in storage. Instead, if you haven't used the items in the past six months or so, consider dropping them off for donation. Store fabrics in tightly sealed plastic. Especially if your closet frequently goes untouched and sees little sunlight, opt to put less used clothing into tightly sealed plastic bags. Use of plastic bags will reduce your chances of attracting any carpet beetles by creating a barrier. Store fabric in a cedar-lined chest or closet. Initially, the oils in cedar help to deter carpet beetles. Unfortunately, this can only serve as a preventative tool for a few years because the wood will dry out and no longer be as powerful. This is a good short-term action to take, and is most effective when the chest or closet has the ability to be sealed well. You can also hang your clothes on cedar hangers to discourage carpet beetles. Other cedar products such as cedar oils, chips, and repellent balls can also be beneficial but are usually only effective with killing or deterring larvae. Seal holes and cracks in storage containers. Make sure that whatever you're using to store your clothing has no openings whatsoever, whether you're using plastic bags, garment bags, trunks, or boxes. Cover the cracks, tears, and holes with a durable tape, such as duct tape. Secure window screens and air vents. Keep all small entrances to your home as sealed and secured as possible. Repair or replace any damaged or torn screens that you currently have, and make sure that your screens are made of a fine mesh. Use caulk along the outside edges of air vents to seal them securely. These security measures will prevent beetles from flying in from outside. Hang sticky fly paper near windows and other potential entrances. Use fly paper near doorways and windowsills to catch any carpet beetles that attempt to enter your home. The beetles will stick to the paper and will die as a result of being unable to escape. Inspect dark, secluded areas of your home for molted skins. If you're suspicious or just want to be proactive, search through rarely lit, less trafficked areas of your home for fecal matter and most importantly, molted larvae skins. Larvae are commonly the ones who cause the most damage, and molted skins, identifiable by their translucent golden color and bug-like shape, are a strong sign that they're present. Dispose of heavily infested items. If you can part ways with the items that were just infested, it's probably best to do so. With keeping an item that was previously highly infested, you run the risk of reintroducing any remaining carpet beetles to your carpet and clothes. Spray or dust your carpet and furniture with an insecticide. There are many different types of carpet treatment products that you can buy. Make sure that whatever spray or dust you're applying is for killing carpet beetles specifically, and check the label of chemical insecticides to make sure that the product contains chlorpyrifos, bendiocarb, and allethrin in order to ensure eradication success. Chemical insecticides may be harmful to other animals, so if you have any pets make sure to secure them in a location away from where the insecticide is sprayed or dusted. Spread boric acid all over your carpet and upholstered furniture, and make sure to vacuum it up within two hours of laying it down. While it is lethal for beetles, boric acid isn't powerful enough to harm humans. Dehydrate carpet beetles with diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle diatomaceous earth on pet beds and in the back of cabinets and closets. It's safe for pets and humans, but you'll need to wear a respirator or mask while applying to keep yourself from inhaling the particles. Many common household pesticides that kill ants and roaches will also kill carpet beetles, or simply limit their food supply. Spray the product in corners of closets, on window ledges, and in any crevices that could potentially house carpet beetles. Store clothes and fabrics with resin strips or moth repellent. Because resin strips contain an active ingredient called dichlorvos, they are effective in protecting your fabrics for an extended period of time. Vapors of moth repellent are lethal for fabric pests if they are maintained at high concentrations for an extended period of time. Keep your resin strips or moth repellent in a tightly sealed container along with your clothing for two to three weeks for the best results. | Vacuum and steam clean carpets regularly. Keep storage areas clean. Wash potentially infested clothes and other fabrics with hot, soapy water. Clean out your trash cans. Remove dead bugs from crevices. Choose synthetic materials over organic fabrics when possible. Donate old clothes instead of keeping them stored for months or years at a time. Store fabrics in tightly sealed plastic. Store fabric in a cedar-lined chest or closet. Seal holes and cracks in storage containers. Secure window screens and air vents. Hang sticky fly paper near windows and other potential entrances. Inspect dark, secluded areas of your home for molted skins. Dispose of heavily infested items. Spray or dust your carpet and furniture with an insecticide. Store clothes and fabrics with resin strips or moth repellent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Putty-on-Walls | How to Apply Putty on Walls | Putty is a great material for smoothing out your walls and filling in cracks or holes. To get started, wipe your wall with a damp sponge to moisten it and help the putty stick. Mix 2 parts of water and 1 part of putty in a bucket and stir it until it's smooth. If you're only filling small cracks and holes, use a putty knife to apply the putty. Just scoop up some putty on your knife, press it into each crack or hole, and scrape away any excess. Wait at least 6 hours for it to dry, then sand it and wipe it with a damp cloth. If you're applying putty to the whole wall, use a large trowel to save time and apply it in long, even strokes. Keep the trowel at a 30-degree angle and move it straight up the wall. Leave the wall to dry for 24 hours, then apply a second coat if you need to before priming and painting. | Put on gloves, eye protection, and a breathing mask. While you're cleaning and preparing the wall, you'll create dust particles that can irritate your eyes and lungs. To be safe, keep your mask and eyewear on when applying the putty as well. Additionally, the mixed wall putty may be a skin irritant, so it's best to wear gloves when applying it. Keep your protection on while you apply primer or paint as well, as even modern products can still release irritating fumes. Tape over or cover elements you want to protect. Use painter's tape to mask over any items you can't move but don't want to cover in putty, such as door or window trim. If there is a finished floor below the wall, cover it with plastic sheeting or drop cloths. Taking a little time now to cover things up is much better than trying to remove wayward putty later. Scrape off or sand down chips, flakes, and bumps. If you're working with a new wall, you shouldn't need to do much scraping or sanding. However, with older walls, use a paint scraper and/or coarse sandpaper (40-60 grit) to remove loose chips and flaking paint, primer or plaster. Use the sandpaper to also smooth out any bumps before proceeding. If there are smaller cracks or holes in the wall—no more than about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wide or deep—use a screwdriver blade to scrape out any loose material. Cracks or holes larger than this cannot be properly filled with wall putty and must be repaired using other methods. Use a dry brush over the entire wall. Brush the wall thoroughly to remove any remaining chips or flakes, as well as dirt and dust. Any clean, sturdy whisk brush will do the job well. Keep your protective mask and eyewear on, because you'll kick up dust while brushing. Wipe and moisten the wall with a clean sponge and water. Dip the sponge into your bucket of clean water, wring it out a little, and wipe over a section of the wall. Repeat the process until you've wiped the entire wall. The wall is now ready for putty. Don't worry if the wall is still damp when you start applying putty—this will only help it to adhere. You can also use a clean rag instead of a sponge. Add water, then the putty powder, to a bucket in a 2:1 ratio. Read the mixing instructions on your putty package to get the appropriate ratio for your product. Put the water in your bucket first, then add the correct amount of dry putty mix. Only mix an amount of putty that you can use within 2 hours, because it will become too hard to work with after that. If you're not sure, err on the side of mixing less now and making an additional batch later. Help keep the putty moist while working by draping a damp towel over the top of the bucket. Dry-mix putty is cement-based and great for indoor or outdoor applications on plaster and concrete walls. Pre-mixed wall putty is acrylic-based and recommended only for interior use, particularly for repairs on painted walls. Stir it until it is thoroughly mixed and smooth. The fasted and easiest way to mix the putty is to use a stirrer attachment on a power drill, set at a low mixing speed. However, you can also use a stirring stick or similar manual implement. In any case, make sure the dry mix is thoroughly incorporated and that there are no lumps. The putty should have a thick consistency, but not seem dry. If you pick up a scoop on a putty knife and hold it sideways, the putty should slide off in large globs. If necessary, alter the consistency by adding either more water or dry mix. Apply putty to small cracks and holes with a small putty knife. Scoop up some putty onto the blade of a small—roughly 3–4 in (7.6–10.2 cm) wide—putty knife and press the putty into each small crack or hole. Then scrape the blade over the area horizontally and vertically to remove excess putty. Use putty to fill cracks and holes that are no more than about 0.5 in (1.3 cm) wide or deep. Let the putty dry, then sand and wipe it. Give the putty at least 4-6 hours to dry, or even 12-24 hours in humid conditions. Then smooth it out by sanding over it lightly with fine sandpaper (300-400 grit), and wipe away any dust with a clean and slightly damp cloth. If the putty still looks or feels damp at all, wait longer before sanding it. Apply primer to the repairs or the whole wall. Use a paintbrush to cover the patched areas with a coat of a primer that is suited to the conditions. For instance, if you're working with an exterior concrete wall, use a primer made for that application. You may also want to cover the entire wall with a coat of primer. If you plan to apply putty to the whole wall now that you've made repairs, check the packaging to see if the putty manufacturer recommends priming a bare wall before applying the product. Even if you're not going to add putty to the whole wall, you may want to prime the entire area before repainting it. This will help the patched areas to blend in better, and will also aid in paint adhesion. Scoop up some putty with a small trowel and add it to a large trowel. Wall putty is usually applied with two flat-bladed trowels—essentially, larger putty knives—with one in each hand. The smaller trowel should have a blade that's around 6–8 in (15–20 cm) wide, the larger one about 12–14 in (30–36 cm) wide. Use the small trowel to add a glob of putty to the large trowel. Spread out the glob of putty along the blade of the large trowel so that it reaches nearly from end to end. Press the trowel blade to the wall at an angle and scrape it straight up. With the putty loaded onto the large trowel, touch its blade to the bottom of the wall at about a 30 degree angle. Maintain this angle and scrape the blade straight up the wall while maintaining contact with it. Leave behind an even coat of putty that's about 0.125 in (0.32 cm) thick. Go from the bottom to the top of the wall in one motion. If you can't reach all the way up, go as high as you comfortably can and use a ladder to do the higher part of the wall later. Don't expect to master this maneuver right away. Your putty might go on too thick, or it may be to thin and have missing patches on the wall. If there's too much putty on the wall, scrape it all off and try again, this time applying more pressure to the blade. If there's not enough, go over the area again with lighter pressure on the blade. Reposition the putty on your blade, or add more. Once you've applied a vertical stripe of putty on the wall, check the larger trowel blade. If it still has a sizable glob of putty on it, just use the small trowel to spread it out a bit if needed. Or, if you need more putty on the large blade, pick up some more with the small trowel. With practice, you'll be able to scrape the blades of your trowels quickly in order to add, remove, and reposition putty on them as needed. Keep scraping from bottom to top until you’ve covered the wall. Move to the right or left of the vertical strip of putty you just applied, and place your trowel at the bottom of the wall again. Overlap the previous stripe of putty with about one-fourth of the width of your trowel blade (e.g., 3 in (7.6 cm) for a 12 in (30 cm) wide blade). Apply a new stripe of putty in the same manner as the first one. Just keep adding putty to your trowel as needed and repeating these stripes until the entire wall is covered. If you have some tighter spaces to cover, switch to using the small trowel to apply the putty to the wall. Allow the putty to dry for 16-24 hours. Wall putty needs to dry thoroughly between coats, so it's best to leave it for a day before adding more putty (or doing anything else to the wall, like sanding or priming). In drier conditions, the putty may be dry in 16 hours, while it will take up to 24 hours in more humid conditions. To check for dryness, touch the putty with your fingers to feel for dampness, and look for darker areas that indicate remaining moisture. Apply the second coat either horizontally or vertically. There are differing opinions on the best way to add the second coat of putty. Some people prefer to apply it vertically again, just like the first time. Others apply it horizontally, in the belief that it results in a smoother overall surface and less sanding work afterward. In either case, you'll mix the putty, load it onto the trowels, and add it to the wall in the same thickness as the first coat. Horizontal application is really no different than vertical application, technique-wise. Keep the trowel blade at about a 30 degree angle and maintain contact straight across the wall. The second coat, like the first, should be no more than roughly 0.125 in (0.32 cm) thick. Sand and wipe down the putty after it dries for 16-24 hours. Once the second coat is fully applied and has dried thoroughly, go over the entire wall with fine sandpaper (300-400 grit). When you're finished, wipe off any remaining dust with a damp cloth or sponge. If you left some higher spots with your putty coats, sand these down with a coarse sandpaper (40-60 grit), then smooth them out with the fine sandpaper. Prime the whole wall, then add 2 coats of paint. Now that your wall putty job is finished, protect it with a coat of primer suited to the conditions (e.g., a primer made for exterior concrete walls). Add it to the wall with a paint roller and/or brushes, and let it dry as per the manufacturer instructions. Then, add 2 coats of paint in the same manner, allowing each coat to dry for the recommended time before proceeding. Even if you primed the whole wall before adding the putty, prime it again after applying the putty. This will add some protection to the putty and make the paint adhere much better. | Put on gloves, eye protection, and a breathing mask. Tape over or cover elements you want to protect. Scrape off or sand down chips, flakes, and bumps. Use a dry brush over the entire wall. Wipe and moisten the wall with a clean sponge and water. Add water, then the putty powder, to a bucket in a 2:1 ratio. Stir it until it is thoroughly mixed and smooth. Apply putty to small cracks and holes with a small putty knife. Let the putty dry, then sand and wipe it. Apply primer to the repairs or the whole wall. Scoop up some putty with a small trowel and add it to a large trowel. Press the trowel blade to the wall at an angle and scrape it straight up. Reposition the putty on your blade, or add more. Keep scraping from bottom to top until you’ve covered the wall. Allow the putty to dry for 16-24 hours. Apply the second coat either horizontally or vertically. Sand and wipe down the putty after it dries for 16-24 hours. Prime the whole wall, then add 2 coats of paint. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Pumpkin-Seeds | How to Eat Pumpkin Seeds | You can eat pumpkin seeds raw or cooked, depending on your preference. If you eat them raw, eat them with the shell or break it off with your teeth and spit it out like you would with a sunflower seed. If you want to cook pumpkin seeds before you eat them, spread them out on a baking sheet and roast them in the oven for 20 minutes at 375 °F. You can also season pumpkin seeds with things like cinnamon, sea salt, pepper, and nutmeg to give them more flavor. | Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C). Separate any pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin flesh. The best way to do this is by hand, or perhaps by using an old (cleaned) comb that you wouldn't mind getting dirty. Use the comb to separate the pumpkin seeds from the fibrous, fleshy parts. If you choose to, clean the outer shell of the pumpkin seeds. Those fleshy bits that are still attached to the pumpkin? Some people like to leave them on, preferring the flavor they give the final product. If you don't want those fleshy bits on the outer pumpkin shells, here's how to try to remove them: Soak the seeds in water for a few hours, then strain the seeds in small batches into a mesh strainer. With your hands, stir the pumpkin seeds around in the mesh strainer and let the mesh catch the remaining pulp. When you slide the seeds out of the strainer, they should be pretty clean. Pat seeds dry with a paper towel, if needed, and spread out on a baking dish. Although no seasoning is necessary, this would be the time to season your pumpkin seeds: Season with a little bit of curry powder, cayenne pepper, or chipotle flakes for a spicy, savory edge. Season with a little bit of cinnamon, clove, or nutmeg for a sweet treat. Season with regular old table salt or sea salt for added salty flavor. Throw the pumpkin seeds in the oven for 20 minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Allow to cool before eating! Use this method for perfectly cooked pumpkin seeds. Although the methodology sounds a little strange, boiling the pumpkin seeds first lends them a full flavor. (And you don't even have to worry about waterlogged seeds.) Preheat the oven to 400° F (200° C) and bring water to boil in a cooking pan. For every half cup of pumpkin seeds you're roasting, use 2 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Separate any pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin flesh. The best way to do this is by hand, although you can also use an old (cleaned) comb. Use the comb to separate the pumpkin seeds from the fibrous, fleshy parts. Simmer the pumpkin seeds in the water for 10 minutes. Remove and drain in a colander. Coat a roasting pan with a thin layer of olive oil and toss the seeds into the pan. Bake on the top rack of the oven, anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Small seeds will be brown and crispy after 5 to 7 minutes, medium seeds will take around 10-15 minutes, and large seeds could take as long as 20 minutes to cook. Allow to cool before eating. Eat them raw or straight out of the pumpkin. Eat them the way that nature intended, straight from the source. Fry them on a skillet. Place a little bit of olive oil in a skillet, along with your pumpkin seeds, and fry until the seeds begin to pop. For a sweet twist on this recipe put one tablespoon of sugar into the pan with the pumpkin seeds (without olive oil). Caramelize the pumpkin seeds until they also begin to pop. Incorporate your pumpkin seeds into another recipe. Pumpkin seeds are great alone, but they can send another dish soaring if you include them in: Salads Brittle Bread Pesto Flan The list goes on Know that many people prefer to eat pumpkin seeds whole, along with the shell. If you toast or roast your pumpkin seeds to perfection, the outer shells don't really need to be removed in order to enjoy the seed inside, although some people like doing this. Pry the pumpkin shell open and get at just the seed. In order to do this: Hold the pumpkin seed in your hand or pop into your mouth Crack the side of pumpkin shell in half using your teeth, like you would a sunflower seed Get at the inner seed and discard the outer shell | Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C). Separate any pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin flesh. If you choose to, clean the outer shell of the pumpkin seeds. Pat seeds dry with a paper towel, if needed, and spread out on a baking dish. Throw the pumpkin seeds in the oven for 20 minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Use this method for perfectly cooked pumpkin seeds. Preheat the oven to 400° F (200° C) and bring water to boil in a cooking pan. Separate any pumpkin seeds from the pumpkin flesh. Simmer the pumpkin seeds in the water for 10 minutes. Coat a roasting pan with a thin layer of olive oil and toss the seeds into the pan. Bake on the top rack of the oven, anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Eat them raw or straight out of the pumpkin. Fry them on a skillet. Incorporate your pumpkin seeds into another recipe. Know that many people prefer to eat pumpkin seeds whole, along with the shell. Pry the pumpkin shell open and get at just the seed. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Feed-an-African-Grey-Parrot | How to Feed an African Grey Parrot | African Grey Parrots need a balanced diet that consists of pellets, fruits, and vegetables. When shopping for bird food, choose a high-quality organic avian pellet, which will contain most of your bird's nutritional needs. Feed your African Grey Parrot a couple of teaspoons of fresh food once in the morning and once in the evening, like kale, carrots, broccoli, oranges, and apples. After about an hour, remove any remaining food from its dish so it doesn't spoil. Then, put out its 1/4-1/2 cup of pellets for the day. Remember to clean its food dish each night so it doesn't get dirty. | Feed your parrot store-bought bird pellets. Commercial avian pellets, which you can purchase online or at your local pet store, will meet most of your bird's nutritional needs. They should make up about 75% of your parrot's diet. Among their greatest advantages, store-bought pellets are made of a mix of vegetables, fruits, seeds, and grains. Since each pellet contains all of these ingredients, your parrot can't pick out its favorite foods and leave others, which could cause a nutritional imbalance. Feed good quality organic parrot pellets that are free from artificial coloring, flavorings, and preservatives. Supplement pellets with fresh fruits and vegetables. Filling the rest of your African Grey's diet with fruits and veggies will help prevent calcium and vitamin A deficiencies. Good options include kale, carrots, mustard greens, cabbage, broccoli, oranges, apples, and seedless grapes. Wash fruits and veggies before giving them to your parrot. In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, you can try feeding your parrot human baby food and dehydrated fruit. Avoid only feeding your parrot seeds. While seed-based diets were thought to be appropriate in the past, it's now recommended that seeds account for only a small portion of a parrot's diet. Seeds are high in fat and low in nutritional content, so they're bad for your bird's long-term health. If your parrot's diet is seed-based, gradually wean it off of seeds and switch it to a pellet-based diet. Stay away from harmful foods. While most of the items in the grocery store's produce section are great for your African Grey's health, some human foods can be toxic. Steer clear of avocados, milk, chocolate, raw meat, and uncooked eggs. In addition, your parrot might love fatty or salty foods like potato chips, pizza crusts, and french fries, but you should offer these sparingly and in tiny amounts. Provide fresh items, then remove them after an hour. In the morning, provide your parrot with one to two teaspoons of fruits or vegetables. After an hour, remove whatever your parrot didn't eat to avoid bacteria growth. In the evening, offer another serving of fresh food. The amount will depend on your parrot's age and size, but up to two teaspoons is a good general guideline. Place its daily pellet ration in the cage. After removing the fresh food in the morning, provide your parrot with a container of pellet food. The amount will vary based on your bird's age and your brand of food, but the amount should generally be between one quarter and one half of a cup (85 to 170 grams). Check your product for a chart with measurements based on your bird's species, age, and weight. Remove and clean the pellet container every night. Use puzzle toys and hide treats to encourage foraging. In addition to providing a ready supply of food, use food dispenser toys to encourage your parrot to forage. This will help keep it entertained and prevent behavioral issues. Look for food dispensing toys online or at your pet store. You could also provide a container with a small amount of seeds mixed with pebbles, so your parrot will have to dig to find its treats. Keep fresh water in its cage at all times. Make sure your parrot has access to clean, fresh water at all times. Change the water and clean the container at least twice a day. You might find your parrot likes to make a soup by soaking its pellets or dried fruit in water. If this is the case, you should change the water more frequently. If you're not able to change the water often, use a bottle dispenser to prevent your parrot from making soup. Make sure your bird is healthy before changing its diet. Schedule a checkup with its vet before adjusting your African Grey's diet. Changing its diet could stress your bird or worsen health problems that had previously gone unnoticed. When you bring your parrot to the vet, ask if they have any recommendations for making dietary changes. If you need to find an avian vet, you can use the search tool on the website of the Association of Avian Veterinarians: http://www.aav.org. Wean your parrot off of seeds slowly. Instead of eliminating seeds suddenly, keep a container with seeds and another with pellets in your parrot's cage. Once you see your parrot eating the pellets, gradually reduce the amount of seeds you offer. Mixing seeds and pellets in one container usually isn't effective, since a parrot will likely just pick the seeds out and leave the pellets. Try to slowly wean your parrot over the course of four to eight weeks. Parrots tend to prefer seeds over other kinds of food, so have patience. Try preparing fruits and veggies differently. If your parrot turns its beak when you offer fruits and vegetables, it might have a problem with how they're prepared. Try switching up how you cut or peel them until you find a method that works. You can also try cooking supplemental food instead of serving it raw. For example, if your parrot doesn't touch the whole baby carrots you served, try grating, dicing, or slicing them. Monitor your parrot’s weight during the transition. Watch your parrot for signs of weight gain or loss while you switch its food. Weigh your parrot regularly with a gram scale to make sure it's not losing any weight. Keep an eye out for other causes for concern, such as lethargy or anxiety. Call the vet if you run into any problems. | Feed your parrot store-bought bird pellets. Supplement pellets with fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid only feeding your parrot seeds. Stay away from harmful foods. Provide fresh items, then remove them after an hour. Place its daily pellet ration in the cage. Use puzzle toys and hide treats to encourage foraging. Keep fresh water in its cage at all times. Make sure your bird is healthy before changing its diet. Wean your parrot off of seeds slowly. Try preparing fruits and veggies differently. Monitor your parrot’s weight during the transition. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Garlic | How to Cook Garlic | If you want to make your own roasted garlic, peel the papery shell off of a head of garlic. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut off about 1/4-1/2 of an inch off the tops of the head of garlic, exposing the cloves inside. Place the garlic cut-side up in a muffin pan and drizzle it with olive oil, pouring slowly so the oil doesn't pool in the bottom of the muffin pan. Wrap a piece of aluminum foil around the head of garlic, then place the pan in the oven for about 35 minutes. The garlic is done when it feels soft when it's squeezed. | Purchase a head of fresh garlic at a local grocery store. Garlic heads will be sold at nearly every grocery store. If you'd like fresher, organic, or locally grown garlic, check a health-food store, a natural grocery store, or a local farmer's market. Fresh garlic is in season from July to early October. A head of garlic comprises 8-10 individual garlic cloves clustered together into a large clump. Preheat the oven. Before you begin preparing the garlic for roasting, set your oven for 400 °F (204 °C). Peel off the outer layer of the garlic shell. Use your fingers to break and peel off the outermost layers of the garlic peel. It's okay if the thick shell-like layers of the garlic stay in place around the cloves; you just want to remove the loose, papery peel. Leave the head in 1 piece; do not break off individual garlic cloves. Trim the heads of the garlic cloves. