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https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-Showing-Proof-of-Residence-for-a-Tenant | How to Write a Letter Showing Proof of Residence for a Tenant | To write a letter showing proof of residence for a tenant, ask the tenant who you're addressing the letter to and what specific details to include. Open the letter with a simple salutation like, "To Whom It May Concern," and state that you're writing to verify that the tenants live on your property. Provide the tenant's address, the duration of their tenancy, and any additional information requested. Close the letter by providing your full name and contact information, then mail the letter directly to the requester rather than giving it to your tenant. | Ask who you're addressing the letter to. Get the person's name and their mailing address. You should mail the letter directly to the person instead of giving it to your tenant. Find out what information to include. Does the tenant only need a letter stating the dates they rented from you? Or do they need more information? Clarify ahead of time what your tenant needs so that you are sure to include all of the information. For example, your tenant might need a landlord reference letter, which is different from a proof of residence. With a reference letter, you give your opinion about whether you would rent to the tenant again. Avoid providing information that isn't requested. For example, don't include information about the rent in your letter unless your tenant asks you to. Get a signed release from your tenant. Some property management companies protect themselves by having tenants sign a release. In the release, the tenant identifies what information they want released and agree not to sue you for releasing it. Find a release used for employment references and adjust it to fit your circumstances. Format your letter. Set it up like a standard business letter. Open a blank word processing document and set the font to something legible, such as Times New Roman 12 point. Use letterhead if you have one. Be sure to leave enough space at the top. Include a salutation. A simple "Dear Mr/Ms/Mrs. [last name] will be adequate. If you don't know who you are sending the letter to, however, use “To Whom It May Concern.” State the purpose of the letter. In the first paragraph, explain that you are writing to verify that the tenants live on your property. Also include the address where they live. For example, you can write, “I am writing to confirm that Mr. Richard Alley currently lives as a tenant on my property located at 1234 End of the Road, Jonesport, Maine 04649.” Identify the duration of the tenancy. You may also need to state how long someone has rented from you. You should include the dates and when the current lease expires. For example, you can write, “Mr. Alley began renting form me on January 1, 2011. His current lease is set to expire on December 31, 2017.” Provide additional information. Your tenants might want you to provide other information, depending on the circumstances. Include that information here, in its own paragraph. For example, you might need to include information on the rent. You can write, “Mr. Alley's current rent is $700 a month.” Close the letter. State that you can be reached by telephone to answer questions and include your phone number. Type “Yours Sincerely” and then include your name and signature. If you want, you can include your phone number and/or email address underneath your signature. Check if you had problems with your tenant. The purpose of a tenant reference letter is to inform a potential landlord about your tenant. For that reason, you should go through your records and check if you had any problems, such as the following: Timely rent. Was the tenant ever late with rent? If so, did they promptly pay or did you need to pester them? Complaints. Did another tenant complain about excessive noise or a pet? Tidiness. When you walked through the apartment, was it kept in neat condition? Did they notify you about repairs that were needed? You might need to enter the apartment, in which case you should give your tenant proper notice. Avoid writing a negative reference. A negative reference will anger your tenant. Also, they might challenge its accuracy and claim they lost out on the place because of your reference. For this reason, you should decline to write a landlord reference if it can't be mostly positive. Be honest with the tenant. Say, “I don't think I can write a positive letter. Can you ask a previous landlord?” Also avoid lying in your reference letter. You might think this is a good way to get rid of a bad tenant. However, the future landlord might sue you for misrepresentation. Set up your letter. Open a blank word processing document and set the font to Times New Roman 12 point or something similar. Your letter should be organized like a standard business letter. Use letterhead if you have it, and leave sufficient space up top. Use “To Whom It May Concern” as the salutation unless you know who you are addressing. Explain the facts. Identify how long the tenant has rented from you and any other information your tenant wants included in the letter. You should also explain why you recommend the tenant. For example, you might write, “I recommend Alice Jones as a tenant. Ms. Jones started renting from me on June 1, 2014 in Jonesport, Maine. Ms. Jones has been an excellent tenant, and she's never been late with rent. Because she has been so easy to rent to, I would rent to her again.” Remember not to go overboard with praise. A landlord might think that you are trying to get rid of a problem tenant. Instead, use a neutral tone throughout the letter. Put negative information in context. Few tenants are perfect, so it wouldn't be surprising if a tenant was late with the rent once or twice or had a complaint about excessive noise. You can identify any problems with your tenant, and then explain how they corrected the problem. For example, you can write, “During the past three years, only one tenant has complained about Ms. Jones' dog, about a month after she moved in. However, after speaking to Ms. Jones, she took her dog to a trainer, and I've never had another complaint since.” State you are willing to answer questions. In your final paragraph, tell the future landlord how to contact you. Include your email address and telephone number. For example, you can write, “Please call with questions. I can be reached at home at 111-1111 or by email at [email protected].” Sign the letter. Type “Sincerely” and leave several blank lines before typing your name. Sign your letter using an ink pen. Show the tenant your letter. Give them a chance to review the letter before you send it off. If there's negative information in the letter, they might decide not to use it. Make a copy of the letter before mailing it. | Ask who you're addressing the letter to. Find out what information to include. Get a signed release from your tenant. Format your letter. Include a salutation. State the purpose of the letter. Identify the duration of the tenancy. Provide additional information. Close the letter. Check if you had problems with your tenant. Avoid writing a negative reference. Set up your letter. Explain the facts. Put negative information in context. State you are willing to answer questions. Sign the letter. Show the tenant your letter. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Detect-Freezer-Burn | How to Detect Freezer Burn | Storing food in the freezer is an easy and safe way to keep it fresh for future use, but when outside air gets into your frozen food, it can lead to freezer burn. If you think your food has freezer burn, remove it from the packaging and check it for dry areas, discoloration, or ice crystals, which are all signs of freezer burn. You might also detect an unpleasant, plastic-y or stale freezer odor. While freezer burned food isn't unsafe to eat, it might not taste as good, so trim off the bad spots and plan to eat the rest as usual. | Look the food packaging. An opening in the food packaging or a tear in the plastic indicate that the food has been exposed to cold, outside air, and has a higher chance of being freezer burned. Inspect the food. Remove the food from the packaging, and check the food for dry areas, areas of discoloration, and ice crystals. Food with any of these qualities, is highly likely to be freezer burned. The exact color of freezer burn discoloration varies depending on the food, but freezer burn tends to look white on poultry (chicken), grayish-brown on meat (steak), white on vegetables, and icy crystals formations on ice cream. Patches of wrinkling on meat or vegetables are also an indication that your food might be freezer burned. Smell the food. Smell the food and see if you can detect an unpleasant plastic-y and stale “freezer” odor. When fat from food comes in contact with air outside of its packaging and oxidizes, it creates the gross freezer flavor and smell we associate with freezer burn. Check the date. Store bought food is usually labeled with a storage date. Check the label and determine if the food has been stored past this date. If your food is past the labeled date, and has ice crystals, your food is most likely freezer burned. Deal with the freezer burned food. Freezer burned food is not unsafe to eat. However, you can save a majority portion of the food you plan to eat by trimming off the freezer burned areas, and preparing and eating the rest of the food like normal. If the freezer burn is widespread, throwing out the food may be the best option. Even though the food is safe to eat, it will be flavorless, or have a strange flavor. Freezer burned ice cream, will have small ice crystals formations on the surface, which are perfectly fine to eat, though not very appetizing. Tightly seal your food. Use freezer specific, sealable plastic bags to store food, and double-wrap your frozen items to stop water from evaporating from your food. Food wrapped in store bought packaging usually lasts about 1-2 months in the freezer, but if you plan to store your food longer than that, consider wrapping your food more securely. Try storing food in air-tight containers (soups, broths, fruit) or vacuum packaging (fish, meats). Repack opened store bought foods. Once store bought frozen foods are opened, the moisture-vapor seal of the packaging is broken, no longer keeping moisture from the frozen food. Because this barrier is broken, the food needs to be repackaged. For example, putting a whole bag of opened veggies inside a freezer bag or taking frozen fish sticks out of an opened box and putting them into a small, freezer safe container, are efficient ways to repackage and store opened frozen foods. Check the freezer temperature. Your freezer temperature should be set to at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit, if not a bit lower. Any temperature higher than zero, or inconsistent temperatures (due to opening and closing the freezer door) increases the risk of freezer burn. Avoid storing food for too long. All frozen food should be eaten within the recommended time period on the packaging labels. Try labeling your frozen foods with a date to use and eat your food within the recommended time frame. Remember: freezer burned food is not unsafe to eat; it just means it may not be at its best quality. Utilize ice dips. Ice dipping is a very old method to preserve food. You dip your raw food in water and allow the layering of water to freeze into an ice coating on the food. Then you continue to dip the now ice coated food in water and again, allow the water to freeze into a layering of ice. This dipping is done until there is a thick enough coating of ice over the food to protect it from penetrating outside air. Fish is often dipped in ice for preservation. Other raw foods that are preserved this way include chicken and other meat. Ice dips are also utilized to help save on plastic packaging costs. | Look the food packaging. Inspect the food. Smell the food. Check the date. Deal with the freezer burned food. Tightly seal your food. Repack opened store bought foods. Check the freezer temperature. Avoid storing food for too long. Utilize ice dips. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Boil-an-Egg-So-That-It-Peels-Easily | How to Boil an Egg So That It Peels Easily | To boil an egg so that it peels easily, start by covering the egg with cold water in a pot. Then, bring the water to a boil. Once the water starts boiling, turn the burner off, cover the pot, and let the egg cook for 11-13 minutes. When the egg is done cooking, immediately transfer it to a bowl of ice water and let it cool off for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you should be able to easily crack and peel the shell off the egg. | Place your eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Try to use eggs that are at least 7 to 10 days old. Many people find that the fresher an egg is, the more difficult it is to peel. Cover the eggs with 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of cold water. How much water you end up using will depend on how big the saucepan is and how many eggs you are cooking. Whatever you use, make sure that the eggs are under 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of water. If you don't use enough water, the eggs may not cook evenly. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. This will help the eggs cook slowly at first. They will continue to cook, even after you turn the heat off later on. Turn the stove off, cover the saucepan with a lid, and wait 11 to 13 minutes. Keep the saucepan on the burner during this time. The heat from the burner will continue "cooking" the eggs. If your burner doesn't stay hot after you turn it off (such as gas), reduce the heat to low, simmer for 1 minute, then turn it off. If the eggs are small or medium-sized, cook them for 11 minutes. If the eggs are large or extra large, cook them for 13 minutes. Prepare an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with cold water and lots of ice. When you put the eggs into this, the coldness will "shock" the eggs, and make the shell easier to peel off. Carefully transfer the eggs to the ice bath and wait 5 to 15 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or a pair of tongs to lift the eggs out of the water and place them into the bowl. During this time, the eggs will cool down; cold eggs are easier to peel than hot eggs. Pull the eggs out of the water and set them down someplace where they won't roll away. Keep the bowl of water handy. You can dip the eggs into the water once you peel them to get rid of any broken shell bits. Crack the shell first, but don't peel it. Try to crack both ends of the shell first, as this is where the air pockets tend to be. To make the shell even easier to peel, roll the egg across the counter with your palm. This will help loosen the membrane from the whites. Carefully peel the shell away from the egg. From time to time, dip the egg into the cold water. This will help loosen the shell from the whites even more. It will also help rinse away any broken shell fragments that might be stuck the to whites. Dry the eggs off with a paper towel. At this point, you can use the eggs in your recipe, or you can store them in a sealed container in your fridge. If you do store them, be sure to eat them within 3 to 5 days. Bon Appetit! Fill a medium-sized saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Don't add the eggs to the water yet; it needs to be boiling first. Gently place the eggs into the water. Avoid dropping them into the water, or you will risk cracking them. Instead, consider using a slotted spoon, a pair of tongs, or even a wire basket. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 11 to 13 minutes. If the eggs are smaller, cook them for 11 minutes. If the eggs are larger, cook them for 13 minutes. Prepare an ice bath while the eggs are cooking. Fill a bowl with cold water, and lots of ice. When you put the cooked eggs into the icy water, the coldness will "shock" the eggs, and make the shell easier to peel away. Place the cooked eggs into the ice bath, and wait 5 to 15 minutes. Once the time is up, use a pair of tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer the eggs from the saucepan and into the ice bath. During this time, the eggs will cool down; it is easier to peel cold eggs than hot eggs. Take the eggs out of the ice bath and set them down someplace where they won't roll away. Keep the ice bath nearby. You can dip the eggs into the water after you peel them to get rid of any broken shell bits. Crack the egg, then roll it across a hard surface. Tap both ends of the egg against a hard surface, then roll the egg across the surface with your palm. This will help loosen the membrane from the whites, and make the egg easier to peel. Peel the shell away from the egg. You may want to dip the egg into the cold water from time to time. This will loosen the shell from the whites even more, and help rinse away any broken shell pieces. Dry the eggs off with a paper towel. At this point, you can add the eggs to your recipe, or store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator. If you do store them, be sure to eat them within 3 to 5 days. Finished. | Place your eggs in a single layer in a saucepan. Cover the eggs with 2 inches (5.08 centimeters) of cold water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Turn the stove off, cover the saucepan with a lid, and wait 11 to 13 minutes. Prepare an ice bath. Carefully transfer the eggs to the ice bath and wait 5 to 15 minutes. Pull the eggs out of the water and set them down someplace where they won't roll away. Crack the shell first, but don't peel it. Carefully peel the shell away from the egg. Dry the eggs off with a paper towel. Bon Appetit! Fill a medium-sized saucepan halfway with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Gently place the eggs into the water. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 11 to 13 minutes. Prepare an ice bath while the eggs are cooking. Place the cooked eggs into the ice bath, and wait 5 to 15 minutes. Take the eggs out of the ice bath and set them down someplace where they won't roll away. Crack the egg, then roll it across a hard surface. Peel the shell away from the egg. Dry the eggs off with a paper towel. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Old-Nail-Polish | How to Remove Old Nail Polish | To remove old nail polish, purchase a bottle of nail polish remover and applicators such as cotton balls. Then, saturate the applicator with nail polish remover, and rub your nails vigorously. Keep rubbing until the old nail polish comes off. If your nail polish is particularly stubborn, use a paper towel to buff the polish between applications. You can also use cotton swabs to remove polish from the corners of your nails. Once the nail polish is removed, wash your hands to clean off any residue from the remover. | Choose a nail polish remover. Go to the drugstore or beauty store and buy a bottle of nail polish remover. It's usually in the cosmetic section near the selection of nail polish and other nail products. One bottle contains enough nail polish remover to remove plenty of manicures' worth of polish. Nail polish remover usually comes in a plastic bottle with a screw cap, but you can also buy it in tubs that have sponges inside, where you submerge your fingers to take off the polish. The main ingredient in nail polish remover is usually acetone, and some removers are enhanced with aloe and other natural ingredients meant to soften your skin while you remove the polish. Choose a nail polish remover applicator. Nail polish remover needs to be applied and rubbed onto your nails using an applicator to be effective. Some applicators are better than others are for different types of manicures. Consider these options: Cotton balls are great all-purpose applicators, especially for removing just a coat or two of regular nail polish. If you have two or more coats of thick nail polish, you might want to use paper towels instead. The relatively rough surface of the towels helps scrape off the nail polish. Cotton swabs are helpful for removing nail polish from the edges of your nails and your cuticles. Set up an area for your nail polish removal. Spread a newspaper or paper towel on a table or countertop. Set out your nail polish remover and cotton balls, paper towels or cotton swabs. Removing nail polish may get messy, so it's best to do it in the bathroom or another area without linens and surfaces that could get ruined by a stray splash of nail polish. Choose a room with good lighting so you will be able to see your nails clearly. Saturate your applicator with nail polish remover. Unscrew the nail polish remover cap, place the applicator over the opening, and invert the bottle to soak it. Alternatively, you could pour the nail polish remover into a bowl and dip the cotton ball or paper towel into the solution. Rub the applicator on your nails. Using a circular motion, wipe your nails until the old nail polish comes off. Continue until you've removed the polish from all your nails. You may need to use a new applicator every few nails, especially if you have more than one layer of nail polish to remove. If you're having trouble taking off your nail polish with a cotton ball, try switching to paper towel. Wash your hands. Nail polish remover is made with strong chemicals that can dry out your hands, so it's best to wash off the residue when you're through. Buy pure acetone. Some nail polish, such as glitter or gel nail polish, can be difficult to remove using the common rub-away method. In these cases pure acetone, the chemical that causes the paint to come off, is in order. Acetone is available at drugstores in the same section where nail polish remover is sold. Saturate a cotton ball in acetone. Either place the cotton ball over the opening of the acetone bottle and invert it, or pour some acetone into a bowl and dip the cotton ball into it. Affix the cotton ball to your fingernail. Place it directly over your fingernail and use a piece of tin foil to hold it in place. Repeat with your remaining fingers until each one is covered with an acetone-soaked cotton ball. If you don't have tinfoil handy, you can use a small rubber band to hold the cotton balls in place. Have a partner help you if it's difficult to secure the cotton balls without causing them to fall off your fingers. Let your nails soak in acetone. Wait ten minutes for the acetone to work on the nail polish before you check to see if the method is working. Pull back one of the cotton balls and use a different cotton ball to swipe at your nail. If the nail polish wipes off onto the cotton ball, your nails are ready. If it sticks, let your nails soak for another ten minutes. Remove the cotton balls and take off the polish. One at a time, remove the cotton balls from each finger and wipe away the loosened nail polish with a second acetone-soaked cotton ball. The nail polish should easily wipe away. Repeat until all the cotton balls have been removed and the polish is completely gone. Wash your hands. Rinse away traces of the acetone with warm, soapy water, then moisturize your hands to combat the acetone's drying effect. Choose a nail polish you don't like very much. This method requires using gobs of old nail polish and you don't want to waste your favorite color. Any old nail polish you don't use much anymore is fair game; just make sure it hasn't dried out. It should still be fresh and smooth. Paint polish over one of your nails. Paint a liberal amount of polish, making sure you completely cover the old nail polish. Try not to get too much of the polish on your fingers; just paint a healthy amount on your nail directly over the old polish. Use a paper towel to wipe it off after five seconds. When you wipe off the new wet coat, scrub your nail with the paper towel so the old coat comes off with it. Rub with clean sections of the paper towel until both the new and old nail polish are gone. Act quickly - if you wait more than five seconds, the new coat of nail polish might start to dry. You may have to repeat this more than once to completely remove the old nail polish. Repeat with remaining nails. Continue the process with each nail until all the old nail polish has been removed. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water to help remove the last bits of remaining color. | Choose a nail polish remover. Choose a nail polish remover applicator. Set up an area for your nail polish removal. Saturate your applicator with nail polish remover. Rub the applicator on your nails. Wash your hands. Buy pure acetone. Saturate a cotton ball in acetone. Affix the cotton ball to your fingernail. Let your nails soak in acetone. Remove the cotton balls and take off the polish. Wash your hands. Choose a nail polish you don't like very much. Paint polish over one of your nails. Use a paper towel to wipe it off after five seconds. Repeat with remaining nails. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-Deer-Tracks | How to Spot Deer Tracks | The best way to find deer tacks is to start your search in place with lots of deer, such as a National Park or National Forest, State Park or State Forest, or a private hunting reserve, if you have permission. When you begin, look around for an area with lots of food sources for deer, like fruit, berries, grasses, flowers, or mushrooms. As you explore, pay attention to the ground and look for hoofprints that look like two symmetrical halves in an oblong crescent shape. When you find tracks, take note of the size in a field journal. Adult deer prints will be around 2-3 inches long, which will distinguish them from the prints of much larger hooved animals, like elk or moose. | Find a general location suitable for finding deer or other large game tracks. Depending on where you are, there probably are a variety of wilderness areas where you could try to spot deer tracks. Don't be afraid to choose a few and to experiment and hike around the forest a bit before you start seriously looking. Consider: Private hunting reserves (make sure you have permission). National Parks and National Forests. State Parks and State Forests. Other public lands. A variety of habitats including plains, mountains, lowland forest, and more. Look for a place where deer might have a regular source of food. As with people, a regular food source will draw deer. In order to increase your chances of finding deer tracks, try to locate a place where deer will frequent for food. That way, you won't just be counting on the luck of coming across tracks, but you'll be narrowing down areas where you won't have to look. Deer like to eat fruit. If there are fruit trees or any kind or berry bush, take a look. Deer rely on grasses and other plants for food, too. They particularly like flowering plants and non-wood plants. If you see a field of green grass and flowers, you might want to check there. Deer will also eat mushrooms. Identify a deer or game trail. One of the best ways to spot deer tracks is to first find a trail that deer frequently use. If you're on public or private land in a rural area, you should be able to find one relatively easily. As a result of the abundance of deer and their frequent use of trails, game trails are one of the best locations to try to spot deer tracks. Depending on your location, deer trails may have high or low traffic. Deer trails often appear as human trails, but will be somewhat less worn and pronounced. They won't often be straight, either. Deer trails will often still have some grass or plant growth on the ground that might be ripped up or disturbed. Find bedding areas. Deer spend a large part of the day bedding down and sleeping. Deer beds will vary in the way they look. In a tall field of grass, the grass will be matted down in a circular pattern. In a thicket or a location with lots of leaf cover on the ground, the brush and leaves will be flattened or moved out of the way. If you can find favored bedding areas, you'll have a much better chance of spotting deer tracks, too. To find bedding areas, look for: Night-time bedding areas. Deer like to rest near easy feeding spots. Look for alfalfa fields, abandoned fruit trees, and open areas with lots of green grass and non-woody flowering plants. From these areas, look for places with more cover, where the deer will feel hidden and protected. You might find a bedding spot. Day-time bedding areas are often in denser woods or thickets. In areas with hills or mountains, they might be higher up rather than in the valley. The location and circumstances of bedding areas will vary based on climate, topography, and environment. Look down at the ground. As you're wandering around the forest, look at the ground and look for tracks. Spending a lot of time looking for tracks is really the only way to be sure you'll find them. Don't give up and persevere. You'll find them soon enough. You will need to be in an area where animal's feet make an impression in the soil. Rocky or very sandy soil will be difficult to see tracks in. Loamy soil, moist clay soil, or packed, damp sandy soil is good material for observing tracks. Observe the shape of a track you’ve found. The most important part of spotting deer tracks is knowing the general shape of the deer's track and how to distinguish it from the tracks of other animals. Deer have a hoof that is split (cloven) which appears as two symmetrical haves in an oblong crescent shape. This isn't the easiest thing in the world to discern because there are a lot of animals that roam the forest and there are a lot of things, including human footprints, leaves, and brush, that obscure the shape of deer tracks. When viewed upside down, deer tracks have a heart shape made up of the two hooves. The sides of deer tracks are convex (curved outward) The tips of hooves bend toward the inside of the track. Take note of the size of the tracks. The size of deer tracks is one of the best ways to tell it apart from the tracks of other animals. If you know the size, you'll be able to eliminate other potential animals like elk, moose, and boar. Elk, Moose, and other large hoofed animals have much larger tracks. Hogs, on the other hand, have similar tracks to deer, but the hooves are splayed more, and tend to have a rounder shape. The tracks of fawns or yearlings tend to be about 1 inch long. Fronts tracks of adult deer will be roughly 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) long, give or take. They'll be about 1.5 to 2.5 inches wide. Rear tracks will be about 1.5 to 3 inches (3.8 to 7.6 cm) long. They'll be about 1 to 2.5 inches (3 to 6 cm) wide. Distinguish between similar animals. While you may be good at spotting tracks in the forest, it is sometimes hard to distinguish between deer and similar animals like antelope or goat. This is made even tougher by the fact that environmental conditions – mud, dirt, rocks, leaves, and more – often obscure animal tracks. Make sure to study different animal tracks carefully so you won't confuse a deer track for another animal track. Pronghorn antelope have a similar upside-down heart shape appearance, but the sides are concave not convex. Mountain goat tracks are wider and much more rounded than deer tracks. The front tips are centered rather than being pointed toward the inside of the hooves. Bighorn sheep tracks are straight rather than being curved inward. They're also wedge shaped and the tips are duller than deer tracks. Wild boar tracks are relatively wide and round compared to deer tracks. The tips are not pointy and are dull. Spot other signs of deer movement. One way to help you spot deer tracks is to look for other signs of deer being nearby. While deer can move through some areas without leaving much of a trace other than tracks, certain environs provide much better evidence of recent deer activity. There are a number of things you can look for when looking for tracks: Plants that have been eaten by deer. Look for stalks close to the ground that have rough cuts bitten off. Rough cuts show because deer incisors are not as sharp as other animals like rabbits. Look for deer feces. Deer feces (also called scat) is identifiable by its oval shape. These oval pellets have a point on one end and a dimple on the other. Try to see if there is evidence of rutting. Rutting is when bucks use their antlers and rub them against the trunks of trees or large branches. You might also see leaves torn up and other evidence. Know what different tracks indicate about the deer’s behavior. Different tracks in different patterns indicate different things about a deer's behavior. If you know how tracks correspond with certain behaviors, you'll have a larger certainty in identifying your deer tracks. There are several things you should know: Tracks headed downhill or down a mountain indicate that a deer is going to feed. Tracks headed uphill mean that the deer is probably going to bed down. Tracks going in circles or back and forth probably indicate that the deer is feeding. | Find a general location suitable for finding deer or other large game tracks. Look for a place where deer might have a regular source of food. Identify a deer or game trail. Find bedding areas. Look down at the ground. Observe the shape of a track you’ve found. Take note of the size of the tracks. Distinguish between similar animals. Spot other signs of deer movement. Know what different tracks indicate about the deer’s behavior. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Win-a-Guy-over-on-the-First-Date | How to Win a Guy over on the First Date | To win a guy over on your first date, dress in a fun and flirty way. Pick clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident. Also, make sure they're right for the occasion. If you're going on a hike, don't wear high heels or you'll ruin the mood for both of you. While you're on your date, be positive and friendly. Keep the mood light and easy by not complaining about the food, service, or your ex. Instead, ask his opinion about the food or share a laugh about the slow service. At some point during the date, you can also break the touch barrier to let him know that you're interested. Gently let your hand graze his leg, or touch his shoulder while sharing a laugh. | Dress appropriately for the occasion. Wearing a dress when you're going on a hike will ruin your mood and the date. Pick clothing that's going to make you feel comfortable. If you're going to a nice restaurant in the city, your fancy clothes are perfect. For most activities, though, jeans and a form-fitting shirt are all you need. You don't have to try hard to be stylish or reveal lots of skin. Focus on being comfortable. Wear clothing that displays your personality. There's no point to dressing up if you hate the clothing. You'll have a much better date when you wear what you love. Look for something that represents who you are as a person, such as particular colors or designs you enjoy. Try selecting a favorite outfit that accentuates your best features. You can also get your hair and nails done. It's not necessary, but if it helps you feel confident, it's worth it. Choose an ideal dating venue. Many times the guy is expected to choose the venue, but don't be afraid to offer suggestions. Discuss locations both of you will enjoy. Consider picking a place or activity that relieves some of the pressure to talk. Some date ideas include bowling, a hike and picnic in a park, an art gallery tour, or going to the zoo. Many people choose a dinner and a movie, but it's often difficult to maintain a conversation for that long. Arrange transportation to the date. Ideally, both of you will drive separately. When you have your own transportation, you can go home when you want. If you live far apart, then one person won't have to drive a long way. Riding together is is okay, but discuss your plans first to make sure this is the best option. If you live far apart, you can also take public transportation so he doesn't have to pick you up. Decide on boundaries in your own mind before the date. You don't need to discuss your boundaries with your date unless they become an issue. This is only a first date, so it shouldn't be too intense. Plan on spending a couple of hours together before returning home. If he does anything you don't like, remind yourself that it's okay to tell him. For example, say, “I'm not comfortable with that” or “That's too late for me. If you want to go out earlier, that's okay.” You can extend the date if you are having a good time. Don't feel pressured to go somewhere else, though. Stick to positive conversational topics. There are plenty of things you could complain about, such as the service, the food, or a past boyfriend. These all give him a negative impression of you. Stay relaxed and keep the mood light to remind him of why he agreed to this date. For example, don't say, “This food is disgusting and that person gave me a dirty look.” You can have him taste the food and say what he thinks and forget about the other person. You can mention difficult topics such as politics or religion, but keep the tone friendly. For example, you can say “That's interesting, I'm not familiar with that viewpoint” instead of trying to change his mind about something. Share details about your life. He's trying to get to know you, so let him into your world. Talk about your ambitions and dreams. Mix in some funny stories about real experiences you've had in the past. Sharing these starts up conversations, which helps the two of you relax and connect. Stories about your life show him your personality. They also show that you have a life outside relationships. For example, talk about how much you'd like to become a veterinarian and travel the world. Ask your date questions about himself. For a good conversation to happen, you have to express interest in him. Don't talk about boring topics like his job. Instead, ask him about his hobbies and life goals. You may find things you have in common. For example, if he is wearing a t-shirt with a band logo, ask him about the band or where he got the shirt. If he talks about something you're not interested in, ask a few polite questions. Don't claim you like something if you don't, though. Practice active listening techniques. Listening means focusing in on what your date says. Instead of crossing your arms, keep your body posture open. Nod and smile while he's speaking. Think about what he said without judgment, then come up with an honest, respectful response. For example, if he talks about how much he enjoys attending baseball games, ask him, “What's your favorite team? When did you go to your first game?” Touch him gently to convey interest. He'll probably be nervous about crossing into your personal space. You can break the touch barrier with some light gestures. Try grazing his leg with your own or brushing your hand against his as you reach for something. Physical activities like roller skating also make this a natural part of the date. Establishing light contact usually makes the rest of the date feel less tense. You can subtly flirt by leaning forward, blinking slowly, or playing with your hair, but a lot of times guys miss these gestures. Go for a walk after your date's main event. If you sat down during the date, get active. Step outside and enjoy nature together. Take a stroll through the park or along the beach. Walking in a public area is an excuse to extend the date, and it's a good follow-up to vegetating in a movie seat. Maintain good manners during the date. Put your best foot forward by being polite to everyone around you. Thank people when necessary, such as your date if he drives or a restaurant server for bringing food. Be respectful by being responsible for yourself, such as by apologizing when you make a mistake or offering to pay for your own food. Alcohol affects the way you act. To be safe, don't have more than your date does. Read his body language. The way he carries himself shows how well the date went. When he's sitting, see if he spreads his legs. While talking, look for him to raise his eyebrows and use wide hand gestures. He may fix his hair, brush yours out of your face, or stretch his hand towards you. These are all signs that often indicate the guy likes you. At the end of the date, he won't try to leave you right away. He won't cross his arms or hide his hands, but he'll lean towards you. He may still be nervous, so you may have to initiate a kiss. Talk about having a second date. Most people hint at a second date but don't settle on one. This leads to confusion and a lot of waiting by the phone. The best second date ideas come from your conversations, and you can hint at doing activities together during your date. It gives him an excuse to see you again. For example, if you talk about zoo animals, say, “I haven't been to the zoo since I was 9. We should go there sometime.” Some other second date ideas include taking a bike ride, playing mini-golf, going to a sporting event, or playing board games at home. Wait at least a day before contacting him again. Put down the phone for a few hours. Give him time to miss you and reach out to you about meeting again. Within two or three days, he'll contact you if he's interested. If he doesn't, you can send a brief message to encourage him to set up a second date. If you talked about going to the zoo, your message can say, “Hey, I've been looking forward to seeing the monkeys!” If he doesn't respond at all, it's better to move on. Don't continue trying to contact him. Schedule the next date for a few days later. Two or three days is an ideal waiting time. Meet up too early and you'll intrude on his personal space. Meet up too late and he'll forget how he felt during your first date. However, be aware that your schedules may clash, so waiting longer than this may be unavoidable. Whatever you do, be respectful of his schedule and don't pressure him or send a barrage of messages before the second date. | Dress appropriately for the occasion. Wear clothing that displays your personality. Choose an ideal dating venue. Arrange transportation to the date. Decide on boundaries in your own mind before the date. Stick to positive conversational topics. Share details about your life. Ask your date questions about himself. Practice active listening techniques. Touch him gently to convey interest. Go for a walk after your date's main event. Maintain good manners during the date. Read his body language. Talk about having a second date. Wait at least a day before contacting him again. Schedule the next date for a few days later. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Burp | How to Burp | If you want to burp loudly, eat a big meal as quickly as possible. Take big bites, and wash down your meal with a carbonated beverage. After your meal, stand or sit upright to allow the gas to escape from your stomach to your throat. You may want to jump up and down or do a few jumping jacks to agitate the gas in your stomach. When you feel the burp coming, open your mouth and tilt your head back, then squeeze your abdominal muscles so your burp comes out with more force. | Fuel your burp. Any good burp starts with a good meal. For huge burps, you'll need to make your stomach very active. Eat and drink your meal as quickly as possible, taking big bites - you'll swallow more air. Soda water, Coca-Cola, beer, or any other carbonated beverage with lots of fizz are great choices. The bubbles in these drinks release carbon dioxide gas. The faster you drink, the more rapidly the carbon dioxide will hit your stomach. For even better results, drink through a straw - you won't lose any carbon dioxide to the air. If you're up for it, "shotgun" a beverage - that is, drink the entire thing in one gulp. See How to Shotgun a Beer for good instructions on shotgunning a drink in an aluminum can. The gas from a huge burp will contain gas from the food you've eaten. For truly horrifying odor combinations, experiment with different foods! Stand up. If you can't, at least sit up. If you're not upright, the contents of your stomach won't be oriented with your gas at the top of your stomach, so it will be less likely to be released through your throat. Move around. Jump up and down or do a few jumping jacks. This will agitate the gas in your stomach. If you've had any carbonated beverages, it'll make them fizz and release gas as if you're shaking a can of soda. Be aware that exercising on a full stomach can cause nausea. Don't go too crazy with your jumping - belches are funny, but projectile vomit is not. When you feel your burp coming, open your mouth and tilt your head back. Get your abdominal muscles ready - in the next step, you'll be using them. Get ready! Keeping your mouth open does two things. First, it makes you look grosser. Second, the cavern-like acoustics of a wide open mouth will make a burp louder (see: How to Burp Loudly ). As you burp, squeeze with your stomach muscles. This may take some practice. The goal is to squeeze your stomach like a bellows to force the burp out in one loud push. Use your diaphragm and abdominal muscles to firmly (but not violently) push. If done correctly, you'll get a loud "bark." Practice until you're comfortable with this step. For longer burps, try to release your burp gradually, with less force. It can be challenging to strike a precise balance. Push too hard, and your burp will be too short. Push too softly, and your burp will die out. Begin by filling your lungs with air. You don't need to take an enormous breath - simply breathe in normally. Instead of swallowing air with your food, in this method, you'll swallow air directly from your lungs. Close your mouth and plug your nostrils. You want to make sure that you cannot inhale any additional air or suffocate yourself - if at any point you're desperate to breathe, don't do it. Exhale into your mouth, then swallow the exhaled air with saliva. This will probably require some practice. Try to swallow as if you're eating a piece of food. Feel for the mouthfuls of air traveling down your esophagus. In effect, you are transferring air from your lungs into your stomach, at which point it can escape your body through the throat as a burp. Repeat the exhale-swallow step several times. As you try to swallow, position the tip of tongue at the back of mouth, you will swallow greater quantity of air. Then, try to burp normally. This part can be difficult for beginners. When you're starting, it may be necessary to "force" your burps out. Practice your air-swallowing until you get a good feel for the technique. Soon, you'll be able to mortify your peers on command. As you burp, squeeze with your stomach muscles. This may take some practice. The goal is to squeeze your stomach like a bellows to force the burp out in one loud push. Use your diaphragm and abdominal muscles to firmly (but not violently) push. If done correctly, you'll get a loud "bark." Practice until you're comfortable with this step. Eat a dainty meal. This burping technique is used when you have to burp, but want to do it as silently as possible - a must for fancy,high-class dinners. This step is preventative - smaller amounts of food and drink mean smaller burps. See also: How to Burp Without People Noticing. When you need to burp, close your mouth. Even if you perform this method incorrectly, a closed mouth will muffle the sound of an otherwise loud burp. Let the gas come out through your nose. Burps that escape through the nose are almost completely silent. This is because they don't vibrate the upper esophageal sphincter, like a mouth burp. The sound produced will be like that of a normal exhalation through the nose, though any odor may remain. Try to have clear sinuses beforehand - otherwise, your burp will have nowhere to go. Hold your hand up to your nose so that the air released dissipates against it. Doing this will help your burp be as subtle as possible— unless the scent causes you pass out. As an alternative, try burping into your closed mouth. Covering your mouth with your hands or a closed fist will further muffle any sound from the burp. When you've made your burp, open your mouth to allow the gas to dissipate. Pretending to yawn can be a great excuse to open your mouth. Just make sure you don't have any extra burps before you do it! | Fuel your burp. Stand up. Move around. When you feel your burp coming, open your mouth and tilt your head back. As you burp, squeeze with your stomach muscles. Begin by filling your lungs with air. Close your mouth and plug your nostrils. Exhale into your mouth, then swallow the exhaled air with saliva. Repeat the exhale-swallow step several times. As you burp, squeeze with your stomach muscles. Eat a dainty meal. When you need to burp, close your mouth. Let the gas come out through your nose. Hold your hand up to your nose so that the air released dissipates against it. As an alternative, try burping into your closed mouth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Basset-Hounds | How to Care for Basset Hounds | To care for your basset hound, take it for a 30 to 60 minute walk each day to help it maintain a healthy weight. In addition to giving it plenty of exercise, talk to your vet about how much food is best for your dog's age and activity levels. Also, clean your basset hound's mouth, ears, and skin wrinkles 2 or 3 times per week to prevent chafing and infection. For healthy teeth and gums, brush your dog's teeth at least three times a week using gauze wrapped around your finger, water and dog toothpaste. Due to their breeding, Basset Hounds are prone to hip, leg, back, thyroid, and eye problems, so take your dog to the vet regularly to be screened for possible inherited disorders. | Take your Basset Hound on daily walks. Though they're laid back, Basset Hounds require plenty of daily exercise. A daily walk of 30 to 60 minutes will help keep your dog in shape. While they make great dogs for people who live in apartments or small homes, an enclosed yard will allow your dog to run around and follow its nose. Give your dog plenty of attention and positive reinforcement. Basset Hounds don't like to be alone for extended periods of time. Though they're relaxed dogs, they are sensitive and need lots of positive encouragement. Try to avoid scolding your dog if it does something wrong or doesn't obey a command. They were bred to follow scents independently, so they can be stubborn by nature. Since they're emotionally sensitive dogs, excessive scolding can also lead to your Basset Hound shutting down or acting distanced. Avoid letting it off its leash. When out for a walk or outside of an enclosed area, keep your dog on a leash. Basset Hounds tend to follow scents and wander without responding to come commands. Your can easily lose track of your dog. Help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Two or three meals a day is better for your Basset Hound's digestion than one large meal. Leaving food at all times can lead to obesity. Consult your vet about how often and how much food is best for your dog's age and activity level. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight will help prevent many potential problems, such as spine and leg problems. Know the breed’s health risks. Due to their breeding, Basset Hounds are prone to several health issues, including hip, leg, back, thyroid, and eye problems. Knowing if its parents were screened for or had any genetic disorders or developed breed specific issues will help you keep your dog healthy. Keeping weight off and getting proper exercise are key to maintaining its health. Ask the breeder or shelter where you got your dog if its parents' health records are available, preferably prior to purchasing or adopting. Take your dog to the vet regularly. A vet exam at least once a year is key to caring for your Basset Hound. Your dog's vet will screen it for possible inherited disorders, They will also make sure your dog is up to date with its vaccinations, help you maintain its weight, and check its hips and legs for any issues. Discuss your dog's level of activity and age with your vet in order to decide how to maintain a healthy weight. Ask your vet about flea and tick treatment for your location. Be on the lookout for signs of bloat. Basset Hounds are also at a higher risk of bloat, which is when their stomach expands with gas, causing discomfort. Sometimes the gas-filled stomach can twist, which cuts off the blood flow to your dog's internal organs and causes their system to fail. Preventing obesity and avoiding feeding your dog one large meal a day can help prevent the condition. If you spot symptoms of bloat, take your dog to the vet immediately for emergency care. Be aware of signs of bloat such as anxious pacing, restlessness, dry heaving or inability to vomit, and stomach swelling. Monitor your dog for signs of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Basset Hounds are at a high risk for developing IVDD, which is a condition where the discs between the bones in the dog's spine rupture and impinge on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include changes in gait, weakness in the limbs, paralysis, and back pain. IVDD can be a surgical emergency, so get your dog help immediately if you suspect it. Watch your dog walk to see if its gait is off. Notice if your dog has trouble standing or cannot stand for long. Get immediate help if you notice signs of paralysis or back pain. Look for signs of orthopedic problems. Basset Hounds are prone to developing hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as other leg and joint issues. Be on the lookout for symptoms such as limping and loss of thigh muscle mass. Knowing if either of your dog's parents developed any breed specific issues will help you and your dog's vet maintain its health. Keeping an eye on your dog's weight, avoiding overfeeding, and giving it regular exercise will help prevent or manage orthopedic problems. Be aware that dogs can develop hip and elbow dysplasia at any point in its lifespan, including as a puppy. Keep skin and ear infections at bay. Since yeast and bacteria commonly grow in between a Basset Hound's skin folds, the breed is prone to skin and ear infections. After walks, inspect your dog's folds and ears for foreign bodies, such as mites, dirt, grease, or other buildup. In addition to daily spot checks, thoroughly clean these areas two or three times a week to avoid infection. Skin lesions or cankers are easy to find, but it can be tricky to spot the signs of ear infection. Notice if your dog shakes its head more than usual or seems like it's trying to remove something from its ear canal. You may also notice a musty or foul odor in your dog's ear. Check the inner ear for redness or a discharge, usually dark brown to black or yellowish-brown in color. Take your dog to the vet for a more accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, prescription medication if you spot a skin or ear infection. Check and clean your dog’s mouth, ears, and skin wrinkles regularly. Basset Hounds were bred to have wrinkles because they collect tiny particles and improve the sense of smell. However, they can form buildup and chafing, which can both lead to infection. Clean skin folds two or three times a week with a cloth and warm water, and a dog shampoo if buildup is excessive. Thoroughly dry with a clean cloth. Basset Hounds' oily coats give them a particular odor. If their smell bothers you, consider bathing them once every week or two. Cut down on shedding and loose hair by brushing weekly. Basset Hounds are heavy shedders, and loose or dead hair tends to build up in their coats. Brushing with a rubber dog brush at least two or three times a week will keep their coat healthy. In addition, it will cut down on the hair that ends up on your clothes and furniture. Maintain your dog’s teeth and nails. Basset Hounds require nail and tooth care standard for most dogs. Brush your dog's teeth at least three times a week using gauze wrapped around your finger, water and, if desired, dog toothpaste. Trim its nails as needed, typically once every couple weeks. If your dog is still a puppy, you need to start nail trims and toothbrushing early to train them to allow you to do it. Practicing with your puppy when it's young will make it easier to groom your dog when it's an adult. Don't use regular toothpaste to brush your dog's teeth because it may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs. You can find toothpaste for dogs in the pet supply section of your local department store or at a pet supply store. Using an electric grinder or hand file instead of clippers reduces the risk of cutting too much nail off, which can cause pain or bleeding. If you can hear clicking when your dog walks, it's due for a clipping. Its nails should rest at or just above the floor so the dog doesn't have to put too much weight on the backs of its paws. | Take your Basset Hound on daily walks. Give your dog plenty of attention and positive reinforcement. Avoid letting it off its leash. Help your dog maintain a healthy weight. Know the breed’s health risks. Take your dog to the vet regularly. Be on the lookout for signs of bloat. Monitor your dog for signs of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Look for signs of orthopedic problems. Keep skin and ear infections at bay. Check and clean your dog’s mouth, ears, and skin wrinkles regularly. Cut down on shedding and loose hair by brushing weekly. Maintain your dog’s teeth and nails. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Measure-Performance | How to Measure Performance | To measure performance, compare quantitative data, like production rate, cycle time, or customer wait time, to target measurements in those areas. Alternatively, gauge performance by assessing more qualitative information, like customer feedback. If you're interested in a more multi-faceted tool, consider using a 360° evaluation, which includes self-evaluation, as well as evaluation from subordinates, peers, and supervisors. However, be aware that these criteria can be highly subjective, so you may want to use them with other measurements. | Gather appraisals from subordinates. Ensure the appraisals are anonymous, so the employees have no fear of reprisal. A 360-degree appraisal has the benefit of accurately assessing a manager's ability to manage and lead. Something similar to one of the following items could lead subordinates to open up about their supervisors: ”Do you feel your supervisor does a good job leading the team?” ”Give an example of where your supervisor could improve his or her leadership style.” ”Provide an instance where your supervisor excelled in his or her job.” Perform a self-appraisal. Self-appraisals are a great option. Employees are given the opportunity to appraise themselves. An employee is likely to look at their own strengths and weaknesses differently than others. Most will overstate their performance. The major benefit to the 360 evaluation is that the self-appraisal is complemented by the mix of ideas from other evaluations. Leading questions like the following can help an employee delve deeply into their performance: ”What situations have you excelled at in the past?” ”What are some examples of when you could have used time more wisely?” ”What will your fellow employees, from supervisor to subordinate, say about your performance?” Collect colleague feedback. Feedback from your peers helps you improve at your job because they know the type of dedication and work that is required for the position. Colleague assessments are particularly adept at helping an employ who is analyzing their positives and negatives ”Where does your colleague rank in comparison to others with a similar position?” ”How can your peer improve his or her performance?” ”Provide an example of how your peer has shown job competency.” Compile supervisor evaluations. Superiors typically provide an overhead view of employees' roles, responsibilities, and work quality. They also assess employee production. They would best know whether an employee is ready for a promotion or demotion, based upon their quality and output. Questions similar to the following may work well from a supervisor perspective: ”Do you feel the employee performs satisfactorily?” ”In which way could the employee improve their job performance?” ”Why or why isn't the employee ready for advancement?” Understand the limitations of 360-degree evaluations. 360-Degree feedback methods are very subjective and responses generally depend upon the relationships between the appraiser and appraised. Accordingly, you should never use a 360-degree appraisal as your only appraisal method. Use quantitative measurements. Performance appraisals of this type are typically subjective, rather than objective. They are most valuable when objective criteria such as as production rate, cycle time, cost, and error rate are used. Each department should have its own quantifiable measurements so work can be compared to pre-determined standards, group norms, trends, and employee-to-employee. Collect the data systematically, and determine if the guidelines being used to conduct business are adequate. For example, you might track the amount of time a customer waits in line. Regularly document the number of items or reports an employee can produce in an hour. Be sure to clearly communicate performance measures and expected performance to employees before measurement begins. Training in this areas might be required. Compare quantitative plans, goals, and results. When the data collection begins, set plans and goals for job performance. Once the data has been collected, measure it to see if your goals were achieved. If not, a baseline can be established and used to set goals for improvement throughout the organization. If customers typically wait in line for 3 minutes before being addressed, strive to lower the customer response time. Conflict resolution through customer support can be a daunting task. Once you know the amount of time a typical call takes, it can help your company streamline the process by identifying which calls take longer. Use percentage-based quantitative improvement goals. If the company sold $500,000 worth of product last quarter, attempt to increase sales by 1%. Use measurements to create a plan of action. Progress must be measured and acted upon. If a performance measurement is lacking, periodic measurement needs to occur to ensure progress is being made. The measurements also serve to determine whether or not the plan of action is working. Utilize exemplary programs to serve as a guide for those that are lacking. Do not hesitate to change a plan if measurement shows no progress is being made. Evaluate employee work quality. Performance of employees reflects upon all facets of their work, from work ethic to individual achievements. This method of assessment would look at each employee as a whole on an annual basis. This assessment would provide suggestions and an opportunity to improve, while recognizing any excellence. How much an individual is able to produce either in product or sales. The quality of work produced. How quickly an employee produces a product or makes a sale. Conduct comprehensive employee assessments. Comprehensive evaluations may help identify potential solutions, particularly if your company is undergoing problems. However, it is more common that problems result from poorly designed processes, inadequate training, or poor management. Generally, a review of the entire process, with inputs, outputs, actions and deliverables, is required to resolve complex or complicated problems. Hiring a professional assessor who can impartially appraise the everyday functionality of your business, as well as the performance of your employees, could be very beneficial. Establish random quality control checks. The obvious benefit to this approach is that your company employees may be aware of the checks, but they won't know when checks will occur. Consequently, employees that are slacking in some way or not performing to par will be exposed. Try a few different approaches so employees are on their toes. Perform random spot checks on products. Randomly review phone calls. Inspect log books at random intervals. Solicit customer feedback. Client satisfaction should be your ultimate mission. Customer service experience can be used as a way of assessing employee performance. Ask customers if they are satisfied with their product or service. Getting an outside perspective on performance is smart, as it offers the potential of an objective analysis. Be cautious of overly harsh customer feedback. Some industries and businesses, such as repossession of vehicles, is bound to have overly negative reviews. Develop feedback tools or forms so the feedback can be standardized and weighed equally. Customer feedback is always subjective and generally only from those customers with bad experiences. Balance any review with objective measures of customer service, such as time on hold, resolution of problems, and call-backs. Measure time spent on particular tasks. One way to measure time management is to assess the time and employee spends on a project. However, you should only use those measures that can be collected automatically such as time cards or computer software. For most jobs, manual reporting, such as entering data into a timesheet, is neither reliable nor cost-effective. There are multiple software programs that can track what is being done on a computer. This way, you can investigate employees who are not meeting performance standards to see what they are having trouble with. If specific employees are falling far below the average, they can be singled-out and helped to meet the performance requirements. Give regular, but not too frequent, feedback. While feedback is important, daily monitoring is a two-edged sword that can be a morale buster. It also shifts performance responsibilities from management to a tool. It's better to use weekly or monthly measures. In addition, use bonuses instead of humiliation to encourage employees, and keep individual performance figures confidential. Note lapses in workplace decorum. One manner of measuring performance is to make note of how an employee adheres to company policies. To monitor these lapses, try the following methods: Monitor punctuality issues. Employees who are habitually late are naturally missing minutes they could be working. What's worse, they could be upsetting other employees. Check for dress code violations. An employee that is relaxed on their professional appearance is likely to exhibit the same approach to their actual work. Clarify usage of workplace items. Be sure employees know how and when they may use company items like a car, cell phone, or computer. Employees abusing company materials are not using time wisely. | Gather appraisals from subordinates. Perform a self-appraisal. Collect colleague feedback. Compile supervisor evaluations. Understand the limitations of 360-degree evaluations. Use quantitative measurements. Compare quantitative plans, goals, and results. Use measurements to create a plan of action. Evaluate employee work quality. Conduct comprehensive employee assessments. Establish random quality control checks. Solicit customer feedback. Measure time spent on particular tasks. Give regular, but not too frequent, feedback. Note lapses in workplace decorum. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-the-Specific-Gravity-of-Liquids | How to Test the Specific Gravity of Liquids | To test the specific gravity of liquids, first pour a sample of liquid into a container. You'll need to use a container that is deep enough to allow a hydrometer to float. Next, make sure the liquid is the same temperature that the hydrometer is calibrated to, or you will get an incorrect reading. Once you have your liquid set up, place the hydrometer in the liquid with the weighted end down and wait until it stops bobbing. To read your result, take note of the number where the waterline stopped on the hydrometer. For example, if it is 1.1, then your liquid is 1.1 times as dense as water at that temperature. | Pour a sample of your liquid into a container. Make sure that the liquid in the container is deep enough to allow the hydrometer to float. If the hydrometer rests on the bottom of the container, you will not get an accurate reading. Leave room in the container for the hydrometer to displace some of the liquid, otherwise, you'll end up with a spill. The shape and material of the container is irrelevant as long as there is enough liquid present for the hydrometer to float properly. Check that your liquid is the correct temperature. Your hydrometer will be calibrated to a specific temperature. If your liquid is at a different temperature, the density of the liquid will not match the calibration of the hydrometer. This will cause your reading to be incorrect. A common hydrometer calibration is 60 °F (16 °C). You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of your liquid, and then heat or cool as needed. Place the hydrometer in the liquid. The hydrometer is a specialized glass tube that has a weighted end. Place it in the water with the weighted end down. Allow the hydrometer to settle and stop bobbing before taking a reading. Read the specific gravity from the hydrometer. The hydrometer is marked with different specific gravity measurements at different intervals. Once it stops floating, the water line will be at one of these marks. The number corresponding to this mark is the specific gravity of your liquid. The reading on the hydrometer is usually a decimal, but it is derived as a ratio of the density of your liquid to the density of water at a given temperature. In other words, if your hydrometer reads 1.1, that means your liquid was 1.1 times as dense as water at that temperature. Note that specific gravity is a unitless measurement. You can look up the specific gravity of some common liquids. Examples are listed below: Acetic Acid: 1.052 Acetone: 0.787 Beer: 1.01 Bromine: 3.12 Milk: 1.035 Mercury: 13.633 Obtain a weight for the liquid in question. First, pre-weigh a container. Next, take the weight of the container again, but this time with a specified volume of your liquid inside. Subtract the weight of the liquid-filled container from the weight of the empty container. The difference is the weight of your liquid. For example, if your container weighed 1.50 pounds with liquid in it and 1.00 pound empty, your equation would look like this: "1.50 lb - 1.00 lb = 0.50 lb." Your liquid weighs 0.50 pounds. Make sure the temperature of your liquid is noted when this weight is taken. You must compare it to water of the same temperature. Obtain the weight of an identical volume of water. Fill the same container to the same volume. Then, weigh the container and find the weight of that volume of water. You should not need to pre-weigh the container again, since you already know the weight of the empty container. Use the same formula to find the weight of the water. If the liquid-filled container weighted 1.75 pounds, the equation would look like this: "1.75 lb - 1.00 lb = 0.75 lb." In this example, the water weighs 0.75 pounds. Make sure that the water is at the exact same temperature as the liquid in question. Otherwise, results may not be accurate. Calculate the ratio of the liquid’s weight to the weight of water. Since you are dividing one weight by another, the units will cancel out. This makes specific gravity a unitless measurement. Use the ratio "W l / W water ” where W l is the weight of your liquid and W water is the weight of water. For example, if you weighed 100 mL of acetone at 25 degrees Celsius, it would weigh 0.17314 pounds. Weighing the same volume of water at the same temperature would give you 0.22 pounds. To find the specific gravity of this acetone, you would solve 0.17314 l b s / 0.22 l b s = 0.787 {\displaystyle 0.17314lbs/0.22lbs=0.787}. This is the specific gravity of acetone. Obtain the density for the liquid in question. The density of a substance is equal to its mass divided by its volume. You can measure the mass on a scale and record the volume of the liquid used. Use the equation "m / v = D" where m is mass in grams or kilograms, v is volume in milliliters or liters, and D is density. For example, if you had a sample that was 8 grams and 9 milliliters, your equation would be: "8.00 g / 9.00 mL = 0.89 g/mL." Weigh an empty container first and record its weight. Next, fill your container with the desired liquid and weigh it again. The mass of your liquid is equal to the second measurement minus the first. For instance, if the filled container weighed 2.00 lbs and the empty container weighed 0.75 lbs, the equation would be: “2.00 - 0.75 = 1.25” and the liquid would weigh 1.25 lbs. Obtain the density of an identical volume of water. Between -10 degrees Celsius and +30 degrees Celsius, the density of water can be rounded to 1.00 (assuming 3 significant figures). If you are using liquids that do not fall in that temperature range, you can measure the mass and the volume of your water and calculate the density. Alternatively, you can often find charts with the density of water at different temperatures. It's important to find the density of water that is the same temperature as the liquid in order to get accurate measurements. Keep your liquids the same temperature. Substances expand when they are heated and contract when they are cooled. Since density is a measure of how much mass is in a given volume, the measurement is changed by the expansion and contraction due to temperature. If you want to get accurate specific gravity calculations, it is necessary that the liquid you are measuring and the water that you are using as a comparison are both at the same temperature. Calculate the ratio of the liquid’s density to the density of water. The units will cancel out in this equation, leaving you with a unitless quantity. That number is the specific gravity (or relative density) of your liquid. The ratio used will be "D l / D water ” where D l is the density of your liquid and D water is the density of your water. For example, if you were to take the density of acetone (0.787 g/mL @ 25 degrees C) and divide it by the density of water (1.00 g/mL @ 25 degrees C), you would get 0.787 g / m L / 1.00 g / m L = 0.787 {\displaystyle 0.787g/mL/1.00g/mL=0.787}. | Pour a sample of your liquid into a container. Check that your liquid is the correct temperature. Place the hydrometer in the liquid. Read the specific gravity from the hydrometer. Obtain a weight for the liquid in question. Obtain the weight of an identical volume of water. Calculate the ratio of the liquid’s weight to the weight of water. Obtain the density for the liquid in question. Obtain the density of an identical volume of water. Keep your liquids the same temperature. Calculate the ratio of the liquid’s density to the density of water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Famous-Artist | How to Become a Famous Artist | To become a famous artist, practice every day so you can build your artistic skills and develop your own style. Create a variety of pieces that show your range and put together a strong portfolio to send to galleries. You can also blog about your work, post images online, and use social media to network and gain followers. You may want to consider hiring a reliable agent to help you market your work and negotiate contracts! | Practice. Being called by the muse is a wonderful thing, without a doubt, but without the technical abilities to realize your vision, you won't get very far. Whatever your chosen medium or media, become an expert in every part of it. Set aside an hour or more each day to devote to nothing but practicing your technique. Focus especially on those areas that are the weakest for you, but build your strengths as well. Take advantage of the communities and resources that you can find. Artist supply manufacturers, and art stores themselves, often have free literature, tutorials, videos, and websites that are loaded with tips, techniques, and more. Some stores even offer weekend training seminars, where you can not only pick up some new skills, you'll also meet other artists. Work on the things you love. Choose one subject that is meaningful to you and that you want to be able to draw well. Start with a still life, or a photo that's yours, in public domain, or that you have permission to use. Draw or paint that same photo over and over, using different approaches—paint, pencil, abstract, realism—whatever moves you. Build up from easy subjects, like a rubber ball or a rectangular block, to more complicated, difficult subject, like a rose, a clear glass marble or a shiny metal bowl. And try to get the details right: the curves of a petal, the clarity of the glass, or reflections so good that Escher would be impressed! Each of them will improve your ability to draw in general. Practice timed gesture drawing. Pick your subject, set your timer for two or three minutes, start drawing, then stop when the timer goes off, even if the drawing isn't finished. Set the timer again and start over. Doing 10 three minute drawings will give you more skill than taking half an hour to draw the same thing in detail. Vary the art tools you use. Start off with a pencil, then go to charcoal, colored pencils, pastels, paint, whatever interests you. Never fear trying new tools or techniques. When trying an expensive new medium, visit Dick Blick or Jerry's Artarama and email them for samples. Many types of art suppliers make sample sized products or the company will send out just one stick or a small piece of the expensive paper or canvas for you to test before deciding what to buy. This gives you a chance to try it first and see if you like it. Try more than one brand—the samples are usually not the same color and you can find out which brand to invest in by those trials. Get critiqued by family and friends. Make it clear you want a real opinion, not just a biased, "I love you so everything you do is wonderful" opinion. If they think it's good, then you're on the right track! If they don't , you're still on the right track: if several people think your technique is great, but your subject matter leaves something to be desired, that's an opportunity for self-reflection and to learn something. Don't confuse critique with personal criticism, especially if the critic is somebody who is not interested in seeing you become an artist. Look outside your circle for opinions. Look for critique from people who draw better than you do. Make friends online with real artists whose work you admire. Compliment them and ask intelligent questions about their techniques. You'll rapidly find that many artists enjoy teaching beginners and will be happy to share what they've learned. As you learn more, reach out to those who are just starting. You will learn more every time you explain and demonstrate what you already know. It's very common for teachers to learn from their students! Learn to accept compliments gracefully. When friends and family members love everything you draw and think it's wonderful, or your mum was putting your childhood scribblings up on the fridge from the time you were two (and believes you'll be Picasso someday), relax and enjoy that as support. The better you get at art, the easier it is for people to compliment you and call you talented. Compliments can sometimes be critiques, and those are very valuable! Should an artist whose work you admire give you a compliment such as, "I love the colors in this," this means they are not only nice enough to compliment you on your work, but have taken the time to understand and appreciate the choices you made. Develop a strong personal style. Do this by learning to paint and draw your favorite subjects in all the ways that every painter you like best has done them. The more you learn technique and understand your own passions, the more your own style will emerge. Having a personal style is a combination of learning to draw and paint well in your favorite mediums while consistently paying the most attention to your favorite subjects. You will become a specialist, a "brand of one" at a certain intermediate level of competence. Mastering a subject and a medium comes later, at the point when you could do it easily without thinking at all about how you do it, yet always have consistent results. Be prolific. To get into a gallery, you should have a portfolio of up to a dozen of your best works, all of which have something in common, be it the subject or style, general size and level of skill. Make your work available in as many formats as possible, so that there are no barriers for interested gallery owners or art patrons to view your work. Publish your work. The best way to become famous is to get known! The internet offers many avenues to be seen and promote artistic works, and in the information-loaded 21st century, it's important to use all the tools at your disposal to build your name and your reputation. Blog daily about your work, and include illustrations showing your process and a gallery to show (and/or sell) your finished works. Visit all the galleries in your area, and get to know the proprietors. If you're old enough, attend as many openings as possible, not to promote your own work—there will be time enough for that later—but to become a known artist in the community. Create a Facebook for your art, and encourage people to visit and like your page. Reach out to other artists through Facebook. Like visiting galleries, this will help place you in the community, and Facebook can reach well beyond your neighborhood. Tweet about art regularly. Your art, historical art, pop art, any art at all. The more you know about art, the more you'll be recognized as somebody worth paying attention to. At the same time, follow artists and galleries, and respond to their tweets. This will encourage more people—including gallery owners—to follow you. Create a Flickr account and post scans or photos of your art. It's an active community, and while you won't get a lot of helpful critique on Flickr, you will build your name recognition, and perhaps become online friends with some very talented artists. Join fine art societies and enter contests. Start with student level contests at first and small local art contests. Teach workshops. This will help you not only get known as an artist, but also as an expert in your field. Build your skills until you can enter major national and international contests in your chosen medium. Enter juried art shows. Getting a painting into a juried art show is itself an achievement to put on your resume. When you have too many, shorten it by listing only the most important shows. Find a reliable art agent. Read up on art agencies and contact the agent's other clients. See if they are happy with the agent, or are generally discontented or feel as if they've been ripped off. Agents will market you and your work, and also represent you in contract negotiation. Make sure they are well-connected and good with contracts. You might also want to work with a reputable attorney who specializes in the art world. While an agent may know a bit about the law, their job is promotion. A lawyer's only job is knowing about the applicable law. Paint what you care about. If you don't care about the subject, it will show in your work. Many artists fall a little bit in love with their subject, whether it be a bowl of fruit or the artist's model. If you like expressing anger and dark emotions, study dark painters. If you like abstracts and splatter paintings, study them and do them—they take their own techniques and don't just happen because someone threw paint at a canvas and called it art. If you love wildlife and the outdoors, get a small portable painting kit and paint "en plein air" (outdoors) in your favorite places. Whatever your passion, find ways to capture that passion on the canvas. Keep growing as an artist. Being a true artist is a lifelong pursuit. When you've reached the level of fame to which you aspire, with plenty of money and acclaim, you will still want to look forward to something beyond that. Continuing to learn and invent, even after you are famous will not just keep you on top of your game, focused on the future instead of putting your best years behind you. As you style grows and changes, older paintings you've done become more valuable. Collectors will be interested in the entire history of your life's work. Even the drawings you did as a child become valuable: what your mom stuck to the fridge has the seeds of your current success, so don't throw away earlier works. | Practice. Work on the things you love. Vary the art tools you use. Get critiqued by family and friends. Look outside your circle for opinions. Learn to accept compliments gracefully. Develop a strong personal style. Be prolific. Publish your work. Join fine art societies and enter contests. Find a reliable art agent. Paint what you care about. Keep growing as an artist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Skunk-Odor-from-Dogs | How to Remove Skunk Odor from Dogs | To remove skunk odor from dogs, start by mixing together 1/4 cup of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of dishwashing soap, and 4 cups of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Then, wearing gloves, work the mixture into your dog's dry fur, starting at the neck and working back toward the tail. If your dog's face smells, use a sponge to carefully apply the mixture to its chin, cheeks, forehead, and ears, but not near its eyes or nose. Finally, let the mixture sit for no longer than 4 minutes before rinsing it off with water. | Use this method for the best results. Home cleaning remedies can be excellent, cheap solutions to many problems. Skunk spray, however, is one of the strongest and most stubborn smells you are likely to encounter. Spending money on a specialized cleaning product is recommended for permanent odor removal, without without any undesirable side effects. If you are not able to make a trip to the drugstore immediately, trying a different method first may be worth it, since the odor will be easiest to remove if you try as soon as possible. Light, indirect skunk sprays may also be removable with cheaper home remedies. If the dog's eyes are red, flush them with cool water. If the dog has red, irritated eyes, it may be suffering from painful skunk spray in the face. Apply cool, clean water to the eyes by pouring from a cup, squirting with a turkey baster, or pouring from a gentle hose without any attachments to the end. Purchase an enzyme cleaner for skunk odor removal. Be sure to purchase a pet-safe "enzyme based" or "enzymatic" cleaning product for skunk odor removal. Unlike other commercial odor removal products, enzyme cleaners actually break down and permanently remove the odor-causing substances, instead of just masking the smell under a stronger one. Do not use a skunk odor removal product that does not specifically state it is safe for use on pets. Apply the product according to instructions. Many of these products can be applied as a spray directly on the dog's fur, but check the packaging instructions first. There is usually no need to use water or soap, as the enzymes will remain on the fur while dry and break down the odor over the course of a couple hours. Avoid spraying the dog's eyes or nose. If the smell is strong in the face, wet a cloth with the cleaning product and gently wipe the cheeks, forehead, and chin. If the dog has long fur and received a direct hit from the skunk spray, the odor may be trapped deeper in the coat. Use a cloth soaked in the cleaning solution to rub the dog's fur right down to the skin. Be aware of the risks. This is probably the most effective home remedy, but there are significant downsides. Hydrogen peroxide can dry out your dog's skin and fur, burn your dog's eyes, or even bleach the dog's fur to a slightly lighter color. These risks are minimal if the solution is applied correctly, but you may wish to use a safer method on an uncooperative dog that will take a long time to wash. Some people find this method quite effective, especially when applied multiple times. However, for a direct skunk spray or a thick-coated dog, you may need a commercial cleaning product to remove the last vestiges of the smell. Put on old clothes and gloves. Skunk odor can easily rub off onto clothing. Put on disposable gloves and some old clothing before you begin treating your dog. You can often remove skunk odor from clothing in the laundry, by mixing ½ cup (120 mL) of baking soda mixed with ordinary laundry detergent. Using clothes you don't mind throwing away if necessary is still recommended, just in case. Do not mix "skunked" clothing with an ordinary load of laundry. Flush irritated eyes with cool water. Pour clean, cool water over the dog's eyes if they are red and irritated from skunk spray. A turkey baster or garden hose without attachments may be helpful if the dog is shying away from the water. Mix a homemade odor removal mix. Mix together ¼ cup (60 mL) baking soda, 2 tsp (10 mL) dish washing soap, and 4 cups (960 mL) 3% hydrogen peroxide. If you do not have these materials, you may find them at a drugstore, or baking soda at a grocery store. This needs to be mixed directly before use, as it will quickly break down if left alone. Double this recipe for a large dog. If you only have more concentrated hydrogen peroxide, dilute it with additional water before adding to the other ingredients. For example, mix one part 9% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water to get 3% hydrogen peroxide. Stir thoroughly, then use 4 cups (960 mL) of this mixture in the above recipe. Keep the dog somewhere you can wash it. If weather and space permit, tie the dog up outside in a washtub. Skunk odor can easily spread to furniture, but if you need to wash the dog inside, lay down old towels or newspaper around the tub to make cleanup easier in case the dog struggles or jumps out. Rub in the mix from the collar back toward the tail. Wearing your disposable gloves, pour a little of the mix at a time on the dog, and massage it into the dog's fur, as though you were shampooing it. Start at the collar and work back to the tail. Keep the dog dry, as the hydrogen peroxide is less effective when wet. Use an old sponge to apply to the face (if necessary). If the face smells of skunk, tilt the dog's chin upward, so the liquid will run back to his neck, not forward into his eyes. Apply the peroxide with an old sponge, carefully, to the dog's chin, cheeks, forehead, and ears, but do not apply near eyes and nose. Optionally, you can protect the dog's ears by gently putting a cotton ball in each ear. Do not push them in far or jam them in hard. Some dogs (and people) dislike the feeling of liquid in their ears, so this may cause the dog to struggle less. Rinse thoroughly within a couple minutes. Hydrogen peroxide may bleach your dog's fur slightly if left on too long, but it needs to be given some time to break down the skunk odor. Although this mixture is dilute, it should not be left on for longer than four minutes to reduce the chance of this happening. Hopefully, you will notice the smell lessen during this time. Repeat until odor is removed (if necessary). If you notice the smell has considerably decreased, but is not completely gone, let the dog dry out and apply the same mixture again. If the odor is not significantly reduced, however, you may be better off trying a commercial pet-safe skunk odor remover, or another home remedy. Use vinegar instead of hydrogen peroxide. White vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be mixed with baking soda and dishwashing soap, instead of hydrogen peroxide. This may be less effective, but does not have the risk of bleaching your dog's fur. Follow the instructions for hydrogen peroxide above, except where noted below: Vinegar will fizz immediately when mixed with baking soda, and quickly break apart. You may wish to rub the baking soda into the dog's fur, then pour on the vinegar. Use a scented pet shampoo to temporarily hide the scent. Massaging with scented pet shampoo will not remove the skunk oil permanently, but it may hide it temporarily. It is only useful as a short-term solution, unless you are willing to reapply it regularly. Skunk odor can take weeks to dissipate naturally, and may rub off onto clothing and furniture, so this is not recommended as a long-term solution. Tomato juice is not significantly more effective than scented shampoo, makes a mess, and can even stain your dog's fur slightly. Despite its popularity as a home remedy, it is not a good solution to skunk odor. Trim long fur to remove trapped scent. Most of the scent may be trapped in the dog's fur, especially if it is long and the spray wasn't directly aimed at the dog. Trim the fur yourself or take the dog to a dog groomer who's willing to work around the smell of skunk. | Use this method for the best results. If the dog's eyes are red, flush them with cool water. Purchase an enzyme cleaner for skunk odor removal. Apply the product according to instructions. Be aware of the risks. Put on old clothes and gloves. Flush irritated eyes with cool water. Mix a homemade odor removal mix. Keep the dog somewhere you can wash it. Rub in the mix from the collar back toward the tail. Use an old sponge to apply to the face (if necessary). Rinse thoroughly within a couple minutes. Repeat until odor is removed (if necessary). Use vinegar instead of hydrogen peroxide. Use a scented pet shampoo to temporarily hide the scent. Trim long fur to remove trapped scent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Symptoms-of-Lactose-Intolerance | How to Recognize Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance | Lactose intolerance happens when your digestive tract doesn't have enough enzymes to digest milk products, and by looking for some of the classic signs, you can recognize if you have it. Keep an eye out for gastrointestinal problems after eating a meal. If you have bloating, gassiness, cramps, nausea, and diarrhea, you might be lactose intolerant. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, try to think about whether you may have had any dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance usually start within 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating or drinking dairy products. If you haven't had any dairy recently, but you're having symptoms, you may have a different intestinal issue, such as Crohn's disease or irritable bowel syndrome. See your doctor to get an official diagnosis. | Pay attention to GI symptoms. As with many conditions, trying to understand if your physical experience is unusual or out of the ordinary is sometimes difficult to determine. For example, if a person always has GI issues after meals, then that is their established normal and they likely assume others feel the same way. But experiencing bloating, flatulence (passing gas), cramps, nausea and loose stool (diarrhea) after meals is not considered normal and always represents signs of digestive problems. A variety of conditions and diseases cause similar GI symptoms and diagnosing can be tricky, but the first step is realizing that your digestive experience is not normal and it needn't be accepted as unavoidable. Lactase splits lactose into two smaller sugars, glucose and galactose, which are absorbed by the small intestine and used by the body as energy. Not all people with lactase deficiency have digestive or GI symptoms — they produce low levels, but it's enough to handle their dairy (lactose) consumption. Try to link your symptoms with consuming dairy products. The typical signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance (bloating, abdominal pain, passing gas and diarrhea) often begin between 30 minutes to two hours after eating foods or drinking beverages that contain lactose. As such, try to link your GI symptoms to consuming dairy products. Start first thing in the morning by eating a breakfast devoid of any lactose (read labels if you're unsure) and see how you feel. Contrast that to eating lunch with some dairy, such as cheese, yogurt and/or milk. If there is a significant difference in how your GI system feels, then you may very well be lactose intolerant. If you feel bloated and flatulent after both meals, then you may have a stomach or intestinal issue such as inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease. If you feel pretty good after both meals, then maybe you have a food allergy to something else in your diet. This sort of approach is usually called an elimination diet, meaning that you eliminate dairy products from your diet in efforts to narrow down the cause of your GI problems. Distinguish between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy. Lactose intolerance is essentially an enzyme deficiency disease, which leads to an undigested sugar (lactose) ending up in the large intestine (colon). Once there, normal intestinal bacteria feast on the sugar and produce hydrogen gas (and some methane) as a byproduct, which explains the bloating and flatulence associated with lactose intolerance. In contrast, a milk allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to milk products and often occurs within a few minutes of being exposed to the causative protein (casein or whey). Symptoms of a milk allergy can include wheezing, hives (severe rash), swollen lips/mouth/throat, runny nose, watery eyes, vomiting and digestive problems. Cow milk allergy is one of the most common allergies that affects children. Cow's milk is the usual cause of an allergic reaction, but milk from sheep, goats and other mammals can also trigger a reaction. Adults with hay fever or other food allergies are more likely to have a negative reaction to milk products. Realize how lactose intolerance is linked to ethnicity. Although the amount of lactase produced in your small intestine becomes less with advancing age, it is also linked to your genetics. In fact, the prevalence of lactase deficiency in certain ethnic groups is quite high. For example, about 90% of Asians and 80% of African-Americans and Native Americans are lactose intolerant. The condition is least common among peoples of northern European ancestry. As such, if you're of Asian or African-American ancestry and commonly experience GI symptoms after meals, there's a very high probability it's caused by lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is unusual in all babies and infants, regardless of ethnicity — it's typically a condition that appears in adulthood. However, babies born prematurely may have reduced ability to produce lactase because of their underdeveloped intestines. Get a hydrogen breath test. The most common test for the diagnosis of lactase deficiency is called a hydrogen breath test. This test is done at your doctor's office or an outpatient clinic, but typically after you've experimented with an elimination diet. The hydrogen breath test involves drinking a sweet liquid containing lots of lactose (25 grams). Your doctor then measures the amount of hydrogen gas in your breath at regular intervals (every 30 minutes). With people who can digest lactose, very little or no hydrogen is detected; however, for lactose intolerant people, the hydrogen reading is much higher because the sugar ferments in their colons via bacteria and produces the gas. The hydrogen breath test is great way to identify lactose intolerance because it's highly reliable and very convenient. The test typically requires you to fast the night before and avoid smoking. Using too much lactose on some people can give false positives, as can bacterial overgrowth in their colons. Take a blood glucose/lactose tolerance test. The lactose tolerance test is a blood test used to gauge your body's reaction to consuming high levels of lactose (usually 50 grams). A fasting serum glucose is taken by your doctor as a baseline measurement and then compared to readings taken one to two hours after drinking the lactose beverage. If your blood glucose level doesn't increase by 20 g/dL above the baseline within that time frame, it means your body isn't properly digesting and/or absorbing lactose. The blood glucose/lactose tolerance test is an older method of diagnosing lactose intolerance and not performed nearly as frequently as the hydrogen breath test, but it can also be helpful. The blood glucose/lactose tolerance test has a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 96%. False-negative results occur with diabetes and bacterial overgrowth in the intestines. Have a stool acidity test done. Undigested lactose creates lactic acid and other fatty acids in your colon, which end up in your feces. A stool acidity test, which is typically used on infants and young children, can detect these acids from a stool sample. The child is given a small amount of lactose and then several consecutive stool samples are taken and tested for higher than normal acidity levels. A young child may also have glucose in their stool as a result of undigested lactose. For infants and children who can't take other lactose intolerance tests, a stool acidity test is a good alternative. Even though this test is effective, the breath test is usually preferred due to its ease and convenience. | Pay attention to GI symptoms. Try to link your symptoms with consuming dairy products. Distinguish between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy. Realize how lactose intolerance is linked to ethnicity. Get a hydrogen breath test. Take a blood glucose/lactose tolerance test. Have a stool acidity test done. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Put-Extensions-in-Your-Dreads | How to Put Extensions in Your Dreads | Before you put extensions in your dreads, you'll need to make sure they're not too tight. To test how tight your dreads are, push a needle through the thick section of one of your dreadlocks. If it slides through, your dreads are loose enough for extensions. Prepare the extensions by cutting off the clip at the end of each one and then brushing it out so there are 2 to 3 inches of loose hair at the top. Hold the loose part of the hair extension up to the loose part of your dreadlock and begin sewing them together in small, tight stitches. Wrap your hair around the extension where the stitches are to help blend them. Tie off the thread next and then use a crochet hook to further blend your dreadlock and the extension. | Buy synthetic dreadlocks. Many people prefer to buy synthetic dreadlock extensions because they're relatively inexpensive. Synthetic hair is also great for dreadlocks because it tangles easily, creating dreadlocks more quickly. However, you can't use heat products on synthetic extensions or they will melt. Additionally, you can't dye or perm synthetic hair extensions. Purchase pre-dreaded single-ended extensions online or buy synthetic clip-in extensions to dread yourself. Synthetic dreadlocks and extensions can be bought online or at specialty beauty supply stores. Buy natural dreadlocks. If you like using heat products or dyeing your hair, purchase natural extensions. These extensions can be treated like your natural hair. However, keep in mind that these extensions will be much more expensive than synthetic extensions. Natural dreadlocks and extensions can be found online and at many beauty supply stores. Avoid buying double-ended dreadlock extensions. These extensions look like long dreadlocks with an un-dreaded section in the middle. Double-ended dreadlock extensions are an excellent choice for people who want more volume in their dreadlocks. However, if they're installed too tightly, the weight of the extensions will pull on your scalp and lead to hair loss. If you want these extensions, have them installed professionally. Instead of choosing double-ended extensions, purchase single-ended extensions or regular extensions that you can dread yourself. Do the “needle test. ” If your dreadlocks are too tight, you may not be able to add extensions on your own. Do the needle test by pushing a needle through a thick section of a dreadlock. If the needle slides though, you can install your own extensions. If it doesn't, you need to have your extensions professionally installed using dreadlock adhesives. Do an online search to find salons that service dreadlocks in your area. Dread any un-dreaded extensions. If you purchased regular clip-in extensions, you will need to dread them yourself. First, ask a friend to hold the clip end of the extension. Hold the tail end of the extension tightly in one hand. Next, use a fine-toothed comb to brush the hair against the grain, starting at the clip and working in small sections. This will create small knots in the hair, dreading it. After you've combed the entire extension, pull it down with your hand to smooth it out and repeat the process. Continue combing and smoothing the extension until it's tightly dreaded. Prepare your dreadlocks. Your hair should already be dreaded before you put in any extensions. If you have blunted ends on your dreadlocks, cut off the tips and brush them out. You should have one to two inches (2.5-5 centimeters) of loose hair at the ends of your dreadlocks. Use a fine-toothed comb or small brush to loosen the ends of your dreadlocks. You can loosen all of the ends at once or do it as you apply the extensions. Rough up the end of your extension. If your extension came with a clip on the end, cut this section off. Next, brush out the end so that there are two to three inches (5-7.5 centimeters) of loose hair at the top. Cut and loosen each extension as you need it. Otherwise, you may unravel unused extensions. Secure the thread into the extension. Thread a sewing needle with about 12-14 inches (30-35 centimeters) of thread. Next, sew a few small stitches into the base of the loose section of the dreadlock, close to the dreaded section. Make sure these stitches are as tight as you can make them. Leave two to three inches (5-7.5 centimeters) of loose thread at the beginning of the stitches so that you can tie them off later. Purchase sturdy thread that closely matches your hair color. Sew the extension onto your dreadlock. Place the loose, stitched part of your extension against the loose end of your natural dreadlock. Center the extension so that an inch of your loose hair is against the tightly dreaded section of the extension. Sew the center of the extension against the center of your dreadlock using small, tight stitches. Wrap your hair around the extension. Press the extension into your dreadlock, wrapping the sides around the extension like a tube. Add a few tight stitches to secure these hairs into place. Keep adjusting the dreadlock until the top of the extension is completely covered by your natural hair. Wrapping will help blend the extension into your hair. The better the top of the extension is covered, the better it will blend. Tie off the thread. Find the loose end of the thread inside the extension. Tie both ends of the thread tightly together, knotting it several times. Use sharp sewing scissors to cut off the tails of the knot, leaving about an inch (2.5 centimeters). Tuck the ends of the thread into the center of your dreadlock to hide them. Blend the two pieces together. Insert a.5 mm crochet hook through the center of your dreadlock. Gather some loose hair into the hook and gently pull it back through the extension. Repeat this process until all of the loose hair has been incorporated into the dreadlock, including the loose hair of the extension. Once the loose hair is incorporated, rub the dreadlock between your palms to rough up the extension connection. Avoid using larger crochet hooks as they can damage your hair. A small.5 mm crochet hook can be found online or at sewing supply stores. Wash your hair 2-3 times a week. If you wash your hair too often, your dreadlocks will become loose and frizzy. However, if you don't wash them enough, they'll start to smell bad. While washing, focus on massaging your scalp and gently massaging the base of your dreadlocks. Avoid using conditioner or any detanglers. To avoid shampoo buildup in your dreadlocks, use a residue-free shampoo. If you dye your hair or you're using color-treated extensions, use a color safe, residue-free shampoo. Dry your hair completely. If your dreadlocks stay wet for too long, mildew will grow on the inside. After showering, squeeze as much water as you can out of your dreadlocks and into the shower. Next, wrap your hair in a fluffy towel for 10-20 minutes. Last, allow your hair to air dry before putting it up or wearing a hat. If your dreadlocks still haven't air-dried within an hour, use a hair dryer to speed up the process. Be careful not to melt any synthetic extensions with the hairdryer. Protect your extensions while you sleep. When you sleep with dreadlocks, the friction of your head against the pillow can loosen or tangle your extensions. Avoid this problem by wearing a silk hair covering while you sleep. Alternatively, you can use a silk pillow or braid your hair to keep it all in one place. Never sleep with wet dreadlocks as they won't dry properly. | Buy synthetic dreadlocks. Buy natural dreadlocks. Avoid buying double-ended dreadlock extensions. Do the “needle test. Dread any un-dreaded extensions. Prepare your dreadlocks. Rough up the end of your extension. Secure the thread into the extension. Sew the extension onto your dreadlock. Wrap your hair around the extension. Tie off the thread. Blend the two pieces together. Wash your hair 2-3 times a week. Dry your hair completely. Protect your extensions while you sleep. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Carrots | How to Cook Carrots | To boil carrots, cut them into slices and then boil them for 10-15 minutes in water or broth. To make roasted carrots, cut them in half, brush them with oil, and roast them in the oven at 400 °F for around 30 minutes. If you're in a rush, slice the carrots and microwave them covered for 5-10 minutes until they're crisp and tender. If you're cooking on the grill, cut the carrots into thin strips, brush them with butter, and cook them directly on the grill grate until they start to turn brown and caramelize. | Clean the carrots. Before cooking carrots, they require minor preparation, as follows: New, smaller carrots: Don't peel or cut. Simply scrub clean with a stiff vegetable brush. Cook whole. Older, larger carrots: They can be scrubbed clean (in cold water) but if the skin is very blemished or the recipe calls for it, they can be peeled and scraped off too. Larousse Gastronomique advises that carrots should not be scraped or peeled if maximum nutritional content is to be retained; simply brush them if you're aware of their organic origins but do peel or scrape if concerned about pesticides. These carrots can be sliced, diced or cut into julienne strips for cooking. Grate the carrot where the recipe requires. In cooking, grated carrot is often used inside puddings, cakes and savory baked dishes. Know when and how to blanch carrots. Young/baby, fresh and early season carrots do not need blanching. Older carrots from the end of the season may need to be blanched to reduce their bitterness; taste test a raw one to see first. Trim the carrots. Cut according to the needs of your recipe. Place them in a pot of cold water. Bring the water to the boil. Boil for 5-6 minutes. Much older, larger carrots may need 10-12 minutes. Drain the carrots. They're now ready to be used as directed. Scrub the carrots. Cut off any tops. Decide whether to cook whole or sliced. Fit a steaming basket into a saucepan or use a steamer saucepan or device. For a steaming basket or saucepan, the water should be kept below the base of the steamer and carrots. Bring the water to the boil. If you own a steamer machine, follow its instructions. Add the carrots to the steamer or steaming basket. Cover well with a fitted lid. Steam until tender. This will take about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the carrots. Check regularly after about 8 minutes. Serve hot to warm. Steamed carrots go well with many meals and can be served individually or from a bowl. Keep them warm when serving at large dinners by placing in a container with a lid. Peel and slice the carrots. Bring 3cm (1 inch) of salted water to boil in a saucepan. Add the carrot slices. Return to boil, then reduce the heat and cover the pan. Cook until just tender, but not soft. This will take about 10-15 minutes. Serve hot. They can be sprinkled with freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Place 1 pound/450g of cleaned carrots into a casserole dish or microwave dish. Add 2 tablespoons of water. Cover the dish. Microwave on high (100 percent power) until crisp and tender. It is recommended that you stir them once during the process. On average, cooking time is as follows: Thin slices will take about 6-9 minutes Strips will take about 5-7 minutes Baby carrots will take about 7-9 minutes. Preheat the oven to 275ºF/140ºC. Prepare about 1 pound/450g carrots as slices if large, or use baby carrots. Place the carrots into a casserole pot or a Dutch oven. Lay the carrots flat. Add 1/3 cup diced shallots, 2 teaspoons grated orange zest, 1-1/4 cups orange juice, and 1/3 cup of quality olive oil. Season to taste with freshly ground black pepper, sea salt, and perhaps some fresh thyme pieces. Red pepper flakes can also be added if you like. Place the pot on the stove. Bring to a boil with the stove on medium-high heat. Remove the boiling pot from the heat and cover with a lid. If you don't have a lid, use heavy kitchen foil to make one. Place in the oven. Cook for 1-1/2 hours or until tender. Remove from the oven. Serve hot. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Slice the carrots. Choose fat, new carrots for this method. Steam for 5-8 minutes. Melt 25g butter in a frying pan with 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of orange juice. Toss the steamed carrots into the frying pan. Only heat for one minute, then remove from the heat. Serve hot. This can be served with chopped fresh parsley or chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Cut the carrots in halves. From this point, either cut in halves again or quarter them lengthways. Brush with melted butter or oil. Place in a roasting dish with oil or butter already on the base. Alternatively, rest on a baking tray. Place in an oven set to 200ºC/400ºF. Roast until tender and caramelized, about 20-40 minutes, depending on the size of the carrot pieces. It's recommended that you turn once or twice, to ensure even caramelization. Serve hot with other roasted vegetables. Cut carrots into julienne sticks. (These are also known as "matchsticks" or "batons".) Thin slices are important, to ensure quick cooking. Add a little oil to a wok or large frying pan. Add the carrot sticks. Stir fry until they are tender but retain a little bite. Remove from the heat. Toss in shredded fresh mint and serve hot. Cut new carrots into slices. Cut enough to serve about 4-6 people (assume one carrot minimum each). Fry in melted butter. Sprinkle lightly with flour and add just enough water to cover. Add 1 tablespoon of brandy. Cover the pan with a lid. Cook for about 15 minutes over a gentle heat, then add a handful of raisins. Continue cooking until tender. Serve hot. Slice the carrots lengthways. Brush the carrot lengths with melted butter or oil. Cook on barbecue until caramelized. Cook 500g/18 oz of new carrots in salted water. Add 1 teaspoon granulated sugar and 15g/1/2 oz butter or oil to the water too. Drain the cooked carrots. Retain a little of the cooking water for reuse. Press the carrots through a fine sieve or blend them. Heat the purée. Add a few spoonfuls of the cooking liquid to the puréed carrot and stir through; this only needs to be done if the purée appears too thick to you. Add 50g/2 oz butter or oil just before removing the purée from the heat. Mix well. Serve. This is a good addition for a meal with roasted vegetables and meat. To make it creamier, add 4 tablespoons of double/heavy cream and stir through before serving. Cook carrots as soup. There are many different variations of carrot soup, from simple to more complex flavors. Here are a few to try: Carrot soup Curried carrot soup Carrot, chilli and coriander soup Make carrot and ginger soup: Grate 4 carrots. Fry 1 onion with a 2cm/1 inch piece of grated fresh ginger and 2-3 chopped cloves of garlic. Use either a little butter or oil for frying. Add the grated carrot to the butter or oil mixture. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring now and then. Add 1 liter (0.3 US gal) of hot vegetable or chicken stock. Simmer for 30 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. Blend until smooth. Serve hot. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. For those who like cream, a swirl of cream will finish this off nicely. Clean the carrots. If old, peel them. Cut into thin rounds. Peel a swede (or turnip). Cut into same sized pieces as carrot. Cook in boiling salted water until soft enough to mash. Cooking in vegetable stock also imparts a nice flavor. Drain, mash and drain again as mashing will release juices. Add butter and black pepper. Serve hot. This makes an excellent side dish. The natural sweetness of carrots lends itself well to many sweet dishes. Here are just a few things you can cook or bake using carrots: Carrot halva Carrot cake , vegan carrot cake, carrot cake pops Carrot cake doughnuts. | Clean the carrots. Know when and how to blanch carrots. Trim the carrots. Place them in a pot of cold water. Boil for 5-6 minutes. Drain the carrots. Scrub the carrots. Fit a steaming basket into a saucepan or use a steamer saucepan or device. Add the carrots to the steamer or steaming basket. Steam until tender. Serve hot to warm. Peel and slice the carrots. Bring 3cm (1 inch) of salted water to boil in a saucepan. Add the carrot slices. Cook until just tender, but not soft. Serve hot. Place 1 pound/450g of cleaned carrots into a casserole dish or microwave dish. Cover the dish. Microwave on high (100 percent power) until crisp and tender. Preheat the oven to 275ºF/140ºC. Prepare about 1 pound/450g carrots as slices if large, or use baby carrots. Place the carrots into a casserole pot or a Dutch oven. Add 1/3 cup diced shallots, 2 teaspoons grated orange zest, 1-1/4 cups orange juice, and 1/3 cup of quality olive oil. Place the pot on the stove. Place in the oven. Remove from the oven. Slice the carrots. Steam for 5-8 minutes. Melt 25g butter in a frying pan with 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Toss the steamed carrots into the frying pan. Serve hot. Cut the carrots in halves. Brush with melted butter or oil. Place in a roasting dish with oil or butter already on the base. Place in an oven set to 200ºC/400ºF. Serve hot with other roasted vegetables. Cut carrots into julienne sticks. Add a little oil to a wok or large frying pan. Add the carrot sticks. Remove from the heat. Cut new carrots into slices. Fry in melted butter. Cover the pan with a lid. Serve hot. Slice the carrots lengthways. Brush the carrot lengths with melted butter or oil. Cook on barbecue until caramelized. Cook 500g/18 oz of new carrots in salted water. Drain the cooked carrots. Press the carrots through a fine sieve or blend them. Heat the purée. Add 50g/2 oz butter or oil just before removing the purée from the heat. Serve. Cook carrots as soup. Make carrot and ginger soup: Clean the carrots. Cut into thin rounds. Peel a swede (or turnip). Cook in boiling salted water until soft enough to mash. Drain, mash and drain again as mashing will release juices. Serve hot. The natural sweetness of carrots lends itself well to many sweet dishes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Syphilis-Symptoms | How to Recognize Syphilis Symptoms | Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can seriously damage your nerves and all organs in your body if left untreated, so it's important to identify the symptoms. Syphilis is transmitted when someone comes into contact with an infected lesion during sex, so you'll be at risk if you've had vaginal or anal sex with someone who's infected. The first sign you have syphilis is the appearance of a small sore where it entered the body, most likely on your genitals, mouth, or anus. The secondary stage of syphilis begins with reddish brown-spotted rashes on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. Other symptoms at this stage include fatigue, muscle soreness, and a sore throat. When these symptoms disappear, someone with syphilis is in the latent stage of the disease. This can last for many years, but about one third of people who remain untreated are likely to contract tertiary syphilis, which has severe symptoms. These include blindness, numbness in muscles, damage to bones and organs, and, in serious cases, death. | Understand how people get syphilis. Once you understand how people pass syphilis to one another, you can figure out whether you're at risk. The disease is transferred from one person to another through contact with a syphilis sore. These sores may appear externally on the penis and outer vaginal area, or internally in the vaginal canal, anus, and rectum. They may also be present on the lips and inside the mouth. If you've had vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone infected with the disease, you are at risk of contracting syphilis. However, you need to come into direct contact with an infected lesion. Syphilis cannot be spread by shared eating utensils, toilet seats, doorknobs, hot tubs or swimming pools. Men who have sex with men (MSM) are significantly more likely to contract syphilis, with 75% of reported new syphilis cases in 2013. It's especially important to use safer sex practices if you are a man who has sex with men. Be aware that syphilis carriers can go years without knowing they have it. The early stages of the disease do not have significant noticeable symptoms, and many people don't even know that they have syphilis. Even if carriers do notice sores and symptoms, they may not recognize them as an STD, and may leave them untreated for long periods of time. Because the minor sores can progress gradually from 1-20 years after the initial infection, carriers may unknowingly pass the disease on to others. Recognize the symptoms of primary stage syphilis. Syphilis has 3 stages: primary, secondary, and tertiary/late stage. The primary stage usually begins about 3 weeks after the first exposure to a syphilis sore. However, symptoms might begin to appear anywhere between 10 and 90 days after exposure. The primary stage of syphilis most often begins with the appearance of a painless sore called a “chancre,” which is small, hard, circular, and painless. Although there is usually just one sore, there may be more. The sore appears where the disease entered the body. Common infection sites include the mouth, genitals, and anus. The sore will heal on its own in 4 to 8 weeks, and won't leave a scar. However, this does not mean that the syphilis is gone. Without proper treatment, the infection simply moves on to the second stage. Tell the difference between primary and secondary stage syphilis. The secondary stage of syphilis usually begins 4 to 8 weeks after the initial infection, and lasts between 1 and 3 months. This stage begins with a "maculopapular rash" on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. This type of rash doesn't usually itch, but causes rough, reddish brown spots on the skin. Other rashes with a slightly different appearance may show up on other parts of the body at this time. People usually either don't notice these rashes or assume they have other causes. This usually results in delayed treatment of their actual cause. Other symptoms eventually appear in this stage as well. They too are sometimes mistaken for other problems, such as the flu or stress. These symptoms include: fatigue, muscle aches, fever, sore throat, headaches, swollen lymph glands, patchy hair loss, and weight loss. About a third of those who don't get treatment during the secondary syphilis stage will develop latent or tertiary syphilis. The latent stage is the symptom-less period that precedes the appearance of tertiary stage symptoms. Learn to identify the symptoms of latent and tertiary stage syphilis. The latent stage begins when the symptoms of stages 1 and 2 disappear. The syphilis bacteria is still in the body, but there are no longer any signs or symptoms of the disease. This stage can last for years. However, about a third of those who go untreated during the latent stage will develop the tertiary stage of syphilis, which has severe symptoms. Tertiary stage syphilis may not show itself until 10 to 40 years after the initial infection. Tertiary stage syphilis can see damage to the brain, heart, eyes, liver, bones, and joints. This damage may be serious enough to cause death. Other symptoms of the tertiary stage include difficulty with muscle movement, numbness, paralysis, progressive blindness, and dementia. Be vigilant for syphilis symptoms in babies. If a pregnant woman has syphilis, she can transfer disease-causing bacteria to the unborn child through the placenta. Proper prenatal care should help prepare your doctor for any complications. The most common symptoms seen in babies born with syphilis include: Intermittent fevers Enlarged spleen and liver (Hepatosplenomegaly) Swollen lymph nodes Chronic sneezing or runny nose with no apparent allergic cause (persistent rhinitis) Maculopapular rashes on the palms and soles See your doctor if you suspect you may have syphilis. If you think you've come into contact with a syphilis sore, see a doctor immediately. Also see a doctor if you notice any unusual discharge, sores, or rashes, particularly in the genital area. Get tested routinely if you fall into "at risk" categories. The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPTF) strongly recommends that people in "at-risk" populations get tested for syphilis yearly, even if they don't have symptoms. However, research has shown that if you're not “at risk,” there's no benefit to regular syphilis screening. In fact, it can lead to unnecessary antibiotic treatment and anxiety. You fall into the “at risk” category if: You engage in casual sex You have a sexual partner who's tested positive for syphilis You have HIV You are a pregnant woman You are a man who has sexual contact with men Get a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. The most efficient way to test for syphilis is through a test for syphilis antibodies in the blood. The syphilis test is inexpensive and easy to perform; you can have it done at a doctor's office or public health clinic. The clinicians will use one of the following methods to look for syphilis antibodies in your blood: Nontreponemal tests: These tests are ideal for screening purposes, and are about 70% accurate. If the test has a positive result, the doctor will confirm the diagnosis with a treponemal test. Treponemal tests: These tests for antibodies are more specific, and are used for confirmation rather than screening. Some clinicians test for syphilis by taking a sample from a suspected syphilis sore. They inspect the sample under a specialized microscope to look for treponema pallidum, the bacteria that causes syphilis. All patients should be tested for HIV infection. Receive antibiotic treatment. Syphilis is relatively simple to treat and cure with proper medical attention. The earlier the syphilis is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat; if treated within a year, a single dose of penicillin can completely cure the disease. Antibiotics can be very effective in early syphilis infection, but may have less of an effect in late syphilis. People who've had the disease longer than a year may need multiple doses of antibiotics. Patients with latent or tertiary phase syphilis will likely need 3 doses per week. Let your doctor know if you are allergic to penicillin. He or she will likely recommend a 2-week treatment of doxycycline or tetracycline instead. Note that these alternatives may not be suitable for pregnant women, due to the risk of birth defects. If pregnancy is an issue, your doctor will discuss additional treatment options with you. Do not try to treat syphilis on your own. Penicillin, doxycycline, and tetracycline work by killing the syphilis bacteria and eliminating it from the body. No home remedies or over-the-counter medications will work. Only a physician can prescribe the drug dosage necessary to cure the disease. Although the medications will cure syphilis, they cannot repair damage that's already been done. Note that testing and treatment is similar for babies. Allow the doctor to track your progress. After you've completed your treatment, your doctor will repeat the nontreponemal tests every 3 months. This will allow him or her to monitor your response to treatment. If the test results don't show improvement within 6 months, this could suggest inadequate treatment or a recurrent infection that needs to be dealt with. Abstain from sex until the infection has cleared. It's extremely important that you don't have sex while still undergoing treatment — especially with new partners. Until your sores have healed and a physician has declared you syphilis-free, you risk passing it to someone else. You should also notify all previous sexual partners of your diagnosis, so they can also be tested and treated for syphilis. Use latex or polyurethane condoms or dental dams. Wearing condoms during vaginal, anal, or oral sex can reduce the risk of contracting syphilis. However, the sore or site of infection must be completely covered by the condom. Always use a condom with new sexual partners, as they may not even know whether they have syphilis — especially if there are no visible sores. Be aware that you may still contract syphilis if the sore is not completely covered by the condom. It's preferable to use dental dams for oral sex with women, as they usually cover a larger area than condoms that have been cut open. However, if you don't have a dental dam, you can cut open a male condom and use it instead. Latex and polyurethane condoms offer equal protection against STDs and HIV. "Natural" or "lambskin" condoms do not adequately protect against STDs. Use a new condom for each sex act. Don't reuse condoms, even for different types of penetration (vaginal, anal, oral) in the same sexual interaction. Use water-based lubricants with latex condoms. Oil-based lubes such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or body lotion can weaken the latex and make you more likely to contract an STD. Avoid casual sex. You can't guarantee that casual sexual partners aren't carrying STDs. As such, it's best to abstain from casual sex. If you know for a fact that your partner has syphilis, you should avoid sexual contact with them entirely, even if they are wearing a condom. The safest option is to be in a monogamous, long-term relationship with a partner who has tested negative for syphilis and other STDs. Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise against the excessive use of alcohol and drugs. These substances can increase a person's likelihood of engaging in risky sexual behavior, which would place you in the "at risk" category. Seek adequate prenatal care if you're pregnant. It is very important that pregnant women receive good prenatal care, which involves tests for syphilis. Healthcare professionals and the USPSTF recommend that all pregnant women get screened because syphilis can pass from a mother to her developing baby, causing serious illness and often death. Babies who contract syphilis from their mothers are much more likely to be underweight, premature, or even stillborn. Even if the child is born without symptoms, untreated babies can develop serious health issues within a matter of weeks. These issues include deafness, cataracts, seizures, and potentially death. This can be avoided if the mother is tested for syphilis throughout the pregnancy and at the time of delivery. If the test comes back positive, both mother and baby can be treated. | Understand how people get syphilis. Be aware that syphilis carriers can go years without knowing they have it. Recognize the symptoms of primary stage syphilis. Tell the difference between primary and secondary stage syphilis. Learn to identify the symptoms of latent and tertiary stage syphilis. Be vigilant for syphilis symptoms in babies. See your doctor if you suspect you may have syphilis. Get tested routinely if you fall into "at risk" categories. Get a blood test to confirm the diagnosis. Receive antibiotic treatment. Do not try to treat syphilis on your own. Allow the doctor to track your progress. Abstain from sex until the infection has cleared. Use latex or polyurethane condoms or dental dams. Avoid casual sex. Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use. Seek adequate prenatal care if you're pregnant. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-to-Play-Golf | How to Learn to Play Golf | To learn how to play golf, watch videos of people playing golf online or tune in to a golf tournament on TV. While you're watching, pay attention to how people hold and swing the club so you can replicate them when you play. You can also try taking golfing lessons or asking a friend who plays to give you some pointers. Once you have a good understanding of the basics, try practicing golf as much as possible so you can improve your skills. | Align your body with the ball. Your face, shoulders, hips, and feet should all be facing the ball before you swing. Your body should be parallel to the intended target. Make sure that your feet are shoulder width apart for maximum balance. When using a wood (driver, fairway club, or a club with a bigger head,) position the ball just forward of the center of your stance to get maximum control and distance. Lean forward slightly as you position the club to the ball. Bend your knees slightly and bend forward just a little from the waist to maintain proper posture. Position your hands correctly on the club. Place the hand closer to your target on top of the hand that is farther away from the target. Keep your arms straight but relaxed. Since you are leaning forward, your arms will be hanging down almost straight from your shoulders. For example, if you are right-handed, your set-up will have your left hand closer to the target. Your right hand, then, will be closer to the ground. Perfect your backswing. Move the club back away from the ball. If you are right-handed, you move the club backward to the right. Your right elbow should bend slightly, but your left elbow will remain straight. Your shoulders will twist clockwise slightly. As you turn, raise the club until it is somewhere between hip and shoulder height. This should feel comfortable. Do not force your body to swing the club high. When you swing, you don't have to hit the ball as hard as you can. It should be an in-control swing, so just go easy and hit the ball smoothly. Don't try to hit the ball, but to just swing the club and let the head do all of the work. If you are left handed this will be reversed. You will bring the club backwards to the left, bending your left elbow and keeping your right elbow straight. Hit the ball. Swing the club forcefully toward and through the ball. If you are right-handed, you will swing the club to the left. Once you hit the ball, follow through with your body turn and club. Allow the club to continue to swing over your left shoulder. At this point, both of your elbows will be bent. Keep your eye on the ball throughout your swing. Look at where you want the ball to go before you swing. This not only helps you strike the ball but also keeps your body from moving too much. If you are left handed you will swing the club to the right. Shorten your backswing with putting. As you get closer to the hole, you will want to change your swing slightly. When you putt, for example, use a shorter backswing. Lightly tap the ball. The ball should roll on the ground instead of flying through the air. Continue your follow through and keep your eye on the ball throughout your swing, pitch, chip, or putt. Use the correct club. There are several different types of clubs in a set of golf clubs. The driver is the club that is used to hit the ball long distance. This should be used on your first hit off the tee-box. The putter is the club that is used when your ball is on the green. An iron is used for hits that are less than 200 yards (180 m) away. Hybrid clubs have been developed recently that combine the benefits of drivers and irons. Respect the rules of the course. While there are specific golf rules that are followed on every course, there are often course specific rules as well. For example, course specific rules indicate where the boundaries are on the course. Determine the order of play. Each player in the game should hit their first round. In this first round, it does not matter who hits the ball first from the tee-box. However, once all of the players have teed off, the player who is farthest away from the hole should hit first. Keep score. One point will be awarded to each swing that it takes for you to get the ball into the hole. An additional point will be added if the ball goes out of bounds. These boundaries vary from course to course. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins. Players may also have to add penalty strokes to their score if they do things such as hit the ball into a water hazard or hit the ball out-of-bounds. Be conscious of your time. Remember that there are other people on the course. Don't rush the people in front of you. Also, pay close attention to how long the course is taking you. If you are taking a long time or have fallen approximately a hole behind the group in front of you, allow the people behind you to move in front of you. Take a golf lesson. Learn golf from people who know and understand the game. This can be in the form of a formal, paid lesson or informal lesson with a friend. Your coach will show you the proper way to hit a ball and which clubs are best to use in certain situations. Golf regularly. Once you have a good grasp on golf basics, you should practice regularly. You can practice specific steps, like teeing off, over and over until you perfect it. Be intentional about your practice. Watch others golf. You can learn a lot by watching others. Watch golf videos online or tournaments on the television. Go to live matches. Take note of the golfer's body positions and technique. Try to adopt these techniques the next time you play golf. | Align your body with the ball. Position your hands correctly on the club. Perfect your backswing. Hit the ball. Shorten your backswing with putting. Use the correct club. Respect the rules of the course. Determine the order of play. Keep score. Be conscious of your time. Take a golf lesson. Golf regularly. Watch others golf. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Seafood-Sauce | How to Make Seafood Sauce | To make a cocktail sauce for seafood, start by combining ketchup, horse radish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a bowl. Then, whisk the ingredients until they're fully combined. If you want to make a creamy Marie Rose sauce instead, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, and salt. You can also stir in some lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, or cayenne pepper if you want to add more flavor and spice. | Put the ketchup, horseradish, juice, and sauces in a bowl. Get out a small bowl and put 1/2 cup (115 g) of ketchup into it along with 2 tablespoons (30 g) of horseradish, 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of lemon juice, ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Worcestershire sauce, and ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of hot sauce. Whisk the sauce and taste it. Use a whisk or fork to combine the sauce ingredients until they're completely smooth. Then dip a clean spoon into the bowl and taste the sauce. Adjust the flavorings according to your taste. For example, if you want a saltier flavor, mix in a few more drops of Worcestershire sauce. To make it spicier, stir in more horseradish or hot sauce. Serve the cocktail sauce with shrimp. Spoon the sauce into a serving bowl and set it out along with boiled and cooled shrimp. Classic cocktail sauce is also great with oysters , clams, and steamed crab legs. Cover and refrigerate the cocktail sauce for up to 1 week. Discard any sauce that you've already dipped into with shrimp or seafood. Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, and salt. Spoon 1/2 cup (116 g) of mayonnaise into a small bowl and stir in 1 tablespoon (17 g) of ketchup. Mix in 1 pinch of salt and then taste the mixture. Add more salt if you like. At this point, you can use the Marie Rose sauce, which will be mild and creamy. Whisk in the optional juice, sauces, and cayenne pepper. If you want the sauce to have a little more flavor and spice, stir in your choice of optional ingredients. You can whisk in 1 or more of these ingredients: 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of lemon juice ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of Worcestershire sauce ⁄ 4 teaspoon (1.2 ml) of hot sauce, like Tabasco 1 pinch of cayenne pepper Serve the Marie Rose sauce with shrimp or seafood. Unlike most American shrimp cocktails that simply serve cold shrimp with bold cocktail sauce, British-style shrimp cocktail mixes Marie Rose sauce with cold shrimp. Serve the creamy shrimp on top of gem lettuce. Cover and refrigerate leftover Marie Rose sauce for up to 5 days. Chop the capers, gherkins, shallot, and parsley. Drain a few spoonfuls of capers and gherkins. Then chop enough to measure 3 tablespoons (26 g) of capers and 3 tablespoons (28 g) of gherkins. You'll also need to finely chop 1 small shallot and 3 tablespoons (11 g) of fresh parsley. You can use savory, dill gherkins or slightly sweetened gherkins. Combine the chopped ingredients with mayonnaise and lemon juice. Transfer all of the chopped ingredients to a small bowl and add 1 cup (230 g) of mayonnaise. Squeeze 1 squirt of lemon juice into the bowl and stir the sauce until it's combined. Taste the tartar sauce and add salt or pepper according to your taste. Chill the tartar sauce for 1 hour before serving it. Cover the tartar sauce and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour so the flavors intensify. Then serve the tartar sauce with fried fish, clam strips, fried oysters, and baked seafood fillets. Refrigerate the tartar sauce for up to 2 weeks. Melt the butter over medium heat. Put 1/4 cup (56 g) of butter into a small saucepan and turn the burner to medium. Heat the butter until it's completely melted. You can use unsalted or salted butter. Keep in mind that using unsalted butter will allow you to control how much salt to add to the sauce. Sauté the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds. Mince 1 clove of garlic and stir it into the melted butter in the saucepan. Stir and cook the garlic over medium heat until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Stir in dried parsley and salt. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons (0.8 g) of dried parsley and 1/8 teaspoon (0.7 g) of salt to the butter sauce. Taste the sauce and add more salt according to your taste. Dip seafood into the butter sauce. Turn off the burner and transfer the garlic butter to small, warm ramekins. Then dip crab or lobster into the sauce. If you'd like to use the sauce as a base for seafood pasta, coat cooked fettuccine with the sauce and stir in cooked seafood. Since the butter will solidify as it's stored, use the garlic butter sauce while it's still warm. | Put the ketchup, horseradish, juice, and sauces in a bowl. Whisk the sauce and taste it. Serve the cocktail sauce with shrimp. Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, and salt. Whisk in the optional juice, sauces, and cayenne pepper. Serve the Marie Rose sauce with shrimp or seafood. Chop the capers, gherkins, shallot, and parsley. Combine the chopped ingredients with mayonnaise and lemon juice. Chill the tartar sauce for 1 hour before serving it. Melt the butter over medium heat. Sauté the garlic in the butter for 30 seconds. Stir in dried parsley and salt. Dip seafood into the butter sauce. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Vegetables-Vertically | How to Grow Vegetables Vertically | Vertical gardening is a great alternative if you have limited space. To begin your vertical garden, select a support, like a trellis, fence, or wire cage. Anchor the support by staking it into the ground or attaching it to an exterior wall of your home. Then, fill containers, like hanging baskets, window boxes, or wooden crates, with soil and plant your vegetables in them. Any kind of vegetable will work for a vertical garden, but you could try starting with pole beans, peas, cucumbers, and tomatoes since they grow well on vertical structures. Once you've planted your vegetables, attach the containers to the vertical structure and tend to them like you would with a regular potted vegetable garden. | Determine where to situate the vertical garden. Most vegetables require at least 6 hours of sun, so choose a sunny location for the vertical garden. If you live in an apartment building, a sunny balcony may be an option. If you have a yard, consider a sunny location against a south-facing wall of your house. Select vertical structures. In order for plants to grow vertically, they need a vertical support system. Common support structures include trellises, tripods, pyramids, walls, fences, wire cages and walls. Arches or arbors can serve as focal areas while also supporting vegetables. Almost any structure that points toward the sky can be used for vertical gardening. Consider creative options like bamboo poles, tree branches, ladders, sunflowers or corn stalks. Choose a support structure strong enough for the vegetables you want to grow. Mature plants loaded down with vegetables can be heavy. For example, tomato plants require very sturdy vertical structures, while peas may climb almost any structure without bearing much weight on it. Place the support system in your garden or on your patio before planting vegetables. This prevents you from damaging plants. Locate vertical supports on the north or east side of the garden where they won't block the sun from the growing vegetables. Anchor the support system securely. Vertical supports like trellises or wire cages can be staked directly in the ground. Trellises and other flat vertical supports also can be attached to the exterior wall of a home. If you attach a vertical support to a wall, leave space between the wall and the trellis for air circulation as the plant climbs. Prepare the soil. Whether you plant vegetables in the ground or in containers, soil quality is important for your vertical garden. Use weed-free, compost-rich soil. To encourage proper drainage in containers, mix the soil with peat moss or perlite. Choose containers as applicable. If you are growing vegetables in containers, you can use almost any type of container. Make sure that the container is deep enough to accommodate the type of vegetable you are growing. Larger and heavier vegetables will require larger and sturdier containers. Consider hanging baskets, urns, window boxes, washtubs, coffee cans, clay pots or wooden crates. If the container does not have drainage holes, drill small holes on the bottom of the container before filling it with soil. Understand the basics of growing vegetables vertically. Almost any type of vegetable can be grown vertically as long as the container is deep enough to accommodate the plant and the vertical staking is strong enough to hold the plant. Evaluate your garden conditions. Choose vegetables that will thrive in your garden based on its lights, wind, heat and moisture. If you are growing vertical vegetables in containers, be prepared to water the containers daily. Plant the "vine" varieties of plants when applicable. If you are growing beans, cucumbers, squash or beans, be sure to plant the vine variety, which will climb vertically, instead of the bush variety. Select vegetables to grow. While most vegetables can be grown vertically, several types of vegetables are known for their success in vertical gardens. If you are just starting out in vertically gardening, consider these vegetables. Grow pole beans vertically. Pole beans will climb almost any structure, including other plants. The Native Americans often planted beans and corn together because the corn would provide a vertical support for the beans. Grow peas in a vertical garden. Like pole beans, peas will climb almost any structure and need little encouragement to twine around vertical supports. Consider growing peas on trellises, bamboo sticks or even over an arbor. Grow winter squash and gourds vertically. Winter squash and gourds have long vines that can extend up to 10 feet (3.0 m) for the squash and 25 feet (7.6 m) for the gourds. Because the vines grow so long and become heavy, you must provide a sturdy, secure vertical support. To provide extra support to heavy winter squash, such as butternut, wrap cloth twine or strips of pantyhose around each fruit and tie to the vertical supporting structure. Do not use string to support the squash because it may cut into the stems. Some garden centers sell materials made specifically for supporting large vegetables, like winter squash and gourds. Grow melons and pumpkins in a vertical garden. Like winter squash, melons and pumpkins have long vines and the fruit needs additional support when growing vertically. Grow melons and pumpkins up strong, secure vertical structures. Wrap slings made of old sheets, rags, towels or fabric scraps around the melons and pumpkins and secure them to the fence or trellis to provide needed support. Grow cucumbers vertically. Cucumbers (the vine variety, not the bush variety) are ideal for a vertical garden because they naturally climb. They can be grown up almost any structure, such as an A-frame, cage or trellis, but it must be strong enough to support the weight of the vines. Initially, cucumbers may need a little encouragement to attach themselves to the vertical structure, but as soon as the tendrils wind around the support, they will climb vertically without assistance. The cucumbers will hang vertically from the plant, making them easy to harvest. Grow tomatoes in a vertical garden. Because tomatoes are heavy plants, they require a sturdy vertical structure. As the tomato plants grow, tie the branches to the structure with a soft twine or cotton cloth at regular intervals. | Determine where to situate the vertical garden. Select vertical structures. Prepare the soil. Choose containers as applicable. Understand the basics of growing vegetables vertically. Select vegetables to grow. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Popcorn-Maker | How to Use a Popcorn Maker | To use a popcorn maker, start by pouring some popcorn kernels and oil into the tray. Then, put the lid on the popcorn maker and turn it on. Listen carefully to the kernels popping in the popcorn maker, and turn it off once the popping dies down and you only hear one pop every few seconds. Once the popcorn is done, remove the lid, pour your popcorn into a bowl, and enjoy! | Attach the lid. Most automatic stirring popcorn makers have a ceramic or metal "E" and a large, domed lid that doubles as a serving bowl. To begin, turn the bowl upside down and attach it to the base. Most popcorn makers will have some sort of locking mechanism to keep the bowl in place — you may, for instance, need to screw the bowl in or use fasteners to hold it down. Make sure your bowl is firmly attached to the base before you begin. Popping your corn without fastening your base down is a surefire recipe for a spill. Add kernels and oil. Next, add your main ingredients — the popcorn kernels and the oil you'll cook them in. See the chart above for serving size suggestions. Most stirring popcorn makers will have a removable portion in the center of the lid for adding the ingredients — simply open this hatch and drop your ingredients in to get started. Most neutral cooking oils will work well for stirring popcorn makers. For example, vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and coconut oil are all great choices. Don't use margarine or an oil with a low smoke point — these can burn and give your popcorn an unappealing smoky taste. Optionally, add butter. Most standard stirring popcorn makers have a small slot at the top for adding butter. As the popcorn cooks, the butter in this slot will melt, giving the popcorn an even coating. Add your butter in a few skinny slices — the thinner the slices are, the quicker it will melt. See the chart above for serving suggestions. Softening the butter for a few seconds in the microwave before adding it can help ensure the popcorn melts completely. Plug in the popcorn maker and turn it on. When you've added all your ingredients, close the lid and plug your device in. Some popcorn makers will start heating up right away, while others will have an "on" switch you'll need to hit. The stirring arms should begin turning, stirring the popcorn as it cooks. Listen to your popcorn as it pops. Depending on how much popcorn you're making, the type of kernels you're using, and their freshness, the cooking time of your popcorn will vary. A few minutes after you turn your popcorn maker on, you should hear your kernels begin to pop. The pace of the popping should quickly increase, then die down. When you start hearing only one pop every few seconds, turn your machine off. Sometimes, kernels may get caught under the stirring arm during cooking. If this happens, you may begin to hear a slight scraping sound. This isn't harmful. Season and serve. You're all done! Carefully turn your popcorn maker over and remove the lid to use it as a bowl.Most people like their popcorn with a little salt, but there are dozens of possibilities. Below are listed just a few seasoning ideas to get you started, but there are many more — any flavor you like can make a great seasoning. Black pepper Cajun seasoning Garlic salt Hot sauce Chocolate candy (M&Ms, etc.) Clean after use. For most popcorn makers (including the home "stirrer" type), maintenance is minimal. After making your popcorn, simply use a paper towel or rag to wipe away excess oil from the base and bowl. This prevents the buildup of grease over time, which can give the popcorn an unappealing taste or texture. If you wish, you may also want to use a non-toxic cleaning solution to cut the grease. Don't allow the cleaner to dry on the popcorn maker or it may spoil your next batch of popcorn — instead, remove it with a damp rag when you're done cleaning. Add the popcorn and oil to the cooking chamber. The way a movie theater-style popcorn maker works is remarkably similar to the way a home "stirrer"-style popcorn maker works. In fact, if you open up the cooking chamber, you'll usually see a pair of stirring arms just as you would in a home popcorn maker! To start, add your main ingredients — kernels and oil — just as you would normally. For most theater-style popcorn makers, the cooking chamber is a metal "bucket" with a handle attached to it suspended in the middle of a clear glass case. Usually, all you need to do is lift one of the metal flaps on top to open it so you can add ingredients. For some movie-style popcorn, the kernels are packaged together with the oil in a single packet, while for other popcorn, the two are kept separate. In the latter case, see the table above for serving suggestions. Turn the cooker on. Next, simply flip the "on" switch to start the cooking process. Depending on the exact model of popcorn maker you're using, this may be on the front, on the back, or even on the cooking chamber. If you look into the cooking chamber while the popcorn is cooking, you should notice the stirring arms evenly distributing the melting oil over the kernels. As with a home "stirrer" popcorn maker, you'll want to turn the machine off when pops slow to about one, every few seconds. As the popcorn cooks, you should notice popped kernels rising out of the cooking chamber, spilling over the sides, and gathering at the bottom of the glass case below. Serve by scooping into bags. When the popcorn finishes cooking, you should have a good amount of popcorn gathered at the bottom of the case. Use a large spoon or scoop (most popcorn makers should have one included) to serve the popcorn. Traditionally, theater popcorn is served in paper bags, but if you don't have any, you can use ordinary bowls. Most popcorn machines have a number of holes in the bottom of the case for allowing unpopped kernels and very small "crumbs" to fall into a crumb drawer located below the bottom. Before serving the popcorn, it is advisable to carefully rake the scoop back and forth so that those "old maids" will fall into the drawer. Add butter and seasonings after serving if desired. Your popcorn is ready to eat! Add salt, butter, and/or other seasonings as you wish and enjoy! See the section above for a short list of seasoning suggestions. As you might know, if you've ever ordered buttered popcorn at the theater, "butter" is usually added to theater-style popcorn after it's been served (usually with a pump). If you're at home and you don't have butter for your popcorn, try melting about a tablespoon of butter in the microwave and drizzling it over the top of your popcorn with a spoon for an authentic movie theater taste. Movie-theater "butter" is almost always not real dairy butter. Instead, it is typically a blend of coconut oil and/or (often, partially hydrogenated) soybean or canola oil with artificial butter flavor, TBHO, with citric acid added to improve stability, beta carotene added for color, and methyl-silicone added as an anti-foaming agent. Add sugar for kettle corn. Whether you're using a home popcorn maker or a theater-style machine, putting flavorful spins on the classic popcorn recipe is a piece of cake! For instance, if you want to make mouth-watering kettle corn, try adding about 1/4-1/3 cups of sugar to the popcorn maker after you add your kernels and oil. As the popcorn cooks, the sugar should melt, giving it a delicious sweet crunch! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Use-a-Popcorn-Maker-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Use-a-Popcorn-Maker-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Use-a-Popcorn-Maker-Step-12.jpg\/aid3833697-v4-728px-Use-a-Popcorn-Maker-Step-12.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>"} After your popcorn finishes and starts to cool, the melted sugar may start to stick to itself, forming clumps. This is normal — just stir to break them up. Add truffle salt or oil for truffle popcorn. For a high-class treat, try sprinkling a little gourmet truffle seasoning on your popcorn. Adding just a pinch of truffle salt or a light pinch of truffle oil can give your popcorn the incredible aroma and taste of truffles at a fraction of the price. This delicious snack recipe has to be tasted to be believed, so head to a specialty grocery store near you for some truffle seasonings today! Note that truffle-based ingredients can sometimes run very expensive. The most affordable truffle-flavored seasonings are usually about $15-$20 for a small jar, but truffles themselves can often cost hundreds of dollars. Add chocolate and caramel for dessert popcorn. Try this recipe for a sweet treat! Buy caramel from the store (or make it yourself with sugar and cream ) and stir in your popcorn. While you wait for it to cool, melt bittersweet chocolate in a double boiler. Drizzle the caramel-coated popcorn with chocolate and stir to give it an even coating. Lay the popcorn out on a parchment-covered baking sheet and let it cool (you can put it in the fridge to speed this process up). When it's cooled completely, break it up with a spoon and enjoy! Add nuts, seeds, and candy for trail mix. For a high-energy outdoor snack, try adding your favorite trail mix ingredients to popcorn. No matter which ingredients you choose, all you need to do is stir them into your popcorn and you're done! Below are just a few ideas for what you might want to add to your trail mix besides popcorn: Nuts (peanuts, cashews, almonds, etc.) Seeds (sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.) Pretzels or other salty snacks Granola Marshmallows Dried fruit (raisins, dried berries, dried apricots, etc.) Chocolate chips or candy (M&Ms, etc.) Add Indian spices for curry popcorn. Believe it or not, popcorn is a highly versatile food — it's even possible to turn it into vibrant, exotic dishes with the right spices. For instance, for a sweet, spicy, curry-flavored popcorn, start by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of curry powder, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder in a bowl while you wait for your popcorn to finish cooking. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits-Step-15-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/43\/Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits-Step-15-Version-2.jpg\/aid3833697-v4-728px-Develop-Healthy-Eating-Habits-Step-15-Version-2.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>"} Heat two tablespoons of butter in the microwave. Combine with one tablespoon of honey to make a sweet, syrupy sauce. Pour the liquid sauce over your popcorn and stir to give it an even coating, then gradually add your spices while shaking to combine. The end result should be sweet, savory, and spicy — a new spin on regular old popcorn! | Attach the lid. Add kernels and oil. Optionally, add butter. Plug in the popcorn maker and turn it on. Listen to your popcorn as it pops. Season and serve. Clean after use. Add the popcorn and oil to the cooking chamber. Turn the cooker on. Serve by scooping into bags. Add butter and seasonings after serving if desired. Add sugar for kettle corn. Add truffle salt or oil for truffle popcorn. Add chocolate and caramel for dessert popcorn. Drizzle the caramel-coated popcorn with chocolate and stir to give it an even coating. Add nuts, seeds, and candy for trail mix. Add Indian spices for curry popcorn. Heat two tablespoons of butter in the microwave. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-an-Epipen | How to Use an Epipen | Make sure to use an EpiPen before calling 911, since the reaction could be severe or even life-threatening. If you're using it on yourself, hold the EpiPen firmly in the middle and inject it into your outer thigh. Once you hear a click, indicating that the needle has entered your body, hold it there for a few seconds. After removing the EpiPen, massage the area for 10 seconds. Alternatively, if you're injecting someone else, make sure to read the instructions on the side of the EpiPen to ensure proper usage. Even if the person feels fine after the injection, make sure to call emergency services in case the symptoms reappear. | Identify the symptoms. Anaphylaxis can occur when a person is accidentally exposed to a known allergen, but it also can occur when a person is exposed to an allergen for the first time. It is also possible to become sensitized to an allergen, that is, to develop allergies to things that previously did not cause a reaction. In some cases the reaction can be so severe it can be life threatening. Look for the following symptoms: Flushing of the skin Rash on the body Swelling of the throat and mouth Difficulty swallowing and speaking Severe asthma Abdominal pain Nausea and vomiting Drop in blood pressure Collapse and unconsciousness Confusion, dizziness or an "impending sense of doom" Ask the person if they need help to use their EpiPen. Anaphylaxis is considered a 'treat first' emergency. If the person knows they need an injection and can inject themselves, ensure they do so before calling emergency services. If they need you to inject them, the instructions for the EpiPen are printed on the side of the device. Call emergency services. Even if the person feels fine after injecting epinephrine/adrenaline, it's still imperative to have professional help as soon as possible. The EpiPen will only last for as long as it takes emergency services to reach you. Always have your country's emergency number on your phone. In the U.S. and Canada, the emergency number is 911. In the UK, 999 is the main emergency number. In Australia, dial Triple Zero (000). Tell the operator your location before anything else, so help can be sent immediately. Describe the condition and the emergency to the operator. Check for a medical ID necklace or bracelet. If you suspect a case of anaphylaxis in someone else, look for a necklace or bracelet. People suffering from severe allergies usually carry those in case of an accident. These necklaces and bracelets detail the condition and give additional information on health. They usually bear a Red Cross sign or other easily recognizable visual clues. If you suffer from severe allergies, always carry the instructions with the EpiPen. That way, if you are incapacitated and someone else has to administer it, they'll know what to do. Don't give the EpiPen to someone suffering from a heart condition unless they have their own based on a doctor's prescription. Hold the EpiPen firmly with your fist in the middle. Do not put any part of your hand over either end to avoid an accidental trigger. An EpiPen is a single-use device; once it is triggered it cannot be re-used. Avoid placing your finger over either end to avoid accidentally triggering the device. Pull off the blue activation cap (opposite end from the orange tip that holds the needle). Inject into the mid-outer-thigh. Place the orange tip against the thigh and push firmly. There should be a click once the needle has entered the thigh. Hold for several seconds. Do not inject in any other place than the thigh. Accidental intravenous injections of adrenaline can lead to death. Remove the EpiPen. Remove the unit and massage the injection area for 10 seconds. Check the tip. The orange needle cover should automatically cover the injection needle once the EpiPen is removed from the thigh. Prepare for possible side effects. When you give a person an EpiPen, it may cause them to feel panicked or paranoid, and can also cause their body to shake uncontrollably. This is NOT a seizure. The shaking will subside over the next few minutes or hours. Don't freak out; just try to be calm and reassuring. Your calm will help to settle the person. Get to the emergency room immediately. 20% of acute anaphylaxis episodes are quickly followed by another crisis, called biphasic anaphylaxis. Once you have administered or received the EpiPen, you should be seen by a doctor without delay. The second episode might be mild or severe. If not treated, it can lead to a fatality. The second crisis happens when patients seem to have recovered. It's important to go to the hospital even if you feel fine. Keep the EpiPen in its case until it is needed. The carrier tube will protect the EpiPen so that it can safely be used when needed. Keep the safety release on until you need to use the EpiPen. Look through the viewing window. Most EpiPens have a "window" that allows you to see through the packaging to the medicine inside. The medicine should be completely clear. If it looks cloudy or otherwise discolored, then that EpiPen has lost potency due to exposure to extreme temperatures.This can occur anytime before the expiration date. Depending on the temperature exposure and duration it may have lost significant or all of its potency. You can use it in an absolute emergency, but you should replace it as soon as possible. Store your EpiPen in the right temperature. Your EpiPen can be kept in temperatures between 59° to 86°F (15° to 30°C). It should generally be stored at room temperature. Do not refrigerate it. Do not expose to extreme cold or heat. Check the expiration date. The EpiPen has a limited life and should be replaced when the date is approaching. An expired EpiPen might not be able to save the life of a patient experiencing anaphylaxis. If you don't have anything else at hand, use the expired EpiPen. Degraded epinephrine loses potency but does not transform into a harmful compound. It's always better than nothing. Once an EpiPen has been used, it should be discarded safely. To do so, bring it to the pharmacy. | Identify the symptoms. Ask the person if they need help to use their EpiPen. Call emergency services. Check for a medical ID necklace or bracelet. Hold the EpiPen firmly with your fist in the middle. Inject into the mid-outer-thigh. Remove the EpiPen. Prepare for possible side effects. Get to the emergency room immediately. Keep the EpiPen in its case until it is needed. Look through the viewing window. Store your EpiPen in the right temperature. Check the expiration date. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Distressed-Jeans | How to Make Distressed Jeans | If you want to make your own distressed jeans, try the jeans on and mark where you want them to be distressed. Lay your jeans on a flat surface and insert a thick piece of cardboard into your jeans so you don't accidentally cut the other side. If your jeans are very thick, rub them lightly with sandpaper to make them easier to distress. Next, use a shaving razor or a pair of scissors to scrape or cut horizontal slits in the area you're distressing. Pull out individual threads with tweezers, then clean them up with a lint roller. | Select the jeans you want to distress. You can distress any type of jeans. Choose a pair of jeans you do not mind ripping or fraying. If you've never distressed jeans before, you may want to opt for old jeans you do not mind damaging. Try on the denim and mark your jeans. The easiest way to see where to distress your jeans is to try them on. Jeans fit everyone differently, so there is no precise rule of thumb regarding where, say, your knees will fall in the jeans. Try your jeans on and mark the areas where you want holes using a pen, marker, or piece of chalk. Jeans are commonly distressed at the knees, back pockets, upper thighs, or at the sides. Mark which area you want to distress. For example, if you're distressing your upper thigh, think about where you would want the rips to show when wearing your jeans. If you've never distressed jeans before, it is not advised that you distress the sides. Side seams are necessary to hold the jeans together so these areas can rip easily. If you do distress along the sides, only make a few tears. If you plan on distressing your back pocket, it is probably not necessary to try the jeans on first. Find a work station. You should have a flat work station with good lighting. For example, distress your jeans at the kitchen counter. You should also lay something down, like a tarp, to catch any fabric scraps while you're distressing your jeans. Sandpaper the areas lightly (optional). Sanding the jeans will make cutting and tweezing easier, so sand jeans if your jeans are very thick. Also, sanding can create a faded look. If you want faded colors on your jeans, use sandpaper to lightly sand the areas you're distressing beforehand. Only sand the areas a bit, until the color is just faded and the fabric is worn down slightly. Insert cardboard into the jeans. Take a piece of cardboard and cut it until it fits into the pant legs of your jeans. Insert the cardboard into your jeans. This ensures you do not accidentally cut through to the backs of the jeans. When distressing your back pocket, you can put a deck of cards or block of wood in the back pocket to protect your jeans. Cut or scrape horizontal slits in the areas you're distressing. Use a shaving razor or a pair of scissors to distress your jeans. If you want clean holes, cut horizontal lines across your jeans. If you want white threads to show, scrape the edge of the blade across the jean to expose white threads. Keep your cuts half an inch to three quarters of an inch apart (about 1.3 to 2 centimeters). Remember, only make a few cuts if you're distressing the sides of jeans and stay away from the side seams. Pull out individual threads with tweezers. Once the cuts are made, pull away excess fabric with tweezers until the holes are covered by bare strands of thread. Pull out as many threads as you can, only working in the areas where you cut. Try to remove all the colored threads so only white elastic threads are spread across the holes. You will not be able to remove all the colored portions of the thread. There may be some fuzz leftover around the edges of holes when you're done as well. However, these come out in the wash, so do not worry if your jeans are not perfect the first time. Clean up the area with a lint roller. There is usually loose fabric and thread on the jeans after you cut and tweeze them. Take a lint roller and roll it over the areas where you distressed the jeans. Roll the lint roller as many times as you need to remove excess fabric. Wash your jeans. Washing the jeans right after distressing will help remove any more debris and thread. Use a cold wash to protect your jeans. Warm or hot water should not be used on distressed jeans. You can dry the jeans as you usually would before wearing them. Use the right material. Not all jeans will hold up during the distressing process. Denim jeans come in different weights, starting at six ounces (about.3 pounds). In general, opt for denim jeans that are at least 20 ounces (1.25 pounds) when distressing jeans. These jeans will stand up better to the distressing process. The weight should be written somewhere on the label. Read the interior label before washing your jeans. Distressed jeans are more prone to damage in the wash, so read their label carefully first. Make sure you know any special care instructions for your jeans. Follow these closely after washing them. Wash your jeans infrequently. Most jeans do not need to be washed very often. Distressed jeans especially should be washed infrequently to prevent tears. Strive to wash your jeans no more than once a month. | Select the jeans you want to distress. Try on the denim and mark your jeans. Find a work station. Sandpaper the areas lightly (optional). Insert cardboard into the jeans. Cut or scrape horizontal slits in the areas you're distressing. Pull out individual threads with tweezers. Clean up the area with a lint roller. Wash your jeans. Use the right material. Read the interior label before washing your jeans. Wash your jeans infrequently. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Raise-a-Healthy-Child | How to Raise a Healthy Child | The best way to raise your child to be healthy is to encourage and instill healthy eating habits early on. For example, instead of giving your child cookies and sweets as a snack or reward, offer a small serving of tasty, nutritious fruit, like grapes, bananas, or strawberries. This way, they won't develop cravings for sugary, processed foods to begin with. In addition to forming good diet habits, introduce them to fun ways of exercising, such as bike riding, dancing, or playing sports. Make sure your child is getting about an hour of active time each day. | Encourage your child to drink lots of water. Kids dehydrate more quickly than adults, so it is important to make hydration a priority. By the time a child tells you they are thirsty, they have already begun to dehydrate, so you should make water readily available throughout the day and offer your child water often. Young children, over age one, should drink about four glasses (32 oz.) of water a day, while older children should drink about eight glasses of water per day. You can check if your child is dehydrated by their bathroom habits. If they urinate frequently and their pee is light yellow, then they are not dehydrated. Other signs of dehydration include dry mouth, thirst, not having wet diapers for four to six hours (for babies), constipation, dizziness, fussiness or sleepiness (in children), and a sunken soft spot on the top of a baby's head. It is also possible (but rare) for a child to get over-hydrated. Symptoms of overhydration include confusion, seizures, coma, or excess fluid accumulating in the lungs and lower legs. Overhydration usually only occurs with certain medical problems or rarely when giving babies or young children dilute formula or too much water when they are ill. Instill healthy habits early on. Even when you have a baby, if the child is not introduced to sweets, candy, cookies, soda, and the like, they will not have cravings for these foods. Therefore, they won't need these types of treats as they grow older and this will lead to greater overall health. Rather than giving cookies or other sweets as a snack, give your child a small serving of fruit (grapes, bananas, strawberries). These have sugar that they want, but not the overly processed kind. Simply don't buy processed sweets and fatty foods. If you don't keep them in your house, it will be easier to keep them away from your children. Introduce fruits and vegetables. Have a different vegetable every night. Make it fun! Maybe one night could be an Asian-themed dinner, and you could have an Asian chicken salad, or maybe an Irish dinner, and you could have potatoes. The key here is variety. There are many kinds of fruits and vegetables. Give your child a taste of different things so that they will be exposed to these flavors and grow accustomed to them early on. Do not reward children with sweets. If your child shows good behavior do not give them sweets. That just teaches the child that good behavior is only worth it because of the sweets. Reward them with something educational, intellectual, or just a simple hug. This will help instill in them an appreciation for treats, rather than an entitled attitude. Try rewarding your child with quality time or fun activities so that they don't learn to become reliant on food for satisfaction or to feel good about themselves. Eat meals as a family. Studies show that eating more meals at home often leads to healthier eating choices. In addition to the quality time with your loved ones, eating at home allows you to control your child's portion size, to introduce new foods, and lessens the likelihood that your child will turn into a picky eater from being able to choose off the menu at most meals. Make meals from scratch when possible. Creating a meal from scratch means that you control every ingredient that goes into your child's body. You can choose to make substitutions for healthier ingredients or to change up a recipe to account for your family's taste preferences. You can choose to substitute coconut oil for butter if you make a meal from scratch. Substitutions at restaurants or in pre-made meals are less easy. Reinforce a healthy self-image for your child. No matter what kind of eating your family does, it is important to raise your child with a good self-image. Tell your child they are beautiful and talk about loving your own body in front of your child. You should also focus on the health benefits of eating certain foods rather than whether or not certain foods will make you gain weight or lose weight. Do not excessively talk about needing to go on a diet or how much you dislike aspects of your body in front of your child. Exercise. Play sports and games with your kids. At early ages sign them up for soccer, dance, volleyball, baseball, softball, football, basketball, gymnastics, tennis, golf, or any other extra-curricular activities. Keeping fit can be fun, and playing sports teaches not only athletic skills, but helps socially, and builds sharing and team work skills. Children should have about one hour of active time each day. Go on active family outings. Spend time with your kids while being active. Go for a walk. Take them to the water park. Take them to a regular park. Play hopscotch. Jump rope. Do things with your kids that involve more than just sitting on the couch. It will be good for both of you! Replace screen time with active time. Spending too much time in front of the TV or computer is not good for children. It doesn't promote as much brain development as active playing and it is not good for their eyes. Plus, any time spent in front of an electronic device is time that could have been spent playing and expending energy. Try to think of fun, active things for your children to do instead of watching TV or playing video games. You should also limit the amount of time your child is allowed to spend on these devices to two hours per day. Get plenty of rest. Children need a lot more sleep than adults do because they are actively growing and developing, both physically and mentally. A well-rested child has more energy to be active during waking hours, so make sure your child is getting enough sleep. The average toddler needs between 12 and 14 hours of sleep per day (including naps), while kids ages five to 12 usually need around 10 hours of sleep per day. Look at your environment. Children are more susceptible to germs and diseases because their immune systems are still developing. So, it's important to provide a clean and safe environment for your children. This includes things like washing hands frequently (you and your children) and keeping the house clean to minimize allergens that could cause allergies or asthma in your child. You should also avoid cleaners with harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia in them whenever possible. Try purchasing cleaners with non-toxic ingredients and always keep cleaning supplies out of reach. Don’t smoke. Children whose parents smoke get sick more often than those whose parents do not smoke. Second hand smoke can cause asthma and asthma attacks in children. It can also lead to higher instances of ear infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia in children. Get regular checkups. Take your child to see the pediatrician for a checkup at least once a year if possible. Your pediatrician can check for health issues and recommend any treatments or adjustments as needed. Vaccinate your children. Vaccinating your children helps protect them (and others) from potentially serious, but completely preventable, diseases like polio and measles. This is one of the easiest and best things you can do to help your child live a healthy life. If you have questions about vaccines, stick to reputable sources like the CDC and World Health Organization, or ask your pediatrician. There's a lot of misinformation online that can scare parents. Despite internet rumors, careful research has found that vaccines are not linked to autism. The only researcher who claimed this was found to be faking his data and concealing large payments from lawyers who wanted to sue vaccine manufacturers. Autism begins in utero, and parents can't control whether their children turn out autistic. In addition to no longer being at risk for many serious diseases, vaccinated children have higher test scores. Put potentially hazardous objects out of reach. There are many different chemicals, substances, and objects that could cause severe harm to your child if he or she got a hold on them. To protect your child, put any unsafe items out of your child's reach, such as in a locked cupboard, a safe, or on a high shelf. Some items that you should keep out of your child's reach include: firearms and other weapons (keep these locked in a safe and unloaded at all times) chemicals, such as cleansers, pesticides, and personal care products houseplants, especially cacti and potentially toxic plants small items that a child can choke on, such as buttons, screws, or marbles medicines, prescription and non-prescription alcohol and tobacco products garbage Protect your child with an appropriate car seat. Car seats are essential for children until they are old enough to use a regular seatbelt, which is usually when they are around eight to 12 years old. Make sure that you have a car seat that is appropriate for your child's age and size and use it whenever you travel with your child. Always put your child's car seat in the back seat of your vehicle. Airbags can seriously injure your child if she is in the front seat. Use a rear facing car seat until your child is two years old. Then, switch to a forwards facing car seat. Secure the strap across your child's chest, at armpit level. Encourage your child to use a helmet. When your child is using a bicycle, skateboard, roller blades, or scooter, she should always wear a helmet. Make sure that your child's helmet is Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) certified to ensure that it is a quality helmet. This information should be printed on the label. Your child's helmet should fit snugly on her head and it should cover her forehead too. Make sure that it does not wiggle around when she moves. The helmet should stay in place. You can adjust the chin strap to improve the fit. Spend time with your children. Children need to spend time with their parents and to feel that they are a priority in their parents' lives. Set some time aside every day to have uninterrupted interaction with your children. This way, they'll feel valued and prioritized and it will positively impact their emotional well-being. Pay attention to your child’s emotions. Even though it is often easy to dismiss your children's behavior as associated with age (the terrible twos, teenage angst, etc.), it is still important to recognize that your child's feelings are real and valid and they need to feel like you respect them and their emotions. Let your children talk to you about what makes them upset. Try to help them work through their feelings calmly. Don't trivialize your child's feelings, especially if they are sharing with you. Listen to what they say and try to help them resolve any anger or hurt feelings they might be experiencing. Get your child help if they need it. Sometimes children need more help than parents alone can provide for them. Maybe this means specialized doctors' visits, or maybe this means some kind of professional emotional support, through therapy, counseling, rehabilitation, church involvement, etc. You should focus on getting your child the help they need regardless of how you may think it reflects on you as a parent, or any negative social stigma that might be attached to the help you think your child needs. Your child may need help if they exhibit any of the following symptoms : Mood changes Behavior changes Difficulty concentrating Rapid weight loss Intense feelings Self-harming behaviors Substance abuse | Encourage your child to drink lots of water. Instill healthy habits early on. Introduce fruits and vegetables. Do not reward children with sweets. Eat meals as a family. Make meals from scratch when possible. Reinforce a healthy self-image for your child. Exercise. Go on active family outings. Replace screen time with active time. Get plenty of rest. Look at your environment. Don’t smoke. Get regular checkups. Vaccinate your children. Put potentially hazardous objects out of reach. Protect your child with an appropriate car seat. Encourage your child to use a helmet. Spend time with your children. Pay attention to your child’s emotions. Get your child help if they need it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-at-Disneyland | How to Get a Job at Disneyland | To get a job at Disneyland, start by making sure you're at least 18 years old, and that you have a Social Security card or a visa number if you live outside the U.S. Then, work on being positive and smiling whenever you speak, since Disney employees have to be cheerful and enthusiastic all the time. You'll also need to be detail-oriented and have high standards for customer service in order to keep the guests happy. Additionally, be prepared to cover or remove any visible tattoos or piercings since Disney is a company with conservative standards. | Make sure you're old enough to work at Disneyland. Disney has work programs for high school seniors, but you have to be 18 to work most other jobs. If you want to work somewhere that serves alcohol, you'll have to be 21. Check your work documentation. If you're a US citizen, you'll need to show your social security card. If you aren't, don't worry! Disney hires lots of foreign workers, and for some jobs they'll even sponsor you. Check your availability. Disneyland is open all day, every day--including holidays and overnight shifts. There's room for any schedule, but if you can be available all the time, that might help you get hired! Consider applying to lots of different jobs. Disneyland hires for a huge variety of jobs--janitors, waiters, cashiers, costumed characters, engineers, and artists can all find jobs there. Apply to anything that appeals to you--the more applications you have, the more likely you are to be hired. If you're shy, consider working the night shift or backstage. “Backstage” means behind the scenes, away from the park guests. Jobs as characters or performers are in high demand, but don't let that scare you! Look at the personality requirements. Disney employees work hard and have high standards for cleanliness and customer service. They need to be detail-oriented and act cheerful and enthusiastic all the time. Practice responding cheerfully to everything for a few days to get in the Disney mood! Learn about the worker’s union. Full-time workers at Disneyland join a union and pay dues towards it. If you don't want to pay the dues, you should apply for part-time jobs. Make sure you have all your application information. Before you begin the application, make sure you have everything you need. Disneyland might reject your application if it's missing information! You'll need your social security number or visa number. If you've had other jobs, you'll need to know when you worked there, the phone number and address, and the name of your supervisor. Specialized jobs like engineers or artists might require a portfolio or school transcripts. Audition jobs require a written resume and a professional head shot--make sure you have those! Check the careers website. Go to the Disney careers website and search for jobs that fit your interests. Be sure to choose the right location--you don't want to apply to the wrong Disneyland park! Use broad keywords like food, customer service, or characters if you aren't sure what you want to apply for. You can also just look at every available job in the area. If you already know the official title of the job you want, search directly for it. Check to see if you need to audition. Some Disney jobs, like character performers and singers, require you to audition first! If the job you want is audition-only, don't apply through the website. You can just register for the audition linked in the job posting. Some auditions are walk-in. All you'll need to do is show up to the audition! Apply to your favorite positions. Fill out the online application form. Make sure you fill in all the required information. Leaving things blank can make them reject your application! If something doesn't apply to you, you can type NA (for “not applicable”) in the field. Some job applications include a 20-30 minute personality test. Answer this as honestly as possible. Don't send in an application for audition jobs! Go to the audition first. They'll call you back for an interview. Proofread your application before sending it. Make sure that your phone number and email are correct, that everything is spelled correctly, and that you didn't leave any information out. Ask a friend or family member to read through it one more time before you submit the application. Save your application records. Be sure not to delete any emails you get from Disney! Save your application login information and your application confirmation. You'll need to know how to log back into the jobs portal if you're asked to come in for an interview. Check your email filters. As soon as you finish your application, check your email settings. Make sure that any email with a Disney address will go to your inbox instead of a spam or junk folder. Wait for a callback. Keep yourself busy after your application--if there are lots of applicants or if the perfect job for you isn't available yet, it might take a while to hear back. You can also check the job website for updates on your application. Avoid calling to ask about your job application unless it's absolutely necessary. They'll just ask you to check the website for updates. This might give the impression that you have trouble following directions! Reapply after six months. Disneyland will keep your application on file for six months. They'll match it to any openings that fit your application. If you don't hear from them after six months, you can reapply! Prepare to audition if your job requires it. If you have to audition for your job, make sure you're ready! You'll need a professional head shot and a paper resume for performance jobs. Be sure to check the job posting for any other requirements. You might need to bring sheet music or prepare a monologue. Don't forget to practice your audition routine! Depending on what your auditioning for, this could be a song, a dance, or a monologue. Go to your audition if you have one. If your job requires auditions, make sure you know the time and date. You don't need to be called in to audition for most Disney jobs. All you need to do is check the audition schedule and arrive in time to sign up! Don't be nervous--the Disney cast is just as excited as you are! Get all the details you need for your interview. When you're asked for an interview, make sure you have all the information you need. You should know when the interview will take place, whether it will be a single or group interview, where to go and how to get there, parking information, and whether or not you need to bring any additional paperwork. If they person calling you doesn't just tell you this information, ask them--they won't mind! If you applied for more than one job, be sure you know which position you are interviewing for. It's okay to ask! Study the job and the company. Read the job posting again, and spend some time reading through the Disneyland website. You don't need to memorize the website, but you should be able to talk about what the job requires and what kinds of values Disneyland appreciates. Practice being enthusiastic. Disneyland employees need to be very enthusiastic about their jobs! If you aren't a naturally enthusiastic person, practice a little before your interview. Smile whenever you speak, put a positive spin on all your answers, and don't be afraid to sound a little goofy when you talk about how much you want to work at Disney! For example, if the interviewer asks if you have any previous experience, don't just say “no.” Say “Not yet, but I'm excited to jump in head-first as a cast member at Disneyland!” Ask your friends for advice. If you know anyone who has ever worked at Disneyland, ask them for advice. It's okay if you don't know any employees--you can ask your friends and family for general interview advice. You can also post on Disney forums--lots of cast members are happy to answer interview questions! Choose neat, conservative clothing. Disney is a family-friendly company with high standards, so you'll need to show them you can dress the part. If you are applying for an upper-level job, wear a business suit. If you are applying for a customer service job, you can wear dress slacks, a dress shirt, or a knee-length plain dress. Wear conservative colors like gray, navy blue, or beige. Make sure your interview clothes are fit you, and that they're clean and ironed! Don't wear costumes, Disney t-shirts, or hats for your interview. It's still a job interview, even if it's at Disneyland! Cover any tattoos or piercings. Disney employees can't have visible tattoos or facial piercings. Take out your piercings before you go, and make sure your interview outfit covers your tattoos! If you have a tattoo that can't be covered by clothes, cover it with makeup. Arrive early. Showing up late to an interview can ruin your chances. If you can't arrive five or ten minutes early, be sure to be there on time. Don't show up too early. You shouldn't check in for your interview more than fifteen minutes before its start time. Plan your route ahead of time. Be sure to include time for parking and finding the interview room! Answer questions confidently and enthusiastically. Interview questions can be tough, but at a lot of places your attitude is more important than your actual answer. Be confident and enthusiastic, even if you don't know the answer to a question. For example, if they ask you why you don't have open availability, smile and say “I'd love to be here all the time! I'm in school until May, but after that I'll be able to change my availability to something that works well for all of us!” Thank your interviewer. At the end of your interview, smile, look your interviewer in the eye, and shake their hand. Thank them for taking the time to interview you, and tell them you hope to hear from them very soon. You can also send a thank you email if you have the interviewer's direct email address. Don't write a thank you note. It may not arrive until after a decision has been made. Don't send a gift, even if it's just food. This can put the interviewer in an awkward position. | Make sure you're old enough to work at Disneyland. Check your work documentation. Check your availability. Consider applying to lots of different jobs. Look at the personality requirements. Learn about the worker’s union. Make sure you have all your application information. Check the careers website. Check to see if you need to audition. Apply to your favorite positions. Proofread your application before sending it. Save your application records. Check your email filters. Wait for a callback. Reapply after six months. Prepare to audition if your job requires it. Go to your audition if you have one. Get all the details you need for your interview. Study the job and the company. Practice being enthusiastic. Ask your friends for advice. Choose neat, conservative clothing. Cover any tattoos or piercings. Arrive early. Answer questions confidently and enthusiastically. Thank your interviewer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Ninja | How to Draw a Ninja | To draw a cartoon ninja, start by drawing a circle for the ninja's head. Next, and about the same size, draw a square beneath the circle so the two shapes slightly overlap. Draw 4 pellet-like shapes for the arms and legs, facing any direction you wish. Inside the head, draw a small, horizontal oval, and draw two smaller circles inside that oval for the eyes. In one of the ninja's hands, draw a long, thin stick. Finally, erase any unnecessary lines and color your drawing! | Draw a circle for the ninja’s head. Draw a square for the ninja’s body, directly under the base of the circle. Connect the square with the circle by overlapping a small portion. Draw pellet-like shapes for the ninja’s limbs (hands and legs). You may draw the limbs any way or any direction you like. Draw a small, horizontally-elongated oval inside the circle and within the oval draw the ninja’s eyes. Draw a slender rectangle representing a stick at the left-side connected to the ninja’s hands. Erase the overlapping parts that are unnecessary. Refine the lines and edges and add the details. Color to your heart’s content or add more ninjas! Using pencil, roughly sketch the guidelines for drawing a ninja. Begin with a small circle with a cross-section for the ninja's head. Draw an oval a little under the circle and draw a line from the circle through the oval and further; this will be for the backbone of a ninja’s body (for sketch purposes)