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cut off about ⁄ 4 – ⁄ 2 inch (0.64–1.27 cm) of the tops of the individual cloves. Do this while all of the cloves are still attached together at the base of the garlic head. This will allow the garlic to cook through and allow the olive oil to soak through the roasting garlic. As always, put safety first when using kitchen knives. Always cut away from yourself and never touch the cutting edge of the blade. Place the garlic cut-side up in a muffin pan. Set your peeled and trimmed garlic head in 1 of the muffin indentations inside of a muffin pan. If you don't have a muffin pan, you can also place the garlic in a baking pan. The baking pan won't support the garlic on the sides, though, so it may roll over while cooking. Drizzle 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of olive oil over the garlic. Do this slowly, so that the oil soaks in to the garlic and doesn't pool in the bottom of the muffin pan. After you've poured the olive oil over the garlic heads, use your fingers to rub the oil into the cut-open ends of the individual cloves. This will ensure that your roasted garlic is saturated with oil and rich in flavor. Wrap the garlic heads in foil. Once you've rubbed in the olive oil, tear off a small piece of aluminum foil. Wrap this tightly around the garlic head to keep the oil inside while it's roasting. Bake for 35 minutes. Place the muffin tin in the oven. Once the time has passed, check to see if the garlic is fully cooked. Using a hot pad, squeeze the garlic head. If it feels soft when squeezed, it's fully cooked. If the garlic doesn't feel soft, bake it for another 5-10 minutes. To confirm that the garlic is fully cooked, stab through the center clove with a kitchen knife. The knife should slide in easily, with hardly any resistance. Open and serve the garlic. Once the garlic has cooled for a few minutes, unwrap and discard the foil. Use a small knife or spoon to pull the roasted garlic cloves out of their skins. They should pop out easily. If a few cloves do stick in their skins, use the spoon or knife to gently pry them loose. You can eat the roasted garlic cloves immediately if you're hungry, or add the roasted cloves to a dish. Roasted garlic can be mashed and spread over a warm baguette, or mixed in with savory pasta dishes. Save leftover roasted garlic in an airtight plastic container. The garlic will keep in your refrigerator for 3-4 days. Smash the garlic clove to remove the peel. Take an individual clove of garlic and set it flat on a cutting board. Take a chef's knife or kitchen knife, and set the blade flat on the clove. Then, take the heel of your hand and bring it down firmly on the side of the knife blade, directly on top of the garlic. This will fracture the peel of the garlic and make it easy for you to remove. Use your fingers to pull the individual cloves off from the garlic head. Peel the clove. Use your fingers to pull the broken shell off of the garlic clove. Many cloves of garlic have more than 1 layer of peel. Make sure to remove all of the layers before attempting to slice the clove. If you have a garlic clove with a particularly difficult peel to remove, you may need to use the point of your kitchen knife to slide through the peel. This will make it easier to pull off. Chop the garlic clove. Use your kitchen knife to make 4 or 5 cuts along the length of the clove. Then use either a chopping motion or a rocking motion (as when using a chef's knife) to chop the garlic clove into fine chunks. Each piece of garlic should be smaller than ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) in size. You can chop the garlic as finely as you like, based on how coarse or fine you'd like the bits to be. In technical kitchen terminology, chopping an onion refers to cutting it into relatively large pieces each about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) in width and length. A diced onion is cut into pieces about half that size, while a minced onion is cut into very fine pieces, each about ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) in width and length. Discard the hard base end of the garlic clove. This part is fibrous, thick, and not good to eat. Add 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 mL) of olive oil to a frying pan. The bottom of the pan should be fully coated by the olive oil, but you don't want a thick layer of oil to line the pan. You may need to adjust the amount of oil used based on the size of the pan and the amount of garlic you're sautéing. Use a small skillet (about 8 inches (20 cm)) when sautéing a head of garlic. Add the garlic and turn on the heat. Use your kitchen knife to scrape the minced garlic from the cutting board into the frying pan. Set the pan on a burner, and turn the heat up to medium-high (about 6 on most ranges). The garlic will start to sizzle and cook within 30 seconds. Adding your chopped garlic to cold—not hot—oil will help the garlic cook properly and not burn. Stir the garlic to keep it from burning. It's easy to burn garlic when sautéing it. The finely chopped bits can quickly turn from golden-brown to black. Keep a close watch on the garlic while it's sautéing, and use a wooden spoon or spatula to frequently stir and turn the garlic so all sides will cook evenly. Garlic will sauté fully in less than 5 minutes. A useful trick to keep from burning your sautéed garlic is to prepare every other part of a dish first, and sauté the garlic last. This way, you won't accidentally leave the garlic on the stove for too long while you're preoccupied preparing another part of your dinner. Serve the sautéed garlic. Once the garlic has turned a golden-brown color and begins to smell sweet, take the frying pan off of the heat. Remove the garlic from the hot pan so it doesn't continue to cook. Sautéed garlic can be added to many pasta dishes, stir fries, soups, casseroles, or sauces. It's difficult to keep leftover sautéed garlic. While the garlic will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, it will lose its crisp texture and become soggy. Separate the cloves of 1 or 2 large garlic heads into a large plastic bowl. Use your fingers to pull apart the cloves—still in their skin—from the garlic heads. This should produce about 10-20 individual garlic cloves. Each large garlic head should weigh about 3 ounces (85 g). Pour 2 cups (470 mL) of hot water over the cloves and stir them. The hot water doesn't need to be boiling, so you can use hot water from your kitchen tap. Once the cloves are covered in hot water, stir them in a circular motion with a wooden spoon. Stir constantly for 1 minute. The agitation in hot water will loosen the garlic skins. Drain the water and peel the cloves. Use a hand to hold the cloves in the bowl, and pour the water down the drain. Then use your fingers to crack open the loosened skin of each clove. Peel the layers off of each individual clove. You can discard the broken garlic peel segments. Also use a kitchen knife to slice off the stem ends of the garlic cloves. Place the cloves and 1.25 cups (300 mL) of olive oil in a saucepan. The level of oil should completely cover the cloves at the bottom of the pan. If you don't have olive oil, you can substitute canola or grapeseed oil. A medium-sized saucepan will work best for this step. Use a pan that's about 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. Simmer the oil over medium-low heat. Set the burner to about 4, and keep a close eye on the olive oil as it begins to simmer. The oil should form gentle bubbles, but should not begin to boil. If you have a liquid thermometer, dip it into the simmering oil. The temperature should read between 210–220 °F (99–104 °C). If the oil begins to boil, turn down the heat and remove the pan from the stove for 2 minutes. Simmer the garlic for 35 minutes. You'll be able to tell when the garlic has fully cooked, as it will lose its translucence and take on a more opaque, dark tone. The cooked cloves will also soften to the point that you can split 1 open by pressing on it with a spoon. Once the garlic is opaque and fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let the oil cool. Store garlic in an airtight container. If you're not planning to use the cooked garlic in a meal right away, store it for later in the refrigerator. Seal the garlic in a plastic container, and it should keep in the fridge for about 1 week. If you want to re-use the oil to cook more garlic at a later date, store it in a separate airtight container. The oil will also keep for roughly 1 week in your refrigerator. | Purchase a head of fresh garlic at a local grocery store. Preheat the oven. Peel off the outer layer of the garlic shell. Trim the heads of the garlic cloves. Place the garlic cut-side up in a muffin pan. Drizzle 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of olive oil over the garlic. Wrap the garlic heads in foil. Bake for 35 minutes. Open and serve the garlic. Smash the garlic clove to remove the peel. Peel the clove. Chop the garlic clove. Add 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 mL) of olive oil to a frying pan. Add the garlic and turn on the heat. Stir the garlic to keep it from burning. Serve the sautéed garlic. Separate the cloves of 1 or 2 large garlic heads into a large plastic bowl. Pour 2 cups (470 mL) of hot water over the cloves and stir them. Drain the water and peel the cloves. Place the cloves and 1.25 cups (300 mL) of olive oil in a saucepan. Simmer the oil over medium-low heat. Simmer the garlic for 35 minutes. Store garlic in an airtight container. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-Pulse | How to Check Your Pulse | To check your pulse by hand, find a stopwatch, timer, or clock with a second hand. Then, gently press your index and third finger on your neck to the side of your windpipe. Once you feel your heartbeat, start your timer or keep an eye on your watch while you count the number of heartbeats for 30 seconds. Multiply your result by 2 to get beats per minute. | Find a timepiece to measure while you count your heartbeats. Gather a watch or find a nearby clock. You'll need to watch the time as you count your heartbeats. Have a digital or analog watch that has a second hand handy or find a nearby clock so that you can see the time to get the correct pulse rate. You can also use a stopwatch or the timer on your phone. Decide where you want to take your pulse. Choose to check your pulse either on your neck or your wrist. Do whichever feels most comfortable for you or where you can easily find your pulse. You can also take your pulse on the following spots, though it may be more difficult to detect your heartbeat on them: Temple Groin Behind the knee Top of the foot Place your fingers in the proper position to feel your pulse. Press firmly but not so hard that you can no longer feel the pulse. Put your index and third finger on either side of your neck to the side of your windpipe to find the carotid artery. If you're measuring on your wrist, set two fingers between the bone and tendon over your radial artery. Be careful not to press to hard over the carotid artery, as this can cause you to become lightheaded. Find your radial artery by drawing a line with your finger from below your thumb to your wrist. Then feel for the spot between the wrist bone and tendon for a slight pumping motion. Place the flat part of your finger on your wrist or neck to get the most accurate reading. Avoid using your fingertips or your thumb. Watch your timepiece. Decide if you are going to take your pulse for 10, 15, 30, or 60 seconds. Take out your timepiece so you can do this while you're counting how many times your heartbeats. Count your heartbeats. When the clock reaches zero, start counting how many times you feel a pulse or beat on your neck or wrist. Keep counting until your timepiece reaches the number of seconds you chose to tally your heartbeats. Let yourself rest for five minutes before taking your pulse to get the most accurate resting heart rate reading. You can also take your pulse while you're exercising to measure how hard you are exercising. Calculate your pulse. Note or remember how many heartbeats you counted. Your pulse rate is measured in beats per minute. For example, if you counted 41 for 30 seconds, double it to get 82 beats per minute. If you counted for 10 seconds, multiply the beats counted by 6, and if you counted for 15 seconds, multiply by 4. Get an electronic pulse meter. Use an electronic pulse meter if you have trouble measuring your pulse by hand, you want to check during exercise without stopping, or if you want a very accurate reading. Purchase or rent one at a local medical supply store or another large retailer. Use a smart watch or download a smartphone app to measure your pulse if you have them. Some features to look for include: Having a cuff or strap that fits you Having a display that is easy to read Fitting your needs and budget Note that using an app for pulse measurements is not always accurate. Attach the monitor to yourself. Read your product instructions. Then place the monitor on the proper spot to check your pulse. Most monitors are attached at the chest, finger or wrist. Turn on the monitor power and start it. When you're ready to check your pulse, activate your monitor. Make sure the numbers read “OO” to start so that you get an accurate reading. Read your results. Your monitor will automatically stop and display the number when it's doing with your reading. Check the display and note what you pulse rate is for this specific reading. Save any data or measurements from your reading to track your pulse rate over time. | Find a timepiece to measure while you count your heartbeats. Decide where you want to take your pulse. Place your fingers in the proper position to feel your pulse. Watch your timepiece. Count your heartbeats. Calculate your pulse. Get an electronic pulse meter. Attach the monitor to yourself. Turn on the monitor power and start it. Read your results. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Value-of-Old-Books | How to Find the Value of Old Books | To find the value of an old book, check which edition it is on the copyright page. The oldest editions are usually worth more than recent ones, but first editions are the most valuable. The condition of your book also has a big impact on its value. Any scuffs, tears, or markings will decrease the value of your book. The state of the binding is also important, since pages can often get loose from old books, making them less valuable. You can find out what other people are selling your book for on eBay or antique book websites. The quality of the books and their edition will give you a good indication of how much you can make from your copy. Alternatively, get your book appraised by an antique book dealer. | Refer to the book’s title page and copyright page for key information. Make note of the full title of the publication and the author's name. Then look for the imprint details, namely the publisher's name and the city and date of publication, as well the copyright registration date. Gently open the book to the first page. Pass any blank pages and the half-title page, if there is one, which contains only the name of the book. Following these, you will find the title page. Turn to the reverse or the following page for the copyright page. Don't rely on the dust jacket or binding to find the information you need, since these elements may not be original to the pages within. Even if they are, the information they provide may be incomplete. Determine the edition details of your copy. Many book collectors prize first editions and other rare editions. Check the title page and copyright page to see if your book is a first edition, a revised edition, or a limited edition. These details, which may impact the value of your copy, are usually printed along with the other key identifying information. Some first editions display the words "First Edition" on the title page, but many don't. You may have a first edition book if you only see a single publication date. You can identify a reprint if you see multiple publication dates listed. Reprints often include the word "Printing" (as in "Second Printing") or "Edition" (with an ordinal number other than "First"). In some cases, a book may be reprinted by a publisher other than the publisher who originally published it. It may be described as "First (publisher name) Edition" to indicate that the press is not the original publisher of the work. Match your book’s details with a record in an online catalog. Armed with your list of key identifying information, compare what you know about your copy with the official publication history of the book. Visit an online catalog such as World Cat, the National Union Catalog (NUC), or a print or digital author/subject bibliography that has been published about your book's author or topic. Search by the author, title, and imprint details until you find a record that precisely matches your copy. These catalogs include a different entry for each known and suspected edition of a book title. You'll be able to see where your edition fits within the title's overall publication history. This will help you understand how old it truly is. Use this catalog information to determine how rare your copy is. While determining the number of private owners is difficult at best, you can look up how many copies are held in public, corporate, and collegiate libraries. Search your copy in World Cat, NUC, or another online reference and you'll be able to see how many copies of that edition are accessible and where they're held. As with most collectible items, the fewer copies that exist, the more valuable each individual remaining copy is. Ask a librarian to help you look up your book in an online catalog if you're having trouble. Confirm the completeness and condition of the book’s pages and plates. Look to the catalog record that matches your book to see how many pages and illustrations (often called plates) it should contain. Gently examine your own book to see whether it contains all of the pages and plates it originally contained. Look carefully at your book to see whether the pages are stained, discolored, creased, or torn and how any edge treatment like gilding has held up. Refer to antiquarian terminology to accurately define the damage. For example, brown splotches are known as “foxing.” Condition and completeness both impact the monetary value of an old book. Note any damage to the book’s binding. Determine how secure the binding is and whether or not the front and back boards of the cover are firmly attached to the spine. Look carefully at the condition of the binding stitches and glue. A book without its original binding is also incomplete. If your book isn't terribly rare, a copy in worse condition will always be of less value than a similar copy in a better condition. Examine the physical condition of the cover and dust jacket, if applicable. Check to see if the outer cover and spine are faded, ripped, or warped in any way. If you have a 20th-century book, check to see if it still has its original dust jacket. Assess the condition of the dust jacket and note any tears, creases, or discoloration. The absence of a dust jacket from a book that originally came with one may significantly decrease its value. Summarize the book’s overall physical condition in antiquarian grading terms. Refer to antiquarian guides to confidently define your copy's condition. Commonly-used terms include “fine” or “like new,” meaning the book is in near-perfect condition with no visible defects. Terms including “very good,” “good,” “fair,” and “poor” indicate increasing levels of defectiveness. Note the details about your book's physical condition as it relates to the grade you've assigned it. Regardless of condition, refer to your book as an “ex-library copy” if it contains library markings or originated at a library. Use “binding copy” to refer to a book whose pages are in decent condition but which requires a new binding. Keep in mind that especially old or rare books may still be highly valuable even with considerable damage. Gather evidence of your book’s provenance to increase its value. Your book's provenance, or the history of who owned it in the past, can have an impact on its value, particularly if it belonged to a notable owner. Check for a bookplate with the owner's name, a handwritten signature, or an author's autograph mentioning the owner's name. If your book came with a compelling story, try to track down documentation proving this lineage to be true. Look into family records or consult people who knew the previous owner for confirmation. Have your book formally appraised by a qualified expert. If you desire tax incentives or insurance coverage for your book, you'll need to get a formal appraisal. Appraisals can be done by a certified book appraiser or informally by a dealer in second-hand or rare books. Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America (ABAA), the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB), or the International Society of Appraisers (ISA). Track down an appraiser in your area so that they can examine the physical book. Appraisals typically cost a fee, often to cover services as well as insurance, so be prepared for this investment. If you're not able to find an appraiser in your area, send detailed photographs of the book. Snap pictures of the front and back of the title page, the first and last text pages, the outer covers, and the spine, as well as any other aspects the appraiser asks for. Librarians typically don't provide appraisal services. If your book contains a signature, an appraiser will be able to authenticate it for you. Depending on the book and signature, the presence of a signature may significantly increase the value of your book. Consult a recently-printed reference guide for your book’s estimated value. A number of printed references to collectible books exist. Find one related to your book's subject or author at a library or within the collectibles section of a bookstore. Depending on how the reference guide is organized, your book may be listed by alphabetically by author or title, or chronologically by publication date. Refer to the guide's table of contents and index to locate the listing you need. Be sure to refer to the most recent version when possible, as book values fluctuate. Refer to Allen and Patricia Ahern's "Collected Books: The Guide to Values" for details on first editions. Look to ”American Book-Prices Current" and "Book-Auction Records," 2 reference guides for prices old books fetched at auction. The semiannual "Bookman's Price Index" summarizes the information from book dealers' catalogs to produce its list of prices. Search online book resellers to see what your book could sell for. Search your book's details on the websites of booksellers, such as Abe Books, BookFinder, and AdALL, and auction sites like eBay to see what others are currently charging or paying for copies like yours. If you don't see many results for your exact copy, this may either be due to its limited popularity or its scarcity. Consider consulting an antiquarian if you can't find much online. Set up an account and try to sell or auction off your book through one of these sites if you'd like. Remember that the book’s monetary value equals what a buyer is willing to pay. Despite what a catalog, online reference, or appraiser may tell you, the actual amount you'll get for selling an old book depends on what your buyer is willing to pay for it. Consider these estimates as educated guesses, not determinations. Know that many factors will impact the amount of cash you'll be able to get for your copy. Buyer demand may fluctuate according to trends in the market or fluctuations in personal interests. A famous title, the work of a well-known author, or a book about a popular subject may be more valuable due to popularity or less valuable due to oversaturation in the market. Hold onto your book if you’re not comfortable selling it. You only have one chance to cash in on the market value of your book. If you feel as though your book is worth more than what others are willing to pay for it at any given moment, just hang onto it. After a few years, the value may increase. It's also okay to hold onto a book that has significant personal or sentimental value for you. This type of book, even if it's not worth much money, can be priceless. You may also wish to donate your book to a library or archive. Contact the acquisitions department to discuss whether or not you can make a donation. | Refer to the book’s title page and copyright page for key information. Determine the edition details of your copy. Match your book’s details with a record in an online catalog. Use this catalog information to determine how rare your copy is. Confirm the completeness and condition of the book’s pages and plates. Note any damage to the book’s binding. Examine the physical condition of the cover and dust jacket, if applicable. Summarize the book’s overall physical condition in antiquarian grading terms. Gather evidence of your book’s provenance to increase its value. Have your book formally appraised by a qualified expert. Consult a recently-printed reference guide for your book’s estimated value. Search online book resellers to see what your book could sell for. Remember that the book’s monetary value equals what a buyer is willing to pay. Hold onto your book if you’re not comfortable selling it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-Algebra | How to Learn Algebra | To learn algebra, make sure you know the order of operations and how to use negative numbers. Next, get used to seeing letters, or variables, in math equations and remember that these letters are unknown numbers. In algebra, you're trying to figure out what number that variable equates to. Start by trying to isolate the variable using canceling, foiling, and other techniques, then solve the equation from there! | Review your basic math operations. To start learning algebra, you'll need to know basic math skills such as adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. This primary/elementary school math is essential before you start learning algebra. If you don't have these skills mastered, it will be tricky to tackle the more complex concepts taught in algebra. If you need a refresher on these operations, try our article on basic math skills. You don't necessarily need to be great at doing these basic operations in your head to do algebra problems. Many algebra classes will allow you to use a calculator to save time when doing these simple operations. You should, however, at least know how to do these operations without a calculator for when you aren't allowed to use one. Know the order of operations. One of the trickiest things about solving an algebra equation as a beginner is knowing where to start. Luckily, there's a specific order for solving these problems: first do any math operations in parentheses, then do exponents, then multiply, then divide, then add, and finally subtract. A handy tool for remembering this order of operations is the acronym PEMDAS. Learn how to apply the order of operations here. To recap, the order of operations is: P arentheses E xponents M ultiplication D ivision A ddition S ubtraction The order of operations is important in algebra because doing the operations in an algebra problem in the wrong order can sometimes affect the answer. For instance, if we're dealing with the math problem 8 + 2 × 5, if we add 2 to 8 first, we get 10 × 5 = 50 , but if we multiply 2 and 5 first, we get 8 + 10 = 18. Only the second answer is correct. Know how to use negative numbers. In algebra, it's common to use negative numbers, so it's smart to review how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide negatives before starting to learn algebra. Below are just a few negative number basics to keep in mind — for more information, see our articles on adding and subtracting negative numbers and dividing and multiplying negative numbers. On a number line , a negative version of a number is the same distance from zero as the positive, but in the opposite direction. Adding two negative numbers together makes the number more negative (in other words, the digits will be higher, but since the number is negative, it counts as being lower) Two negative signs cancel out — subtracting a negative number is the same as adding a positive number Multiplying or dividing two negative numbers gives a positive answer. Multiplying or dividing a positive number and a negative number gives a negative answer. Know how to keep long problems organized. While simple algebra problems can be a snap to solve, more complicated problems can take many, many steps. To avoid errors, keep your work organized by starting a new line every time you make a step toward solving your problem. If you're dealing with a two-sided equation, try to write all the equals signs ("="s) underneath each other. This way, if you make a mistake somewhere, it'll be much easier to find and correct. For example, to solve the equation 9/3 - 5 + 3 × 4, we might keep our problem organized like this: 9/3 - 5 + 3 × 4 9/3 - 5 + 12 3 - 5 + 12 3 + 7 10 Look for symbols that aren't numbers. In algebra, you'll start to see letters and symbols appear in your math problems, rather than just numbers. These are called variables. Variables aren't as confusing as they may first seem - they're just ways of showing numbers with unknown values. Below are just a few common examples of variables in algebra: Letters like x, y, z, a, b, and c Greek letters like theta, or θ Note that not all symbols are unknown variables. For instance, pi, or π, is always equal to about 3.14159. Think of variables as "unknown" numbers. As mentioned above, variables are basically just numbers with unknown values. In other words, there's some number that can go in place of the variable to make the equation work. Usually, your goal in an algebra problem is to figure out what the variable is — think of it as a "mystery number" that you're trying to discover. For example, in the equation 2x + 3 = 11, x is our variable. This means that there's some value that goes in the place of x to make the left side of the equation equal 11. Since 2 × 4 + 3 = 11, in this case, x = 4. An easy way to start understanding variables is to replace them with question marks in algebra problems. For example, we might re-write the equation 2 + 3 + x = 9 as 2 + 3 + ? = 9. This makes it easier to understand what we're trying to do — we just need to find out what number to add to 2 + 3 = 5 to get 9. The answer is again 4 , of course. Watch for recurring variables. If a variable appears more than once, simplify the variables. What do you do if the same variable appears more than once in the equation? Though this situation may seem tricky to solve, you can actually treat variables how you'd treat normal numbers — in other words, you can add them, subtract them, and so on as long as you only combine variables that are alike. In other words, x + x = 2x, but x + y doesn't equal 2xy. For example, let's look at the equation 2x + 1x = 9. In this case, we can add 2x and 1x together to get 3x = 9. Since 3 x 3 = 9, we know that x = 3. Note again that you can only add the same variables together. In the equation 2x + 1y = 9, we can't combine 2x and 1y because they are two different variables. This is also true for when one variable has a different exponent than another. For instance, in the equation 2x + 3x = 10, we can't combine 2x and 3x because the x variables have different exponents. See How to Add Exponents for more information. Try to get the variable by itself in algebra equations. Solving an equation in algebra usually means finding out what the variable is. Algebra equations are usually set up with numbers and/or variables on both sides, like this: x + 2 = 9 × 4. To figure out what the variable is, you need to get it by itself on one side of the equals sign. Whatever is left on the other side of the equals sign is your answer. In the example (x + 2 = 9 × 4), to get x by itself on the left side of the equation, we need to get rid of the "+ 2". To do this, we'll simply subtract 2 from that side, leaving us with x = 9 × 4. However, to keep both sides of the equation equal, we also need to subtract 2 from the other side. This leaves us with x = 9 × 4 - 2. Following the order of operations, we multiply first, then subtract, giving us an answer of x = 36 - 2 = 34. Cancel addition with subtraction (and vice versa). As we just saw above, getting x by itself on one side of the equals sign usually means getting rid of the numbers next to it. To do this, we perform the "opposite" operation on both sides of the equation. For instance, in the equation x + 3 = 0, since we see a "+ 3" next to our x, we'll put a "- 3" on both sides. The "+ 3" and "- 3", leaving x by itself and "-3" on the other side of the equals sign, like this: x = -3. In general, addition and subtraction are like "opposites" — do one to get rid of the other. See below: For addition, subtract. Example: x + 9 = 3 → x = 3 - 9 For subtraction, add. Example: x - 4 = 20 → x = 20 + 4 Cancel multiplication with division (and vice versa). Multiplication and division are a little harder to work with than addition and subtraction, but they have the same "opposite" relationship. If you see a "× 3" on one side, you'll cancel it by dividing both sides by 3, and so on. With multiplication and division, you must perform the opposite operation on everything on the other side of the equals sign, even if it's more than one number. See below: For multiplication, divide. Example: 6x = 14 + 2→ x = (14 + 2) /6 For division, multiply. Example: x/5 = 25 → x = 25 × 5 Cancel exponents by taking the root (and vice versa). Exponents are a fairly advanced pre-algebra topic — if you don't know how to do them, see our basic exponent article for more information. The "opposite" of an exponent is the root that has the same number as it. For example, the opposite of the exponent is a square root (√), the opposite of the exponent is the cube root ( √), and so on. It may be a little confusing, but, in these cases, you take the root of both sides when dealing with an exponent. On the other hand, you take the exponent of both sides when you're dealing with a root. See below: For exponents, take the root. Example: x = 49 → x = √49 For roots, take the exponent. Example: √x = 12 → x = 12 Use pictures to make problems clearer. If you're having a hard time visualizing an algebra problem, try using diagrams or pictures to illustrate your equation. You can even try using a group of physical objects (like blocks or coins) instead if you have some handy. For example, let's solve the equation x + 2 = 3 by using boxes (☐) x +2 = 3 ☒+☐☐ =☐☐☐ At this point, we'll subtract 2 from both sides by simply removing 2 boxes (☐☐) from both sides: ☒+☐☐-☐☐ =☐☐☐-☐☐ ☒=☐, or x = 1 As another example, let's try 2x = 4 ☒☒ =☐☐☐☐ At this point, we'll divide both sides by two by separate the boxes on each side into two groups: ☒|☒ =☐☐|☐☐ ☒ = ☐☐, or x = 2 Use "common sense checks" (especially for word problems). When converting a word problem into algebra, try to check your formula by plugging in simple values for your variable. Does your equation make sense when x=0? When x=1? When x = -1? It's easy to make simple mistakes by writing down p=6d when you mean p=d/6, but these are easily caught if you do a quick sanity check on your work before going further. For example, let's say we're told that a football field is 30 yards (27.4 m) longer than it is wide. We use the equation l = w + 30 to represent this. We can test whether this equation makes sense by plugging in simple values for w. For instance, if the field is w = 10 yards (9.1 m) wide, it will be 10 + 30 = 40 yards (36.6 m) long. If it's 30 yards (27.4 m) wide, it will be 30 + 30 = 60 yards (54.9 m) long, and so on. This makes sense — we'd expect the field to get longer as it gets wider, so this equation is reasonable. Be aware that answers won't always be integers in algebra. Answers in algebra and other advanced forms of math aren't always round, easy numbers. They can often be decimals, fractions, or irrational numbers. A calculator can help you find these complicated answers, but keep in mind that your teacher may require you to give your answer in its exact form, not in an unwieldy decimal. For instance, let's say that we narrow down an algebra equation to x = 1250. If we type 1250 into a calculator, we'll get a huge string of decimals (plus, since the calculator's screen is only so large, it can't display the entire answer.) In this case, we may want to represent our answer as simply 1250 or else simplify the answer by writing it in scientific notation. Try expanding your skill. When you're confident with basic algebra, try factoring. One of the trickiest algebra skills of all is factoring — a sort of shortcut for getting complex equations into simple forms. Factoring is a semi-advanced algebra topic, so consider consulting the article linked above if you're having trouble mastering it. Below are just a few quick tips for factoring equations: Equations with the form ax + ba factor to a(x + b). Example: 2x + 4 = 2(x + 2) Equations with the form ax + bx factor to cx((a/c)x + (b/c)) where c is the biggest number that divides into a and b evenly. Example: 3y + 12y = 3y(y + 4) Equations with the form x + bx + c factor to (x + y)(x + z) where y × z = c and yx + zx = bx. Example: x + 4x + 3 = (x + 3)(x + 1). Practice, practice, practice! Progress in algebra (and any other kind of math) requires lots of hard work and repetition. Don't worry — by paying attention in class, doing all of your assignments, and seeking out help from your teacher or other students when you need it, algebra will begin to become second nature. Ask your teacher to help you understand tricky algebra topics. If you're having a hard time getting the hang of algebra, don't worry — you don't have to learn it on your own. Your teacher is the first person you should turn to with questions. After class, politely ask your teacher for help. Good teachers will usually be willing to re-explain the day's topic at an after-school appointment and may even be able to give you extra practice materials. If, for some reason, your teacher can't help you, try asking them about tutoring options at your school. Many schools will have some sort of after-school program that can help you get the extra time and attention you need to start excelling at your algebra. Remember, using free help that's available to you isn't something to be embarrassed about — it's a sign that you're smart enough to solve your problem! Learn to graph x/y equations. Graphs can be valuable tools in algebra because they allow you to display ideas that you'd usually need numbers for in easy-to-understand pictures. Usually, in beginning algebra, graphing problems are restricted to equations with two variables (usually x and y) and are done on a simple 2-D graph with an x axis and a y axis. With these equations, all you need to do is plug in a value for x, then solve for y (or do the reverse) to get two numbers that correspond to a point on the graph. For example, in the equation y = 3x, if we plug in 2 for x, we get y = 6. This means that the point (2,6) (two spaces to the right of center and six spaces above center) is part of this equation's graph. Equations with the form y = mx + b (where m and b are numbers) are especially common in basic algebra. These equations always have a slope of m and cross the y axis at y = b. Learn to solve inequalities. What do you do when your equation doesn't use an equals sign? Nothing much different than what you'd normally do, it turns out. For inequalities, which use signs like > ("greater than") and < ("less than"), just solve as normal. You'll be left with an answer that's either less than or greater than your variable. For instance, with the equation 3 > 5x - 2, we would solve just like we would for a normal equation: 3 > 5x - 2 5 > 5x 1 > x, or x < 1. This means that every number less than one works for x. In other words, x can be 0, -1, -2, and so on. If we plug these numbers into the equation for x, we'll always get an answer less than 3. Tackle quadratic equations. One algebra topic that many beginners struggle with is solving quadratic equations. Quadratics are equations with the form ax + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are numbers (except that a can't be 0.) These equations are solved with the formula x = [-b +/- √(b - 4ac)]/2a. Be careful — the +/- sign means you need to find the answers for adding and subtracting, so you can have two answers for these types of problems. As an example, let's solve the quadratic formula 3x + 2x -1 = 0. x = [-b +/- √(b - 4ac)]/2a x = [-2 +/- √(2 - 4(3)(-1))]/2(3) x = [-2 +/- √(4 - (-12))]/6 x = [-2 +/- √(16)]/6 x = [-2 +/- 4]/6 x = -1 and 1/3 Experiment with systems of equations. Solving more than one equation at once may sound super-tricky, but when you're working with simple algebra equations, it's not actually that hard. Often, algebra teachers use a graphing approach for solving these problems. When you're working with a system of two equations, the solutions are the points on a graph that the lines for both equations cross at. For example, let's say we're working with a system that contains the equations y = 3x - 2 and y = -x - 6. If we draw these two lines on a graph, we get one line that goes up at a steep angle, and one that goes down at a mild angle. Since these lines cross at the point (-1,-5) , this is a solution to the system. If we want to check our problem, we can do this by plugging our answer into the equations in the system — a right answer should "work" for both. y = 3x - 2 -5 = 3(-1) - 2 -5 = -3 - 2 -5 = -5 y = -x - 6 -5 = -(-1) - 6 -5 = 1 - 6 -5 = -5 Both equations "check out," so our answer is right! | Review your basic math operations. Know the order of operations. Know how to use negative numbers. Know how to keep long problems organized. Look for symbols that aren't numbers. Think of variables as "unknown" numbers. Watch for recurring variables. Try to get the variable by itself in algebra equations. Cancel addition with subtraction (and vice versa). Cancel multiplication with division (and vice versa). Cancel exponents by taking the root (and vice versa). Use pictures to make problems clearer. Use "common sense checks" (especially for word problems). Be aware that answers won't always be integers in algebra. Try expanding your skill. Practice, practice, practice! Ask your teacher to help you understand tricky algebra topics. Learn to graph x/y equations. Learn to solve inequalities. Tackle quadratic equations. Experiment with systems of equations. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Remove-Sharpie | How to Remove Sharpie | To remove Sharpie from clothing, lay the stained fabric inside-out on a stack of paper towels and apply a stain remover to the underside of the stain. If you can, wash the garment in the washing machine with cold water; otherwise, dab the spot with cold water to remove the fabric cleaner. To remove Sharpie from your skin, soak the spot in water for a few minutes, then scrub the area with a washcloth and wash with soap and water when you're done. | Lay the stained fabric face down on a layer of paper towels. Make sure that you have enough paper towels to absorb the excess stain remover. These towels should also absorb some of the stain. You may need more paper towels as you work, so keep a roll of paper towels handy. You should also work on the stain on a surface that will not be damaged by the stain remover. For example, you could work on the stain while the item is in top of your washer or dryer. Apply stain spot remover. Apply stain remover to the underside of the stain. You can do this by turning the article of clothing inside out, but make sure that you place paper towels between the layers of fabric. Applying stain remover to the underside of the stain will push it out through the top instead of pushing it further into the fabric. Wash the fabric, if possible. If the fabric you are cleaning is something that you can throw into the washer, then you will want to do so right away. After applying the stain remover, wash the fabric in cold water with detergent. Do not use warm water, do not dry in a dryer, and do not iron. Heat can cause the stain to set. If you cannot wash the fabric because it is part of a chair or other piece of furniture, then you may be able to just dab the area with some cold water to remove the fabric cleaner. Follow the label's instructions for how to treat this type of fabric. If the item is all white, then you may consider adding about ¼ cup of bleach to the washer as well. Make sure that you add the bleach using your washer's bleach dispenser. Do not just pour the bleach into the washer. Head to the dry cleaners. Some items cannot be washed in a washing machine and they require dry cleaning instead. If your item label specifies that it is “dry clean only,” then you will need to take it to a professional cleaner instead. You may also consider taking your item to the dry cleaners if the stain remover did not work. If none of these methods worked, or if you are working with a delicate fabric, then your best bet is to ask a professional to remove the stain for you. Make sure that you explain that the stain was from a Sharpie when you take the item to the dry cleaners. Use a "magic eraser. " These handy cleaning products can be found in the same aisle as your household cleaners at the store. A “magic eraser” is made of melamine foam packed with air and uses no chemical solvents. It lifts stains from your surfaces using a type of physical reaction, rather than a chemical one, and it essentially works by sanding the stained surface on a microscopic level. Simply scrub the marked wall with the "magic eraser" until the stain lifts out. Wipe the wall with a moist cloth when done to remove any melamine residue left behind. Do not use a magic eraser on glossy paint because it can dull some of the glossiness away. Try a regular eraser. You may also be able to lift a stain from a tablet screen, countertop, or other hard surface just by using a regular pink eraser. Rub a large pink eraser over the surface of the Sharpie stain as if you are erasing it. You may need to go over the stain several times to see any progress. Make an alcohol solution. You can create a solution of alcohol and water to use as a stain remover. Mix one part isopropyl alcohol with two parts water. Then, use a clean white cloth to rub some of the solution onto the stain. You may need to repeat this treatment several times before the stain comes out. Apply a dry erase marker over the permanent marker. You may also be able to get rid of a Sharpie stain by coloring over it with a non-permanent dry erase marker. This method works best if the stain is on a dry erase board or similar surface, such as a window or computer screen. The chemicals in the dry erase marker cling to those in the permanent ink, thereby lifting it out of the surface and away. Color over the Sharpie stain completely with the dry erase marker. Wipe the colored area with a paper towel. Repeat as needed until the stain lifts away. Try nail polish remover or acetone on plastic. Acetone and nail polish removers containing acetone can strip away most paints and dyes, and the dye in Sharpies is usually weak against it. Cover the bottle of nail polish remover or acetone with a clean cloth. Tip the bottle upside-down briefly, just long enough to soak the portion of cloth above the bottle with the product. Rub the portion of your cloth soaked in nail polish remover on the stain. You should notice the stain lifting out with only moderate pressure. Increase pressure as you scrub only if necessary. Wipe clean with a dry portion of the cloth. Soak your skin in warm soapy water. Soaking the area of your skin that is stained with Sharpie will help to moisten it and make it easier to remove the stain. Soak the area by placing it into a bowl of warm soapy water or saturate a washcloth with warm soapy water and lay it over the Sharpie stained area of your skin. Scrub the area. After you have soaked your skin, you can use a washcloth to scrub the area for about one minute. Rub the area in a circular motion to try to remove the Sharpie stain. For extra exfoliation, you can apply some sugar to the stained area of your skin and use the washcloth to work it into your skin. Wash the area with soap and water when done. You can follow up the scrubbing by washing the Sharpie stained area of your skin with warm water and soap. Use your fingertips to apply the soap and then rinse it away with warm water. Pat the area dry when you are finished. Apply some alcohol based hand sanitizer. If the sharpie does not come out using plain soap and water, then you may want to try a bit of alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove the Sharpie from your skin. Apply a dime sized amount (or more if it is a larger area) to your skin and rub it in. Then, rinse the area with warm water. You may want to apply some moisturizer after all of this scrubbing. Over-washing your skin can cause dryness and irritation. Treat the stain as soon as possible. The sooner you start treating the stain, the better your chances of removing the stain will be. Do not hold off on treating the stain or do part of the process and then put it aside. Treat the stain completely as soon as you notice it. Test stain removers on an inconspicuous area. Some stain removers may lead to discoloration of fabrics and other surfaces, so it is best to test an area of the fabric or surface that people will not notice. For example, you might test the inside of the leg of a pair of jeans, the back of a sofa, or an area of hardwood flooring that is always covered by an area rug. Avoid using heat. Using heat may set the stain, so avoid exposing the stain to heat. Do not use a hair dryer, clothing dryer, or iron to treat the stain. | Lay the stained fabric face down on a layer of paper towels. Apply stain spot remover. Wash the fabric, if possible. Head to the dry cleaners. Use a "magic eraser. Try a regular eraser. Make an alcohol solution. Apply a dry erase marker over the permanent marker. Try nail polish remover or acetone on plastic. Soak your skin in warm soapy water. Scrub the area. Wash the area with soap and water when done. Apply some alcohol based hand sanitizer. Treat the stain as soon as possible. Test stain removers on an inconspicuous area. Avoid using heat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-a-Tonkinese-Cat | How to Identify a Tonkinese Cat | To identify a Tonkinese cat, look for a cat with a short, silky coat that's blue-grey, beige, brown, or silver. Additionally, see if the cat's ears are pointed, wide at the base, and rounded at the tips. You can also check to see if the cat's legs are slim and the back legs are slightly longer than the front legs, which is common in Tonkinese cats. Tonkinese also have oval paws with 5 toes on the front paw and 4 toes on the back paw, so check your cat's feet. | Look for a Tonkinese coat coloring. The Tonkinese coat is short and it lays close to the cat's body. It is fine, silky, and soft. The coat coloring pattern can be pointed (high contrast), mink (medium contrast) or solid. These different patterns all come in four different colors: Blue - soft blue-grey Champagne - cream to beige coloring Natural - medium brown Platinum - pale, silvery gray See if the eye color corresponds with the coat color. With Tonkinese cats, the coloring pattern of the coat usually corresponds to the eye color in a specific way. If the eye color does not match the coat pattern, then it may not be a pure bred Tonkinese. Pointed coat - blue eyes Mink coat - aqua eyes Solid coat - green to yellow/green eyes Look at the cat's ear shape. A Tonkinese cat has pointed and upright ears that are wide at the base and rounded at the tips. The ears make the cat look alert and wide awake because they are so upright. The Tonkinese cat's ears are moderately sized in relation to the cat's head size. They should generally look neither large or small. Make sure the legs are slender and proportionate. The Tonkinese cat has slim legs that are generally proportionate in length and girth to the cat's body. However, the back legs are slightly longer than the front legs. The Tonkinese also have oval paws. The cats have five toes on the front paws and four toes on the back paws. Assess whether the cat is surprisingly heavy. One of the defining characteristics of the Tonkinese breed it that it is heavier than expected. If you pick up the cat and it weighs more than you think it would from looking at it, then it may be a Tonkinese.<refhttps://cfa.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/tonkinese-standard.pdf</ref> If you weigh the cat, it should be between six and twelve pounds. Look for a moderate build and size. The Tonkinese was bred to be a moderately-sized cat with good proportions. Its body is firm and muscular but not overly so. If you look at a Tonkinese it should simply appear in proportion. Even the cat's head, ears, and tail should all look well proportioned. In show cats, the balance and proportion of the cat is more important than the overall size of the cat. Determine whether you have a friendly cat. The Tonkinese is not a distant or aloof cat. It likes to interact with people and other animals a lot, so it shouldn't be left alone for long periods of time. If your cat likes to meet new people or animals and doesn't spend a lot of time alone, it may be a Tonkinese. A very friendly Tonkinese may go up to you and demand your attention with a lot of meows. In fact, the cat may even do that to strangers that come to your door. Make sure you have an active cat. The Tonkinese cat loves to play. It will chase, leap, and jump after toys if you play with it. It will gladly engage in a game of hide and seek with other animals, or even you. Whatever is going on, the Tonkinese wants to be involved. This activity level means that the cat needs lots of toys and equipment to play with so that it gets the amount of activity is desires. Determine whether you have an intelligent cat. The Tonkinese is a very smart cat. It can be trained pretty easily, especially for a cat. It particularly enjoys learning games, such as fetch, and mastering cat puzzles. Because these cats are so smart, they need a lot of interactive toys and games to keep their minds occupied. Assess whether you have an affectionate cat. The Tonkinese breed is a very loving breed that loves to snuggle with its family members. With this breed, it is not surprising if the cat jumps up on your lap and curls right up. In fact, it will likely follow you around the house until you pay attention to it and give it some love. A Tonkinese loves being involved in family activities. Don't be surprised if it jumps up on the table during a family meal because it wants to be part of the group. Ask your veterinarian about your cat's breed. If you want to verify your cat's breed, you can simply ask your veterinarian. An experienced veterinarian should have a lot of knowledge about common cat breeds and they may be able to give you verification. However, they may not be able to identify less common breeds without some research. Since a Tonkinese is a cross between a Siamese cat and a Burmese cat, your veterinarian may suggest that your cat is one of these breeds. Talk to a breeder. To get verification of your cat's breed, talk to an expert in breeding Tonkinese cats. By contacting a breeder that specializes in this breed, you will be able to get reputable information. Ask the breeder if they would consider consulting with you about your cat. They may request that you pay a consulting fee, as this is related to their business. Look at the websites of cat associations or appreciation groups to find quality breeders to consult with. There are breeders of this cat spread out all over the world, but there are not a ton of them. While you may be able to bring your cat to the breeder if they are in your area, breeders outside of your area may be able to do an assessment based on photos. Get a DNA test done. If you want the most reliable verification possible for your cat's breed, then you should get a DNA test done. You will need to contact a company that specializes in pet DNA testing and have them send you a sampling kit. Many companies have these available online. The sampling kit will have instructions for collecting a sample included. Typically, though, sample collection involves swabbing your cat's cheek. Once that is done, you will send it back to the company for analysis. The company will send you the results once the sample has been analyzed. There are a variety of companies and organizations that do pet DNA testing. Look for companies that have the widest possible database. This allows for the most accurate DNA match. These DNA tests will not tell you about any potential genetic health problems. Instead, they are used to help determine your cat's lineage. | Look for a Tonkinese coat coloring. See if the eye color corresponds with the coat color. Look at the cat's ear shape. Make sure the legs are slender and proportionate. Look for a moderate build and size. Determine whether you have a friendly cat. Make sure you have an active cat. Determine whether you have an intelligent cat. Assess whether you have an affectionate cat. Ask your veterinarian about your cat's breed. Talk to a breeder. Get a DNA test done. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Go-to-Confession | How to Go to Confession | When you go to confession, prepare by asking yourself if you have disobeyed any commandments, doubted your faith, or hurt others. Remember that the priest can't disclose your secrets or pass judgement on you, so you can be totally honest with him. When you enter the confessional, make the sign of the cross as the priest prompts you to. You can remain anonymous if you wish, or identify yourself. Either way, the priest won't treat you any differently. You should follow his lead in the conversation, but don't worry about following a traditional format. Just think of confession is a casual conversation between you, the priest and God. | Examine your conscience. Since you're going to confession and all, you probably want to have an idea of what to say! Sitting back and reflecting on your actions is referred to as "an examination of conscience." So take a moment to call to mind your behavior since your last confession -- from the smallest to the largest of sins. If you wish to pray to the Holy Spirit during this time for guidance, you may. Don't know where to start? Here are a few questions you can ponder: Have I disobeyed any of the commandments? Have I nourished my faith? Has anything else in my life influenced me more than God? Have I denied or doubted my faith? Have I hurt others, either accidentally or purposefully? Have I rejected any part of my faith? Have I been forgiving? What are the causes of my sins? What temptations do I surround myself with? Understand the difference between mortal and venial sin. Most of us commit venial sins on the regular; they're nothing to be ashamed of, though forgiveness should still be sought. These are your everyday sins -- lying to a friend to get out of a party, using God's name in vain, etc. Then there are the mortal sins, which are no laughing matter. Three conditions must be present in order for a sin to be mortal: It must be something serious (Grave Matter). For example, intentionally lying to someone in order to rob their money is a lot more severe (graver) than stealing a pack of gum or a water bottle. You must understand what you're doing at the time you're doing it. You must have done it according to your own free will. Keep in mind that whatever it is, your priest will keep your secrets. Whatever it is, he will not (and cannot) pass judgment or let your secrets out. Even under threat of death! He can be trusted. You needn't worry about the consequences of telling him. In fact, neglecting to tell him is a sin in itself! Find a confession session. This can either be done by dropping in or making a phone call; many churches have designated times for confessions. Though a priest can usually be found at most times with enough looking, going to a scheduled session is easiest. However, a quick phone call or brief meeting and you can schedule a private session as well. If you're nervous to go into the church, don't be! Many churches have publicized when confession is -- either on a sign outside the church or as part of the church bulletin, which can almost always be found at the entrances. Some are even up online! Private sessions are a good idea if you have a lot to talk about. A normal confession may last 10 or so minutes. If you think yours will last a lot longer, feel free to ask for a private session. Pray that you may be honest and repentant. It's always a good idea to do a little prayer before confession to ensure that all goes well, nothing escapes your memory, and to ensure that your penitence is meaningful and true. You want to go in with nothing but the best of intentions. A large part of a good confession is meaning it, is seeking forgiveness, is putting your heart and soul into it. Even if you sat down with the priest and only muttered out an, "I hurt my friend" between sobs of regret, that'd be so much better than listing out every sin you've committed since your last confession between eye rolls. It's all about being true and faithful. The act of confession is about contrition -- wholly rejecting sin. Enter the church and take your seat in a pew. You could go directly into the confessional (provided there's no one else in there or waiting outside), but sometimes it's nice to take a minute in the pew by yourself beforehand. You have this beautiful church probably almost all to yourself. Can you feel its energy resonating through you? Can you feel the majesty of the Lord's kingdom and how you're a part of it? Take a moment to kneel and pray with your head down and hands clasped together. Reflect on your faith and how you feel currently. Think about how you've been responding to God's call and how you've been living in the light of his love. Enter the confessional. When the priest is ready for you, of course. You'll probably see him there by his lonesome or someone else walk out just before you. Sit down either across from him or behind the screen -- it's totally up to you whether or not you prefer to remain anonymous. He won't treat you any differently either way. Make the sign of the cross upon his prompt, saying, "Bless me, Father, for I have sinned. It has been (blank) since my last confession." This