Draw two small circles at the upper left and upper right side of the oval. Draw an oval at the end of the line made in step 2. Draw 2 lines connecting the ovals a little before the side's end. Draw two small vertically-elongated ovals from the 2 small circles at the upper oval for the ninja’s arms. Draw 2 vertically-elongated ovals from the oval at the bottom end for the ninja's legs. Extend the limbs by alternating small circles and vertically-elongated ovals. Make a distinction for the feet using smooth triangular shapes. You now have sketch for the body ready for adding some details for the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, body, clothes, and sword. Carefully trace with a pen the outline of your sketch. The sketch will guide you to produce a smooth and neat outline. Trace the smaller details of the ninja to produce drawing effects for the clothes. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Draw-a-Ninja-Step-14Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Draw-a-Ninja-Step-14Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Draw-a-Ninja-Step-14Bullet1.jpg\/aid3057224-v4-728px-Draw-a-Ninja-Step-14Bullet1.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>"} Erase the sketch. Color the drawing as you like! | Draw a circle for the ninja’s head. Draw a square for the ninja’s body, directly under the base of the circle. Draw pellet-like shapes for the ninja’s limbs (hands and legs). Draw a small, horizontally-elongated oval inside the circle and within the oval draw the ninja’s eyes. Draw a slender rectangle representing a stick at the left-side connected to the ninja’s hands. Erase the overlapping parts that are unnecessary. Refine the lines and edges and add the details. Color to your heart’s content or add more ninjas! Using pencil, roughly sketch the guidelines for drawing a ninja. Draw an oval a little under the circle and draw a line from the circle through the oval and further; this will be for the backbone of a ninja’s body (for sketch purposes)
Draw two small circles at the upper left and upper right side of the oval. Draw two small vertically-elongated ovals from the 2 small circles at the upper oval for the ninja’s arms. Extend the limbs by alternating small circles and vertically-elongated ovals. Carefully trace with a pen the outline of your sketch. Erase the sketch. Color the drawing as you like! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-an-Ovarian-Cyst | How to Remove an Ovarian Cyst | To remove an ovarian cyst, it's important that you talk to your doctor since sometimes cysts go away on their own in about 8-12 weeks. Your doctor will likely recommend regular ultrasounds for a few months to see if the cyst is going away. If the cyst doesn't go away, if it gets bigger, or if it's causing serious symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove it. | Ask your doctor to check for cysts during routine pelvic exams. Many ovarian cysts cause no obvious symptoms. If you have a history of developing ovarian cysts, or if you concerned that you might have one for any reason, ask your doctor to monitor for any obvious signs of ovarian cysts during your regular pelvic exams. Your doctor will ask you questions about your health history, possible risk factors, and any unusual symptoms you might be having. Evaluate your risk of developing cysts. There are a few different types of ovarian cysts including follicle, corpus luteum, and non-functional. Different cysts have different risk factors associated with them, and non-functional cysts can be indicative of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Take a close look at your health history, and work with your doctor to determine if you are at risk. You should be monitored for ovarian cysts if you: Are taking certain hormonal medications, such as the fertility drug clomiphene. Have had a serious pelvic infection. Have a previous history of ovarian cysts. Have endometriosis. Have polycystic ovary syndrome, or some other condition that affects your sex hormones. If you are post-menopausal, you are at greater risk of developing cancerous cysts. See your doctor if you have any symptoms of ovarian cysts. Most ovarian cysts don't cause any obvious symptoms. Symptoms may occur if your cyst is large, ruptured, or blocking the blood vessels that supply your ovaries. If you have sudden, severe pelvic pain, go to the emergency room or call emergency services immediately. See your doctor if: You experience pelvic pain, either dull and persistent or sharp and sudden. You feel pain during intercourse. You feel the need to urinate frequently. Your periods are unusually heavy, light, or irregular. Your abdomen is bloated or swollen. Your abdomen feels full or heavy, even if you haven't eaten much. You have trouble getting pregnant. You experience any pain in your back or thighs You have frequent nausea or vomiting or a fever. Get tested for ovarian cysts if you have symptoms. Your doctor may perform several tests to determine if you have ovarian cysts. They will probably start by performing a pelvic ultrasound. If any cysts show up on the ultrasound, the doctor may recommend one or more of the following: A blood-based pregnancy test to detect hormonal changes associated with certain kinds of cysts. A CA 125 blood test to look for elevated proteins that can occur with ovarian cancer and other conditions such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease. Laparoscopic surgery to examine the cyst directly, remove the cyst, or take tissue samples to test for cancer or other conditions. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Depending on the cause of your cyst, its size, and whether it is causing any serious symptoms, your doctor may recommend either removing the cyst or waiting for it to go away on its own. Many cysts heal on their own in about 8-12 weeks. In many cases, the best option is “watchful waiting.” Your doctor may recommend that you come in for regular ultrasounds over a period of a few months to monitor the condition of the cyst. If the cyst gets bigger, does not go away after a few months, or causes serious symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst or, if necessary, the entire ovary. Ask your doctor about a laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is the least invasive form of surgery to remove ovarian cysts, with the quickest recovery time. In a laparoscopy, the surgeon makes tiny cuts in your lower abdomen and inflates your pelvis with carbon dioxide gas to make the ovaries easier to reach. They then insert a tiny microscope camera and light into your abdomen in order to see the cyst, and remove the cyst through the small incisions. Laparoscopy is typically done under full general anesthesia. The recovery time for laparoscopy is relatively short. Most people can go home the same day. You may experience abdominal pain for 1-2 days after the surgery. Some people have neck and shoulder pain for several days after the surgery. This will go away as the carbon dioxide is absorbed by your body. Look into a laparotomy for larger cysts or possible cancer. If your cyst is extremely severe, or if there is any concern that it might be cancerous, your doctor may recommend a more invasive surgery called a laparotomy. For this surgery, the surgeon will make a single large incision in order to access the cyst and ovary directly. In some cases, they may need to remove the entire ovary. A laparotomy is performed under general anesthesia. You might need to stay in the hospital for a few days after a laparotomy. It may take 4-8 weeks for you to recover fully. If your cyst or ovary test positive for cancer, more surgery may be needed to remove any additional cancerous tissue. Follow your doctor’s pre-operation instructions carefully. Before your surgery, your doctor will give you a full physical exam and take your medical history. They will also provide you with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the operation. These instructions are meant to protect you from potentially harmful or fatal complications, so do not ignore them. Your doctor may ask you to: Stop taking any medications that might cause bleeding problems, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or warfarin. Quit drinking alcohol or smoking in the weeks leading up to the surgery. Stop eating or drinking any food or water a certain number of hours before the surgery. Let the surgeon know if you develop any signs of illness in the days before the surgery, such as cold or flu symptoms or a fever. Take care of yourself after the surgery. Your doctor will also provide you with detailed post-op instructions. Depending on the type of surgery, you may need to take it easy for a few days to a few weeks before returning to your normal activities. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help manage the pain after the surgery. Always consult your doctor before taking any other medications during your recovery. Do not lift anything weighing over 10 pounds (4.5 kg) for at least 3 weeks after your surgery. Ask your doctor when it is safe to have sex again after your surgery. Get medical help if you have any complications after surgery. Some people experience problems while recovering from an ovarian cyst surgery. Contact your doctor or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: A high or persistent fever. Nausea or vomiting. Heavy bleeding. Swelling or pain in your pelvis or abdomen. Dark or bad-smelling discharge from your vagina. | Ask your doctor to check for cysts during routine pelvic exams. Evaluate your risk of developing cysts. See your doctor if you have any symptoms of ovarian cysts. Get tested for ovarian cysts if you have symptoms. Discuss your treatment options with your doctor. Ask your doctor about a laparoscopy. Look into a laparotomy for larger cysts or possible cancer. Follow your doctor’s pre-operation instructions carefully. Take care of yourself after the surgery. Get medical help if you have any complications after surgery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Snapback | How to Wear a Snapback | To wear a snapback, wear it forwards with a sports jersey or polo shirt if you're wearing it to the game. You can try an urban look by wearing a brightly colored snapback facing forwards or backwards, and combining it with a casual but cool jacket and shades. If you're a girl with long hair, top off your outfit by wearing your hair down or in a braid. Guys with long hair can also wear their hair down, or tie their in a bun. Alternatively, guys and girls with long hair can tie it in a ponytail. | Wear a snapback classically. Wearing a hat with the brim facing forward is the most classic way to wear a snapback, but it doesn't have to be boring. Typically hats are worn like this at sporting events with team names, numbers, or logos on the front of the hat, but you can also wear a snapback like this as a fashion statement. For a girl, the classic look to follow this snapback is wearing your hair in a ponytail or a braid. This style helps achieve a cute, sporty look that complements your outfit, but you can also wear your hair down, or in any other style if you desire. For a guy with long hair, your hair can be worn down or pulled back into a ponytail or a bun. Clothes that complement this look are t-shirts, sports polos, or outfits that look pretty casual. Look hip with an urban style. Snapbacks are often popular to wear in this kind of style, helping to create a hip-hop, urban look that portrays confidence and attitude. Some people wear snapbacks facing backwards, but others might consider that outdated or a fashion no-no. You can wear your hat similarly to that of a classic snapback, but your style that goes along with it is really what gives you that urban look. Try throwing on a pair of sunglasses and a casual, but hip jacket. The look you want to achieve here is cool and casual, but still fashionable. You generally also want to aim for a very flat-brimmed hat, as this well help you achieve the best urban look. Another, less common, option for an urban look is to where your snapback facing forward, but with a slight tilt. For girls, achieving an urban look plays a lot into your style and the type of hat you choose. Pick a hat that's somewhat edgy with a wild print, bright color, or embellishments, and wear your hair in a loose braid or down. Guys should also choose a hat that's somewhat edgy with a brand logo or a bright color. You can pair this with a white t-shirt and some bling, or you can go for a more relaxed look with a vintage T denim jacket, and dark shades. Achieve a European look. Snapbacks are popular in European cultures, where the style is very chic and simplistic. Choose a hat with bright colors and wear it facing forward, but with the brim pointed upwards, where the hat is resting on your head at an angle. Then, pair with skinny jeans, a stylish hair cut, and some hip European style sneakers. If it's a cold month, consider throwing on a scarf or sweater. The key to achieving this look is really the hair and clothes. If you wear the hat like this but pair it with a t-shirt and shorts, people won't know what look you are trying to achieve. Europeans often wear muted colors with little pattern, and usually pair outfits with a nice jacket (like leather) and some stylish shoes. Also, the majority of stylish men in Europe have fashionable haircuts, with the hair on the top of the head longer and usually gelled to one side, and the sides cut short. Styling your hair to look European can also help improve your European look. Girls can follow this similar style, by wearing their hair down with tightly fitted jeans and a jacket, and can throw in some stylish jewelry. Figure out your desired look. Snapbacks come in all different styles, so before you choose a snapback, you'll want to figure out what look you are trying to achieve. Snapbacks can be worn to support sports teams, as fashion statements, or to represent a certain brand (like Vans). Whatever look you're going for, make sure you choose a snapback that represents you. Snapbacks have made a comeback due to their appearance in hip hop culture, and because of that they have a certain edginess. This gives you flexibility on what kind of snapback to choose, meaning you don't need to fit in a box when wearing a snapback. If a hat pops out to you, but it's not your typical style, buy it anyways! Snapbacks can help represent individuality, so throw caution to the wind and defy those stereotypical norms. Look at the color and style. Because snapbacks come in all different colors and styles, it can be challenging to choose a snapback that will fit many outfits. However, the great thing about snapbacks is it's really more about the way you wear them, and not necessarily the color of the snapback that complements your outfit. You may still want to choose a snapback that goes with your general style: if your usual look is more sporty, then choose a snapback with your favorite team, or if you tend to dress edgy or have an urban style, choose a snapback with embellishments or even a fun, bright color. Try on the snapback. Before you purchase a snapback, you'll want to try it on to make sure it fits your head well, and that you like the way you look in it. Most snapbacks come in a one size fits all, because they have adjustable snaps on the back, but different brands may fit differently on your head, so find a snapback that feels comfortable and fits well. Wear clothes that complement your snapback. As previously mentioned in going for a specific look, the key to great style with a snapback is wearing an outfit that complements your snapback, or wearing a snapback that complements your outfit. These are some tips, but know that there is always flexibility in your style: For guys and girls, snapbacks can be worn with casual clothes. Whether you are wearing a t-shirt and jeans, a sports jersey, flannel, or a stylish jacket, a snapback can be paired with may different outfits to help the outfit come together. For a more urban look, you might consider wearing a graphic tee and a snapback that has a logo on it. Try color coordinating but not too much. Your outfit can really come together if you have a hat that goes well with the colors in your outfit, but you don't want to be too matchy-matchy. Use a bright colored hat to compliment neutral colors in your outfit, or wear a hat that matches the color of your jewelry, shoes, or another accessory. Never wear all of the same color, and try to match your hat with the style of your outfit: you probably don't want to wear an embellished, super colorful hat while wearing a t-shirt for your favorite sports team. Play up different hairstyles. For a girl there are a lot of different options for snapbacks, like wearing your hair down, throwing it in a pony tail and looping it through the back of your snapback, or wearing it in a braid. For a guy with short hair there obviously aren't many options, but a guy with long hair can wear his hair down, or throw it in a bun (which is a popular style today for longer hair) or in a ponytail. Wear a great pair of sneakers. Stylish sneakers really go well with any snapback, so choose a colorful pair or a subdued pair, and wear them frequently with your snapback. Closed toe shoes look the best with snapback hats, so you might avoid wearing sandals or open toed heels -- it doesn't really produce the same look. Remember your age. Unfortunately not all fashion accessories can be worn at all ages, the snapback being one of them. In some countries, like Europe, boys and men often share the same style, but in countries like the United States, wearing a snapback at an older age can make it seem like you are stuck in the past or don't know how to best dress for your age. You can still be quite stylish at an older age, and you can definitely still wear hats, but wearing a snapback is generally common among teens and young adults, so you might try sticking to styles that complement your age instead of making it look like you are trying to look much younger. If you really want to wear a snapback, you definitely can. Some people want to stand out and don't want to fit in with societal norms, which is totally fine, but just remember that others may not consider it the best style option. Consider the outing. Snapbacks are great fashion accessories that can really boost your style, but should only be worn at appropriate times. If you are attending a formal event, or going to a job interview, avoid wearing a hat as this can often be too casual. There are other ways to show your style and uniqueness, so before you throw on your snapback, think about the place you are going and the people that will be there. Be who you are, not someone you aren't. Before you wear a snapback, make sure you are wearing it for the right reasons. You want to feel comfortable in your snapback and it should complement your personality. If you're going to feel insecure in the snapback you have chosen or feel like a poser then maybe it's best to save the style change for a later time or choose a snapback that better fits you. The point is, snapbacks require confidence, and if you don't feel confident in one then it will likely be noticeable. Wear it because it fits you, not because you are trying to fit into a certain group of people. | Wear a snapback classically. Look hip with an urban style. Achieve a European look. Figure out your desired look. Look at the color and style. Try on the snapback. Wear clothes that complement your snapback. Remember your age. Consider the outing. Be who you are, not someone you aren't. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tap-a-Keg | How to Tap a Keg | To tap a keg with the American D, European S, or U systems, remove the plastic or cardboard cap from the top of the keg. Ensure the lever on the pump is pulled up, then seat the pump into the opening on the keg valve. Push the tap system down on the keg valve, then twist the tap clockwise about 90 degrees. Pull the pump lever out and push it down to engage the tap. If you see bubbles or foam escaping around the tap, disengage the pump and reseat it. | Identify the type of tap. The majority of Domestic beer kegs sold in the US use the American "D" system. However it is wise to confirm this with the vendor, as some imports may require a different tap system. Possible systems include: American "D", European "S", and "U" systems The Grundy "G" system The German Slider or "A & M" systems Ice your keg. To insure the perfect head on your beer, chill your keg before tapping. To properly chill your entire keg (and not just the bottom half): Line your keg bucket with a plastic garbage bag. Fill the bottom of the bag with ice. Place your keg in the bag and on top of the ice. Pack more ice in the garbage bag, around the perimeter of the keg. Pull the bag up and around the keg, while packing with more ice. It helps to enlist a friend here. One to hold the bag up, around the keg, while the other friend fills the bag with ice. Secure the bag full of ice around the keg. Let your keg sit on ice for 4-5 hours. You may need to periodically replace the ice, as it melts. Ice your tap. Do not forget to also ice the tap system. Otherwise you will lose carbonation when your cold beer hits the warm tubing of the tap system. To properly cool your tap system put it on ice for one hour before you need it. Remove the plastic or cardboard cap from the fixture on top of the keg. You will see a few open slits on the keg top and a round valve with ball bearing in the middle. The slits guide the tap's notches and helps hold it in place. Note the "D","E" and "U" valves are very hard to distinguish by eye from the German slider, "A" & "M" systems. Make sure you ask the vendor. Seat the pump on top of the keg. With the lever up (OFF), align the two coupler lugs with the corresponding opening on the keg valve. Push the tap system down on the keg valve. You will drive the ball bearing down. You do not need to be Schwarzenegger to do this but a little elbow grease helps. While continuing to push downward. Twist the tap clockwise. It is important to keep a steady downwards pressure on the tap until it is fully screwed in. Keep twisting until you can not twist anymore, about 90 degrees. Engage the tap. Pull the handle out, and push it down (ON). OR Twist the flanges. Check the seating. If you see bubbles or foam escaping around the tap it is not seated correctly. If bubbles are escaping around the tap, you will need to disengage the pump, take it off and try again. If the seating looks good and there are no bubbles around the tap/keg seam, continue on. Remove plastic or cardboard cap from the fixture on top of the keg. You will see a triangle shaped valve on the keg top. Seat the pump on top of the keg. With the lever up (OFF), align the triangular coupler opening with the keg valve. Push the tap system down on the keg valve. You do not need to be Schwarzenegger to do this but a little elbow grease helps. While continuing to push downward. Twist the tap clockwise. It is important to keep a steady downwards pressure on the tap until it is fully screwed in. Keep twisting until you can not twist anymore, about 90 degrees Engage the tap. Pull the handle out, and push it down (ON). Check the seating. If you see bubbles or foam escaping around the tap it is not seated correctly. Disengage the pump. Take it off. Try again. If the seating looks good. There are no bubbles around the tap/keg seam, continue on. Remove plastic or cardboard cap from the fixture on top of the keg. You will see a round valve. Note the "A" & "M" keg valves are very hard to distinguish by eye from the "D", "S" or "U" systems. So make sure to ask your vendor. Seat the pump on top of the keg. Make sure the keg coupler handle is in the upright OFF position. With the lever up, align the base of the coupler with the side of the keg valve. Slide the keg system onto the keg valve. Engage the tap. Press the handle down and ON to complete the connection. Check the seating. If you see bubbles or foam escaping around the tap it is not seated correctly. Disengage the pump. Take it off. Try again. If the seating looks good. There are no bubbles around the tap/keg seam, continue on. Get your cups. Scratches on the inside of your glass can act as nucleation sites for bubbles to form. Thus scratches can cause your brew to lose carbonation. To avoid this, if your glasses have scratches, simply rinse them with water before filling. If you are using plastic cups scratches are not a problem. Start pouring. Do not pump for the first few pints. Just push down on the nozzle. The pressure already in the keg is more than enough to expel your beer. Set the foam aside. Do not worry, when the first pint is all foam. This is normal and beer will follow shortly. However you do want to make sure you deal with the foam properly. Foam begets more foam. Therefore, adding beer to the foam glass will only create more foam and waste more beer. So pour that first foam into a spare glass and let it settle before adding more. Pour the beer. To minimize the head. Tilt your cup at a 45° angle as you first fill. This allows the beer to roll around the cup as it pours. As your glass fills you will return it to a vertical position. Maintain the perfect pour. There is no rule governing how many pumps per pint you need. Instead monitor the flow of beer. If your beer is expelling too fast and you see foaming, do not pump anymore. Some kegs have a pressure release valve that you can open by pulling the metal ring attached to it. If your once-steady stream of beer has slowed to a drip. Give your keg a few pumps. | Identify the type of tap. Ice your keg. Ice your tap. Remove the plastic or cardboard cap from the fixture on top of the keg. Seat the pump on top of the keg. Engage the tap. Check the seating. Remove plastic or cardboard cap from the fixture on top of the keg. Seat the pump on top of the keg. Engage the tap. Check the seating. Remove plastic or cardboard cap from the fixture on top of the keg. Seat the pump on top of the keg. Engage the tap. Check the seating. Get your cups. Start pouring. Set the foam aside. Pour the beer. Maintain the perfect pour. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-to-Know-a-Girl-Before-an-Arranged-Marriage | How to Get to Know a Girl Before an Arranged Marriage | Before tying the knot, choose a comfortable public meeting place like a cafe or park and start by asking her easy questions about her hobbies or her favorite foods. If you're nervous about talking to her, try visiting a museum or taking a dance class, and talk about the activity you're doing together. As you spend more time together, invite her to speak freely and ask you any questions she has. | Set aside private time together. It's important that you and your partner spend plenty of time alone together (without your families). This is how you will come to know things like her basic disposition and her likes and dislikes. The more time you have together, the better sense you will have of how well the two of you get along. Choose the right meeting place. You want to break the ice, so select a setting that will relax you and your lady. This will allow for open communication. You have plenty of options, but make sure that your meeting place is outside the home. Consider a public park or other outdoor setting. Restaurants and coffee shops are also good options. Pay attention to her behavior. Meeting outside the home will also give you the opportunity to observe how she acts in social settings. Observe how she comports herself. How does she treat members of the opposite sex, strangers, and people below her social class? Start with icebreakers. Remember, she may be just as nervous as you are, so start off by asking questions about her hobbies, her favorite foods, the meaning of her name, etc. If she is not forthcoming at first, you can talk about yourself and she will gradually open up to you. Ask about her education and career plans. A great way to establish rapport is to show your interest in her ambitions. Avoid the temptation to talk at length about about your own job, and instead make her goals the focus of the conversation. Try asking, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” Inquire about her expectations for marriage. Yes, marriage is about compromise, but both of you will have expectations of each other. Sharing these, you can begin to envisage a life together. Ask, “What are your hopes for marriage?” Find out about her responsibilities to her parents. She may have financial obligations to her family, which she may want to honor even after marriage. Ask, “What are your duties to your parents?” Share openly. As intimacy develops between you, you'll want to take the time to divulge your longings, fears, personal history, and so on, and to find out about about hers. This will bring you closer together, and help you find commonalities and assess your compatibility. Tell a funny story from your childhood. Ask about her school and college days. Invite her to ask you anything. This is a chance for her to ask questions she might others be too shy to ask. Be prepared to answer questions that may make you uncomfortable, such as medical and financial ones. Afterwards, she will probably allow you to do the same. Exercise together. If you and your lady are into physical activity, try doing yoga classes or going to the gym together. You may find that the adrenaline rush gets rid of your inhibitions and gets the conversation flowing. Take a class together. Whether it's painting, pottery, or cooking, classes are great dates because there is something to focus on if you're nervous. If you have a particular skill, it's a great opportunity to show it off for your lady. Afterwards, you'll be able to talk about the class together. If you don't want to spend the money on a class, you can recreate the experience with a video or online recipe. Go to a comedy club. Laughter is the best way to break down barriers. Visit a museum or art gallery. You will bond over beautiful works of art, and will have much to discuss, and possibly, debate. This is another great way to have focused conversation that can easily segue into more a personal exchange. Go dancing. This activity will get your endorphins going, and give you the chance to practice nonverbal communication. Ask about her way of life. Ask her questions about her friends and what she does for fun. This will help you get a sense of whether she is introverted or extroverted by nature. Try asking, “What do you in your free time?” You may even offer to join her for one of these activities. Get to know her family and friends. Join them for dinner, or casual socializing. Observing her with her family will help you understand who she is and how she gets along with the people closest to her. It will also allow you to see what she will be like when you start a family together. Seeing how she interacts with her friends will enable you to imagine sharing a group of friends. Ask about her clothing. If your family is traditional and she likes Western attire, there may be a conflict. However, you may find that she or your family is willing to compromise. If it's the case that she wears Western clothing and your family is conservative, you can explain your family's preferences, and ask, “Would be open to dressing more traditionally?” | Set aside private time together. Choose the right meeting place. Pay attention to her behavior. Start with icebreakers. Ask about her education and career plans. Inquire about her expectations for marriage. Find out about her responsibilities to her parents. Share openly. Invite her to ask you anything. Exercise together. Take a class together. Go to a comedy club. Visit a museum or art gallery. Go dancing. Ask about her way of life. Get to know her family and friends. Ask about her clothing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Physical-Fitness | How to Improve Physical Fitness | Improving your physical fitness can seem challenging, but by taking small steps to improve your exercise and eating habits, you can do it! You should aim to do 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise 5 days a week. Try jogging, kickboxing, stair-climbing, or any exercise you enjoy that gets your heart-rate up! It can help to download a fitness app to keep track of your progress and encourage you to meet your goals. If you don't have time to exercise on certain days, try finding small ways to get yourself moving. For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or do sit-ups during commercial breaks. Besides exercising, you'll want to eat a balanced diet of lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. Try to stay away from unhealthy foods like fries, candy, and baked goods, since these aren't a good source of nutrients. | Set goals. Having a fitness goal or a series of little goals that you are working towards will help you to stay focused and may even help to keep you motivated. Make sure that you set goals that are SMART (specific, measurable, action-oriented, realistic, and time-based). For example, if you want to exercise every day, you might set your goal as something like, “I will go for a brisk 30 minute walk every morning this week.” Track your progress. Keeping track of your fitness progress is a great way to stay motivated. Tracking your progress can also make it easier to see when you reach a fitness goal. You can track your progress in lots of different ways. Some tracking methods for physical fitness include: Weight and/or body measurements Mile time How much weight you can lift Number of sit-ups/push-ups you can do Your ability to hold a difficult pose, such as a plank, for a certain amount of time Start small. Although it is rare, jumping right into vigorous exercise after being sedentary for a long time can increase your risk of having a heart attack; therefore, it is best to go slow and start with something less intense, such as walking, swimming, or biking. Starting slow will also help to reduce your chances of getting injured, which can put a hold on your fitness efforts. After a while, you can increase your activity intensity and duration, such as from walking to jogging, or biking on a flat surface to biking on a somewhat hilly surface, or swimming for 45 minutes instead of 30 minutes. Starting with small, more easily-achieved goals helps people stick with their plans. Drastic changes are harder to stick with — find something that you enjoy and seems doable. Include 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity most days. Cardiovascular activity is an essential part of any plan to improve physical fitness. Exercising for 150 minutes per week (or 30 minutes on five days per week) is recommended, so try to make this amount of activity part of your schedule. As an alternative, you may do 75 minutes of vigorous cardiovascular activity. For example, you could do 15 minutes of kickboxing, stair climbing, or running on five days out of every week. Keep in mind that exercising for longer is better. If you can fit in 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, then you will gain more health benefits than if you exercise for 150 minutes per week. Add strength training. Strength training is also essential for physical fitness, but you only need to do two strength training workouts each week. Make sure that these two workouts target all of your major muscle groups, including your abs, arms, back, chest, hips, legs, and shoulders. Both workout groups don't have to focus on all muscle groups at once. For example, one workout can focus on your arms, back, chest, and shoulders. The other workout can focus on your abs, hips, and legs. Take a class. Exercise classes provide a good workout and a social outlet as well. Group exercise classes may also help you to stay motivated more than working out on your own. Try taking an exercise class such as: Spinning Zumba Step Yoga Tai chi Pilates Find little ways to move more. Adding more small bursts of physical activity into your day may also help to improve your physical fitness levels. Even if you only have a few minutes, you can take advantage of this time and get a little extra physical activity into your day. For example, you could do some sit-ups during a commercial break, park your car further away from the entrance at the grocery store, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. All of these little changes will help to improve your cardiovascular health and build your strength. Consider working with a personal trainer. If you have a hard time staying motivated or if you just are not sure where to start, a trainer can help you. Working with a trainer can give your fitness efforts a good jump start and working with a trainer may also make it easier to stick with your program. A personal trainer can also teach you some effective workout strategies to keep you interested and seeing results. Some personal trainers will also provide you with meal plan ideas and advice about how to maximize your results. Determine how many calories you need to eat per day. To improve your physical fitness, you will also need to pay careful attention to your diet. If you are trying to lose weight, then you will need to eat fewer calories than you burn. If you are trying to gain weight, then you will need to eat more. Keep track of everything you eat. Whether you need to lose weight or gain weight, you will need to keep careful track of how much food you take in every day. Try starting a food diary to keep track of your caloric intake. Measure your food. Measuring your food is important to ensure that you are not overestimating or underestimating how much food you are taking in on a daily basis. Read the labels on everything you eat and measure out appropriate portions to ensure that you are getting the right amount of calories every day. Follow a balanced diet. What you put into your body can make a big difference in your results and how you feel. That is why it is important to follow a balanced diet as you work towards your fitness goals. Some things that you should include in your diet are: Fruits and vegetables, such as bananas, apples, oranges, broccoli, spinach, carrots, and peppers. Lean protein, such as skinless chicken, wild sockeye salmon, lean cuts of grass fed beef, seeds, nuts, eggs, soy, dairy, beans, lentils, and chickpeas. Some grains are also good sources of lean protein, such as quinoa, hemp, amaranth, buckwheat, and chia. Complex carbohydrates, such a brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, and quinoa. . Eliminate unhealthy choices As you work to include healthier foods in your diet, you should also do what you can to eliminate unhealthy choices. Try to reduce your intake of foods that: Are high in sugar and/or trans fats, such as sugary cereals, candy, and baked goods. Are greasy or fried, such as onion rings, French fries, and deep fried fish Are highly processed, such as canned soups, crackers, and frozen dinners Drink lots of water. Drinking water will help you stay hydrated and it can also help you to eat less by filling up your stomach temporarily. Try to drink eight 8-ounce (250-ml) glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. If you have been exercising, then you will need to drink more water to replace the water that your body has lost. Try swapping water for the beverages that you normally drink, such as juice, soda, and coffee. See your doctor. Before you make any major changes to your activity level or diet, you may want to schedule an appointment with your doctor. Some people have restrictions on diet and exercise levels based on medical conditions, so it is best to check with your doctor before you make major changes to your diet or activity levels. Do not rely on the internet to tell you what restrictions you have based on your medical condition. Each condition is unique; your doctor will know you the best. Lose weight if you are overweight. Being overweight puts you at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, and it may also be preventing you from being as physically fit as you could be. If you are carrying extra weight, then you may want to consider starting a weight loss program. Keep in mind that you don't need to lose a ton of weight to see health benefits. Even losing 5% to 10% of your total body weight can help to reduce your blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and improve your blood sugar levels. Quit smoking. Smoking can interfere with your fitness goals and it can also lead to life-threatening diseases such as cancer, emphysema, and COPD. If you smoke, then talk to your doctor about treatment options that might make it easier for you to quit. There are prescription medications and smoking cessation programs that may help you to stop smoking. Not every treatment may work for you. You may have to try several before you find the right one. Don't expect treatments to work immediately. Some require several weeks before you start seeing any significant results. Cut down on alcohol. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can also make it hard for you to improve your physical fitness. Alcohol adds empty calories to your diet and it can also cause dehydration, fatigue, and other health problems. Do not consume more than one drink per day if you are a woman and no more than two drinks per day if you are a man. If you often binge drink and/or find it hard to moderate your alcohol intake, then you may want to talk to your doctor. You may need to seek treatment to help you stop drinking. | Set goals. Track your progress. Start small. Include 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity most days. Add strength training. Take a class. Find little ways to move more. Consider working with a personal trainer. Determine how many calories you need to eat per day. Follow a balanced diet. . Drink lots of water. See your doctor. Lose weight if you are overweight. Quit smoking. Cut down on alcohol. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-More-Masculine-when-Feminine | How to Become More Masculine when Feminine | If you want to become less feminine and more masculine, start by adopting attributes that are traditionally seen as masculine, like a willingness to take risks and make decisions not based on emotions. At the same time, make sure to own your emotions rather than hide them, since hiding how you feel can lead to anxiety and depression. If you want to dress more masculine, opt to wear neutral or dark tones and go for a rugged or casual look with few accessories. You can also try more masculine grooming habits by growing out a beard or experimenting with a shorter, simpler hairstyle. | Project confidence. There's a lot of evidence that men tend to act more confident and self-assured than women, even when they have equal qualifications. If one of your goals is to be taken more seriously or to command more authority, make it a priority to fight self-doubt and unnecessarily passive behavior. Anyone can take these steps, even people who decide to stick with a more feminine appearance: Adopt confident body language, including straight-backed posture , eye contact, and arm positions that leave the front of your body "open." Accept compliments and stop over-apologizing. (Say "Thank you, I appreciate that." instead of "It's nothing.") Practice asking for what you want and acknowledging your own abilities. ("Yes, I do have experience in ____ but I charge $___ for this kind of work.") Take risks. Much like confidence, risk-taking is often associated with a masculine attitude. This can show up as a reckless behavior for its own sake, but a more positive aspect is the ability to push yourself to make smart but scary choices. Examine the assumptions in your life that are holding you back, and think outside the box for ways to break free. Are you only staying in your job because change frightens you? Is your romantic life suffering because you are timid about pursuing or advancing relationships? Sometimes you need to risk bold steps to get where you want. If you get nervous about everyday risks, start facing your fear in minor ways. For example, push yourself to try something difficult in your hobby or workout. You'll either gain confidence by succeeding, or practice handling failure in a context with no major consequences. Be tough. In most Western societies, men are expected to have thick skins and handle themselves. The next time you feel like complaining about something, stop and think. If it's just a minor annoyance, let it go without trying to seek sympathy. This may help you most in professional contexts, where avoiding grudges and gossip can make your work life much easier. It's important to realize the negative side of this cultural pressure as well. American men are much less likely than women to seek help for serious problems, especially ones related to emotional and mental health. This makes it much harder to recover, and ironically places a burden on their friends and family who have to deal with the unresolved turmoil. It's not a virtue to pretend you can handle absolutely everything without help. Be independent. Take responsibility for your own practical upkeep. Unless you're doing this just to meet other people's expectations, that means learning how to darn your own socks, not just "male" activities like changing a tire. Set goals and achieve them. Ambition and confidence in your goals are two traits often cultivated more in men than in women. Adopting a more "manly" attitude helps some people focus on their goals and get past the worrying stage. Whether it's a career, romance, or a personal achievement, set your eyes on the prize and find a way to start on the path today. Ask the hard questions, and work as hard as you can to answer them until you figure out your goals and know how to reach them. It's okay for things not to go your way or to find that reaching your goals is harder than you expected. React with calm and determination. Recognize hyper-masculinity. Hyper-masculinity is the attempt to embody masculine stereotypes as fully as possible, even if they don't benefit you. These stereotypical behaviors include extreme competition (especially with other masculine people), aggressive pursuit of sex, and seeking conflict or domination (especially over feminine people). This lifestyle makes it difficult to form close relationships, since it tests boundaries and rejects cooperation. People who act in hypermasculine ways are more likely to physically or sexually abuse their partners. They may also take dangerous risks for little benefit, or feel forced into behaviors they don't enjoy in order to maintain their image. Participating in sports and competitive games can be an excellent way to let loose your inner "alpha male" in a controlled context. Own your emotions. What did Rafael Nadal do right after he won the 2013 U.S. Open? He cried like a baby. Does that mean he isn't masculine? Absolutely not. Past generations of men lionized the blank-faced cowboy, but it's increasingly common for masculine people to express their emotions. People of both sexes who hide their emotions are more likely to have unhappy relationships, experience severe anxiety or depression, and even develop stress-related diseases. At the very least, stay emotionally open with the closest friends and family in your life. Even in professional contexts, expressing your emotions without flinching or looking ashamed can support your masculinity by demonstrating self-assurance. If you're not at that stage, it's okay to put on a stoic face in public. Just don't be afraid to express emotion when it matters. Speak your mind. If you have something constructive and useful to say, say it. A masculine conversation style revolves around assertion, and a willingness to voice your opinion even if you might make a mistake. There's an ugly side to this divide: in mixed-gender groups, men usually dominate the discussion, and often don't realize that they are interrupting women or not giving them a chance to speak. Whether you present as a man or a woman, try to pay attention to this dynamic. The group might get a lot more out of a meeting with a more cooperative or speak-in-turn format, or a social hangout that breaks into small groups. Don't overthink it — at least not out loud. Being masculine means knowing exactly what to do — or at least making it look that way. Admitting to a mistake or uncertainty can lead hypermasculine, competitive people to value your opinion less. Whether or not you think this is healthy, the reality is that hiding the chinks in your armor can help you win a fight when it counts. Ideally, do this in a way that doesn't bulldoze over a better idea or devolve into a pointless shouting match. If it becomes clear that your initial decision was the wrong choice, graciously propose a change without dwelling on your mistake or over-apologizing. This works best in a debate where you are the most knowledgeable person in the room. If someone is trying to "out-male" you, responding in kind with a confident demonstration of your expertise is a quicker path to success than trying to compromise. Crack people up. Men tend to make many more jokes than women, even though there doesn't seem to be a major biological difference in "funniness." In heterosexual romance, women tend to find funny men attractive, while men like women who laugh at their jokes. If you present as male, making witty observations (even if they sometimes fall flat) may help you be seen as more masculine. People who present as female, unfortunately, have a much harder time adopting that stereotypically male style, and may get mixed reactions even when they make the same jokes. Women who want to be "one of the guys" can try amping up the humor, but the success may depend on how traditional their friends' viewpoints are. Be the person you want to be. Everyone has a mix of masculine and feminine traits, not to mention non-gendered characteristics. Your masculinity will shift in style and forcefulness depending on context, and that's fine. Before you turn every conversation into a testosterone contest, remember the flip side of masculinity: the confidence to be honest without letting fear of judgement hold you back. Sometimes you need to take off the Indiana Jones hat and soften a little: Own up to your mistakes. If you can't admit your flaws, people will characterize you as the worst masculine stereotype: someone so invested in having their way that they end up emotionally fragile and sabotaging others' success. Don't let pride and confidence cross the line into bragging. Yes, showing off for a crush is one of the most universal masculine activities, but it gets old fast if you overdo it. Dress in a more masculine way. Looking the part isn't fundamental to changing your inner behavior, but it has a huge effect on how other people treat you. In most places in the U.S., a masculine look usually involves neutral or darker tones, few if any accessories, fairly loose-fitting trousers, and leaning toward rugged or casual instead of clothes that look carefully selected or expensive. It's impossible to lay down one masculine stye for the entire world. There are countries where men wear brightly colored robes, and social groups where a custom-tailored suit and silver cufflinks are an expression of male power. Observe your "manly" friends and ask them for advice if you're not sure where to start. Have more masculine grooming habits. If you're male, growing more facial hair is an obvious way to appear more masculine. Fuller beards or scruff are generally more masculine than a carefully trimmed style, but like clothing this varies based on context. People of either sex can adopt a shorter, simpler hairstyle, or ask a barber to recommend a more masculine look. Even if you want to be more masculine, you should still take care of your hair and body by showering frequently enough to stay clean, but not so frequently that you don't give off some natural odor. Make a female body look male. If you were assigned female at birth and want to present as male, you'll likely need to bind your chest. Whether you do or not, baggy clothing that hides your curves can make a big difference. Do not use Ace wraps as they can hurt your ribs. Also don't use tape, as this does not move with your body and can cause more damage. Use a professional binder only, avoid over-compressing, and rely on it only for short-term use. Binding your chest incorrectly can cause lasting damage. Have masculine swagger. If you want to look like a man, adopt masculine body language. Stand proud and tall when you walk into a room and keep your shoulders out. Walk quickly and with purpose, and look straight ahead of you, not down at the floor. Lead with your shoulders rather than your hips. Be quick to smile and don't fidget, play with your hands, or groom yourself in public. Look like you're happy to walk to whatever destination that lies ahead of you, even if it's your math class. Smile at people, but don't slap a goofy smile on your face at all times. Don't bite your lip or squint with uncertainty. Instead, keep a straight face with just a slight smile and keep your eyes wide open, ready for the next challenge ahead. Get your body in order. You don't have to become a bodybuilder, but physical fitness goes a long way toward a masculine appearance. Hit up the gym a few times a week, play basketball, go running to improve your cardio, go for a hike, or just do whatever makes you happy and improves your physical condition. Being masculine means being in control — and your body is one of the things that you want to have control over. Pride in your body helps with that fundamental masculine trait: confidence. Keep in mind that almost everyone needs to work on their attitude to achieve this, not just the treadmill. Get physical. That's right. If you want to be more masculine, then get some dirt on your body. Don't be afraid to fix your own car, mow the lawn, paint your house, or do any household chores or recreational activities that put some dirt or grease on your body. None of this makes you a man, but it might be what you're looking for if you enjoy the hands-on, practical use of your muscles that has formed the bulk of "men's work" for all of history. Get some masculine hobbies. If you want to act more masculine, then you should take on some more masculine hobbies. It could be carpentry, motorcycle riding, taking care of your car or truck, hunting, fishing, or sports. This isn't a requirement, but it's one way to reinforce your own feelings of masculinity. | Project confidence. Take risks. Be tough. Be independent. Set goals and achieve them. Recognize hyper-masculinity. Own your emotions. Speak your mind. Don't overthink it — at least not out loud. Crack people up. Be the person you want to be. Dress in a more masculine way. Have more masculine grooming habits. Make a female body look male. Have masculine swagger. Get your body in order. Get physical. Get some masculine hobbies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Report-Immigration-Fraud-in-Canada | How to Report Immigration Fraud in Canada | If you're aware of immigration fraud, such as a marriage of convenience, or someone overstaying their visa, you can report them to Service Canada or Immigration. Make sure you write down any facts and records you have, including the names and addresses of anyone involved, physical descriptions of them, and any incidents that have happened. For some types of fraud, such as abuse of Canada's temporary foreign worker program, you can file a report on the Service Canada website. Otherwise, call the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada center. If you live outside Canada, report any immigration fraud involving a Canadian to the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Although, generally you won't hear the results of your report, you should contact them back if you get any new information. | Locate the appropriate embassy or consulate. If you want to report immigration fraud and you are currently located outside of Canada, the easiest way to do so is to find the Canadian embassy or consulate nearest you. You can find locations of all Canadian embassies and consulates by visiting the Travel page of the Government Canada website. Immigration fraud also can be reported to your nearest visa center. Visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) website for locations if you want to file your report with a visa center. For some types of fraud, you may want to report to the embassy or consulate in the country where the fraud is taking place, rather than the embassy or consulate nearest you. While you can file your report at any of Canada's immigration offices abroad, you can save time by directing your report to the embassy or consulate that likely has contact with the individuals involved. Gather information about the fraud. Before you submit your report to Canadian officials, gather any documents or evidence you have and write a comprehensive outline of all the factual details you know so you don't leave anything out. The more information you have, the more likely it is that embassy or consulate officials will be able to investigate and uncover the fraudulent activity. However, don't worry if you don't have much information, and don't put yourself in danger attempting to acquire more information for the sake of a report. Submit your report. Once you've got your information together, contact the Canadian embassy or consulate where you've decided to file your report and talk to an official about what you know. These reports are always confidential, and you may be able to remain anonymous if you want to do so, for example because you fear for your safety. Although Canadian officials don't invoke penalties for reporting false information, do your best to make sure that the information you provide is complete and accurate to the best of your knowledge. Include as many details as you can, and don't leave anything out. Something you think is unimportant could turn out to be the fact that breaks the case for the investigators. If possible, get an identification or case number for your report so if you need to follow up with additional information later you can do so without repeating the same information over and over again. Follow up if necessary. Authorities typically won't give you information regarding any investigation that follows from your report, but if you learn any new facts you should contact the same embassy or consulate where you filed your original report. If you were provided with a case number, you can give it to the official with whom you speak so your new information will be connected with your original report. Even if you don't have a number to identify your case, you still should provide additional information as you come across it. Just be sure to give the official enough information to connect the two reports so they aren't treated as separate. Organize the information you have. Before you report immigration fraud, take a moment to write down all the facts you know, including details of any incidents you've observed in chronological order. Since you may be filing your report over the phone, writing down the factual details you have can help you ensure the accuracy of what you're telling the agent. The most valuable information includes identifying information about the person you suspect of immigration fraud, such as their name, address, and date of birth or approximate age. Keep in mind that the more information you have about the person, the more likely immigration agents will be able to find and investigate the situation. Without much to go on, the person won't be identified and the fraud will likely continue. If you observed any specific incidents, write down as many details of those incidents as you can recall, including the date, time and location where the incident happened. Determine if you can file a report online. For some types of fraud, such as abuse or misuse of Canada's temporary foreign worker program, you can file a report online at the Service Canada website. Online reporting can be easier because you have time to compose your message and double-check your facts before you submit your report. If you file a report online, any identifying information you provide will be kept confidential and not released unless you provide specific consent for authorities to do so. However, you don't need to provide any identifying information at all and can remain anonymous. Call the appropriate phone number. For most types of citizenship fraud, you can file your report by calling the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Call Centre and speak to an agent. The IRCC Call Centre number is 1-888-242-2100. Automated service is available 24 hours a day seven days a week. However, if you want to speak to an agent and report immigration fraud, you should call Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. (your local time), excluding statutory holidays. Citizenship fraud relates primarily to people who pretend to live in Canada to become a citizen, or who hid information about their case so they could gain citizenship. For other types of immigration fraud, another number may be more helpful to get your report to the right agency that can do something about it. For example, if you know of immigrants who are not paying taxes, you can call 1-866-809-6841 to report that type of fraud. If you know immigrants who are trying to hide assets offshore, you can report that activity by calling 1-855-345-9042. Tell the agent what you know. Provide all factual details you know about the fraud, including names and locations or any other information that may help identify the individuals involved in the fraudulent activities. Provide as many specific details as you know, but don't worry if there's something you don't know – even if it seems important. Depending on the content of your report, the agent may have questions for you. Answer them as best you can, but feel free to say you don't know if they ask something about which you don't have information. You typically can remain anonymous, but it may be important to your report to identify yourself or your relationship to the person you're reporting – especially if you want the agency to keep your identify confidential. Update your report as necessary. While you typically won't be able to find out what happens as a result of your report, if you learn any new information you should call the same number you used to file your original report and tell an agent about it. If you were given a report number when you made your initial report, you should give that number to the agent who answers so that your new information can be connected to your initial report and everything is all in one place. Take care not to go out of your way or put yourself in danger to learn new information. The agency will investigate based on the information you provided. If you gave contact information, an agent involved in the investigation also may contact you with questions. Assess the level of the situation. Who you call to report suspicious border activity depends on the level of danger involved. If you suspect that someone's life is in danger, or if you know a victim of human trafficking, you should contact your local police immediately. Don't take the law into your own hands or become involved in illegal activity yourself, whether to get more information or to protect possible victims. If you're concerned for your own safety and want to submit a report anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Gather information about the activity you've observed. While you want to take care not to put yourself or anyone nearby in any danger, the more factual details you have about the activity, the more likely it will be stopped. You may want to create an outline with the dates, times, and locations of activity you've observed. If you're observing continuing activity, take notes of your observations as the incident is happening. You may be able to record more information in the moment than you would be able to remember later. Documents and photographs also may be helpful if you can acquire them safely. Consider contacting your member of parliament (MP). Particularly if you've observed ongoing activity on several occasions, your MP may be able to investigate and help you report the situation to Border Services. Call your MP's office and tell the staff member that answers that you want to schedule an appointment. After you've scheduled your appointment, you may want to look into your MP's background and positions, if you aren't already familiar with them. Learning about your MP's stance on immigration can help you understand how to approach them. Bring all the information you have about the immigration fraud you're observing with you to the appointment. Explain to the MP that you're not asking them to investigate the matter. You only want them to help you report and bring the issue to the attention of someone in Border Services who will do something to stop the fraud from continuing to happen. Call the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The CBSA is responsible for investigating immigration matters that relate specifically to smuggling and illegal border crossings. The agency has a hotline you can call at any time 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-888-502-9060 to file your report with the CBSA Border Watch. Press "1" when prompted to speak to an agent, and tell the agent what you want to report. Include as much specific information as you have, including names, addresses, ages, and physical descriptions of those engaging in fraudulent activities. At a minimum, the CBSA needs the persons complete name, age or date of birth, and a description of the fraud the person has committed. Ask the agent for a log or case number so that if you have to call again, you can give that number to the agent who answers. Follow up on your report. While the CBSA will begin investigating your report as soon as possible, the time it takes to complete an investigation varies, and they will not give you any information regarding an ongoing investigation or its results. Your identity will be kept confidential. While the CBSA may share information with other law enforcement agencies, your identify will not be revealed and you likely will not be contacted again as a result of your report. For that reason, if you learn new information it's up to you to call the CBSA number again and let the agent know what you've learned. Keep in mind that the CBSA prioritizes certain types of issues, such as terrorism and human smuggling, over others. The CBSA takes every tip seriously and will investigate it as soon as possible as far as they can given what you've told them. Even though you can't expect to learn anything regarding the progress of the investigation, additional information can move the investigation forward. | Locate the appropriate embassy or consulate. Gather information about the fraud. Submit your report. Follow up if necessary. Organize the information you have. Determine if you can file a report online. Call the appropriate phone number. Tell the agent what you know. Update your report as necessary. Assess the level of the situation. Gather information about the activity you've observed. Consider contacting your member of parliament (MP). Call the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Follow up on your report. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clarify-Butter | How to Clarify Butter | "To clarify butter, start by melting it in the microwave. Then, let it stand for a couple of minutes so the solid and liquid parts of the butter separate. Once they've separated, use a turkey baster to suck up the clarified liquid butter from the dish and transfer it to a new container. If you don't have a turkey baster, you can use a spoon to skim the solid pieces from the top of the butter until you're left with only clarified liquid butter. | Melt butter. Place any quantity of butter in a saucepan and melt it slowly over low heat. Don't let it brown. Remove the butter from heat and let it stand. The foamy solids will gather at the surface of the melted butter. Skim the butter fat from the top. Use a spoon to remove the whitish solids, then strain the clear yellow liquid into a container. Melt butter. Place any amount of salted or unsalted butter in a pan and melt it completely. Don't overcook it or it will brown. Let the butter stand for a few minutes. The solids will rise to its surface. Pass the butter through a cloth. Pour the butter through a clean tea towel or damp cheesecloth after melting. Let the liquid run through the cloth into a bowl. Melt butter. Melt whatever quantity of butter you wish in a saucepan over low heat. Don't let it get so hot that it browns. Let the butter stand. Remove it from heat and let it sit until the solids gather at the top. Pour the butter into a resealable bag. Use the type of food storage bag that has a zipper seal. Seal the bag, making sure it's locked. Let the butter cool. Two distinct layers will form in the bag; a liquid layer on the bottom, and a solid layer on the top. Snip off a corner of the bag. Snip off just enough of one of the bottom corners to make a small hole for the liquid to run through. Let the liquid run into a bowl. The solids won't be able to pass through the hole. Put unsalted butter in a standard tall and wide drinking glass. Put the glass into the microwave. Melt the butter slowly at mid-power until you see the three layers develop (top foamy solids; middle clear yellow liquid; and bottom heavy solids). Let the glass stand for a couple minutes. Leave until the layer separation is complete. Remove from the microwave. Squeeze the turkey baster bulb. Insert it into the middle layer and suck the clear yellow liquid (clarified butter) from the glass. Transfer it into a separate container. Repeat until all the clarified butter is extracted, leaving the solids behind. | Melt butter. Remove the butter from heat and let it stand. Skim the butter fat from the top. Melt butter. Let the butter stand for a few minutes. Pass the butter through a cloth. Melt butter. Let the butter stand. Pour the butter into a resealable bag. Let the butter cool. Snip off a corner of the bag. Let the liquid run into a bowl. Put unsalted butter in a standard tall and wide drinking glass. Put the glass into the microwave. Let the glass stand for a couple minutes. Squeeze the turkey baster bulb. Transfer it into a separate container. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Plant-a-Palm-Tree | How to Plant a Palm Tree | To plant a palm tree, dig your hole at least 6 inches wider and deeper than the tree's root ball. Then, put 6 inches of sand in the bottom of the hole. Next, expose the root ball's root system and ease the tree down, making sure the root ball is slightly lower than the level of the adjacent ground. Fill the hole, watering as you go, and build a soil barrier around the newly planted tree to help it retain water. | Select the variety of palm you want to plant. Palms vary in size from relatively small Windmill and Sago Palms, to giants like Royal Palms and Queen Palms which, when grown, may tower fifty feet in the air. The amount of sunlight palm trees require, as well as the amount of cold they tolerate, also depend on species. Consult a list of some common palms used in landscaping, and their sunlight requirements and cold tolerances: Warm weather palms: Cuban or Florida Royal Palm. Cold tolerant to 22° F (-5° C); full sun to partial shade. Sago Palms. Cold tolerant to 20° F (-6° C); filtered sunlight to full sun. Canary Island Date Palm. Cold tolerant to 19° F (-7° C). Queen Palm. Cold tolerant to 18° F (-7° C); full sun. Cold weather palms: Mexican Fan Palm. Cold tolerant to 15° F (-9° C). Cabbage Palms. Cold tolerant to 12° F (-11° C); full sun. Pindo Palm. Cold tolerant to 10° F (-12° C). Chinese Windmill Palm. Cold tolerant to 8° F (-13° C); full sun. Opt for a small, medium, or large palm depending on budget, aesthetics, and maneuverability. What size palm you select will depend largely on just three things: Budget: Small palms cost less, big palms cost more. Small palms can cost as little as $100 while big behemoths can cost thousands of dollars. Aesthetics: Do you want to watch your palm grow, or do you want it to immediately fit into your landscape? Mature trees cost much more than immature trees. Maneuverability. Starting with mature palms is expensive, sometimes so big that they need to be trucked and craned into the site. If you're trying to plant in a location where maneuvering big trees is going to be hard, you may want to opt for a smaller one. Choose the location for your palm. Because large palm trees are extremely heavy and you may need to use heavy equipment during the planting process, it's best to look for an area that is easily accessible. Planting on an even, low slope in the front yard will be much easier than planting on a steep grade or in the back. Do not dig a hole or drive vehicles where underground utilities can present hazards in the location you choose. Check into the property plat plan. See city or county permits, maps and utility plats, and call your local utility for locating service to be sure of routing of underground utilities, if there is any doubt. Hitting an underground water, natural gas, petroleum, power, or telephone line can cause real problems, liability and unnecessary headaches. Maneuver the tree close to the location you will be planting. This will make digging the hole the proper size much easier, since you can measure the root ball of your tree and compare that to the hole as you dig. Some palm trees can be buried above their root ball. For example a Mexican Fan Palm ( Washingtonia robusta ) can be buried 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) deeper than the original top of the root ball. This can be advantageous when you are trying to match all trees to a specific height. It would also eliminate the need for bracing. Do not bury the root crown (top of the tree ball) or trunk of any other palm trees; please consult with a certified arborist prior to planting if you have any doubts about how deep your palm can be planted. Dig your hole so that it's at least six inches wider on all sides and six inches deeper than the plant’s existing root ball. Then put 6 inches (15.2 cm) of sand in the bottom of the hole. With a tape measure, determine the width and height of the palm's root ball and then dig accordingly. Try a quick drainage test , if where you're digging the hole is poorly drained clay or has much exposed rock or stone ledges. Dig a hole 16 inches (40.6 cm) deep, in soil with normal moisture, then fill it with water (extremely arid, dry or wet/soggy soil is not able to give a good test result). If it drains within an hour or two, you have excellent drainage. If it drains within 12 hours, you have acceptable drainage. If it hasn't drained after 24 hours, you have a drainage problem, and you probably shouldn't plant at that location without fixing it first. Be sure that the hole is deep enough to barely cover the top of the palm's root ball, but not so deep that the trunk can be drowned and rot. Exposed top of the tree's root crown is good -- but grading soil up to and exposing the root ball is a no-no. Palms with exposed root balls are said to be “on their tiptoes,” and are less stable. On the other hand, palms planted too deeply risk rot on their trunks, also destabilizing them, causing disease and rot. Remove the root ball cover (usually burlap or plastic) to expose the roots. Avoid shaking the soil from the roots any more than necessary, since this will allow them to dry and cause the delicate, hairlike feeder roots to die. Also avoid splaying the root ball before planting; although it may seem like you're giving the roots room to breathe, this process actually does more to hurt the root ball than help it. Ease the tree into position, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly lower than the level of the adjacent ground. Typically, the top of the tree's root ball should remain only 1 or 2 inches (2.5 or 5.1 cm) below the ground when the tree is seated and the hole is filled all around (backfilled). Straighten the tree. Palm trees often have curved trunks, so the plant may not be plumb (vertical) when you finish the project. Also make sure to find the front side of the palm, e.g. the side that has been given the most sunlight. Depending on your preference, you'll probably want the sunny side of the palm facing a spot where you can enjoy it. If the palm is in the front yard, that probably means facing the street; if it's in the backyard, that probably means facing the house. Backfill the hole barely covering crown. Fill the hole with a washed plaster-grade sand backfill, watering as you go. The sand backfill will ensure good drainage plus provide rigidity so you may not have to brace the tree. Build a soil barrier. Build a soil barrier a bit like a berm or dam all the way around the outside of the hole. This will help retain water for the newly planted tree. Once you've finished the barrier, you are ready to water. The barrier will guarantee enough moisture to keep the palm's roots from hardening. Stake the tree to keep it standing, if necessary. Palm trees do not have large tap roots that support it, so they must be temporarily braced to keep them standing until their roots become established. That is, unless you are using the washed plaster sand backfill. This normally provides enough rigidity to avoid using braces. Wrap the trunk at least 1/4 up the tree's height with a 16 inch (40.6 cm) wide piece of burlap to keep the bracing board cleats from chaffing the bark when the tree tries to sway in high winds. Drive stakes on three sides, equidistant apart around the tree's circumference, and fasten lumber support braces (2X4 treated lumber will work) to blocks of wood secured to the trunk with tie wire, placed over the burlap. Water the tree thoroughly. You may want to create a small earthen dam around the root ball to keep the water from shedding away from the tree's roots while you water, particularly if the tree is on a hillside or in soil that doesn't absorb water easily. Mulching the base of the tree will also help to keep the soil moist. Use about 3 inches (7.6 cm) of non-compacting mulch. Hold off on fertilizing the palm for six to eight weeks after planting. Remember, transplanting your palm tree already poses a shock. Unfortunately, adding fertilizer poses another shock. To minimize the shock your tree might experience and maximize its chances of thriving, don't fertilize until six to eight weeks after planting. When you do decide to fertilize, remember to use a slow-acting fertilizer, and hold off placing the fertilizer directly near the trunk. Place the fertilizer one or two feet around the trunk of the tree to avoid over-fertilizing. You should also consider improving your palm's soil with mycorrhizal fungi. Palms evolved to have a symbiotic relationship with these fungi and thrive when they are present in the soil, as the fungi colonize the tree's root system and help it take in nutrients and water. You can purchase mycorrhizal treatments online or from plant stores. Keep the tree watered as often as necessary until it is established, if the soil is gravel and sand it will need more watering. The establishment period will depend on the type of tree, its size, and whether it was a container plant or a wrapped root ball specimen. Generally, the roots should be watered thoroughly, but not flooded. Watering daily for the first few weeks, weekly for the following few months, then tapering off the watering is a normally suggested schedule. | Select the variety of palm you want to plant. Opt for a small, medium, or large palm depending on budget, aesthetics, and maneuverability. Choose the location for your palm. Do not dig a hole or drive vehicles where underground utilities can present hazards in the location you choose. Maneuver the tree close to the location you will be planting. Dig your hole so that it's at least six inches wider on all sides and six inches deeper than the plant’s existing root ball. Remove the root ball cover (usually burlap or plastic) to expose the roots. Ease the tree into position, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly lower than the level of the adjacent ground. Straighten the tree. Backfill the hole barely covering crown. Build a soil barrier. Stake the tree to keep it standing, if necessary. Water the tree thoroughly. Hold off on fertilizing the palm for six to eight weeks after planting. Keep the tree watered as often as necessary until it is established, if the soil is gravel and sand it will need more watering. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Midi-Skirt | How to Wear a Midi Skirt | To wear a midi skirt, start by pairing it with a shirt or sweater that ends around the waist, or one that can be tucked into the waist. For work, choose a fitted, button down shirt, or a basic T-shirt with a statement necklace, depending on the dress code. Outside of work, try more casual tops like crop tops and loose sweaters. As for shoes, stick with pumps or stilettos with pointed toes to elongate the look of your legs. Alternatively, choose long boots, or ankle boots with opaque tights underneath. | Select a skirt that falls at mid-calf. A midi skirt is typically supposed to be worn at mid-calf-length. That is where the name “midi skirt” originates from. Depending on your height, it can be difficult to find a skirt that comes down to that length. If that's the case, you can choose to wear it shorter or get it altered. Choose a skirt that falls just below the knee if you’re petite. If you're short, a midi skirt can make you look even shorter. The skirt may not look quite right even if you do find a skirt that comes to mid-calf. Instead, choose a skirt that comes just below the knee. It won't make you look even shorter and will still be considered a midi skirt. Opt for a skirt that fits snugly around the waist. A midi skirt is meant to be pulled up to the narrowest part of your waist. When trying on skirt, look for one that fits snugly around that part of your body. Wear a belt or have the skirt altered if you have trouble finding a skirt that fits correctly around your waist. Choose a fitted or loose skirt. Midi skirts are most often worn loose around the legs, but they can also be worn tightly fitted. A loose skirt is great for a casual or business style. A fitted skirt would be better for a formal occasion or for a night out. Consult a tailor. It's rare to find a midi skirt from the store that fits perfectly. Consider going to a tailor to have your skirt altered to your exact measurements. You could also use a sewing machine if you already know how to make alterations. Tuck your shirt in. This type of skirt looks best when the shirt is tucked into it. The outfit can look shapeless if a loose top is worn with a loose midi skirt. Choose a relatively short, fitted shirt that can be easily tucked into your skirt. Wear a crop top. A crop top is a great choice to wear with a midi skirt because it allows your waist to be shown off. You can wear a long sleeve, cap sleeve, or a sleeveless crop top. This look works for both a day or night out. Wear a loose shirt with a fitted skirt. A loose shirt can work well if the midi skirt is fitted. Wear a loose sweater or a long sleeve shirt with the skirt. Tuck in the skirt if it is longer than the waist of the skirt. This look works well for a slightly dressed up outfit on a day out. Choose a button-down for work. Depending on your dress code, a button-down shirt paired with a midi skirt is great for an office look. You can wear the button-down with a loose, flowing skirt, or a fitted midi skirt. Tuck the shirt into the skirt. Pair a simple T-shirt with the skirt. A simple T-shirt is great to wear with a midi skirt because it can be dressed up or down. You can wear it loose or fitted, but it should be tucked in. Wear a statement necklace to dress the look up. Wear simple or no jewelry at all to keep it casual. Avoid shoes with ankle straps. Shoes with ankle straps can make your legs look shorter when wearing a midi skirt. This may not be a problem if you already have very long legs. If you do not, opt for a pair of basic pumps or stilettos. Wear pointed flats. It is possible to wear flats with a midi skirt without shortening the look of your legs. Look for a pair of flats with a pointed or almond toe. It is also best to wear a shorter midi skirt when wearing flats. Choose long boots. Avoid wearing a pair of ankle boots that leaves a portion of the leg exposed. Instead, wear a pair of boots that are long enough that come under the midi skirt. If you don't have a pair of long boots, wear ankle boots with opaque tights underneath. Wear simple sneakers for a casual look. Choose a basic pair of sneakers for a comfortable and casual look. Look for a pair of sneakers that have a very simple design and are only one color. Pair the sneakers with a loose midi skirt and basic T-shirt. | Select a skirt that falls at mid-calf. Choose a skirt that falls just below the knee if you’re petite. Opt for a skirt that fits snugly around the waist. Choose a fitted or loose skirt. Consult a tailor. Tuck your shirt in. Wear a crop top. Wear a loose shirt with a fitted skirt. Choose a button-down for work. Pair a simple T-shirt with the skirt. Avoid shoes with ankle straps. Wear pointed flats. Choose long boots. Wear simple sneakers for a casual look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lighten-Dark-Knees | How to Lighten Dark Knees | If you want to lighten your dark knees, make a natural lightening paste by mixing together equal parts baking soda and lemon juice. Once you have the paste blended, use your hands to rub it into your knees for about a minute, then rinse it away with water. Keep repeating this routine every day and eventually, your knees will start to lighten. If you don't want to make a scrub, simply exfoliate your knees with a loofah or rough sponge when you take a shower. Make sure to use lotion on your knees every day as well, since dryness is one of the most common causes of dark skin. | Make a sugar and olive oil scrub to exfoliate your knees. Mix ⁄ 3 cup (79 ml) olive oil and 2/3 cup (134 g) of white sugar in a bowl until they're thoroughly combined. Then, use your hands to rub the scrub into your knees. After rubbing for about 30 seconds, let the scrub sit on your knees for 5 minutes before rinsing it off with water. Using an exfoliating mixture on your skin helps to remove dead skin cells, which can make the skin appear lighter and brighter. Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make a natural lightening paste. Add equal parts baking soda and lemon juice to a small bowl, and stir them until a paste forms. Use your hands to rub the paste into your knees for about 1 minute, and then rinse with water. Both baking soda and lemon juice work well as natural lightening agents for many people, and the grittiness of the baking soda helps to exfoliate your skin. Both of these can help to make dark skin look lighter over time. Rub almond oil on your knees for an inexpensive moisturizing treatment. Every night, apply 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of almond oil to your knees. Make sure your knees are coated with the oil, and then cover them with a strip of fabric or a towel overnight. While almond oil is a natural lightener, it will also add moisture to your skin, which helps to reduce darkness by making the skin more supple. Apply an aloe vera mask if you have scars or sun damage on your knees. Mix ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of plain yogurt with 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of freshly extracted aloe gel. Use a spatula to apply the mask to your knees, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes. Then, rinse your knees with water. Aloe has been proven as a natural healing for scars in a number of studies. To extract aloe gel from the leaves of an aloe plant, simply cut the leaf off of the plant and slice down the center of the leaf. Then, use a spoon to scoop the gel out of the leaf. If you don't have fresh aloe gel available, you can purchase pure aloe from most pharmacies or supermarkets. Use a loofah or rough sponge on your knees in the shower. If you don't want to make a scrub, you can use a physical exfoliator like a loofah or sponge to scrub away the dead skin cells. Purchase one at your local supermarket, pharmacy, or beauty supply store, and use it to wash your body in the shower, scrubbing each of your knees for at least 30 seconds. Physical exfoliation with a loofah, sponge, or gentle pumice stone is a common treatment for the symptoms of psoriasis and other dry-skin conditions. Use lotion on your knees everyday to reduce dryness. Apply a moisturizing lotion every morning and evening, focusing on your knees. Look for lotions that contain petrolatum as an ingredient, which forms a protective barrier on the skin to trap moisture. Dryness is one of the most common causes of dark skin throughout the body. If you stop applying moisturizer regularly, the dark spots on your knees may return. Wear sunscreen every day to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation. If you have a darker skin tone, you may be more susceptible to skin damage and scarring on your knees. Each morning, apply a sunscreen to your knees, especially if you're wearing shorts, a skirt, or a dress. Many experts recommend that While it's not easy to reverse hyperpigmentation or scarring, you can prevent it from getting worse by wearing sunscreen. In some cases, using sunscreen can even remove dark spots entirely! Apply a chemical whitening cream or gel to treat dark knees. If you do have permanent dark spots, look for a whitening cream that contains 2% hydroquinone as an ingredient. Rub the cream on your knees everyday for 4-6 weeks for the best results. For people with sensitive skin, hydroquinone can cause inflammation. If you feel a burning or tingling sensation when you apply the cream, rinse your knees with cold water immediately. Avoid using lightening creams for longer than 6 weeks. They can cause skin irritation and damage to the outer layer of skin, and long-term use of whitening cream has been linked to certain types of cancer. Increase your water intake to improve hydration. If you suspect that your dark knees are caused by dry skin, drink more water! In general, aim to consume at least 68 fluid ounces (2.0 L) of water every day for healthy, glowing skin. If you don't see results from increasing your water intake, consider using a natural remedy or applying a moisturizer in addition to drinking water. Visit a dermatologist to diagnose pigmentation issues or skin diseases. If you've tried multiple methods to get rid of your dark knees but haven't had any results, make an appointment with a dermatologist. There, the doctor will be able to do tests and look at your knees to identify a likely cause for the dark skin in that area. Be sure to explain which methods you've used to try to get rid of your dark knees. Your doctor may be able to explain why your skin is darker in that area, and can offer more potent treatments for lightening the skin. Get tested for diabetes if you have permanent dark spots on your knees. Sometimes, individuals with undiagnosed or untreated diabetes will develop dark spots on their knees and shins. If you have spots that won't go away, visit your doctor to get tested for diabetes. This condition is called “diabetic dermopathy,” and people often mistake these marks for age spots. | Make a sugar and olive oil scrub to exfoliate your knees. Mix baking soda and lemon juice to make a natural lightening paste. Rub almond oil on your knees for an inexpensive moisturizing treatment. Apply an aloe vera mask if you have scars or sun damage on your knees. Use a loofah or rough sponge on your knees in the shower. Use lotion on your knees everyday to reduce dryness. Wear sunscreen every day to prevent sun damage and hyperpigmentation. Apply a chemical whitening cream or gel to treat dark knees. Increase your water intake to improve hydration. Visit a dermatologist to diagnose pigmentation issues or skin diseases. Get tested for diabetes if you have permanent dark spots on your knees. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Contribution-Margin | How to Calculate Contribution Margin | To calculate contribution margin, start by finding out how much the product sells for. Next, determine the variable costs of the product, such as wages, materials, and utilities. Then, subtract the total variable costs from the price to find the contribution margin. For example, let's say a company sells baseballs for $3.00 each, with a variable cost of $2.00 per baseball. In that case, you would subtract $2.00 from $3.00 to get a contribution margin of $1.00. | Determine the price of the product. The first variable you need to find for the contribution margin equation is the price the product is sold for. Let's follow along with an example problem in this section. For example, if you run a factory that manufactures baseballs, and sell the baseballs at $3 apiece, then you'll use $3 for your baseballs' price. Determine the variable costs associated with the product. Besides the product's cost, the only other variable we need to find to determine its contribution margin is its total variable cost. The variable costs associated with a product are those that change with the number of products made, like wages, materials, and utilities like power, water, and so on. The more products made, the greater these costs will be — because these costs vary , they're called "variable" costs. For instance, in the baseball factory example, assume the total cost of the rubber and leather used to make the baseballs in the last month was $1500. On top of this, you paid your workers $2400 and your factory's utility bill amounted to $100, for a total of $4000 in variable costs. If the company produced 2000 baseballs in that month, then the variable cost of each baseball is (4000/2000) = $2.00. Note that, in contrast to variable costs, fixed costs are those that do not change as production volume changes. For example, the rent that our company pays on its factory building will be the same no matter how many baseballs are produced. Rent, therefore, represents a fixed cost. Fixed costs are not included in the contribution margin calculation. Other common fixed costs are buildings, machinery, patent applications, etc. Utilities might fall under both fixed and variable costs. For instance, the amount of electricity used by a store during operating hours is the same whether or not a single product is sold. But in a manufacturing plant, electricity may be a variable depending on the amount of product being manufactured. Determine whether or not you have any utilities that fall into the category of variable costs. Subtract the variable cost per unit from the price. When you know the variable cost and the price of a product, you're ready to find the contribution margin by simply subtracting the variable costs from the price. Your answer represents the amount of money from the sale of a single product that the company is able to use to pay fixed costs and generate profit. In the example, it's easy to find the contribution margin of each baseball. Simply subtract the variable costs per ball ($2.00) from the price per ball ($3.00) to get (3 - 2) = $1.00. Note that in real life, the contribution margin can be found on a business's income statement, a document companies publish for investors and the IRS Use the contribution margin to pay fixed costs. A positive contribution margin is almost always a good thing - the product recoups its own variable costs and contributes (hence "contributing" margin) a certain amount towards the fixed costs. Since the fixed costs don't increase with the amount of product produced, once they're paid off, the contributing margin from the remaining products sold becomes pure profit. In the example, each baseball has a contribution margin of $1.00. If the rent at the factory is $1500 and there aren't any other fixed costs, 1,500 baseballs need to be sold per month to recoup the fixed costs. After this point, each baseball sold produces $1.00 of profit. Find the contribution margin ratio by dividing by the price. Once you find the contribution margin for a certain product, you can use it to perform a few basic financial analysis tasks. For instance, you can find the contribution margin ratio , a related value, by simply dividing the contribution margin by the price of the product. This represents the portion of each sale that makes up the contribution margin — in other words, the portion that's used for fixed costs and profit. In the example above, the contribution margin per baseball was $1.00 and the price was $3.00. In this case, the contribution margin ratio was 1/3 = 0.33 = 33%. 33% of each sale goes towards paying fixed costs and making profit. Note that you can also find the contribution margin ratio for more than one product by dividing the total contribution margin for the products by the total price of the products. Keep in mind that you can calculate the contribution margin in a ratio, in total, and per unit, depending on what analysis is most useful. For example, you might use a total contribution margin figure to prepare a contribution margin income statement. Using a contribution margin income statement can help managers to better understand their own companies' operations. Use the contribution margin for quick break-even analysis. In simplified business scenarios, if you know the contribution margin of a company's product and the fixed costs of the company, you can quickly estimate whether the company is profitable or not. Assuming the company isn't selling the product at a loss, all it needs to do to generate a profit is to sell enough products to pay for its fixed costs — the products already pay for their own variable costs. If enough products are sold to cover the fixed costs, the company begins to turn a profit. For instance, let's say that our baseball company has fixed costs of $2,000, rather than the $1,500 given above. If we still sell the same number of baseballs, we'll generate $1.00 × 1,500 = $1,500. This isn't enough to cover the $2,000 in fixed costs, so in this situation we're losing money. Use the contribution margin (and ratio) to critique a business plan. Contribution margins can also be used to help make decisions about the way a business is run. This is particularly true if the business isn't making a profit. In this case, you can use your contribution margin to help set new sales goals or alternatively find a way to reduce your fixed or variable costs. For example, the measure may be used to identify areas where expenses need to be reduced. Let's say that we've been tasked with fixing the $500 budget shortfall from the example problem above. In this case, we have several options. Since the contribution margin is $1.00 per baseball, we might try to simply sell 500 more baseballs. However, we could also try moving our operations to a building with cheaper rent, lowering our fixed costs. We might even try using more affordable materials to drive down our variable costs. For instance, if we could shave $0.50 from the manufacture of each baseball, we'd make $1.50 per ball instead of $1.00, so if we sold the same 1,500 balls, we'd make $2,250 , turning a profit. Use the contribution margin to prioritize products. The contribution margin tells you how profitable one item in a product line is compared with another product, and this can help you to make decisions about a product line. If your company makes more than one product, the contribution margins of each product can help you decide how many of each to make. This is especially important if the products use the same materials or processes for their manufacture. In these situations, you must choose one product over the other, so you want to choose the one with as big of contribution margin as possible. For instance, let's say our factory makes footballs in addition to baseballs. Footballs are more expensive to produce at $4 per ball but sell for $8 per ball, giving a greater contribution margin of 8-4= $4.00. If the footballs and baseballs are made from the same type of leather, we'd definitely want to prioritize football production — we get four times the contributing margin compared to our baseballs' $1.00. More importantly, in this situation the footballs offer a higher contribution margin ratio of 0.50 as compared to baseballs at 0.33. This means that they are more efficient at producing revenue for the company. | Determine the price of the product. Determine the variable costs associated with the product. Subtract the variable cost per unit from the price. Use the contribution margin to pay fixed costs. Find the contribution margin ratio by dividing by the price. Use the contribution margin for quick break-even analysis. Use the contribution margin (and ratio) to critique a business plan. Use the contribution margin to prioritize products. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Laryngitis | How to Treat Laryngitis | To treat laryngitis, one of the best things you can do is rest your voice for a couple of days so your throat can heal. You should also drink 8 glasses of water a day to keep your throat moist. To relieve any discomfort in your throat, try gargling with an antiseptic solution and sucking on lozenges. If you don't get better after a few weeks, make sure to see your doctor and discuss whether you need antibiotics. | Rest your voice. Most cases of hoarseness are caused by talking too much, particularly if you have to constantly raise (strain) your voice to be heard — noisy restaurants/bars, concerts and industrial environments can easily trigger a short-term bout of laryngitis; however, laryngitis from overuse heals pretty quickly, so resting your voice for a day or two is often the most important first step in getting your voice back. If you find yourself at a noisy venue, either talk less or get closer to the ear of the person you're trying to converse with. Avoid shouting and having to repeat yourself. In addition to hoarseness or voice loss, other symptoms of laryngitis include: a dry throat, sore throat, a tickling sensation in the throat that triggers a dry cough, and mucous build-up in the throat. Keep hydrated. Keeping yourself well-hydrated will keep the mucus membranes of your throat moist, which helps to reduce inflammation and discomfort. With less irritation, you'll find yourself coughing and clearing your throat less often — which are factors that can prolong bouts of laryngitis/hoarseness. Avoid carbonated water because it can further tickle your throat and trigger a coughing spell. Start with drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of purified water per day to rehydrate yourself and keep the mucus membranes of your throat/larynx moist. Dairy-based beverages can thicken mucus. Sugary drinks may increase mucus production and should be avoided. Consider warming some water (not too hot) to loosen nasal and throat congestion, adding a little honey and lemon. Honey can soothe a sore or irritated throat, while lemon juice is a mild antiseptic that can combat infections, as well as clear mucus from your throat. Gargle with an antiseptic solution. Infections of the throat can also lead to laryngitis. Viral infections are the most common, although bacterial and fungal (Candida) infections can trigger hoarseness also. If you suspect your laryngitis is caused by an infection, then gargle with antiseptic solutions that are able to kill a variety of microorganisms. A 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water is effective against bacteria and some other microbes. Gargle for at least a minute each hour until the irritation/inflammation in your throat fades away and your voice returns to full strength. Other symptoms that may indicate your laryngitis is caused by an infection include: a mild-to-moderate fever, malaise (tiredness) and swollen lymph nodes or glands in or near your neck. Other antiseptic compounds that can be mixed in water and gargled include vinegar. Mix this into a solution of one part water to one part vinegar. Suck on lozenges. In addition to drinking lots of water, sucking on mediated lozenges can also help keep the mucus membranes of your throat moist by stimulating saliva production. In addition, medicated lozenges (from a pharmacy) typically contain compounds that numb or dull a sore throat, which will make it easier to drink fluids and swallow food. Avoid sucking on candy because the sugar or sweetener may trigger more mucus production in your throat, forcing you to clear it more often. Choose lozenges with zinc, honey, eucalyptus and/or lemon for the most soothing effects on your throat membranes. Zinc is also a mild antiseptic. Ginger is also a great resource for a sore throat. Suck on pieces of dried or pickled ginger to moisten your throat and soothe the inflamed mucus membranes of the larynx. Though stinky breath may be a concern, garlic has antiseptic properties. Chew and swallow raw garlic and try adding extra garlic into your cooking. Breath moist air. Run a humidifier to keep the air in your home and bedroom humid. If you don't have a humidifier, you can add moisture to the air by hanging up a wet towel, or heating wide pans of water. Avoid whispering. This puts even more strain on your voice than normal speech. Instead, take a deep breath, then speak on the exhale in a relaxed voice. Avoid throat irritants. While you are resting your voice and gargling with antiseptics, be careful not to breathe in or consume any throat irritants. Smoking, binging on alcohol, drinking lots of carbonated beverages, consuming sweet dairy products (such as milkshakes) and inhaling dust and fumes from household cleaners can all irritate the throat and make laryngitis worse. One of the first symptoms of throat cancer (caused by smoking or alcoholism) is a chronically hoarse voice. As such, if your hoarseness lasts for more than a few weeks despite resting your voice and gargling, then contact your doctor for a consult. Aside from overuse, infection and irritation, other causes of laryngitis include: allergic reactions, chronic acid reflux, an enlarged thyroid gland, chronic sinusitis and benign growths (polyps) on the vocal cords. Talk to your doctor about antibiotics. If you are unable to relieve your laryngitis with the above mentioned home remedies, then make an appointment with your family doctor. A severe sore throat, swollen mucus membranes that are streaked with white pus, fever and malaise are all signs of an infection. However, only bacterial infections are impacted by antibiotics, so your doctor will likely swab your throat and determine if the infection is bacterial, viral or fungal. If bacteria is the culprit (strep throat is a relatively common cause of laryngitis), then your doctor may prescribe a two week course of antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin or Erythromycin. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully when taking antibiotics. In particular, be sure you take the full course of antibiotics, even if you feel better. This ensures you completely eradicate the low levels of bacteria that will remain once you are feeling better; this bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics and become extremely difficult to treat later on. If you've had laryngitis for more than a few weeks and are a smoker, your doctor will likely refer you to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor), who may use a laryngoscopy — a small tube with a tiny camera to get a better look at the back of your throat. Consider corticosteroids. If you have severe laryngitis that's not caused by bacteria and not helped by home remedies, then ask your doctor about the pros and cons of a short course of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, prednisolone or dexamethasone. Steroid medications are powerful and fast-acting anti-inflammatories that can reduce the swelling, pain and other symptoms in your throat. However, due to significant downsides, they are usually not recommended except as emergency treatments for people who must use their voices professionally. The downside of steroidal medications is that they tend to reduce immune system function, weaken tissues and cause water retention, which is why they are typically prescribed for short periods of time only. Corticosteroid medication comes in pills, injectables, inhalers and oral sprays, which are especially effective for quickly combating a bout of laryngitis. Get any underlying conditions treated. As noted above, laryngitis is caused by a variety of diseases that affect the throat. For example, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) often triggers laryngitis because the stomach acid that flows up the esophagus irritates and inflames the throat and larynx. Thus, treating GERD with antacid and proton-pump medications will eventually clear up the laryngitis also. Similar approaches should be used for other conditions that trigger laryngitis, such as an enlarged thyroid gland, allergies, chronic sinusitis , bronchitis, benign vocal cord growths and throat cancer. Chronic laryngitis (hoarseness) from long-term smoking can clear up on its own after quitting, although it may take many months or even a few years for the vocal cords to become healthy again. If your child's laryngitis is caused by "croup," then see your doctor immediately for the appropriate medications. Croup narrows airway passages, causes difficulty breathing and leads to a barking-like cough. It can be life-threatening in rare circumstances. | Rest your voice. Keep hydrated. Gargle with an antiseptic solution. Suck on lozenges. Breath moist air. Avoid whispering. Avoid throat irritants. Talk to your doctor about antibiotics. Consider corticosteroids. Get any underlying conditions treated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Flying-Lead-Change | How to Do a Flying Lead Change | To do a flying lead change, bring your horse to a collected canter and ride in a figure-eight shape in the arena. Next, give the cue to change when your horse's leading leg is coming forward. Then, apply pressure with your right leg and release the tension on the left rein. Finally, release the pressure on the right and apply pressure swiftly with your left leg to complete the change. | Develop a comfortable, collected canter. A flying lead change happens at a canter, so be sure to practice cantering until you and your horse are very comfortable. Aim for a smooth and controlled canter that follows a steady, 3-beat rhythm. Your horse in the canter should be making big, round, expressive strides and have plenty of lift off the ground so it can successfully change its legs in the air. As you are cantering, use pressure from your outside leg and outside rein to keep your horse going straight. Put tension on the inside rein to flex your horse slightly in the direction of the lead. Practice counter cantering. To do this, canter with your horse's right leg leading. Ride several straight strides on the long side of the arena and then turn in diagonally towards the center. When you've come to 50–80 feet (15–24 m) from the rail, bring your horse onto the center line, pressing with your left leg to keep it on a right lead. Turn slightly to the left , keeping your horse bending to the right by pressing your right leg against the girth and your left leg behind it. Your horse should turn towards the left with its haunches towards the rail and continue cantering on the right lead. If your horse breaks into a trot during the turn, start over and give more pressure with your legs on the next turn to keep it cantering. If your horse changes to a left lead in the front as you turn, ask it to come down to a trot by pulling gently back on the reins and try again. Turn your head and look where you are turning to prepare your horse to make a gradual swing in that direction. Practice counter cantering both ways until your horse can do it without tension. Progress to riding collecting half halts in the canter. In a canter, close your legs around your horse, push down in your seat and close your outside hand for just a moment. This will engage your horse's hindquarters and encourages a short pause to “sit” back on its hocks. Try riding 3 collecting half halts in a row in the canter. Then, go forward for several strides and ask for 3 collected half halts again. Master simple lead changes. To do this, start by cantering around the arena with your horse leading with its left leg and your right leg facing the outside of the arena. Pull back on the reins to ask your horse to transition down into a trot. After 1-3 strides, press your left leg into your horse at the girth while keeping your right leg against its body just behind the girth to keep it going straight ahead to encourage it to switch to leading with its right leg. Use the inside rein to flex it to the left, in the direction of the new lead. When it switches, bring it back to a canter and repeat the process on the other side. To help you follow the gait change with your hips without losing your balance, keep your core engaged and close your fingers tightly on the outside rein when you ask your horse to come down to a trot. You can also progress to making a lead change from canter to a walk and then back to canter. It helps to slow down the canter with a few collecting half halts before you pull back on the reins to ask your horse to transition to a walk. Begin by riding a 10 m (33 ft) figure-eight. Bring your horse to a collected canter and ride in a figure-eight shape in the arena. Do some simple lead changes in the middle of the figure eight to warm up before you attempt the flying lead change. Give the cue to change when your horse’s leading leg is coming forward. Even though the lead change happens when all four of your horse's legs are suspending in the air, give the cue early, just as you see the leading leg coming forward. This will give your horse time to process and carry out your request. Practice the timing of the aids by watching when your horse's inside front leg comes forward in a walk. Each time you see it, say “now,” out loud to yourself. Try the same technique in the canter. Apply pressure with your right leg and release the tension on the left rein. Bring your horse to a canter on the left lead. Push your right seat bone forward towards your horse's right ear. You should feel your horse moving a bit to the left. Release the pressure on the right and apply pressure behind the girl with the left leg. Strike firmly and swiftly just behind the girth on the left side. Loosen up on the right rein to give more space for the new inside front leg to come forward. Don't hold back with the left leg. This part of the cue should be very quick to get your horse to change. Help your horse relax before trying lead changes. If your horse feels a little tense, pull back on the reins a bit to bring it down to a trot. Stroke it occasionally on the neck. Speak in a low, calm voice and continue riding around the arena in this way until it is more relaxed. Even if the trot is a bit more lively than you want, don't pull back on the reins. It's important that your horse is relaxed and calm when you are practicing lead changes. It doesn't really matter what you say to your horse as long as it hears your calm, comforting tone. You could say something that would relax both of you, like “You're going a bit faster than I'd like, but we're just going to just keep making big circles and not worry about it. I'll take slow, rhythmic breaths and keep my arms and hands relaxed. I'm just waiting for you to relax, too.” Canter over a small obstacle before the change to improve the timing. Put a log or other small obstacle in the arena. Canter over the log and apply the leg cues for the lead change as your horse hops over it. This can help incite your horse to change the lead and will help you get the timing right. You can also jump over a low bush if you are riding outside of the arena. Continue straight after a lead change to prevent your horse from anticipating. If your horse is often anticipating the flying lead change, try to keep it going straight for a few strides after you make the change. If it is allowed to lean, it may start to anticipate and change leads before you ask it to. Reprogram a horse that doesn’t like lead changes by riding in a serpentine. Go into a right lead canter down the long side of the arena. Keep gentle contact with both legs, but guide it away from the rail with some outside leg pressure and a light pull with the inside rein. Ride a few strides, and then use subtle left-leg and right-rein pressure to bring it back towards the rail. When it's comfortable with this movement, then go on to ask for the flying lead change. Practice the serpentine on both sides, at least 4 times on each side. This exercise works really well if your horse gets nervous or fussy when you come off the rail towards the middle of your figure-eight because it thinks you are going to ask for a lead change. | Develop a comfortable, collected canter. Practice counter cantering. Progress to riding collecting half halts in the canter. Master simple lead changes. Begin by riding a 10 m (33 ft) figure-eight. Give the cue to change when your horse’s leading leg is coming forward. Apply pressure with your right leg and release the tension on the left rein. Release the pressure on the right and apply pressure behind the girl with the left leg. Help your horse relax before trying lead changes. Canter over a small obstacle before the change to improve the timing. Continue straight after a lead change to prevent your horse from anticipating. Reprogram a horse that doesn’t like lead changes by riding in a serpentine. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Movie-Writer | How to Become a Movie Writer | To become a movie writer, learn to write in screenplay format and write every day to work on your craft. If possible, earn a BFA or MFA in film studies to learn important screenwriting elements like acting and cinematography. You can also enter contests that offer yearly fellowships and submit your scripts to festivals to get noticed. You may want to consider getting an agent or manager to help you sell your scripts and network in the industry! | Adopt productive writing habits. Write everyday. Even if some days result in nothing useable, you'll make writing habitual. Keep yourself accountable by joining writing groups. Write Pomodoro style to break your writing sessions into smaller chunks with breaks. Write for 25 minutes. Take a five-minute break. Write for another 25 minutes. Construct a story. Direct your writing to constructing characters and story lines. Writing is not completely about typing on to a blank page. It's about teaching an audience about a character and making an audience relate to that character. Stories have a beginning, middle, and end. Learn to construct each of these acts to the best of your ability. Use the screenplay format. All movies use a standard format when writing a screenplay. Using it shows future employers that you know what's expected of you. To learn the basics of the standard screenplay format, you could: Check out the free resources at the New York Film Academy (NYFA.edu). Look for software that helps you to master the formula. Some examples are Celtx, Trelby, and WriterDuet. Read books about screenwriting. Look through industry magazines to see the top recommendations. Borrow the books from your local library or buy them from booksellers. Keep in mind that some books are genre-specific. Some general recommendations are: Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri. Screenplay by Syd Field. Take a class. Taking a class or two will help you to sharpen your skills. Even if you've already mastered the standard format, you'll get to focus heavily on making your script as good as it can be. If you have the ability, take class at a film school. There, you'll be able to create screenplays with the help of professional writers. Pursue a BFA or an MFA. Undergraduate programs will teach you about important screenwriting elements like acting and cinematography. Graduate programs offer more intensive study. They'll also pair you with professionals whose guidance can give you an edge in the industry. If you can afford it or can find the funding, apply to top film schools. Some of the best in the United States are: The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Theatre, Film, and Television The University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts The New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts The New York Film Academy Get constructive criticism. If you're taking classes or pursuing a degree, your professors will provide feedback in your graded work. If you're not in school, your best option is to get a manager, who will work with you as you write your script. Satisfy every suggestion your professor or manager gives you. It will help you develop as a writer and improve your chances of success. Purchase successful screenplays. This will allow you to see how the written word translates into a complete script. Start with movies you're familiar with. As you improve your skills and decide which genre (such as dramas, comedies, or documentaries) you want to focus on, buy screenplays that fit that genre. You can find screenplays by: Searching eBay or your favorite search engine using the key word “screenplay.” Visiting specialty bookstores. Watch a variety of movies. Scripts are different from novels and academic writing. Watching movies will help you learn how screenwriters manage the pace of the film and deal with techniques such as intonation. Expose yourself to a variety of genres and a variety of producers to pick up on subtle and obvious differences. Enter contests. Look for contests that offer yearly fellowships. Good contests will also offer finalists meetings with professionals who can help them get recognition. Check out websites like The AFW.com and GoodInARoom.com for lists of the top contests to enter each year. Submit your script to film festivals. You don't have to live in New York or Los Angeles to enter film festivals. Cities around the world host them. Make a spreadsheet of festivals that accept your genre. Order festivals by entry deadlines. Before you enter, read the instructions carefully. Some festivals only consider films that aren't under consideration at other locations. Get flexible with genres. If you enjoy writing screenplays for super hero movies, try your hand at something different. Write a historical adventure or a short film. This will show producers that you're flexible. It will also keep you employed audiences get tired of certain genres. Get a manager. New screenwriters should get a manager before seeking out an agent. Managers help develop scripts. Some even serve as producers. They're always seeking new talent and will offer you tips for success that you won't find with an agent. Outside New York or Los Angeles, you can find managers through internet searches and industry magazines. Some top management companies include 3 Arts Entertainment, The Gotham Group, and Untitled Entertainment. Get an agent. Agents help you sell your films. If you live in the New York or Los Angeles area, finding an agent is as simple as opening the Yellow Pages. If you live outside these areas, you can find agents at film festivals, pitchfests, or seminars in your area. You could also talk to your manager for recommendations. Search screenwriting magazines or industry blogs to find out when these events are happening. Network. Even if you're not a social butterfly, you can't rely solely on your agent or manager to get your script noticed. If you live outside Los Angeles or New York, search for networking events online. For example, Scriptmag.com has a page dedicated to physical and online meet-ups. Seek out producers, and perfect your pitch. Prepare to answer questions like: “What makes your plot different from everything else on the market?” “What's your projected budget for this movie?” “What is it about your screenplay that'll make it a box office hit?” “In your opinion, who makes up the ideal cast for this movie?” Talk to veteran screenwriters. Ask them how they have coped with and recovered from rejection. Whether you find their advice useful or not, simply talking to others who have been there can help to relieve the sting. During your discussion, jot down any major points that might be helpful later on. Revise and resubmit. Ask the original producer why they rejected your film. Work on improving the areas that held your film back. Get feedback from your manager and peers in the field. Once you're confident with the new and improved script, try your luck with other producers. Write another movie. One script isn't enough. It often takes several scripts for writers to get their big break. After you write a few screenplays, you can send each one to a different producer. This will increase your chances of success. | Adopt productive writing habits. Construct a story. Use the screenplay format. Read books about screenwriting. Take a class. Pursue a BFA or an MFA. Get constructive criticism. Purchase successful screenplays. Watch a variety of movies. Enter contests. Submit your script to film festivals. Get flexible with genres. Get a manager. Get an agent. Network. Talk to veteran screenwriters. Revise and resubmit. Write another movie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Water-Level-Indicator | How to Make a Water Level Indicator | To make a water level indicator, you'll need an integrated circuit, LEDs, a buzzer, sensing wires, a 9-volt battery, and a battery connector. Once you have your materials, start by removing the plastic coatings from the integrated circuit pins and cutting the sensing wires to the lengths of the water levels you want to measure. After you've done this, solder the LED negative points to the circuit's #12, #14, and #16 pins. When the points are soldered, connect pin #12's positive point to pin #9. Then attach the buzzer's positive point to pin #10 and its negative point to pin #12. Once you've attached the buzzer, solder the positive LED wires together and attach the sensing wires to pins #1, #3, #5, #7, and #9. Complete the circuit by attaching the battery connector and 9-volt battery. | Get all of the electronic parts that you need for the project. A water level indicator requires a few different electronic components to create a circuit. These components are simple and easy to find. You can purchase all of the parts that you need either at an electronics supply store or online. A ULN2003 Integrated Circuit (IC) is necessary to complete this project. This is a tiny set of premade electronic circuits that are mounted on a flat piece of silicon. You will also need 3 LEDs, which are used for indicating when the water level is low, moderate, and high. 1 buzzer is necessary to signal when the water level is high. 5 sensing wires are needed for measuring the water level. The length doesn't matter, as you will be cutting them to size later on. You can also solder sensing wires together if one is too short. A 9-volt battery and a battery connector are required to provide energy to the water level indicator. Find all of the tools that you need to make the water level indicator. You only need a couple of tools to make the circuit for your water level indicator. These tools are easy to find and use, and you may even already have them at your school or home. You can purchase any tools that you don't have from home improvement stores or online. Pliers are necessary for preparing the IC to add the LEDs. A soldering iron and solder are key for most electronics projects. This is how you will connect the circuit together. You will also need wire cutters to cut the sensing wires to size. The leads on the IC in this project are pointed down to stick through holes in a circuit board. Use the pair of pliers to gently bend the IC leads up and out flat on both sides for easier soldering. Cut the 5 sensing wires to the different lengths you want to measure. The length of the sensing wires that you need depends entirely on the different water levels that you are planning to measure. Use the wire cutters to cut 2 long wires of equal length. Then cut the remaining 3 wires progressively shorter. For example, the 2 longest wires could be 10 in (25 cm) each, and the remaining wires could be 8 in (20 cm), 6 in (15 cm), and 4 in (10 cm) respectively. The shorter sensing wires measure higher water levels, while 1 of the longest wires measures the lowest water level. The other longest wire is for the buzzer, which signals when the water is at the highest level. Solder the LED negative points to IC pins #12, #14, and #16. Hold the LED negative point on the pin and feed the solder to the tip of the soldering iron where the LED negative point and the pin meets. Repeat this process for each of the 3 LED lights to connect them to the IC. The negative point on each LED is the short lead, while the positive point is the long lead. Rest the IC flat in front of you to understand how the pins are numbered. There are 8 pins on each side and a notch at one end of the IC. With the notch toward the top, pin #1 is next to the notch on the left side and pin #8 is at the bottom left side. Pins #9 to #16 are counted up the opposite direction with pin #16 being next to the notch on the right side. Connect the positive point of the pin #12 LED to pin #9. Identify the LED that has its negative point attached to pin #12. Use the soldering iron to solder the positive point of that LED to pin #9. Be very careful not to burn your fingers as you work in the tight space with the soldering iron. Attach the buzzer's positive point to pin #10 and the negative point to pin #12. It's now time to add the buzzer to your circuit! Use the soldering iron and solder to connect the buzzer's positive point to pin #10 first. Then attach the buzzer's negative point to pin #12. Because pin #12 is already connected to an LED, you need to solder the negative point of the buzzer to the negative wire of the LED that is connected to pin #12. Even though the buzzer isn't attached directly onto pin #12, it still works because the wires are connected in a circuit. The negative point on the buzzer has a shorter lead than the positive point. This is the same as the LEDs. Use the soldering iron to connect all of the positive LED wires together. Solder the positive wires that stem from each LED together so that they all connect in a circuit. The positive point of the buzzer is already connected to the circuit. This completes the circuit which means that all of the LEDs will work when you use the water level indicator. Attach the sensing wires to pins #1, #3, #5, #7, and #9. Begin working on the other side of the IC where you haven't soldered any wires yet. Solder the 2 longest wires to pins #1 and #9. Then solder the second longest wire to pin #3, the second shortest wire to pin #5, and the shortest wire to pin #7. For the wire that attaches to pin #9, attach it between the buzzer and the IC pin. This means that the LED that's connected to pin #16 lights up when the water level is low, the LED at pin #14 lights up when the water level is moderate, and the LED at pin #12 lights up when the water level is high. The buzzer will also indicate when the water level is high. Attach the battery connector's positive wire to pin #9 and the negative wire to pin #8. Follow the same process of soldering the wires to the wires that stem from the correct pins at the IC. Let the battery connector rest to the side after it has been attached. It will be at the top of the water level indicator, at the same height as the buzzer. Connect the 9-volt battery to the water level indicator. The hexagon shape on the battery indicates the negative terminal while the circular shape indicates the positive terminal. Press the hexagon terminal of the battery connector onto the circular terminal of the battery and vice versa. Make sure that the battery connector is securely attached to the battery. Now that the battery is connected, your water level indicator is able to work! Test the water level indicator. Place the sensing wires of the water level indicator into a glass, cup, or container. Slowly fill up the glass, cup, or container with water. Watch as the LED with the longest wire indicates when the water level is lowest and how as the water level rises, the LED with the shortest wire shows when the water is at the highest point. Listen for the buzzer too when the water level reaches the highest point. It's necessary for the buzzer to let you know when the water reaches the highest point, as this prevents it from overflowing and stops the water being wasted. | Get all of the electronic parts that you need for the project. Find all of the tools that you need to make the water level indicator. The leads on the IC in this project are pointed down to stick through holes in a circuit board. Cut the 5 sensing wires to the different lengths you want to measure. Solder the LED negative points to IC pins #12, #14, and #16. Connect the positive point of the pin #12 LED to pin #9. Attach the buzzer's positive point to pin #10 and the negative point to pin #12. Use the soldering iron to connect all of the positive LED wires together. Attach the sensing wires to pins #1, #3, #5, #7, and #9. Attach the battery connector's positive wire to pin #9 and the negative wire to pin #8. Connect the 9-volt battery to the water level indicator. Test the water level indicator. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Nerf-Sniper | How to Be a Nerf Sniper | If you want to be a Nerf sniper, first find a good hiding spot where you're covered but can move easily. While you're concealed, wait until your target is in range. It may take some time for someone to come around so be patient. Once you've spotted your target, turn 20 degrees in the opposite direction of the wind to ensure the wind will carry your dart to the right spot and then take your shot. Repeat this strategy as you see more targets. After you take a few shots, move to another position so you stay hidden. Remember to always breathe and move quietly so people don't spot you. | Gather your gear. In terms of shooting equipment, choose from among a Nerf or BuzzBee sniper rifle, a Rangefinder, LongStrike CS-6, Longshot CS-6, or a RaptorStrike. Good aesthetic sniper rifles are Longshot CS-6, Longstrike CS-6, Mega Accustrike Thunderhawk, and the Raptorstrike. But a sniper rifle can be as simple as a retaliator and a stock with accustrike darts. If you get a Longshot, look into modifying it. It's large direct plunger system makes it an excellent blaster to modify. Always have a secondary on you. If it has a decent rate of fire, that is a definite plus. One-handed use is also a good Idea. A strongarm or hammershot (Sweet revenge) would be a good idea. Use a spring-powered nerf blaster. These are softer and are less likely to give away your position but generally it wont matter how loud you blaster is, it just shouldn't be ear-piercing. Use accustrike darts or purchase accurate darts off eBay, Amazon, lightake, etc. These darts are accurate, and outclass other types of nerf darts. As long as you have these, you can use most nerf blasters as a sniper rifle. Ensure that you have any other attachments needed for the rifle. For example, you may need a stock or bi-pod for easier aiming. Have sufficient ammunition. (Accustrike darts are preferable.) Prepare yourself. Stay in shape; you might need to run from an enemy. You need a good sidearm in case you do not have time to reload or need to shoot with a fast fire rate. Make sure you can use any blaster and be good with it. You never know when you might need to be more than a sniper. Try making a strap. If you own any "Guitar Hero" or "Rock Band" guitar, take off the strap! Put it on your blaster by attaching it to the strap attachments. (Some blasters may only have one or no strap attachment point. Bring a backup pistol. Disruptors, Strongarms, Hammershots, and Sweet-Revenges are all decent secondary blasters. Load your Nerf blaster, and add all necessary accessories. Using the smallest mags possible like 6-round mags can be good in small spaces, but a 10-12 dart clip isn't a bad idea, and a 25 dart drum should be fine, depending on the area Pick a good hiding spot. Never be completely out in the open. Have cover and concealment all around you, but be able to move easily. Choose a space that you can move easily in, yet stay hidden in. Find a vantage point on the battlefield with a covered infiltration/ex filtration route. Basically, where you can exit and enter the sniper post without blowing your cover or giving away your hiding spot. If you're found, don't shout. Enemies can find you easily, just use a backup that has more than a shot and doesn't jam a lot. Cover and Concealment are Key Be patient. Most snipers at the beginning of their sniper career think they are going to get the most kills on the battlefield. Wrong.They actually get the least. Being a sniper is not glorious. It's basically you laying on your belly in a bunch of weeds, holding a long blaster.(It isn't ALWAYS a long blaster) Wait until the target is in range and in your sights. Ask a few questions. Is it one person, or is it a group? What is the wind speed? What range are you firing at? Can you been seen? (The answer to that one should be NO!) Turn 20 degrees in the opposite direction of the wind. Nerf darts are heavily affected by wind speed and direction. The wind will carry the dart over to the target if done right. The stronger the wind, the more it will be affected. Breathe in quietly at all times, and step quiet when moving. A way to step quiet, is to step heel first, and then lower your foot down slowly. Prime the blaster and take a deep breath. Once your breath reaches its natural pause, slowly take the shot.(Note: this might not improve firing for you) Escape quickly if the target is around other people. They will be looking for you. If you want to take out the entire group, move 6-12 feet away from your original firing spot. Then reload and shoot again. Confirm the shot through your scope, in case another round is needed. This technique is best done with the use of a spotter. (This is probably going to be hard to do with a nerf scope. Use binoculars, or a different piece of equipment if necessary.) In situations of limited personnel. Spotters tell you where your target is, approximate how many feet/yards your target is away from you, the wind speed and direction. Reload/Re-acquire darts. Always. And remember, your blaster's mag doesn't always have to be fully loaded to fire. Takeout your target/targets and repeat the sniper approach against other targets! After you take a few shots, move to another position. Never stand in a corner for more than 3 shots. If you do, and you get found, you will get destroyed! (This is somewhat dependent on your playing style. You might want to draw your enemies in, and then take out a bunch of them before moving.) Do not shoot your darts as far as you can. The dart slows before reaching its farthest point, and has least accuracy at its farthest point. Instead, shoot about 65-70% of your blasters max range. | Gather your gear. Prepare yourself. Try making a strap. Bring a backup pistol. Load your Nerf blaster, and add all necessary accessories. Pick a good hiding spot. Find a vantage point on the battlefield with a covered infiltration/ex filtration route. Be patient. Wait until the target is in range and in your sights. Turn 20 degrees in the opposite direction of the wind. Breathe in quietly at all times, and step quiet when moving. Prime the blaster and take a deep breath. Escape quickly if the target is around other people. Confirm the shot through your scope, in case another round is needed. Reload/Re-acquire darts. Takeout your target/targets and repeat the sniper approach against other targets! After you take a few shots, move to another position. Do not shoot your darts as far as you can. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hide-That-You-Are-on-a-Diet | How to Hide That You Are on a Diet | If you want to hide that you are on a diet, prepare some vague, but honest, excuses for why you are eating certain foods and not others. For example, you could say something like, "I'm watching what I'm eating," or "I'm avoiding certain food groups." You can also try shifting the conversation away from eating and dieting by bringing up something different, such as the latest office gossip or recent news from a friend. When you plan on eating out with another person, look up the menu in advance, so you can figure out what to order beforehand. In addition, consider carrying small snacks with you, which will help you stay full and make others less curious about your diet, since they'll see you eating often. | Shift the subject away from eating and dieting in conversation. If you find yourself in situations where dieting comes up as a topic of conversation when friends or coworkers, use distraction tactics to change the subject. Remark on the latest television show or the latest movies. Focus on the latest office gossip or the latest news from a mutual friend. Shifting the subject away from a discussion on eating and dieting will help you avoid having to talk about your diet or address your eating habits. Keep in mind it may be helpful to share your diet with close friends or family, as they can act as a form of support and encouragement. Rather than avoid the topic with people you are close with, you may want to consider being open about your diet so you can feel you are not doing it alone or out of shame. Prepare a vague excuse. Have a vague excuse ready of someone does decide to ask you about your diet, especially if it has happened around certain individuals recently and you have had to awkwardly change the subject. This could be something like: “I'm just watching what I'm eating,” or, “I'm avoiding certain food groups”. While having a vague excuse ready can be useful, you should try not to lie when asked about your weight. For example, it would not be a good idea to say, “My doctor told me I'm allergic to carbs,” when in fact your doctor has not given you this diagnosis. Using a fake excuse could indicate that you are ashamed of your eating habits and are trying to hide your diet by lying to others. This could also come around and cause you trouble if you are later seen eating carbs. Look at the menu in advance if you're eating out. To avoid the awkward back and forth with the server when you are at a restaurant, prepare for eating out by looking up the menu for the restaurant in advance on the restaurant's website. This way, you can look through the menu and create a meal that fulfills your dietary needs at your own pace, rather than do it on the spot in person at the restaurant. If you are eating out at someone's home, you may want to ask the home cook what she is planning to prepare. You may then be able to suggest certain dishes that might fit with her planned meal but still adhere to your diet. Even if the home cook does not agree to make a special meal for you, you are at least prepared for the meal and know what to expect when you sit down to eat. Eat your meals alone or with others who are dieting. To avoid having to defend or address your diet, you may want to consider having your meals alone. This way, you will not need to hide your diet and can eat comfortably without feeling judged by others. Eating alone can be an isolating and unhealthy experience, especially if it is done on a daily basis for all your meals. You may want to consider instead eating around individuals who will not question your diet or ask you personal questions about your eating habits as an alternative to eating all your meals alone. This could be friends that are also dieting or individuals that you met through a weight loss program. Drink lots of water. Drinking water will not only keep you healthy and hydrated, it can also act as an appetite suppressant. Sip lots of water throughout the day to prevent your stomach from becoming completely empty, leading to high hunger levels and the need to eat. By drinking lots of water, you can focus on staying hydrated, rather than on your diet. You should also drink a glass of water before you eat so your stomach feels more full and you can then eat smaller portions during your meal. This can help you to diet in a healthier way. Carry small snacks with you in your bag. Be a smart eater by packing small, healthy snacks in your bag that you can reach for inconspicuously throughout the day. This will allow you to stay full without eating empty calories. It will also make others less curious about your diet, as you will appear to be eating often throughout the day via snacking. Snacks like raw almonds, dark chocolate, and veggie sticks with peanut butter or hummus can help to keep you full and give you energy between meals. You can also cut up fruits like apples, pears, and bananas for healthy snacks that won't lead to a sugar crash later in the day. Plan out your meals in advance. Distracted and unplanned eating has been proven to lead to weight gain and unsuccessful dieting. Avoid unplanned meals or distracted eating by planning out your meals for the week. Go shopping at the start of the week, or on the weekend if you work during the week, so you have all the necessary ingredients to make healthy meals for yourself at home that adhere to your diet. You may organize your meals based on a certain calorie intake per day or a weight loss goal. Try to plan your meals around your required calorie intake per day, which is based on your age, weight, and your level of physical activity. Remember that everyone will have different calorie intakes and no one diet can fulfill everyone's dietary needs. Practice mindful eating. Another key component to practicing healthy eating habits is being aware of how you eat, as well as what you eat. Many people tend to eat in front of the television or a distraction and do not pay attention to how much they are eating. Rather than eat in front of the television, try to sit down and focus on your food as you eat, taking your time to savor the food. This will allow you to swallow and digest each bite, and keep track of how much you are eating. To practice mindful eating, use a timer when you sit down to eat. Set the timer to 20 minutes and try to use all of the available time to eat one meal. You can try to eat with your non-dominant hand so you are forced to slow down when you eat and make some effort to lift and chew every bite. You can also reflect on what was required to produce the meal, such as the butcher who prepared the meat or the farmer who grew the vegetables and the grains. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Though you may need your morning coffee to get through the day, having too much caffeine through coffee, caffeinated teas, or energy drinks can lead to feelings of hunger and fatigue. This could then cause you to cheat on your diet or eat an unplanned meal. As well, alcohol can lead to hunger and unhealthy eating, especially at night when you've been drinking for several hours. If you tend to drink lots of coffee or enjoy a few drinks on occasion, try to have a glass of water between each cup of coffee or each drink. This will keep you hydrated and help to limit your hunger pangs. See your doctor if you think you may have an eating disorder. Hiding your diet by using exaggerated excuses, spitting food into napkins, or not eating with others can all be signs of an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia. These eating disorders are often due to associating eating with a high level of distress and anxiety. This could be due to a fear of gaining weight or to other traumas that cause intense emotions and a need to control situations through food. Other symptoms of an eating disorder include: Not eating any food at all. Cutting your food into small pieces or stalling to finish your meals. Eating very quickly or very slowly and then purging the food by either vomiting or excessive laxative use. Eating without utensils or with utensils that are not appropriate for the meal. Exercising intensely after every meal. Obsessively counting calories and monitoring your eating habits. If you think you may be developing an eating disorder , you should reach out to close friends and family. You should also consider getting professional help from a doctor or a therapist that specializes in eating disorders. Decide if you want to share your success. When your diet is over and you have accomplished your goals, decide if you'd like to share your success with your friends and family. After all, people will likely notice that you have lost weight, and they may wish to celebrate with you. You can do this casually, if you wish. For instance, if someone comments that you are looking great and healthy, you might say, "Thanks, I lost some weight recently." | Shift the subject away from eating and dieting in conversation. Prepare a vague excuse. Look at the menu in advance if you're eating out. Eat your meals alone or with others who are dieting. Drink lots of water. Carry small snacks with you in your bag. Plan out your meals in advance. Practice mindful eating. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. See your doctor if you think you may have an eating disorder. Decide if you want to share your success. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Gleek | How to Gleek | If you want to make yourself gleek, first you have to produce a lot of saliva in your mouth. You can make your mouth produce more saliva by yawning a few times, sucking on some sour candy, or drinking a glass of water. Once you've got some saliva in your mouth, flex your tongue and press the bottom of it against your mouth. Open your mouth as wide as you can, then press your bottom jaw out. When you do, saliva should shoot out from underneath your tongue! It might take a few tries, so keep practicing until you get the hang of it. | Yawn a couple of times to stimulate saliva. Yawning can be an easy way to generate saliva. Even if you aren't feeling sleepy, try yawning a few times. You'd be surprised how strongly your body responds to the simple act by producing a bunch of spit. Always cover your mouth when yawning in public. You can still be polite when you're trying to gleek. Eat a sour candy to trigger your salivary gland. Most sour candies will stimulate your salivary glands and generate enough saliva to gleek. Get a pack of sour candies and throw some in your mouth. After sucking on them for a few seconds, you should have plenty of saliva. Too much sugar is bad for your teeth. Make sure that you clean your mouth out if you're eating a lot of it. Drink some water to moisturize your mouth. Water is an excellent way to stimulate your salivary glands. It also has the added benefit of being good for you! If you're having trouble salivating, drink a little bit of water. You'd be surprised by how moist your mouth will feel. Pucker your lips together and take a deep breath. Form a small circle by pursing your lips together. It's incredibly hard to breathe and gleek at the same time, so you'll want to catch your breath before attempting to gleek. Take a deep breathe and relax your shoulders. A deep breath will give the salivary gland time to generate enough spit around the bottom of your tongue. Flex your tongue and extend it against the roof of your mouth. To flex your tongue, tighten the muscles by pushing it upwards and outwards towards the roof of your mouth. Press your tongue in the area between your upper teeth and the skin on the roof of your mouth. When you're ready to gleek, make this motion in one action and as quickly as possible. Your tongue should stiffen as you flex it, and you'll know that you're doing it right if it feels rigid and stiff in your mouth. Open your mouth and push your bottom jaw out. Open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can and extend your lower jaw away from you and towards your target. Flex the muscles in your tongue as hard as you can while doing this. With enough practice, you will naturally shoot out a stream of saliva from the gland beneath your tongue. It may be tempting to try and purse your lips together, since that's what most people do when they normally spit. This will block the gland at the bottom of your tongue though, so try to avoid doing it while you gleek. Keep your tongue locked to the roof of your mouth while you're doing this. Keep practicing until you get the hang of it. Gleeking is very difficult, and it's likely that you won't be successful the first time that you try to do it. Remain persistent and try it again. Make sure that you have enough saliva built up each time that you try to do it. It may take a couple of practice sessions before you start to see results. If you're doing it correctly, the spit should be shooting out from underneath your tongue, not the back of your throat. The shower is the perfect place to practice gleeking. You're already cleaning yourself, so it's not the end of the world if you happen to spit a little. Practice the motion over and over again. You can also wash your mouth out if it dries out! Chew on the tip of your tongue to generate saliva if your mouth stays dry. If you chew on the tip of your tongue after eating something, you may get a tingly sensation in the bottom of your jaw. This is the saliva that you need to gleek properly. Lightly chewing on the tip of your tongue is an excellent way to build up a lot of saliva fast and can be a simple solution if you you're your throat drying out a lot. Try exhaling while you gleek if you aren’t getting any distance. If you're not seeing results in terms of the distance of your gleeks, you may be inhaling while you're doing it. Try exhaling right as you push your tongue forward and see if that helps. Work on making the tongue flicking one motion. Although there are several steps involved, the odds of successfully gleeking improve if you can perform each step quickly and in one fluid motion. Practice working on it daily to get the steps down and improve your chances. Try gleeking in front of a mirror to see how you’re doing it. It may be easier to improve if you study what you look like in the mirror when you try to gleek. Compare your attempts at gleeking to what it looks like when other people do it. Just be sure to clean off your mirror if you happen to spit on it! Never gleek on other people. Gleeking is a neat trick to show your friends, but it isn't something you want to do to another person. | Yawn a couple of times to stimulate saliva. Eat a sour candy to trigger your salivary gland. Drink some water to moisturize your mouth. Pucker your lips together and take a deep breath. Flex your tongue and extend it against the roof of your mouth. Open your mouth and push your bottom jaw out. Keep practicing until you get the hang of it. Chew on the tip of your tongue to generate saliva if your mouth stays dry. Try exhaling while you gleek if you aren’t getting any distance. Work on making the tongue flicking one motion. Try gleeking in front of a mirror to see how you’re doing it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Annotate-an-Article | How to Annotate an Article | To annotate an article, start by underlining the thesis, or the main argument that the author is making. Next, underline the topic sentences for each paragraph to help you focus on the themes throughout the text. Then, in the margins, write down any questions that you have or those that you'd like your teacher to help you answer. Additionally, jot down your opinions, such as “I don't agree with this section” to create personal connections to your reading and make it easier to remember the information. | Recognize why you should annotate. Annotating, or interacting with, an article can help you understand the piece, highlight important concepts, and enhance your recall of the material. Things to note in your annotations include: Background on the author Themes throughout the text The author's purpose for writing the text The author's thesis Points of confusion How the text compares to other texts you are analyzing on the same topic Questions to ask your teacher or questions to bring up in class discussions Mark down the source information. At the top of the document or annotation page, write down all of the citation information. If you know the citation style that you will be using, such as MLA or APA, it is even better if you can create an initial rough citation. Later on, you can gather all of these citations together to form a bibliography or works cited page, if required. If you are working with a source that frequently changes, such as a newspaper or website, make sure to mark down the accession date or number (the year the piece was acquired and/or where it came from). Understand your reading goals. If you are reading for your own personal work, then focus on finding information connected to your research goals. If you are working on a class assignment, consider what goals your teacher might have for you. They may want you to concentrate on creating a series of response questions or perhaps locating the main idea. If you were given an assignment sheet with listed objectives, you might look over your completed annotation and check off each objective when finished. This will ensure that you've met all of the requirements. Annotate as you read the article. It may be tempting to read through a work without making notes, but resist this urge. Feel free to read a piece multiple times, but make sure to write down your notes for each round. This will allow you to capture your reactions and responses multiple times over. Ask questions as you go through the text. In the margins or alongside the text, make note of any questions that you have. It is not necessary to create any particular symbol for these, just end each statement with a question mark. You can write down questions that you have or those that you would like your teacher to help you answer. You can also write down questions that you plan to bring up during a class discussion. For example, you might write, “What does everyone think about this sentence?” Or, if your reading connects to a future writing assignment, you can ask questions that connect to that work. Focus on themes and connections to your class topics. Try to place your reading into context with your class experiences and your general life experiences. To mark down these connections, you might draw lines between bracketed portions of the text. Then, you can write down the theme that you are interested in on the line itself or next to one of the brackets. You could write, “Connects to the theme of hope and redemption discussed in class.” Circle words or concepts that you don’t understand. Use your annotations to remind you of what you need to do more research on. By circling your areas of confusion, this will allow you to then go back and look up whatever you need to. As an alternative to circles, you could simply write a question mark next to confusing passages. Use whatever symbol marking system works for you. Just make sure that you are consistent in your use of certain symbols. As you review your notes, you can create a list of all of the particular words that are circled. This may make it easier to look them up. For example, if the tone of the work changes mid-paragraph, you might write a question mark next to that section. Pay attention to the thesis and topic sentences. These are the most important parts of any work. As you read through the document, try to locate this information and underline it. The thesis will come early on in the work, as it outlines the major argument to be made. The topic sentences let you know what to expect for each paragraph. To increase your reading comprehension even more, you might want to write down the thesis statement in the margins in your own words. The thesis sentence might start with a statement, such as, “I argue…” Research the author. Enter the author's name into a search engine and scroll through the results. See if you can download or preview a few of their works. If they have a website, visit it and learn what you can about their professional background. Try to determine their motivations for creating the piece that you are currently reading. For example, reading online reviews can help you to determine whether or not the work is controversial or has been received without much fanfare. If there are multiple authors for the work, start by researching the first name listed. Write down your opinions. Don't be afraid to write whatever your feel or your reactions into the margins of a text. This will help you to create personal connections to your reading and will also make it easier to remember it as well. As you are reading, don't be concerned about being right or wrong with your initial notes. You might write, “This may contradict any earlier section.” Or, “I don't agree with this.” Make a photocopy of the article. If you are focusing on a paper article or a book chapter, it may be easier to work from a paper copy. Go ahead and print out a clear copy of the work. Try to create a photocopy that leaves plenty of open space in the margins. You can also file away this paper copy for future reference as you continue your research. Choose a writing tool. Carefully consider what writing tool to use for your notations. If you choose a yellow highlighter, just make sure to use it in a limited fashion, otherwise it becomes less meaningful. A pencil is a good tool to use because you can go back later and edit your comments for clarity, if needed. If you are visual learner, you might consider developing a notation system involving various colors of highlighters and flags. Create a separate notation page, if needed. If your comments begin to overflow the margins, then you may want to use another piece of paper for extra annotations. Just make sure to write down the page numbers for each comment or marking. You could also divide the page up according to sections of the article. Use Post-it notes. If you are borrowing a book or have a work that you'll need to return unmarked, then you can use sticky flags or Post-it notes to make your annotations. Just be sure to choose a size of Post-it that will provide ample space for your comments. And, you'll want to handle the text carefully or your Post-its could fall out. Depending on how you've taken your notes, you could also remove these Post-its to create an outline prior to writing. Complete an annotation paragraph. After you've finished reading and completed your annotations, then combine all of this knowledge into a single paragraph. This 3-4 sentence paragraph should identify the thesis and include a brief summary of the work. It can also mention any notable sources. This rough annotation can then be used to create a larger annotated bibliography. This will help you to see any gaps in your research as well. Download an online note-taking program. Before you view the web article, start by locating and downloading an appropriate annotation program. Diigo, for example, is a free tool that will allow you to keep your notes private or share them with others. Teachers can also create universal Diigo accounts for classes. You could also use a program, such as Evernote, MarkUp.io, Bounce, Shared Copy, WebKlipper, or Springnote. Be aware that some of these programs may require a payment for access. Navigate to the webpage on which your article is posted. Once your software is ready, you can start your real research. Browse the web until you locate an article that you can use. Or, to save time, you might locate numerous articles that you can use and go through them one by one. Click the browser add-on button, usually located near the address bar. To activate your notation program in the web window, you'll need to activate the add-on. Some add-ons will require that you highlight or select all the entire page before clicking on the button. Use the annotation toolbar to highlight, draw or note information. Once the program opens in the webpage, go ahead and make your annotations like usual. You can highlight portions of the page or even draw arrows to certain sections. Some programs will even activate a paint-like note system, making it possible for you to create question marks, smiley faces, or even stars. Depending on your program, you may be able to respond to other people's comments. You can also designate your notes as private or public. Save the annotation, if you want to clip it and use it outside of the web. When you are finished, you can save the annotation as a document to your computer. Or, you can do a screenshot, which will allow to save a portion of the article. If you have an account with the online note-taking service, it will save the note to your account to access later. Take extra steps to annotate a PDF work. Start by saving the PDF as a text-based document. Then, open the file in a program, such as Apple Preview. Go through the application's toolbar to make any desired notations. Save the PDF on your computer before closing and your margin notes and markings will be kept as well. | Recognize why you should annotate. Mark down the source information. Understand your reading goals. Annotate as you read the article. Ask questions as you go through the text. Focus on themes and connections to your class topics. Circle words or concepts that you don’t understand. Pay attention to the thesis and topic sentences. Research the author. Write down your opinions. Make a photocopy of the article. Choose a writing tool. Create a separate notation page, if needed. Use Post-it notes. Complete an annotation paragraph. Download an online note-taking program. Navigate to the webpage on which your article is posted. Click the browser add-on button, usually located near the address bar. Use the annotation toolbar to highlight, draw or note information. Save the annotation, if you want to clip it and use it outside of the web. Take extra steps to annotate a PDF work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Song-Out-of-Your-Head | How to Get a Song Out of Your Head | If you have a song stuck in your head, try to distract yourself by chewing gum, listening to another song, or solving word puzzles or math problems. You can also practice a calm verbal activity like reciting something out loud or having a conversation with someone else, which will occupy the speech and listening centers in your brain. If the song is still stuck in your head, try listening to it all the way through while you read the lyrics. | Listen to the song all the way through. Most stuck songs, or earworms, are actually parts of a song, such as a catchy chorus or even just a line or two. Your brain might be replaying this because it's stuck on where to go next. Listen to the complete song from beginning to end. This may be the most effective solution, although there are still plenty of times it doesn't work. Engaging with the song doesn't work for everyone. If you hate the idea of listening to the song again, read the section below on distraction techniques. Look up the lyrics. Unclear or forgotten lyrics can also frustrate your brain. Look the lyrics up online. Sing them aloud or sing silently to yourself to help your brain process the song. If you can memorize all the lyrics, this might make the song too long to hold in your head. Play the song on an instrument. If you can play an instrument, try to recreate the song. Grappling with the music and working out how to play it solves the problem for many musicians. Try out different tweaks and variations to break the repetitive cycle. Visualize the song changing. Even if you find this difficult, a sense of control can make you less anxious about the situation. For a few minutes, or until you start feeling frustrated, try to change the song in the following ways: Imagine turn down the volume knob of the song until it sounds like a whisper. Imagine your mind as a room with many rooms. Build barriers in front of the song, slowly caging it into a smaller and smaller area. Each time you add a barrier, the song becomes quieter and more muffled. 