is your standard, traditional phrasing. However, if you just sit down and say hello, that's fine, too. The priest knows what he's doing. The Byzantine Rite is a bit different. The priest may sit to your side and put his epitrachelion on your head. He may then also do the Prayer of Absolution. But the idea remains the exact same -- just go wherever he takes you. Follow the priest's lead. Once you sit down and you've made the sign of the cross, just sit back and follow the priest's lead. He'll ask you how long it's been since your last confession (if you don't voluntarily offer that information), how you are feeling, maybe how your faith is going, and then ask you what sins you would like to talk about with him and God. It's just a casual conversation! Do not fret. There is absolutely zero pressure on your part. Again, as long as you come there with the intention of leaving with a clean heart, you're more than welcome in the church. There is no wrong way to go about confession! Confess your sins. This part is intimidating, but think about it this way: the priest you're talking to has probably heard just about everything before. Whatever you have to say will not blow his mind. So when he asks, start rattling them off, from the most serious to the least. If he asks any questions, answer them, but do not feel the need to go into detail. A simple, "I did so and so," will suffice. Your priest is going to be very understanding. If you don't remember the exact timeframe, that's fine. If you don't remember your motivation, that's fine. All your priest cares about is that you're being as honest as possible and that your heart is in the right place. Listen as the priest offers counsel. He'll talk you through everything, possibly asking about your intentions, but mainly just letting you know that God loves you, sin and all. If he has any ideas to bring you closer to God, he may suggest them at this juncture. He's there to help, after all. He will then ask you to make an Act of Contrition. That goes like this: My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against You whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more, and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our Savior Jesus Christ suffered and died for us. In his name, my God, have mercy (If you are a Roman Catholic, your act of contrition will go like this: Oh my God, I am very sorry for having offended thee. I detest all of my sins because of thy just punishment. But most of all, because they offend you, my God, who is all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of thy grace, to sin no more, and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen. Take heed as the priest will then offer absolution and recommend penance. Don't worry! It won't be anything huge. You may even walk away just having to say a few meaningful prayers. Take the absolution to heart -- you now have a brand new, clean slate to work with. It'll feel so uplifting! Just to clarify, "absolution" means your sins are washed away. "Penance" is your expression of regret and repentance, showing God that you're truly sorry for what you've done and that you wish for nothing more than to be forgiven. Leave the confessional feeling a little lighter than before. The priest will give you a "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord," or something very similar. Smile, thank him, walk out, and be excited! Your sins have been forgiven and you have a clean slate to work with. You're that much closer to God. Can you feel it? Now what are you going to do with your fresh start? If you forgot a sin you wished to mention, don't fret. God knows of your intentions and it has been forgiven along with the others. However, you may want to mention it next time. Or it could fester and turn into some unnecessary guilt! If you wish, return to your pew. Many often choose to return to their pew and resume prayer, offering a silent thanks to God. And if your penance was a select number of certain prayers, there's no better time than now to channel God. So feel free to return to your seat and bookend your reconciliation with prayer. Many reflect on their experiences and how they can avoid the sins in the future. When's the next time you plan on confessing? What can you do in the meantime to find inspiration to live in His image? Harden your resolve now to try to live as He intended. Complete your penance. Whatever the priest suggested you do for penance is best completed as soon as possible. Whether that's in the pew or a conversation you need to have with a loved one, seek to fulfill His desires as soon as possible. You'll feel so relieved when all is said and done! Upon completion of your penance, you may want to take a moment to thank God and revel in your absolution. Think about how much God loves you and how wonderful it is to be a part of His glory. Not everyone is so lucky! Pledge to stay aligned with God. It is not expected that you never sin again. God knows that's ridiculous! It's only expected that you seek to avoid the situations that lead you to sin. It's also not wise to view confession as an excuse to sin! No, no, no. Confession is just a part of bringing humanity a bit closer to God, imperfections and all. All He wants is for you to do your best. As you go about the next days and weeks, keep in mind God's part in your life and how you can strive to live as He desires. Seek out the scriptures for inspiration, and surround yourself with those who yearn to live in similar ways. In other words? Go forth to love and serve the Lord. Your Lord. | Examine your conscience. Understand the difference between mortal and venial sin. Find a confession session. Pray that you may be honest and repentant. Enter the church and take your seat in a pew. Enter the confessional. Follow the priest's lead. Confess your sins. Listen as the priest offers counsel. Take heed as the priest will then offer absolution and recommend penance. Leave the confessional feeling a little lighter than before. If you wish, return to your pew. Complete your penance. Pledge to stay aligned with God. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cards | How to Make Cards | To make a standard-sized greeting card, cut your cardstock so it's 10 by 14 inches large, and use a ruler to make sure the edges are straight. Next, fold your card in half and weigh it down with a heavy book so it is as flat as possible. Add details to the front of the card such as pressed flowers or a photo collage, and if you'd like, include your own drawing to make the design unique. Inside the card, write a brief, simple message appropriate for the occasion. If you're stuck for ideas, consider using quotations. | Consider adding pressed flowers, shells, or other decorations. The outside of the card is where you'll do the most adornment. Pick a theme based on the season, the occasion, or the person you're making the card for. Pressed flowers that you lightly glue to the card can make wonderful and eye-popping 3D decorations in the springtime, sprucing up a card with a natural highlight of color. It's a great idea for people with a green thumb. You could also add shells to summertime cards for a unique touch. This works especially well for gift tags or other types of place cards. For a simple touch, collage a few pictures. Saving old school books, kids' books, magazines, and newspapers can be a great source for making cards. If you don't have a big store of them laying around, hit up a local thrift shop for extremely cheap (or even free) piles of cut-up magazines that you can repurpose for your cards. Nature magazines are a great source of card-material, as well as magazines that feature lots of advertisements. The high contrast colors in magazine ads look great when cut up for cards. For a real shortcut, you could even consider saving your old cards and cutting shapes from them to reuse in new cards. Repurpose those old Christmas cards you always recycle by cutting out the manger scene or the Christmas tree from the front and putting it front and center on your own card. No one will know the difference, and you'll save money. If you can, include original drawings on or in your cards. You don't have to be a great artist to be a great card artist. Depending on your audience, a silly stick figure comic or a diagram of your feelings would be a hilarious gift for a holiday or other special occasion. If you can actually draw well, even better. Decorate the card with your own artwork for a personalized touch your friends and family will treasure. Go for elegant and simple. Adding a few tasteful adornments to your card is generally better than making something too busy or too cluttered with decoration. A simple white card with a pressed flower on it will look thoughtful and elegant, making a great message to give someone. Avoid making your collage too busy. A good combination of two pictures culled from a magazine or book can be poignant, cute, or hilarious. Don't clutter it with fifty pictures of your friend's favorite Baseball player for a birthday card. Maybe go for one good one with a well-timed funny caption for effect. Do more with a little. Don't be afraid to make it weird. Quirky holiday cards are usually better received than deadly-serious ones. Little jokes, non-sequiters, or weird pictures of sea creatures should be welcomed and embraced in the card-making tradition. Your family's never heard of the Hannukah Squid? Time to change your traditions. Cut out an idyllic holiday scene being attacked by floating clouds of squid with Santa hats and HAPPYNESS in all caps on the inside. The less sense, the better. Making something weird doesn't mean you should send a crude card to your mother-in-law for her favorite holiday, or that you should try to make a funny sympathy card, but you should send something that the receiver will appreciate. Know their sense of humor and make them chuckle. Get some good-quality cardstock. cardstock, like the name suggests, is perfect for making your own cards. It's basically thick, high-quality paper that you can buy at any craft store in a variety of vibrant colors and prints. Depending on the kind of card you want to make, it's usually good to get a few different colors and layer them for a cool effect. For a professional-looking card, it's common to get two different varieties of complementary colors to make each card. After cutting different shapes or sizes of cardstock (one smaller and one larger), you can paste the smaller evenly into the center of the larger to create a unique look. When you fold other, this creates a nice surface on which to write your message. You could even use basic printer paper on the inside to avoid bulking up the card. Assemble your other crafting materials. Depending on what kind of card you're making, you'll likely need: glue or a glue stick fine-point pens scissors photographs or magazine clippings a ruler any other decorations you'd like to include Cut the basic shape of the card. Once you've selected the outside color for the cardstock, cut it to size. A standard-sized greeting card is a rectangular shape, about 5 x 7 when folded in half. Because you haven't folded it over yet, use your ruler to measure out a square roughly 10 x 14 and cut very carefully with your scissors. You want the straightest edge possible, so use a paper cutter if you've got access to one. Also cut a piece or two from a different color of cardstock. Cut these a bit smaller than the card by an inch or two on each side and center it on the outer piece. Glue it securely with your glue stick and let it dry thoroughly before folding it in half. You can also do the same thing on the other side of the card, give it both a unique inner surface with texture and an outer surface. Experiment with shapes and placements depending on your style, mood, and the season. You could cut diamonds or other shapes from the interior piece to give it an extra flair. A snowflake would be perfect for a wintertime card, or a heart might be perfect for Valentine's cards. Fold the stock carefully in half. Make a sharp and even crease, then weight the card under a heavy book to make sure it stays sharp and as flat as possible. When you're done with that, you're ready to write your message on the interior of the card and decorate it! Consider forgetting the fold and making a post-card. Alternatively, you could forego the complication of the fold and merely cut a piece of cardstock to the proper size and decorate one side, leaving the other side free for a personal message, address, and postage. Couldn't be easier. Write a simple, brief, and heartfelt message in your card. You don't need to stress over making a card coded or complicated to make it effective. On the inside of the card, write a few sentences for your message, sign it, and send it on its merry way. If you've gone to the trouble to make your own unique card for a gift, you don't need to include a long-winded message. "Merry Christmas!" would be perfectly appropriate for a holiday card. For a birthday card , it's appropriate to use your own sense of humor to offer a birthday greeting: "Happy Day Old Man" might be funny for your dad or your brother, but not necessarily for your boss. For casual but sincere messages, here are some possibilities: Many happy returns. Stay young, buddy. Happiest of Birthdays! Here's to a whole bunch more. Analog Text: Happy Birthday. So proud to know you. Happy Birthday! For romantic cards , get mushy as quickly as possible without going over the top. Some simple but romantic messages: You mean so much to me. Love you. So glad we could spend this day together. Loving you. I'm crazy about you. Here's to the future. I'm so glad you like me more than your dog does. Love. For a sympathy card , it's especially important to go for simple and sincere: Thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you. So sorry for your loss. Use quotations if you feel stuck. It's perfectly common and appropriate to use an attributed quotation on a card, especially for religious holidays. If you're feeling stuck on thinking of a message you'd like to include, feel perfectly free to quote something and let someone else speak for you, or to go for the ultimate simple message: "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Birthday" or "My sympathy." Bible verses are particularly common for Christmas and Easter cards, though might be somewhat preachy for other kinds of cards. Know your audience and send them the appropriate kind of message. Don't be afraid to get weirder. The message can especially be the time you can let your freak flag fly high and be quite funny, if your friend or loved one would appreciate it. Here are some possibilities: "Your birthday is not a reason to drink depressed and alone just because you're so old. Like really really old. That's why we're going out tonight." "Happy Nondenominational Winter Celebration. ALL PRAISE BE TO THE SOLSTICE SQUID." "I drew a mustache on Captain Kirk for your birthday because I know you like having your time wasted. Happy birthday." Instead of writing a long card, send a letter. If you've got a lot to say and want to catch up with someone you haven't talked to in a long time, include a separate letter within your card, and a shorter message in the card. Cards work best without a long letter within them. If you want to write several paragraphs, update your family or friends about your life and adventures, write a letter. Send cards for the holidays. During the Christmas-New Years-Hannukah winter holidays, it's very common to make personalized cards and get them in the mail to friends and family as a way of keeping in touch. It's typical to include a recent photograph of yourself or your family, especially for extended family you might not often see. The end of the year is a good time to get in touch and let everyone know what you've been doing and that you're thinking about them. Include a recent picture of your family, along with a brief note out the year's accomplishments and activities. To make it easier on yourself, make several copies of a basic card, but then handwrite a brief message in each and include a longer form note that you send out to everyone. If you choose to write a year-in-review note, think about the right tone. Avoid the bragging about the litany of destinations on your European tour when you're writing to your working class relatives in Tulsa. Instead, say, "We were fortunate and lucky to travel some this year." Likewise, a holiday letter isn't the time to depress all your family members with a list of everything that's gone wrong for you in the year. Stay upbeat. It's the holidays. Send cards for the birth of a child. If you've just given birth to a new child, you've likely got your hands full. But if you want to make custom cards, including a nice highlight like a copy of the baby's footprint, or a recent photograph would be a welcome and exciting gift for your friends and loved ones. Send seasonal cards, just because. Everyone sends cards during the winter. What about Springtime cards? Dog days of summer cards? Stand out from the pack and send your friends cards just because you're thinking about them, or whenever you come up with a reason to make some up. Look up obscure holidays like Nunavut Day (July 9) or Submarine Day (March 17) or Beer Can Appreciation Day (Jan 24) and use it as a reason to send out cards and shake things up. Send someone a card who might need it. Think of someone you know, or might not even know well, who's seemed down lately. Sending a card out of the blue can make someone's day more than an expensive gift or another token of affection. Making a card for someone who needs it is always a great idea. | Consider adding pressed flowers, shells, or other decorations. For a simple touch, collage a few pictures. If you can, include original drawings on or in your cards. Go for elegant and simple. Don't be afraid to make it weird. Get some good-quality cardstock. Assemble your other crafting materials. Cut the basic shape of the card. Fold the stock carefully in half. Consider forgetting the fold and making a post-card. Write a simple, brief, and heartfelt message in your card. Use quotations if you feel stuck. Don't be afraid to get weirder. Instead of writing a long card, send a letter. Send cards for the holidays. Send cards for the birth of a child. Send seasonal cards, just because. Send someone a card who might need it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Silk-Scarf | How to Tie a Silk Scarf | There are a number of ways you can tie your silk scarf depending on how you plan to wear it. For a square silk scarf, try a classic bandit style by laying it flat on a table and folding 2 of the corners to meet each other to form a triangle. Then, wrap the 2 ends around your neck and tie hem in a loose knot. To wear a larger silk scarf as an ascot, fold it in half diagonally and drape it around your neck. Tie the ends together in a loose knot and tuck any hanging sections into the scarf. You can also create a faux infinity scarf. First, lay your silk scarf flat on a surface and fold it in half. Then, tie each of the corners together to form a large loop. Wrap the scarf around your neck a few times so there aren't any loose ends hanging out. | Tie it in the bandit style. This is one of the most classic styles for a square silk scarf. Lay your scarf flat on a table. Fold two of the corners to meet each other, creating a triangle. Place the scarf around your neck with the wide triangle point over your chest pointing down. Wrap the two ends around your neck, and tie them in a loose knot either over or under the triangle, whichever you prefer. Create a basic knot. Lay your square scarf flat on a table. Fold it in half so that two points meet, creating a large triangle. Then, starting at the widest part of the triangle, fold in inwards in 2–3 inch (5.1–7.6 cm) sections. This should leave you with a long rectangular scarf that can be wrapped around your neck and tied in a simple knot. Tie your scarf in a bow. Put your scarf on a flat surface and spread it out completely. Fold the scarf in half diagonally to create a large triangle. Roll the scarf up to create a long, skinny stretch of fabric. Wrap this around your neck, and tie it in a simple knot and bow. Adjust the bow by stretching out the fabric for a fuller look. Go with a classic ascot. Wrap your scarf up into a vintage ascot. Fold your scarf in half diagonally to create a large triangle. Drape the scarf around your neck so that the triangle lays on your back, and the two ties are in the front. Tie the ends together in a loose knot; you can tuck the triangle into the scarf a bit in the back if you would like. Create a faux-infinity scarf. Lay your scarf out on a table. Fold the scarf in half across the middle, matching the two corners together to create a rectangular shape. Pick up small sections at the corner, and tie each corner-pair together. When you hold the scarf up, you should be left with a large loop that can be fitted over your neck. If your scarf is too small to fit over your head, tie it in this fashion around your neck instead of prior to putting it on. Wear it as a bandana. Square scarves are perfect for tying your hair back. Fold the scarf in half diagonally to create a large triangle. Drape the scarf over your head with the two tail ends at the nape of your neck, and the large triangle covering the top of your head. Tie the ends together in a knot underneath your hair to finish the look. Create a knotted headband. Hold up your scarf and fold it in half diagonally, in order to make it as long as possible. Then, fold it up into a long, narrow, rectangle 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) wide. Wrap the scarf around your head with the ends at the top of your head. Tie the ends together to create a double knot at the top of your head. The tail ends can be left out or tucked under the wrap to create a finished scarf headband. Tie your scarf around your hair. A small square scarf can make a cute bow when tied around your hair. Put your hair up in a bun or a ponytail. Wrap the scarf around your hair (as is, or you can fold it to be narrow-er) and tie two of the ends together to create a knot around the base of your hairstyle. Use the remaining end pieces to create a completed bow. Do a simple wrap. Pick your scarf up loosely to create natural folds in the fabric. Wrap the scarf around your neck a single time, and then tug at the loop you've created to drape it over your chest. You leave the tail ends of the scarf in the front or the back of Tie your scarf in a hacking knot. Fold your scarf in half, creating a loop at one end with two tail pieces at the other. Wrap the scarf around your neck so that both the loop and tails are in the front above your chest. Then, pull the two ends through the loop, and adjust the fabric to your liking. Create an infinity scarf. Lay your scarf out flat on a smooth surface. Fold it in half and tie each set of corners together to create a large loop. Then, wrap the scarf around your neck, multiple times if necessary, so that no loose ends are left dangling down. Tie a faux-knot. Wrap your scarf around your neck so that both the tail ends are laying across your chest. Pick up one end of the scarf, and tie a loose knot in the middle of it. Then, slide the other tail end through the center of the knot. The knot can be moved up or down to create a tighter effect on the fabric. Scarf braid the tail ends. Create a hacking knot around your neck with the scarf by folding it in half, looping it around your neck, and then sticking the tail ends through the loop. However, instead of putting both tail ends in the loop, place a single tail end through. Then pick up the loop and twist it 180 degrees to create a second loop. Put the second tail end through this loop, twist it 180 degrees again, and then repeat the process with the other tail end. Do this until you run out of fabric. Create a layered loop effect. Drape your scarf around your neck so that both tail ends are in the front, but adjust them so that the right side is twice as long as the left. Then, wrap the right end across the left, and pull the right end up through the gap created below your neck. However, pull the right end from the middle, and drape the loop that you've pulled up over the left tail end. You should be left with a small, flat loop draped over the left tail end (the short right tail end is hidden behind the loop). Tie your scarf like a tie. Wrap your scarf around your neck but adjust the lengths so that the right end is twice as long as the left end. Wrap the right end around the left in a complete loop, and then cross it across the left end again. Instead of wrapping it all the way around the left again, pull it up through the center hole (below your neck) and then tuck the tail end into the loop you've just made by wrapping it around the tail. Pull the right end through and adjust the fabric to your liking. Chain knot your scarf. Drape your scarf around your neck so that both ends are laying across your chest. Tie them together in a single knot, adjusting it to a height of your liking. Then continue adding knots to create a chain, stopping when you run out of fabric or like the appearance of the scarf chain. Make a tied cape. Unfold your scarf completely so that it is totally flat. Drape it over your shoulders like a cape or shawl. Then, grab the two ends and tie them together in a double knot in the front. Tie your scarf in a bow. A long scarf is perfect for a big, flouncy bow. Tie the scarf around your neck in a loose knot, and slide it to the side a bit. Then use the ends to create the classic bunny-eared bow. Spread out the fabric a bit and loosen the bow for a more casual look. | Tie it in the bandit style. Create a basic knot. Tie your scarf in a bow. Go with a classic ascot. Create a faux-infinity scarf. Wear it as a bandana. Create a knotted headband. Tie your scarf around your hair. Do a simple wrap. Tie your scarf in a hacking knot. Create an infinity scarf. Tie a faux-knot. Scarf braid the tail ends. Create a layered loop effect. Tie your scarf like a tie. Chain knot your scarf. Make a tied cape. Tie your scarf in a bow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Dog-Walking-Service | How to Start a Dog Walking Service | To start a dog walking service, you'll need to have experience working with animals, so consider volunteering at a local shelter or kennel. You'll also need to get a license to run your business, as well as insurance in case anything goes wrong on the job. Once you're licensed and insured, you can choose a name for your business, set up a website, and start advertising on social media or with business cards. | Learn about dogs. Read books and articles online about different dog breeds so that you can understand and properly handle the behavioral tendencies of each one. It is also necessary and beneficial to have knowledge about socialization techniques for dogs as well as how to read canine body posture in order to have the most success. Greyhounds, for example, are known for their mild, sweet temperament while Siberian Huskies can be very challenging and independent due to their high level of intelligence. Learn about the different exercise requirements for different breeds. Herding and working breeds, for example, will need longer and more frequent exercise, as will puppies. Older and very young dogs will need to go out more because they can't control their bladders as well. Know your limits and set boundaries. Expose yourself to multiple breeds to discover if there are any that you aren't comfortable around. Also consider trying out related services such as dog sitting, grooming, and feeding. Use what you learn from these experiences to decide which breeds and services to include in or exclude from your business. Volunteer at a local kennel or rescue shelter. As a professional dog walker, you'll be expected to have excellent interpersonal communication skills, be active and fit, and also be extremely comfortable with walking all types of dogs. Volunteer to walk dogs being temporarily kept at a kennel, boarding facility, or rescue shelter so that over time, practice will make perfect. Discover the best times and places to walk. Change up where you walk a friend's dog or your own dog. Get to know your area better so that you can figure out the best locations and times to run your business. Search on the Internet for new and exciting places to take the dogs, like a puppy pool, an open agility course, or a trail in the woods. These places will interest and stimulate the dogs, something you can use to advertise your business. If you live in a city, for example, consider driving the dogs a couple miles away from downtown where there is more nature and fewer people. If you live somewhere hot, such as Arizona, you may need to adjust your hours in the summertime for the safety of the dogs. Take safety precautions. As you walk your own dog or a friend's dog, do your best to prepare for and prevent dangerous situations. When another walker walks by with a dog, place yourself between the two dogs so that they don't get too close. Carry a can of citronella spray whenever you're walking a dog so that you can deter any aggressive dogs or even wild animals that suddenly approach the dog you're walking. If the dog you're walking has aggressive tendencies with other dogs, avoid taking the dog to a dog park. Decide what you would like your business name to be. You can either go the simple, straightforward route and create a name like “Sally's Dog Walking” or go with something cute and catchy, like “Sir Barks-A-Lot Dog Walking.” If you think you may want to expand in the future to add on other pet care services, don't end your business name in "dog walking". For an open-ended model, you can describe your business as “Pet Care,” “Pet Sitting and Services,” or as a “Pet Companion.” Decide on services and rates. Make final decisions about what services you'd like to include in your business, and also come up with prices for each service so you can give prospective customers straightforward, consistent information. On average, dog walkers charge somewhere between $15 and $30 an hour. For the sake of getting your business going, it's a good idea to start with low prices and move up as you acquire customers. Research other dog walkers in your area to come up with fair, competitive prices. Choose a business entity. There are many different ways that you can run your dog business. It might be your natural instinct to run it as a sole proprietor, but also consider choosing a different kind of organization, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. These may be a little more expensive, but they'll offer you much more protection. If you make your business a corporation or LLC, your personal and business assets will be kept separate, which protects you financially if any dogs cause damage or harm, or if harm is done to them. Get a license, if necessary. Dog walkers rarely have to get a license specifically for dog walking, but they usually do have to get a general business license for having their own business. To find out which license you need to get (if any), search online to find out what your state requires. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations. There are many different laws that exist that may conflict with your dog walking plans or habits. You'll want to learn these early on to avoid getting fined. Contact the local authorities via phone or email or look online to find out what laws exist in your area. Many areas have strict dog sanitation regulations that require you to pick up dog waste immediately. Many areas have leashing laws, which allow dogs to be off leash in specified spaces and require that they're leashed in others. Acquire insurance. While dog walking seems like harmless fun, there are risks that come with physical activity and the handling of live animals. Your insurance will vary based on how big your business is, but no matter the business's size, you can acquire insurance specifically for caring for animals. Even if you're very careful, there's always a chance that a dog you're walking can hurt someone, cause damage to personal property, get detached from the leash, get attacked by another dog, etc. Create a contract. Write up a contract and make sure to require that every customer signs it before you walk their dog to ensure that both you and the customer are clear on your expectations. If you can, take a look at an existing company's contract and model yours similarly. Ask for help from someone who's experienced in business or the law to make sure that you're fully protected and not forgetting any important points. Some things you should include in your contract are: Where you walk dogs How long you walk dogs for How you handle billing and payment Whether there are certain breeds you don't handle How many dogs you walk at once Statements regarding liability if your dog gets aggressive or out of control Create a professional website. Creating an informative, attractive, professional website is probably the best way you can market your business. When people need something, the first thing they're usually going to do is search for it online. Use a website builder like Squarespace, Weebly, or Wix to make a website that will spread the word. Share your business's website on social media to spread the word even more. Create social media for your business to attract more customers. Using social media is a great way to share what you're doing and get others to talk about and use your services. Make profiles for your business on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and encourage your customers to view or follow them. Post lots of pictures of the places you go and ask owners for permission to include their cute dogs in your pictures. You can add a clause in your contract that asks for permission to post pictures of the customer's dog. Distribute business cards. Design a business card online with a company like Vistaprint, that makes customizing and ordering business cards easy and inexpensive. Resist handing your card out to anyone and everyone. Instead, stick to veterinary clinics, pet supply stores, as well as family and friends who are likely to pass the word along. Your business card should be attractive and include at least your business name, website, and contact information (phone number and email address). Go above and beyond for your customers. One of the best ways to market your business is by going above and beyond for the customers that you do have. Satisfied customers will likely recommend you to their dog owning friends, which will increase your number of clients. Consider giving a referral discount to clients who bring in new clients. By sharing that you'll give anyone who gets you a new client 2 free 30 minute walks, for example, you'll give them an extra incentive to spread the word. | Learn about dogs. Know your limits and set boundaries. Volunteer at a local kennel or rescue shelter. Discover the best times and places to walk. Take safety precautions. Decide what you would like your business name to be. Decide on services and rates. Choose a business entity. Get a license, if necessary. Familiarize yourself with local rules and regulations. Acquire insurance. Create a contract. Create a professional website. Create social media for your business to attract more customers. Distribute business cards. Go above and beyond for your customers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Cow | How to Draw a Cow | To draw a cartoon cow, sketch a square with curved edges attached to a large, horizontal oval. Sketch the circular eyes, rounded rectangular snout, and curved ears on the square, and draw circles on each side of the body for the base of the cow's limbs. Then, draw the tail and elongate the legs with hooves. Add details to the face, like a mouth and nose, and darken the outline of the cow. Add spots and color the cow to finish the drawing. | Sketch an outline of the face and body. Use a square with curved edges as an outline of the face. Draw a crossed line at the center of your square. Draw an oblong for the outline of the body. Sketch the eyes, nose and ears. Sketch circles for the base of the cow’s limbs. Sketch the tail, and add details to the limbs of the cow. Frame the face and add details like the mouth and nose. Darken the outline of the cow’s body and add the udders. Add details, like spots on the cow's body. Color the cow. Draw an outline of the body. Use a vertical rectangle with a crossed line at the center for the face. Draw two large oblongs and connect them with curved lines for the body. Add a small oblong for the base of the foreleg and a bigger oblong for the base of the hind leg. Add the limbs, taking note of the joints using small circles. Draw the tail on the back of the cow. Refine details of the face by adding the eyes, nose and mouth. Using your outline, darken desired lines to form the cow’s trunk. Add the udders. Refine the lines of the limbs and tail. Erase unnecessary lines and add random small strokes on the cow’s body. Color the cow. Draw small and big circles as guides for the head and the body. The smaller circle is for the head and bigger is for the body. It should be connected the head's circle is inside the bigger circle. Then, sketch the nose and the mouth. The nose could be oblong or circle depending on your preference. Add the face, the nose, the ears, the small horns, the eyes and the mouth. You can also experiment on the expression. The ears should be droopy. Sketch the legs. Add more shape to the body of the cow. Draw the basic outlines of the cow. Add more details like grass, patches on the skin, etc. Color the cow. Sketch the main body of the cow as a big rectangle. Add a horizontal line at the middle stretching to both left and right sides. Sketch the legs by drawing 3 connect oblongs of decreasing size. Repeat the previous step for another set of legs. Sketch the guidelines for the front legs. Add circle near the edge farther from the body for the joints. Add more shape to the front legs. Sketch the guide for the head. It can be done first by drawing a diagonal line from the edge of the line in the middle of the body. Then, draw a circle for the head and a cup-like shape for the mouth area. Connect the head to the body. Sketch the ears and the face. Add more details like the tail and the udder. Draw the basic outline. Add more details like grass, patches, shadowing, etc. Color the cow as you like. | Sketch an outline of the face and body. Sketch the eyes, nose and ears. Sketch circles for the base of the cow’s limbs. Sketch the tail, and add details to the limbs of the cow. Frame the face and add details like the mouth and nose. Darken the outline of the cow’s body and add the udders. Add details, like spots on the cow's body. Color the cow. Draw an outline of the body. Add a small oblong for the base of the foreleg and a bigger oblong for the base of the hind leg. Add the limbs, taking note of the joints using small circles. Refine details of the face by adding the eyes, nose and mouth. Using your outline, darken desired lines to form the cow’s trunk. Refine the lines of the limbs and tail. Erase unnecessary lines and add random small strokes on the cow’s body. Color the cow. Draw small and big circles as guides for the head and the body. Then, sketch the nose and the mouth. Add the face, the nose, the ears, the small horns, the eyes and the mouth. Sketch the legs. Add more shape to the body of the cow. Draw the basic outlines of the cow. Add more details like grass, patches on the skin, etc. Color the cow. Sketch the main body of the cow as a big rectangle. Sketch the legs by drawing 3 connect oblongs of decreasing size. Repeat the previous step for another set of legs. Sketch the guidelines for the front legs. Add more shape to the front legs. Sketch the guide for the head. Connect the head to the body. Sketch the ears and the face. Add more details like the tail and the udder. Draw the basic outline. Add more details like grass, patches, shadowing, etc. Color the cow as you like. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Reaction-Speed | How to Improve Reaction Speed | To improve physical reaction time, try practicing ball drills, agility drills, and other sport-related drills. Balancing exercises like yoga can also help! If you want to improve your mental reaction time, practice making quick decisions in your everyday life. You can also play cards, computer games, and video games to improve your mental speed. Another quick and easy way to speed up your thinking is to chew gum, which stimulates muscles and sends more blood to your brain. | Test your reaction speed by having a friend drop a card. Cut a piece of cardstock so that it's about 8 inches (20 cm) long and 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide. Ask a friend to hold it vertically by the top. Line up your fingers with the bottom edge of the card and ask your friend to drop the card without warning. When the card is dropped, grab the card with your fingers as quickly as you can. This will show you how quickly you're able to react. If you grab the card near the bottom, you likely have good reaction speed. If you grab the card near the top or miss it completely, you may have poor reaction speed. Try ball drills. If you are practicing for a sport, this is a great way to work your athletic skills and reflexes at the same time. Play a game of catch, kick around a soccer ball, or practice another sport-related drill. You could also get creative and use the ball for a different sport. Add more partners to make for an extra challenge. For example, if you are a baseball catcher, have your partner throw the ball behind you and then see how fast you can turn around and retrieve it. Give juggling a try. The balls flying through the air forces you to think and act quickly to catch them. Practicing regularly can decrease your response time and increase your speed, and give you a great party trick too. You can also use a reaction ball. This small, six-sided ball will move in unpredictable ways when bounced or thrown. Try agility drills. Place a few cones at a distance apart and run between them as fast as you can. Switch up the position of the cones or run in a different way to mix things up. If you are playing a sport, ask your coach to suggest some specific agility drills that you can do. They'll be impressed with your dedication, and even more impressed with the results. For example, try weaving through the spaces between each cone on your first run. In your second run, weave through every other space. Work on balance exercises. Improving your balance can help to improve your reflexes. Try sitting on a yoga ball with just one foot on the floor, standing on one leg and hopping to the other leg, or passing a ball from hand to hand while standing on one leg. These exercises will all strengthen your balancing abilities. You can also try balancing things on your head or your fingertip. This will train you to continuously adjust your balance so that you don't drop the item. Perform eye exercises. Sometimes it's not your body that's lagging--it's your eyes! To get them up to speed, choose two similar objects and place one nearby and another at a distance. Rotate between the two, trying to read each of them. You can also ask your eye doctor for other exercises. You can also discuss eye agility training with a sports vision specialist. To find a doctor near you, go to the American Optometric Association's website and do a doctor search. Practice making quick decisions. In your everyday life, try to consciously speed up your decision making. If you feel yourself delaying or taking too much time, tell yourself, “faster, faster,” until you make a final move. Repeating this process will also help you to get used to the stress associated with quick decisions and learn how to keep your cool under pressure, a good skill no matter how fast your reflexes get to be. Try playing some online games where you have to make quick decisions. The timer in these games will force you to think faster in order to maintain a high score. Learn to speed read. This one almost feels like a game: time yourself as you read single pages to see how long it takes to make it through. Then, see if you can cut down the seconds while still comprehending the material. Do this with a variety of types of reading to keep your mind flexible. You can also take a speed reading course online or at a local college. Soon you'll be cutting down on both your reaction times and your study sessions. Another way to practice speed reading is to glance through a page and mark out a single letter at a time. So, take a pencil and cross out every “a” on a single page. Do the same with other letters until you feel your speed increasing. Remember to erase the marks when you're done if others want to enjoy the book! Play brain games. There are a number of sites online that offer brain training. Mix it up to avoid training the same way over and over again, or your mind will adapt, and you'll lose your edge. Instead, try some “old-fashioned” brain training methods, such as playing cards or a computer game. You can also look at a sequence of numbers and try to memorize them. Then, see how long you can remember the numbers and write them back down correctly. Pick your friends' and family members' phone numbers so you can work on your reflexes and memorize their contact information at the same time. Play video games. Get a game console and some action video games and play for 30 minutes a day. The fast-paced nature of the gaming can increase your brain's ability to process information. The gaming environment may also force you to get used to making quick decisions based on limited information. In case you needed even more motivation to play video games, studies say that people who play action video games show an up to 25 percent speed increase in decision making when compared to people who do not play. Chew something. Get a pack of gum and chew it when you know you need to be quick. Or, grab a handful of sunflower seeds. It has been suggested that chewing stimulates the muscles in your mouth and jaw, which then send additional blood and activity up to your brain. You only need to chew for 10 seconds for an initial effect to occur, and you'll get a boost for at least 15 minutes. Enjoy the burst of flavor, too! The benefits of this step are often not viewable to the naked eye and are measured in milliseconds of difference. However, for athletes in particular, shaving down even small amounts of time can have a positive effect. Recognize the importance of speed. As coaches always say: get your head in the game! Sit and think about how you need to be fast and accurate in your upcoming task. Mentally go through all of the preparations that you have done. Approaching a task in a calm, precise manner can help you to harness your stress nerves and put them to good use. Reminding yourself that you are in control can also lower the possibility of mistakes born out of nervousness, such as jumping the starting line. Minimize distractions. If you are working on something that requires concentration and speed, try to eliminate all other things that might grab your attention. For example, if you are driving in bad conditions and need to react quickly, turn off the radio and talk less with the car's passengers. They won't mind the quiet if they know their driver is taking good care of them. You can also combine this with other speed exercises too. For example, if you are playing a video game, minimize the distractions in your room so that you can focus. Exercise. To stay mentally and physically quick, you must take care of yourself. Exercise at least 3 times a week, or more if possible. Exercise increases blood flow to your entire body, including your brain. Your body will thank you with speedier reaction times and plenty of endorphins. If you are not used to exercising, work your way up with shorter simpler exercises. Start with a 15 to 30-minute walk, then move on to jogging or swimming. Eat right. Eat healthy, balanced, and consistent meals. Eating right gives your body the fuel needed to perform at its best. Work some eggs and spinach into your diet; they're super foods for the brain, both containing the amino acid tyrosine, which has been shown to increase reaction speeds. Conversely, drinking alcohol or using illegal substances can slow your reaction speeds down. Get enough sleep. If you are tired, you'll respond sluggishly no matter how well you eat or exercise. Make sure to get at least 8 hours of good, solid, undisturbed sleep a night. This will allow you to stay alert for longer periods. How much sleep you need will depend on your personal needs. Typically, this will be between 7 and 9 hours. Don't get too much sleep either. If you wake up early, then go and start your day. Sleeping in can make your body and mind sluggish. Limit your consumption of caffeine. It is very tempting to down a cup of coffee whenever you need speed and focus on a task. Be careful, though, because this one can backfire! Control your caffeine consumption so it boosts your response times without making you fidgety and scatter-brained. Stick to just 1 cup prior to working on a task requiring quick responses so you don't get jittery and lose focused. This also goes for energy drinks as well. Don't ditch the coffee only to replace it with a canned energy drink. Monitor your medications. Some medications can slow down your response time and reflexes. Or, you may even experience dizziness or blurred vision. If you need a high reaction speed, make sure to talk to your pharmacist or your doctor about how your medications might impact your abilities. This is an especially important step to follow if you are about to drive a motor vehicle. Even in good conditions, you'll want to have sharp reflexes. Don't get discouraged if you can't change your medications at all. By working on your mental and physical agility, you can still improve your reflexes. | Test your reaction speed by having a friend drop a card. Try ball drills. Try agility drills. Work on balance exercises. Perform eye exercises. Practice making quick decisions. Learn to speed read. Play brain games. Play video games. Chew something. Recognize the importance of speed. Minimize distractions. Exercise. Eat right. Get enough sleep. Limit your consumption of caffeine. Monitor your medications. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Treat-Glaucoma-in-Poodles | How to Treat Glaucoma in Poodles | To treat glaucoma in your poodle, you should take it to your vet so they can diagnose and treat it. Try to keep your poodle calm by petting it and talking to it in a soothing voice while your vet examines its eyes. If its glaucoma is particularly bad, your vet might want to treat it immediately with intravenous medication. Once you're back home, follow your vet's advice and administer any medication, like eye drops and painkillers, as directed to help your poodle recover quickly. If its eyesight is causing it a lot of trouble, you may also need to decide whether to take it for surgery, which can help it see better. In the meantime, help it navigate the house by moving any sharp-edged or obstructive objects out of its way. | Look at your poodle's eyes. You may first notice that one eye looks different than the other. The white of one eye might look red with inflamed blood vessels crossing over the surface of the eye. The cornea that is normally clear may look blue or milky since the cells can swell from glaucoma. Your poodle's pupil may look dilated or larger than usual. One eye can even look physically bigger than the other because of all of the swelling. Pay attention to your dog's behavior. While the eyes might signal that something is obviously wrong with your dog's eyes, his behavior may be another sign that he has glaucoma. Glaucoma is a very painful condition so your dog might be depressed, quiet, or even irritable. Look for these changes in behavior: Rubs at his head Tries to protect the painful eye Snaps if you get close to the eye or that side of the face Rubs the eye against furniture Get your poodle examined. If your poodle has any signs of glaucoma, take him to the veterinarian immediately. The vet will do a thorough exam and measure the pressure within the eyes using specialized equipment. Try to keep your poodle relaxed during the exam since stress can increase the pressure in the eye. Your vet may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist or specialist to confirm the diagnosis and recommend treatment. Get a diagnosis. If the vet determines that your poodle's eye isn't draining away fluid correctly, the vet will diagnose your dog with glaucoma. The vet will then decide whether or not your poodle has primary or secondary glaucoma. Primary glaucoma is caused a physical abnormality in the eye while secondary glaucoma is caused by disease or injury to the eye. Some dog breeds are more likely than others to suffer from glaucoma. These include the poodle, beagle, great dane, dalmatian, and spaniels. Reduce pressure in the eyes. If your poodle has severe glaucoma, your dog might need medications delivered intravenously. Medications like mannitol can reduce the pressure in the eye by drawing out fluid. It will take about 30 minutes for the mannitol to reduce pressure. The medication is effective for 6 to 10 hours. Since mannitol can raise blood sugar, your dog shouldn't take it if he has diabetes. Stabilize blood pressure. Once dangerous eye pressure is reduced, you'll need to manage your poodle's glaucoma. Your veterinarian may recommend using eye drops that contain prostaglandin analogues. You'll need to apply the drops 1 to 3 times a day so they can improve the drainage of fluid from the eyes. The veterinarian may also prescribe: Beta blockers (like timolol) that improve the outflow of fluid from the eye. Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (like dorzolamide 2% or brinzolamide 1%) which reduces the production of fluid in the eye. Manage pain with medication. Because glaucoma is a painful condition, your poodle might need to take a painkiller, like an oral medication from the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group. Ask your vet to recommend dosing for aspirin or ibuprofen. If your poodle's eyes seem red or inflamed, the veterinarian may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. Consider surgery. Most dogs with glaucoma will need surgery in order to save the vision (or slow down vision loss) in at least one eye. During the initial exam, the vet will determine which eye has better vision and whether or not your poodle has already lost sight in one eye. A specialist can perform different types of surgeries depending on if your poodle can still see. Types of surgeries include: Creating drainage from the eye by way of a small drain or stent Using a laser to destroy cells that make excess fluid in the eye Freezing the cells that create excess fluid Replacing the lens to get to cells that make excess fluid Follow up with the veterinarian. Take your poodle to the vet every 6 months so that his eyes can be checked for increased pressure or loss of vision. Most dogs diagnosed with glaucoma in one eye will develop it in the other eye within a few months to 2 years after treatment. Don't hesitate to contact your vet if you notice anything strange with your poodle's eyes. Help your dog cope. In addition to giving your poodle pain medication, you may need to help your dog adapt to glaucoma treatments. If your poodle has had surgery to remove an eye, your dog will actually adapt quickly and only lose a little of his depth perception. While he's adjusting to his changing sight, make your house safe for him. Clear large or sharp-edged objects out of his way and guide him around the house following his surgery. Pay close attention to your dog when he's outside and off-leash since it will take some time for him to adjust. Your dog's temperament may improve since he's no longer in pain from the glaucoma. | Look at your poodle's eyes. Pay attention to your dog's behavior. Get your poodle examined. Get a diagnosis. Reduce pressure in the eyes. Stabilize blood pressure. Manage pain with medication. Consider surgery. Follow up with the veterinarian. Help your dog cope. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Clumpy-Mascara | How to Fix Clumpy Mascara | To fix clumpy mascara, simply remove the wand and submerge it in hot water for a few minutes, then put it back in the tube. If that doesn't do the trick, bring a pot of water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Next, put your sealed mascara tube in the water, and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, remove the tube using tongs, so you don't burn yourself. Then, when the tube is cool enough to handle, check the consistency of your mascara. If necessary, you can break up any remaining clumps by adding a few drops of olive oil to the tube. | Add water to the wand. The simplest way to use water to de-clump mascara is removing the wand and dipping it in hot water. Leave the wand in the hot water for a few minutes. Then, remove the wand and place it back into your mascara. Do not pump the wand. Simply place it back in the container. If successful, your mascara should be less clumpy the next time you apply it. You can use your mascara right away after using this method. Place the mascara in boiled water. If simply dipping the wand in hot water is not successful, you can try a more intense method. Boil a pot of water big enough that you can completely submerge your sealed tube of mascara in the water. Let the water come to a rolling boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Place the mascara into the simmering water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes. Take out the mascara using tongs. After the mascara has cooled to the touch, check the mascara to see if it's more liquid-like and does not clump as much. Add olive oil, if necessary. If your mascara is still a little clumpy after being submerged in the water, add a few drops of olive oil in the mascara tube. This should loosen up the mascara further and restore it to its original consistency. Add 10 drops of eyedrops to the container. Remove the mascara's wand from the bottle. Using any brand of eyedrops, which you can find in a drug store, add 10 small drops to the mascara. Any saline solution will work for this, as it will loosen up the formula. Try starting with just 1-2 drops, then add more if you need to. Shake the container. Place the wand back in the container. Give the container a good shake for a few seconds. This should disperse the eyedrops throughout the container. Twirl the wand. Unscrew the wand slightly and twirl it around in the mascara. Then, check the mascara. If successful, the mascara should be restored to its original state. Use an appropriate sized wand. If you have mascara wands that did not come with the mascara container, avoid using wands bigger than the tube. If you struggle to force the wand into the tube, air will get pushed into the tube. Too much exposure to air causes mascara to dry out and clump. Different formulations of mascara often have differently-sized wands, so make sure to use the original wand that came with your mascara for the best results. Do not pump your mascara. Many people pump the wand to get more mascara on the brush. This pushes more air into the container, causing mascara to dry out faster. Stick to one motion to remove mascara to make it last longer. If you're continuously not getting enough mascara on the brush, and you've had the same tube for a while, it may be time to get new mascara. Use a twirling motion to get more mascara on the applicator rather than pumping it in and out of the container. Discard mascara when it goes bad. No matter how well you care for it, mascara will dry out over time. If none of the above methods restore your mascara, you should invest in a fresh tube. Mascara usually lasts around two to three months. Old mascara is prone to bacterial contamination, which could cause an eye infection. Replace your mascara every 3-6 months to ensure it doesn't become contaminated. | Add water to the wand. Place the mascara in boiled water. Add olive oil, if necessary. Add 10 drops of eyedrops to the container. Shake the container. Twirl the wand. Use an appropriate sized wand. Do not pump your mascara. Discard mascara when it goes bad. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-on-Ice-Skates | How to Stop on Ice Skates | To stop on ice skates, start by turning one of your skates at a 45-degree angle so it's dragging across the ice. Then, bring that skate up to the instep of your other skate, and shift your body weight onto the dragging skate so you're leaning back slightly. Continue to keep your weight on your back foot until you slowly come to a stop. | Try using the "T" stop at first. This is usually touted as the easiest way for pure beginners to learn how to stop on ice skates. Begin by skating slowly forward, on a straightaway, with no obstacles or turns before you. Drag one skate back. As you glide, turn one skate at a 45 degree angle. Let it hang behind the other skate to create friction. Pull the back skate forward. Bring the dragging skate up into the instep of the leading skate. Make sure to keep your dragging skate in contact with the ice as you do this. You may need to apply some pressure. Shift your body weight to the dragging skate. Lean back slightly, and tip your weight into the direction you're coming from. Keep your shoulders straight, pointing forward. Let your arms hang at your sides. Keep your weight on the rear foot, creating friction, until you slowly come to a stop. Try pointing your toes to stop. This beginner technique is sometimes called the "snowplow stop" because it relies more upon angle and stability than finesse. It is less graceful than the "hockey stop," but it will slow you down in a pinch. Practice at a slow speed. Skate forward on a straightaway, with no big turns coming up. Let yourself glide at a comfortable pace, and wait to stop until you are already slowing down. As you improve, you can practice stopping at faster and faster speeds. If you feel out of control: don't panic, and don't try to stop right away. Try to find your balance. Wait until you slow down a bit before you try to stop. Pigeon-toe your skates. When you are ready to stop, point both of your toe picks inward. Your feet should form an upside-down "V." Grind to a stop. Hold your feet at a steady angle as you slow down. The friction of the skates against the ice will gradually bring you to stop. Don't push your feet in toward each other, or you risk twisting your ankle. Work your way up to the hockey stop. As you build confidence and skill, you can learn to stop harder, at greater speeds. This is the technique that ice hockey players and other professional ice skaters use. It becomes necessary, at some point, as you need to stop quickly and efficiently in order to keep up with the competition. If you're a beginner, however, you don't need to worry about mastering this right away. Skate forward at a medium to slow speed. You can be gliding more quickly than you would for the "snowplow stop," but you should still feel as though you are in control. In certain high-performance situations—an intense hockey game, or a complex figure-skating move—you may need to come to a halt or change directions very quickly. In general, avoid trying to suddenly stop while flying across the rink at your top speed. Bend your knees. As you glide, go into a half-crouch, as though you're going to sit. Make sure to keep your knees shoulder-width apart. This is called un-weighting yourself. Then, turn your skates sideways not-quite-90 degrees from the direction that you were going before. Shift your weight back. With your knees bent, lean away from the direction you are heading. Focus your weight on the side of your feet that is away from the direction that you are moving. Create friction. Slowly but firmly dig the edge of your skates into the ice. Hold fast, and dig harder as you slow down. Ride the friction until you come to a halt.Only a small portion of the skates should be in contact with the ice, thus minimizing friction and eventually allowing you to stop on a dime. Try stopping on a straightaway. Find a long, open stretch of ice to practice on. Ideally, pick a time when there is not much skate traffic around you, so that you don't need to worry about colliding with other people. Make sure that there are no turns, holes, or other obstacles ahead of you. Put yourself in a space where you only need to focus on the act of stopping. Consider wearing pads and a helmet. If you are going to be stopping suddenly at high speeds, then safety is of the essence. This is especially the case if you are stopping in the midst of a high-intensity activity like a race or a hockey game. You can use hockey pads or non-ice skating pads – anything that will protect you from the ice! If nothing else, make sure to protect your head, your hands, your elbows, and your knees. Watch videos. Look online for videos of other people stopping on ice skates. Watch hockey games, speed-skating races, or figure-skating competitions on television to get a feel for the motion. There may be other tricks and styles of stopping that pertain to specific types of ice skating. | Try using the "T" stop at first. Drag one skate back. Pull the back skate forward. Shift your body weight to the dragging skate. Try pointing your toes to stop. Practice at a slow speed. Pigeon-toe your skates. Grind to a stop. Work your way up to the hockey stop. Skate forward at a medium to slow speed. Bend your knees. Shift your weight back. Create friction. Try stopping on a straightaway. Consider wearing pads and a helmet. Watch videos. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Bulova-Model-Number | How to Find Bulova Model Number | Since Bulova watches don't have model numbers, you'll need to use the serial number and date code to determine what model your watch is. Take your watch off and flip it over to look at the smooth metal back of the case. Here, you should see a date code, which will either be a symbol, like a triangle or a half-moon, two-digit number, or a letter and number. Once you find the date code, look it up on the internet to figure out when it was made. Another way to date your watch is by comparing the serial number to an online list. To find the serial number, look at the back of the case. If you can't find a serial number here, you'll have to carefully remove the backing of your watch to look at the mechanism. After you locate the serial number, search for it on the internet to find the year it was made. Then, look up models made that same year until you find your Bulova. | Look for a date code stamped on the back of the case. Take your watch off and flip it over to look at the smooth metal back of the case. You may see several different markings engraved there, all of which have different meanings. A date code will be either a symbol (like a triangle, and eight-pointed star, or a half-moon, for example), a two-digit number, or one letter and one number. You may need to use a magnifying glass to help you read the codes, as they are very small. If your watch was produced earlier than 1924, it will not have any date code on it. You may also see a serial number on the back of your watch. This can also be useful in helping you identify how old your watch is, but it is not the model number. Interpret the date code. Once you have identified a date code on your watch, you will need to interpret it, as the date is never printed in an obvious way. Bulova has used a few different systems for dating their watches. Between 1924 and 1945, a series of symbols was used to indicate the year in which the watch was produced. If you see a symbol, do an internet search to find a table that will show year which year corresponds to which symbol. Be aware, however, that some symbols were used more than once. For example, a circle was used in 1925, 1934, and 1944. A transitional system was used between 1946 and 1949. In 1946, the code was 46 followed by a square. In 1947, the code was 47. In 1948, the code was 48. In 1949, the code was J9. Beginning in 1950, Bulova started using a code including one letter and one number. The letter indicates the decade, while the number indicates the year within the decade. The decade codes are as follows: L = 1950s, M = 1960s, N = 1970s, P = 1980s, T = 1990s. For example, if your watch is stamped with the code M8, this means your watch was produced in 1968. If it is stamped with the cope P0, your watch was produced in 1980. Understand the meaning of patent dates. As you are looking for identifying markings on your watch, you may come across a patent date. Patent dates typically include a month, day, and year, and are preceded by the letters "pat." Some people jump to the conclusion that this is the date that their watch was manufactured, but it is not. The patent date is merely the date on which the specific design of the watch was patented, so it will not be of much use. Patent dates may be helpful in helping you rule out certain dates of manufacture. For example, if your watch's design was patented in 1950, you know your watch could not have been produced any earlier than 1950 (but it could have been produced any time after 1950). Be aware of the two types of serial numbers. On many watches, you will find two different serial numbers: one on the case of the watch, and one on the interior mechanism of the watch. This is because the two are often manufactured separately. If you check both the case and the mechanism and discover that they were made in different years, this can be due to several reasons. If the difference is only one year, it may simply be that one component was manufactured first and then warehoused until it was needed to assemble the watch. If the difference is more than a year, it is likely that one of the elements has been replaced. Find the serial number on the case. To find the serial number on the case of your Bulova watch, simply flip it over and look at the flat back of the case. If there is a serial number, it should be engraved here. Serial numbers do not all contain the same number of digits. Not all Bulova watches will have serial numbers on the case. If yours does not, you may want to consider looking for a serial number on the mechanism. You may want to use a magnifying glass to help you read the serial number. If you already looked for a date code on your watch, you may have already found the serial number. Find the serial number on the interior mechanism. If there are no identifying marks on the outside of your watch, or if you want to know the model number of the movement that was used in your watch, you will have to take the back case off. The serial number may be located anywhere on the mechanism. Be very careful doing this, as you can damage the watch if you are careless. Be sure to place the watch on a soft cloth as you are working in order to prevent it from getting damaged. If the watch has a snap back case, you should be able to see a raised lip around the back and bezel of the case. There won't be any hinges or notches. Snap back cases simply snap into place, so you should be able to remove one by prying it up with a dull tool. Don't use anything sharp (like a knife blade) that you might cut yourself with. Some older watches have swing-back cases, which can be identified by a hinge on the back of the case. These are opened the same way as snap back cases, but the back hinges open instead of coming all the way off. You may even be able to open this type of back with your fingernail. If the watch has a screw back case, you should see six grooves or notches located somewhere along the perimeter of the metal back. You will need to open the back case using these notches. Screw back cases must be unscrewed before you can lift them away. You will need a special tool known as an adjustable case wrench to open one. There may also be a second protective cover inside of your watch. This can usually be pried off with a fingernail, but be careful not to damage the mechanism as you are doing this. If you have any trouble getting the case open, bring the watch to a professional jeweler. Replace the back case. If you opened the back of your watch to locate a serial number, be sure to put it back together right away. For snap back watches, locate the small pin on the inner lip of the case and the small hole around the perimeter of the watch. Line up the pin and the hole, then press and click the case back on using your hands. For screw back cases, place the case over the back of the watch and grab onto the grooves using the case wrench. Rotate the case clockwise until it screws back into place. Compare the serial number to online lists. Once you have identified a serial number on your watch, you can try searching for the number online or using an online chart to help you identify when the watch was made. There is no official Bulova chart to reference, but many people have compiled charts based on their own observations of patterns. Some serial numbers are easier to identify than others. For example, watches that were produced before 1926 tend to have serial numbers that start with the numbers 1 or 2, but the exact number does not give any further clues as to its production date. Between 1926 and 1949, the first digit of the serial number was typically used to indicate in which year within a decade the watch was produced. For example, a serial number that starts with 1 could indicate that that watch was produced in 1931 or 1941. Find a list of models. Once you have identified the age of your watch, you can begin comparing it to the models that Bulova produced during those years. Luckily, there are lots of websites that include complete lists of Bulova models (with pictures) organized by year. Scroll through one of these lists until you find a model that matches your watch. Be aware that there are often some variations within models. For example, Bulova may have offered the same model with different choices for case material, movement, dial, and hands. Note the shape of the case. When comparing your watch to various models, pay the most attention to the shape of the watch's case. Even if there were different options offered for the model, the general shape and lines should be the same. After the shape, pay attention to the dial features, as these are also likely to remain the same, even if different options were offered. Note details like the placement of the hands and the sub-seconds. Be aware of repeated model names. If you find a model that matches your watch, you should be aware that Bulova did sometimes reuse model names. For this reason, the model name alone (without the year) may not be very useful in identifying a watch. | Look for a date code stamped on the back of the case. Interpret the date code. Understand the meaning of patent dates. Be aware of the two types of serial numbers. Find the serial number on the case. Find the serial number on the interior mechanism. Replace the back case. Compare the serial number to online lists. Find a list of models. Note the shape of the case. Be aware of repeated model names. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Arm-Strength-Without-Equipment | How to Build Arm Strength Without Equipment | Even if you don't have any equipment, you can build your arm strength at home with some simple exercises. Do some pushups regularly to build your upper arm strength. To target your triceps and upper pecs better, do triangle pushups. These are like regular pushups, except you place your hands on the floor below your chest so your index fingers and thumbs form a triangle. You can also try a Navy technique where you hold a heavy item in one outstretched arm until you can't hold it anymore. Then, switch arms and do it again. Another good exercise is arm circles. Just outstretch your arms by your sides and rotate them in small circles. | Do some pushups. These will help you to build upper arm strength. Just do them in moderation, and keep it in daily motions. Incorporate simple cardio. Just throw in one or two 15-20 minute jogs or something similar every or every other day. Getting your muscles and body fit as well will help you to get upper arm strength much easier. Do sit-ups. They will help your stomach to get toned and make it easier when you're working on building upper arm strength, through exercises such as push-ups. Try simple arm tricks. You can use some tricks such as holding a full roll of duck-tape in one hand, with your arm out-stretched until you can't hold it anymore. This tip is highly recommended by the Navy. Include physical activity in your daily regime. This will help you all-around get in shape, which will, in the end, make strengthening your upper muscles quite easier. Do arm circles. Hold your arms out in a straight horizontal line. Rotate them in small circles, or for a harder exercise, make the circles larger. Do goalpost punchers. Have each arm form a ninety degree angle, facing upwards. Then, flip them upside down and straighten them out. Repeat, making the motions as quick as possible. Do shoulder pulses. Hold your arms out in a straight horizontal line and jerk them up very slightly, then back down. Repeat. Do back behinds. Hold your arms out in a straight horizontal line. Pull them in so they form a upside down triangle, making sure your biceps are slightly behind your back. Repeat. Do triangle pushes. Place your arms in a position where when put together, they make a long triangle. Push them out so they are straight in front of you and parallel. Repeat. Do prayer pulses. Put your hands and arms in a straight, vertical position so they are pressed against one another and shoulder level. Raise them up, then lower to shoulder level. Repeat. | Do some pushups. Incorporate simple cardio. Do sit-ups. Try simple arm tricks. Include physical activity in your daily regime. Do arm circles. Do goalpost punchers. Do shoulder pulses. Do back behinds. Do triangle pushes. Do prayer pulses. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Get-Rid-of-the-Smell-of-Vomit-in-a-Carpet | How to Get Rid of the Smell of Vomit in a Carpet | To get rid of the smell of vomit from a carpet, try spraying the affected area with water and then brushing a little bit of laundry detergent into the carpet with a stiff-bristled cleaning brush. If you have one, use a shop vacuum to soak up the liquid. If you don't, use an old towel instead. Another way to get rid of the smell is to mix together baking soda and water until it is the consistency of toothpaste. Apply this mixture to the area and let it sit for 24 hours. The next day, vacuum up the baking soda. | Soak the area in water to loosen any leftover residue. Try not to allow excess water to ooze into other areas of the carpet, as this may spread the stain and make it hard to vacuum all the water out of the carpet. Needless to say, remove any, err, solid bits that may be left over. And if you need an article about getting rid of vomit stains, try How to Clean Vomit out of Carpet. We'll be concentrating on the stench for now. Brush a small amount of laundry detergent into the wet carpet with a stiff-bristled cleaning brush. If you're worried about your carpet, you can dilute it with a little bit of water. A bit of peroxide is another possible additive, but only if your carpet is white -- you don't want to risk making the stain worse. The smell may seem like it's getting stronger at first. This is only because it's getting wet, rising to the surface, and escaping. Don't freak out yet! Vacuum out the soapy water with a shop vacuum or "wet/dry" vacuum. If you don't have a vacuum, soak up the liquid with a dry towel. A wet-vac will be much more efficient, but a towel can work -- it just may take an hour or two sitting on the stain for the towel to absorb everything. Wet once more with water to rinse the carpet of excess soap. Brush it in gently, lifting the soap to the top if any has become entrenched in the fibers. This step may have to be repeated several times to remove the soap from the carpet fiber. If soap does get left in the carpet, it could harden and lead to slight discoloration. So while this step seems harmless, not doing so may prevent your carpet from returning to good-as-new. Vacuum again to remove excess water, and allow area to dry. Don't jump to any conclusions yet -- you don't know what the carpet will be like until it's completely dry. So if the stain or smells persist, give it a bit of time and then try some alternate methods. It may just be a waiting game. Finish with Febreze, if desired. Why settle for no smells when you can have good smells? Spray some Febreze over the area if you'd like, to seal the deal. Scrub the area with a watered-down detergent solution. Using 100% detergent isn't safe for all types of carpet, so create a solution that's 1 part detergent to 2 parts water. Using a bristled brush, gently scrub the detergent into the stain, making sure to get the edges as well as the inside. Absorb the liquid with a dry towel. Or use your shop vac, whichever. But if you only have a towel, apply it to the stain, keeping constant pressure on it. Continue applying pressure until the stain is virtually dry and the towel has soaked up everything. Wet the area with an enzymatic cleaner and let set. This type of cleaner can be found in pretty much any cleaning aisle or with the pet products -- it's stuff that will say something along the lines of, "Blasts away bad smells!" on the label; Kids 'n Pets and Nature's Miracle are two well-known examples. They break down the proteins that cause odors and can help with stains, too. Be sure to leave it on for a few hours, giving it time to take hold. And when we say "wet," we mean wet. Thoroughly saturated. Don't worry about rationing the bottle for the next time. The entire area should be bordering on soaked. Vacuum up liquid or absorb with a towel. After those few fateful hours have passed, dry the area with a towel or your wet/dry vacuum. Again, if you're using a towel, be patient. It may take applying constant pressure for an hour or so to truly dry the area. Allow to air dry. If the smell is still there, that's normal. It probably won't go away until the area is completely, 100% dry. Leave it overnight and come back in the morning to carpet that's puke free! Make a paste of baking soda and water. It should be a toothpaste-like consistency. If you'd like, you can also add a drop or two of dish detergent or peroxide. However, peroxide can stain your carpet, so be careful. Make as much as you need to be able to apply a thin layer to the entire stain. Think of it like icing a cake; it doesn't need to be thick and gloopy, just thinly and evenly spread. Apply a layer of the paste. As it dries, brush it in with a bristly brush (use an old toothbrush if you're in a tight spot). Make sure to get the edges as well as the inside -- sometimes the ring of the stain is the hardest to treat area. After 24 hours, scrape it up. It's dried, done its business, hardened, and now it's ready to scrape up. Take a butter knife and get what solid bits you can -- hopefully the smell will go with it! Vacuum the rest up. What you can't get with your hands will need to be vacuumed up. If it all comes up well and good and the smell is gone, wahoo! But if not, wet the area with a damp cloth and vacuum again. That ought to do it! Febreze the area to cover your bases. If the smell persists, wait until it's completely dry before you jump to any conclusions. Wet carpet can smell very bad, but the smell can (and probably will) disappear when dry. Make a solution of water and vinegar or window cleaner. If you're out of other cleaners, vinegar and window cleaners can work on carpet, too. Work with 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar or window cleaner. If you are using vinegar, add a drop or two of dish soap or laundry detergent into the mix for added odor-fighting power. Wet the area and scrub. Using a brush or a sponge, scrub the affected area with your solution. If you're using vinegar, the smells will be pretty potent, but they all will go away in time. Let set. Once you're sure you've gotten the entire area, walk away. You've done all you can do! Let it set for an hour or two, taking action on those smells and the residue. Vacuum it up. Once it's started drying, it's time to vacuum it up with your dry/wet vac. If that's not an option, soak up the liquid with a dry towel. Constantly apply pressure, forcing the liquid into the towel. If any soapy residue remains, take a damp cloth and gently blot the area. Then take a dry cloth to it and resume the process as normal. The smell may linger while it's still wet; trust that it will go away when it dries! Finished. | Soak the area in water to loosen any leftover residue. Brush a small amount of laundry detergent into the wet carpet with a stiff-bristled cleaning brush. Vacuum out the soapy water with a shop vacuum or "wet/dry" vacuum. Wet once more with water to rinse the carpet of excess soap. Vacuum again to remove excess water, and allow area to dry. Finish with Febreze, if desired. Scrub the area with a watered-down detergent solution. Absorb the liquid with a dry towel. Wet the area with an enzymatic cleaner and let set. Vacuum up liquid or absorb with a towel. Allow to air dry. Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply a layer of the paste. After 24 hours, scrape it up. Vacuum the rest up. Make a solution of water and vinegar or window cleaner. Wet the area and scrub. Let set. Vacuum it up. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prove-Residency | How to Prove Residency | If you need to prove your residency, keep in mind that different organizations have varying requirements for what you'll need to provide. Generally though, you'll need to provide 2 different documents, like a bill or letter addressed to you, although sometimes as many as 4. Look for a dated utility bill which includes your name and address from the past year. You can often use a bank or phone statement or a copy of your tenancy agreement too. Some places also accept a valid voter registration card as proof of your residency. | Determine the specific requirements. There are some common ways to prove residency, but the types of proof vary greatly from state to state, and across different organisations. The first thing to do is research the particular requirements that are relevant to you. Look on the website of the state, school or other organisation you need to prove your residency to. If you are struggling to find the information on a website, it can be quicker and easier to phone up directly or go into a local office or city hall. There is an online database that provides details of state requirements for different universities and colleges that you can use. Often you will find that residency requirements are indicated within the state statute. You can search for state statutes online. Identify commonly used identification. Some of the most commonly accepted proofs of residency include a dated utility bill which includes your name and address, or a tenancy agreement with your full name and all the information about how long you have lived in your current address. In some cases a tenancy agreement may need to be notarized. A valid voter registration card for that state may also be accepted as a proof of residency. In all cases you will need to provide more than one proof of residency, often two, and sometimes four. It is best to have at least two government issued pieces of evidence to use to prove residency. If you are using a utility bill, bring one from a year ago and one from within the last month so you can demonstrate long-term and current residency. A utility bill could be water, electric, gas, garbage, bank statement or landline phone service. Know which forms of identification are rarely accepted. Just as there are proofs which are commonly accepted across states, there are documents which are rarely accepted that you should make yourself aware of. Fishing and hunting licenses may not be accepted, as well as cellular phone bills and pay stubs. Personal mail that is not a utility bill or from a government agency is unlikely to be accepted as proof residency. You should always remember to check with your local requirements as some of these documents are accepted in some states. If you are unable to research the requirements in advance, it's prudent to bring as many items as possible when you go to apply to give yourself the best chance. Contact the college to which you want to apply. One common instance in which people need to prove residency is when they are applying to study at college. The requirements will vary so you have to start by asking the financial aid office how long you must reside in the state to be eligible for in-state tuition. Most state colleges require one year of residency, but others only require three to six months. Use the online list to find your college. Clarify your residency before your enrolment date. You should be sure to have your residency situation clarified with your college well in advance of the start of the semester. This will mean you can avoid stress and problems with fees when you are beginning college. If you haven't proven your residency by the date of your enrolment you may have to pay non-resident tuition fees. Know what else affects your claim. The most important thing is to provide the official required documentation for your state or college, but there are other ways to demonstrate an intention to establish residence. For example, opening a local bank account, registering a vehicle in the state, or getting a local library card, are all ways of indicating your intention to remain. These are not substitutes to the official requirements, but you can use them to supplement and strengthen your claim. Understand what may harm your claim. As well as considering your residency and ties to the state you are applying in, you should be aware that your relationship to another state can be taken into consideration. If you have demonstrably strong ties to another state this may harm your claim to residency in the state you are applying in. For example, if you own a house in another state, have a driver's license or are registered to vote in a different state, the assessor may question your intention to maintain or establish permanent residency. These are not conclusive factors, but should be taken into account. Understand what an affidavit is. In some instances you may be required to produce a written affidavit of residence to go along with the other forms of proof you are submitting, such as a utility bill or government issued ID card. An affidavit is an official statement from you which is made under oath, or is attested to under penalty of perjury, that certifies your residency. That means that this is a legal document, which if faked, can lead to a prosecution. Write an affidavit of residency. For an affidavit of residence you will typically need to write your address, state that you are a full-time resident, and say when your residency began. There are templates available online which give you the essential outline of an affidavit of residency. An example of the text could be: "I, the undersigned (full legal name) hereby certify that I live at (address) and have been resident there since (date residency began)." You need to use your full legal name in the affidavit. Write it in a formal style and ensure it is presented clearly and professionally. Get the affidavit notarized. Often you will be required to get the affidavit notarized before it is accepted as proof of residency. A Notary Public is an independent individual who verifies that you have signed the affidavit and it is genuine. You will find notaries in local government offices and mailing counters. You can search online for notaries operating near you. When you go to the notary you will need to bring identification with you so be sure you know what to bring before you go. Don't sign the affidavit before you go, your notary needs to witness you doing this. | Determine the specific requirements. Identify commonly used identification. Know which forms of identification are rarely accepted. Contact the college to which you want to apply. Clarify your residency before your enrolment date. Know what else affects your claim. Understand what may harm your claim. Understand what an affidavit is. Write an affidavit of residency. Get the affidavit notarized. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Art-Portfolio | How to Make an Art Portfolio | To make a digital art portfolio, start by taking high-resolution photos of all of your artwork, making sure there aren't any glares or shadows. You can also scan your artwork depending on the medium you work with. Then, upload the images of your artwork onto a computer, and assemble them in a digital portfolio using Indesign or another program. Or, you can upload your artwork onto your own website and use that as your portfolio. | Look up the requirements for your portfolio. Every organization is different and so they may require different things within your portfolio or a different format for your portfolio. Your portfolio will also depend greatly on the type of study or career you are interested in pursuing. For example, if you are applying to a film school or animation school, your portfolio will likely be digital and consist mostly of work that you have done within that field. On the other hand, if you are applying to an architecture school or to an art gallery you may have more sketches and drawings. Some institutions suggest only using about 10 to 20 pieces in your portfolio. If you have really strong pieces, fewer is better because the more pieces you have the more likely it is that the quality of the pieces will drop. Always check what the organization expects before you begin piecing together your portfolio. You don't want to waste time creating a portfolio one way, and then have to redo it because it's not in the right format. Choose finished or unfinished pieces, based on the requirements for your portfolio. Many schools in the United States require that all of your work be finished, but some in other areas such as the United Kingdom want to see your process and development. Check the requirements for your portfolio before you do one or the other. If you are allowed to use unfinished pieces, do so. This reveals your skills, commitment, and depth of knowledge as well as gives context to the creation and thought process behind your work. A piece of art is often more than just the finished product, but greatly depends upon the process and experimentation of the piece. Make sure all pieces, both finished and unfinished, are perfected. Remove any smudges, fingerprints, or defects that have been left on the piece. Include observational drawings. These pieces prove that you are able to observe something in real life and create your own replica of it on paper. Observational drawings or paintings can make up a substantial part of your portfolio. The purpose of these drawings is to show those looking at your portfolio that you are able to record shape and form, detail, perspective, proportion, and surface qualities. When drawing something from observation, aim for a sense of realism, without creating a rigid, mechanical copy of it. It may help to select a subject that's important to you, because you'll begin to think about the themes and motifs behind the drawings, rather than what's right in front of you. Highlight your best pieces. If you have been an artist for awhile you likely have an array of pieces, from the best, to really good, to mediocre, to poor. It may be tempting to choose your really good work along with your best work. However, these two need to be separated. You don't want to just showcase your really good work. You want to showcase only your best, the pieces that you are certain without a doubt show quality, ability, artistry, and creativity. Be selective with your work and don't choose pieces just for the sake of variety. It's better to have solid pieces of art that vary less in medium or style than it is to have a lot of different mediums and styles but mediocre art. If it's difficult to be unbiased or edit your own work, ask a friend or two what pieces are your best pieces. It could also be helpful to find a mentor in your own field. Look for someone with artistic talent who has been in your shoes before who can help you make difficult decisions like these. And, the good thing is you know you can trust their judgement because they have experience in artistry as well. Never choose art that is an imitation of someone else's art. Admissions offices and employers have seen thousands of portfolios and will likely be able to recognize if you have created artwork from a photograph or another piece of art. This also reveals your lack of creativity and inability to create art from real life. Ask a friend to look over your art. After you have picked out a significant body of work, have a friend or mentors look over it, asking them to give feedback on the different pieces you have picked out. Some of your art may need to be redone or improved, so give yourself enough time before the portfolio needs to be submitted to improve your artwork. Build in time after you've chosen your pieces to reflect and come back to those pieces once you've been able to process. It's important to give yourself this time because you will be able to better evaluate your work and will come back to it with less bias. Sometimes friends can be biased towards your work as well, so it may be more beneficial to bring in someone that doesn't have a personal relationship with you. It may be easier to receive constructive criticism from them as well. Learn to take constructive criticism well and know that it's not an insult or derogatory comment, but given so that you can improve as an artist. Include supplemental articles, publications or awards. Some institutions will not ask for this, so once again, check the requirements for your portfolio. However, this can be helpful to show that your work has been recognized by others and that it has has previous exposure. Use other portfolios as examples. The best way to begin a project like a portfolio is to find other successful portfolios online and use those as your guide. This doesn't mean copy the format, or follow the portfolio piece by piece, but it means to use it as a reference as you being making yours. Note how the artist organized his or her pieces. Pay attention to the style and design of the portfolio. Are your eyes drawn more to the design of the portfolio or are you drawn to the art? If it feels intimidating or daunting to look at other portfolios, remember that only the best work is what is displayed. Art is made up of technical skill as well as creativity, so even if your technical skill isn't as advanced as those you see, your creativity can make up for it. Tailor your portfolio to the institution. A university and an art gallery may have very different ideas about what they would like to see in your portfolio or the design of your portfolio. It's important that as you begin assembling and organizing your portfolio that you keep the audience in mind. For example, if submitting your work to an art gallery, visit the gallery and make sure your work will fit in well in the gallery. Choose pieces, design, and organization of your portfolio that show you are familiar with the gallery and are aware of the art they carry. If applying to a university or job, always look up the requirements for the portfolio, but tailor your portfolio to the type of institution as well. You may be applying to a more prestigious art university that values technique and style, or maybe you are applying to a school that places a higher emphasis and creativity and experimentation. Keep these things in mind as you design and organize your portfolio. Organize your portfolio. Group pieces by style, subject, media, technique, etc. You want to make it as easy as possible for your reviewer to find the important information, or to determine if you are a good fit for their institution. By organizing your pieces you will give your reviewer an easy path to follow. You want your portfolio to tell a story. Group by medium. It's valuable to use different types of mediums in your portfolio to show you are well rounded and capable of doing different art forms. It can be helpful to group these mediums together so that your portfolio clearly shows your different abilities and how you've used each medium in your art. For example, you might group pastel art together, and then group charcoal drawings and pencil drawings together, and then you might group paintings together. Group by subject. Another way to group your artwork is by subject, which will likely combine different mediums, but will show your ability to accurately depict different things. For example, you may group by figure drawings, drawings of landscape, abstract art, etc. Group by technique. This is similar to grouping by medium, but instead you are focusing on your range of abilities to use not just paper, but digital media, photography, web design, animation, etc. Use a scrapbook or portfolio binder found at any art or craft store to organize and present your artwork. Keep it simple. As an artist, you may be tempted to have a really extravagant, creative portfolio. While it's great if your pieces are this way, the portfolio that holds and displays your pieces should be professional, organized, and simple. The purpose of this is because you don't want a very busy portfolio to distract your viewer from the artwork. You want the focus to be on your artwork, because that's what you are really trying to showcase. Space out your portfolio. Don't have too many pieces on one page and don't go overboard with the information you include. Stand out, but don't be overzealous. With an industry that is so competitive, it's important for your work to stand out. You don't want to be grouped in with the hundreds of people who have also submitted their portfolio, so try to create a portfolio that highlights your pieces so well in a creative way that the reviewers can't help but notice. Be careful about overdoing it, though. If your attempts to stand out lead you to creating something corny, or trying to be humorous but failing, you may go unnoticed, or be noticed but in a negative way. The benefit of a portfolio is that you aren't just a name on a piece of paper like a resume. Your work really speaks to who you are and it is easier for an employer to grow attached to the creative impressions in your portfolio than a written set of job skills. Don't overthink your portfolio. Once you have completed it, have a mentor give you feedback, go over it a few times to make sure it is organized well, and clear of any mistakes, and then leave it. By continually trying to edit and improve your portfolio, you run the risk of changing it to "make it stand out" that may lead to a decrease in the professionalism of your portfolio. Create a virtual portfolio. While it's handy to have your portfolio in a hard copy, having a virtual copy of your portfolio will be helpful when submitting your portfolio online, which is likely what you'll have to do for most applications. Photograph or scan your artwork. After you have chosen the pieces for your portfolio, use a good quality camera to take pictures of your art, or ask a professional to take the pictures. Make sure the pictures are clear and high quality so that when viewed online the resolution is good. Choose a setting with excellent lighting and no glare, and never use a flash. When scanning artwork, make sure there are no wrinkles on the page and that it lies flat on the scanner so the picture comes out exactly like the hard copy. Input these pictures into Indesign or another program that allows you to create a clean cut portfolio that is easy to continually edit. This not only provides you with a digital copy to use online, but also serves as a backup in case your hard copy is lost or destroyed. Practice presenting your portfolio. If you have the opportunity to show your portfolio in person, it's important to practice going through it, knowing what you will say for each piece and how you can effectively communicate why you think your work stands out and is valuable. Once you've practiced it on your own a few times, present it to a friend or mentor who can give you feedback on your presentation and how you are communicating your art. Once again, your art should speak for itself. When presenting a portfolio you shouldn't have to go in depth on every piece to explain it, it should explain itself for the most part. However, there may be pieces that were inspired by an event in your life or mean something to you. Use those as an opportunity to show your creativity and passion behind your work. Gain feedback once you have completed your portfolio. Ask a mentor or friend to look over your completed portfolio, making notes on the organization, themes, format, and final work you have chosen. You can also attend a portfolio review. There are National Portfolio days in which college admissions counselors will come to high schools and college campus events to review students' artwork. Seek feedback on how you can improve your portfolio, and use this as a trial run to prepare you for officially presenting your portfolio. Little details matter too. If you have text in your portfolio, always check for grammar mistakes. It can be easy to focus on just the art, but employers and admissions counselors want to see that you have reviewed all of your work and that you take this submission seriously. You don't want to spend all your time making a fantastic portfolio that an employer or admissions counselor loves, and then lose all chance of being chosen because you misspelled the name of the institution or used incorrect grammar. Update your portfolio on a regular basis. Even if you have already submitted your portfolio to several institutions, always be ready to update and revise your portfolio with new and better work. Save time doing this as you go, so that you won't have to do a major project of revision the next time you submit your portfolio. This will keep your work relevant, and up to date with your abilities and awards. Continually ask yourself, "Am I in this?" Your art should reflect yourself and your passions so as you update and revise your portfolio make sure it still conveys the story you hope to communicate. | Look up the requirements for your portfolio. Choose finished or unfinished pieces, based on the requirements for your portfolio. Include observational drawings. Highlight your best pieces. Ask a friend to look over your art. Include supplemental articles, publications or awards. Use other portfolios as examples. Tailor your portfolio to the institution. Organize your portfolio. Keep it simple. Stand out, but don't be overzealous. Create a virtual portfolio. Practice presenting your portfolio. Gain feedback once you have completed your portfolio. Update your portfolio on a regular basis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Address-College-Recommendation-Envelopes | How to Address College Recommendation Envelopes | If you need to mail a college recommendation letter, you'll want to address the envelope correctly to make sure it gets to the right place. If you're a student, you should find the address for the college admissions office in your application instructions. You can also find the address of the college's admissions office online, but you should call the office to double-check that's where to send your letter. If you're a teacher, ask your student to provide the address. Then, write the college admissions office on the envelope. In the top left corner, write your return address. In the bottom left corner, write “RE: Letter of Reference for,” followed by the student's name to make it clear what the letter is for. | Find the address you need. You will need to send your letter of recommendation to the admissions office at a college. If you're a student, you often have to provide your teacher with an addressed envelope when requesting a letter of recommendation, so make sure you know the proper address. If you are a student, the address should be specified somewhere in the application instructions. You can also find the address of a college's admissions office online. However, you should call the office to double check this is the proper place to send application materials. If you are a teacher, your student should be able to provide you with this information. If your student cannot provide the information, you can also check online and call the admissions office. Print the address clearly on the envelope. In the middle of the envelope, you should print the address of the administration office. Make sure to print clearly so the letter is delivered to the proper place. If you have sloppy handwriting, consider making a trip to a print shop to type and print out addressed envelopes. The first line of the address should say something like, "Office of Admissions" or "Admissions Office." The second line should include which university the letter is being sent to, like "Michigan Technological University." The third line should include the address of the admissions office. For example, "123 Maddison Street." The last line should include the city, state, and zip code. For example, "Houghton, Michigan 49931." You can also use your own computer or a typewriter to print address labels for an envelope. This may be a good idea if you have sloppy handwriting. Put the return address in the upper lefthand corner. The return address is the address of the person writing the letter. If you're providing your teacher with an addressed envelope, you may need to ask for his or her personal address. However, it's usually safe to simply use your school's address. If you're filling out an application for a student, simply put your home address. The first line should just be your name, or the name of your teacher. For example, "Elizabeth Hart." The second line should include your address, or your teacher's address. For example, "262 Paulina Street." The last line should include the city, state, and zip code. For example, "Chicago, Illinois 60657." Include specific details on the envelope. In order to assure the letter smoothly gets to the right place, include details on what the recommendation is for in the lower lefthand corner. Admissions offices get letters regarding things like scholarships in addition to applications for admission, so there may be multiple branches of an admissions office. In the lower left hand corner, write "Re" followed by a colon. From there, include some specific information about what the letter is regarding. You can write something like, "Letter of Reference for Jane Meyers, fall admission." If you're applying to something like early admission, it may be a good idea to include that information as well. Make sure to include a stamp. All letters require proper postage if you want them to be mailed. You can buy stamps at a post office, as well as many grocery stores and drug stores. Place a stamp in the upper righthand corner of your letter. If an envelope contains materials beside a letter, you may need two stamps. If you're unsure of postage, go to a post office and ask. You want to make sure your letter is mailed successfully. Create a heading for your letter. Most letters, especially formal letters like letters of recommendation, should include a heading. If you are writing a letter of recommendation for a student, include a heading one to one and a half inches from the top of the page. On the right corner, print your full address. Words like "street" and "avenue" should be spelled out. You can abbreviate your state name, using US postal code abbreviations. In the corresponding left corner, write the date the letter is being written. Make sure to spell out the month instead of using an abbreviation. Try to figure out the correct name to use in your salutation. It's best to include a specific name in your salutation, so try to find the name of the head of admissions. Personalizing a letter always appears the most professional. Your best option is to ask the student who requested you write the letter. The school your student is applying to may have provided him or her with specific information on addressing letters of recommendation. It's always best to ask the student first before attempting to write your salutation on your own. You also may be able to find the name of the head of admissions online. However, make sure the information is up-to-date. You do not want to address the letter to someone who is no longer affiliated with a given school. Pick a general term if you cannot find a specific name. If you are unable to locate that specific information, use a general term. For example, you could write, "Dear College Admissions Representatives." Remember, being specific is important, so it's best to avoid things like, "To Whom It May Concern." Submit references separately from the rest of your materials. In general, references should not be mailed in with your other application materials. Unless the college specifically requests all materials be sent in together, mail recommendations separately. Usually, your teacher is responsible for mailing in his or her own letters. If there is a deadline, make sure to let your teacher know so he or she mails the letter out in time. Double check that you have the correct address. You want to be certain your letter goes to the right place. Check addresses carefully when filling out envelopes. If you're applying to multiple schools, it can get confusing, so double check the address before providing your teacher with an envelope. Do not worry about letters arriving before your application. Many students stress about letters arriving before the application has been sent in. People working at the admissions office understand materials arrive at different times, and file application materials together as they come in. As long as your letter's envelopes specifies this is an application letter for you, it will filed under your name. When the rest of your application materials arrive, they will be added to your file. Confirm your letter has arrived. You want to make sure your letter arrives at your school, as your application may not be accepted without a letter. See if there's a way to check up on your application materials online. Many schools accept online applications, and you may get a notification when your all your letters of recommendation have arrived. | Find the address you need. Print the address clearly on the envelope. Put the return address in the upper lefthand corner. Include specific details on the envelope. Make sure to include a stamp. Create a heading for your letter. Try to figure out the correct name to use in your salutation. Pick a general term if you cannot find a specific name. Submit references separately from the rest of your materials. Double check that you have the correct address. Do not worry about letters arriving before your application. Confirm your letter has arrived. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Hickory-Nuts | How to Identify Hickory Nuts | To identify edible hickory nuts, start by looking for circular, heart-shaped, or oblong nuts that measure between 0.5 to 2.6 inches. Depending on the variety, the nuts will be slightly flat or rounded, with a texture that's smooth and minimally veined, or considerably irregular and furrowed. Additionally, check that the shell or husk is dark brown, which indicates that the meat inside has ripened. In order to eat your nuts, crack open the shells with a walnut cracker and use your fingers to pick the meat out of the shell. | Look for a woody outer shell, or husk. Hickory nut husks are light green throughout the younger stages of development, then change to a dark brown upon maturity, before falling from the hickory tree. The texture of a hickory nutshell may be smooth, with minimal veining, or considerably irregular and furrowed. Husks split open at the base once the fruit (nut) inside has fully ripened, although some species partially encapsulate the hickory nut even after splitting. Husks vary in thickness from 2 mm to 9 mm, depending on the hickory nut species Measure the shells with a ruler. When separate from the husk, hickory nuts may measure anywhere between 0.5 inch (13 mm) and 2.56 inches (6.5 cm) long and equally as wide, depending on the species. Examine the shape. Look for circular, heart-shaped or oblong nuts that are either slightly flat or rounded. Depending on the species, hickory nuts can have any of these shapes. Taste the nut meat. Several hickory species yield a sweet, edible meat, while others yield bitter meat that one should not eat. Look for a densely veined inner chamber. The inside of a hickory nut's shell is veined, which can make it difficult to remove the nut meat. Learn about different hickory species. The 16 species of hickories each product slightly different nuts. Find out which species live in your area so you'll know exactly what to look for and you can determine whether the nuts you find are edible. Identify shagbark hickory nuts. You may find these nuts alone, or in a pair. They may be anywhere from 1.2 inches (3 cm) to 2 inches (5 cm) long, and slightly less wide. The brownish-black husk is a medium thickness, and easily splits open to reveal a light brown, heart-shaped, textured and thin-shelled fruit. The kernel of the shagbark is brown and sweet. Identify southern shagbark hickory nuts. The husk of a southern shagbark is 0.12 inch (3mm) to 0.35 inch (9mm) thick, and the egg-shaped shell is smooth, relatively thin and easy to crack open. Southern shagbark nut meat is a light-brown color, and sweet to the taste. Identify bitternut hickory nuts. The shell of a bitternut may be anywhere between 0.8 inch (2 cm) to 1.6 inches (4 cm) long. It is a rounded, light-brown nut, enclosed in a thin, yellow-scaled husk. The kernel of the bitternut is bitter, as the name suggests. Identify pignut hickory nuts. Pignuts generally mature to be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long and 0.8 inch (2 cm) wide. The husk is thin and dark brown, and must be split manually, as it rarely splits on its own. The pear-shaped pignut shell is thick, smooth and grayish brown. Pignut meat is bitter and slightly bland. Identify red hickory nuts. This nut measures approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) to 1.2 inches (3 cm) long and 0.8 inch (2 cm) wide. The dark husk is about 0.08 inch (2 mm) thick and splits freely on its own to reveal a light brown, rounded and thin shell. The meat of the red hickory is small and sweet. Identify kingnut, or shellbark hickory nuts. This is the largest of the hickory nut species, growing to between 1.8 inches (4.5 cm) and 2.6 inches (6.5 cm) long, and 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) wide. The oval-shaped shell of the kingnut is very thick, light brown and slightly furrowed. Because the shell is so thick, there is little room for the meat, which is sweet. Identify sand hickory nuts. This is the smallest of the hickory nuts, averaging between 0.5 inch (13 mm) and 1.45 inches (37 mm) long. The husk is light brown and thin, and splits only partially to reveal the shell, which is oval and slightly flattened, light in color, smooth, furry and relatively thin. The kernel of the sand hickory is sweet. Identify mockernut hickory nuts. The mockernut is 1 of the larger hickory nut species, growing anywhere between 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) and 2 inches (5 cm) long, and with a thick husk, between 0.12 inch (3 mm) and 0.24 inch (6 mm) thick. The mockernut shell is rectangular in shape, reddish brown and smooth. The meat is edible and sweet, but difficult to remove because of the thickness of the shell. Break off the husks. Hickory nuts that are ripe will blow off the tree in a brisk wind and land on the ground with the husks already open. After you collect all the nuts you want, remove the husks and discard them. Check the nuts for nut weevil infestation. Nut weevils bore holes in the shells of hickory nuts and eat the meat inside. If you see small holes in the nuts, you might as well throw them away instead of taking the time to crack them; the meat is sure to be ruined by a grub. Crack the shells. Most hickory nuts have tough shells that can't be cracked with a standard nutcracker. You can buy a special cracker used for walnuts, use a vise, or crack them open with a rock. Try not to damage the meat inside. If you use the rock method, place a nut on a piece of flat concrete, then slam the nut with a wide rock until the shell cracks. It's hand to use a nutcracker to finish the job once the shell is partially open. You can save the shells and burn them along with wood to help a fire last longer. Pick the nuts. Hand pick shards of shell from the nut meat, so you have a clean bowl of nut halves and pieces. Try to save as much of the meat as you can. Enjoy the nuts. Hickory nuts can be used the same way as any other type of nut. Snack on them raw, use them in pies and baked goods, or try them roasted and salted. If you're feeling adventurous, try making hickory nut butter. Leftover hickory nuts should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for a few months before rotting. Or you can freeze the nuts for up to a year. Pack them tightly in freezer-safe containers, removing as much of the air from the containers as possible. Label the containers and store them in the freezer. | Look for a woody outer shell, or husk. Measure the shells with a ruler. Examine the shape. Taste the nut meat. Look for a densely veined inner chamber. Learn about different hickory species. Identify shagbark hickory nuts. Identify southern shagbark hickory nuts. Identify bitternut hickory nuts. Identify pignut hickory nuts. Identify red hickory nuts. Identify kingnut, or shellbark hickory nuts. Identify sand hickory nuts. Identify mockernut hickory nuts. Break off the husks. Check the nuts for nut weevil infestation. Crack the shells. Pick the nuts. Enjoy the nuts. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Paint-from-Wood | How to Remove Paint from Wood | To remove dried paint from wood, use a piece of open-coat sandpaper to sand the paint away, taking care to sand with the grain to minimize damage to the wood surface. For larger jobs, like furniture, use a mechanical hand sander or a power sander to buff dried paint away. Alternatively, you can remove old paint from wood by holding a heat gun 6 to 8 inches above the painted surface, moving it side-by-side and up and down, and scraping the paint away as it wrinkles. | Remove fresh latex paint with water A spot of latex paint can usually be removed by wiping it up with a soft, water-soaked rag. Soak a soft, clean cloth rag in warm water. Wring out some of the excess water to prevent the rag from dripping over unaffected areas. Scrape the paint away Wipe away the spot of paint. You may need to rinse and re-soak the rag several times to get all of the paint up. Wipe the wood dry with a separate, dry rag. Use denatured alcohol if the water does not work. If you have a latex paint splatter on your wood that you cannot wipe away with plain water, wipe it away with denatured alcohol, instead. Apply enough alcohol to a clean rag to dampen it without making it dripping wet. Pass the alcohol-soaked rag over the paint spot to remove it. Rinse, resoak, and repeat as needed. Dry the spot with a clean, dry rag when finished. Remove fresh oil-based paint with mineral spirits. Oil-based paint will continue clinging to the wood if you use plain water, so wipe it away with a soft rag dabbed in mineral spirits. Dip a soft, clean rag into a small dish of mineral spirits. Instead of soaking the entire rag, only soak the area you plan on bringing into contact with the paint splatter. Wipe up the paint by passing the mineral spirit over the splatter. Rinse and resoak as needed until all the paint has been removed. Dry the area with a separate dry rag. Remove dried paint with boiled linseed oil. Dry spots of paint can be softened by soaking and rubbing them away with boiled linseed oil. Soak a clean rag in boiled linseed oil. Press the linseed oil rag against the paint spot and hold in place for 30 to 60 seconds. This permits the oil to soak into the paint. Wipe away the softened paint with your linseed oil soaked rag. Dry the area with a separate dry rag. Use a putty knife, if necessary, for stubborn dried spots. If you cannot wipe the paint away even after softening it with boiled linseed oil, carefully use a putty knife to scrape beneath the splatter and lift it off the wood. Strip residue with a linseed oil paste. Any dried paint residue that remains can be removed by rubbing it with a paste made of boiled linseed oil and rottenstone. Combine enough boiled linseed oil and rottenstone in a small disposable dish to form a thick paste. Use a disposable wooden chopstick to stir the ingredients together. Scoop some of the paste onto a clean rag and rub the paste into the wood along the grain. Wipe away the grain using another clean rag. Hold a heat gun near the surface of the wood. Position the heat gun 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) above the painted wooden surface after you switch the heat gun on. Use an electric heat gun or electric paint remover. A blowtorch will also provide the necessary amount of heat, but blowtorches come with a greater risk of scorching or setting the wood on fire, so they are not recommended. Wear protective gloves and goggles as you work with the heat gun. Do not let the heat gun come into contact with the wood or come too close to the wood. Doing so may result in scorch marks or fire. Slowly move the heat gun over the surface. Pass the heat gun over the surface of the section of wood you are currently working on. Continue passing it side-to-side and up-and-down without ceasing. Do not let the heat gun linger in one spot for a prolonged period. Doing so will cause the wood to burn and potentially catch on fire. Scrape the paint up as it wrinkles. Once the paint begins to bubble and wrinkle, immediately scrape the paint up with a broad paint scraper. If possible, continue to heat the paint with the heat gun in one hand as you scrape up bubbling paint with your other hand. If you have difficulty balancing both tasks, though, switch the heat gun off temporarily and scrape up any heated paint immediately. Stay calm if a fire starts. Even though it is possible for the wood to catch fire, these fires are usually small at the start and can be put out safely as long as you think clearly. A small flame can usually be put out by smothering it with the flat side of your paint scraper. Keep a bucket of water nearby as you work. If a fire starts to catch and cannot be smothered out, quickly soak it with the water. Protect yourself. Wear safety goggles and a face mask to protect yourself from paint and wood dust as you sand, regardless of the sanding method you use. Sand the paint off by hand when possible. When removing paint from a crack or crevice or stripping it from a small, delicate wooden object, you should sand the paint off by hand. Mechanical sanders use considerable force and can damage delicate pieces. Moreover, they can be difficult to use on small, confined spaces. Use coarse, open-coat sandpaper since other types may clog with paint and wood dust too quickly. Sand with the grain of the wood instead of against it. Decrease to a medium grit paper once you can see the grain of the wood peeking through the paint. Decrease to a fine grit when small bits of paint are all that remain. Switch to a mechanical sander for larger jobs. For larger areas of painted wood, including large pieces of wood furniture, large wooden chests, or wood trim, rely on a mechanical sander to save time. Choose between a mechanical hand sander and a power sander. A hand sander will be a little gentler and makes a good option if you want to preserve more of the wood beneath the paint. A power sander will finish the job faster, though, making it a good choice for especially large projects. Belt, disk, and drum sanders are all good options worth considering when picking a power sander. Use coarse, open-coat sandpaper on your mechanical sander since less coarse options tend to clog up with paint and wood dust too easily. Always sand with the grain of the wood rather than against it to minimize the amount of damage to the wood. Switch to a fine grain sandpaper, if desired, once the majority of the paint has been sanded off and only a few small specks remain. Choose the right type of paint stripper. Look for a paint stripper labeled for use with the type of paint you want to remove. Also choose between a liquid or paste paint stripper. Liquid chemicals are often applied in spray form and are usually used to clean coatings or a couple of layers. Paste chemicals are brushed on and are used to strip many layers of paint. If you need to remove 10 layers or more, choose a paste. Read the instructions thoroughly before use. While the application procedure is the same for most chemical paint strippers, the exact details may vary. Always follow the instructions that come with the paint stripper. Pour a small amount of paint stripper in a wide-mouth metal can. Pouring a small amount in a small can makes it easier to use the paint remover. If possible, use a can with a plastic resealable lid. Brush the paint stripper on with a paint brush. Use a broad flat paintbrush to apply the chemical thickly and evenly over the surface of the painted wood. Brush the paint stripper on in one direction. Do not brush over areas that have already been covered by paint stripper. Alternatively, spray the paint stripper on. If using an aerosol paint stripper, point the nozzle of the bottle roughly 4 inches (10 cm) away from the surface of the painted wood and apply the chemical in an even, thick layer. The chemical will create a foaming, clinging layer. Let sit for as long as directed. Usually, the paint remover should be left on the surface for 20 to 30 minutes, but exact times may vary. Keep the windows and doors of the room open to prevent potentially harmful fumes from building up as the chemical sits. Test the paint. Rub the blade of a paint scraper over the surface in a circular motion. If the scraper cuts into the paint, the chemical has worked correctly. Make sure that the scraper you use is chemical-resistant. Scrape the paint off with a metal scraper. Glide the paint scraper beneath the softened paint to peel it away. Remove as much as possible with the first few passes. Work in one direction. Touch up the surface with soaked steel wool. If some paint still remains, soak medium-grade steel wool in a small amount of paint remover and scrub those spots until they lift up. Old rags or abrasive scouring pads will also work. | Remove fresh latex paint with water A spot of latex paint can usually be removed by wiping it up with a soft, water-soaked rag. Use denatured alcohol if the water does not work. Remove fresh oil-based paint with mineral spirits. Remove dried paint with boiled linseed oil. Use a putty knife, if necessary, for stubborn dried spots. Strip residue with a linseed oil paste. Hold a heat gun near the surface of the wood. Slowly move the heat gun over the surface. Scrape the paint up as it wrinkles. Stay calm if a fire starts. Protect yourself. Sand the paint off by hand when possible. Switch to a mechanical sander for larger jobs. Choose the right type of paint stripper. Pour a small amount of paint stripper in a wide-mouth metal can. Brush the paint stripper on with a paint brush. Alternatively, spray the paint stripper on. Let sit for as long as directed. Test the paint. Scrape the paint off with a metal scraper. Touch up the surface with soaked steel wool. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-California-Unemployment-Benefits | How to Get California Unemployment Benefits | To get California unemployment benefits, you have to be unemployed by no fault of your own, a citizen of the United States, and meet certain past earning requirements. If you meet these requirements, go to the California Employment Development Department's website and file your claim. Within 10 days, you should be contacted with a decision. If you are deemed eligible, continue documenting all the jobs you're applying for, and submit a Continued Claim Form every two weeks to show that you still qualify for benefits. | Be unemployed through no fault of your own. To qualify for UI benefits in California, you must have lost your last job through no fault of your own. This means that if you quit your last job for unacceptable reasons or were fired with cause, you may not be eligible to receive UI benefits. Acceptable reasons for quitting or losing your job include: layoffs, downsizing, or quitting because of harassment or significant medical reasons. Unacceptable reasons for quitting or losing your job include: quitting because you didn't like your job, quitting to change careers, or getting fired because of serious and repeated lapses in judgment or performance. With that said, your past employer's definition of bad performance or lapses in judgment may be different from the California Employment Development Department's (EDD's) definition of those things. You should still apply for UI benefits if you feel you are entitled to them. Also, try negotiating with your employer and ask that they not challenge your UI application. Meet the past earning requirements. When you file a UI claim, your past employers will report your wages to the EDD. The EDD will use this information to decide if you have earned enough wages during a "base period" to establish a UI claim. A "base period" is simply a specified 12 month period used to calculate your past earnings. If you need to calculate what your base period would be, visit this website , which offers in depth instructions about how unemployment benefits are computed. Have a satisfactory immigration status. UI benefits are only available to individuals who are lawfully in the United States, either as a citizen or a legal immigrant. You may be required to show proof of your lawful status in order to receive UI benefits. Some forms of proof may include a social security card, a birth certificate, a photo I.D., or a green card with work authorization. Be able, available, and actively seeking suitable employment. To qualify for UI benefits and to continue receiving benefits, you must be physically able to work, you must be immediately available to accept work, and you must be conducting an active job search. If you have a temporary disability that prevents you from working, you may be temporarily ineligible for UI benefits. You may, however, be eligible for State Disability Insurance (SDI). If you are in a position where you temporarily cannot accept work (e.g., you are sick or plan on traveling), you may be temporarily ineligible for UI benefits. To be eligible for UI benefits, you must be actively seeking work. If EDD ultimately determines you are eligible for UI benefits, you may be required to submit evidence of your job search by providing the name, position, and date you apply for positions. As such, be sure to keep track of the jobs you apply for. Visit the California Employment Development Department website. To start the application process, you will need to go here. Once there, you will click on the link that says " File For Unemployment." Before going any further, make sure you have the following information readily available: Your name and social security number; Your address; Your state-issued I.D. number; The date you last worked for any employer; Your last employer's information, including their name, address, and phone number; Information about all employers you have worked for in the past 18 months; Reasons as to why you are no longer employed; Whether you are receiving, or expect to receive, any payments from your past employers; Whether you are available and able to work; and Whether you have the legal right to work in the United States. Choose how you want to file your claim and complete the application process. Once you have gathered your required information and you are at the EDD UI filing website, you will choose how you want to file your UI application. You can choose to file online, over the phone, by mail, or by fax. If you are applying over the phone, click here and call the designated number. After doing so, follow the directions provided to you over the phone. If you are applying by mail or fax, click here. You will then go here , which will allow you to complete the application online then print it, or you can print it and fill it out with a pen. Once you have completed the application, fax it or mail it to the number or address provided. Click here for a printable UI application. If you are applying online, click here and start the application. When you are finished, you will be prompted to submit the application online. Wait for an EDD response. Once you have submitted your UI application, EDD will evaluate the application and follow-up as necessary. You can expect to hear back from EDD within about ten days of applying. EDD will determine your eligibility based on your application and potentially even information obtained from your past employers. Depending on the information you and your employer provide, you may be scheduled for a telephone interview so EDD can acquire additional information to determine you eligibility. If EDD determines you are eligible for UI benefits, you will begin receiving UI benefit checks. If EDD determines you are not eligible for benefits, you will receive a “Notice of Determination,” which will explain why you were denied benefits and will give you information on how to appeal their determination. The Notice of Determination will look like this. Individuals are often denied benefits because they do not meet the threshold eligibility requirements outlined in Part 1. Fill out the required forms to keep your unemployment benefits. If you have been found by EDD to be eligible for UI benefits, you will be sent a Continued Claim Form , which can also be found here. You will fill out this form and mail it, file it online, or complete the process over the phone. This process will need to be repeated every two weeks. If you are filing online you can go here and follow the directions to complete the form. The Continued Claim Form includes questions regarding whether you were able to work; whether you looked for work; whether you did in fact work work; and finally, the form asks you to complete a work search record, which asks you to report the jobs you applied for. If you have concerns about how you should answer certain questions on the Continued Claim Form, you can follow this guide. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to answer each question on the form. Report small amounts of income if necessary. If you find work while you are receiving UI benefits, you are required to disclose that information on your biweekly Continued Claim Form. Whether you receive money for your services or not, you still must disclose the number of hours you worked, who you worked for, how much money you made, and whether you are still working there. Failing to report this information can result in UI fraud, which may subject you to severe punishment. Be sure you look here for information on how to correctly report any income you receive. Extend unemployment benefits if necessary. UI benefits normally last for one year. If you have received one year of UI benefits and are still unemployed and otherwise eligible for normal UI benefits, you may be able to receive a federal extension on your UI benefits. If you are eligible, EDD will automatically file your first extension and they will simply continue to send you your Continued Claim Form every other week. If you need to file more than one extension, EDD will again automatically do so for you and continue to send you your Continued Claim Forms. Review your denial letter. Many people who are rightfully eligible for UI benefits are denied them. If you suspect you were wrongfully denied, EDD has an appeals process. Review your Notice of Determination, which will lay out the reasons you were denied UI benefits, and, if you believe they wrongly denied your UI application, you can request an appeal. The most common reason for being denied UI benefits is not meeting the minimum eligibility requirements (discussed in Part 1). For example, EDD may determine that you lost your job as a result of performance issues or because you quit voluntarily. These determinations are often made by EDD after interviewing your past employers. The most common denials that are appealed involve voluntary quits and misconduct. If you are denied UI benefits because you quit your job, be prepared to prove that you quit with good cause (i.e., you had a real and compelling reason to quit). If you are denied UI benefits because of alleged misconduct, your employer will have the burden of proving that misconduct on appeal. This is good news for you; it is often possible to win an appeal based on alleged misconduct because your employer may not have the necessary evidence to prove it. Request an appeal. If you disagree with EDD's reasons for denying your UI benefits, you must submit your appeal within 20 calendar days of the date on your EDD Notice of Determination. Keep your appeal simple and only state you wish to appeal the decision (e.g., "I disagree with the decision by EDD and I am entitled to UI benefits under the law"). Saying anything else may actually hurt your chances of winning an appeal. You can choose to either submit an appeal form or an appeal letter. The appeal form can be found here. When the form is completed, simply send it in with a copy of your Notice of Determination. If you are writing an appeal letter, simply state that you are appealing and send it to the address designated in your Notice of Determination. Make sure you include your name, address, phone number, and social security number. Prepare for your hearing. After submitting your appeal, EDD will send you a notice acknowledging your appeal as well as a notice of a hearing. At the hearing you will be able to present the reasons why your UI claim should be granted and, depending on the reason for the denial, your employer will have an opportunity to attend the hearing and present evidence as well. Review the appeal file. The appeal file is available at the Office of Appeals (at an address that will be provided to you in a letter) and you need to retrieve a copy to analyze before the hearing. The file will contain claim notes, employer protests, records of interviews, your Notice of Determination, and the appeal letter. Learn the basics of the law that applies to your appeal. You should understand the basic law that will govern your appeal. Look through this guide , which should provide you with the basic information you need. Gather supporting documents. In addition to the documentation in your appeal file, you should also be prepared to introduce other evidence at the hearing. Some of the evidence you should try to bring includes performance reviews, personnel manuals, employee commendations and/or reprimands, and any written correspondence between you and your past employer. Consider contacting an attorney to help you with your appeal. You are allowed to bring a representative with you to the appeals hearing and you may want to hire an attorney for that reason. An attorney can help you navigate the process and present a persuasive case on your behalf. Consider contacting your local legal services organization since they often deal with these types of issues. If you are in San Francisco, try contacting the Legal Aid Society Employment Law Center. Attend your hearing. Your UI appeal hearing will either be conducted in person or in some limited circumstances it will be conducted via telephone. An administrative law judge or representative from your state unemployment insurance agency will conduct the hearing. At the hearing, the administrative law judge will make introductory remarks and will turn on a recording device in order to make a record of the proceedings. In addition, the administrative law judge will give you an overview of the hearing process. After the preliminary remarks, the agency representative will ask you questions related to your UI claim and through this process you will have an opportunity to share why you are entitled to UI benefits and present evidence. If your employer attends, they will also have an opportunity ask you questions related to your UI claim. Wait for a decision. After your hearing, your state agency will send you a decision. The hearing officer will state the facts of your case as well as the basis for their decision. If you disagree with the decision you can appeal again. If you wish to appeal, you have 20 days to file an additional appeal. | Be unemployed through no fault of your own. Meet the past earning requirements. Have a satisfactory immigration status. Be able, available, and actively seeking suitable employment. Visit the California Employment Development Department website. Choose how you want to file your claim and complete the application process. Wait for an EDD response. Fill out the required forms to keep your unemployment benefits. Report small amounts of income if necessary. Extend unemployment benefits if necessary. Review your denial letter. Request an appeal. Prepare for your hearing. Attend your hearing. Wait for a decision. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Mod-Podge-Photos | How to Mod Podge Photos | Mod Podge is a glue you can use to stick your photos to other objects. Start by printing out your photo and cutting it out. If you're using an ink jet printer, you'll need to spray both sides of the paper with acrylic sealer to stop the ink running. Do 2 or 3 coats, letting the sealer dry in between. Then, brush a coat of Mod Podge on the back of your photo and stick it wherever you want. If there are any wrinkles or air bubbles, gently smooth them out with your fingers. After that, you'll need to apply 2 coats of Mod Podge on top of the photo to help seal it to the item. Wait about 30 minutes after your first coat to let it dry properly. | Print your photo onto regular paper. Avoid using photo paper; it is too thick, and there's that the colors may run. You can try using this method on regular photos as well, but be aware that you may damage them. Trim the photo down as desired. Trace the side of the item onto the photo first, if needed. Next, cut the photo down with a paper slicer or a metal ruler and craft blade. Brush some Mod Podge to the item. You can do this using a foam brush or a wide, flat paintbrush. If you want to, you can also brush the Mod Podge onto the back of the photo as well. Press the photo face-up onto the item. Smooth the paper out with a rubber roller or a brayer to smooth the photo down. Start from the center of the photo and roll your way outwards. Ensure that there are no wrinkles or bubbles. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge on top of the photo. Extend the Mod Podge past the edges of the photo to help seal it in. Don't worry, you will be adding more coat of Mod Podge on top. Allow the Mod Podge dry before adding a second coat of Mod Podge. Wait for about 30 minutes, then brush on a second coat of Mod Podge. If need to add a third coat, let the second one dry first. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely. This will take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending what you used. Read the label on your bottle to be sure. Once the Mod Podge has dried, you can display your project. If you are going to apply photos to the other sides of your item, now is the time to do so. Print the photo onto regular paper. Do not use photo paper as it is too thick; the coating may also interfere with the Mod Podge. Allow the ink to dry completely. This will take at least 10 minutes. If you move onto the next step too soon, the ink may run and bleed. Trim the photo down as desired. Do this with a paper slicer or a metal ruler and a craft blade. If you need to, trace your item onto the photo first, then cut the photo out. Coat both sides of the paper with clear, acrylic sealer. If you get inkjet paper wet, the ink will run. The clear, acrylic sealer will prevent this from happening. Spray both sides of the paper with 2 to 3 coats of clear, acrylic sealer. Let each coat/side dry completely before doing the next one. This step is time consuming, but the results are worth it. The finish (matte, glossy, or satin) does not matter because you will be Mod Podging over it. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to both sides of the paper. Paint the Mod Podge onto the front of the photo first, then let it dry. Flip the photo over, paint the back, then let it dry as well. You can do this with a wide paintbrush or a foam brush. Apply some Mod Podge to the item. You can do this with a wide, flat paintbrush or a foam brush. If you want to, you can apply the Mod Podge to the back of the photo as well. If you are going to Mod Podge photos onto multiple sides, start with just one side for now. Press the photo face-up onto the object. Use a rubber roller or a brayer to smooth the photo down. Start from the middle of the photo and work your way outwards. Make sure that there are no bubbles or wrinkles. Apply another coat of Mod Podge on top. Keep this coat of Mod Podge light and thin. Be sure to extend the Mod Podge past the edges of the photo; this will help seal it in. Let the project dry before applying another coat of Mod Podge. Let the project dry for about 30 minutes first, then apply another coat of Mod Podge. If you want to, you can apply a third coat, but let the second one dry first. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely. This can take a few hours to several days, depending on the type you used. Check the label on your bottle to be certain. Once the Mod Podge is dry, you can display your project, or apply photo to the other sides (if you are Mod Podging a box or block). Choose a surface to transfer the image to. Wood surfaces are the most popular, but you can use natural/unglazed tile, fabric, and canvas as well. Unlike in the previous methods, you won't be gluing down the paper itself; you'll be transferring just the image. The transferred image will not be perfect. It will have a worn, chipped, vintage-y feel to it. Many people find that this adds a certain charm. Print your image out using a laser printer for best results. Do not use an inkjet printer, or the ink will smear. Be aware that the image will come out in reverse after you transfer it. If this bothers you, mirror the image using an image editing program first. If you don't have access to a laser printer, you can try using an inkjet printer with a dry toner. Decide between regular Mod Podge or Mod Podge Transfer Medium. Regular matte Mod Podge will make the image translucent so that the surface's texture (ie: wood grain) will show through the photo. Mod Podge Transfer Medium is white, and it will make the photo opaque. If you are using fabric, choose Mod Podge Transfer Medium. Cut the image down to the size you want. If the image has a white border on it, be aware that the boarder will show up after you transfer it. If you don't want this white border, cut it off. Use a metal ruler and a craft blade for sharp, clean lines. You can also use a paper slicer instead. Apply the Mod Podge to the front of the image. Set the image face up on top of a sheet of paper—a silicone mat would be better. Apply the Mod Podge using a foam brush. Make sure that you coat the image thickly and evenly. Place the image face-down onto your desired surface. Smooth it don using a rubber roller or brayer. If any Mod Podge leaks out from under the image, wipe it off immediately. Allow the project to dry for 24 hours. This may seem like a long time, but the paper must be fully dry before you move onto the next step. If you get impatient and move on too soon, the image may not transfer properly. Wet the paper, then rub it off. Dampen the back of the paper with a wet sponge or towel. Gently rub off the paper backing using your finger. Take your time and go slowly. As you rub the backing away, the image will begin to appear! Don't rub too hard, or you will rub the actual image off. Repeat the process if there is any paper residue stuck to the transferred image. Allow the project to dry for 72 hours. This will give the Mod Podge enough time to cure. If you move ahead too soon, you will risk the surface getting tacky. For a more vintage-y touch, lightly sand the edges of the image before you seal it. Seal the project. You seal it with regular Mod Podge or with a clear, acrylic sealer spray. Let the sealer dry completely before using the project. This could take a few hours to a couple of days depending on what you used. Use a clear, acrylic sealer for fabric. You can wash fabric as long as you follow the directions on the Mod Podge Transfer Medium bottle. Finished. | Print your photo onto regular paper. Trim the photo down as desired. Brush some Mod Podge to the item. Press the photo face-up onto the item. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge on top of the photo. Allow the Mod Podge dry before adding a second coat of Mod Podge. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely. Print the photo onto regular paper. Allow the ink to dry completely. Trim the photo down as desired. Coat both sides of the paper with clear, acrylic sealer. Apply a thin coat of Mod Podge to both sides of the paper. Apply some Mod Podge to the item. Press the photo face-up onto the object. Apply another coat of Mod Podge on top. Let the project dry before applying another coat of Mod Podge. Allow the Mod Podge to dry completely. Choose a surface to transfer the image to. Print your image out using a laser printer for best results. Decide between regular Mod Podge or Mod Podge Transfer Medium. Cut the image down to the size you want. Apply the Mod Podge to the front of the image. Place the image face-down onto your desired surface. Allow the project to dry for 24 hours. Wet the paper, then rub it off. Allow the project to dry for 72 hours. Seal the project. Finished. |
Subsets and Splits