'Play' the song in your head at a different tempo, imagining it as (very) slow or fast. Picture the song ending. Once the song is quiet, it's time to end it. Use more visualization techniques to kick it out of your head once and for all: Visualize a sword or sharp object within your head, severing the link between your mind and the song. Imagine a record player in as much detail as possible. Look closely at the needle moving through the groove as the song plays. Lift the needle and listen to the sudden silence. When you get to the end of the song, sing the last note (aloud or in your head), then let the pitch drop steadily until it's much lower than any note in the song. This can sometimes prevent it starting again. Chew gum. For many people, chewing gum seems to interfere with the ability to hear the music in your head. This may also help you ignore the song during the next step. Let your mind wander. One study showed that fighting the song often leads to more frequent, longer episodes later. Try to ignore the tune while you think about something else on your mind. This isn't always possible, but spend a few minutes trying. Solve word puzzles. Anagrams, crossword puzzles, and other word-based puzzles can help drive away the song. Thinking about words occupies the same area of your brain that plays the imagined lyrics. Stay focused, and your brain might only be able to stick to one of the two tasks. If you notice no difference and feel yourself getting frustrated, stop. Occasionally, an earworm can get worse if you try to fight it. Distract yourself with a calm verbal activity. A relaxing activity may work best if you feel anxious about the earworm or are worried you can't control it. Here are a few options that occupy the listening and speech centers of your brain: Recite something or read aloud. Hold a conversation. Meditate. Pray. Read a book. Watch television. Play a video game that includes speech and/or text. Listen to a musical cure. Always choose a song that you enjoy, just in case, it replaces the one in your head! Ideally, you'll find a cure tune that drives out the old song but doesn't get stuck in your head itself. Most cure tunes are specific to one person, but there are a few that turned out to be more popular in one survey: If you hate the idea of listening to these songs, read on for advice on finding your own. God Save the Queen Karma Chameleon by Culture Club Happy Birthday To You The A-Team theme song Kashmir by Led Zeppelin Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel Sing along to a less familiar song. Start with a song that's less likely to get in your head. Avoid catchy tunes, and ideally look for something you've only listened to once or twice before. The harder it is to sing along to, the less likely it is to stick. Sing along to a song you know well. If that doesn't work, it's time to bring out the big guns. This cure will often get stuck in your head instead, but hopefully, if that happens it will be more pleasant. Here are some types of sticky songs: Songs you know well, especially ones associated with nostalgia or a specific memory. Songs that are easy to sing along to. These tend to have notes with long durations, and small changes in pitch. Most pop songs fit this description. Songs with repetition. These include nursery rhymes, songs with repetitive choruses, and, again, most pop songs. Do math problems. You can sometimes break the song's hold with math problems that take all your attention to solve. Try to calculate 8208 ÷ 17, or solve 2 x 2 x 2 x 2... as long as you can. A problem that's too difficult will fail to engage you. Pick something within your range of ability. | Listen to the song all the way through. Look up the lyrics. Play the song on an instrument. Visualize the song changing. Picture the song ending. Chew gum. Let your mind wander. Solve word puzzles. Distract yourself with a calm verbal activity. Listen to a musical cure. Sing along to a less familiar song. Sing along to a song you know well. Do math problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-Shower-Curtain | How to Buy a Shower Curtain | To buy a shower curtain, you'll need a liner, which goes on the inside of the tub, and a curtain for the outside. First, measure your shower so you know what size shower liner and curtain to buy. Standard curtains are 70 by 72 inches, but you can buy extra long and extra wide curtains if you need one. Then, decide if you want a vinyl or fabric liner. Vinyl liners are easier to clean and stick to the tub to keep water inside, but can look cheaper than fabric ones. Choose a white or clear liner for simplicity, or match it with the curtain. You should also decide if you want your shower curtain in vinyl or fabric. Find a design or color that matches your bathroom. Remember that you'll need to buy shower rings to mount your curtain and liner too. | Select a liner size. Measure your shower to determine the size of liner and shower curtain you will need. You will want your liner to fit in your shower for appearance and so it does its job of preventing water from escaping into your bathroom. Most liners for a standard size shower are 70 by 72 inches (1.8 by 1.8 m). Make sure your liner stretches between the two walls and reaches down to the floor so no water escapes. There are extra long liners that are 70 by 84 inches (1.8 by 2.1 m) or 72 by 84 inches (1.8 by 2.1 m). You can purchase an extra wide liner that is 144 by 72 inches (3.7 by 1.8 m). If you have a stall shower, instead of a traditional bathtub size shower, there are shower stall liners that are 54 by 78 inches (1.4 by 2.0 m). Choose a liner material. Most liners are vinyl, but you can also purchase liners in fabric (such as nylon or polyester). Some people think that vinyl liners look cheaper than fabric ones, but vinyl liners stick to the sides of the tub to help prevent water from spilling on the floor. Vinyl liners are also easier to clean because you can just wipe them down with a sponge or cloth. Fabric liners need to be washed regularly since they can grow mold. Fabric liners tend to be machine wash only and blow away from the tub, which can cause water to spill. However, fabric liners are more durable and last longer than vinyl liners. Decide if you want magnets and suction cups. You can purchase liners that have magnets that weigh down the liner to help it stay in place. You can also purchase liners that have suction cups on the bottom to help it stick to your tub and not blow away. Decide if you want grommets. If your liner has grommets along the top, it is less likely to rip. Grommets reinforce the top of liner where the holes for the rings are. If your liner might face a lot of wear and tear (particularly in children's bathrooms), you might want to opt for grommets. Choose a liner that prevents bacteria. You can get a liner that is resistant to bacteria and mildew. The packaging on the liner will specify if it prevents bacteria and mildew. This is especially important if you live in a humid environment or don't have good ventilation in your bathroom. Coordinate with your curtain. You can get liners in many colors, not just clear or white, to match your shower curtain. You can also use a liner alone, and have no shower curtain to keep things simple. For simplicity, choose a white or clear liner. You could also choose a solid color liner that coordinates with the pattern on your shower curtain. Some liners, like patterned vinyl, double as a shower curtain. Decide on a curtain size. You should measure the size of your shower to see what curtain you should buy. When it comes to choosing a curtain size you have options depending on how you want the curtain to look. You can get a floor length curtain or have your curtain just touch the top of the bathtub. A standard shower curtain is 72 by 72 inches (1.8 by 1.8 m). Buy two shower curtains to open your shower like window curtains for a more luxurious feel. You can purchase stall curtains that are 54 by 72 inches (1.4 by 1.8 m). Extra long curtains are 72 by 84 inches (1.8 by 2.1 m) or 72 by 96 inches (1.8 by 2.4 m). Extra wide curtains are 108 by 72 inches (2.7 by 1.8 m). Decide if you want a fabric or vinyl shower curtain. You can get a fabric shower curtain in polyester, cotton, or a blend. They are usually machine washable but some are dry-clean only. Cotton shower curtains are easy to maintain, but need to be used with a liner. Vinyl shower curtains repel moisture and do not necessarily need a liner with them. You can opt for fabric curtains in microfiber because they are soft and water resistant. Prices will depend on the material and design you choose for your curtain. Cotton shower curtains should be protected by a heavy shower liner. Pick the look you want. You can get a curtain in many colors and patterns, from color blocking to holographic designs. Think about the overall appearance of your bathroom and try to coordinate your shower curtain. You can make your shower curtain the focus of your bathroom or just a subtle detail. For example, if your bathroom has a tropical theme, you might want to get a shower curtain that has an image of palm trees and the ocean. Some shower curtains have pockets on them to hold soaps and shampoos. Consider using a functional shower curtain in kids' bathrooms or a bathroom with little storage. Consider having double panel curtains. Instead of having one curtain for your shower, you can have two. Put one shower curtain on each side of the shower to frame your shower like a window. You can cut a shower curtain in half then hem the edges and put them on each side of one rod if you want the curtains to open down the middle. If you are using a liner, cut and hem the liner as well. Buy shower rings. Make sure to buy shower rings for your curtain and liner. You can get basic rings or more decorative ones. Have your shower rings match the decor of your bathroom and curtain. You can buy a hookless shower curtain that does not need rings for a ceiling-track curtain rod. | Select a liner size. Choose a liner material. Decide if you want magnets and suction cups. Decide if you want grommets. Choose a liner that prevents bacteria. Coordinate with your curtain. Decide on a curtain size. Decide if you want a fabric or vinyl shower curtain. Pick the look you want. Consider having double panel curtains. Buy shower rings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-out-of-a-Party-You-Don%27t-Want-to-Go-To | How to Get out of a Party You Don't Want to Go To | If you want to get out of a party you don't want to go to, tell a simple lie. For example, tell the host that you have to babysit a sibling or that you're grounded. Make sure to keep your story as simple as possible, or else it will seem suspicious. Another way you can get out of the engagement is by pretending that you're sick. On the day of the party, text your friend that you have food poisoning since food poisoning goes away quickly and no one will be suspicious if you're healthy the next day. If you're a student or have a job, tell the host that you fell behind on work and have to catch up. | RSVP immediately. Don't put off telling the host that you can't come to the party. Let them know immediately that you can't come, so they don't build up an expectation of your attendance and feel more disappointed when you cancel at the last second. Deliver the news in person. If the party is important to the host — for example, a birthday party, anniversary party, or baby or wedding shower — it would be rude to just text or email that you can't attend. Find some time to speak to them in person and explain why you can't attend. If you can't speak in person — for example, if the friend lives in a different city, or if your schedules don't match up — make a phone call. Strike the right tone. People react to disappointing news in different ways, so there's no single right answer about how to present your news. Depending on the personality of the person you're breaking the news to, you'll want to have a different attitude. If you think the person will be offended or sad, be as apologetic as possible. If you think the person will try to pressure or guilt you into attending, be firm. Give a clear reason for missing the party. If you just tell the host that you don't “feel” like it, you may hurt their feelings. Giving a specific reason is the best way to go, unless your specific reason is that you don't like the host! Some examples why you don't want to attend a specific party might include: You have a previous engagement at that time Someone you would like to avoid is attending the party You have too much work or studying to catch up on Don't over-explain yourself. When you talk too for too long about why you can't attend a party, you give the host more time to try to convince you that you should attend. Keep that part of the conversation short and sweet, then move on. You might change the topic completely or show that you're still interested in the party by asking about the planning process. Showing interest demonstrates that you wish you could attend, but that you really can't. Offer to help with the party beforehand. Even if you can't attend the party yourself, you can still help make it a success by offering to lend a hand with the planning and preparation. This will demonstrate to the host that you value their friendship, and that you would attend the party if you possibly could. Promise to make it up to them. If you have to miss an event, make plans to catch up with the host when you have more time. Make it as close to the event as possible, so you can show an interest in what you missed. This will make the host feel like you appreciate their efforts in throwing the party, and that you value their friendship. Put in a quick appearance. The best honest way to get out of spending time at a party is to spend the least possible amount of time at the party. Make sure you say hello to the host, so they know you attended. Try to have a good time while you're there, but let everyone know that you have to leave early. Even if you can't stay, people will appreciate that you at least made the effort to drop by. If you feel uncomfortable announcing that you have to leave, just slip out without saying goodbye. People will likely be having so much fun, they won't even notice you're gone. Don’t be too hard on yourself for lying. Studies show that lying is a regular part of daily life even for people we'd otherwise consider moral, upstanding individuals. When people lie to ease social tensions, rather than to serve their own purposes, a white lie might be a better option than the truth. Keep your lie simple. Lie as little as possible, without elaboration. An elaborate story about why you can't attend a party will seem suspicious, and will also be more difficult to keep track of if someone asks you about it later. Blame your family. Everyone understands that familial obligations always trump parties. Tell your friends that you have to babysit a sibling, or that your parents are forcing you to have dinner at your uncle's house that night. An iron-clad excuse is that you're grounded; everyone will understand that there's no way you can come to a party. Say you already have plans. Only the most overbearing friend would try to guilt you into canceling plans you've already made with someone else to come to their party. But make sure that you don't use a friend who's attending the part as your alibi. Say you have plans with a friend from a different school, or even with an imaginary friend. Pretend you’re not feeling well. On the day of the party, text your friend saying that you think you ate something bad, and that you have food poisoning. Nobody wants someone throwing up at their party. Plus, food poisoning passes very quickly, so nobody can be suspicious when you feel fine again the next day. Pretend you have too much work to do. Whether you're a student or an adult with a job, everyone knows and understands that sometimes we fall behind and have to catch up on our work. If the host still tries to pressure you into coming, say that your parents or your boss are upset with you, and you have to make it up to them. Set up your lie ahead of time. If the party is two weeks away, and you know the whole time that you don't want to attend the party, don't wait until the last second to get out of it! Set up your lie ahead of time to deflect suspicion. Some things you might consider are: Telling the host at the time of invitation that you have a previous engagement on that day. Telling the host a day or two before the party that you think you're coming down with an illness. Keep track of your lie. This is the most thing about lying. Even if the lie is just a little white lie, you don't want to hurt anyone's feeling by getting caught. Keep track of exactly what you tell people, and of who you tell it to. If you post the lie on social media to make it more believable, make sure nobody else catches you doing anything else on that night! If you tell the host you're feeling sick, don't let anyone tag you in pictures from a different part that night. | RSVP immediately. Deliver the news in person. Strike the right tone. Give a clear reason for missing the party. Don't over-explain yourself. Offer to help with the party beforehand. Promise to make it up to them. Put in a quick appearance. Don’t be too hard on yourself for lying. Keep your lie simple. Blame your family. Say you already have plans. Pretend you’re not feeling well. Pretend you have too much work to do. Set up your lie ahead of time. Keep track of your lie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Swimming-Pool-Vinyl-Liner | How to Repair a Swimming Pool Vinyl Liner | Vinyl swimming pool liners can often sag or slip out of position, but luckily you have several simple ways to repair them. Try pouring boiling water onto the affected area of vinyl, making sure to leave 1 to 2 inches at the top so you can grab hold of it. Alternatively, you can heat an area of the vinyl by blow drying it from about 2 inches away. Once the heat from the boiling water or hair dryer has softened the vinyl, pull it up from the top to stretch it out. Fit it back into the metal trap around the top of your pool, which is designed to hold the vinyl in place. If you're concerned about the vinyl coming loose again, add several plastic jamming pieces, which you can buy at a pool supply store. | Boil a kettle of water. It may take several kettles, depending on the size of your liner. Slowly pour the hot water directly on the sagging vinyl below the top edge. Use a kettle or can with a long spout, such as a watering can. Do not pour onto the very top edge of the vinyl, but just below the top, because you next have to grasp that top edge. Pour slowly back and forth across the vinyl. Pull the vinyl up. As the hot water softens the vinyl, grasp the top edge and firmly pull the vinyl up and above the track, so that when released it remains just above the track. It may take several cans of water before you can pull the entire edge up sufficiently. It may also be necessary to lower the water level 6 inches (15.2 cm) or so to increase the amount of vinyl you can stretch. This task is easier if one person pulls up while the other pours the hot water. But one person can do the job alone if necessary. Re-track the vinyl. Starting on one end, firmly twist the top edge horizontally and push it into the metal track. The top underside of the vinyl has a V shaped groove which should slip into a similar V groove in the top metal track. You should feel the edge of vinyl slip into the groove, which is supposed to keep it in place. Hold the vinyl in place. Use a large, wooden paint stirrer to help push and hold the vinyl in the track as you pull the vinyl up and into place. Be very careful not to tear through the vinyl. For longer splits use wooden clothes-pegs broken in half and placed along the split every few inches. Finish up. Upon completion of stretching and tucking, get several special short (1/4 to 1/2 inch long) plastic jamming pieces from your pool supply store, and jam them into place between the top of the plastic and the underside of the metal pool rim. This will help ensure the plastic liner stays in place. Use an extension cord and a hair dryer or heat gun. Heat an area of the liner to stretch by holding the blow dryer a couple of inches from the surface and at an angle. Keep the dryer moving so you don't burn the liner. You don't need to superheat the liner—just get it warm enough to make it pliable. Put the liner back in the track. Done. Note: Be careful that no one is in the pool while using electrical appliances, as dropping it in the water could be deadly. Use a vinyl patch kit. A common problem with pool liners is that small holes or tears can develop from impact damage or sharp debris in the pool. Use a vinyl patch kit specifically made for swimming pools. Cut the patch into a circle, as sharp edges on the patch will tend to peel off over time. If possible, use a piece of the same liner pattern for a color match or place the patch on the underside of the liner. | Boil a kettle of water. Pull the vinyl up. Re-track the vinyl. Hold the vinyl in place. Finish up. Use an extension cord and a hair dryer or heat gun. Put the liner back in the track. Note: Use a vinyl patch kit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Finance-a-Car | How to Finance a Car | To finance a car, start by figuring out how much money you can put down so you know what you need to borrow. Then, contact local banks and credit unions so you can compare rates and find the one that's best for you. You should also get prequalified for a loan, which you can use to negotiate better terms with the dealer. Alternatively, apply for a loan directly through your car dealer, but try to make a down payment of 10 percent to keep your interest rate low. | Find out how much you can afford up front. If you know the ballpark value of what you want to pay for a vehicle, and how much you can afford to pay in cash, you will know about how much you will need to finance. Maximize your down payment. A smart way to finance a car is to get as much of a down payment as you can. The more you can pay at the beginning of a deal, the less you will have to pay in interest. Even if you have to temporarily sell some assets to buy the car outright, that can be a better deal than financing a major portion of the cost. Know your credit score. Much of the financing offer for a car is based on your credit score. Those with good credit will get better interest rates and cheaper car financing offers. This is important no matter who you finance your vehicle through. Find out your credit score either through the dealer or online at websites like www.annualcreditreport.com, www.freecreditscore.com, www.creditkarma.com, or www.myfico.com. If your credit score is higher than 680, you are considered a prime borrower and are eligible for the best interest rates available. The higher your score, the better bargaining position you will be in. Compare loan rates online. There are many websites that compare deals at no cost. Additionally, it is a great way to get in contact with various companies. Get the necessary materials together. Most lenders will want your name, social security number, date of birth, previous and current addresses, occupation, proof of income, and information on other outstanding debts. Contact certified lenders. Local and national banks, as well as credit unions can give you the terms and interest rates they are offering on used car loans over the phone and online. Shop around and find the best rate for you. You don't have to apply for financing through the dealer, though you certainly can. Oftentimes you can get a fairer deal when you figure out your financing first before you walk into the dealership. Apply for financing through a bank or an app that connects you to lenders (like AutoGravity). Oftentimes, credit unions have the lowest interest rates, especially if you are a member. Check with your employer to see if they have any connections with local credit unions for you to take advantage of. Many lenders offer 5 year loans on vehicles that are five years old at most. Older vehicles are often only eligible for 1 to 2 year loans. In many cases, the fear is that an older car will break down and then borrowers will default on their loans. Additionally, lenders often impose mileage restrictions (often 100,000 miles) and will not finance salvage-titled vehicles. Typically, they will only fund loans for vehicles purchased through a franchised dealership, not through a private party or independent dealer. In these cases, you'll have to get a deal loan. See below. Solicit rate quotes from several lenders. The interest rates offered on used car loans are generally 4 to 6 percent higher than rates offered on new car loans. This is because lenders are fearful of financing used vehicles. Be as specific as possible with a lender. Provide the lender with information about the vehicle you choose. You will need to provide the car's make, model and VIN number, among other things. The more detail you can give the lender, the more firm your rate quote will be. Talk to lenders about any fees or extra charges. Some lenders offer low interest rates and make back the money by tacking on additional fees and charges to a loan deal. You'll want to know about these, as well as any other specific loan agreement aspects like prepayment penalties, which can trigger fees if you pay the loan off early. Get prequalified. Fill out the paperwork ahead of time. Many banks or lenders will pre-qualify you for a car loan based on your credit score, the type of car you plan on purchasing, and your driving history. Ask the lender with the best rate offer for a pre-qualification letter. It should outline the terms and conditions of the loan. Bring this letter with you to the dealership when shopping for the car. When you go to the dealer's lot, you can show them evidence pre-qualification from a reputable lender. This will expedite the car buying experience. It will also tell the car dealer you are ready to buy. If you haven't prequalified, you can get financing at the dealer's lot for a one-stop shopping experience, but having other lender alternatives helps you to get the best deal. Get a loan through a new or used car dealer. In general, interest rates offered by dealerships are higher than interest rates you can find directly from a lender. In many cases, smaller dealerships work with third party lenders to finance your vehicle. Because they play the middleman, they pass off the costs to you. Therefore, you may want to apply for a direct loan first and cut out the dealership middleman. In some cases, financing lenders like local banks and credit unions won't take a chance on used cars. For used cars, most dealers will finance used cars they sell, regardless of its age. Therefore, you may want to apply for a dealer loan if a direct lender denies you financing. Bring leverage. Bring interest rates from direct loan lenders, even if you plan on financing with the dealer. Dealers are more likely to offer lower interest rates, if you show them that you know what other lenders are offering. Make sure you research competitive interest rates based on your credit score. Offer a down payment in cash or trade equivalent to at least 10% of the vehicle's purchase price. The larger the down payment, the less money you will have to finance and the less interest you'll have to pay on that loan. | Find out how much you can afford up front. Know your credit score. Compare loan rates online. Get the necessary materials together. Contact certified lenders. Solicit rate quotes from several lenders. Get prequalified. Ask the lender with the best rate offer for a pre-qualification letter. Get a loan through a new or used car dealer. Bring leverage. Offer a down payment in cash or trade equivalent to at least 10% of the vehicle's purchase price. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-No%E2%80%90See%E2%80%90Um-Bites | How to Treat No‐See‐Um Bites | To treat no-see-um bites, wash the affected area with soap and water, then wrap an ice pack in a soft cloth and hold it against your skin for about 15 minutes. You can repeat this several times a day for the first 2 days after you receive the bite. If the bites are itchy, apply a 1% hydrocortisone cream, aloe vera gel, or calamine lotion to your skin to relieve the itch. You can also take an antihistamine pill to reduce the itching if you prefer, but this may make you drowsy. | Wash your bite with soap and warm water. You should always do this after suffering an insect bite. The soap cleanses the area and reduces the risk of infection. It will also wash away any saliva that the insect left on your skin. Use ice or a cool compress to relieve pain and swelling. Wrap the ice pack or compress in a piece of fabric and then hold it against your skin for up to 15 minutes at a time. You can use ice or a compress a few times a day for the first 2 days after you receive the bite. Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching. You can find 1 percent hydrocortisone cream over-the-counter. When applied to the bite, it'll relieve itching. Follow the directions on the packaging to make sure you use it safely. Talk to your doctor before using the product on children under 12 or if you are pregnant or nursing. Only apply the cream to the welt itself, not the skin around it. Do not use hydrocortisone cream for longer than 7 days unless your doctor tells you to. Use calamine lotion as another option for itch relief. As an alternative to hydrocortisone cream, you could dab calamine lotion on the bite. Shake the lotion, then apply a dollop to a cotton pad. Dab the cotton pad over the welt. Be sure to follow all instructions on the bottle. Talk to a doctor before using calamine lotion on children under the age of 12 or if you are pregnant or nursing. You can use calamine lotion as much as needed for up to 7 days. If your symptoms haven't improved by then, check with your doctor. Use aloe vera to relieve pain and itching. Aloe vera is a natural treatment that can help with the pain and itching caused by insect bites. Simply dab a small quantity of the gel onto the welt. You can purchase aloe vera at most drug stores or online. Make sure that it does not have any other ingredients. For example, don't use a body lotion that contains aloe vera, as this will probably not help your bite. Take an antihistamine to reduce itching. Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) is a great option, but you could also try a non-drowsy alternative. The antihistamine will reduce your body's reaction to the bite, which relieves some of the itch. However, it may also cause drowsiness. Talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Keep in mind that some antihistamines can make you drowsy, so don't drive or engage in activities that require your full attention. If you need to take diphenhydramine longer than 7 days, then you should talk to your doctor. You should only take it until your symptoms have passed. Use NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. You can take ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Motrin to relieve some of the pain and swelling caused by your bite. However, take them sparingly, and don't mix them with other medications. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging. Talk to your doctor to make sure that NSAIDs are safe for you. Don’t scratch your bite. It's common for these bites to break open and start bleeding. Not only is this unpleasant and painful, but it also increases your risk of infection. On top of that, it doesn't even relieve the itch! Scratching the bite can also make it take longer to heal. Expect the bite to take about 2 weeks to heal. Although it takes a while for the bite to heal, you should notice it getting better every day. If it isn't, then you should visit your doctor. If your bite worsens, make an appointment with your doctor immediately to make sure that you don't have an infection and are not experiencing an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for include growth in size, increasing redness, presence of pus, pain, and swelling. You may also have a fever and flu-like symptoms, which are a sign of infection. Get emergency treatment if you have an allergic reaction. Although it's uncommon, some people experience an allergic reaction after getting a no-see-um bite. This is an emergency situation that requires immediate care. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include the following: Difficulty breathing Swelling of the tongue Hoarse voice Loss of consciousness Extreme itching Hives Tingling or itching in your mouth Watch for signs of a possible infection. Unfortunately, the bite could become infected. This can result from a germ that was present on the fly's stinger. Alternatively, scratching can lead to infection if the skin breaks. Symptoms to watch for include the following: Fever Swollen glands Flu-like symptoms Pus Pain Swelling Redness Take all of the antibiotics provided by your doctor, if applicable. The doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat an infection. It's important that you take all of the medicine. Otherwise, your symptoms may return. Ask your doctor about prescription steroid symptoms for severe itching. In rare cases, the doctor may administer steroid treatments to relieve extreme itching and inflammation. This may be an option if nothing else relieves your symptoms. Steroids may be administered via injection or IV. The doctor may also prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone cream. Use an insecticide like DEET to kill the flies. These products can protect you when you go outside. You can spray on the insecticide or use products that make the area around them undesirable to the insects, such as candles. The best product for combating no-see-ums is DEET, but other products, such as citronella, can help. Make sure that you follow all of the instructions when using these products. Insecticides can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Use insecticides only when you are going outside. Reapply them as directed on the product label. Wear protective clothing. Keep the insects off your skin so that they can't bite you. Cover your exposed skin with long sleeves, pants, socks, shoes, and a hat. You may even want to wear a hat with a fine mesh netting attached so that the bugs can't bite your face! Lighter-colored clothing will deter bugs better than darker clothes. Keep your windows and doors closed in mid- to late-summer. These pesky insects will come into your home and bite you. No-see-ums are small enough to fly through a window screen, so the window must be fully closed to keep them out. Their most active time is the morning and evening, so it's especially important to keep windows and doors shut during this time. Install mesh door and window screens to help keep the bugs out. Discourage the insects with a fan. Turning on a fan makes it harder for the insects to fly in the area. Any kind of fan will help, but an oscillating fan will protect the largest area. Use your fan safely! Don't place it near a pool or other body of water, as it could fall in and create a shock hazard. Make sure that all extension cords are plugged in safely and do not pose trip hazards. Avoid moist soil, such as around waterways, during peak season. No-see-ums lay their eggs in moist soil, which you'll often find around ponds, rivers, and other waterways. Their most active season is mid- to late- summer, so you'll encounter more of them around this time. When camping during summer, choose a site that isn't near a waterway. Since coastal areas can be a prime habitat, consult local maps before visiting or purchasing property in coastal areas. | Wash your bite with soap and warm water. Use ice or a cool compress to relieve pain and swelling. Apply hydrocortisone cream to relieve the itching. Use calamine lotion as another option for itch relief. Use aloe vera to relieve pain and itching. Take an antihistamine to reduce itching. Use NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation. Don’t scratch your bite. Expect the bite to take about 2 weeks to heal. Get emergency treatment if you have an allergic reaction. Watch for signs of a possible infection. Take all of the antibiotics provided by your doctor, if applicable. Ask your doctor about prescription steroid symptoms for severe itching. Use an insecticide like DEET to kill the flies. Wear protective clothing. Keep your windows and doors closed in mid- to late-summer. Discourage the insects with a fan. Avoid moist soil, such as around waterways, during peak season. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Buy-a-New-Car-Through-Fleet-Sales | How to Buy a New Car Through Fleet Sales | Many car dealers have fleet departments where you can get an extra discount on your new vehicle. To find the best deal, call different dealerships in your area and ask to speak to their fleet managers. Then, ask them for quotes for the car you're interested in. Dealers will usually charge you the invoice price of the car plus their own seller fee. For example, they might quote you “$400 over the invoice price.” Once you've got a few quotes, make an appointment with the dealer who offered you the best price. If you're buying the car for personal use, you'll probably have to pay the dealer fee. If you're buying it for business, they should automatically waive the fee, but if they don't, ask them to waive it. | Identify your specifications. The first part of any car-buying process is to figure out what you want in a new car. Consider the color, manufacturer, and options of your car. Some of these might be irrelevant to you, but some might be important. Think about what matters to you in a car and what you'll be doing with your car before deciding which to buy. Certain features might depend on your intentions for the car. If you intend to haul lumber in your new vehicle, for instance, you should choose a sturdy pickup truck, not a small compact car. If you have several kids you plan on shipping to soccer practice, school, and extracurricular activities, you might want a minivan. Decide what parts of your specification are optional or negotiable. If you would prefer slate blue but will consider cobalt or want but don't require a sunroof, write that down, but don't disclose it right away. You can negotiate on these optional points later, if it makes sense to do so. Decide your budget. How much are you willing to drop on your new car? If you plan on selling your current car, you should include that money in the calculations when setting your budget. Be realistic when setting your budget. Don't buy a car that is not affordable for you. You could also think about getting financing for your car. Investigate what kinds of loans you qualify for with your bank or credit union. Don't forget to calculate the costs associated with taxes, licensing, and (potentially) interest. Research new cars online. Find a car that meets your specifications. Consider cars that have high standards in safety and overall quality in addition to cars that meet the list of specifications you previously drafted. Check both user reviews and professional reviews written by automobile experts. Consumer Reports, Kelly Blue Book, and Auto Trader are useful sources for researching and comparing cars. Understand the fleet sales pricing process. Typically, the final price of a fleet sales car is between $250 and $1,000 above the invoice price (what the dealership paid for the car). The fleet sales manager may talk about the price of the car you're interested with from this reference point. For instance, if the fleet sales manager tells you a car is “$400 over,” that means it is $400 over the invoice price. A car that was invoiced for $20,000, then, would cost $2,400. Each year, most dealerships get anywhere between $200,000 and several million dollars in volume bonuses (rebates given to dealerships when they move a certain number of vehicles). Therefore, their invoice price is not usually a true representation of the cost of the vehicle to the dealership. Check the sale price of the car you want. Know what the selling price of the car you're interested in is. Knowing the dealer's invoice price and MSRP are the most important things when buying through fleet sales. Most dealerships will not hesitate to give you this information, if you ask. If the price is within your range, proceed with the purchase process. If it is not, find a car that better meets your financial specifications. Many online tools will also help you figure out what a reasonable price for a given car is. For instance, the database at http://www.edmunds.com/tmv.html offers both MSRP and actual prices paid on a variety of vehicles. Contact local dealerships. It can be a little tricky, however, because retail salesman may attempt to divert your shopping to their own department and might even pretend to be fleet salesmen. For this reason, it's best to identify who the fleet manager of the dealership is before calling the dealership. Ask the operator or receptionist for the name of the fleet manager. If you are asked why you wish to know the fleet manager's name, say that you're doing research for your company's upcoming car purchase. Be as insistent as you need to be. Once you get the name, ask to speak to the manager and tell him/her that you are interested in buying a car soon. Give a specific time frame (for instance, three days) to show that you're serious. Call during regular weekday business hours. Fleet managers and salesmen deal with businesses, which usually operate on that schedule. If the manager asks which business you're affiliated with, give the name of the company you work for. Don't lie, however, and say the car is for business use when it's not. Fleet managers are often allowed to sell to private buyers, and if you handle the process professionally, the manager should have no problem doing business with you. List your requirements. Phone, fax, or email your specification to the fleet departments or managers at several dealers with a request for bids. Again, be sure it gets to the fleet department by using specific names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of fleet department managers or salespeople. Note on the request for bids that you would like their best price and that you are asking other dealers. This should help shorten the process. If you are willing to wait for the car you want to be ordered or transferred from another dealer, state as much on your specification sheet. Meet with fleet managers. After the various fleet managers get back to you with a bid, make an appointment to meet the ones who have what you're looking for. If all you get is an invitation to come to the dealership without any kind of bid attached, ignore it; they probably don't have what you want and are hoping to convince you to get something else. If you receive a bid that doesn't match exactly with your specifications, circle or underline any discrepancies so you can ask about them later. If you're not seeing bids that you like, consider expanding your dealership radius, or shopping for a different car. Evaluate the car. Ask to see the car you're considering. Inspect it carefully. Look for dings in the windows, scratches on the surface, flat or low tires, and other imperfections. Pop the trunk and hood and look for anything that could be out of place. Read the window sticker to ensure the model has all the qualities you're looking for. Finally, test drive the car. Even if you've test driven that exact model already, sometimes individual cars have manufacturing variations, and it's worth taking a quick spin to make sure everything's in good shape. During the test drive, listen for odd sounds coming from the engine, inoperable features like power windows, and other problems. Remember, you are about to spend a lot of money and a lot of time in this car, so you should be sure that the car has everything you're looking for. Inquire about relevant discounts. Ask the dealership to waive the dealer fee if you're buying for a business. Many fleet departments waive these fees without you asking them to do so, but look over the final sale contract to ensure that they do. Ask that manufacturer rebates be factored into the final sales price as well. If the fleet sales discounts are incompatible with regular retail sales discounts, ask that the more favorable set of sales discounts be applied to your purchase. For instance, if fleet sales offer cars at the invoice price plus $500, but the dealership is running a sale on that particular car that is lower than the fleet sales price, ask the dealership to sell you the car at the lower retail price. Look for the best deal. After receiving all the bids from the dealerships you contacted, respond to all the dealerships except the one that offered you the lowest price and ask them if they can beat the lowest bid. Next, take your two lowest offers and call the dealership with the higher of the two. Make a firm offer to buy the car at a price that's slightly lower (maybe $200) than the lowest bid; if they say yes, ask them to fax you that bid immediately and make an appointment to fill out the paperwork and buy the car. If they say no, call the dealer with the lowest bid and make an appointment to fill out the paperwork and buy the car. Starting this process a week before the end of the month will get you better bids because that's when most dealerships are eager to move inventory. Buy under favorable conditions. For instance, you could choose to buy a summer car (a convertible, for instance) during winter. Sometimes a dealership will drop their selling price a few hundred dollars to move a stale car off their lot. Don't settle for anything less than what you want. Find a dealership that offers exactly what you're looking for. Your area, as far as car dealerships are concerned, should be pretty big. If you can save $500 or $1000 or more by going to another dealership, or get something much closer to what you want, it can be well worth a one-time drive to a dealer a few towns away. Wait for the various dealerships to respond with a quotation and compare the offers. Read each offer carefully. Close the deal. Another unique thing about dealing with fleet sales is that a fleet manager or salesperson can do everything -- sell the car and arrange financing -- without the cryptic consultations between the retail and financing departments that you'd experience otherwise. If you haven't arranged your own financing, the fleet sales department can help you. However, be prepared to make a cash purchase, since many fleet sales departments expect you will. Apply for a fleet number. If you're buying a number of cars through fleet sales for your business and plan on doing so again in the future, you should get a fleet number. The fleet number will enable you to qualify for deeper discounts than you would as a private purchaser. When you get a fleet number from the automaker, you can use it in future purchases to smooth the transaction. Contact the auto manufacturer you're interested in purchasing from in order to apply for a fleet number. If you're just buying a private car for yourself through fleet sales, you don't need (and cannot obtain) a fleet number. | Identify your specifications. Decide your budget. Research new cars online. Understand the fleet sales pricing process. Check the sale price of the car you want. Contact local dealerships. List your requirements. Meet with fleet managers. Evaluate the car. Inquire about relevant discounts. Look for the best deal. Don't settle for anything less than what you want. Close the deal. Apply for a fleet number. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Manual-Typewriter | How to Use a Manual Typewriter | To use a manual typewriter, first move the margin set on the carriage to 1 inch, or your desired measure. Then, flip up the paper guide and feed your paper in, turning the cylinder knobs until your paper re-appears. Once the carriage is located where you want to start typing, push it as far right as it will go and begin typing. When you hear a bell, return the carriage to its original position with the carriage-return lever to start a new line. | Slide the margin set on the right-hand side of the typewriter. Before you start typing, you'll want to make sure that your margins are set correctly. The right-hand margin set is usually located next to the larger carriage release lever at the top right of the typewriter. The margin sets usually look like metal brackets at the very top of the typewriter. They may have a button you have to press before you can move them. Move the margin set on the carriage until it is located at your desired right margin. Some typewriters have a ruler built in for measuring an exact margin. If yours doesn't, you may want to use a tape measure or a ruler to get accurate margins. Standard margins for a typewriter are 1 inch (2.5 cm) all the way around the paper, although some people prefer 1.25 inches (3.2 cm) on the sides. Repeat the process for the left-hand side. Once you get your right margin, set the left-hand margins to match by sliding the left margin set along the carriage. The margins should remain set until the next time you press the margin-set levers. Flip up the paper guide and place a piece of paper behind the cylinder. When you're ready to type, you'll need to put paper in your typewriter. You can use regular copy paper in your typewriter, although some writers prefer a heavier stock. Look for the paper lock (or paper guide), a bar located above the keyboard. Flip it up and slide your paper behind the roller, or cylinder. Turn either cylinder knob until the paper comes up under the guide, then secure it. Once the paper appears, keep rolling until the carriage is located where you want to start typing. Remember that for most papers, your top margin should be 1 inch (2.5 cm). When the paper is where you want it to be, push the paper lock back into place. Adjust the paper if necessary by pressing the paper release lever. If you need to make a small adjustment to the alignment of your paper, pull the paper lock forward again and press the paper release lever. Fix the paper, then push back the paper lock and the paper release lever. Push the carriage to the right as far as it will go to begin typing. To start typing, use the carriage-return lever to push the carriage all the way to the right. When you have finished typing your first line, you should hear a bell. Return the carriage to its original position with the carriage-return lever. This will automatically drop you down to a new line. The line space lever is generally on the left side of the carriage. Change the ribbon when the type begins to fade. The ribbon is what transfers the ink to the paper when you strike a key. If you notice that your typing is starting to fade, it's probably time to change the ribbon. Press the shift-lock key and move the color control lever to the red dot. For most typewriters, engaging the shift-lock key, shifting the color control lever, then depressing 2 central keys at the same time will release the type bars and raise the ribbon carrier. If this doesn't work for yours, you may need to consult your user manual. If your typewriter didn't come with a user manual, look online to see if you can find a copy. There are websites designed by typewriter enthusiasts containing manuals for almost every typewriter model that has been produced. Pay careful attention to how the ribbon is threaded through the carrier. Once your ribbon carrier is raised, look carefully to see how the ribbon is threaded so you'll be able to put it back in the same way. If you need to, draw a diagram to help you remember. Lift the spools straight up or press the release lever for a cartridge. Most vintage typewriters use ribbon spools. If this is the case, you will lift the spools straight up to remove the old ribbon. Some later models, however, used cartridges. If this is the case, you should see a cartridge release lever. Press this, then remove the old cartridge and discard it. Slide the new ribbon spools into place or snap in the new cartridge. Once you've discarded the old ribbon, carefully place the new ribbon in the ribbon carrier exactly how the old one sat. If you're using spools, the ribbon should wind from the back of the spools. A cartridge should easily snap into place. Remove slack from the ribbon. Once your ribbon is correctly installed, you'll re-engage the type bars to hold it in place. Release the shift-lock key, then carefully turn either spool to take up any slack in the ribbon. Clean the machine each time you use it. Use a small brush or a can of air duster to remove any dust and other debris that might build up on your typewriter. Dirt can get down into the type mechanisms, clogging them up and causing your keys to stick. Cover your typewriter when it’s not in use. Covering your typewriter will extend its life by protecting it from dust that's in the air. If you don't have a cover, try laying a pillowcase or a small blanket across your typewriter when you're not using it. Oil your typewriter occasionally. You don't need to use much oil on your typewriter, but a little oil can help keep the parts functioning. How often you oil your typewriter depends on how often you use it — if you use it every day, oil it about once a week. Use the end of a pin or paper clip to apply a lightweight oil (such as gun oil) to the carriage rails. | Slide the margin set on the right-hand side of the typewriter. Move the margin set on the carriage until it is located at your desired right margin. Repeat the process for the left-hand side. Flip up the paper guide and place a piece of paper behind the cylinder. Turn either cylinder knob until the paper comes up under the guide, then secure it. Adjust the paper if necessary by pressing the paper release lever. Push the carriage to the right as far as it will go to begin typing. Return the carriage to its original position with the carriage-return lever. Change the ribbon when the type begins to fade. Press the shift-lock key and move the color control lever to the red dot. Pay careful attention to how the ribbon is threaded through the carrier. Lift the spools straight up or press the release lever for a cartridge. Slide the new ribbon spools into place or snap in the new cartridge. Remove slack from the ribbon. Clean the machine each time you use it. Cover your typewriter when it’s not in use. Oil your typewriter occasionally. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Dye-Out-of-Clothes | How to Get Dye Out of Clothes | To get dye out of clothes, start by moistening a cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol and dabbing it on the stain until you see the dye spread into the cotton ball. Then, cover the stain with a small amount of laundry detergent and gently scrub the spot with an old toothbrush. After that, rinse the clothing in warm water to wash away the dye, then wash it as you normally would in your washing machine. | Purchase some rubbing alcohol. Isopropyl alcohol can be found in the medical section at any drug or general store. It can be used on all clothes, including ones that aren't colorfast and bleed a lot in the wash. You can check for colorfastness by spraying part of the clothing with water, then pressing a white towel to it. Other products with a high alcohol content, such as hair spray or hand sanitizer, can also treat a dye stain. For leather clothing, use saddle soap. Dab the alcohol onto the dye stain. You'll need something absorbent, such as an old rag, paper towel, or cotton ball. Lightly moisten it with the rubbing alcohol, then dab it onto the stain. Eventually, you'll see the dye spread to the absorbent material. Removing the stain takes several applications of rubbing alcohol. Cover the stain with laundry detergent. Leave the rubbing alcohol on the clothing and pour a little detergent over it. Use a small amount of laundry detergent, and apply it until the dyed spot is thinly covered. Gently scrub the spot with a toothbrush. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric. An old toothbrush is a great tool, but if you don't have one, you may use your finger. Spread the detergent around the dyed area and work it into the fibers. Rinse the clothing in warm water. Wash the clothing in clean 90 °F (32 °C) water to remove the rubbing alcohol and detergent. This also washes away any dye the rubbing alcohol has removed. Launder the clothing. Move the clothing to your washing machine and clean it as you normally would. Once the stain is removed, you can dry the clothing. If multiple treatments of rubbing alcohol did not work, you will need to try harsher measures, such as bleach. Fill the sink with warm water. Add 4 gallons (15 L) to the sink, bathtub, or other container. For most types of fabric, 90 °F (32 °C) water is safe to use and will still encourage a dye stain to bleed out. You can use a thermometer to gauge the water temperature or wash the clothes in a washing machine instead of the sink. Use cold water when washing delicate clothing. Delicates are soft fabrics such as silk and lace. Cold water at 80 °F (27 °C) or lower prevents damage to the fabric's fibers. Cold water should also be used on dark, bright colors since they bleed a lot in warm water. Check the clothing's label or search the type of fabric online to find out the proper maximum temperature for the water. You may put the clothing through a washing machine cycle instead of washing by hand. Pour in a color run remover product. Color run products are powder cleaners and can be found wherever laundry products are sold. Follow the directions on the back of the box. Typically you'll need to pour a packet of cleaner into the water and wait for the powder to dissolve. Color remover products can take out too much dye, so be sure to read the directions. Make sure the product is diluted or dissolved in the water bath. Soak the clothing in water until the dye bleeds off. Fully submerge the dyed clothing in the bath and stir the water on occasion. You might want to wear some gloves or use a kitchen utensil to avoid coloring your hands. Leave the clothing in the bath for up to a couple of hours. Make sure the original colors of aren't coming off too. If you notice that they are, immediately remove the clothing from the water. Rinse the clothing in warm water. The color remover will continue to work until you rinse it off. As soon as you take the clothing out of the water bath, get it under a faucet. Rinse off the entire fabric with 90 °F (32 °C) water. If you're treating delicates, use cold water instead. Repeat cleaning for stubborn stains. If your nice shirt is still looks like a tye-dye experiment, repeat the treatment. You can make another water bath with the color run remover. It may take multiple rounds of treatment to get rid of the dye. Stay alert so the normal color doesn't bleed out while you do this. Wash the clothing normally. Treat the clothing like you would on any wash day. A washing machine with your normal detergent is safe to use. When finished, the stain should be gone, so the clothing will be safe to dry. Mix bleach in cold water. Fill up your sink or washing container with cold water. For every 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water, add ¼ of a cup of bleach. For white cotton or cotton-polyester blends you may use chlorine bleach. Use oxygen bleach or all-fabric bleach on any other fabric. Bleach is very strong, so always dilute it in water instead of pouring it directly on clothing. Avoid mixing other cleaning chemicals with chlorine bleach, since doing so can cause the bleach to release toxic fumes. Soak your clothing for 5 minutes. Bleach can quickly wear out clothing, so don't walk away. Drop the stained clothing in the water and let it sit for five minutes. When finished, remove the clothing from the bath. When using an all-fabric bleach, you may leave the clothing in the mixture for up to 30 minutes. As long as the bleach is diluted in water, it won't burn your skin. Wear gloves or avoid lingering in the water. Rinse your hands afterwards. Rinse the clothing under clean water. Hopefully the dye began coming off right away. No matter what happened, rinse off the bleach immediately. Use warm water for most fabrics and cold water for delicates. Make sure you rinse the entire shirt to ensure all the bleach is removed from it. Launder the clothing. Move the dyed article to the washing machine. Now, wash it as you would on any other occasion. Your regular detergent is safe to use, and will disinfect the clothing as well as help to remove the dye stain. Repeat treatment if the clothing is still stained. Dye stains are tough, so one treatment may not be enough. Go back to the sink and refill it with the water and bleach mixture. Soak the clothing, then rinse and wash it a second time. As long as you go through all the steps each time, you can continue treating the clothing until the dye is gone. If this doesn't work, a strong color remover might be your last resort. Look for ones designed to prepare clothing for dyeing. Unless you want all the color gone, save them for white fabrics. | Purchase some rubbing alcohol. Dab the alcohol onto the dye stain. Cover the stain with laundry detergent. Gently scrub the spot with a toothbrush. Rinse the clothing in warm water. Launder the clothing. Fill the sink with warm water. Use cold water when washing delicate clothing. Pour in a color run remover product. Soak the clothing in water until the dye bleeds off. Rinse the clothing in warm water. Repeat cleaning for stubborn stains. Wash the clothing normally. Mix bleach in cold water. Soak your clothing for 5 minutes. Rinse the clothing under clean water. Launder the clothing. Repeat treatment if the clothing is still stained. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Pet-Urine-from-Damaging-Lawn | How to Keep Pet Urine from Damaging Lawn | Unfortunately, pet urine can damage your lawn, but there are a few changes you can make to keep it growing green and healthy. As soon as you notice a urine spot on your lawn, dilute it by pouring several cups of water on it. Watering your lawn on a daily basis can also prevent it from getting damaged. You might also construct an area with mulch or gravel and train your pet to go to the bathroom here. Or, you can just choose a spot of grass that's hidden. Make sure you give your pet plenty of water to keep it hydrated since this will cut down on the damaging nitrogen in its urine. | Dilute any urine spots on the lawn right away. As soon as you notice any urine spots on your lawn, you should pour several cups of water on the spot to dilute the urine. Diluting the spots with water can help them to fade faster. Another option is to give the entire lawn a watering if there are multiple urine spots on the lawn. Most dogs will go to the bathroom in the same spots in the yard so you may check these areas periodically and water them well if there are urine spots. Construct an area with mulch or gravel for your dog. You can also address this issue by creating a bathroom area for your dog that is made of gravel, mulch, or artificial turf. This could be located on one side of your yard or in the area where your dog usually goes to the bathroom. Having your dog go on this area will save the rest of your lawn from damage due to urine. You should make this area appear more appealing to your dog by placing greenery like potted hostas or ferns around the perimeter of the area. Use urine-resistant grass in your lawn. For a more permanent solution, you should put in grass that is urine-resistant or that can tolerate dog urine. Put in fescue and perennial ryegrass, as these are more resistant than other grasses. As well, any diluted urine on these grasses actually act as fertilizer and help them grow. You should avoid Kentucky Bluegrass and Bermuda grass, as these are the most sensitive to urine and will spot easily. Keep your lawn healthy and well maintained. Making sure your lawn is healthy and maintained on a daily or weekly basis will help to keep it more resistant to urine damage. You should make sure you use nitrogen fertilizer when you fertilize your lawn, as the nitrogen can help to neutralize the urine. If you notice the urine spot appears green and there is no browning in the area, you should increase the frequency of fertilization (with nitrogen fertilizer) or the amount of fertilizer to mask the urine spots. You should also make sure you water the law on a frequent basis so the grass stays healthy. If you notice the urine spots have turned brown and the grass appears to be dying, you should water the area more frequently to help dilute any salts from the urine that have accumulated in the soil. If the grass eventually dies, consider replacing the dead sod with new grass that is urine-resistant. Put up a fence to protect your lawn. Fences and motion-sensor sprinklers can be used to keep neighboring dogs from eliminating on the lawn. Put up a wooden or wire fence to protect your lawn from unwanted urine patches. You can also use chicken wire to fence around the damaged area so your dog cannot relieving himself on the same spot again. Post a sign asking dogs and people to stay off your grass. Another way to prevent urine on your lawn is to post a sign at the front of your yard asking dogs and people to “mind the grass”. This could encourage people walking by with their dogs to not let their dogs relieve themselves on your yard. You can also politely ask your neighbors to keep their dogs off your lawn. Stop by your neighbors, and let them know that you've been getting lawn damage from their dogs. Politely suggest that they walk their dogs in nearby parks or areas away from your house. Keep your dog well-hydrated. Though it may seem counterintuitive to water your dog to prevent urine spots, making sure your dog is well-hydrated can help to dilute the strength of the nitrogen in his urine. You should make sure your dog has enough water throughout the day. You can also add water to his canned food or his dried food to ensure he is getting enough liquids. Another fun way to keep your dog hydrated is to place ice cubes in a rubber toy. Your dog will then play with the toy and lick the ice cubes. Give your dog high-quality dog food. Most high-quality dog foods contain higher-quality protein sources, which are easier for your dog to digest and less likely to leave by-products in his urine that could damage your lawn. Look for dog food that has a balanced pH and an ingredients list of mostly or all digestible foods. If you have a less active dog, you should look for dog food that is lower in protein. Lower-protein food will mean your dog will release less nitrogen when he pees. Less protein is also good for less active dogs as this will allow them to stay healthy and avoid gaining unnecessary weight. Talk to your vet before you change your dog's diet to ensure it is the right move for your dog. Train your dog to go to the bathroom on a specific area of the lawn. You can do this by first creating a graveled or mulched area of your lawn that will act as your dog's outdoor bathroom area. Then, take your dog to this area when he indicates he needs to go to the bathroom. Have him stand in the area while he goes and give him positive reinforcement in the form of a treat once he finishes. You may need to continue to bring your dog to the spot and praise him for a period of time until he gets into the habit of using the area. You should also maintain this outdoor bathroom so it is appealing to your dog by picking up any feces on the mulch or gravel. You can also spray down the mulch or gravel periodically to remove any urine. Talk to your vet before you give your dog urine neutralizing supplements. These supplements can be purchased over-the-counter, and claim to help neutralize the nitrogen in your dog's urine. These medications work by changing the pH of your dog's urine or by adding salt to your dog's body. However, these medications can cause health issues in dogs, such as bladder stones or urinary crystals. Make sure you speak to your vet before giving your dog these supplements. You should also speak to your vet before adding natural options like gypsum salts or cranberry juice to your dog's food to balance the pH of his urine. | Dilute any urine spots on the lawn right away. Construct an area with mulch or gravel for your dog. Use urine-resistant grass in your lawn. Keep your lawn healthy and well maintained. Put up a fence to protect your lawn. Post a sign asking dogs and people to stay off your grass. Keep your dog well-hydrated. Give your dog high-quality dog food. Train your dog to go to the bathroom on a specific area of the lawn. Talk to your vet before you give your dog urine neutralizing supplements. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-Goat | How to Wash a Goat | If your goat's really dirty, you can easily wash it with shampoo made for goats. Or, use a mild dish soap or soft soap that doesn't contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. First, mix a few drops of the shampoo with a bucket of water. Then, tie your goat up in an open area near a drain, and carefully pour the bucket all over your goat. It might help to get a friend to hold your goat still if it's a little skittish. Don't rub its hair, since this can strip it of its natural oils. Fill the bucket with clean water and pour it over your goat to rinse out the shampoo. If it's warm out, leave it outside to dry in the sun, or rub it gently with a clean towel. | Get goat specific shampoo. Look for shampoo made for goat hair at your local pet store or online. Goat specific shampoo will be gentle on the goat's coat and ensure it retains its natural oils. In a pinch, you can use mild soap like Dawn dishwashing detergent or Soft Soap. Make sure the soap is gentle and does not contain any harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. Tie up the goat in an open area with a drain. Make sure the goat doesn't slip away during washing by tying it up to a secure spot, such as a post next to a drain. Put a collar on the goat and tie it up so it is secure. Tying the goat up in an open area with a drain will ensure the water can drain properly off the goat when you wash it. Lay down a rubber mat so you and the goat don't slip and hurt yourselves in the soapy water, especially if the goat becomes skittish. Ask someone to help you wash the goat. It can be tricky to wash the goat on your own, especially if the goat is large or skittish. Ask a friend or partner to help you hold the goat and soothe it while you wash it. If you are practiced at washing the goat and have secured it by tying it up, you may not need a second pair of hands. Mix the shampoo and water together in a bucket. Place the bucket of water close to the goat and within your reach. Pour a few drops of the shampoo into the water and mix it together. Pour the soapy mixture over the goat. Carefully lift the bucket of water and pour the soapy mixture over the goat. Avoid getting any of the mixture in the goat's face or eyes. Let the soapy mixture fall over the goat's coat. Make sure you get the goat's hind legs as well. You can also use a sponge dipped in the soapy mixture to drip the mixture over the goat. Do this until the entire goat is covered with the mixture. Let the water run down the goat's coat to clean it. Do not scrub or rub the goat's hair as this can strip it up of its natural oils. Rinse off the goat with clean water. Use a bucket of clean water to wash off the soapy mixture on the goat. Lift the bucket and pour the mixture over the goat to rinse it off. Make sure all the soapy mixture is removed from the coat, because leftover soap can be very itchy and irritating for the goat. You can gently run your hand through the goat's coat to help distribute the clean water in the goat's coat and remove the soap. Let the goat air dry if it's hot out. If you are washing the goat on a warm day, let the goat air dry in direct sunlight. Make sure the goat is tied up and under constant supervision so it does not wander off and get dirty before it dries. It may take some time for the goat to dry in the sun, but this method will result in a beautiful, clean, fluffy coat. Blow dry the goat. Another option is to use a blow dryer to dry the goat quickly and efficiently. Use a blow dryer on the gentle heat setting. Tie up the goat when you blow dry it to make the job easier. Move the blow dryer all over the goat in a side to side motion to dry their coat. Use the low heat setting so their hair is not damaged by the heat. If you want a more powerful dryer, try a blow dryer designed for horses, goats and sheep, which will be more industrial and heavy-duty. Use a clean towel to dry the goat. Gently wipe the water off the goat's coat. Try not to rub the goat's hair, as this can damage it and remove the natural oils. You may need to wipe the goat down several times with the towel to get it dry. | Get goat specific shampoo. Tie up the goat in an open area with a drain. Ask someone to help you wash the goat. Mix the shampoo and water together in a bucket. Pour the soapy mixture over the goat. Rinse off the goat with clean water. Let the goat air dry if it's hot out. Blow dry the goat. Use a clean towel to dry the goat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-a-Control-Freak | How to Deal With a Control Freak | It can be frustrating to be around someone that likes to control everything, however, remaining calm and avoiding the person if necessary can help you to manage the situation constructively. Try and remain assertive whenever you deal with this person. Speak using an even tone and let them know gently that you won't tolerate being bossed around all of the time. Always be as calm as possible whenever you interact with the control freak. Take some deep breaths if things get hard and be as patient as you can, as getting upset or angry will only fuel their behavior. If the person gets especially hard to deal with, simply try to avoid them and stay out of their way. This is better than losing your cool and it gives you both time to calm down. | Understand what makes a person be a control freak. People afflicted with this tendency have a need to control outcomes and often other people. They feel out of control and seek to control someone else. They are terrified of failure, particularly their own and of being unable to fathom the consequences when things go wrong. There is a core of fearfulness or anxiety about their own limitations (often unexplored), a worry about not being respected and a distrust in the ability of others to do what they ask of them. The control freak cannot trust that anyone will do a better job than they will. And in an age when we are constantly told what to do without being fully told why (think of all the rules, regrets and warnings we live by daily), the control freak likes to step into the gap and appear as the sole authority figure around, whether or not they have a proper grasp on the facts (and sadly, they often do not). Core qualities of a controlling or bossy person include a lack of trust in others, a need to criticize, a sense of superiority (arrogance) and a liking for power. They can also feel that they deserve things that other people might not deserve, and feel that they do not need to spend time with or show respect for others. See if the controlling person needs professional help. Sometimes, a person is just a control freak, but there are times when the need for control goes beyond being an annoying personality trait. Controlling or bossy people may suffer from a personality disorder (possibly Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder) that stems from childhood/early adulthood experiences that they have not been able to resolve with any clarity. If the bossy person has a true personality disorder, then the best way to deal with it is for the person to get help. If you suspect that this is the case, then the exact disorder would need to be identified by a professional. However, you should be aware that getting someone who likes to be in control to accept that he or she needs such assessment will be difficult. Ultimately, this person has to realize their controlling tendencies and want to do something about them. Most people who are controlling and bossy prefer to blame other people for their issues. Additionally, you may not always be in the position to suggest professional help to the bossy person. If the person, for example, is a boss or an older adult in your family, you may not be in the best position to suggest such a thing. Understand how a controlling person affects others. Bossy or controlling people sound like a perennially uncompromising parent. They might use terms such as "Do it now!", "I am the boss, do what I say", or "Get on with it!", without asking nicely or using any other form of manners. If you always feel childlike around this person, it's a fair bet that this person is seeking to control you and/or the situation. This person may ignore your skills, experiences and rights, preferring to impress their abilities over yours. The controlling type tends to think that they are entitled to boss others around and to be in charge. This helps them to feel better about themselves. Even in situations where this person does have authority over you (such as a teacher, enforcement officer or boss), controlling tendencies are revealed through the manner of their use of power. If they are disrespectful, arrogant in tone, pushy and dictatorial, this is a good sign that the person is controlling rather than requesting, negotiating and respecting. People in positions of authority make good leaders or managers only if they respect others under their guidance. This includes directing by example or suggestion, trusting you and delegating responsibility to you. Be aware that even "nice" people can be bossy or controlling. This is the personality type that "nags", insisting that "if you don't do X, the sky will fall down"; this may be said to you sweetly, with the expectation that you'll be grateful for the nagging reminders. They may present themselves as the voice of reason, letting you know that you are extremely unreasonable. If you find yourself at the receiving end of decisions being made without your input "for your own good" and you're expected to be pleased, then you may be at the receiving end of a benign dictator. Many a controlling person lacks empathy and is often rather unaware (or uncaring) about the impact of their bossy words and actions on others. This may be a result of insecurity (manifesting as superiority and power) and unhappiness. It could also signal outright arrogance. Realize that your value is not derived from this person. You should always see yourself as an equal of the controlling person, even if his or her behavior suggests otherwise. This is crucial for your well-being. The control freak, especially if he or she is a family member, can really change your self-esteem for the worse. No matter how awful the person may make you feel at times, remind yourself that his or her controlling nature is his problem, not yours. If you let the control freak get inside your head, then he or she wins. Remember that you're the one who is rational and has reasonable expectations for what a person can and can't do. Don't let another person's unreasonable desires lead you to feel deficient in any way. Assert yourself. This will not be easy if you're not used to doing it but it's a skill you can practice and your bossy person is as good a practice target as any. It is important that the controlling person is aware that you won't tolerate being bossed about; the longer you let it slide, the more it becomes the established pattern and it's assumed you're accepting of it. Approach the controlling person in private to explain your concerns. Do not make a public affair out of this. Keep the conversation focused on how the controlling behavior is affecting you; do not insult the person by calling him or her bossy. For example, if you felt your boss was always telling you what to do without acknowledging your skills, you might say something like: "I have worked in this capacity for five years and I am good at this job. However, when you tell me to give you the results so that you can rework everything, I feel as if my qualifications are being overlooked and that my input is not valued. Basically, I don't feel that I am trusted to come up with what I am well trained to do and that I am not respected. I would like to be spoken to and treated with respect." Maintain your calm. It's important to behave calmly and patiently with a control freak, even if you feel like screaming on the inside. Getting angry just doesn't work. It can also be helpful to give the person a wide berth when it's clear that they are tired, stressed out or unwell. If you start to get aggravated, the bossy person's behavior will only become more intense. It's important to take deep breaths, avoid aggressive language, and to keep your voice steady and even. If you seem obviously aggravated or upset, then the person will see that he or she has really gotten to you, which will only fuel the behavior. Getting upset or angry will also make the bossy person view you as weak and even more easy to control. You don't want to give off this impression, or it will make you even more of a target. Avoid the person as much as you can. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just to avoid the behavior. Though talking to the person about the behavior and how it's making you feel can help the person understand his behavior and to move towards a plan that will help you work together and get along more easily, sometimes you may feel that the only thing you have left to do is to remove yourself from the situation. Of course, it depends on the person you're trying to avoid, but here are some things to keep in mind: If it is someone in your family, just try to stay out of their way. Sometimes it may seem there is just no pleasing the control freak. This person will criticize you on everything and it is very hard not to take it personally. It can make you furious and may hurt your feelings. The worst thing you can do is fight with such a person because it just wastes your time. They will not, and cannot, change without help. Remind yourself that this controlling behavior is their coping mechanism and is not a devaluation of you––it their deep-seated problem, not yours. If a personal relationship becomes abusive as a result of the person's controlling behavior, then you should get out and leave. Tell this person you need a break from him or her for now and move on in your life. People who resort to using violence or abusive tactics will not get better until they seek long term therapy. If you're a teen, try to be agreeable and keep very busy all the time. You can stay away and get out of the house by doing sports or studying and getting really good grades. Tell them you would love to hang out or talk but you are busy with studying, playing, volunteering, etc. Make up good excuses. Then go out and find really nice people who make you feel good about yourself. Set high but realistic goals and achieve them just for you. Monitor the anxiety levels of the controlling person. A control freak has no coping skills when he or she is stressed and that is when they run over people. They believe that no one can do as good of a job at something as they will. They will get bogged down because they have taken too much on for themselves and then they strike out. Try to be alert to the mood change and be on your toes. If you're aware of the bossy person's anxiety levels rising, then you'll know that he or she will be more likely to be controlling. Actively noticing that this person seems to be spiraling out of control and offering to help take something off their plate may be enough to quell bossiness. For example, you might notice that when your boyfriend is stressed, he gets very snappy and controlling. On a day when he seems stressed to the max about an upcoming work presentation, try giving him a morale boost by acknowledging how tired or stressed he seems and reassure him that he'll do a great job. Don't overplay it and be aware that he may still snap, but do be aware that this small reassurance can help to relieve some of the anxiety pressure. Look for the positives. This may seem impossible but it can be a very useful way for you to regain control, especially where you have no choice but to keep dealing with this person daily. You might think, "My boss is really controlling and demanding but on the plus side, she is charming with clients and brings in a lot of business. She is also very capable at X, just so long as we manage to keep her away from Y." Look for ways to manage around the negative aspects, as well as finding ways that you can get done what you need to do. Looking on the bright side may require creativity but you'll find that a bossy person who understands you have got their measure and keep trumpeting their positive attributes will cease to see you as a threat in their anxiety-driven mind. Praise the controlling person when it's deserved. Notice when the controlling person shows displays of trust. If the bossy person shows you trust, respect or gives away a little responsibility, pounce on it and praise it. By noticing the good and acknowledging it openly, your controlling nemesis may just feel good enough inside to want to do it again. For example, say something like: "Thanks for trusting me with that task." This will make the controlling person feel good and may help him or her ease up on the reigns a bit. Understand that your voice may not be heard. If you are an ideas person, a creative person or a solver, working with a controlling person can grind you down. It may seem that you suggest ideas, solutions or warn of possible consequences, only to be openly ignored or even put down. Then lo and behold, your idea or solution is presented as "his or her" achievement, weeks or months later. Somehow, what you said did filter in; you just weren't acknowledged. This frustrating behavior is sadly all too common when it comes to control freaks. If this happens to you, here are some ways to cope: Recognize this for what it is. Sometimes it is better to float the idea or solution than to not have it happen at all. In this case, grin and bear it for the good of your group, organization or company. Be supportive of the outcome and don't take it personally. Call the person out on it. This can be risky and will depend on the context, the group dynamics and the person involved. If it is very important for you to clarify that you thought of it first, you should try to use hard facts, such as "Oh, that was the idea we discussed back in May 2012 and I still have the prototype drawings on file. My understanding was that our team would be involved in its development and I am pretty sure we noted that. I'm a little disappointed that the first we hear of it is when it's already in the testing phase. But, that said, since it's already here, we're free to help test it." Keep very good records. If you really do need to prove that you came up with the idea first, keep sound records that could be used in your defense if it ever comes to that. Stop suggesting new ideas in the workplace if your input continues to be ignored or taken away from you. Just keep agreeing, so as to keep the peace, and try to keep the control freak from getting worried about your end. You may need to reassure them constantly that they are the "boss" and that you value your job. If possible, start looking for a new job. Consider your own role in the bossiness. Sometimes you may be at the receiving end of bossing or nagging due to things you've done. This isn't to excuse any manipulatively controlling behavior. Rather, it's about keeping things in perspective and acknowledging that there may be times when you have exasperated someone! Be honest in your self-assessment if you really want to get to the heart of the bossing. Here are some things to consider: Have you done anything (or failed to do something) that may have provoked the controlling attitude? For example, if you fail to meet deadlines regularly or you never clean up your room, you shouldn't be surprised if someone responsible either for your upbringing or your pay-check gets a little bossy with you. Bossy people can often ramp up their bossiness in face of what they perceive as unhelpful. In particular, bossy people find passive-aggressive behavior similar to a red rag to a bull — it simply causes them to become even more controlling because they're frustrated at the underhanded response. It is better to be open with your discontent and to assert yourself than to seek the undermine the bossy person. Notice your own bossy tendencies. Nobody is a saint when it comes to being bossy — each of us has a tendency to boss others around at different times in life. It may be when you know something in great detail, it may be because you're in a position of authority, or you may just feel a little pushier than usual due to anxiety or pressure, but there will be times in your life when you get bossy. Use your memory of this experience to help you understand the constantly bossy person a little better and perhaps see the reason behind their behavior. Try to be more sensitive to other people when you feel the bossy trigger — notice their reactions. In doing so, you learn a lot about handling the emotions controlling people feel a lot of the time. Learn how to honestly assess your own strengths and failures. You can possibly do this by discussing the matter (privately) with a third, uninvolved party. Be sure to choose someone who can be trusted with the information, who understands how to deal with similar situations, and who knows you well enough to give you accurate feedback. No one is all-good or all-bad; everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. When you know the truth about yourself (good or bad), you won't be fooled by the control freak's emotional whims and tactics. Having a better sense of how you come off, whether it's in the workplace or in a relationship, can give you a better sense of how reasonable the bossy person's expectations really are. If you have another person back you up, then you'll see that you have nothing to be paranoid about and that the controlling person is really being unreasonable. Realize that your life is important. There are always other jobs and other people to have healthy relationships with. If the situation is intolerable, don't torture yourself; instead, find a way out. No one should be given the power to "control" your life. It is your life. Don't forget it. Even if you think you'll never be able to find another job, if you're in a toxic work environment, then it's better to leave for your own mental health. For teens who have to wait until they are old enough to get away, seek volunteer work, sports activities, a job or other things that get you out of the home environment. Ask your parents to pay for college if they have the money, then apply to colleges that are out of state. If they argue about it, explain that the college you want to go to is the only one offering "X" (find something realistic and reasonable). Choose to forgive. Control freaks are riddled with fears and insecurities that leave them always unsatisfied and unhappy. They demand perfection from themselves, something both difficult and often impossible to achieve. Their inability to understand that failure is part of the cycle of life harms their ability to grow into fully competent human beings and stunts them emotionally; that's a fairly sad state to get stuck in. Whatever your own situation, you can leave and find happiness for yourself but unless they make a choice to change their thinking habits, they may never find peace in their lives. Finding happiness does not always mean leaving. You could take up a time-consuming hobby, you could even find religion, to spend less time with the control freak. Remember that their opinion of you does not need to lower your self-esteem. Focus on you and remember that you are not responsible for the controlling person's transformation. Start to build back your confidence. It has most likely taken a hit. Be kind to yourself. If you are under the thumb of a control freak, he or she might have convinced you that you are worthless; he or she does this as a way to stop you from moving on and leaving him or her. Don't believe this devaluing talk for one minute. Control freaks like to make people feel insecure about themselves. Don't fall for their tricks. Start to distance yourself slowly. Believe in your worth; it is within you. You can go a long way in building back your confidence just by spending time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who don't feel the need to control you. Do things that make you feel valued and capable. It's likely that the control freak made you feel like you couldn't do anything right. Make time to do tasks you're confident doing, whether you're doing yoga or writing an annual report. Decide what to do next. In this case, design a plan to either stay and continue the work/romantic relationship or leave but set a time limit so you will feel you have some control over the matter. If you are living with a control freak, try to resolve things strategically and carefully. Do not fuel arguments; share what you feel effectively and calmly. You do not have to be under control; remember that you have a right to do as you please. Ultimately, sometimes leaving is all that you can do, especially when trying to assert yourself and cope does not result in things being better for you. | Understand what makes a person be a control freak. See if the controlling person needs professional help. Understand how a controlling person affects others. Be aware that even "nice" people can be bossy or controlling. Realize that your value is not derived from this person. Assert yourself. Maintain your calm. Avoid the person as much as you can. Monitor the anxiety levels of the controlling person. Look for the positives. Praise the controlling person when it's deserved. Understand that your voice may not be heard. Consider your own role in the bossiness. Notice your own bossy tendencies. Learn how to honestly assess your own strengths and failures. Realize that your life is important. Choose to forgive. Start to build back your confidence. Decide what to do next. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Reduce-Rosacea | How to Reduce Rosacea | To reduce the appearance of rosacea, try your best to avoid things that can trigger a rosacea flare up, like exposure to the sun, hot showers, and extreme weather conditions. Certain beauty products can also make rosacea worse, so make sure you only use gentle products that are designed for sensitive skin. You can also combat rosacea by making some simple changes to your diet, like cutting out spicy foods and not drinking hot beverages. If your rosacea isn't clearing up, consider talking to your doctor about possible medical treatments, like medication or light therapy. | Limit your time in the sun. Sunlight is one trigger that can make rosacea worse. If you must be out in the sun, be sure to use a high-SPF sunblock, one built for sensitive skin, to help protect your face. Choose a sunscreen that is at or above 30 SPF. Also, look for the words "broad spectrum," which means it protects against different types of rays. Water-resistant sunblock can help protect you if you are going to be swimming or getting wet or think you might sweat while you are outside. Limit weather exposure. It's not just the sun that can trigger rosacea flareups; other types of weather can be harmful, too. For instance, if it's hot and humid, it's best to stay inside with air conditioner where it's cool and dry. In the winter, cover your face and nose with a scarf to protect yourself against the cold wind and apply a gentle moisturizer to your face daily to help with dry skin. Lower the heat on your showers. Hot water, whether in the tub or shower, can also make you flush worse than normal with your rosacea. Also, it's important to be gentle when scrubbing your face, as you can aggravate your condition. Pick a gentle facial cleanser. A gentle facial cleanser won't trigger flareups, and it is fine to use even when you are having a flareup. Pick ones that say they are made for sensitive skin. For instance, cleansers made by Dove or Cetaphil are often made for those with sensitive skin. Clean your face twice a day, as it helps remove dirt, makeup, and oil that can aggravate your condition. For facial hair, it's best to use an electric blade rather than a razor, as it's less harsh. Dry thoroughly. That is, you should give your face time to dry out before trying to apply anything to it and then give the medication time to dry. as much as possible. Limit stress Stress can trigger flareups for many people, so reducing stress or learning how to deal with it can help decrease your problems with rosacea. In fact, many people found that using techniques such as meditation helped them control their flareups. For instance, you can use deep breathing to calm yourself down when you feel yourself getting stressed. Close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Count to 10 as you breathe in through your nose, letting your belly (not your chest) rise. Then count to 10 as you breathe out through your mouth. This will stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system and relax you. Keep this process going until you feel yourself calm down. Skip creams, cleansers, and foundations that have irritants. Anything can trigger a flareup for a person with rosacea, including any product you put on your face. Skip ones that don't say they are for sensitive skin, and don't use ones that have alcohol in them. Change your exercising habits. High-intensity exercise that makes you sweat heavily for a long time can contribute to rosacea. Of course, you don't want to stop exercising altogether, as it helps you stay healthy, but you should take some steps to protect yourself. Break it up. Go for shorter routines, say about 15 minutes, rather than hour-long workouts. Try to stay cool. Part of the problem is the heat, so exercise at cooler times and in cooler areas. Swimming may be a good option for you to stay cool while you exercise. Limit alcohol. Many people who have rosacea have flareups triggered by alcohol. When you drink, check to see if that causes a flareup. You may find that certain alcohol beverages are worse than others for you. Limit the ones that cause flareups, or eliminate alcohol from your diet completely. Skip spicy foods. For some people, eating spicy foods, such as chili peppers, cayenne pepper, and even black pepper or paprika, can trigger an outbreak of rosacea. Try using other flavors instead of these spicy ones in your favorite foods. Avoid hot beverages. Some people see an increase in rosacea across their face after consuming hot beverages. If you notice this problem for yourself, you may need to start avoiding hot drinks altogether to keep your rosacea under control. You may be able to just lower the temperature of your drinks (from blazing hot to lukewarm) or decrease the number you drink per day to help your rosacea. Watch for individual food triggers. Everyone has different triggers when it comes to rosacea. Try to pay attention to the foods you eat to see if you can figure out what triggers flareups for you. For example, triggers from sour cream and yogurt to chocolate, oranges, and soy sauce have been reported by people who suffer from rosacea, as well as avocado, vinegar, eggplant, and spinach. Some people have also had issues with histamine-loaded foods (like alcohol, chocolate, pickled foods, beans, walnuts) which may be counteracted by taking an antihistamine two hours before a meal, and niacin-rich foods ( like turkey, liver, mushrooms, peanuts), which may be helped by consuming aspirin. Try antibiotics. Antibiotics have been shown to offer some help for those with rosacea. Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics in one of several forms, such a cream, gel, or a tablet. Because pills affect the whole body, your doctor will likely want you to try a cream, gel, or lotion first, as you just apply these topically to your face. Metronidazole is the standard of treatment for rosacea. The mechanism that it acts upon in unknown, but it is believed to be through antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Topical metronidazole may be helpful in managing pustules and papules, while also contributing to the reduction of redness. It is available in 0.75% cream or gel, 1.0% cream or gel, or 0.75% lotion. Topical metronidazole is generally well-tolerated, with potential side effects of irritation, dryness, and stinging sensation. For severe rosacea, doxycycline, minocycline, and tetracycline may be used. Ask about acne drugs. Acne drugs mainly work to clear up rosacea if it is particularly bad. That is, these drugs primarily help if you've developed lesions from your rosacea, much like acne scars. Isotretinoin is a common drug for this use. Ask about surgery. Laser surgery and electrosurgery is an option if you have severe scars. It can help reduce the look of blood vessels under your skin, as well as take down any build up of tissue to help your overall look. Consider light therapy. A new technique being used to control rosacea is light therapy. Light therapy uses intense light pulses on your face, and it may lessen the redness of your face. However, research is still being done on this treatment for rosacea. | Limit your time in the sun. Limit weather exposure. Lower the heat on your showers. Pick a gentle facial cleanser. as much as possible. Skip creams, cleansers, and foundations that have irritants. Change your exercising habits. Limit alcohol. Skip spicy foods. Avoid hot beverages. Watch for individual food triggers. Try antibiotics. Ask about acne drugs. Ask about surgery. Consider light therapy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pitch-a-Baseball | How to Pitch a Baseball | To pitch a baseball, start by facing the catcher with your feet shoulder-width apart and your glove in front of your chest. Next, take a small step with your left foot and lift it so that your thigh is parallel to the ground. As you raise your leg, let your throwing arm hang down perpendicular to the ground. Then, lower your leg in front of you and swing your arm up while pivoting your body toward the plate. Finally, extend your pitching arm and allow the ball to glide out of your hand, being careful not to snap your wrist as you follow through. | Choose your grip. There are many different ways to grip the ball (shown below). Keep the ball inside your glove while doing this, and don't begin your motion until you have a comfortable grip. The different grips are important to learn because they will help you to throw the ball in different ways. Try the Four-Seam Fastball. These pitches are the fastest in baseball, averaging around 95 mph (153 km/h). Spread your fingers slightly with the tips barely over the laces of the ball. Try theTwo-Seam Fastball. This pitch will be slightly slower and less accurate than the four-seam, but it also curves as it reaches the batter, making it harder to hit. To hold, grip the ball along the seams with your index and middle finger. Try the Changeup. This pitch moves in the air quite a bit. Put your thumb and index finger in a circle, and then use your other three fingers to center the baseball. Try the Curveball. Keep your index finger and middle right and tight next to each other on the seams. Throw like you normally do but snap your wrist when throwing the curve. Try the Slider. A slider seems like a fastball until the last second, when it curves to one side. Grip with your index and middle fingers across the seam at its widest point. Try the Split Finger. This pitch will appear to be a fastball, but will drop as it nears the batter, making it difficult to hit. You need large hands to throw this pitch effectively. Hold the ball as if you would for the two-seam fastball. Rotate the ball toward yourself, so your fingers are along the horseshoe seam. Spread your fingers to the outside of the seams and place your thumb directly under the ball. Try the Forkball. This ball is almost impossible to hit when thrown well. Jam the ball between your index and middle finger. Try the Knuckleball. This ball will wiggle as it moves towards the batter. Dig your fingernails into the middle of the ball seams. Get into wind-up position. Place both feet shoulder width apart standing straight on top of the mound with your toes dangling off the front, and face directly towards your catcher, your toes pointed towards him with your heels on the rubber. Hold your glove in front of your chest, with your elbows resting on both sides of your torso. Some pitchers prefer to stand with their stride leg slightly behind their other leg. This is optional and may not work for everyone. Your should start in the stretch position when there are runners on the bases. Place your feet so they face third base if you throw right-handed or first base if you throw left-handed. The stretch is a faster way to pitch and you can maintain more balance, resulting in more control. Your right foot should be placed against the rubber, with your other foot one to two inches in front. This will enable you to get a full rotation with your hips, which will make you throw harder. If you start with your stride leg slightly back, simply shift your weight to that back leg. Make a small step with your left foot to the left. Shift your weight to your left foot, allowing you to lift your right foot and place it beside the rubber (or pivot your right foot into this position, whichever is more comfortable), so that the right side of your right foot is pressing against the mound. Lift your left leg to the point where your thigh becomes parallel with the ground or higher. Your body should have begun to move with your right foot in the previous step, and at the end of this step your body should be facing third base instead of home plate. Break your arms in a downward semi-circular motion. Your front arm should stay closed and your front elbow should be at a comfortable angle (45-90 degrees). Your throwing arm should hit what's called your "sweet spot" which is the point where you throwing arm is at its lowest point during your motion. Normally, it is at the point where your arm is nearly perpendicular to the ground, with a slight bend in your elbow. Ensure that your body stays facing third base through this step, and that you hit your sweet spot before continuing to the next step. Lower your leg as close to the ground without touching it, and then stride outwards. Do this at the same time as moving your arms (the previous step). To lower your leg, bend your right knee until your left leg is close to the ground without touching the ground. Don't stride outwards until you have lowered your left leg fully or you will lose substantial power. Your front leg should have a curved "down and out" sweep towards home. As you are doing this, begin to raise your throwing arm out of the sweet spot so that is is parallel to the ground, without allowing your elbow to drop towards your hip. Land your front foot at a closed angle. In other words, if landing your foot pointing at the plate is a 90 degree angle, land your foot pointing at a 75 degree angle. This will get your body into a power position. Your power position is the position where your legs are fully extended with your hips and arms still closed, ready to hurl your arm towards the plate. Push off with your back foot, out of the power position. Pull forward with your front foot by pivoting from that 75 degree angle into a 90 degree angle. Ensure that you make this pivot before you swing open your upper body and pull your left arm towards first base. Pivoting early allows you to generate power with your hips, and create more of a whip action for your right arm. Your throwing elbow should be aligned with your shoulders (horizontally of course) through this step. The most common mistake pitchers make is to open their arms before their hips, which removes the power generated from their legs, causing pitchers to have less velocity, and increase the stress applied to their arms. Extend your pitching arm as far as you can, and let the ball glide off your wrist. Do not snap your wrist as this can cause injury. Your wrist should not guide the ball, but rather the ball guides your wrist. During your motion, it is beneficial to be aware of your wrist. As you move your arm from your sweet spot, your wrist should be pulled back, cocking the ball in your hand. Then, as you release the ball, the ball should glide off of your wrist, finishing with your wrist fully flexed. Follow through. Extended your arm as far you can and allow your back leg to lift up from the forward momentum, and place it on the mound to get in a fielding position. Remember to stay balanced. Pitching is really a series of movements that the pitcher does without thinking. The key to a great pitch is balance--without balance, your throw will more than likely be rather off kilter. Try to be consistent. To be most effective, try to maintain a consistent throwing angle for all of your pitches. Some pitchers throw more overhand throwing a curveball or dip to sidearm while throwing a slider. While this may give you better control or command or your pitch, it can easily tip off the batter as to what pitch you are throwing. Having a consistent arm angle keeps the batter guessing. Keep your pitching arm from getting too sore. Start off slow. Wrap ice around your arm and chest to slow down the buildup of lactic acid (the buildup of lactic acid causes soreness). Run for 30 minutes after you pitch. This will get your blood circulating and help push out the lactic acid that might form in your arm. | Choose your grip. Try the Four-Seam Fastball. Try theTwo-Seam Fastball. Try the Changeup. Try the Curveball. Try the Slider. Try the Split Finger. Try the Forkball. Try the Knuckleball. Get into wind-up position. Make a small step with your left foot to the left. Lift your left leg to the point where your thigh becomes parallel with the ground or higher. Break your arms in a downward semi-circular motion. Lower your leg as close to the ground without touching it, and then stride outwards. Land your front foot at a closed angle. Push off with your back foot, out of the power position. Extend your pitching arm as far as you can, and let the ball glide off your wrist. Follow through. Remember to stay balanced. Try to be consistent. Keep your pitching arm from getting too sore. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Choux-Pastry | How to Make Choux Pastry | To make choux pastry, start by bringing 1 cup of water and 125 grams of butter to a boil. Then, add 1 cup of self-rising flour and beat the mixture until it forms a smooth ball. After the dough has cooled, place it in the bowl of a mixer, add 4 eggs, and beat it for 4 minutes. Next, put the dough into a piping bag and pipe it onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Finally, bake the choux at 450° Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375° Fahrenheit and bake for 10 more minutes. | Heat the butter and water together and bring to the boil. Add the flour in one amount and stir quickly. Beat for a minute or until it forms a smooth ball and leaves the side of the pan. Allow to cool, however do not seal with cling-film or cover the dough as it may sweat which can affect the end result. Place paste in a large bowl, mix-master, or food processor. A food processor makes short work of the dough and makes a good quality pastry, however care must be taken that the dough does not climb under the blade attachment and leak, which it does quite often. The mix-master tends to give the best result, or handheld electric beaters. Add the eggs and beat until smooth and thick. With a food processor this is about 1 minute worth of 5 second bursts, and a mix-master takes about 4 minutes. If making a savoury version, add 1/2 tsp of salt or flavouring powders such as 1/2 tsp ground dried mushrooms, or 30g of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Ensure that your oven has been heated to 220C / 428F. You can do this by checking the thermostat or with an oven thermometer Gather the dough into a piping bag that has been fitted with a 1 & 1/2 cm or 2/3rd of an inch nozzle. You may use a plain or a star or fluted nozzle. It is best to fold the top third of the bag down forming a collar and then using a scraper or spatula to load the dough in, no more than 2/3rd the volume of the bag. Folding the collar leaves a clean top of the bag and when the folded collar is lifted up and the bag twisted closed, the filling does not come out the top. Squeeze by twisting the top of the bag further to increase pressure. Shake the bag gently to remove air pockets and then lift the collar up and twist to contain the paste. You can also make your own by using a heavy duty strength snap-lock bag and snipping the corner off one end. Line your tray with baking parchment and you are ready to go. The dough may rest reliably in the bag for up to half an hour. Pipe in your desired shape (see below sections for suggestions) and bake as follows. Preheat your oven at least 15 minutes before you bake. Ideally the temperature should be 235C or 450F for the first 5-10 minutes. Then the temperature reduced to 190C or 375F for the remaining time. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Or as per advised time if you follow a different recipe. Under no circumstances open the door until this time as the pastry may collapse! When the puffs or shapes are cooked, place on a cooling rack and use as desired. It is recommended to tear open one of the baked goods (preferably one that doesn't look as good as the others) to ensure the pastry is cooked through. For the best crisp result, it is best to cut a small hole in the base of each puff or in a discrete place for steam to escape, then place back into the cooling oven with the door open to dry out giving optimal crispness. When cold, fill as desired. Frequent suggestions are whipped cream , chantilly cream , ice cream or pastry cream. It is best to load your filling into another clean piping bag and filling either from the base, or another discrete place. Eclairs may be neatly slit open at the top or sides, but the side if you wish to cover with a chocolate icing. Choux pastry may also be deep fried for a very indulgent dessert, by spooning or piping the dough into 175C / 347C hot fat, keeping the piping nozzle free above the fat. This process can make churros and a product similar to beignet. Pipe the dough into desired shapes as per the following suggestions. For profiteroles, hold the bag in an upright position and apply pressure from the top of the bag by twisting the top of the bag to increase pressure. When the paste starts to emerge, place the bag just above the baking paper so the paste touches the paper. Increase pressure by squeezing the bag (ensuring the twisted top does not open) and raise the bag gradually to pipe a ball approx 3cm across (1.25 inches) up to 4cm (1.6 inches) for large puffs. Reduce pressure and using a swift circular movement, cut off the dough. If a small spike remains, it can be patted down with a wet finger. Ensure you leave space for the balls to double in size before you pipe the next one. For beginners, it is very common to have the spike which reduces the more you practice, but is also a sign the dough was not beaten enough so it was a weaker paste. A wet finger gently patting the top will smooth the surface. For éclairs, Pipe long lines approx 10cm to 4 inches long, but the trick is to ensure you have even pressure to give the best quality result. To cease piping, pull the bag swiftly back in the opposite direction, so if you were piping left to right, with a smooth movement reduce pressure and move the bag to the left. To make a swan, pipe a wide and short éclair approx 2.5cm / 1 inch wide and 5cm / 2 inches long to make the body. On another tray, pipe an "S" shape in the same way as an éclair using a 1cm or 0.4 inch nozzle to make the neck. The piping bag should be even pressure and then cut off, leaving a short narrow end which will make the beak. For a beginner this is tricky so it is easiest to pipe a normal éclair as described and using wet fingers pinch the end to shape. It is best to bake the base of the swan first, then the necks in a separate batch. When cooled, split the body of the swan open and fill with cream, then place the neck in position. Similar to eclairs, you can then pipe an array of shapes such as rings, letters, or any shape that you prefer. A large donut ring using a wide nozzle is often known as a Paris Brest, which is filled and often topped with chocolate sauce and praline. To make a large base, or to create a Gateau Saint Honoré, make a paper template to place under your baking parchment. Using a piping bag, Pipe over the shape, either from the middle out in widening spirals, or the outside in, depending on your preferences. The Gâteau Saint-Honoré, is usually such a circle base and then topped with cream and individual puffs. The same method may be used to make squares, pillows and other shapes. To make a Croquembouche, you will need a large batch of individual puffs. Fill them with whipped cream or pastry cream and create a large pyramidic stack. This is usually built around a cone-hat like frame, or the puffs are stacked and joined in layer with a little caramel as a glue. If you use a frame, it should be covered neatly with the puffs so it's invisible. After the stack has been finished drizzle molten caramel over the cone, this is best done by dipping several metal skewers into the caramel and drizzling the caramel with a light waving movement to create fine strands. | Heat the butter and water together and bring to the boil. Place paste in a large bowl, mix-master, or food processor. Add the eggs and beat until smooth and thick. Gather the dough into a piping bag that has been fitted with a 1 & 1/2 cm or 2/3rd of an inch nozzle. Preheat your oven at least 15 minutes before you bake. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. Pipe the dough into desired shapes as per the following suggestions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Wallpaper-Paste | How to Remove Wallpaper Paste | To remove wallpaper paste, first make a removal solution by mixing hot water and a few squirts of dish soap in a bucket. For tough wallpaper paste, you can use equal parts hot water and white vinegar instead. Once you've prepared the solution, use a sponge to apply it to a small section of the wall so it's completely soaked. Then, let the solution sit for 5 minutes so it can break up the paste. Finally, use the sponge to scrub the paste off and then repeat on the rest of the wall. | Protect your room so you can remove wallpaper paste from the walls. The job can get pretty messy, so it's a good idea to cover the floors and other parts of the room before you get started. If everything's already protected because you just stripped your wallpaper, all the better. Tape off and cover outlets, switches, vents, baseboards and trim with painter's tape or plastic covers. Cover floors with plastic or canvas tarps near all walls where you will be working. Remove or cover furniture with plastic tarps. If your room is large, move furniture to the center of the room while you work. Turn off the electricity to the room to avoid any electrical mishaps. Get your supplies ready. The process of removing wallpaper paste is as follows: soak the paste, rub the paste, then rinse the wall. That means you'll need several different items to do the job: A bucket filled with wallpaper paste removal solution. A sponge for soaking the paste. A spray bottle filled with water. A dry rag for wiping the wall clean (you'll probably need more than one of these to do the whole job). A garbage can. Mix up your wallpaper paste removal solution. Hot water alone won't do the trick - you'll need a solution that softens the paste, making it easier to remove from the walls. There are a variety of solutions you can use for the job: Hot water and a few squirts of dish soap. This works perfectly well on most wallpaper paste. Fill up a gallon-sized bucket with the solution. Hot water and vinegar. This is great for tougher jobs. Mix a gallon of hot water and a gallon of white distilled vinegar. Try adding 1 to 2 tablespoons (14.8 to 29.6 ml) of baking soda into the bucket. The baking soda helps to dissolve the wallpaper paste. Trisodium phosphate, or TSP. TSP is an industrial-grade cleaner that was once widely used as a cleaner. Is it extremely strong, but not great for the environment, so try using when other, gentler methods have been exhausted. For the heaviest jobs, you might want to buy wallpaper paste remover from the store. The commercial removers use chemicals to quickly dissolve the paste. Follow the directions to mix commercial wallpaper paste remover. It is available from most paint or hardware stores, and contains ingredients created specifically to dissolve wallpaper paste. Put on some rubber gloves. Wallpaper paste can contain chemicals that aren't great for your hands. The job of removing it can take several hours, so it's a good idea to protect yourself by putting on a pair of long rubber gloves, the type you'd use when washing dishes. Soften the wallpaper paste by soaking it. Dip the sponge into the wallpaper paste removal solution you mixed up. Apply the solution to the wall, soaking it entirely. Don't soak the entire wall at once; do a 5 x 5 foot section at a time, so it won't dry before you can get to it. Let the solution sit for a few moments so it has time to soften the paste. If you don't want to use a sponge, you can use a spray bottle. Pour the solution into the bottle and spray a 5 x 5 foot area with the wallpaper paste remover. Wait 5 minutes for the paste to soften. Adjust the spray nozzle so it does not squirt directly on the wall, but it sprays a fine mist. Gradual saturation is necessary when spraying the wall. Rub off the wallpaper paste. Use the sponge to rub in a circular motion until the softened paste starts to come off. Discard it in the garbage can as you remove it. Scrape the wallpaper paste with a putty knife if you have trouble getting it off with a sponge. Scrape using even motions that do not cause your putty knife to damage the drywall. If the paste doesn't seem to be budging, soak it thoroughly and try again. Repeat the process. Soften and scrape the wallpaper paste throughout the room until most of the wallpaper paste is gone. Do so methodically, section by section, so you're less likely to miss any one area. Remove residual wallpaper paste. Soak any remaining wallpaper paste with more spray mixture, and scrub it with a tough scrubber. Forceful scrubbing may be required to remove it. Spot clean remaining areas that were taped off or covered. Remove the tape and covers from vents, outlets, switches, baseboards and trim. Use a sponge and the spray remover to carefully treat small areas. Allow the walls to dry for 12—24 hours. Run your hand along the walls. If they are smooth, most of the glue has been removed. If they feel sticky, repeat the process. | Protect your room so you can remove wallpaper paste from the walls. Get your supplies ready. Mix up your wallpaper paste removal solution. Put on some rubber gloves. Soften the wallpaper paste by soaking it. Rub off the wallpaper paste. Repeat the process. Remove residual wallpaper paste. Spot clean remaining areas that were taped off or covered. Allow the walls to dry for 12—24 hours. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Ferret%27s-Teeth | How to Clean a Ferret's Teeth | To keep your ferret's teeth clean, you should brush them once a day using a small toothbrush and toothpaste designed for pets. It might take your ferret a week or two to get used to having its teeth brushed, and it's usually best if you ease it into the process. Start by massaging its cheeks and mouth several times a day for a few days so it gets used to having its mouth touched. Then, you can start rubbing its teeth with your finger. Once it's comfortable with that, try brushing its teeth without any toothpaste for a few days. When you're ferret is used to the toothbrush, let it taste some of the toothpaste on its own, and then try brushing its teeth with it. Keep each brushing session to 30 seconds at first, and gradually work your way up to 2 minutes. | Get a small toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Your local pet supply store will carry toothbrushes designed for kittens and puppies that are small enough for a ferret. It'll also have pet toothpaste, which is safe for a pet to swallow. Never use human toothpaste to brush a pet's teeth. Human toothpaste contains too much fluoride to be safe for ferrets. This makes it extremely toxic for ferrets. Always use a pet-safe toothpaste. Massage your ferret's cheeks and mouth. Ease your ferret into brushing by gently rubbing its cheeks and around its mouth. Massage for about 30 seconds at a time several times a day for a few days. Offer a treat and verbal praise to encourage it to enjoy having its mouth touched. If you get your ferret used to having its mouth touched gradually, you'll have an easier time brushing its teeth. Rub its teeth and gums when it's used to having its mouth touched. After your ferret becomes comfortable with having its face touch, try lifting its lips and rubbing the inside of its mouth. Use your finger to simulate brushing motions for 30 seconds a few times a day. Be sure to reward your ferret with treats and praise. If your ferret tends to bite a lot, you might have to skip finger rubbing and just introduce the toothbrush. Introduce the toothbrush without toothpaste. After a few days of rubbing its teeth and gums with your finger, try placing the toothbrush in its mouth. Don't add toothpaste yet - just wet the brush. Again, limit sessions to 30 seconds a few times a day. Let it taste the toothpaste. Once you've gotten your ferret used to the brush, dab your finger with a small amount of toothpaste. Let your ferret lick it off your finger, and praise it so it learns that toothpaste is a good thing. You can find a variety of pet toothpaste flavors. Peanut flavor tends to be popular among ferrets. If your ferret doesn't like the first flavor you choose, try switching to another kind. Brush gently and start with short sessions. Lift your ferret's lips and try to lightly brush each tooth with circular motions. Pay special attention to the outsides of the teeth, which is where the most plaque builds. Limit your first brushing sessions to around 30 seconds. Do your best to get all the way to the back teeth. If your ferret gets upset, give it a break and try again later. Increase brushing time gradually to two minutes. If possible, brush your ferret's teeth once a day. Add a little more time each day so you can clean your ferret's teeth more thoroughly. Over the course of the first few days, try to get to the point where you can brush for two minutes. Check for dental problems when you brush. As you brush, look for dark-colored areas of tartar buildup and red, swollen gums. Check for deep, yellowish stains, which are a sign of physical damage. In addition, check for other signs of obvious damage, such as chipped or broken teeth. A vet will need to handle tartar buildup and other dental issues. Brushing can remove plaque, but tartar can only be removed by professional scaling. Give your ferret toothbrushing treats. In addition to manual brushing, you can offer your ferret treats that will help keep its teeth clean. They'll most likely be labelled for dogs or cats, but it's fine to give them to your ferret. You can find dental treats at your local pet supply store. Toothbrushing treats aren't a substitute for regular manual brushing. Have a vet examine your ferret's teeth annually. Like dogs and cats, it's recommended that ferrets see a vet for a dental exam at least once a year. Vets are now trained in animal dentistry, so they'll be able to handle any problems they find. You should bring your ferret to an experienced exotic small animal vet. To find a suitable vet, as your ferret-owning friends, search online, or contact your local ferret owners group. Get your ferret's teeth professional cleaned regularly. Since dental issues can cause pain, difficulty eating, and other health issues, vets recommend annual cleanings for ferrets. A deep cleaning involves anesthesia, as the vet will need access to the entire mouth. They'll use special tools to remove tartar deposits and, if necessary, to repair broken teeth. Annual dental cleanings are especially important for ferrets over three years old. Give your ferret pain medication and soft foods after a deep cleaning. After a deep cleaning, the vet will provide you with anti-inflammatory and pain medication. Administer these according to the vet's instructions, and offer soft foods instead of kibble for five to seven days. You'll either give your ferret liquid medication with a dropper or a soft, chewable tablet. Look for low-cost dental care options. Standard dental cleanings typically cost between $100 and $200 (US). While proper dental care can help a ferret live a long, healthy life, cost often prevents owners from providing it. Keep tabs on your local vets and animal shelters, which might occasionally offer low-cost cleanings. For example, in the United States, February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and vets and shelters sometimes offer free or discounted cleanings to celebrate. You could also talk to your vet about setting up a payment plan for a dental cleaning. Pet insurance rarely covers ferrets and other exotic pets. Plans that are available for ferrets don't typically cover dental cleanings. | Get a small toothbrush and pet toothpaste. Massage your ferret's cheeks and mouth. Rub its teeth and gums when it's used to having its mouth touched. Introduce the toothbrush without toothpaste. Let it taste the toothpaste. Brush gently and start with short sessions. Increase brushing time gradually to two minutes. Check for dental problems when you brush. Give your ferret toothbrushing treats. Have a vet examine your ferret's teeth annually. Get your ferret's teeth professional cleaned regularly. Give your ferret pain medication and soft foods after a deep cleaning. Look for low-cost dental care options. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sneak-Food-Into-a-Movie-Theatre | How to Sneak Food Into a Movie Theatre | If you want to sneak some food into a movie theatre, try hiding it in the bottom of a backpack or purse. Cover up the snacks with other items in case anyone searches your bag, and you'll be good to go! If you're only taking a chocolate bar or something small in, hide it in your pocket or up your sleeve. If you don't have a bag with you and you need to hide a big item, like a bag of popcorn, wrap it in your jacket or sweater and hold it under your arm. Try to stay calm and act natural and the theatre staff won't notice anything! | Place small snacks into a bag. Use a bag, such as a backpack, messenger bag, or purse to hide outside food and beverages. For example, you could hide small snacks such as candy, chocolate bars, chips, fruits and veggies, popcorn, or bottled beverages inside your bag. Put snacks into a sealed container. This way your snacks won't spill inside of your bag while you are transporting them into the theatre. A sealed container will also mask the smell of popcorn or other snacks in your bag, making them less noticeable. Cover the food with other items. Place a wallet, day planner, or any other item overtop of the food you are sneaking into the theatre. That way, if someone looks inside your purse, they'll just see your personal belongings, not the food. Don’t overstuff the bag. Make sure to choose a bag that is large enough to fit all the snacks you want to sneak into the theatre. You should not stuff your bag so full that some of the snacks are sticking out of the top. This is a sure way to get caught. Make sure that the snacks fit into your bag and are not visible. Hide a small snack or two in your pockets. Wear large and baggy clothing and then hide small snacks in your pockets. For example, you could wear a pair of cargo pants, preferably a pair with plenty of pockets, and hide candy or chocolate in the pockets; or you could hide a snack in your coat pocket. Take a look in the mirror before leaving your house to make sure that none of the food is visible. Conceal food you're carrying with a sweater or jacket. In some instances, the food you want to sneak in may be too large to fit into your sweater or pant pockets. If this is the case, you can roll up your coat or jacket and hold it over your arm. Wrap any food items inside your jacket. It will just look like you are carrying your jacket and no one will suspect that food is hidden inside! Alternatively, you can hide food up the front of your jacket. You may look larger than normal, but chances are an employee will not ask you to lift your shirt unless it looks very suspicious. Hide your food in your shirt to make you look pregnant. If you are a woman and at a reasonable age for this (roughly 20-40), this is a good option. People tend to be more considerate around pregnant woman, and the movie theatre employees would never ask you to lift up your shirt to see if there's something under. To do this with popcorn, put it in a plastic bag and put it under your shirt by your stomach. If you have other food, put it in a plastic bowl and put the bowl on your stomach, then tie a sweater around your waist to keep the bowl from slipping. You can also secure the bowl with thin rope or elastic. Walk around for a bit and look in front of a mirror to make sure it looks realistic and isn't slipping. Preferably wear layers, as this will hide any bumps in your fake pregnant belly and keep it from slipping. People also sell fake pregnant bellies that you can use for the same purpose. Also, make sure you have an answer if someone asks when you're due. The bigger your snacks, the sooner it should be. However, don't push your luck. You shouldn't look more than six months pregnant or people might suspect something or worry about you. Hide food in your sleeves. This works best with long skinny items, such as chocolate bars. Hold your arms casually at your sides and no one will look twice. You can tie the food to your arm using an elastic band or string. This way the food will not fall out while you are walking and swinging your arms. Act natural. No one will look twice if you don't give them a reason to be suspicious. Act normal and do not keep checking your bag or pockets. If you do get caught, apologize and admit that you were bringing in food. Chances are they will just confiscate the food and allow you to stay and watch the movie. Pick items that are sold at the concession stand. Most theatres sell candy and other snacks that can be purchased at any convenience or grocery store. You can easily smuggle these items into the theatre, because no one will suspect that they were not purchased from the concession stand. It is highly unlikely that you would ever be asked to provide a receipt. Some large movie theatre chains also sell food such as hot dogs, pizza, and burgers. If this is the case, you could try sneaking in larger items. Select items that are not loud. Some foods can be loud to open and eat. For instance, most movie theatres do not sell soda in a can. The sound of a can of cola being opened will surely draw attention. If you want to bring your own soda, pour it into a water bottle so you won't disturb others watching the movie by opening the can. Similarly, you can leave loud wrappers at home by opening up your candy in advance and transferring it to a resealable baggie. This will be much quieter and you can eat the food without drawing attention. Choose food that doesn’t smell. When sneaking food into a theatre, avoid foods that have a strong scent. This may cause you to stand out and could increase your chances of getting caught by the theatre staff. Stick to scentless foods, such as trail mix, candy, or bottled water. Don't try to sneak in a burger or onion rings. Not only will the person next to you be extremely jealous, but the scent may draw the attention of the staff. Select snacks not meals. As a general rule, you should never eat anything in a dark movie theatre that requires cutlery. Aside from the fact that you will likely make a huge mess, it is also inconsiderate to the other people trying to watch the film. Cutlery is loud and can distract from the movie. Leave your leftovers at home and stick with small snacks and finger foods. Don’t eat smuggled food in front of the staff. Once you are inside the theatre, be discreet. Keep your smuggled food hidden and avoid eating these items in front of the theatre employees. This way you are less likely to get caught. | Place small snacks into a bag. Put snacks into a sealed container. Cover the food with other items. Don’t overstuff the bag. Hide a small snack or two in your pockets. Conceal food you're carrying with a sweater or jacket. Hide your food in your shirt to make you look pregnant. Hide food in your sleeves. Act natural. Pick items that are sold at the concession stand. Select items that are not loud. Choose food that doesn’t smell. Select snacks not meals. Don’t eat smuggled food in front of the staff. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-an-Easy-Teddy-Bear | How to Make an Easy Teddy Bear | If you want to make a cute and cuddly teddy bear as a toy for a child or a keepsake for an adult, all you need is fabric, stuffing, and some embellishments! Pick a soft fabric with a print or color that you know they'll like. Once you have a fabric, fold it in half and pin a template of a teddy bear to it. You can then cut out the shape and sew it together. Stuff your teddy bear with cotton balls, scrap fabric, yarn, or polyfill fiber. Also, gather some buttons, fabric, or markers to add embellishments to your teddy bear's face and body. | Choose soft fabric with your preferred print or color. You can use any type of fabric you like for the bear, but make sure that you have enough to cut out 2 pieces of your pattern. For a bear that's around 15 by 8 in (38 by 20 cm), you'll need about ⁄ 2 yd (0.46 m) of fabric. Draw or print a teddy bear template to cut your fabric. You can find a free teddy bear-shaped template online, or draw your own on a piece of paper. Make the bear as small or as large as you want it to be. If you're printing a template, you can also adjust the size of the bear by enlarging or shrinking the image before you print it. Cut along the lines on the paper pattern. Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut out your template. Cut slowly and follow the lines carefully to ensure that you don't end up with any jagged edges. Discard the excess paper after you cut out the template. Make sure that your template includes the seam allowance. If not, cut about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) outside of the lines all the way around the template to provide a seam allowance. Fold a piece of fabric in half and place the pattern over it. Smooth out the fabric so there are no lumps or bumps in it. Then, pin the paper pattern to the fabric. Make sure to pin through both layers of fabric so they don't slip while you cut. Place 1 pin every 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) all the way around the edges of the pattern. Cut the fabric along the edges of the paper pattern. Use a sharp pair of fabric scissors to cut along the edges of the paper pattern. Go slowly to avoid creating any jagged edges in the fabric. After you finish cutting, unpin the pattern from the fabric and set it aside. You can keep the pattern and use it again to make more bears if desired. Pin the 2 fabric pieces together, outer printed sides facing each other. Line up the edges of the 2 pieces so they are even. Then, insert 1 pin every 2–3 in (5.1–7.6 cm) along the outer edges of the fabric. However, leave a 3 in (7.6 cm) section of the leg unpinned. This gap in the bear's leg will be necessary to turn the fabric right side out and to insert the stuffing into the bear's body. Sew a straight line to secure the 2 pieces. You can do this by machine or by hand. If you're using a sewing machine, select the straight stitch setting, which is usually number 1. Then, sew along the pinned areas of the fabric to secure the 2 pieces together. If you're sewing by hand, thread a needle with all-purpose thread in the color of your choice and hand sew in a straight line along the edges to connect the 2 pieces. Position your stitches about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) from the edges of the fabric. Remember to leave the unpinned area on the leg open so you can invert the teddy bear when you are done. Remove the pins as you sew. Cut notches in the edges of the fabric going all the way around the seam. After you complete the seam, use a sharp pair of scissors to cut ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) notches in the fabric going all the way around the edges. This will reduce the bulk along the curves in your teddy bear. Be careful not to cut through the seams when you do this. Only cut notches in the fabric along the seams. Turn the teddy bear right side out. Use the opening you left in the leg to grasp and pull the fabric through. You may also want to use a wooden spoon to push the fabric out, especially at the ends of the bear's arms, legs, and ears. Stuff the bear through the opening in the leg. Push stuffing into the gap in the bear's leg and all the way into the ends of the legs, arms, ears, and head. Keep stuffing the bear until it is plump. Use a wooden spoon to push the stuffing into hard to reach spots, such as the ends of its legs and arms. You can use polyfill fiber stuffing, cotton balls, scrap fabric, or even yarn to fill the teddy bear. Pin up the gap in the bear’s leg. Once you are happy with the level of stuffing, fold over the edges of the fabric along the opening in the bear's leg. Press the edges of the fabric together to close the gap in the leg and poke the filling back into the leg if needed. Then, insert 2 to 3 pins to secure the fabric together along the opening. Sew a stitch by hand along the pinned edge to close the leg. Thread a needle with the same color thread you used to sew the seam, then tie a knot in the end of the thread. Insert the needle into the fabric about ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) from the folded edges of the pinned area. Then, bring it back through about ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) up on the other side. Bring it back through all the way, pull the thread taut, and then repeat. Keep sewing until the gap is closed. Tie a knot to secure the thread at the end of the seam and cut the excess thread about ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) from the knot. Make sure that you remove the pins after you finish sewing. Draw the eyes, nose, and mouth on the fabric for a quick and easy face. If you have a fabric marker that will show up on your fabric, you can use it to draw a face on your teddy bear. Draw eyes, a nose, and a mouth. Make your bear look happy, sad, grumpy, or surprised depending on what you want. For example, you could draw 2 circles with dots in the center of them and raised eyebrows for a look of surprise, a big toothy grin for a happy bear, or a straight line for a neutral expression. on for a pair of eyes and a nose. Sew 3 buttons This will give your bear a cute, homemade look. Thread a needle and sew 2 buttons onto the face for the eyes. Sew 1 button on for the nose. Insert the needle in and out of the fabric and all holes in each button to secure them well. Then, cut the thread as close to the button as possible. You may want to sew the buttons onto the fabric before you sew the 2 pieces together. This will enable you to tie knots on the back side of the fabric, which will make the buttons more secure. Try using 2 like-sized buttons for the eyes and a larger button for the nose. Glue on eyes, nose, and a mouth if you don’t want to draw or sew. Another way to attach your bear's facial features is to use fabric glue or hot-glue to secure them. Choose buttons, plastic eyes, or cut out fabric facial features. Apply the glue to the fabric where you want to attach the buttons, plastic eyes, or fabric facial features and then press them into place. Let the fabric glue dry overnight, or let the hot glue dry for 30 minutes. Don't move the teddy bear until the glue has dried completely. If using hot glue, let the glue gun warm up for at least 10 minutes before using it. Be careful not to get any of the glue on your skin since it can burn you. Add extra embellishments to personalize your bear. As a special finishing touch for your bear, tie a ribbon around its neck, put a teddy bear t-shirt on it, or write its name on a small scrap of fabric and glue it onto the bear like a nametag. You can also draw on the bear, add extra buttons, or glue patches onto it if desired. For example, you could glue 3 buttons in a vertical row on the bear's stomach to give the appearance of shirt buttons. Or, get a heart-shaped patch and glue it onto the bear's chest where its heart would be. | Choose soft fabric with your preferred print or color. Draw or print a teddy bear template to cut your fabric. Cut along the lines on the paper pattern. Fold a piece of fabric in half and place the pattern over it. Cut the fabric along the edges of the paper pattern. Pin the 2 fabric pieces together, outer printed sides facing each other. Sew a straight line to secure the 2 pieces. Cut notches in the edges of the fabric going all the way around the seam. Turn the teddy bear right side out. Stuff the bear through the opening in the leg. Pin up the gap in the bear’s leg. Sew a stitch by hand along the pinned edge to close the leg. Draw the eyes, nose, and mouth on the fabric for a quick and easy face. on for a pair of eyes and a nose. Glue on eyes, nose, and a mouth if you don’t want to draw or sew. Add extra embellishments to personalize your bear. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Batter | How to Make Batter | To make an all-purpose batter, mix cornstarch, flour, baking powder, salt, water, and milk or buttermilk in a bowl. If you like, you can add a pinch of your favorite seasoning, including cayenne powder, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. Dip the food you're frying in the batter, then drop it into oil that's been heated to 350°F. Once the batter turns golden brown, remove the food from the pot or fryer. | Prepare the food you want to fry. All-purpose batter tastes great with pretty much any meat or vegetable you'd want to fry. No matter what you're frying, cut the food into similar-sized pieces so each piece will fry evenly. Try any of the following foods: Sliced onions, jalapeños or other vegetables. Boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips or nuggets) or bone-in chicken pieces Fish such as cod, tilapia or haddock Mix the batter ingredients in a bowl. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and use a whisk to mix them until smooth. This basic batter mix is delicious on its own. If you'd like, customize it by adding a pinch or two of any of the following spices: Old Bay seasoning Cayenne pepper Garlic powder Italian seasoning Heat enough oil to submerge the food. Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pot that will heat the oil evenly. In most cases you'll need an inch or two of oil to submerge the food you're frying. Place it over medium-high heat and allow it to heat for several minutes. To test whether it's ready, use a fry thermometer to take the temperature of the oil. Once it reaches 350°F (176°C), it's ready to fry. Choose a high smoke-point oil. Peanut, canola, vegetable and grapeseed oils are all suitable for frying. You want to use an oil that can be heated to a high temperature without smoking. If you don't have a fry thermometer, don't use a meat thermometer. Instead, test the oil by placing a small piece of food in the pot. If it immediately starts to sizzle and turn brown, the oil is ready. Cooking food before the oil is ready will result in the batter sliding off. The food will turn out greasy and wet instead of moist on the inside and crispy on the outside. Dip the food pieces into the batter. Use a fork to dip a piece of food into the batter to coat it on all sides. Try to get an even coating of batter. Shake off the excess drips. Fry until golden brown. Place enough pieces of battered food into the pot to evenly cover the bottom of the pot. Avoid overlapping food, since this will result in uneven cooking. Fry until the food is golden brown on both sides, then place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Cooking times will vary depending on what you're frying. Vegetables typically need no more than three or four minutes in the pot. Smaller pieces will require less time. Raw chicken or fish may require five to fifteen minutes' frying time, depending on how big your pieces are and whether they have bones. The center of the meat should be opaque when it is fully cooked. If the oil seems to be browning and burning the outside of the food before the inside is cooked, turn down the temperature. You want to try to keep it at a steady 350°F (176°C). Prepare the food you want to fry. Beer batter comes out crispy and smooth. It's the perfect coating for fish, onion rings and other vegetables. Make sure all food pieces that you want to fry are cut into similar-sized pieces, so they'll fry evenly. Mix the batter. With so few ingredients, beer batter is easy to make. Just mix the flour, spices, and one 12-ounce beer in a bowl. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients until smooth. Heat enough oil to submerge the food. Use a deep, heavy-bottomed pot that will heat the oil evenly. Fill the pot with an inch or two of oil to submerge the food you're frying. Place it over medium-high heat and allow it to heat for several minutes. To test whether it's ready, use a fry thermometer to take the temperature of the oil. Once it reaches 350°F (176°C), it's ready to fry. Choose a high smoke-point oil. Peanut oil is traditionally used along with beer batter for a distinctive taste. If you don't have a fry thermometer, test the oil by placing a small piece of battered food in the pot. If it immediately starts to sizzle and turn brown, the oil is ready. Dip the the food in flour before battering. Dipping the food in flour first will help this rather liquidy batter stick to the food instead of sliding off. Coat the food with flour on all sides. Tap it on the edge of the bowl to remove excess flour. Use a fork to dip the food pieces in batter to coat on all sides. Shake off the excess batter before frying. Having a lot of extra batter in the pan can cause the temperature in the pot to drop, making the food pieces cook unevenly. That's why it's important to shake off excess batter. Fry until golden brown. Place the pieces of fish, onion, etc. into the pot. Line the bottom of the pot, and make sure none of the food overlaps. Cook the food until it's golden brown on both sides. Fish pieces generally need about five minutes in the pot. When the fish has turned golden brown, cut into a piece to make sure it's opaque in the middle. If the oil seems to be browning and burning the outside of the food before the inside is cooked, turn down the temperature. You want to try to keep it at a steady 350°F (176°C). Prepare meat and vegetable pieces. Tempura batter is a thin, crispy Japanese-style batter that is traditionally used with bite-sized pieces of meat, seafood, and vegetables. Cut the food into similar-sized pieces so that it cooks evenly. These foods work well with tempura batter: Shrimp Crab pieces Cubed chicken, pork or steak Broccoli florets Slices of sweet potato Mix the batter ingredients in a bowl. This batter should come out very thin and runny. Mix the ingredients together and use a whisk to make sure there are no lumps. Heat several inches of oil. Pour a few inches of vegetable or peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed pot. Add a few tablespoons of sesame oil for flavor if desired. Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (176°C). Special tempura fryers are available for keeping the oil at a steady temperature throughout the frying process. If you don't have a fry thermometer, test the oil by dropping a battered piece of food into the pot. If it turns golden brown, the oil is ready to fry. Dip the meat and vegetable pieces in batter. When cooking tempura, food pieces are normally skewered on wooden or metal skewers. Skewer a piece of food, then dip it into the batter to completely coat it. You may want to skewer more than one piece on the same skewer. Fry until golden brown. Dip the skewer into the pot so that the food pieces are submerged in oil. Hold them there for several minutes, until they are golden brown on all sides. Since meat will require a longer frying time than vegetables, fry the meat in a separate batch. Small pieces of meat and vegetables should need no more than five minutes' cooking time. Cut into a piece to make sure it is done in the center before eating. | Prepare the food you want to fry. Mix the batter ingredients in a bowl. Heat enough oil to submerge the food. Dip the food pieces into the batter. Fry until golden brown. Prepare the food you want to fry. Mix the batter. Heat enough oil to submerge the food. Dip the the food in flour before battering. Fry until golden brown. Prepare meat and vegetable pieces. Mix the batter ingredients in a bowl. Heat several inches of oil. Dip the meat and vegetable pieces in batter. Fry until golden brown. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fry-Shrimp | How to Fry Shrimp | To pan fry shrimp, start by melting 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Next, add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and stir fry for 30 to 60 seconds until the garlic begins to release a strong aroma. Then, add the shrimp, and make sure to leave about ½ inch between each shrimp to ensure that they cook evenly. Season immediately with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and cook until the shrimp are slightly pink and opaque. | Beat 2 large eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Use a fork or a whisk to quickly beat 2 eggs in a bowl. Make sure the bowl is wide enough to fit a few shrimp in it at a time. Look for a frothy yellow color to tell when your eggs are beaten. Combine bread crumbs and flour on a plate. Mix 2 cups (180 g) of breadcrumbs and ½ cup (60 g) of flour on a plate or a shallow dish. Use a fork to make sure these ingredients are loosely combined. Stir them gently in a circular motion to avoid getting flour everywhere. Use Panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, more airy texture on your fried shrimp. Add seasoning, like 1 tsp. (2.6 g) of cayenne pepper and 1 tsp. (2.6 g) of garlic salt, to your breadcrumb mix to make it spicy. Pour 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a skillet and heat it on high. The oil measurement does not need to be exact. Pour enough into the bottom of a skillet with high sides so that your shrimp will be fully submerged. Heat the oil on high until it sizzles when you drop a few breadcrumbs in. Vegetable oil is the best oil for deep frying things, since it is less heavy and greasy than other oils. If you are using a deep fryer, pour your oil into the fryer while it is off and then turn it on. Dip each shrimp in egg and then coat them in the bread crumbs and flour. Grab each shrimp 1 at a time and dip them into the beaten eggs. Make sure every side of the shrimp is thoroughly coated. Then, dip the shrimp into the flour and breadcrumb mix. Cover all sides of the shrimp so you get an even fry. If you have a lot of shrimp, you can coat them a few at a time. Drop the shrimp carefully into the hot oil. If you have a lot of shrimp, you may need to fry them in batches. Carefully drop a group of shrimp into the hot oil with tongs. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated in the oil so that they all cook. If you are using a deep fryer, place your shrimp into the basket and then lower it slowly into the oil. Fry the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes or until they are golden brown. Shrimp are small, so they do not take long to deep fry. Wait 1 to 2 minutes for the shrimp to cook, and watch for a golden brown color on the breadcrumbs. Look for an opaque color on the inside of the shrimp to double check that it is done. If your shrimp are overcooked, they will be chewy. Take the shrimp out and put them on a plate lined with a paper towel. The shrimp may hold some excess oil in them when you first take them out. Set them on a paper towel lined plate so soak up some of the grease. Season them to taste and serve immediately. Sprinkle your shrimp with salt to bring out its natural flavor and add black pepper for a small kick. Serve your shrimp with cocktail sauce. Beat 2 eggs in a large bowl. Use a spoon or a whisk to beat 2 eggs in a large bowl. Combine them thoroughly until they are all yellow colored and no egg white can be seen. Make sure your bowl is big enough to hold the rest of your ingredients. Add milk, salt, and your own spices to the eggs. Pour ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) of milk, ¼ tsp (5.6 g) of salt, and whatever spices you would like into the eggs. If you want spicy shrimp, consider adding 1 tsp (2.6 g) of cayenne pepper. If you want to keep them more neutral, stick with 1 tsp (2.6 g) of salt and 1 tsp (2.6 g) of black pepper. You can also add 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of hot sauce if you want super spicy shrimp. Heat vegetable oil to 350 °F (177 °C) in a skillet. Choose a skillet with high sides so the oil won't spill out. Turn your heat on high and wait until the oil reaches 350 °F (177 °C). Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature of your oil. If it is too cold, the shrimp may not get cooked thoroughly. Keep an eye on the temperature of your oil as you cook each batch of shrimp. Do not let it dip below 350 °F (177 °C). If you are using a deep fryer, simply add oil to your cold deep fryer and then turn it on to heat it up. Coat each shrimp in the batter. Take a few shrimp at a time and dip them into your batter mixture. Make sure they are all evenly coated. Use your hands or a pair of tongs if you don't want to get messy. Do not let the batter clump up, or your shrimp will have balls of dough on it when you fry it. Fry the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are golden brown. Make sure each shrimp is fully submerged in the oil as it cooks. Let the shrimp fry until the batter is a golden brown color on all sides. Use tongs to turn the shrimp periodically so they get evenly cooked. If you are using a deep fryer, place the shrimp in the basket and then lower them slowly into the oil to cook them. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and put them on a paper towel. Use a spoon with divets in it to remove each shrimp from the oil. Place them on a plate that is lined with paper towel to soak up any excess grease and oil. Serve them immediately while they are still hot. Mix milk, 2 eggs, and yellow mustard together in a large bowl. Use a fork or a small whisk to combine 2 cups (470 mL) of whole milk, 2 large eggs, and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of yellow mustard in a large bowl. Make sure the mustard is completely mixed in and there aren't any lumps left in your mixture. You can use buttermilk in place of regular milk if you want a more bitter flavor. Pour your mixture over the shrimp in a bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Place all of your peeled and deveined shrimp into a large bowl. Pour your milk, egg, and mustard mixture over the shrimp. Make sure all of your shrimp is submerged in the mixture. Let your shrimp sit for at least 15 minutes to soak up the flavor of the mustard mixture. You can let your shrimp sit for as long as 1 hour, if you have time. This will make them more flavorful. Combine fish fry mix and Cajun seasoning on a plate or shallow dish. Use a fork to gently mix together 1 tsp (2.6 g) of Cajun spice mix and 1 packet (12 oz) of fish fry mix. Make sure the spices are spread all throughout so that your shrimp is evenly seasoned. You can purchase premade Cajun spice mixes and fishy fry mixes at most grocery stores. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350 °F (177 °C). Pour about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a skillet with high sides. Heat the oil up to 350 °F (177 °C). Check the temperature with a candy thermometer throughout your frying process to make sure the oil is still hot enough. If you are using a deep fryer, pour your vegetable oil into it and then turn it on. Dip your shrimp in the Cajun and fish fry mixture. Take a few shrimp at a time and dip them into the spices and fish fry mix. Coat each one thoroughly to make sure they will cook evenly. Cover every part of the shrimp, including the tails. Fry the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are golden brown. Gently drop the shrimp in the hot oil using tongs. Fry them until the coating on the outside turns golden brown. Flip the shrimp over at least once as you fry them to make sure they are cooked evenly on both sides. Cut open one of your shrimp and look for an opaque color inside to see if it is done. If you are using a deep fryer, place the shrimp into the basket and lower them slowly into the oil. Drain the shrimp on a paper towel. Take the shrimp out of the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with a paper towel. The paper towel will soak up any excess oil and grease on the shrimp. Let them sit for about 2 minutes and then serve them immediately. | Beat 2 large eggs in a medium-sized bowl. Combine bread crumbs and flour on a plate. Pour 1 inch (2.5 cm) of vegetable oil in a skillet and heat it on high. Dip each shrimp in egg and then coat them in the bread crumbs and flour. Drop the shrimp carefully into the hot oil. Fry the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes or until they are golden brown. Take the shrimp out and put them on a plate lined with a paper towel. Beat 2 eggs in a large bowl. Add milk, salt, and your own spices to the eggs. Heat vegetable oil to 350 °F (177 °C) in a skillet. Coat each shrimp in the batter. Fry the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are golden brown. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and put them on a paper towel. Mix milk, 2 eggs, and yellow mustard together in a large bowl. Pour your mixture over the shrimp in a bowl and let it sit for 15 minutes. Combine fish fry mix and Cajun seasoning on a plate or shallow dish. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to 350 °F (177 °C). Dip your shrimp in the Cajun and fish fry mixture. Fry the shrimp for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are golden brown. Drain the shrimp on a paper towel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Arrange-Dishes-in-Kitchen-Cabinets | How to Arrange Dishes in Kitchen Cabinets | Having an organized kitchen can really help you cook and clean more efficiently. Before you arrange your dishes in your kitchen cabinets, separate your dishes into categories and discard any items that you never use. You should put everyday dishes, like plates and bowls, on a lower shelf so they're more accessible. Then, put pots and pans together in a spot near the stove. Place cooking tools, like spatulas and wooden spoons, in a caddy next to or above the stove. You'll probably want to put mugs and cups together in a cabinet close to the sink. If you have any decorative dishes, like china, consider putting these in a separate place, like in a cabinet in your dining room. | Do an inventory check. Separate your dishes into piles. Put your daily use dishes together. Group special occasion dishes separately. Pots and pans should go in another group. Separate your cups too. Decide how many dishes you really need. Keep enough dishes in your kitchen to feed your family or a small gathering. You should have enough cups, plates (large and small), bowls, mugs, and silverware for two days of meals for your family. Carefully pack up the rest of your dishes and store them in your garage or another area of your home. Make a plan to get rid of the rest. Discard items that you don’t use. Throw away broken items. Pack up excess pieces -- like too many coffee mugs or plastic cups, containers without lids or lids that no longer match containers, and things you will never use. This includes things that don't work well or you just don't like. Donate all of the things you've packed up. Keep your everyday dishes accessible. Put your everyday dishes near the dishwasher if you can. This will make it easier to put them away. You can also hang a decorative and strong dish drainer over the sink and store your dishes there. Try putting a plate rack over the sink. Don't worry about it blocking light from a window -- the light will filter through the open rack. Put everyday dishes on lower shelves. Keep your daily dishes within easy reach on lower shelves in your cabinets. Insert sliding shelf organizers or cabinet risers to make accessing them even easier. Or organize your plates in an upright rack so you can quickly grab them from the cabinet. Keep your everyday dishes close at hand in pullout drawers. Organize deep drawers with pegs or dish racks to separate the dishes and keep the drawers orderly. Choose or install the drawers near the dishwasher. Store your everyday cutlery and cups in nearby drawers or cabinets. Use open shelving. Store your everyday items in open shelving to make things easier to grab. Try installing heavy-duty kitchen racks if you don't have open shelves. You could also build a ready-to-assemble shelving unit. Store heavier items on lower racks or shelves of the unit you've built. Opt for a tall, thin unit that won't take up extra space in your kitchen. Make a space for kid’s dishes. Store children's cups, plates, bowls, and cutlery in a very low cabinet, drawer, banquette, or window seat that opens for storage. This way your children can easily access their dishes. Add napkins, placemats, and other items your children use frequently when eating. Put pots and pans near the stove. Put heavy items, like mixing bowls and dutch ovens, in low cabinets. Don't forget to use the drawer under your oven for metal or glass bakeware. Add toe kick drawers for additional storage. Keep other cooking implements, like spatulas and wooden spoons in caddies near the stove. Use your wall space for mugs. Put up wire racks for hanging your tea cups and mugs. You could also install a rail (or more than one rail) and hang your mugs from S hooks. Try hanging a piece of wood on the wall and hammering in long nails as hooks for your mugs. Arrange your mugs in or under cabinets. Keep your coffee mugs in a basket under your shelves if you don't have much room in the cabinets. Save space in the cabinets by putting in a freestanding shelf and stacking mugs on top and dishes beneath. You can also install hooks under your cabinets or under shelves for hanging mugs. Treat your glasses with care. Don't set fine glasses on their rims. Keep them upright or hang them from the stem using a sliding glass hanger. Also, store everyday glasses with the rims up. Put these near your everyday dishes. Put the sliding hanger on a higher shelf or out of the way to prevent glasses from getting knocked off. Put your china in a high or low cabinet. Keep it out of the way of the things you use on a daily basis. Also store other infrequently used items, like gravy boats, out of the way. Wrap dishes to prevent dust and grease build-up if they're left exposed, like on the top of a cupboard. Keep your good china in a special place. Store it in a hutch with glass doors that will show it off. Put extra pieces that won't fit in the display in the drawers or shelves of the hutch. You can also use an armoire or glass front storage cabinet for storing china. Pack your china for storage. Put your china in dish storage cases to prevent chips and cracks. Wrap handles on tea cups and serving and sugar bowl dish lids with cotton or newspaper to further protect them. Add pieces of felt between dishes to keep them from banging together. Don't forget to label the cases so you can easily find pieces you need when entertaining. | Do an inventory check. Decide how many dishes you really need. Discard items that you don’t use. Keep your everyday dishes accessible. Put everyday dishes on lower shelves. Keep your everyday dishes close at hand in pullout drawers. Use open shelving. Make a space for kid’s dishes. Put pots and pans near the stove. Use your wall space for mugs. Arrange your mugs in or under cabinets. Treat your glasses with care. Put your china in a high or low cabinet. Keep your good china in a special place. Pack your china for storage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-a-Banking-Job | How to Dress for a Banking Job | To dress for a banking job, wear a gray or navy blue business suit or skirt suit. Stick with a white or light pastel shirt or blouse. If you wear a tie, choose one with a simple pattern or single color that matches your suit. For footwear, go with black dress shoes or low-heeled shoes. Avoid showy watches and jewelry, since this might make you seem ostentatious. You can also read the dress code and look at what your colleagues are wearing to stay within company guidelines. | Dress at least as well as those employed in your position. If at all possible, you should see how people in the position you are applying for dress on the job. Follow their precedent. Dress at least as well as them. For lower level positions you probably want to even dress a bit better than the standard work attire, though this is not so much the case for higher level positions, because you also want to refrain from being ostentatious. It is not common for bank tellers to wear a suit jacket when working. However, if you are interviewing to be a teller, you should. This is also true for women who should wear either a skirt suit or a pantsuit. Dress conservatively. Although bankers dress professionally, they are not fashionistas. Dressing in a way that would attract too much attention or make you stand out will work against you. One of the most common objections at interviews is smell Wearing too much perfume or cologne can be a distraction and is frowned upon. Wear little if any. Leave the bling at home. Ostentatious watches can create feelings of jealousy. Similarly large, showy jewelry is generally not considered appropriate. Wear something small and simple or nothing at all. Don't try to exploit your sex appeal. It is not considered appropriate to dress in a provocative way. Wear little makeup and stick to shades that are more or less natural. Stick to simple patterns, if any. Usually ties, suits, shirts, and dresses of a single, conservative color are best. Refrain from bright colors or complex patterns. Clean up. For a banking job you will want to devote less time to finding unique attire than to keeping what you have immaculate. Pay close attention to wrinkles, stains, scuffs, and your own personal hygiene. Banking is about paying attention to detail. Your attire should convey your abilities in that regard. Iron everything that you wear to get out wrinkles. If there are any stains or imperfections in your attire, wear something else. Shoes matter a lot in the banking world. Have your shoes professionally waxed. If there are scuffs, signs of wear and tear, or if the heels are falling off, buy a new pair. Get a professional haircut and manicure. Your hair should be short and you should be clean shaven. Women should have gray hair colored. Keep nails short and clean. Wear clear nail polish or none at all. Remove body piercings and hide tattoos. These are becoming more acceptable in certain institutions, but until you find out otherwise, assume that they are not considered proper professional attire. Stick to the standards for men. Men in the banking world are typically expected to wear a handful of items. Usually these items are even expected to be of a standard color. These are as follows: Wear a business suit that is gray or navy blue. Stick to a blue, green or red silk tie without patterns. The tie should come down to your belt buckle. Do not let it hang below the waist or sit far above it. Stick to a standard knot, like a Windsor. The prototypical shirt in the banking world is a long-sleeve white shirt. Light pastel colors are increasingly considered acceptable as well. If you go this route, be sure that it matches with the tie. For more information read how to match colors of a tie, suit, and shirt Your pants should be the same color as your suit. Make sure that your pockets are not budging with keys or your wallet. Your socks should be the same color as your pants and your shoes should be the same color as your belt. Stick to the standards for women. As with men, there are a handful of standard outfits that are worn in banking. Stick closely to the guidelines and you should not have any trouble. Wear a skirt suit or pantsuit in navy-blue, black, or gray. Stick to a white or light-blue blouse. The blouse should have a high neck line and long sleeves. Wear skin colored hosiery. Carry a spare, in case it tears. Wear low-heeled close-toed dress shoes. The shoes should match your belt. A brief case is considered more professional than a hand bag. Read the dress code. Familiarize yourself with your company's dress code and dress for your banking job based on those guidelines. The dress code will give you a good understanding of how you're expected to look and ensure that your wardrobe meets banking and company standards. The dress code will make you aware of the minimum requirements of the job. You should also observe your peers and verify that you are dressing in a way consistent with the local norms. Ask about casual days. Ask about casual days within the company or bank branch. On casual days it's often appropriate to wear clothes that would otherwise be considered too casual for the banking industry. Casual Fridays are not as common as they once were, but they do exist even in high-level investment banks. Barclays has instituted a policy whereby jeans and t-shirts are acceptable on Fridays. Jeans and t-shirts, however, are generally considered too casual even for a casual Friday. Choose comfortable and professional shoes. Dress for bank employment by starting with comfortable shoes. You'll be on your feet a lot, so choose shoes that can have inserts placed in them to absorb shock and cushion your feet. Stick to closed-toed, low-heel dress shoes. Keep everything neat. You should dress for a bank job neatly, cleanly and conservatively. Iron out any wrinkles, tuck in your shirt and don't wear anything stained or ripped. A client or customer that sees these details will change their opinion about you and your bank for the worse. Mend or replace these items so they don't make you look sloppy or unprofessional. Cover piercings and tattoos. To look professional at your bank job, eliminate any body modifications like piercings or tattoos from your client's line of sight. Keep ear piercings tasteful or small, remove facial and tongue piercings and cover tattoos with pants or long sleeves while you're at work. Wear clothes that are an appropriate length. Check shirts and sweaters to ensure that they cover your stomach and midriff without exposing too much cleavage. Be sure that your skirts are an appropriate length for the workplace by not wearing any that don't at least reach your fingertips when your hands are down at your sides. Anything shorter, or with a slit that goes higher, isn't appropriate for work attire. Know when to wear a suit jacket. Most of the details of your attire should vary little from what you wore during your interview. If you are employed as a teller though, you might not be expected to wear a suit jacket once you start on the job. Observe what others in your position wear. For any higher ranking position, assume that you should wear a suit jacket and that your attire should vary little from what you wore during your interview. | Dress at least as well as those employed in your position. Dress conservatively. Clean up. Stick to the standards for men. Stick to the standards for women. Read the dress code. Ask about casual days. Choose comfortable and professional shoes. Keep everything neat. Cover piercings and tattoos. Wear clothes that are an appropriate length. Know when to wear a suit jacket. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Cracked-Fondant-on-a-Cake | How to Fix Cracked Fondant on a Cake | Fondant can easily crack, but if you have some extra fondant it's simple to fix. To patch a big crack, first, roll out a small piece of fondant that's big enough to cover the crack. Then, coat your fingers in a little vegetable oil and rub the fondant patch onto the cake until the edges of the patch blend in. Dust the patch with a tiny bit of confectioner's sugar to help it dry and blend in better. If you have smaller cracks, you can pipe fondant directly into them. Mix together fondant scraps, 5 drops of water, and 5 drops of vegetable oil until it forms a paste. Then, use a piping bag to squeeze the mix onto the cracks. Again, you'll need to use your fingers or an icing knife to blend the fondant into the rest of the cake. | Frost the cake with buttercream or marzipan first. Putting fondant directly on the cake can lead to air bubbles, premature drying, and cracks. Before you put the fondant on, add a layer of buttercream or marzipan to your cake, then put the fondant on top of it. The moisture will hold it together perfectly! It's okay if your recipe doesn't specify adding buttercream or marzipan! You can do this anyway, it won't affect the look of the cake. This will also make your cake taste better! Many people dislike fondant because of its weak taste, but a hidden layer of frosting will sweeten your cake. Check your fondant for air bubbles, rough spots, and thickness. Most cracks happen because of a problem with the fondant itself. Before you put your fondant on, make sure it's perfect. There should be no air bubbles, no rough spots, and the fondant should be the thickness specified in your recipe (this will change depending on what you're making). You can pop air bubbles with a sanitized needle before re-rolling the fondant. Rough spots can be massaged gently with a finger dipped in shortening. Use your fondant immediately after making it. Fondant is meant to be used as soon as it's rolled, so letting it sit for even a few minutes can have a drying effect that leads to cracked surfaces. To prevent cracks, use your fondant as soon as it's rolled out. Treat dry fondant with oil before you put it on. If your fondant feels dry as you're rolling it or handling it, dip your hands in vegetable oil or shortening and gently rub the fondant's entire surface. After it's been treated, you can use it as you normally would. Prepare a small piece of fondant. Take some of the fondant scraps left over from covering your cake and size them to the crack. The scrap you choose should cover the crack completely, with at least ⁄ 4 inch (6.4 mm) of space surrounding the entire crack. If you already threw away the scraps before you noticed the crack, you can make a small batch by cutting your fondant recipe into quarters. Coat your fingers or an icing knife in oil or shortening. Get your index and middle fingers thoroughly coated in vegetable oil or shortening. It's important to use oil for patching--water can melt the fondant and create even more cracks! Rub the fondant patch into the surface. Place the patch over the crack and gently massage the edges into the fondant with your oiled fingers. Don't press down too hard. Just gently rub the patch in until the edges blend in with the fondant surface. Dust with confectioner’s sugar (optional). Take a pinch of confectioner's sugar and gently dust the patch. This will help dry the new section of fondant and blend it even more seamlessly into the rest of the cake. This step is best for white or ivory-colored fondant--if your fondant is a different color, it's best to skip this step to prevent a powdery effect. Put your fondant scraps into a bowl. If you're piping in new fondant to cover a large crack in your cake, you'll need to use all your fondant scraps so your piping bag works properly. Put all of them in a bowl. If you already threw out your fondant, make a quarter recipe of new fondant. Add a few drops each of water and vegetable oil. To get the fondant to pipe, you'll need to add moisture. Take four or five drops each of water and vegetable oil and add them to your bowl of fondant. Keep the water and oil out--you may need to add more. Mix until it resembles a paste. Using an icing knife or your fingers, mix the liquid into the fondant until it looks like a paste. It should look very similar to eclair or cannoli filling. If nothing happens, add a few more drops of water and oil, one or two at a time, until you have a fondant paste. Add the paste to a piping bag. Gently transfer your fondant paste into a piping bag. You can use any kind of bag with any tip for this, since you won't be decorating with it. If you don't have a piping bag, you can improvise by filling a plastic baggie with the paste and cutting the tip off one of the corners. Pipe over the crack. Hold the piping bag up to the crack and gently squeeze until the entire crack is completely covered by the fondant paste. It's okay if you put on a little too much or if it spills--it will all be blended in. Use an icing knife or fingers to blend the piping in. Gently blend the paste into your cake until you can no longer see any evidence of the crack. You can use an icing knife or just your fingers, but you may want to cover them in oil first to prevent stickiness. Dust with confectioner’s sugar (optional). Pick up a little bit of confectioner's sugar in your fingers and dust the fondant paste. This helps dry the fondant and blend it even more seamlessly into the rest of the cake. You should only do this for white or ivory fondant, however--the white sugar will show up against colored fondant. See if you can adjust your cake design to cover the crack. If you have a crack that can't be fixed or is in a part of the cake meant to be decorated, you can cover it with a design. If you were planning to decorate your cake anyways, take a look at your design plans and see how they line up with the crack in your fondant. You might be able to simply proceed as usual instead of coming up with something special to cover the cracks. Choose a design element to put over the crack. You can put any design you want over the crack as long as it covers it completely. Pick something that blends in well with your cake and the event you're serving it at. Icing flowers are a classic choice and are very easy to make. You can cover cracks with cookies, candies, or chocolate disks. If the cracks are small enough, you can move any wording over to cover them. Cover the crack with your design. Gently place your design over the cracked fondant. If it's a solid design like candy or even another piece of fondant, add a little buttercream frosting to the bottom to help it stick to the cake. Blend it into the fondant if necessary. Some designs won't require blending, but most frosting or fondant designs will need to be blended in. Dip your fingertips into vegetable oil and gently rub the edges of the design into the fondant until the entire thing blends in. | Frost the cake with buttercream or marzipan first. Check your fondant for air bubbles, rough spots, and thickness. Use your fondant immediately after making it. Treat dry fondant with oil before you put it on. Prepare a small piece of fondant. Coat your fingers or an icing knife in oil or shortening. Rub the fondant patch into the surface. Dust with confectioner’s sugar (optional). Put your fondant scraps into a bowl. Add a few drops each of water and vegetable oil. Mix until it resembles a paste. Add the paste to a piping bag. Pipe over the crack. Use an icing knife or fingers to blend the piping in. Dust with confectioner’s sugar (optional). See if you can adjust your cake design to cover the crack. Choose a design element to put over the crack. Cover the crack with your design. Blend it into the fondant if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Mow-Wet-Grass | How to Mow Wet Grass | Although it's better to mow dry grass, there are a few ways to help your mower cope when cutting wet grass. If you can adjust your mower's height, raise it 3 to 4 inches so there will be less chance of grass clogging the undercarriage. Mow half as slowly as you normally would, since the blades will have to work harder to cut through wet grass. Whenever you start cutting a new row, move your mower so it's only halfway on the next row. That way, your blades will work more effectively, since they're not cutting as much grass at one time. Wet grass tends to lay flat, so cut your lawn in multiple directions so you don't miss any spots. | Spray silicone lubricant on the underside of the mower's deck. This silicone spray will prevent wet grass clippings from sticking to your lawn mower. It may make it easier to clean up afterwards as well. Sharpen your mower blades. Mowing a wet lawn can have a shredding effect on your grass, which makes for an uneven cut. Avoid shredding your lawn by mowing wet grass with freshly sharpened blades, which will ensure a clean, consistent mow. Check your lawn mower's blades regularly to make sure they are straight and balanced. Check for any nicks or scratches in the blade. If you notice any of these issues, you may need to replace your blade. Use a fuel stabilizer. Wet conditions can damage your lawn mower when excess fuel mixes with outside moisture. Protect your engine by limiting the amount of fuel you put in your gas tank to a minimum - only as much as you'll use in one mow session - and by adding 1 oz. of liquid fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank for every 2 oz. of fuel. Check the air filter to make sure it is clean and dry. Remove the air filter cover from the top of the lawn mower. If it is damp or dirty, you may need to replace it before you can mow your lawn. You can buy a new air filter from a hardware store. Simply take out the old filter and put in the new one before replacing the cover. Raise your mower deck to cut between 3-4 inches (7-10 cm). On lower settings, wet grass has a tendency to clog your mower's undercarriage. Avoid this by setting your mower deck to one of the highest settings, and settling for a grass trim rather than a lawn shave. Never put your hand or foot under the mower while the engine is on. Even if the blades are not turning, you may still get injured. Only check the mower while it is off. Turn on the lawn mower just before mowing. Once you have checked everything, make sure that the mower is running properly. Run the engine at full throttle to make sure everything is working. Cut your grass slower than usual. The blades of your mower will need to work harder to cut through wet grass. In turn, you'll need to mow your lawn at a slower rate than usual. This means either pushing your lawn mower about 50% slower than you normally would, or planning on going over areas several times. Move through your yard in half-row intervals. After mowing your first row, move only half an interval away, such that your lawn mower will be going over a row composed of half-cut and half-uncut grass. Doing so will help your mower blades cut more effectively, as they'll only be cutting half the volume of grass as a typical row. Mow the perimeter of the lawn first. Start with the edges of your lawn, and work your way inward. Your mower blades will be running over half-cut and half-uncut grass as you move progressively inward, which will help ensure that you aren't overworking your blades. Mow in multiple directions. Long, wet grass has a tendency to lie down on your lawn, which can make it difficult to trim when you mow the lawn in uniform strokes. Mow your lawn in both horizontal and vertical paths to make sure you get an effective mow. Use the side discharge to remove grass as you mow. Bagging or mulching wet grass is messy and difficult to deal with. Instead, use your side discharge, and rake away the grass shavings from your lawn later, after you're finished mowing. Do not go over lawn that you have already mowed. The grass clippings might build up in the mower and block the mower's blades. Clean the underside of your mower deck as soon as you’re finished mowing. An accumulation of damp grass clippings in your mower deck can cause mold to develop and potentially damage your motor. Clean the deck with your mower's washout port, and scraping away any remaining grass with a putty knife or a wire brush. Clean the wheels and body of your mower. Once you're finished cleaning the deck, you'll want to clean the rest of your mower as well. Use a rag or towel to wipe down the body of your mower, and use a wire brush to clean excess grass from your wheels. Spray any exposed cabling with lubricant and the blade with a rust-resistant oil. Dry the mower when you are done with a can of compressed air. Always keep a few clean spark plugs and air filters on hand. This way you can easily replace them if they become damp or dirty from the wet grass. Mow more frequently. Cutting wet grass is especially difficult if your grass is long and overgrown to begin with. If you're managing lawns in the midst of a wet season, it's recommended that you mow your lawn in shorter intervals than usual. For example, if you typically mow once a week, you should be mowing once every 4-5 days during a wet season. Never mow your lawn when it's raining outside. Exposing your lawn mower to rainy conditions will damage the engine, and operating the mower in the rain can be hazardous to your safety as well, especially if you are working on uneven or sloped ground. | Spray silicone lubricant on the underside of the mower's deck. Sharpen your mower blades. Use a fuel stabilizer. Check the air filter to make sure it is clean and dry. Raise your mower deck to cut between 3-4 inches (7-10 cm). Turn on the lawn mower just before mowing. Cut your grass slower than usual. Move through your yard in half-row intervals. Mow the perimeter of the lawn first. Mow in multiple directions. Use the side discharge to remove grass as you mow. Clean the underside of your mower deck as soon as you’re finished mowing. Clean the wheels and body of your mower. Mow more frequently. Never mow your lawn when it's raining outside. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Poisoning-in-Dogs | How to Recognize Poisoning in Dogs | To figure out if your dog has been poisoned, look to see if its gums or tongue are blue, purple, white, bright red, or brick colored. Place your hand on the left side of the dog's chest and listen for a pulse of 180 bpm or higher. Observe your dog to see if it is vomiting, having diarrhea, are dizzy or disoriented, pant heavily for over 30 minutes, or if it's lost its appetite for over a day. If you see any of these signs, contact your vet immediately. | Look in your dog’s mouth. Your dog's gums and tongue should be pale to medium pink. If your dog naturally has black gums, look at its tongue. If the gums or tongue are blue, purple, white, brick colored or extremely bright red, seek veterinary medical attention immediately. This means that something is impeding the flow of blood throughout your dog's body. You can also do a "capillary refill time" test to determine if a poison is impeding your dog's blood circulation. Lift the upper lip and press above a canine tooth with your thumb. Release your thumb then watch for a color change where you pressed. The gum color should change from white to pink within two seconds If there is significant delay (more than three seconds), check with your veterinarian. Take your dog’s pulse. If a dog's heart rate is over 180 beats per minute, and you have any reason to suspect poisoning, seek immediate medical attention. A normal resting adult dog's heart rate is between 70 and 140 beats per minute. Larger dogs are typically at the lower end of the scale. You can check your dog's heart rate by placing your hand on the left side of its chest, behind its elbow, and then feeling for the heart beat. Count how many heart beats you feel in 15 seconds and multiply that number by four to get the beats per minute. If you have enough foresight, write down your dog's normal pulse rate in a dog journal for future reference. Some dog's heartbeats beat faster by nature. Take your dog's temperature with a thermometer. The normal temperature range of a dog is between 100 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 to 39.2 Celsius). A fever does not necessarily indicate that your dog has been poisoned, but it does point to some general infirmity. If your pet is stressed or excited, you may get a falsely elevated temperature. If your pet is acting lethargic and ill and has an elevated temperature, contact your veterinarian immediately. Ask a partner to help take your dog's temperature. One person should hold the dog's head while the other inserts the thermometer into the dog's rectum, which is found directly under the tail. Lubricate the thermometer end with petroleum jelly or water based lubricant like K-Y. Use a digital thermometer. Examine your dog's balance. If your dog is staggering, disoriented, or dizzy, it could be suffering from neurological or heart problems, as well as low blood sugar caused by poisoning. Again, seek veterinary medical attention immediately. Watch for vomiting and diarrhea. Both are highly irregular in dogs. They are signs of your dog's body attempting to expel foreign poisonous substances. Examine your dog's vomit/stool for content, color, and consistency. Your dog's stool should be firm and brown. If your dog's stool becomes watery, loose, yellow, green, or deep black, contact your vet. Pay attention to your dog’s breathing. Panting is normal for dogs most of the time. It is their way of expelling heat. Heavy panting lasting for longer than 30 minutes may be a sign of respiratory or cardiac difficulty. If you can hear wheezing or crackles as your dog breathes, seek immediate veterinary medical attention.If your dog ingested something, it could be affecting its lungs. You can determine your dog's respiratory rate by watching the dog's chest and counting how many breaths they take in 15 seconds and multiply by 4 to get the breaths per minute. The appropriate respiratory rate of a dog is 10-30 breaths per minute. Watch for signs of sudden appetite loss. If your dog stops eating suddenly, it could be a sign of toxic substance ingestion. Call your vet if your dog displays a lack of appetite for more than 24 hours. Write down your dog's symptoms in detail. Note when the symptoms started and any actions you are taking to alleviate them. The more information you can include the easier it will be for the professional to assist you. Do not give your dog any liquids after ingesting a poisonous substance. Doing so, may help disseminate the poison throughout the body faster. Identify the source. Walk around your house and yard to check for potential dog poisons such as rodent bait, anti-freeze, mushrooms, or fertilizers. Keep an eye out for upturned boxes, damaged prescription bottles, spilled liquids, or disturbed household chemicals. If you suspect your dog ingested a poisonous product, check the back label of the packaging for warning disclaimers. Most products with toxic ingredients will list a company telephone number that customers can call for advice. Here is a list of commonly ingested poisonous substances: Wild mushrooms (need to check individually in a reference text) Moldy walnuts Oleander Lilies/bulbs Dieffenbachia Foxglove Household cleaning products Snail Bait (metaldehyde based) Pesticides Herbicides Some fertilizers Chocolate (particularly dark or baker's chocolate) Xylitol (sugarless gum) Macadamia nuts Onions Grapes/raisins Yeast dough Alcohol Call a poison hotline or a vet. Poison hotlines are not just for people. Because poisons have similar effects on people and dogs, their representatives will be able to advise you. Call your veterinarian. Describe the symptoms and possible causes of the accidental poisoning. Discuss any concerns you may have regarding the poisoning. Ask if the symptoms warrant an immediate visit to the clinic. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed. In general, after 2 hours, the substance is already out of the stomach. Also, if your pet is having trouble breathing, is staggering, or is partially conscious, do not induce vomiting because they might choke on their own vomit. Take your dog to a clinic. Time is of the essence when treating accidental dog poisoning. If symptoms persist even after your veterinarian's initial assessment, take your dog to a clinic immediately. Locate the nearest 24-hour care facility if symptoms persist over a weekend or during nighttime hours. | Look in your dog’s mouth. Take your dog’s pulse. Take your dog's temperature with a thermometer. Examine your dog's balance. Watch for vomiting and diarrhea. Pay attention to your dog’s breathing. Watch for signs of sudden appetite loss. Write down your dog's symptoms in detail. Identify the source. Call a poison hotline or a vet. Take your dog to a clinic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Presentable-While-Working-in-a-Restaurant | How to Look Presentable While Working in a Restaurant | Looking presentable, especially while working in a restaurant, begins with good personal hygiene. Keep yourself and your apron clean, cover any wounds, and avoid wearing strong fragrances so that customers know that both you and the environment they are eating in is clean and orderly. If you have the option to wear dark clothing, do it. Dark clothes look sharp and hide stains, making them ideal for restaurant workers. | Keep yourself clean. Customers want to feel like they are eating in a clean and tidy environment and that includes you. Always shower and brush your teeth before going to work. Make sure that your fingernails are clean. Men should shave or trim facial hair neatly. Brush your teeth rather than chewing gum, which is considered unprofessional and can be unappealing to the customer. Trim your nails and clean underneath them with a pick. Avoid wearing strong fragrances. Part of a dining experience is the smell of the food you will be eating. Too much personal fragrance can get in the way or mix with the smell of the food creating an unpleasant odor. This also applies to smokers. Avoid smoking in your work clothes, so the smell doesn't follow you into the restaurant. Cover any open wounds. If you injure yourself while on the job, you want to take care of it right away for your own sake and that of the customers. It is also upsetting to some customers to see bandages on the hands of the people who are serving them. If the injury is bad, ask to be sent home or to the doctor to fix it. Invest in clear bandages to avoid unsightly, obvious ones. Use a triple-antibiotic to help cuts heal more quickly and stay clean. Keep your hair styled and out of the way. Men and women should get regular hair cuts to keep their hair tidy and healthy. Brush it regularly and style it in a classic fashion for work. If your hair is long enough to be gathered into a ponytail, it should be secured and kept out of the way of the food when you are serving it or carrying it on a tray. People working in the kitchen should wear hair nets or hats to keep hair from falling into the food as it is prepared. Wash your hands regularly. Dirty hands can spread viruses and diseases to your customers. Your hands should be clean when you are handling their food, menus, money and utensils. Also acknowledge that handling pens, trays, rags, money and other things leaves you constantly exposed to bacteria. Wash your hands as often as possible, especially if they appear dirty or get sticky. Always wash your hands before returning to work after using the restroom. Not washing your hands before returning to work is a health code violation. Determine the style of clothes for the venue. When you are hired at a restaurant, be sure that you are familiar with the expectations as far as what you should wear. Similar to being invited to an event or party, you will want to have an idea of the dress code and level of formality. Ask the management what their expectations are regarding your uniform. They will likely have a dress code in writing, which they can share with you. If the restaurant has branded uniform pieces, like hats or aprons, you may be required to purchase them for a small fee, which could be paid up front or taken out of your check. This amount is usually returned to you when you return the items. Visit the restaurant or similar restaurants to see what other servers are wearing. Black dress pants and a denim shirt would be an example of a more casual, but still professional look. A formal uniform might include dress pants, button-up shirt and a vest, or a skirt or shift dress for women. Have multiple shirts on hand. Whether you provide the shirt, or your employer does, have several of them in your closet. You will not likely be able to do laundry every day when you are working, so it is best to have some back-up options. Choose a nice shirt with sleeves (no tank tops). Avoid shirts with designs and logos. Working at a restaurant could lead to spills and stains. If a shirt is dirty, stained or smells bad, be sure to wear another shirt until you can wash the dirty one. Throw a shirt away if it is worn out. Once a shirt is torn or frayed, you will need to replace it. Wear presentable pants. Some restaurants will allow jeans as part of the uniform. If so, still choose jeans which fit well and do not have holes in them. Shop for a classic style which does not include a lot of decoration. If you are wearing dress pants, be sure that they are clean and ironed. Choose dark or black clothing when it is an option. Darker clothing often looks sharper. It also has the ability to hide stains. Working around food and drinks leads to spills along the way, which will be less obvious on dark or black clothing. If your restaurant encourages patterns in your clothing, choose patterns which match the look of the restaurant and aren't too busy or outlandish. An example would be checkered shirts for a country-style restaurant. Wear comfortable, nice-looking shoes. You are likely going to be on your feet all day, so choose shoes which are comfortable. On the other hand, you want them to look professional and not too casual. Choose shoes with a rubber sole for good grip in case there are spills or the kitchen floor is wet. Go for close-toed flats, nice single-color tennis shoes or shoes with a low heel, depending on the level of formality at your restaurant. Choose a leather shoe which you can polish to keep it looking clean and new. Keep accessories to a minimum. Cumbersome bracelets, necklaces and rings can get in the way of doing your job. Don't wear any jewelry which could drape into someone's food or drink. Simple jewelry like a wedding band or a small necklace on a short chain should be fine. Even though facial piercings may not drape into food, they could be disturbing to some customers. It is best to remove facial piercings before working at a restaurant. Wear clothes which fit properly. This is a simple step to looking professional. Clothes which are too big can be baggy and look sloppy. Clothes which are too tight will be uncomfortable and could be considered risqué. Wash your work outfits regularly. You want your clothes to look and smell fresh. Be sure that you keep them clean and tidy by washing them as often as possible. If you don't have a lot of time to wash your clothes, consider using a drop-off service or a dry cleaner. Keep your apron clean. You will likely only have one apron assigned to you. It is important to wash this along with your clothes, but you will also want to keep it clean between washes. Resist the urge to wipe your hands on your apron. Wash your hands or carry a towel to wipe them on if you need to. If your apron gets dirty between washed, dab the stains with a damp towel. Try using soda water to scrub stains out. Tuck in your shirt. Tucking your shirt gives you a more professional look. Beyond that, it is important to keep your shirt secured so that it doesn't accidentally get on the table or in someone's meal. | Keep yourself clean. Avoid wearing strong fragrances. Cover any open wounds. Keep your hair styled and out of the way. Wash your hands regularly. Determine the style of clothes for the venue. Have multiple shirts on hand. Wear presentable pants. Choose dark or black clothing when it is an option. Wear comfortable, nice-looking shoes. Keep accessories to a minimum. Wear clothes which fit properly. Wash your work outfits regularly. Keep your apron clean. Tuck in your shirt. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Hat-for-a-Dog | How to Make a Hat for a Dog | If you want to make a party hat for a dog, cut a circle out of cardstock that's twice as wide as you want the hat to be. For instance, if you want to make a hat that's 4 inches tall, you'd cut out a circle with a diameter of 8 inches. Cut a wedge that's a little bit more than a quarter of the circle, then repeat with a piece of colorful fabric. Use spray adhesive to attach the fabric to the cardstock, then curve them into a cone-shape and hot-glue together the sides. Add ribbon or elastic to the hat to hold it in place. | Cut a cardstock circle that's twice the height you want the hat to be. Decide how tall you want your dog's hat to be, then double it. Find a plate or bowl roughly that size, then set it face-down on sheet of cardstock. Trace around the cardstock with a pen, then cut the circle out with scissors. For example, if you want an 4 in (10 cm) tall hat, you need to make an 8 in (20 cm) wide circle. You can also use poster paper and thin cardboard. The color doesn't matter since you'll be covering it. Cut a wedge from the circle that's a little bit more than a quarter of its size. Use a pen and ruler to trace 2 lines from the outside edge of the circle to the middle. If this were a clock, you'd be drawing the lines from 12 o'clock and 4 o'clock to the center. Cut the wedge out when you're done. Find the middle of the circle by measuring it, or by folding it in half lengthwise and widthwise. If you fold the circle, be sure to unfold it. Discard the edge and curve the cut-out circle into a cone. Don't staple or glue the cone shut just yet. You just need it to have a slight curve before you add the fabric. If you don't have this curve, the fabric won't stretch properly around it when you do curve it. Coat the back of the cone and your fabric with spray adhesive. Each brand of spray adhesive will be a little different, so be sure to read the instructions on the back of the can. In most cases, you need to shake the can, then spray the adhesive using a sweeping motion in a well-ventilated area. Cotton fabric works the best here, but felt will also work. You can use a solid color or a pattern. Match the fabric to the occasion. For example, if this is a birthday, try a bright, happy color, such as yellow, with a colorful confetti print. Alternatively, choose a dog-themed pattern. For example, you could pick black paw prints on a blue background, or white doggy bones on a red background. Press the cardstock against the fabric, then trim the excess fabric away. Set the fabric face-down on a flat surface so that the sticky side is facing up. Next, set the cardstock sticky-side-down on top of the fabric. Smooth the fabric over the cardstock, then cut the rest off. When you're done, you should end up with a cut-out circle that's fabric in one side and paper on the other. For a nicer finish, leave a ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance around the curved part of the circle, then fold the excess fabric onto the back of the cardstock. Roll the cardstock into a cone that fits your dog's head. Use a bulldog clip to secure the bottom of the cone as you try it on your dog's head. Ideally, it should sit right between your dog's ears, with a little bit of extra space to the left and right. This extra space will give your dog's ears more freedom to move around. If you can't find a bulldog clip, try an alligator clip, bobby pin, or paperclip. Hot glue the cone together. Use a pen to mark the inside of the cone where the overlap is. Remove the bulldog clip, then roll the cone back into shape, using the mark as a guide. Apply hot glue to the 2 layers of cardstock to hold the cone together. Hot glue sets up fast, so work quickly! You may have to hold the cone together for a few minutes while the glue dries. If you don't have hot glue, try tacky glue or fabric glue instead. Use a bulldog clip to hold the cone together until the glue dries, about 15 to 20 minutes. Add ribbon or elastic to the bottom of the hat. Which you choose depends on which you think your dog will react the best to. Some dogs are fidgety, so an elastic might be best. Calmer dogs might handle a ribbon being tied under their chin. Something that is around ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 inch (0.32 to 0.64 cm) thick would be ideal. Ribbon: cut 2 strips of 13 ⁄ 2 in (34 cm) long ribbon, then hot glue each strand to the inside of the hat. Elastic: cut a strand of elastic long enough to wrap under your dog's chin. Tie a knot in each end, then staple the knots to the inside of the hat. Decorate the hat with pompoms, trim, and other items. Hot glue a large pompom in a contrasting color to the top of the hat. Decorate the bottom edge with a trim or a row of mini pompoms. Add other decorations to the hat, such as glitter or sequins, if desired. Don't use any decorations you think your dog might mess with. For example, most dogs won't appreciate tassels dangling in front of their face. Measure the top part of your dog’s head, then add 1 inch (2.5 cm). Use a measuring tape to measure the distance between your dog's ears. Add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to the measurement for the seam allowances. For example, if the space between your dog's ears is 3 inches (7.6 cm), then 4 inches (10 cm) will be your seam allowance. Cut a cone from paper using the measurement for the bottom. How tall the cone is depends on how tall you want your Santa hat to be. In general, the hat should be 1½ to 2 times the width of the cone's base. Draw the cone using a pencil and ruler first, then cut it out. Make the bottom edge of the cone curved. Use a plate, cup, or can to do this. Fold a sheet of red fabric in half, then pin the cone on top. Get some soft, red fabric, such as felt, flannel, fleece, or velvet. Fold it in half, then set the cone shape on top. Make sure that one of the straight edges on the cone is aligned with the folded edge of the fabric. Secure the cone to the fabric with sewing pins. Make sure that the wrong (back) side of the fabric is facing out when you fold it. On velvet and some types of fleece, this is the smooth, non-fuzzy side. Cut the fabric out, then sew the edge using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam. One side of your cone is already sealed because you cut it on a fold. Now, you need to seal up the other side! Sew it up using a straight stitch and a ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Do this by hand or on a sewing machine. If you're doing this on a sewing machine, backstitch when you start and finish sewing. This is where you reverse the sewing machine for a couple of stitches. If you don't know how to sew, hot glue the seam instead. Apply the hot glue ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from the edge. Turn the hat right-side out and add an elastic chin strap to the bottom. Set the cone on top of your dog's head, then measure under its chin, from one side of the cone's base to the other. Cut a piece of ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 in (0.32 to 0.64 cm) elastic according to this measurement. Take the hat off, then hand-sew the ends to the inside of the hat. You don't need to use sewing machine for this. A few, simple hand stitches are all you need. Make sure that the elastic is tight enough to keep the hat on your dog's head. You may need to cut it shorter. Sew or hot glue a strip of white, fluffy material to the bottom of the hat. Faux fur is the traditional choice, but fleece or felt will also work. Flannel is not recommended because it's not fuzzy enough. Make the strip about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) thick. The smaller the hat is, the narrower the strip should be; the bigger the hat is, the wider the strip should be. Go with what looks the most proportionate. Add a big, white pompom to the top of the hat. You can hot glue or hand-sew this on. Match the width of the pompom to the width of the white trim. For example, if your trim was 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide, then your pompom should be about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide too. Use a store-bought pompom or make your own using yarn. Measure the space between your dog's ears. Place a measuring tape against the top of your dog's head, then measure the space between its ears. It would be a good idea to subtract about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your measurement. This will give your dog's ears a little more wiggle room. You can use this method to create all sorts of hats, such as pillbox hats, cowboy hats, and top hats. Trace a circle on a sheet of felt using the measurement as the diameter. Find a cup or can that has the same diameter as your measurement, then use it to trace the circle. A compass will also do the trick. If you don't own a compass: Tie a pen to a piece of string. Divide your diameter by half, then cut your string based on that measurement. Pin the end of the string to the felt and pull the pen end of the string taut. Use the pen to draw a circle around the pin. Draw a skinny rectangle on the felt based on the circle's circumference. Multiply the circle's diameter by 3.14 (pi) to get the circumference. Round the measure up to the nearest whole or half number, then draw a skinny strip based on this measurement. The thickness of the strip is up to you; it will create the height of the hat. For example, if your diameter is 3 inches (7.6 cm)} 3 x 3.14 = 9.42 9.42 is difficult to work with, so round it up to 9.5 9 ⁄ 2 inches (24 cm) is your circumference. Cut the shapes out, adding 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowances. You can make the seam allowances smaller, if you want to, but stay consistent! If you're making a pillbox hat, you don't need to add a seam allowance to one of the long edges on the strip. Use the circle to create a brim, if desired. Cut a circle that's at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) bigger than your first circle. This is the base of your brim. Next, cut a circle from inside the brim that's 1 inch (2.5 cm) smaller than your first circle. Set the brim aside for later. The size of the brim is up to you. Decide how thick you want it to be, double that measurement, then add it to your circle's diameter. For example, if you want a 2 in (5.1 cm) brim, you'll add 4 inches (10 cm) to the diameter of your original circle. This is the final width of your brim! Sew the strip around the circle, using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Align the edge of the strip with the edge of the first circle. Begin sewing ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from the narrow end of the strip. Sew your way along the circumference of the circle until you're back where you started. You may have a little bit more than ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) left at the other end of your strip, which is fine. Sew this by hand or on a sewing machine. If you choose to use a sewing machine, backstitch when you start and finish sewing. If you don't know how to sew, use hot glue. Apply it 1 inch (2.5 cm) at a time so that it doesn't dry out too fast. Hand-sew the ends of the strip together. You can try using a sewing machine for this, but it will be easier to just do it by hand. Start sewing at the circle-side of the strip, and finish sewing at other side. The seam allowance should still be around ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm), but be aware that it may be off due to the nature of working around a circle. Trim the seam allowances, if desired, then turn the hat right-side out. If you sewed the hat, consider cutting the seam allowances down to ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm). This will help reduce bulk. If you used hot glue, you may not be able to do that. This completes the base of your hat. Decorate it to make it look like a pillbox hat or a fez, or read on to learn how to add a brim. Sew the brim to the bottom edge of the strip, if you made it. Use a ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance and a straight stitch. You may be able to do this on a sewing machine, but it will probably be easier to do it by hand. You can also hot glue the brim on instead. Remember to trim the seam allowance down to ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm) when you are done. Decorate the hat with a hat band and other embellishments. Wrap a ribbon around the base of the crown, right where the brim starts, then hot glue it in place. Add a brooch to the hat band, if desired. If this is going to be a cowboy hat, do the following: Use a star-shaped button for the brooch; place it at the front of the hat. Fold the left and right sides of the brim to the crown and hot glue them in place. Create an indent in the top of the hat, running from front-to-back. Add an elastic chin strap. Cut a strip of ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 in (0.32 to 0.64 cm) wide elastic that's long enough to wrap under your dog's chin. Sew each end of the elastic by hand to the inside edge of your hat. Don't use hot glue; the glue won't hold the elastic. You don't need to use a sewing machine for this. A few, simple stitches are all you need. | Cut a cardstock circle that's twice the height you want the hat to be. Cut a wedge from the circle that's a little bit more than a quarter of its size. Discard the edge and curve the cut-out circle into a cone. Coat the back of the cone and your fabric with spray adhesive. Press the cardstock against the fabric, then trim the excess fabric away. Roll the cardstock into a cone that fits your dog's head. Hot glue the cone together. Add ribbon or elastic to the bottom of the hat. Decorate the hat with pompoms, trim, and other items. Measure the top part of your dog’s head, then add 1 inch (2.5 cm). Cut a cone from paper using the measurement for the bottom. Fold a sheet of red fabric in half, then pin the cone on top. Cut the fabric out, then sew the edge using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam. Turn the hat right-side out and add an elastic chin strap to the bottom. Sew or hot glue a strip of white, fluffy material to the bottom of the hat. Add a big, white pompom to the top of the hat. Measure the space between your dog's ears. Trace a circle on a sheet of felt using the measurement as the diameter. Draw a skinny rectangle on the felt based on the circle's circumference. Cut the shapes out, adding 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowances. Use the circle to create a brim, if desired. Sew the strip around the circle, using a 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) seam allowance. Hand-sew the ends of the strip together. Trim the seam allowances, if desired, then turn the hat right-side out. Sew the brim to the bottom edge of the strip, if you made it. Decorate the hat with a hat band and other embellishments. Add an elastic chin strap. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Woman%27s-Mind-About-You | How to Change a Woman's Mind About You | To change a woman's mind about you when you're in the friend zone, wait for a quiet time to talk to her so you're both relaxed and won't be distracted. Then, tell her that you like her and you want to start a romantic relationship. This might be a lot for her to take in so give her time if she needs to think about it. If she says no, try not to take it personally, since there are plenty of other women who will be better for you. | Be cognizant of how hormones can affect a woman’s mood. Be aware that hormone levels can affect her energy and mood; however, don't be rude and ask or assume a woman's choices are solely based on her hormones. Always be respectful and openly ask her how she came about her decision. If you know her well enough, understand that progesterone levels can have calming effects and usually rise a week after ovulation. Testosterone and estrogen levels are higher during ovulation and can cause a woman to have more energy and her mood to be on the sassier side. When progesterone is withdrawn from the body, women can easily be irritated. Similarly, her mood can be negatively affected 12-24 hours before her period starts. Control your non-verbal cues. Studies have shown that women are able to read nonverbal cues, such as facial expression and tone of voice, better than men. Be genuine in the emotions you're trying to convey and you will have a better chance in changing her mind. You may not realize it but your body language may give off any ulterior motives you may have. Do not physically or verbally get aggressive. Using intimidation, either physical or verbal, is wrong and abusive. If any thoughts of this nature creep into your mind, remove yourself from the situation and consult a professional! While you are allowed to get angry, research has shown that women will act to nullify the threat that you're presenting through manipulation. Just because you get the response you're looking for, doesn't mean that she is being sincere. Anger and aggression should be avoided. Lower the stress in her life. Studies have shown that women are more sensitive to stress and anxiety. If she is already stressed over another aspect in her life, it may not be the best time to add another source of stress with your appeal to change her mind. Understand how she responds to anxiety. Don’t become unresponsive or stonewall her. A negative response may sometimes be better than no response because women will at least know that you're engaged and invested emotionally. Women are sensitive to interpersonal cues so blank expressions or being stonewalled can escalate an already negative situation. Understand that friendship and dating are different. The rules and expectations that govern how you communicate with her should be different. If you want to change her mind and get her to view you romantically, do not continue to abide by friendship dynamics. Be honest about your feelings. Is a romantic relationship what you actually want? Could you stand losing her friendship? Do not be friends with a female in hopes that you can change her mind about you. This is unfair to her as friendships should be based on trust and respect. Communicate respectfully and openly that you’d like for your friendship to become romantic. The best way to change her mind about you as more than a friend is to be direct. There is no sense in trying to manipulate her or trying to wait her out. If she declines your romantic overtures and wishes to stay friends, respectfully decline. Your emotions may be too raw after you have been rejected to maintain a friendship. A friendship is based on mutual support and respect. Ask yourself if you can truly give that to her after you have clearly expressed that you see her as more than a friend. Can you still be friends with her if she is dating someone else? Talk to her friends and family. Help her change her opinion about you by learning more about her. Respectfully approach her friends and family and tell them that you'd like to learn more about her. Be open and honest with your intentions and they will better understand how to help you. Do not present yourself as someone who you are not. This will certainly make things worse if she finds out that you have manipulated those close to her to get your way. Don’t try to read her mind. Be direct when stating your case. Don't assume that she thinks one way about you. Always respectfully ask and thank her for letting you know her opinion. Open communication is the easiest way to get her to change her opinion about you. Listen to what she is saying. Are you listening to respond or are you truly hearing what she is saying? Actively listen to her and ask questions to make sure that you understand what you've heard. Don't be distracted by outside factors. Look for a quiet place or ask to schedule a meeting to ensure that both of you are mentally and emotionally present. Observe nonverbal cues. Be present when you are communicating with her. Do not get distracted by your surroundings. More importantly, take in her facial expressions and how her body responds throughout your communication. Take in the entirety of her message to ensure you are clearly it. Be respectful of culture and/or religion. She may have formed an opinion about you based on her values. Religion and culture may play into her decision making so be respectful of this process. If you do not understand her value system, communicate openly and honestly so you don't offend her with any ignorant retorts. | Be cognizant of how hormones can affect a woman’s mood. Control your non-verbal cues. Do not physically or verbally get aggressive. Lower the stress in her life. Don’t become unresponsive or stonewall her. Understand that friendship and dating are different. Be honest about your feelings. Communicate respectfully and openly that you’d like for your friendship to become romantic. Talk to her friends and family. Don’t try to read her mind. Listen to what she is saying. Observe nonverbal cues. Be respectful of culture and/or religion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Cuts-Quickly-(Using-Easy,-Natural-Items) | How to Heal Cuts Quickly (Using Easy, Natural Items) | To heal your cut quickly, start by washing it with mild soap and warm water. Once you've cleaned your wound, make a saline solution by dissolving ½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of boiling water. Wait for it to cool, then pour it over the cut to sterilize the cut. After sterilizing your wound, dab on a few drops of pure tea tree oil or honey, which will protect it from bacterial agents. Then, cover your cut with sterile gauze or an adhesive bandage to protect it from the elements. Repeat this at least once a day using fresh saline solution until it heals over. | Wash and dry your hands. Rinse your hands under clean water and lather them with mild hand soap. Then scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds to kill any germs and bacteria before rinsing the soap off. Pat your hands dry on a clean towel before caring for your wound. You can also use hand sanitizer if you aren't able to wash your hands. Wait until the sanitizer evaporates completely, or else it may sting if you touch your cut. If possible, put on disposable gloves before you touch the wound so you don't transfer any germs. Hold a clean cloth or gauze pad against the wound to stop the bleeding. Choose a lint-free cloth you don't mind throwing away or a large piece of gauze that covers the entire cut. Gently press the cloth down on your wound and apply pressure just above the cut. Replace the cloth or gauze if blood soaks through it and keep applying constant pressure until you stop bleeding. Elevate the cut if possible to reduce blood flow to your wound so it stops sooner. Rinse the cut with running water for at least 5 minutes. Hold your cut underneath cool or lukewarm water from your sink or shower. Move the cut back and forth through the stream so you can rinse out any blood or dirt that's still stuck inside. Keep the water running over your cut for 5–10 minutes to help prevent infection. Avoid rubbing or touching your cut since it could open back up and start bleeding again. Don't soak your cut in standing water since you could reintroduce bacteria. If you need to, use a cup to pour clean water over your wound instead. Sterilize the wound with gauze soaked in saline solution. Wet a large gauze pad with saline solution and lightly press it onto the cut. Lift the pad straight off of your skin so your cut doesn't reopen. Keep patting around your wound until you've cleaned it completely. If you don't have a saline solution, you can use tap water or an alcohol-free disinfectant wipe. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide to sterilize your cut since it could cause irritation. Pat the cut dry with a clean lint-free towel. Carefully press the towel against your cut and apply gentle pressure to soak up any moisture. Avoid rubbing the towel back and forth since you may feel pain or make your wound start bleeding again. Instead, lift it off of your skin and dab the area dry. Avoid using any material that's fluffy or has lint since it could leave residue inside your wound. Spread honey on your cut for the most effective viral protection. Opt for organic honey since it's unprocessed and works more efficiently. Rub the honey over your wound with your fingers, making sure you're careful not to reopen it. Gently press the honey onto your wound so it's completely covered with a thin, even layer. Honey contains antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. If the honey doesn't flow easily, try thinning it with 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of water at a time. You may also apply honey directly to a bandage or gauze pad if it's easier than spreading it on your skin. Apply a turmeric paste if you want to help your cut close quickly. Put 1–2 teaspoons (3.1–6.3 g) of ground turmeric in a bowl and add ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) of water at a time. Stir the turmeric and water until it forms a thick paste that you can easily spread. Coat your wound with a thin layer of paste so it stays moist and promotes better healing. Turmeric has anti-infectious properties as well as antioxidants to help keep the cut sterilized. Turmeric may temporarily stain your skin yellow. Use lavender or chamomile oil for a natural, antibacterial solution. Mix 2–3 drops of lavender or chamomile essential oil for every 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of your carrier, such as olive, almond, or avocado oil. Dip a piece of gauze or cloth into the oil and gently rub it over your cut. Spread the oil into a thin layer so it coats the entire area around your wound. You can buy lavender or chamomile oil online and from drugstores. You may also try using tea tree oil as well, but there have not been many studies done for using it as a wound dressing. Try a vitamin E oil or ointment if your cut looks inflamed. If your cut looks red or swollen, apply a fingertip-sized amount of your vitamin E oil or ointment and gently spread it over the cut. Work the vitamin E into your skin as best as you can around the cut, but be careful not to hurt yourself or reopen your wound. You can find vitamin E topicals in the wound care or vitamin section at your local pharmacy. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties so it helps reduce redness and swelling. Opt for a zinc ointment if you want to reduce scar tissue. Choose an ointment that has at least 3% zinc since it will be more effective. Take a fingertip-sized dot of the ointment and slowly work it into your skin around the cut. Rub the ointment in until it's clear so your skin absorbs it easier. You can buy zinc ointment from your local pharmacy. You may also take an oral zinc supplement instead. Talk to your doctor before starting them to see if it will interact with any other medications you're taking. Your body uses zinc to repair cell tissue more efficiently so wounds are less likely to leave scars. Cover your wound with a sterile bandage or piece of gauze. Use a bandage that's large enough to cover your entire wound so it isn't exposed to the air. Press the bandage down firmly over the topical application you used so it sticks to your skin. If you cover your wound with gauze, wrap the edges with paper tape so it doesn't come undone. You don't have to cover minor scratches and scrapes since they often won't leave scars. Change the wound dressing at least once a day. Whenever your wound dressing gets wet or dirty, take it off and throw it away immediately. Be sure to wash your wound each day to prevent bacteria from building up on your skin. Reapply any ointments or topical applications you're using before putting on a fresh bandage. Continue wearing a dressing until the wound heals or closes completely. Include more vitamin C and protein into your diet. Add fruits and vegetables like strawberries, oranges, apples, or spinach into your meals to help you get 75–90 mg of vitamin C daily. Opt for healthy sources of protein, such as eggs, lean meat, dairy, and seafood, in your meals since your body needs to work harder while you're healing. Have about 0.36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Try to incorporate foods into small meals or snacks throughout the day to ensure you get enough. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds (68 kg), then you would need 54 g of protein daily. If you don't get enough vitamin C in your diet, talk to your doctor about starting vitamin C supplements. Vitamin C helps boost your immune system while protein provides your body with energy and nutrients that promote healing. Drink water so you stay hydrated and heal quickly. Try to have at least 8 glasses of water spaced throughout the day so your skin doesn't dry out. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, such as juice, soda, or coffee, since they can dehydrate you more and prevent your cut from healing as quickly. Dry skin can make it more difficult for cuts to heal and may also leave more noticeable scars. Practice regular exercise to increase blood flow and speed up recovery. Set up a routine where you work out for at least 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week. Try walking or jogging, light weight training, biking, or swimming since they're lower intensity and won't be as painful on your wound. Continue staying active even after you've healed completely since it will help you prevent injury and heal quicker in the future. If you have a severe cut, talk to your doctor about what activities you're able to do. Exercising allows more blood and oxygen to your wound so it's able to receive nutrients and heal. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking. Cut down on any alcoholic beverages or smoking of any kind since it can stress your body and make you dehydrated. If you regularly drink or smoke, wait until your wound heals completely before starting again. Otherwise, your cut may take longer to heal or leave a scar. Smoking and drinking can affect how your body processes nutrients and makes it more difficult for your cut to heal. Get immediate care for a cut that’s in a sensitive location. If you have a severe cut on your face, hands, or feet, it may be more difficult to treat on your own. You should also get checked if the cut crosses over a joint since there may be nerve or ligament damage. In addition to cleaning the wound, your doctor may give you stitches to keep your cut closed and reduce the chance of scarring. If you see dirt or debris in your cut and it's too sensitive to remove on your own, see your doctor so they can help remove it. Go to an emergency room for a cut deeper than 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm). Deep cuts may damage your muscles or internal organs, which can lead to serious complications if you leave them untreated. While you shouldn't worry, visit the emergency room immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms: You can't stop the bleeding after 20 minutes. The blood is bright red and spurting, which means it might be from an artery. You see red muscle or yellow fat. The cut stays open when you try to hold it closed. See your doctor if you develop a fever or signs of infection. Even though your cut will likely heal with proper treatment, sometimes it can become infected. Visit your doctor or an urgent care center if you have the following signs of an infection: A fever Redness Swelling Warmth Increasing pain Drainage | Wash and dry your hands. Hold a clean cloth or gauze pad against the wound to stop the bleeding. Rinse the cut with running water for at least 5 minutes. Sterilize the wound with gauze soaked in saline solution. Pat the cut dry with a clean lint-free towel. Spread honey on your cut for the most effective viral protection. Apply a turmeric paste if you want to help your cut close quickly. Use lavender or chamomile oil for a natural, antibacterial solution. Try a vitamin E oil or ointment if your cut looks inflamed. Opt for a zinc ointment if you want to reduce scar tissue. Cover your wound with a sterile bandage or piece of gauze. Change the wound dressing at least once a day. Include more vitamin C and protein into your diet. Drink water so you stay hydrated and heal quickly. Practice regular exercise to increase blood flow and speed up recovery. Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking. Get immediate care for a cut that’s in a sensitive location. Go to an emergency room for a cut deeper than 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm). See your doctor if you develop a fever or signs of infection. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Learn-to-Play-an-Instrument | How to Learn to Play an Instrument | To learn how to play an instrument, set aside at least 30 minutes to practice 3-5 days of the week. You can hire a music teacher to help you learn faster, or you can teach yourself using online tutorials and videos. When you're first starting out, focus on learning 1 new song a week. Then, as you get better, you can start learning songs at a faster rate. | Get to know the different families of musical instruments. Musical instruments are categorized in families. Often, learning how to play one instrument in a family makes it easier to learn other instruments in the same family. The strings family includes the violin , viola, and cello , as well as the guitar (both acoustic and electric) and the ukulele. The ukulele is relatively easy to learn and can serve as a gateway to learning other stringed instruments. Some orchestras and groups also include a harp. Though it isn't part of the “violin family” (instruments with that type of shape), it still adds a lot to the orchestra. The brass family includes the trumpet, trombone , and tuba. The woodwind family includes the flute, oboe , clarinet, and bassoon. The keyboard family includes the piano , organ , and harpsichord. The percussion family includes all drums, cymbals, and maracas. Bongo drums are considered relatively easy percussion instruments to learn. The xylophone or glockenspiel is also a relatively easy percussion instrument. Decide which genre of music you'd like to play. Many different instruments are associated with a particular genre of music. If you know what type of music you'd like to play, you can better narrow down what instruments you're interested in learning. For example, the guitar is a prominent instrument in rock and pop music. You can also play many rock and pop songs on the ukulele. If you enjoy country or bluegrass music, on the other hand, you might want to try the banjo or the violin. A violin and a country "fiddle" are the same instruments, although the style of play is very different. A piano or keyboard is a versatile instrument associated with many different genres, including rock, jazz, and classical. If you have more varied interests and want to learn several different styles of music, piano would be a good instrument choice. Connect to your ethnic culture with a traditional instrument. Traditional ethnic music is often played on distinct instruments that aren't used in any other setting. If you're interested in exploring your ethnic roots or learning more about your cultural traditions, you might try a traditional instrument. For example, if you are Indian, you might want to learn the sitar. On the other hand, if you have Scottish ancestors, you might want to give bagpipes a try. If you have a Polish background, you might want to learn how to play the accordion so you can learn some traditional polka tunes. Evaluate the relative popularity of the instrument. Choosing a more popular instrument may mean you face stiffer competition if you want to try out for a band or orchestra. At the same time, sometimes learning a less popular instrument in the same family will make it easier to learn that other instrument later on. For example, the violin is a popular instrument and young violinists always face stiff competition when trying out for school orchestras. However, many of these same school orchestras don't have enough students who play the viola. You might also think about accompanying instruments. For example, if you want to learn how to play the bagpipes and don't live near an active Scottish community, you might have a hard time finding other people to play with. Visit a music store to try instruments you're curious about. Before you make a final decision on which instrument you want to play, take some time to actually pick one up and hold it. Even though you don't know how to play it, you can still get an idea of whether it's right for you. Employees at music specialty stores typically have a musical background and play multiple instruments. They can talk to you about learning the instrument and give you a better idea of what to expect if you want to take it up, or you could go to a store with a friend who already plays an instrument, to easily know what to look for in an instrument. Watch musicians playing the instrument live. Try a small show or an open mic night where you can watch the performance up close and see people play who are at different levels of mastery. Watching skilled musicians perform can give you a better idea of what you can do with the instrument or you could watch youtube videos of established musicians who play in shows or events. In a smaller setting, you may also be able to talk to the musicians. Ask them what their favorite (and least favorite) things are about the instrument, why they picked that particular instrument, and if there are any other instruments they play. Research maintenance and ownership costs for the instrument. The initial purchase price of an instrument can be a relatively small investment in comparison to how much it costs to keep and maintain it. Take these costs into account before you dedicate yourself to a particular instrument. An employee at a music store or a skilled musician can help you understand the true cost of owning that particular instrument. Costs aren't solely financial. Factor in whether you have the space to store the instrument properly, how you can transport the instrument if you need to, and whether your practicing will disturb others. For example, if you live in a small apartment surrounded by neighbors, you likely wouldn't want to take up a loud instrument, such as the trumpet. In that situation, an electronic keyboard or electric guitar would be a better option because you could play with headphones. Find an instrument that is the right size for you. Many instruments come in different sizes to accommodate people of all ages and statures. When choosing the right instrument, consider your finger size, hand span, and the relative strength in your arms (especially if you'll have to hold the instrument while you play it). Wind and brass instruments typically aren't suitable for younger players. Until your adult front teeth come in (upper and lower), you won't have the strength to hold the instrument in your mouth. If you're a younger musician, considering renting or borrowing an instrument rather than buying so you can trade it in for a larger size as you grow. Purchase your instrument and any necessary accessories. There are many beginner's kits available for different instruments that come with any necessary accessories you might need. Make sure you have everything you'll need to play and maintain the instrument, even if you won't necessarily use all the accessories right away. For example, if you've decided to learn to play the ukulele, you'll need a case for your ukulele and maybe some extra strings, but that's about it. On the other hand, if you've decided to pick up the guitar, you'll need a case, guitar picks of different weights and thicknesses, extra strings, a string winder, a tuner, and a capo. While it doesn't necessarily have to be top-of-the-line, buy an instrument of good quality. A poor quality instrument may easily fall out of tune, have a flat tone, or be more difficult to play. Sit or stand with proper posture. If you're sitting to play an instrument, sit on the edge of a chair or bench with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed so that your shoulder blades are tucked along either side of your spine. When standing, retain the same upper body posture as when you're sitting. Slouching or hunching over when you're playing a musical instrument can lead to back pain and even injury. Poor posture also makes it more difficult to play your instrument, particularly when you start learning more advanced techniques. Check online for specifics on how to sit or stand while playing your particular instrument. You can also ask a local music instructor to give you tips on proper form. Hold your instrument correctly. If you're playing an instrument that you hold in your hands or strap to your body, learn the correct way to hold it from the beginning so you don't pick up any bad habits. Check online or talk to a local music instructor to learn how to hold your particular instrument like trumpet, trombone , tuba, flute, violin etc. Holding an instrument incorrectly can affect the instrument's tone, make it more difficult to play, and eventually lead to repetitive motion injuries. When you're just starting out, holding your instrument correctly may feel weird. With time it will come to feel more natural. Keep your muscles relaxed as you hold your instrument. Any tension will make it more difficult to play your instrument, as well as cause physical strain. Make your instrument produce a sound correctly. Before you learn how to play music , you need to learn how to make the instrument produce sound. With some instruments, such as a piano or keyboard, this is relatively easy – you simply press a key. Others, such as woodwinds and brass instruments, may take some time to figure out how to get the sound right. However, remember to keep the flow of the sound, in that you switch intervals in between playing one note correctly and playing two or more notes together correctly. This will boost learning and confidence. Before you get into making music, become familiar with your instrument and the different types of sounds it can make. For example, you can strum or pluck guitar strings to make a sound, but you can also rap your hand or fingers on the guitar's body to make a percussive sound. Different areas of the guitar's body will produce different tones, so don't be too fixed in playing one part of the guitar. Switch it up from time to time. Have fun with your instrument at this stage and don't get discouraged if the sounds you're producing aren't particularly pleasing to your ears. You'll get better with practice. Pick up your first notes, chords, or beats. Some instruments, such as the piano and the guitar, can play both individual notes and chords – depending on the style of music you're playing. However, most instruments, including the saxophone or the trombone, can only play one note at a time. Look for a simple melody to start playing your first notes. The simple songs you play don't have to be something as boring as "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." Some simple melodies include themes from video games and TV shows, also don't be afraid or reluctant to make up your own songs. If you find two or more notes sounding good together, keep playing until you have a song or at least an interesting sound. If you're learning guitar or ukulele, do an internet search for "3 chord songs" or "4 chord songs" to find dozens of songs that you can start playing right away, even if you only know a few chords. For percussion instruments, do an internet search for classic beats or fills to play on your particular instrument. You can also start by putting on a song you like and drumming out the beat as you listen. Don't worry about trying to mimic a professional drummer – start with a simple, stripped down beat and build from there. Hire a teacher to help guide your learning. A teacher can prevent you from developing bad habits and keep you accountable for your practicing and your progress. A good teacher will also help motivate you when you're having difficulty. If you're in school, you may be able to take a class offered by your school. If you're not in school (or if your school doesn't offer instruction in your instrument), find out if there are schools near you with group classes. Group classes are typically less expensive than individual private lessons. If there is a school of music near you, check to see if any students also offer lessons. Many music students offer private lessons to beginners to make a little extra money while they're in school, and they'll typically have lower rates than professional teachers. You can also search for music teachers near you online, or ask people you know who play the same instrument for recommendations. Some music teachers also post advertisements at music stores. Use online resources if you can't find a teacher. If there aren't teachers of your instrument near you or you can't fit the expense of a teacher into your budget, you can still learn to play an instrument. There are numerous free resources online, as well as apps you can download on your smartphone or tablet. For example, if you're learning piano, you might try Zebra Keys or Piano Nanny. For budding guitarists, Justin Guitar provides video tutorials, articles, and other resources. Some apps require a subscription or only allow minimal access for free. However, you can still use them as a starting point even if you can't afford to add the premium content. Start practicing scales. Scales are the building blocks of music. Whether on a guitar , piano, or other instrument, when you practice scales, you learn how to play notes on your instrument as well as how those notes relate to one another. Although it may seem boring, if you don't master scales you won't have the proper foundation to be a strong musician. You can practice other skills and techniques while playing scales to make the exercise a bit more interesting. For example, if you're learning to play the violin or any other instrument that is played with a bow, you could try to play the entire scale with one bow stroke. Keep your instrument in tune. If your instrument is out of tune, nothing you play will sound right. For the beginner, there are websites you can visit or free apps you can download to your smartphone that will help you tune your instrument. Make a habit of tuning your instrument every time you play it. Some instruments, such as electronic keyboards, will never go out of tune. Others, especially stringed instruments, such as guitars and violins , need to be tuned every time you play – sometimes more than once in a single practice session or performance. Even drums need to be tuned periodically to ensure they maintain the proper tone. If you have a piano , you likely won't be able to tune it yourself. Hire a piano tuner to come out at least once a year – maybe more frequently if you play every day, or if you have an older piano. Set a goal for playing your instrument. A goal gives you something concrete to work toward and can make you more motivated. Find a realistic goal that you can achieve with practice and training within a few months. Make your goal as specific and attainable as possible. For example, perhaps your goal is to join your high school's band. If you start playing your instrument in the spring and practice each day, you may be ready to audition for the band in the fall. Having someone else involved in your goal helps keep you accountable. For example, if your goal is to learn how to play your favorite song, offer to play it for a friend after you've learned it. Designate a specific practice area. Ideally, choose a quiet, private area with few distractions where you can practice. Set up everything you need for practice so all you have to do is enter the space to start practicing your instrument. This may be more difficult if your instrument is in a communal place. For example, if you're learning piano and the piano is in the living room, you don't have much choice for your practice area. In this situation, set a specific time when you will practice and ask others to stay out of the room as much as possible. Music schools have practice rooms available for students and may open these rooms up to the general public. If there's a music school near you, call and find out if you can access their practice rooms. Schedule 30-minute practice sessions 3 to 5 days a week. Try to practice at the same time each day so practicing your instrument becomes habitual. Ideally, you should practice every day, but you may need to work up to that. With daily practice you'll retain more information and won't feel like you're starting over again with each practice session. Learning to play an instrument requires discipline. Be prepared to take out your instrument on days that you don't particularly feel like playing. Start each practice session with a brief warm-up. Playing a musical instrument can be physically demanding as well as mentally challenging. Do a few stretches or brief exercises to warm up the joints and muscles you'll use while playing. A good warm-up can also reduce your risk of repetitive motion injuries, which are common among experienced musicians who've been playing for many years. There are many videos available online that show exercise and stretching techniques, particularly to limber up your fingers and hands. Focus on a single song each week that you want to learn. Plan your practice sessions at the beginning of each week so you can get the most out of your time. When you're just starting out, it may take you a whole week to learn a single song. When you get better, you may find that you can learn a song in a single practice session. Avoid repeating the same mistakes – this reinforces bad muscle memory and will make it harder for you to play the song correctly. If you find yourself missing the same notes or beats, play the brief sequence slowly with the correct notes. Gradually increase your speed until you can play it correctly at the right tempo. Don't be afraid to practice a song out of order or focus on the end before the beginning. If a particular part of the song is challenging for you, you may want to work on that first before you tackle the easier parts. Include time for honing fundamental playing skills. After practicing the piece you're working on, spend the next 10 minutes of your practice playing scales or learning new techniques. Even when you start to get comfortable playing music you enjoy, you won't get any better if you neglect the fundamentals. For example, if you're learning violin, you may want to try some drills to improve your bowing technique. If you've decided to learn how to read music, you might want to spend this block of time sight-reading music or working out of a music theory workbook. End each practice session with something fun. Spend the last 10 minutes of your practice session doing something you enjoy doing. This will help remind you why you wanted to learn to play the instrument in the first place. Taking some time to have fun can be especially helpful if you've had a challenging or frustrating practice session. Your fun time doesn't even necessarily need to be spent playing your instrument. For example, you may want to watch a video of your favorite musician playing the instrument. Clean and store your instrument correctly after each practice session. Wipe down your instrument after playing and return it to its case. Keep your instrument out of direct sunlight or high levels of humidity. Dry the inside of brass or woodwinds instruments carefully. If they are left damp, they could become unplayable. Don't place books or other objects on top of the case, even if it's a hard case. The weight could damage your instrument. Teach yourself how to read music notation. It isn't strictly necessary to know how to read music to play an instrument. There are many famous musicians who never learned how to read music and play by ear. However, if you know how to read music you'll have a much easier time learning new songs. Music notation is written on staff paper with 5 lines and 4 spaces in between. Each note sits on the line or space that corresponds with the tone of that note. There are 2 sets of lines representing the treble clef and the bass clef – the higher notes and the lower notes. Use mnemonic devices to remember the names of the notes and the order they appear on the staff. For the treble clef, the spaces spell the word FACE from bottom to top. The lines are EGBDF from bottom to top. Think of the sentence "Every Good Boy Does Fine" (or you can make up your own sentence that you might remember better). For the bass clef, the spaces are ACEG from bottom to top ("All Cows Eat Grass"). The lines are GBDFA ("Good Boys Deserve Fudge Always"). Join a band or start your own. Once you have the basics down and can play a few songs, sharpen your skills by playing with others. If you're in school, you may be able to join a marching band, pep band, or school orchestra. Even if you're not in school, there may be community bands that you could participate in. You can also put up fliers at music stores or music schools to find people to play with. It doesn't have to be a formal thing – just put the word out that you would enjoy the opportunity to play with others and learn new skills. Play your instrument in public for encouragement and feedback. If a bar or café near you has an open mic night, you can sign up to perform there. If you have stage fright or the thought of performing in front of others causes anxiety, film yourself playing alone at home. You can share the video with friends and family. Be cautious about posting your videos on the internet for anyone to see and comment on, especially if you're a beginner. Many of the comments you'll get will be far from encouraging. Instead, share with people you know and love. Study the techniques of skilled musicians who play your instrument. Look for videos online where you can actually see how the musician is playing the instrument. Live sets or videos where the person is performing for a small audience are good for this. Watch for tricks that you can pick up and add to your own playing. If you hear a song by a musician you like and wonder how they made a particular sound or musical phrase in the song, look for videos of them playing. Many musicians also have more technical videos where they actually demonstrate specific skills and teach viewers how to do them. | Get to know the different families of musical instruments. Decide which genre of music you'd like to play. Connect to your ethnic culture with a traditional instrument. Evaluate the relative popularity of the instrument. Visit a music store to try instruments you're curious about. Watch musicians playing the instrument live. Research maintenance and ownership costs for the instrument. Find an instrument that is the right size for you. Purchase your instrument and any necessary accessories. Sit or stand with proper posture. Hold your instrument correctly. Make your instrument produce a sound correctly. Pick up your first notes, chords, or beats. Hire a teacher to help guide your learning. Use online resources if you can't find a teacher. Start practicing scales. Keep your instrument in tune. Set a goal for playing your instrument. Designate a specific practice area. Schedule 30-minute practice sessions 3 to 5 days a week. Start each practice session with a brief warm-up. Focus on a single song each week that you want to learn. Include time for honing fundamental playing skills. End each practice session with something fun. Clean and store your instrument correctly after each practice session. Teach yourself how to read music notation. Join a band or start your own. Play your instrument in public for encouragement and feedback. Study the techniques of skilled musicians who play your instrument. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Prosciutto | How to Make Prosciutto | If you want to make a basic prosciutto, you'll need to take a 10 to 12 pound pig leg and wet cure it in a salt water brine. To brine the pork, submerge it in a mixture of water and 2 to 4 cups of salt per each gallon of water. With the leg submerged, put it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks and stir occasionally. After the pork is cured, take it out of its bath and rinse it with cold water, then pat it dry with some paper towels. Once it's dry, cold smoke the pork in a smokehouse or smoker by hanging it on a hook for 7 to 10 days. All that's left after the smoking is to dry the prosciutto for 4 to 5 months in a cold and well-ventilated area. | Buy a pig leg. This should be 10 to 12 lbs (4.5 to 5.4 kg), although larger is fine too. If you're making spanish serrano ham, leave the hoof on and hip bone in. If making Italian prosciutto, remove the hoof and partially remove the bone to expose the ball joint. Wet cure the pork with brine, for one way to cure and make prosciutto. Create salt water brine with 2 to 4 cups (473 to 946 ml) of sea or kosher salt per 1 gallon (3.79 L) of water. Place the pork in the pot of brine. Make sure the meat is completely covered. Place the pork still in the brine in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 weeks. Stir occasionally. Rinse the meat with cold water. Use paper towels to pat it dry. Cold smoke the pork in a smokehouse or smoker by hanging on a hook for 7 to 10 days. Dry the prosciutto for 4 to 5 months in an area that is cold and well ventilated. Dry cure the leg of pork to make prosciutto a different way. Dry the piece of meat thoroughly using paper towels. Season your leg of pork with dry or liquid ingredients. You can use garlic and pepper or liquids such as bourbon or brandy. Rub the seasonings into the pork or pour the liquid all over the meat. Use 3 lbs. (1.4 kg) of sea or kosher salt and cover the pork completely. Place the leg of pork onto a rack and place the rack into a pan. The salt will draw the moisture out of the meat and the pan will catch the drippings. The rack also allows for air circulation. Put the pork and pan into a sealed plastic bag and place in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 weeks. Rinse the meat with cold water. Wrap the prosciutto in cheesecloth and hang it in a dry, cold place for 6 months to 2 years. Take your bone in hoof on leg of ham and remove the skin up to where the hock and hoof starts, exposing the fat underneath. Make sure not to expose the meat. Measure out an amount of curing salt. The amount should be about.25 percent the weight of the meat. Rub it over the ham, focusing on the meat side. Curing salt is not necessary but helps the ham develop flavor and prevents botulism. Place a layer of sea salt in your container and lay the leg on top, meat side up. Cover the rest of the ham well with salt. You will need about 3-5 pounds. Store your ham in the fridge at a temp of between 32-36 degrees and high humidity for a day per two pounds of meat. Wash off the salt with tap water. Place it back in the fridge on a tray, standing up or hanging for three months. Remove the ham from fridge and hang it. This should be during progressively warmer temperatures throughout the spring and summer. Bring the ham into warmer temperatures of 80-90 degrees during the summer. Keep a pan or towel underneath the ham, as it is normal to see the ham sweating off fat during this period. This is helping to give the ham more flavor. Let it hang for 5-6 months of summer drying. Bring your ham into a cool dry place to continue aging until you are ready to eat it. Once it has lost around 30% of its weight it is safe to eat. You will need a ham stand and a thin flexible ham carving knife. | Buy a pig leg. Wet cure the pork with brine, for one way to cure and make prosciutto. Dry cure the leg of pork to make prosciutto a different way. Take your bone in hoof on leg of ham and remove the skin up to where the hock and hoof starts, exposing the fat underneath. Measure out an amount of curing salt. Place a layer of sea salt in your container and lay the leg on top, meat side up. Wash off the salt with tap water. Remove the ham from fridge and hang it. Bring your ham into a cool dry place to continue aging until you are ready to eat it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Bedtime-Story | How to Write a Bedtime Story | If you want to write a bedtime story, create a plot that is imaginative and full of wonder, with unique main characters and a plot that children can relate to. You may even want to find an illustrator to create pictures for your story to help bring it to life. Try to keep the length short, so the story can be read in about 8-10 minutes, and avoid too much violence or blood, which may keep a child from being able to sleep. Instead, opt for a happy ending, with someone saying “I love you” or something similar. | Remember the goal of a bedtime story. You want the story to capture the child's attention, but you also want to have the child drift into dreamland at the end of it. Consequently, you will want to avoid violence, death, blood, and gore. The ending should be satisfying and leave the main character in a happy place. Many bedtime stories end with a main character hugging a caregiver or expressing, “I love you.” This is a great way to send a child off to sleep. Keep the text simple but descriptive. You want to engage the child and capture their imagination, but you don't want them to have to expend too much brain power following the story. It's a tricky skill to create vivid stories with simple language, but with practice you will be able to achieve this. Teach a lesson. Many classic bedtime stories end with the main character learning a valuable lesson or moral. Try to incorporate this into your tale as well, but write it in a way that is organic, not preachy. It helps if a character can figure out the moral of the story on their own without being told it by an adult. For example, the main character can learn the value of hard work by succeeding in a task in your story. This will be much better received by the child than including an adult stating, “Work hard and you will do well on your test,” for instance. Pay attention to the length of your story. Between 8 and 10 minutes is a good length for a bedtime story. It gives the children enough time to settle down and relax, but it doesn't keep them up too long. Very young children may benefit from even shorter stories, those that take around five minutes to read. Read as many bedtime stories as possible. Attempt to read all kinds of bedtime stories, from classics to newly published ones. You will get a feel for the types of themes they convey, as well as how the language and rhythm is constructed. Read other children's books as well. The more you familiarize yourself with children's literature, the more prepared you'll be when you write your own story. Also, make it a habit to visit bookstores and libraries to see the variety of children's books available. Identify your audience. Think about whether you will be writing for younger readers, aged 2 to 6, or those a bit older, aged 7 to 11. Your audience will determine the vocabulary and sentence structure you use in your story. It will also help you identify the types of characters to incorporate. Younger children will be more open to characters like talking animals and dragons, while older readers could possibly prefer pirates, spies, etc. By getting into the mind of a child, you will be able to create appealing characters and situations that the child can emotionally identify with. Start or join a writing group. Surrounding yourself with other writers is a great way to strengthen your own writing and stories. Members of a writing group can critique your work, offer suggestions and encouragement, and help keep you accountable to a writing schedule. Websites are a good way to research writers' groups in your area. The Writers and Editors Website, for instance, offers a way to search for writing groups in your area. Writing groups can be specialized regarding subject matter, like children's literature, or be regionally based. Be imaginative. Children's stories are not bound by the constraints of realism. They are designed to transport young minds to new places and guide them into dreams. You can be as wild and magical as your 6-year-old self wants to be. Pick a topic or theme relatable to kids. Make sure that the story is one that the child will be interested in reading. Children have to be able to identify with the characters and envision themselves in the story. Try to keep it light-hearted and based around something interesting or unusual. Create unique, identifiable main characters. Think about the motivations for those characters, both the protagonist and the supporting characters. Your main character, or protagonist, drives the story. They will need to overcome obstacles and possibly transform a character trait before the end of the story. Another important character will be the antagonist, or foil, to your protagonist. They don't have to be a villain, they just need to offer a counterpoint to your main character. Too many characters may be distracting and confusing. Make a small storyboard or outline. Both an outline and a storyboard offer a way for you to organize your story before you put pen to paper. You can sketch out the beginning, middle, and end of your story, as well as make a list of the primary characters. Doing this vital step will help you create a story that includes all of the necessary elements. An example would be something like this: Happy beginning, where everything is fine. An evil person does something bad (like stealing or breaking something). The main character searches for and catches the villain. The main character is rewarded and lives happily ever after. The typical plot formula has been around since the time of the Greeks and is as follows: introduction of characters, conflict, increased action, climax, and resolution. Remember these when crafting your outline. Make a writing schedule. You will not be able to write a successful bedtime story overnight. By carving out dedicated time for to work on your story, you will be able to prioritize your work and finish by your deadline. If you are involved in a writing group, this will help you stay on track with your deadlines. You'll be able to feel accountable to your group to share your latest revisions with them. Begin to write. Take your outline and character development ideas and start to craft your story. You can do this via computer or by utilizing a pen and paper. Be realistic about how long it will take you to write a good story. It can take up to a year. Carry a notebook with you so you can jot down ideas if you are away from home. Find an illustrator to help bring your story to life if you are not an artist. Pictures can be what make a story most attractive for children. Even young children can understand aspects of the story by viewing the artwork. If you plan to submit your story to publishers, the publisher will hire the illustrator for you. Revise your story. Once you've completed a first draft of your story, step away from it for a while. Then, come back and re-read it, with a critical eye toward deciding whether it is interesting and whether the characters are engaging. Make changes as necessary. Read your story out loud. Most bedtime stories are read to children by adults. By reading your story aloud, you will begin to see whether the printed words translate well to being conveyed audibly. Solicit feedback. If you have joined a writer's group, take your story to your next meeting. Your fellow authors will be able to offer valuable suggestions for improving the flow or themes of your story. If you aren't in a writing group, you can ask for feedback from friends and family. Children would be a great group to offer feedback. If you have no children of your own, ask a local school or library if you can read your story there. Make changes based on the feedback. Even the best stories can be continually honed and improved. Approach the feedback and critiques you have received with an open mind, and incorporate the useful information into the next iteration of your story. Identify publishers who print bedtime stories. The Children's Book Council is a nonprofit trade group of children's book publishers in North America. Their Website has a list of publishers and information on the audiences and genres of the books they publish. The Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators also has information about publishers of children's literature. You can also find out who published children's books you enjoyed reading at the library or bookstore. Submit your manuscript professionally. When you've identified potential publishers, read their submission guidelines and follow them specifically and completely. The easiest way to get your manuscript rejected is to haphazardly submit your work and not follow the guidelines. Some publishers may only want an outline or a few chapters, while others may want the full manuscript. You can call the receptionists at the publishing houses to confirm whether specific editors are still on staff. Include a query letter with your manuscript. A well-written query letter serves as a pitch for your book. You should include information on target audience, page length, and your experience, as well as a brief introduction explaining why your story is different. Be realistic. Once you have written your bedtime story, you may be convinced it needs to be shared with children everywhere. That may be the case, but remember that editors receive more manuscripts for children's picture books than for any other type of book. | Remember the goal of a bedtime story. Keep the text simple but descriptive. Teach a lesson. Pay attention to the length of your story. Read as many bedtime stories as possible. Identify your audience. Start or join a writing group. Be imaginative. Pick a topic or theme relatable to kids. Create unique, identifiable main characters. Make a small storyboard or outline. Make a writing schedule. Begin to write. Find an illustrator to help bring your story to life if you are not an artist. Revise your story. Read your story out loud. Solicit feedback. Make changes based on the feedback. Identify publishers who print bedtime stories. Submit your manuscript professionally. Include a query letter with your manuscript. Be realistic. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Acclimate-Your-Fish-to-a-New-Aquarium | How to Acclimate Your Fish to a New Aquarium | To get your fish adjusted to a new aquarium safely, you can do the floating bag method. To start, untie the bag that your fish is in and float it in the aquarium. Make sure it's floating so that the water in it doesn't mix with the tank water. You can tape the side of the bag to the tank wall if necessary. Let the bag float in the aquarium for 15 to 30 minutes so that the bag water gradually changes to match the temperature of the tank water. Once time is up, add a little bit of the tank water to the bag and wait 5 to 15 minutes so your fish can adjust to the pH change. After you've waited, use a small net to scoop your fish out of the bag and into the tank. Remember to get rid of the bag water somewhere other than the tank! | Use this method unless you know the place you got it from uses best practices, especially if you have a saltwater tank. The problem is the disease or parasites are in the water and on the fish. Even if you transfer the fish without the water into your tank, the fish can still carry parasites and disease. Without putting the fish into quarantine you really have no idea what you are introducing into your tank. Unless you treat the fish first, or know for sure the store has, you are risking your entire tank. There are reputable dealers who "self quarantine" their fish. They have a medically treated tank which the keep the fish in for 1-3 weeks before putting them into the display tanks for sale. If you know for sure that is who you are buying from, then the methods suggested below are safe. Net the fish after it's acclimated to the tank water temp. Some stores keep their fish in treated water (copper or other types of treatments). This is good, but if you put that water into your tank, and it's a reef invertebrate tank, you can lose all your inverts. Some stores just dump all their fish into one common system. Their strategy is the fish will only be in their store a short time and not long enough to show symptoms or die before it's sold. If it does, they just dispose of it or offer the customer a partial or full refund. So once you dump it into your tank it's game over. Some of these are discounters that 'churn and burn' their inventory. They don't care about the fish, it's just stock to them. For freshwater tanks, it's not a problem. Float the bags and dump the fish is fine. If it's a freshwater tank you probably have had medication in the tank already. Always keep a small 10-20 gallon, low or no light tank, treated with copper or other typical treatments. Keep a few cleaner wrasses in there, maybe a 4-6" pipe or something where the fish can feel safe. Put all new fish into this tank. After 7-30 days of no symptoms, drain some of the water into a bucket (1 gallon is fine) and you net the fish into the bucket. The time frame depends on the life cycle of parasites and the temperature of the water. Higher temperatures mean a shorter life cycle and less time in the quarantine tank. Take the bucket and add 2 cups of water from the main take to the bucket about every 5 minutes. After you have doubled the water (now 2 gallons) net the fish and put them in the main tank. Keep a floating thermometer in the bucket to make sure you're within one degree of tank water. Sometimes a heater is needed, but usually not. Purchase small vinyl tubing. Look for ¼ inch (6mm) vinyl hose at a pet store, or the faucet and sprinkler section of a home improvement store. You only need enough to transfer water from the tank to the other container. Knot or clamp the tube to reduce flow. Tie a simple overhand knot in the tubing. Place one end in the aquarium and the other in an empty bucket, lower down. Suck on the dry end to get the siphon started, then watch the flow. Tighten or loosen the knot until only a drip comes out, aiming for about 1 drip per second. You may use a clamp instead to clamp the tube nearly closed. Place the fish in a separate container. Stand the bag in a fish-safe container that holds ½ to 1 gallon (2–4 liters). Gently pour the water and fish from the bag into the container. If the water would be too shallow for the fish, just stand the open bag upright with the fish inside. Siphon water with the tubing. Siphon the tank water again, this time into the container with the fish. Let it fill up until you've transferred ½ gallon (2 liters) of aquarium water. Transfer the fish with a net. Do not pour any water back into the tank, as it may contain undesirable substances or organisms from the pet store. Prepare your tank. If it's a brand new tank make sure the filter has been running for at least a week, preferably two weeks, so enough bacteria builds up in the filter to process nitrates (for small fish tanks a nitrite peak builds up after around 10 days). Add all the ornaments/gravel and plants before you put in the new fish. Aquatic plants (if any) need time to build up roots and get used to the tank too. Fertilisers and possible dirt in the gravel have to set on the floor and break down. Put in the correct amount of tap safe or chlorine inhibitor for the amount of water in the tank. If you are adding the fish to an existing tank, rearrange the decorations. This will break up the territories of other fish, reducing the potential for aggression toward the newcomer. Bring the fish home. The seller will usually place the fish in a plastic bag for transport. On your way home, cover the fish with a towel, paper bag, or your shirt, since changes in light will stress fish out. Don't worry if your fish dulls in color on its trip. This is caused by stress and your fish will recover quickly after it is in its new home. Float the bag on the water for 15–30 minutes. Untie the bag, and then place the bag carefully to prevent the water in the bag from mixing with the tank water. If the bag doesn't float and keeps tipping over, tape one side of it to the side of the tank. The water in the bag will gradually change temperature to match the tank, preventing injury and death from a sudden temperature change. If the bag is untied, you can wait a full hour to be cautious. Add a little water from the tank to the bag. Pick up a little tank water with a clean cup and add it to the bag. Give it another 5-10 minutes to adjust, or up to 15 minutes to be extra safe. This will prevent the fish from dying due to a sudden and drastic pH change. Transfer the fish without pouring in water. You can either tip the majority of the water from the bag into another container and then let the fish swim from the bag into the tank or tip the bag at an angle, allowing the fish to swim out. Then dispose of the rest of the bag water elsewhere. Water from the bag may contain microorganisms or chemicals that damage your other fish. If you don't feel comfortable adding any of the water from the bag into the tank, scoop up the fish with a small net and place it in the tank. Monitor the behavior of all of the fish. Check on your new fish frequently, especially if it frantically avoids the other fish or seems too energetic. They should settle down eventually if you have enough (non-plastic) plants for them to hide in. If they do not, you may need to separate them temporarily with a tank divider. | Use this method unless you know the place you got it from uses best practices, especially if you have a saltwater tank. Always keep a small 10-20 gallon, low or no light tank, treated with copper or other typical treatments. Put all new fish into this tank. Take the bucket and add 2 cups of water from the main take to the bucket about every 5 minutes. Purchase small vinyl tubing. Knot or clamp the tube to reduce flow. Place the fish in a separate container. Siphon water with the tubing. Transfer the fish with a net. Prepare your tank. Bring the fish home. Float the bag on the water for 15–30 minutes. Add a little water from the tank to the bag. Transfer the fish without pouring in water. Monitor the behavior of all of the fish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-Timing | How to Adjust Timing | To adjust timing, start by finding the optimum timing number for the make and model of your vehicle, which you can find online or by asking someone at your local auto parts store. Then, use a timing light or timing gun to check your vehicle's current timing number to see whether or not it needs to be adjusted. If it does, loosen the bolt that secures your engine's distributor so you're able to rotate it. Once that's loose, just rotate the distributor until the timing mark is in the right position and then re-tighten the bolt. | Learn if your car needs to be adjusted or not. Modern cars that are controlled by electronic ignitions don't need to have their timing adjusted, but old-style 4-stroke engines require that the timing be adjusted periodically to optimize the efficiency of the engine, making sure that the spark fires at the appropriate moment in the ignition cycle. If you hear telltale signs of the timing of your car not being quite right, such as pinging, backfiring, or if the car runs too rich or too lean, you will need to either take it to a mechanic or adjust the timing yourself. Understand the ignition cycle. The four "strokes" in the 4-cycle engine refer to the process of intake, compression, power, and exhaust. The timing of the ignition refers to the point between the compression and the power strokes at which the spark plug fires, creating the combustion that results in your horsepower, forcing the piston down into the cylinder. When the piston comes up during the compression stroke, just before the piston gets to the top of its compression stroke (which is called "top dead center"), the spark plug should fire. Over time, this tends to get misaligned somewhat, resulting in a less-than-optimum spark plug firing time. The distance before the "top dead" center is the ignition timing, and it's represented by a row of graded numbers on the balancer or flywheel through an access hole. Learn the ignition timing number. Look for the ruler-style row of numbers on the front of the engine's harmonic balancer (or flywheel), which should have numbers above and below zero. Typically, when your car comes from the manufacturer, ignition base idle timing is set to a manufacture specification before top dead center. The timing advances as the engine's speed accelerates, however, resulting in a variable that will need to be periodically adjusted using a timing light. Numbers to the left of zero on the timing tape refer to the piston as it travels down, while numbers to the right of zero refer to the piston's upward motion. Moving the wheel right is called "advancing" the timing, while moving the wheel left is "moving back" the timing. Hook up your timing light or timing gun. Hook your timing gun up to the power and ground terminals on your car's battery, and hook the sensor that accompanies the timing gun to your number one cylinder spark plug wire. Follow the instructions particular to the timing light you're using to hook it up properly. The "gun" works by illuminating the timing marks in a strobe fashion as it spins, allowing you to see the point at which the spark plug is firing on the timing index. When the spark plug fires, the sensor sends a signal to the light, which strobes in the gun, illuminating the numbers at the proper moment. Have a helper rev the engine. To check your timing number and see how it is firing, have someone rev the engine while you illuminate the timing numbers with your light. You obviously want to make sure the car is in neutral, and keep your hands a safe distance from the engine as it revs. Shine the light directly onto the harmonic balancer and find the number. Though the wheel is turning, the light should seem to "freeze" it at a particular number. This is the timing number. Note the number of degrees to the right or left of zero. As the RPMs increase, the point at which the spark plug is firing should also increase somewhat. This is normal, because ignition works on a curve, allowing for the speed increase and adjusting the timing accordingly. To check for total timing, you want to be sure to rev the engine to at least 3500 RPMs. This will allow you to make sure the curve of the ignition timing is being set, as well as the initial timing. Account for vacuum timing, if necessary. If your car features vacuum timing advance in addition to mechanical timing, and you'll need to loosen the distributor adjustment bolt before you start the engine. Next, remove the vacuum advance hose from the carburetor and plug it with a rag to check your timing. Vacuum timing works by making minor adjustments at at low RPM by rotating slightly to adjust for the timing. Adjust the timing, if necessary. Now that you've found your ignition timing number, how do you know if you need to adjust it? All models of cars will have differing timing values, depending on the year it was manufactured and the variety of transmission used. To learn whether or not you need to adjust your timing, find the optimum timing number for your make and model and adjust if necessary. If you don't know your timing number, talk to a licensed mechanic or employee at your local auto parts store to consult their manuals and find the proper timing number. Loosen the bolt that secures the engine's distributor enough so that the distributor can be turned. To adjust your timing, all you need to do is turn the distributor housing one direction or the other, depending on whether or not you want to advance or move back the timing. If the rotor turns clockwise, you'll advance the timing by rotating the distributor counterclockwise, and vice versa. It'll take some touch to get it right, so it helps to have someone to rev the engine, check the number, and twist the distributor. Adjust while the engine is at idle speed. Grab the distributor firmly and rotate it slowly to one side or the other. Continue rotating until the timing mark is in the correct position. Align the timing marks by continuing to move the distributor and checking with your timing light. When you've got it set where you want it, lock it back down by tightening the distributor bolts. Reconnect vacuum hoses. When in doubt, total timing should be somewhere between 34 and 36 degrees. A typical small-block Chevy's timing curve needs to be set somewhere in this range for maximum performance, when the engine is being revved at 3500 RPM. At this point, the timing should stop advancing and should remain steady. Total timing minus your base timing number should meet your engine specification for total advance degrees. If the number is not as specified then you may have a distributor mechanical advance problem. Tighten the distributor bolt when you are satisfied the timing is set correctly. | Learn if your car needs to be adjusted or not. Understand the ignition cycle. Learn the ignition timing number. Hook up your timing light or timing gun. Have a helper rev the engine. Shine the light directly onto the harmonic balancer and find the number. Account for vacuum timing, if necessary. Adjust the timing, if necessary. Loosen the bolt that secures the engine's distributor enough so that the distributor can be turned. Adjust while the engine is at idle speed. When in doubt, total timing should be somewhere between 34 and 36 degrees. Tighten the distributor bolt when you are satisfied the timing is set correctly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Curve-Grades | How to Curve Grades | To curve grades, start by finding the highest grade earned in the whole class. Then, subtract that grade from 100. Finally, add that number to every student's grade. For example, if the highest score in the class was 90 percent, you would subtract 90 from 100 and get 10. Then, you'd add 10 percentage points to every student's grade, including the student who scored the highest. | Set the highest grade as "100%". This is one of the most common (if not the most common) methods teachers and professors use for curving grades. This curving method requires the teacher to find the highest score in the class and set this as the "new" 100% for the assignment. This means that you subtract the highest score in the class from the hypothetical "perfect" score, then add the difference to every assignment, including the highest-scoring one. If done correctly, the highest-scoring assignment will now have a perfect score and every other assignment will have a higher score than it previously did. For example, let's say the highest grade on a test was 95%. In this case, because 100-95 = 5, we would add 5 percentage points to all of the student grades. This makes the 95% score an adjusted 100%, and every other score 5 percentage points higher than it was. This method also works using absolute scores, rather than percentages. If the highest grade was a 28/30, for instance, you would add 2 points to the score of every assignment. Implement a flat-scale curve. This technique is among the simplest of the methods used to curve grades. It is especially useful for when there was one especially difficult item on an assignment that a large majority of the class missed. To curve grades according to a flat-scale curve, simply add the same number of points to each student's grade. This can be the number of points that an item most of the class missed was worth, or it can be some other (arbitrary) number of points that you think is fair. For instance, let's say that the entire class missed one problem which was worth 10 points. In this case, you might choose to add 10 points to every student's score. If you think the class doesn't deserve full credit for the missed problem, you might also choose to only give out 5 points. This method is closely related to the previous method, but it isn't exactly the same. Because this method doesn't specifically set the highest score in the class as a 100% maximum score, it allows for the possibility that none of the assignments receive a perfect score. It even allows for scores over 100%! Set a bottom limit for F's. This curving method mitigates the effect that a few very low scores can have on a student's grade. Therefore, it's especially useful in situations where a student (or an entire class) bombed a certain assignment but have since shown serious improvement and, in your opinion, deserve not to fail. In this case, instead of the normal percentage designations for letter grades (90% for A, 80% for B, etc. down to 50-0% being an F), you define a lower limit for failing grades - a minimum score that is higher than zero. This makes it so that particularly low-scoring assignments have a less drastic effect when averaged with a student's good scores. In other words, a few bad scores are less likely to drag a student's overall grade down. For example, let's say that a student completely bombs his first test, scoring a 0. However, since then, he's studied hard, receiving 70% and 80% on his next two tests. Un-curved, he has a 50% grade right now - a failing score. If we set a lower limit on failing scores of 40%, his new average is 63.3% - a D. It's not a great score, but it's probably fairer than failing a student who's shown real promise. You may choose to set separate lower limits for assignments that are turned in vs. assignments that are not. For example, you may decide that, for failing assignments, the lowest possible grade is 40%, unless it's not turned in at all, in which case 30% is the lowest possible score. Use a bell curve. Often, the range of grades on a given assignment are distributed in a way that resembles a bell curve - a few students get high scores, most of the students score mid-range scores, and a few students get low scores. What if, for instance, on a particularly difficult assignment, the few high scores are in the 80% range, the mid-range scores are in the 60% range, and the low scores are in the 40% range? Do the very best students in your class deserve low B's and the average students deserve low D's? Probably not. By using a bell curve grading method, you set the class's mean grade as a middle C, which means that your best students should get A's and your worst students should get F's, regardless of their absolute scores. Begin by determining the class's mean (average) score. Add up all the scores in the class, then divide by the number of students to find the mean. Let's say that, after doing this, we find an average score of 66%. Set this as a mid-range grade. The precise grade you use is at your discretion - you may want to set the mean as a C, C+, or even B-, for instance. Let's say that we want to set our 66% as a nice, round C. Next, decide how many points separate the letter grades in your new bell curve. Generally, bigger point intervals mean that your bell curve is more forgiving to low-scoring students. Let's say that in our bell curve, we want to separate our grades by 12 points. This means that 66 + 12 = 78 becomes our new B, while 66 - 12 = 54 becomes our new D, etc. Assign grades according to the new bell curve system. Apply a linear scale grading curve. When you have a very specific idea of the grade distribution you want, but the actual grades in your class don't fit, you may want to use a linear scale curve. This curve allows you to adjust the distribution of grades so as to get the mean score exactly where you want it. However, it's also somewhat math-intensive and it technically uses a different grading curve for each student, which some may perceive to be unfair. First, choose 2 raw scores (actual student scores) and determine what you want them to be after the curve. For instance, let's say the actual mean score on an assignment is 70% and you want it to be 75%, while the actual lowest score is 40% and you want it to be 50%. Next, create 2 x/y points: (x 1 , y 1 ) and (x 2 , y 2 ). Each x value will be one of the raw scores you chose, while each y value will be the corresponding score that you want the raw score to be. In our case, our points are (70, 75) and (40, 50). Plug your values into the following equation: f(x) = y 1 + ((y 2 -y 1 )/(x 2 -x 1 )) (x-x 1 ). Note the lone "x" without any subscripts - for this, plug in the score of each individual assignment. The final value you get for f(x) is the assignment's new grade. To clarify - you have to do the equation once for each student's score. In our case, let's say we're curving an assignment that got an 80%. We would solve the equation as follows: f(x) = 75 + (((50 - 75)/(40-70))(80-70)) f(x) = 75 + (((-25)/(-30))(10)) f(x) = 75 +.83 (10) f(x) = 83.3. The 80% score on this assignment is now 83.3%. Offer re-do opportunities. If you're not interested in applying a complicated formula to your students' grades, but you still want to offer them a chance to improve their score on a certain assignment, consider offering students an opportunity to re-do sections of an assignment they did poorly on. Give the assignment back to students and allow them to re-do problems they missed. Then, grade the problems they re-did. Offer the students some percentage of the points they earned on their re-do attempt, and add these to their first score to get their final grades. Let's say that a student scored 60 points out of 100 on a test. We give the test back to the student, offering half-credit for any problems she re-does. She re-works the problems she missed, scoring 30 more points. We then give her 30/2 = 15 more points, making her final score 60 + 15 = 75 points. Don't allow students to merely correct the work they've done. Instead, to ensure they fully understand how to do the problems from start to finish, have them completely rewrite the items they missed. Remove an item from the assignment and regrade. Even the best teachers occasionally put unfair or misleading questions on their tests. If, after grading, you find that there are one or two particular items that most of the students seemed to struggle on, you may want to disregard these questions and grade the assignment as if they weren't included. This is an especially good idea if a certain question used concepts that you haven't taught your students yet or if it falls outside the reasonable expectations for student performance. In these cases, re-grade assignments as if the problematic sections don't exist. Note, however, that this method gives extra weight to the questions you do choose to include. It may also anger students who did well on the questions you chose to eliminate - you may want to offer them some form of extra credit. Assign extra credit problems. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. After an assignment that went poorly for some (or all) of your students, offer your students a special problem, project or task that, if completed, will raise their scores. This may be an extra problem that requires creative thinking, an extra assignment, or even a presentation - be creative! However, use caution with this method - the students who probably need the most help are also the least likely to be able to answer super-hard extra credit questions. You may find that your extra credit assignments are more effective if they allow students to incorporate classroom concepts into outside-the-box projects and assignments. For instance, if you're teaching a class on poetry, you may want to offer an extra-credit assignment that requires students to analyze the rhyme scheme of their favorite pop song. | Set the highest grade as "100%". Implement a flat-scale curve. Set a bottom limit for F's. Use a bell curve. Apply a linear scale grading curve. Offer re-do opportunities. Remove an item from the assignment and regrade. Assign extra credit problems. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Mass | How to Calculate Mass | To calculate the mass of an object, look up the recorded density of the object online or in a textbook, which will be in units of kg/m3 or g/cm3. Then, multiply the density of the object by it's measured volume. Make sure that your measurements for volume and density are in the same units! For example, if you have a diamond with a volume of 5,000 cm3 and density of 3.52 g/cm3, multiply 5,000 cm3 by 3.52 g/cm3 to get the mass of 17,600 grams. | Look up the object's density. Density measures how tightly the matter in an object is packed together. Each material has its own density, which you can look up online or in a textbook. The scientific unit of density is kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m ), but you can use grams per cubic centimeter (g/cm ) for smaller objects. Use this formula to convert between these units: 1,000 kg/m = 1 g/cm The density of liquids is often measured in kilograms per liter (kg/L) or grams per milliliter (g/mL) instead. These units are equivalent: 1 kg/L = 1 g/mL. Example: Diamond has a density of 3.52 g/cm. Measure the object's volume. The volume is the amount of space the object occupies. Measure the volume of solids in cubic meters (m ) or cubic centimeters (cm ), and the volume of liquids in liters (L) or milliliters (mL). The formula for volume depends on the shape of the object. Refer to this article for common shapes. Use the same unit that appears as part of your density measurement. Example: Since we measured the density of diamond in g/cm , we should measure our diamond's volume in cm. Let's say our diamond's volume is 5,000 cm. Multiply the volume and density together. Multiply your two numbers together, and you'll know the mass of your object. Keep track of the units as you do this, and you'll see that you end up with units of mass (kilograms or grams). Example: We have a diamond with volume 5,000 cm and density 3.52 g/cm. To find the diamond's mass, multiply 5,000 cm x 3.52 g/cm = 17,600 grams. Determine mass with force and acceleration. Newton's second law of motion states that force equals mass times acceleration: F = ma. If you know the net force on the object, and it's acceleration, you can rearrange this formula to find the mass: m = F / a. Force is measured in N (newton), which you can also write as (kg * m)/ s. Acceleration is measured in m/s. When you calculate F / a, the units cancel to give you an answer in kilograms (kg). Understand mass and weight. Mass is the amount of matter in an object; this does not change unless you cut off part of the object, or attach more material. Weight is a measurement of gravity's effect on mass. If you move the object to an area with different gravity (such as from the earth to the moon), it's weight will change, but it's mass will not. An object with more mass does weigh more than an object with less mass, if they're experiencing the same gravity. Calculate molar mass. If you're doing your chemistry homework, you may come across the term "molar mass." This is a related concept, but instead of measuring an object, you measure exactly one mole of a substance. Here's how to calculate it in most contexts: For an element: look up the atomic mass of the element or compound you are measuring. This will be in "atomic mass units" (amu). Multiply by the molar mass constant, 1 g/mol, to put it into standard molar mass units: g/mol. For a compound: add the atomic masses of each atom in the compound to find the total amu of the molecule. Multiply this total by 1 g/mol. Use a triple-beam balance. The balance is a device widely used to calculate an object's mass. The balance has three beams. These beams carry weights. The weights allow you to move known masses along the beams. The triple beam balance is not affected by gravity. Thus, it gives a true measurement of mass. It works by comparing a known mass to an unknown mass. The middle beam reads in 100g increments. The far beam reads in 10g increments. The weights will sit in a notch. The weight on the front beam can read from 0 to 10 grams. You should be able to get a very precise measurement of mass with this balance. The reading error for a triple-beam balance is only 0.06 grams. Think of the triple-beam balance as operating like a teeter-totter. Move the three sliders to their leftmost positions. You want to do this maneuver when the pan is empty. You want the balance to read zero. If the indicator on the far right does not align with the fixed mark, you should calibrate the balance by turning the set screw that you will find on the left under the pan. The reason you need to do this is because you need to make sure that the empty pan is 0.000g so its weight does not skew the mass reading you ultimately get. The weight of the container or pan is called its tare. You can also set the pan to 0 by screwing the knob under the pan in or out. Again, the balance must read zero. Place the object to be measured on the pan. You are now ready to determine the object's mass using the sliding beams. Move the sliding beams one at a time. First, move the 100-gram slider along the beam to the right first. Do this until the indicator drops below the fixed mark. The position that is to the left of this point indicates the number of hundreds of grams. You are sliding it one notch at a time. Move the 10-gram slider along the beam to the right. Do this until the indicator drops below the fixed mark. The notched position immediately to the left of this point indicates the number of tens of grams. The beam in the front does not have notches. You can move the slider anywhere you want on the beam. The beam's boldface numbers are grams. The tick marks between the boldface numbers indicate tenths of grams. Calculate the mass. You are now ready to find the mass of the object you placed in the pan. To do so, you should add the numbers from the three beams. Read the front scale as you would a ruler. You can read it to the nearest half tick mark. For example, let's say you are trying to measure a can of soda. If the rear weight is in the notch that reads 70g, if the middle weight is in the notch reading 300g, and if the the front beam weight is 3.34g, then the can of soda weighs 373.34g. | Look up the object's density. Measure the object's volume. Multiply the volume and density together. Determine mass with force and acceleration. Understand mass and weight. Calculate molar mass. Use a triple-beam balance. Move the three sliders to their leftmost positions. Move the sliding beams one at a time. Calculate the mass. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fit-Crutches | How to Fit Crutches | To fit your underarm crutches, start by putting on a pair of everyday shoes and putting the crutches under your armpits. Next, relax your arms, letting them hang down over the crutches. Then, adjust the crutches so that there's at least 2-4 inches between your armpit and the crutch pad, so the pad only touches your body when you're leaning down on them. In order to fit the hand grips, relax your arms and hands at your sides and see mark where your wrist crease is, which is where the handgrips should be placed. | Put on a pair of everyday shoes. Your shoes should have low heels and good support. In fitting, try to use the same shoes you'd ordinarily use walking around, or ones you anticipate using with crutches. Relax your arms and let them hang down over the crutches. Adjust the crutches so that at least 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) separate armpit and crutch pad. This is where many people get things wrong, thinking that the crutch pad should sit right beneath the armpit. In fact, there should be enough space so that the crutch pad doesn't touch the armpit unless the user leans down slightly. Crutches are designed to get support from the arms and ribcage, not from the shoulders. If your crutches don't have notches to perfectly accommodate the two inch gap between armpit and pad, opt for the lower setting instead of the higher setting. Higher-set crutches may have a higher likelihood of dislocating the shoulder. This will also stop you from leaning on your crutches when you don't have to. Adjust the crutches further to accommodate the hand grips. With your hands hanging relaxed at your sides and standing upright, the crutches' handgrips should be level with your wrist crease. Make any final accommodations for comfort. Crutches are meant to deliver additional support to ailing legs and, as such, can be used more or less properly. Accommodations, however, may be made in order to help the subject feel comfortable. Put on a pair of everyday shoes. Go with shoes you'll likely have on when you use the crutches. Stand up as straight as possible and let your arms fall down to your sides, relaxed. Take the forearm crutch and fit the hand grip so that it falls in line with your wrist joint. Correctly fitted, the wrist grip should line up roughly with where you usually wear a watch. Fit the arm cuff mid-way up your forearm. The half-circle or V-shaped cuff should sit halfway between your wrist and elbow. They shouldn't push your shoulders up when holding or make you hunch over. This sizing is important because you'll want a 15 - 30 degree bend in your arms when using the crutches. Sizing correctly will give your arms and shoulders their full range of motion, allowing you to consistently plant the crutches at 30 degree angles. Choose between an underarm and forearm crutch, if necessary. In most injury or assistance situations, your doctor or physical therapist will give you a pair of crutches and explain how to use them. In the unlikely case that you get to choose which kind of crutches you want to use, here's a breakdown of what each crutch is good at and not so good at. Underarm crutches: Usually for temporary use involving injury Less upper-body mobility, but more overall mobility More difficult to use and may involve risk of nerve damage in the axilla (underarm) Forearm crutches: Usually for long-term use involving ongoing leg weakness Offers more upper-body mobility than underarm crutches Allows patients use of forearms without setting crutches down Learn how to walk with crutches. Plant your crutches 6 to 12 inches (15.2 to 30.5 cm) in front of you, squeezing on your ribs and upper arms. Pushing down on the hand grips and not on your underarms, take a step with your weaker leg. Follow with your stronger leg. Repeat. Learn how to stand up with crutches. Hold both crutches by the hand grips in one hand while pushing up with the other hand on the chair. Put one crutch under each arm and proceed as normal. Learn how to sit down with crutches. Place both crutches in one hand holding the hand grips together and reach for the chair with your other hand to lower yourself down slowly. This is essentially reversing the process of standing up. Get comfortable going up and down stairs. Whenever possible, use a handrail when going up and down stairs. Place one crutch under one arm and use the handrail with the other arm for support. Going up stairs: step up with the stronger leg, then the sore leg, and lastly bring up the crutch. Going down stairs: lower crutch down to the step, move your sore leg down and then bring your stronger leg down. Make sure the crutch tip is completely on the stair Cushion the crutch pad to make it more comfortable and reduce the possibility of nerve damage. Take an old sweatshirt or even a memory foam pad and fit it above the crutch pad for a little extra cushion. Even with extra padding, medical professionals advise against leaning on the crutch pads with your underarms. | Put on a pair of everyday shoes. Relax your arms and let them hang down over the crutches. Adjust the crutches so that at least 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) separate armpit and crutch pad. Adjust the crutches further to accommodate the hand grips. Make any final accommodations for comfort. Put on a pair of everyday shoes. Stand up as straight as possible and let your arms fall down to your sides, relaxed. Take the forearm crutch and fit the hand grip so that it falls in line with your wrist joint. Fit the arm cuff mid-way up your forearm. Choose between an underarm and forearm crutch, if necessary. Learn how to walk with crutches. Learn how to stand up with crutches. Learn how to sit down with crutches. Get comfortable going up and down stairs. Cushion the crutch pad to make it more comfortable and reduce the possibility of nerve damage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Mouse-Sensitivity | How to Change Mouse Sensitivity | On Windows 1. Open the Mouse Menu in Control Panel. 2. Click Pointer Options. 3. Select a pointer speed, and click Apply, then click OK. On a Mac 1. Open the Mouse or Trackpad Menu in System Preferences. 2. Drag the Tracking Speed slider to "Fast" or "Slow." 3. Close System Preferences. | Open Start WH.performance.clearMarks('image1_rendered'); WH.performance.mark('image1_rendered');. Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen. Click . Click the gear icon on the left-side column of the Start menu. This opens the main Settings menu for Windows. Click Devices. It's near the top of the menu next to the icon of a speaker and a keyboard. Click Mouse. It's the third option from the top on the left column under the "Devices" heading. This opens the Mouse settings on the right side of the window. Click Additional mouse options. It's just under the "Related Settings" section of the Mouse options. This opens the Mouse Properties window. Click Pointer Options. It's a tab at the top of the Mouse window. Adjust your mouse pointer's speed. In the "Motion" section near the top of the window, click and drag the slider to the left to slow down your mouse or to the right to speed up your mouse. Disable pointer precision to slow down the mouse. If your mouse moves too quickly for you, uncheck the "Enhance pointer precision" box below the "Motion" slider. Pointer precision causes the mouse pointer to move different lengths depending on how fast you move the physical mouse or trackpad, so disabling it will prevent your mouse pointer from moving too quickly even if you move the mouse abruptly. Test out your pointer speed. Move the mouse and watch the pointer speed. If the mouse pointer moves too quickly, reduce the "Motion" slider; if it moves too slowly, increase the "Motion" slider. It may take a few minutes to narrow down your optimal mouse speed. Click Apply, then click OK. Both options are at the bottom of the window. Doing so will save your settings and close the Mouse window. Your mouse pointer should now move at your determined speed. Open the Apple menu . Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen. A drop-down menu will appear. Click System Preferences…. It's near the top of the drop-down menu. Click Trackpad or Mouse. If you're using a MacBook laptop, you'll click Trackpad , while iMac desktop users will click Mouse. Click the Point & Click tab. It's at the top of the window. Skip this step if you clicked Mouse. Adjust the "Tracking speed" slider. Click and drag the slider to the left to slow down your mouse pointer's speed, or drag the slider to the right to speed up the pointer. Test out your mouse. Move your mouse around the screen. If it moves too quickly, drag the "Tracking speed" slider to the left; if it's too slow, drag the slider to the right. You may have to fine-tune the mouse pointer's speed for a few minutes before you're comfortable with it. Exit the System Preferences window. Click the red "Exit" circle in the top-left corner of the window. This will save your changes. Open the menu. Click the button at the bottom right of your screen. Find Settings. Type settings into the menu that comes up and click on the first option. Find the Mouse and Touchpad settings. Scroll down until you find the devices section. Click on Mouse and Touchpad. Change the sensitivity. Drag the button for either Mouse or Touchpad. Exit the settings window. This will automatically save your changes. | Open Start WH.performance.clearMarks('image1_rendered'); WH.performance.mark('image1_rendered');. Click . Click Devices. Click Mouse. Click Additional mouse options. Click Pointer Options. Adjust your mouse pointer's speed. Disable pointer precision to slow down the mouse. Test out your pointer speed. Click Apply, then click OK. Open the Apple menu . Click System Preferences…. Click Trackpad or Mouse. Click the Point & Click tab. Adjust the "Tracking speed" slider. Test out your mouse. Exit the System Preferences window. Open the menu. Find Settings. Find the Mouse and Touchpad settings. Change the sensitivity. Exit the settings window. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-If-Pok%C3%A9mon-Cards-Are-Fake | How to Know If Pokémon Cards Are Fake | To know if Pokémon cards are fake, look for spelling mistakes or ornate borders as a clue that the cards aren't authentic. Also, compare the energy symbols to other cards since a fake card will often have a symbol that's too large or distorted. If possible, check the box since a missing trademark or a phrase about it being “pre-released trading cards” are signs of counterfeit cards. Finally, take a close look at the edge of the card since a real one will have a very thin sheet of black between the two sides, which fake cards won't have. | Familiarize yourself with the Pokémon species. Sometimes the pictures on fake cards show things that aren't even Pokémon, like Digimon (or similar imitators) or animals. Be suspicious if what a card displays looks questionable, or if there appears to be a sticker on top of the card. Look at the attacks and HP. If the HP is anywhere over 300, or the attacks don't exist, then it's a fake for sure. Also, if it says (attack no.) HP instead of HP (attack no.), it is definitely a fake card because real cards display the HP first and not the attack no. first. That's only with old cards; new cards have HP 80 instead of 80 HP. However, a few genuine cards have the variable and the attribute name inverted as a result of a printing mistake. Do not discard the card as fake without making further checks, as if the card is a genuine with a mistake, it may be valuable. Look for spelling mistakes, fancy borders around the Pokémon's picture, or a cup-like base holding the energy. Compare the energy symbol to other cards. Many fakes have energy symbols that are slightly larger, distorted, or offset from each other. Look at the text. On fake cards, the text is usually slightly smaller than on real cards and is usually in a different font. Check the weakness, resistance, and the retreat cost. The weakness/resistance's maximum damage addition/subtraction is +/-40, unless the weakness is x2. The retreat cost is no more than 4. Check the card box. With fake cards, the box won't have trademarks and will say something like "pre-release trading cards". It will be made from cheap cardboard, without the standard bag. Look at the card's spellings. Fake cards often have wrong spellings. Common mistakes among them including spelling the Pokémon names incorrectly, having no accent i.e. " ` " sign on the 'e' of 'Pokémon' , etc. You may also see the cards spelling the attacks inaccurately, and not having any energy signs under the attack for the attack description. If it is a first edition, look at the circular first edition stamp to the lower left of the card's picture. Sometimes (particularly for base set cards), people will stamp a card with their own 1st edition stamp. How can you tell the difference? First, a fake stamp is usually more imperfect and there are a few blotches on the stamp. Second, fake stamps come right off if you try to rub/scratch them off, very easily. See if the colors are faded, smudged, too dark, or just plain inaccurate (beware of Shining Pokémon, though! Those rare Pokémon are purposely the wrong color). The chances that it's a factory mistake are very slim; it's much more likely to be fake. Look at the back of the card. On fake cards, the blue swirling design often looks purplish. Also, sometimes the Poké Ball is upside down (on a real card, the red half is on the top). Sometimes, the Poké Ball image can also look uneven on the card. Inspect the card itself. A fake card usually feels thin and flimsy and you may be able to see through it if you hold it up to the light. Some fake cards, on the other hand, are too hard and look shiny. If it's the wrong size, that's also a telltale sign. Different materials will also wear differently, so on more "used" cards look for more damage to corners and unusual wear patterns. Also, fake cards often have no copyright date or the illustrator at the bottom of the card. Grab another card. Is the card in question the same size? Is it too pointy? Is it centered right? Is there more yellow on one side of the card than the other? Bend it a little. If it bends with great ease, it's a fake. The real cards are not flimsy. Make a small tear in it if you are certain it is a fake. Then take an old Pokémon card you don't use anymore and make a small rip in that. Compare the rate at which both ripped. If the fake one ripped faster, then it's without a doubt a fake. A quick way to test if your Pokémon card is real or fake is to take a close look at the edge of it. Real Pokémon cards have a very thin sheet of black between the cardboard. It's very thin, but up close it is easy to see the darkness between the two thin halves of the card. Fake cards do not have this. | Familiarize yourself with the Pokémon species. Look at the attacks and HP. Look for spelling mistakes, fancy borders around the Pokémon's picture, or a cup-like base holding the energy. Compare the energy symbol to other cards. Look at the text. Check the weakness, resistance, and the retreat cost. Check the card box. Look at the card's spellings. If it is a first edition, look at the circular first edition stamp to the lower left of the card's picture. See if the colors are faded, smudged, too dark, or just plain inaccurate (beware of Shining Pokémon, though! Look at the back of the card. Inspect the card itself. Grab another card. Bend it a little. Make a small tear in it if you are certain it is a fake. A quick way to test if your Pokémon card is real or fake is to take a close look at the edge of it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tie-a-Square-Knot | How to Tie a Square Knot | To tie a square knot, start by a rope in each hand. Then, cross the right rope over the left rope in a simple knot. Finish the square knot by tying the rope that's now in your left hand over the rope in your right hand. Pull the knot tight, and voila! | Take two ropes and lay the right-hand rope over the other. To make this knot, you need two strings, ropes, etc. Alternatively, you can use the opposite ends of a single rope. In our example, we'll lay the right-hand rope (the orange one in the graphic above) over the left-hand rope (the yellow one). However, if you lay the left-hand rope over the right-hand rope instead, you can still get a square knot if you reverse all of the following directions. Wrap the right-hand rope under the left-hand rope. The end of the right-hand rope should now be pointing out to the left (and vice versa.) Note that the first two steps for making a square knot are the same as you'd use for tying your shoes. Bring the right-hand rope back over the left-hand rope. This is, again, identical to how you would begin tying a pair of shoes. At this point, you should have what is known as a half knot. If you were to repeat the steps above again, you'd get a standard overhand knot. Bring the original right-hand rope over the other rope. Notice that the rope going over the top is still the orange rope in the graphic above. The end of this rope will be on the left at the start of this step, but it's still the rope that was originally on the right, so it's the rope you'll lay over the top here. Pull the original right-hand rope under the other rope. This is virtually the same as in Step 2, just going in the opposite direction since the original right-hand rope is now coming from the left. Pull on both ends firmly to tighten. Try to pull all four "slack" lengths of rope with equal force. If you don't, the knot may not hold its shape and may even come apart as you tighten it. Check your square/reef knot. From the front, your square knot should look like the one in the graphic above. You can also find good reference images at AnimatedKnots.com and other knot sites. If you have tightened the rope correctly, you should see that it forms a neat, even knot from two loops with one loop wrapping around the base of the other. Undo the knot by pulling the loops outward. Untying the square knot is simple — just grab the round part of each loop in your hands and pull in opposite directions. The knot should come apart easily. Double up the left-hand rope to make a loop. Start with one rope in each hand (as you would in the method above) and fold the left-hand rope on top of itself to make a good-sized loop. This method will make a knot that's identical to the one in the method above. As above, you can make a loop with the right-hand rope and reverse the directions to get the same knot. Put the end of the right-hand rope through the loop. For the next several steps, you may want to curl your left index finger around the base of the loop to keep it together for convenience's sake. Bring the right-hand rope under the bottom of the loop. Thread the right-hand rope through the loop. Pull it down and through — it should pass under the bottom half of the left-hand loop. Bring the right-hand rope over the two ropes at the base of the loop. Next, pull the right-hand rope (the one that's threaded through the loop) and bring it up over the two ropes that come together at the base of the loop. If you're holding the loop in your left hand as directed, these should be at the left side of the loop. When you're done, the right-hand rope should be above the loop. Bring the right-hand rope under the top of the loop and pull it through. Finally, take the end of the right-hand rope (which is now to the left of the loop) and put it under the top part of the loop. This mirrors the motion you made earlier on the bottom half of the loop. At this point, the right-hand rope should be back "inside" the loop. Pull it through to complete the knot. Pull all four ends tight with even tension. Congratulations! Your knot should be exactly the same as the one you made in the method above. Add extra half knots for added support. To make your square knot a little stronger, skip the "pull tight" step in either of the methods above and instead repeat the over-and-under half knot pattern to create an additional half knot on top of the square knot. You can "stack" as many of these half knots as you'd like to give your knot additional strength. Note that even "stacking" square knots in this way won't make your knot safe for critical usage. Don't use square knots (even stacked ones) for securing heavy loads or dangerous objects — they can (and do) fail. Instead, use a more secure knot like a Carrick bend or a Double Fisherman's knot. Add an extra coil in the first half knot to make a surgeon's knot. Another way to make your ordinary square knot a little stronger is to make what's called a surgeon's knot. To do this, after you wrap your right-hand rope over and under the left hand rope the first time, wrap it over and under again to create a second coil. After this, repeat the rest of the steps exactly as you normally would. You don't have to add an extra coil when you make the second half knot. Try using loops (rather than individual ropes) for the entire knot. If you have long lengths of rope to use up (like, for instance, if your shoe laces are too long), you may want to try making a square knot with loops of rope (also called "bights") rather than single lengths of rope. To tie this variation, simply start with one loop in each hand and treat each as you would treat individual ropes in the standard square knot instructions. In other words, the right-hand loop becomes the right-hand rope and the left-hand loop becomes the left-hand rope and the instructions are followed identically. | Take two ropes and lay the right-hand rope over the other. Wrap the right-hand rope under the left-hand rope. Bring the right-hand rope back over the left-hand rope. Bring the original right-hand rope over the other rope. Pull the original right-hand rope under the other rope. Pull on both ends firmly to tighten. Check your square/reef knot. Undo the knot by pulling the loops outward. Double up the left-hand rope to make a loop. Put the end of the right-hand rope through the loop. Bring the right-hand rope under the bottom of the loop. Bring the right-hand rope over the two ropes at the base of the loop. Bring the right-hand rope under the top of the loop and pull it through. Pull all four ends tight with even tension. Add extra half knots for added support. Add an extra coil in the first half knot to make a surgeon's knot. Try using loops (rather than individual ropes) for the entire knot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Mountain-Bike-Downhill | How to Mountain Bike Downhill | Once you start going downhill on a mountain bike, fully commit to the ride, since trying to stop on a hill can be dangerous. As you're riding down the hill, look as far down the trail as you can to give you more time to adjust your position. If the hill is steep, shift your weight to the back of the bike by lifting your butt off the seat to stop you tipping over the handlebars. When you come to a corner, keep your outside foot in the down position and shift your weight to the outside to smoothen out your trajectory. Riding downhill can be dangerous, so if you're a beginner, start with easier trails and learn the right techniques before you attempt steep hills so you don't hurt yourself. | Look as far down the trail as you can. Looking far in front of you will enable you to anticipate changes in the trail. This will give you enough time to adjust to bends or changes in the trail. If you get distracted and concentrate too close in front of you, micro adjustments and hesitation could cause you to wipe out. Commit to riding down the hill once you enter the decline. Instead of second-guessing yourself, go fully into the hill and keep your wheels turning. Occasionally feather the brakes to slow down when you come to slight bends in the road, but don't try to come to a complete stop until you're on level land. Hesitation could cause you to fall off your bike when going down a steep hill. You might be scared at first, but committing to a hill is the safest way to ride down it. Distribute your weight to the outside of the bike as you turn. When you turn, your outside foot should be in the down position, your inside pedal should be up, and your weight should be distributed to the outside of your bike. This will prevent you from taking corners too sharply and falling off your bike. Your weight should be evenly distributed between your front and back tire during turns. Drop your weight on the back of the bike when going down a steep hill. Hold the handlebars and lift your butt off the back of your seat. Plant your heels down onto your pedals, adjust your hips, and drop your weight onto the back of your bike. This will prevent you from tipping over the handlebars when going down a steep hill. Keep your elbows and knees loose (slightly bent rather than locked) to avoid bumps and jostling that could affect your control of the bike. Learn how to drop on a mountain bike. When approaching a drop in terrain, you should be elevated over your seat, your chest should be lowered, and your arms and legs should be bent. As you go over the cliff, lower your hips, put your weight on the back of the bike and push off your handlebars. The drop technique will safely guide you over small cliffs as you ride downhill. Try to land on your back wheel or both wheels when doing this maneuver. As you go over the drop, keep your knees and elbows dynamic to compensate for the impact. Practice on easy biking trails first. Most mountain bike trails will have a grading system that signifies their difficulty. This grading system can usually be found at the start of a trail or at the park's information booth. If you're new to downhill biking, choose one of the lower difficulty trails before trying an intermediate or difficult trail. Lower level tracks will be relatively straight with limited curves and bumps. Intermediate and advanced tracks may have steep drop-offs, narrow tracks, and obstacles blocking your way. Only go down an advanced track if you're an experienced mountain biker. Walk on the side of the trail if you need to stop. Don't stop in the middle of a trail. If you need to take a break or examine an obstacle, walk off to the side of the trail first. This will prevent other riders from colliding with you. Stop and examine an obstacle if it’s too difficult. It's okay to stop the bike and walk it over a portion of the trail that you find too scary to do, like a steep drop off or an obstacle. Make sure that you walk on the side of the trail, out of the way of potential bikers behind you. Examining an obstacle on a trail can actually help you better understand it the next time that you ride down the trail. Call out which side you're passing on. If you are passing someone on the trail, say "To your left" or "To your right," depending on which side you want to pass on. This will give the biker in front of you enough time to get to the side of the track. Alternatively, you can use a bicycle bell to communicate with other trail users. If someone coming up behind you says "To your Left" or "Left," get to the right of the track so that they can safely pass you. Stay tight against the bike if you're going to fall. Try to fall on the side while keeping your body close against the bike. This lets the pedal and handlebars absorb the bulk of the impact. The natural instinct to bail off the bike and land with your hands out can cause wrist and hand injuries. Increase your speed gradually on tracks you’re familiar with. Once you become more accustomed to the curves, bumps, and intricacies of a track or course, you can increase your speed on the track. After you master one trail, you can move onto more difficult ones. Purchase or rent a full suspension downhill bike for intermediate or advanced trails. Full suspension downhill bikes have sturdy suspensions that can withstand the bumps and drops from a downhill mountain bike course. They are heavier than hybrid and road bikes and are built specifically for rugged mountain bike trails. You can purchase or rent a full suspension downhill mountain bike at a bike store. If you're a beginner and want to try blue or green trails, you can use any bicycle. However, as you become more advanced, a full-suspension bike is ideal. Buy a helmet. If you're planning on mountain biking downhill on advanced trails, you'll want to purchase a helmet that can protect the front of your face if you go over the handlebars. The helmet should feel light and secure and should not obstruct your view in any way. Try the helmet on at a bike store to ensure that it fits. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from debris. Goggles will block dirt or dust that may blow into your face as you go downhill. Your helmet should fit comfortably over the goggles. Purchase biking clothing. Purchase tighter fitting, non-cotton performance or cycling clothes that wick sweat. The material in bike clothes helps regulate temperature and are made to fit your body in the cycling position. Performance or biking clothes can be found at bike stores or online. Popular brands of cycling clothes include POC, Mavic, and Benard. Baggy clothing can get caught in the chain or gears of your bike, but it's usually fine to wear comfortable clothes if you don't have anything designed specifically for biking. Wear protective armor over your clothes when going down advanced trails. Knee pads, elbow pads, or even full body armor will help minimize injuries if you fall off your bike. If you are going down more advanced tracks, buy biking armor online or at a biking store. Tailor your tire pressure and suspension to the track. If you are biking on wet ground, you can set your bike to a slightly lower suspension to get more grip on the trail. If you are going along dry ground, set your suspension higher to achieve higher speeds. Play around with both of these settings on your bike and find a setting that feels comfortable for you and the trail you're riding on. Proper mountain bike suspension should sit about ⅓ of the way down when you sit on the bike on dry terrain. Bring water and snacks. Water is an absolute essential, so don't forget to fill up and bring a few bottles or a water bladder when you go riding. Snacks like granola bars or trail mix are great to have on hand as well. | Look as far down the trail as you can. Commit to riding down the hill once you enter the decline. Distribute your weight to the outside of the bike as you turn. Drop your weight on the back of the bike when going down a steep hill. Learn how to drop on a mountain bike. Practice on easy biking trails first. Walk on the side of the trail if you need to stop. Stop and examine an obstacle if it’s too difficult. Call out which side you're passing on. Stay tight against the bike if you're going to fall. Increase your speed gradually on tracks you’re familiar with. Purchase or rent a full suspension downhill bike for intermediate or advanced trails. Buy a helmet. Wear goggles to protect your eyes from debris. Purchase biking clothing. Wear protective armor over your clothes when going down advanced trails. Tailor your tire pressure and suspension to the track. Bring water and snacks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Crashing-After-Having-an-Energy-Drink | How to Avoid Crashing After Having an Energy Drink | To avoid crashing after having an energy drink, drink a lot of water throughout the day since energy drinks can dehydrate you, which makes you tired. Also, make sure you eat healthy foods throughout the day, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which will help prevent your energy levels from dipping. You can also avoid crashing by spreading out your consumption of an energy drink over the course of a couple hours instead of drinking it all at once. | Spread out the consumption. Instead of drinking the entire energy drink at once, spread it out over the course of a couple hours. Not only will this prevent huge spikes in your adrenaline, dopamine, and insulin levels, it will also prevent the dips that cause the crash. Drink one to two ounces (30 to 60 ml) every 15 minutes rather than drinking it all at once. Eat regularly throughout the day. Avoid drinking caffeine on an empty stomach, as this could cause greater hormone spikes and dips. To help your body metabolize the caffeine and sugar more steadily and to keep your energy levels consistent, eat healthy foods throughout the day (spread out over four meals), including: Carbohydrates, such as pasta, cereal, and potatoes Whole grains Fruits, nuts, and vegetables Consume energy drinks at the right time. Caffeine can be a great way to give yourself some extra alertness, but there are optimal times of day to consume it to get the most benefits. During the day, your body has natural spikes in cortisol, which is a stress hormone, and you should avoid drinking caffeine during these spikes. The best times to drink caffeine are: Between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Between 1:30 and 5 p.m. Avoid energy drinks with sugar. Although the caffeine in energy drinks can cause its own crash, a sugar crash will prolong and exacerbate the effects. For one, sugar crashes can be worse than caffeine crashes, and the two don't occur at the same time. While the effects of caffeine will last for at least five hours, a sugar crash will occur within about two hours. To avoid extra calories and the sugar crash, look for sugar-free energy drinks. Look for energy drinks that contain electrolytes and glycogen. This is particularly important for athletes looking for extra energy during endurance training. Your body loses electrolytes when you sweat, and your muscles burn off glycogen during long workouts, so it's important to replenish these stores during workouts that exceed an hour. Stay hydrated. While caffeine alone won't dehydrate your body, certain energy drinks can, especially if they contain a lot of sugar. To prevent dehydration from energy drinks, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can cause sleepiness, irritability, headaches, and confusion, which will only make an energy drink crash worse. Make a refreshing and energizing iced tea. Homemade energy drinks, electrolyte drinks, smoothies, and protein shakes can be consumed in the morning or during the day for an extra burst of energy. For a refreshing iced tea: Boil one cup (240 ml) of water. Pour it over four grams (or two tea bags) of loose-leaf green tea and two grams (one bag) of yerba maté tea. Steep for five minutes, then remove the tea bags or strain the leaves. Stir in 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 g or ml) of sweetener, such as honey, sugar, or maple syrup, and two tablespoons (15 ml) fresh lemon juice. Cool to room temperature. When it's cool, serve the drink over ice with mint garnish (optional). Blend yourself an energy smoothie. This is an energizing smoothie that's easy to make, because you simply place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. In the blender, combine: One orange, peeled ¾ cup (180 ml) coconut milk 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey 1 tablespoon (15 g) ground flaxseed 6 ounces (170 g) regular, light, or non-dairy yogurt Four to six ice cubes Create your own electrolyte replenishing drink. For people who are very active throughout the day and sweat a lot, it might be a good idea to replenish your electrolytes with a homemade drink. By making it from home, you can control the ingredients and the amount of salt. In a blender, combine until smooth: 3 cups (720 ml) coconut water 1 cup (144 gr) strawberries 1 cup (240 ml) fresh water Four to six ice cubes 1/8 teaspoon (0.625 g) sea salt 2 tablespoons (30 g or ml) sweetener (such as sugar or maple syrup) Make a protein drink from scratch. A midday protein drink is a great way to bring your energy levels back up, and a homemade protein drink ensures you get all the vitamins and nutrients you need without any of the filler. In a blender, combine: 1 banana, peeled 1 cup (150 g) regular or dairy-free yogurt ½ cup (120 ml) of milk or dairy-free milk 1 tablespoon (15 g) peanut butter 1 tablespoon (15 g) chia seeds ½ teaspoon (2.5 g) cinnamon Eat a balanced diet. Because of the excessive amounts of caffeine, sugar, and other stimulants, energy drinks are best reserved for emergency situations. If you're looking for ways to boost your overall energy, you can do this with proper diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep. To ensure you're getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep your body healthy and energized, make sure you eat on a daily basis: Fresh or frozen fruits of all colors. Plant-based or lean proteins, such as beans, legumes, nuts, seafood, or chicken. Healthy carbohydrates, such as whole grains, pastas, breads, and tubers. Healthy fats, like those found in nuts, seeds, and avocados. Get lots of sleep. Sleep isn't just necessary to ensure you make it through the day without falling asleep: it's also essential to your brain and body, and without enough sleep, neither will function properly. While everybody is different, anyone over the age of 14 needs between seven and 10 hours of sleep per night in order to give the brain time to rejuvenate. Caffeine consumption can actually create a vicious cycle, because while you might have a coffee after a long night when you didn't get enough sleep, that caffeine can actually prevent you from sleeping properly the next night, which will result in you being tired again the following morning. Exercise regularly. Exercise increases your energy on two fronts. On the one hand, physical activity promotes blood flow, which carries more oxygen and nutrients to your cells, giving your body more fuel to burn. On the other hand, exercise also promotes better sleep, which in turn leads to you feeling more energized as well. To get the most out of your days, make sure that physical activity is a regular part of your routine. Healthy adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours of moderate activity per week. This can include working in the yard, brisk walks, or leisurely swims. Healthy adults who are more active should aim for faster paced exercises, such as swimming laps, jogging, or stair and hill climbing. Drink caffeine only in small quantities. Caffeine can be included in your life as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, but moderation is the key. If you want to consume caffeine, try black coffee or tea instead of energy drinks. Coffee, which contains more caffeine than tea, should be consumed in small amounts over the course of a day, rather than all at once. | Spread out the consumption. Eat regularly throughout the day. Consume energy drinks at the right time. Avoid energy drinks with sugar. Look for energy drinks that contain electrolytes and glycogen. Stay hydrated. Make a refreshing and energizing iced tea. Blend yourself an energy smoothie. Create your own electrolyte replenishing drink. Make a protein drink from scratch. Eat a balanced diet. Get lots of sleep. Exercise regularly. Drink caffeine only in small quantities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Rugby-Tackle | How to Rugby Tackle | To rugby tackle an opponent, start on your toes, with your knees bent and your arms out in front of you, so you can adjust your movements quickly. Next, step into your opponent, leading with your shoulder and driving it into your opponent's thigh or stomach while keeping your head up. Finally, wrap your arms around their thighs and squeeze until you can take them off balance. | Tackle low, leading with your shoulder, to bring down any runner safely and effectively. A rugby tackle is quick, simple, and safe if you keep your head up and lead with your shoulder. A good tackle has several components, and mastering them will prevent injuries and bring down opponents with ease: Start in an athletic position, on your toes to adjust to the attacker's movement. Lead with your shoulder, driving it into their thigh or stomach. Keep your head up, tucking it along the butt of the attacker. Wrap your arms around their thighs, squeezing in to take them off balance. Let your momentum carry your shoulder through them, using your arms to "squeeze" them to the ground with you. Bend your knees gently and crouch into an athletic stance as the runner approaches. You need to be ready to move in a moments notice as the tackle approaches. The best way to prepare is to be on your toes, knees slightly bent, and arms in front of you. Imagine an Olympic wrestler in their starting position and you have a good idea of your stance: Knees bent. Weight forward, on the balls of your feet and ready to spring. Spine straight. Hands out in front of your body, ready to tackle. Your elbows should not be "chicken-winged" outwards. Head up and looking at your opponent. Step up to your opponent as they approach. Don't wait them to come to you -- take the tackle to them. As they run at you with the ball, take short, choppy steps to close the gap. Make the attacker make a decision before they're ready, all while staying on your toes and closing in. Once you're 1-2 meters away you're ready to start the tackle. If you're chasing them down, or running over, slow down and gain control of your body 5-10 yards away from them. You don't want to run at them. You simply want to move your feet with quick, short steps towards them, allowing you to change direction on a dime if they try and fake you out. Watch their waist as you approach. A player usually fakes with their head, their arms/shoulders, or their feet. A person's waist, however, must point in the direction their body is moving. Step at the attacker once he is closer enough to tackle. This is how you build the momentum needed for a good tackle. Once you've closed the gap and know what direction he's going, step towards him, aiming roughly right between his legs. Once you've reached this point you need to be committed to the tackle, and the next few moves need to happen in rapid succession, without hesitation, to succeed. More often than not, the attacker will pick a side of you and run for that, trying to get around you. This actually makes your job even easier -- once they've picked a side you can step right at them and tackle from the side, as they've eliminated their forward momentum. Find the "safe side" of the attacker when planning the hit. This is usually up to the attacker to decide, so be adaptable. The safe side is where you're going to place your head on the tackle. Most often this is their backside: a player chooses a direction to run around you, and you don't want to tackle them on the same side as their pumping knees and legs. For example, if an attacker runs to your right, the safe side would be on your left, right along the attacker's butt. In the rare instance when a player runs right at you without making a move, never fear -- keep your head up and step right at them, positioning your head to whatever side you're comfortable with. Throw your shoulder into their gut to initiate the tackle. Follow up on your big step by throwing your momentum, shoulder first, into the opponent's midsection. Your head needs to stay up to watch out for injuries, and your cheek will slide along their butt cheek if you've made proper contact. As you make the move, drive with your legs, pushing yourself "through" the tackle for the maximum power. Keep your elbows close to your ribs as you tackle, not out wide. The majority of your tackle is done with your shoulder and body weight, not your comparatively weak arms. You can hit anywhere between the upper thigh and just underneath the chest. Know, however, that the lower you hit the easier they will be to bring down. Wrap your arms around their thigh and squeeze in. This is the best way to pull someone off balance, no matter how much bigger or stronger they are. After you've made contact, wrap your arms around their legs and squeeze into your chest, like you were giving their thighs the biggest hug you can give. When warming up with teammates, practice this quick grip and squeeze around the thighs. You'll notice how easily your teammates lose their balance and get lifted off the ground. Keep driving with your legs to bring them to the ground. Once you've made contact and wrapped up their legs, keep your legs moving and arms squeezed to bring them to the ground. More often than not you'll end up on top of the tackle, making it easier to get up and join the ruck. If you've lost your footing on the tackle, keep squeezing with your arms. If this doesn't bring them down on its own another teammate will soon be there to finish the job. Keep your feet moving the entire time you're tackling. You want to be constantly in motion and driving the opponent back. Once the player is down, jump back up to your feet immediately. You cannot keep playing the ball from the ground, but once you're on your feet again you can grab the ball or ruck for your team. Practice making appropriate contact and head position with drills on your knees. Get a partner. One of you should have a ball, they other will be on their knees 5-6 meters away. Have the ball carrier approach at half speed, then choose a direction to run around the "defender." The player on their knees must then commit to the tackle from the ground, focusing on placing their head on the opponent's butt cheek and wrapping them up. When done correctly, the wrap alone should bring the attacker down safely. This is a great drill for beginners and to warm up for tackling before practices and games. As you get better, try the same drill on your feet. Line up across from the attacker and make a slow, technically perfect tackle, bringing them to the ground gently. You can turn the drill an endurance test as well. Place 3-4 defenders, all on their knees, in a row and make the attacker run through each of them, taking contact and bouncing up after each hit. Try group tackling drills. Group 5 players in square, with one in the middle holding a ball. Have them toss it to a player on the corner, who will run in at them, choosing a side to run to. The center player must get low and make the tackle, then get to their feet and grab the ball. As the tackled player gets up and returns to the corner, have the center player throw the ball to a new person and then make another tackle. Switch out the player in the center after 1 minute or so, depending on skill and fitness level. Start with very small squares so that attackers can't gain much momentum. Once you're confident in everyone's tackling ability, increase the distance so that players must make more challenging tackles in the middle. Similar drills can be done in straight lines, where the tackler must move through everyone, or in small 2v2 scrimmages. Practice jogging tackles once your form feels correct. The best way to get used to game pace is to slowly ramp up the contact. For jogging tackles, simply have an offensive player jog straight forward with the ball. Approach them diagonally and tackle them from the side, without them dodging at all. While you should still practice this at only 75% pace, it gets you used to hitting a moving target and placing your head correctly on the butt. Work on one-on-one match-ups to improve your overall tackling. Oftentimes the best way to practice tackling is to just go and do it. Mark off a thin rectangle, no more than 10 yards wide, and give your teammate the ball on the end. Have them run at you at attempt to get by with whatever move, trick, or speed they can muster. Your only job is to prevent it from happening. Keeping the field thin allows you to approximate a game setting, when an attacker would just hit another defender by going out wide, and forces you to make solid, firm contact in order to win. To minimize head-on contact, start both players on the same side of the field. On the count of three, both players run around opposite corners of the box and then meet in the middle of the rectangle at an angle. In practice it is generally best to practice tackling at 75-80% speed. No one wants to get injured, especially in practice. Do not over-rely on tackling bags. A tackling bag is a good, safe way to learn contact. However, many coaches use them far too often, which teaches kids to make odd tackles that they would never make in a game. Use the bags to warm-up, practice some contact on days where you don't want anyone hurt, and to illustrate where to hit with your shoulder. Otherwise, stick with natural contact, even if it is only at 50% speed, to teach your players more effectively. Tackle bags are soft and safe, meaning players can take tackling risks they never would in a game. Bags have a place in training still, of course, just not every day. Practice "landing" tackles and getting quickly back to your feet every time. No matter what drill you are doing, you need be focused not only on the tackle but immediately after. A good tackler is back on their feet immediately, using the tackle to gain an advantage over the opponent that could lead to a stolen ball. As your tackling improves, work on. Ending the tackle on top. Make sure you get up before they can. Popping immediately to your feet. Once you're on your feet you can play the ball. That means, if none of their teammates have made it to the ruck yet, you can simply steal the ball and run forward. Step over the ball as soon as you're up. This ensures the ball is in your possession, even if you can't pick it up. The other team must ruck through you to get the ball back. | Tackle low, leading with your shoulder, to bring down any runner safely and effectively. Bend your knees gently and crouch into an athletic stance as the runner approaches. Step up to your opponent as they approach. Step at the attacker once he is closer enough to tackle. Find the "safe side" of the attacker when planning the hit. Throw your shoulder into their gut to initiate the tackle. Wrap your arms around their thigh and squeeze in. Keep driving with your legs to bring them to the ground. Practice making appropriate contact and head position with drills on your knees. Try group tackling drills. Practice jogging tackles once your form feels correct. Work on one-on-one match-ups to improve your overall tackling. Do not over-rely on tackling bags. Practice "landing" tackles and getting quickly back to your feet every time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-Tray-Ceiling | How to Paint a Tray Ceiling | If you've already protected the floor and furniture, line the top edges of the walls and crown molding with painters tape and wipe the ceiling clean. Apply a coat of latex-based primer to the ceiling. Give it 3 hours to dry, pour some latex paint into a paint tray, and roll a roller in to coat the nap. Attach an extension pole to the roller and roll the paint onto the ceiling in straight overlapping rows where you can. Use an angled brush to fill in the edges and crevices. Wait 4 hours for the paint to dry. | Go the popular route by painting everything but the crown molding. If you're painting your first tray ceiling, or you just like a classic look, don't paint your crown molding. As is, your ceiling's crown molding probably matches the rest of the molding in the room. Because of this, it looks sophisticated, classic, and seamless to leave it that way and just paint the rest of your ceiling the same color as your walls. Go simple and safe with all white. Another less intense option is to just paint everything in the room white, including the walls, the ceiling, and all of the crown molding. This will keep your tray ceiling from standing out too much, but will also look attractively clean and simple. Put similar colors side by side for a contemporary feel. If you'd like a more interesting, contemporary feel but you don't want to go too bold, use 2 similar paint shades instead of just 1. This can provide a unique look that still ties everything in the room together. For example, paint the inset of your tray ceiling a few shades darker or lighter than the walls of the room or the rest of the ceiling. Enhance the architecture subtlety by painting everything 1 color. If your style is somewhat bold and unique, paint everything, including the walls, the ceiling, and the molding, the same color. This gives off a monochromatic vibe. Tie everything together by picking a color that matches some of the larger furniture pieces and/or accessories in the room. Add dramatic effect by painting the tray inset a bright color. If you're wanting to go in a bold direction, keep the walls, the ceiling, and the molding all a matching neutral, and paint the inset of the tray a beautiful, vibrant color, such as fire engine red. Then, decorate your room with some items of the same color, such as throw pillows in a living room or dishes in a dining room. This is an even more striking style choice if the tray inset has a unique shape. Heighten the room by matching the room walls to the tray walls. The tray walls are the outside edges of the ceiling that don't make up the tray inset or the crown molding around it. A simple way to enhance the appearance of your tray ceiling is to paint these tray walls the same color as the walls in the room, and then leave the crown and tray inset white. This can make the tray walls look like an attractive extension of the room's walls. This looks especially attractive on tray ceilings that don't have crown molding. Protect the furniture and floor and open a window for ventilation. Before you start painting, move everything you can out of the room so that it doesn't get damaged by the paint. Then, lay down drop cloths to protect the floor and open up the windows in the room to provide some ventilation. This way, the paint fumes can air out. If you don't want to move your furniture, cover it with drop cloths instead. If there aren't windows in the room, you can set up an air purifier that has a carbon component or an exhaust fan instead to help remove gases and odors. Line the wall trim with painters tape. Unroll and press down some painters tape all around the top edge of the walls in the room. This should allow you to get a crisp line and avoid accidently getting paint on the walls. If your tray ceiling has crown molding, put tape down on the edges of the crown molding as well. Wipe down the ceiling with a damp cloth. Lightly dampen a clean cloth with water. Then, get on a small ladder so that you can comfortably reach the ceiling. Wipe down the entire surface of the ceiling to remove any dust or dirt so that the paint rolls on nicely. You can also go over the ceiling with a hand-held vacuum to get it extra clean. Apply a coat of primer to the ceiling and let it dry. Paint primer acts as a extra layer of protection that can help the paint stick to the ceiling better. Before you paint, pour some latex-based primer into a paint tray. Roll your roller into the primer and then cover as much of the ceiling as you can in small sections of straight lines. Then, use an angled brush to prime all of the edges that you couldn't reach with a roller. Give the primer at least 3 hours to dry thoroughly. Roll the roller into the paint tray and attach the roller to an extension pole. Once your primer is completely dry, pour some latex paint of your desired color into the deep side of a clean paint tray. Put a new nap on your roller and and roll small amounts of the paint up towards the shallow end of the tray until the nap is covered. Then, attach an extension pole to the roller to make the painting process easier. Roll the paint onto the ceiling in overlapping straight rows. Typically, it's best to paint in small sections of these rows, but the ceiling's structure probably won't allow this. Start painting at one of the ceiling corners and work your way across the ceiling as best you can. Focus on covering as much of the tray walls and the tray inset as you can without getting too close to the edges, or to the crown molding if applicable. Roll slowly to prevent the paint from splattering. Use an angled brush on the difficult crevices. After doing all you can with the roller, go back with a clean angled brush and fill in all of the edges and crevices that the roller couldn't get to. Expect this to take you more time than it would if you were painting a flat ceiling. Wait 4 hours before you use the room again. Give the ceiling at least 4 hours to dry completely after you've finished painting. Then, check to see if you missed any spots or if you need to apply a second coat. If necessary, fill in missing spots and/or apply another coat. After another 4 hours, you can put away the drop cloths and bring the furniture back into the room. If it doesn't look like you missed any spots or need to apply a second coat, go ahead and return the room to its former state. | Go the popular route by painting everything but the crown molding. Go simple and safe with all white. Put similar colors side by side for a contemporary feel. Enhance the architecture subtlety by painting everything 1 color. Add dramatic effect by painting the tray inset a bright color. Heighten the room by matching the room walls to the tray walls. Protect the furniture and floor and open a window for ventilation. Line the wall trim with painters tape. Wipe down the ceiling with a damp cloth. Apply a coat of primer to the ceiling and let it dry. Roll the roller into the paint tray and attach the roller to an extension pole. Roll the paint onto the ceiling in overlapping straight rows. Use an angled brush on the difficult crevices. Wait 4 hours before you use the room again. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Router-Table | How to Build a Router Table | To build a router table, first use a tablesaw to carefully cut a sheet of ¾-inch plywood to 2 feet by 4 feet, which will serve as your table top. Then, to make the underside frame of the table, cut 2 2 by 4 boards to 17 inches long, and 2 2 by 4 boards to 45 inches. Once you've cut them, arrange these boards inside the plywood tabletop to form a frame shape. Then, drill wood screws to connect the frame boards. Once they're connected, make sure to use angle brackets to secure it to the tabletop. To make your table legs, cut 2 by 4 inch boards to waist height, which will make for a comfortable table height. After you have your legs, use wood glue to hold them in place, then drill in construction screws to secure them. Finally, you can make cross supports for extra support on your table legs. | Cut a sheet of 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm) plywood to 2 ft × 4 ft (0.61 m × 1.22 m). Use a straightedge and a pencil to make the lines you'll along. Push the board slowly through the table saw to make a straight, even cut. If you want to ensure you're cutting a straight line, use a guide along one side of the plywood. If you use plywood any thinner than ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm), it will not be able to support the weight of the router. The size of the plywood can be increased or decreased depending on how much tabletop space you want. Make a rectangular frame with 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards. Cut 2 boards so they are 17 in (43 cm) long and another pair of boards to a length of 45 in (110 cm) long. Arrange the boards into a rectangle so the shorter boards fit between the longer ones. Set the frame so it is 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm) from the edges of the tabletop. Connect the ends of the frame boards using wood screws with a drill. Pre-drill 2 holes into the ends of the boards so the wood doesn't split. Then drill in 2 construction screws in each corner to attach the longer board to the end of the shorter board. Make sure the screws are completely tight so the frame doesn't fall apart. If you have a pocket hole guide, you can attach the boards together in the corners discreetly with pocket screws. Use angle brackets and wood screws to secure the frame to the tabletop. Place the frame on the bottom of the tabletop so the boards are 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm) from each side. Use 2 angle brackets for each board and place them at least 4 in (10 cm) from the inside corners of the frame. Screw them into the frame, then screw the other side of the bracket to the bottom of the table. Use screws less than ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) long so they don't break through the tabletop. If your frame still fits loosely to the tabletop, use another metal bracket in the middle of each board. Make the legs with 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards cut to waist height. Measure the distance from the floor to your waist using a tape measure. Once you find the height, make marks on your boards so you know where to saw them. Cut the boards using a table or circular saw and sand the bottoms so they sit flat on the ground. Having the table at waist height allows you to work comfortably without having to reach far. You can also make the table the same height as your current workbenches if you'd prefer. Screw the legs into the support frame at each corner. Place the legs in the inner corners of the support frame you've built. Drill 2 construction screws into each leg to attach the legs to the frame's shortest sides. Once the legs are attached, flip the table over so it's upright. Use wood glue before you put in the screws the legs to have extra security. Add cross supports between the legs 8 in (20 cm) from the floor. Measure the distance between the legs of your table and cut pieces of 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards to the same length. Pre-drill the holes through the boards and legs so the wood doesn't split. Attach the supports between each leg with construction screws and a drill so your table is sturdy when you use it. Use a level and clamps to hold the support in place while you screw it in. If your wood cracks, squeeze wood glue into the gap and clamp it tight so it is secure. Trace a 1 ft × 1 ft (30 cm × 30 cm) piece of acrylic onto the tabletop. Place the acrylic on top of the table at least 4 in (10 cm) from one of the long sides. Use a pencil to draw a line on the tabletop in the shape of the acrylic. If you want more counter space to hold tools or materials, make the square closer to the front. Otherwise, you can place the hole in the center of the table. Measure in 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) from each side of the square. Use a tape measure or ruler on each side of the traced square and make marks 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm) in from each side. Use a straightedge and a pencil to draw a second square inside the one you already traced. This square is what you'll cut out so your router can fit under the table. Some routers may be different sizes and require a smaller or larger hole. Measure the width of your router to see if you need to make any adjustments. Cut holes in each corner of the smaller square with a 1 in (2.5 cm) hole cutter. Place your drill bit as close to the corner as you can. Turn your drill on and push down with an even pressure so the bit cuts through the tabletop completely. Repeat this for each corner of the smaller square. Cutting the holes in each corner gives you a starting point for when you start sawing and helps relieve some of the pressure when you make your cuts. Cut the inner square out with a jigsaw. Place the jigsaw in one of the holes you cut in the corner. Follow the line you drew to one of the other corners. Keep cutting until the square falls out or can easily be removed by hand. Work slowly with your saw so you don't travel outside of the lines. Route the 1 ft × 1 ft (30 cm × 30 cm) section to make a ledge for the acrylic. Use a straight bit in your router and set the thickness on the router to the same thickness as the acrylic sheet. Turn the router on and press it firmly into the tabletop. Slowly work left and right to file away the wood up to the line you've drawn. Make sure not to work past the lines or else the sheet of acrylic will fit loosely. Wear eye protection and a face mask since the router will produce a lot of sawdust. Make guides out of spare 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards and clamps to prevent you from going outside of the edges you've marked. Sand the edges and corners of the square so the acrylic sheet fits. Use a 150 or 240-grit sandpaper to smooth the edges of the routed-out section of tabletop and round the corners of the acrylic sheet. Test how the acrylic fits inside the tabletop and continue to make adjustments as you need them. The router will make curved corners on the tabletop, so you need to round the acrylic so it matches. Make a 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) round hole in the center of the acrylic sheet. Use a hole saw attachment for your drill in the center of the acrylic sheet to make your cut. Apply a firm amount of pressure to cut through the acrylic completely. Pull the saw out and sand any rough edges. To find the center of the acrylic, use a dry erase marker and a straightedge to draw lines across the sheet from one corner to the other. Turn the acrylic sheet and make another line between the 2 remaining corners. The center will be where the lines intersect. Wipe the lines clean with a dry cloth. Use the old router plate to mark where the mounting screws should go. Take the plate off of the router and line up the center hole with the one you made in the acrylic. Look for the holes around the plate where you would attach screws and use a marker to make a dot on the acrylic so you know where to make the holes. The holes need to line up or else the router will not properly fit under the table. Drill holes into the acrylic for each mounting screw. Use a drill bit that matches the size of the screws to make holes where you've marked the dots. Drill completely through the acrylic with your drill bit so you can easily attach the mounting screws to the router. To make the screws flush with the acrylic, use a drill bit the same diameter as the screw heads. Drill ⁄ 8 in (0.32 cm) down in the holes you just made. Attach the router to the underside of the acrylic with screws. Set your router upside down and place the sheet of acrylic on top of it. Line up the holes so the center is over the router bit and the mounting holes line up. Use a drill to attach the screws to your router to the acrylic so it holds firmly in place. Drop the acrylic and router into the table so it fits flush. Carefully feed the power cord through the hole in the tabletop and set your router inside so the acrylic sheet sits on the ledge. Make sure the acrylic is flush with the tabletop. Once the router and acrylic are in place, you can plug it in and it's ready to use! If you ever need to remove your router, lift it out of the hole and unscrew it from the acrylic sheet. | Cut a sheet of 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm) plywood to 2 ft × 4 ft (0.61 m × 1.22 m). Make a rectangular frame with 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards. Connect the ends of the frame boards using wood screws with a drill. Use angle brackets and wood screws to secure the frame to the tabletop. Make the legs with 2 in × 4 in (5.1 cm × 10.2 cm) boards cut to waist height. Screw the legs into the support frame at each corner. Add cross supports between the legs 8 in (20 cm) from the floor. Trace a 1 ft × 1 ft (30 cm × 30 cm) piece of acrylic onto the tabletop. Measure in 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) from each side of the square. Cut holes in each corner of the smaller square with a 1 in (2.5 cm) hole cutter. Cut the inner square out with a jigsaw. Route the 1 ft × 1 ft (30 cm × 30 cm) section to make a ledge for the acrylic. Sand the edges and corners of the square so the acrylic sheet fits. Make a 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) round hole in the center of the acrylic sheet. Use the old router plate to mark where the mounting screws should go. Drill holes into the acrylic for each mounting screw. Attach the router to the underside of the acrylic with screws. Drop the acrylic and router into the table so it fits flush. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clear-Your-Mind-for-Meditation | How to Clear Your Mind for Meditation | To help clear your mind for meditation, first make sure your meditating space is private and organized, and the temperature in it is set to around 70°F. Limit your distractions by turning off your phone, focusing your eyesight on a calming feature, such as candlelight, and wearing comfortable clothing. Before you begin your session, relax your body and mind by taking a walk, a 30 minute nap, or by drinking a cup of herbal tea. | Take a walk. Go on a quick stroll around the park of your neighborhood. Keep away from crowded places or ones with high traffic. If you go slower, concentrate on the nature around you and visualize the tension leaving your body. If you go faster, it will get your blood pumping and will cause the release of endorphins, which will help you to clear your mind. Any type of exercise will help you to clear your mind. You can try lifting some weights, riding a bike, or even playing a game of basketball. Then, use your meditation time to decompress. Do some deep breathing exercises. Find a count that works for you and then repeat it over and over again in time with your breaths. Breathe in for four counts and then breathe out for four counts. Make sure that your lungs inflate fully and try to remove all air from them with every exhale. Repeat this process for a few minutes until you feel calm and prepared to meditate. Drink a glass of warm milk. This is a tool that many people use to drift off into sleep; however, it also helps to relax your body for meditation. Pour some milk into a microwave-safe cup and heat it until warm. You can also heat the milk on the stove. Slowly sip the milk. Take a short nap. Find a quiet, calm place and lie down for 30 minutes. Try not to exceed this time limit or your nap may make you more tired than focused. Once you wake up, take a few minutes to stretch before starting to meditate. Your nap can serve as a restart for your day and may lessen your stress levels. Taking naps during the day results in headaches for some people. If this is the case for you, experiment with the lengths of your naps or just try closing your eyes for a bit instead. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Choose a type of tea that you prefer, whether it be peppermint, chamomile, or another option. Blend a cup and breathe in the steam. Slowly sip the tea. Some teas, such as chamomile, have built-in low-level sedation properties which can lead to almost immediate relaxation. For even more relaxing results, you can pair your tea with a warm bath. Just make sure to not get too relaxed or you may feel tempted to skip your meditation exercises. Change into comfortable clothes. At least 15 minutes before you start to meditate, put on some clothes that are not distracting to you. Go with natural blends, such as cotton. Synthetic fabrics can be scratchy and less flexible. Making clothing adjustments can pull you out of your meditation. Some people prefer to wear something similar to workout attire. Try fitted or loose cotton pants with a matching t-shirt. You can also go shoeless for even more comfort. Complete a body scan. Sit still and consider each part of your body, starting with the top of your head and moving downwards. Pay attention to how each area feels. Are you experiencing any pain there? Does one area feel particularly strong? As you finish with your toes, tell yourself that you will work through all of this information later. Now, you are ready to focus on your mind. Make a gratitude list. Pick a particular person in your life. Then, focus on that person and write down everything that you are grateful for about them. Try to write down at least ten observations. Repeat this process with a new “person of focus” each day immediately prior to meditating. This will put you in a positive mindset. If you want to extend the positive energy even more, you can send your list to the person in question and thank that person over the phone. Write down a to-do list. If you are the type of person who is extraordinarily busy, set aside five minutes before each meditation to sit down and write out a list of tasks that you need to complete that day or week. Once they are on the list, do your best to banish them from your mind. You now know that they will be dealt with after you are finished. This is also a good way to not feel guilty about taking some “me” time for meditation. Your list shows that you will handle your obligations to others as well. As opposed to a list, you can also just free-write your thoughts. Write anything that comes to mind. You can use this as a way to vent any negative energy too. For example, you might write, “I'm so tired to being taken for granted at work.” Turn off and put away your phone. As you start the winding down process, go ahead and place your phone away from you and silence it. Your phone has the potential to distract you and to pull you back into the current day's events. Removing your phone allows you to escape for a bit. If you are meditating with a group, it is also common courtesy to silence all electronic devices, unless the group decides otherwise. Read from a calming text. Carry a small book of poems with you. Or, perhaps a book with inspirational quotations. Some people find reading biographies calming as well. There are even special meditation books available that can help you to focus your thoughts. Go to your local bookstore, or online, and search out a few texts that appeal to you. Focus on one thing. Picture in your mind one person, place, event, idea, or location. It can be anything that you choose. Push all of your mental energies toward that area and try to focus on it as much as possible. Go back to this area whenever your mind tries to wander when meditating. For example, you might focus on how much you love the city of Paris. Try to think about everything that you love about it and then steer yourself back to a blank mind. Be gentle with yourself. It's okay to engage in a dialogue with yourself while preparing to mediate. If you begin to lose focus, tell yourself, “Let's avoid distractions. Focus on breathing.” If you start to attack yourself for being “bad” at meditating then you will lose all focus and control. So, keep your mental comments positive and uplifting. When in doubt, assume that you are doing everything right. After all, if you get something out of meditating, then you've succeeded. Identify a meditation haven. Ideally, you should try to meditate in the same general area every day. Locate a spot that feels serene to you and one where you are comfortable. Your haven could be your bedroom, the kitchen, or even the attic. Make sure that it is somewhere safe, too. Clean up the space around you. If you find that your haven is a bit disorganized on a certain day, it may help to spend a few minutes tidying everything up before starting to meditate. It may calm your mind knowing that your environment is orderly. Set the temperature to mild. If you are too cold, then you will likely lose focus and your mind may wander a bit. You may also fidget or experience the chills, which are equally distracting. If you are too warm, then you may sweat or itch. Pick a temperature that is as close to unnoticeable as possible. Move the thermostat up or down each day until you find the best temperature for you. Try different meditation positions. Many people prefer to sit on the floor to meditate, sometimes with their feet crossed. However, you can also try sitting with your legs stretched out, sitting upright in a chair, laying down on your back or on your stomach, or even walking around. Rotate through these positions until you find one that works best for clearing your mind. If you choose to sit down to meditate, it might help to add a soft towel or light blanket to sit on. Lower the lighting of the room. Create a calming atmosphere by installing dimmer bulbs in your meditation haven area. Or, turn off the lights in the room and light a few small candles. If you find yourself getting distracted, focusing on the flame will help to center you. Transition out of meditation slowly. When you are finished with a session, don't just jump up and immediately throw yourself back into your work. Instead, stand up and take a long, relaxing stretch. Maybe take another short walk. Gradually build-up to your normal level of activity. Practice this exercise daily. Make meditation a normal part of your daily routine. It is easiest to clear your mind in the morning, but a daytime or evening session are also good options. Stick to the same general timeframe, so that your mind and body get used to the process. | Take a walk. Do some deep breathing exercises. Drink a glass of warm milk. Take a short nap. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Change into comfortable clothes. Complete a body scan. Make a gratitude list. Write down a to-do list. Turn off and put away your phone. Read from a calming text. Focus on one thing. Be gentle with yourself. Identify a meditation haven. Clean up the space around you. Set the temperature to mild. Try different meditation positions. Lower the lighting of the room. Transition out of meditation slowly. Practice this exercise daily. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Potholders | How to Make Potholders | To sew a quilted potholder, cut out a 9 inch rounded square out of paper and use this template to cut out 2 pieces of cotton fabric, 2 pieces of cotton batting, and 1 piece of heat-resistant fleece. Next, stack the pieces in this order: fabric, batting, fleece, batting, fabric. Then, pin the stack together and hand sew a basting stitch around the edges to hold them together. Finally, use a ruler and chalk to draw diagonal lines across the fabric and sew along the lines using a straight stitch to quilt the potholder. | Cut a 9 in (23 cm) rounded square out of paper for the template. Use a pencil and a ruler to draw a 9 in (23 cm) square on a sheet of paper. Next, use a small jar as a stencil to round the corners. Cut the rounded square out when you're done. You don't have to make the corners rounded if you don't want to, but it'll be much easier to attach the bias tape to the corners if they're rounded. Use the template to cut your fabric, batting, and fleece. Cut 2 pieces of cotton fabric, 2 pieces of cotton batting, and 1 piece of heat-resistant fleece. Set the template aside when you're done. You can use the same color/pattern for both cotton squares, or you can use different ones. For example, 1 piece could be solid-colored while the other could be patterned. Stack the pieces, with the cotton on the outside and the rest in the middle. Set 1 of your cotton squares on the table, right-side-down. Place the batting on top, followed by the fleece. Set the second piece of batting on top of that, followed by the second cotton square, right-side-up. Stack the pieces in this order: fabric, batting, fleece, batting, fabric. The right side of the fabric is the same as the front. The wrong side is the back. Secure the edges with pins, then hand sew a basting stitch around them. Pin the edges of the stacked fabric squares first. Next, thread your needle and knot the end. Sew a loose straight stitch by pushing the needle through the front of the fabric, out the back, and through the front again. Work your way around the edges of the fabric, keeping the stitches about 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart. Remove the pins when you're done. The seam allowance doesn't matter, but something around ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) would be good. Use a contrasting thread color. This will make it easier to see the basting stitch so that you can pull it out later. Draw diagonal lines, 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, to make a quilted pattern. Use a ruler and chalk to draw a diagonal line from the top-right to the bottom-left corner. Continue to draw parallel lines to either side of it until you reach the opposite corners. Repeat this process for the top-left and bottom-right corner. Consider using a different chalk color to make the lines easier to tell apart. Don't worry if the last set of lines are a little further than 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the corners. The bias tape will cover this up. Sew the diagonal lines using a straight stitch on a sewing machine. Start with the first line that you sketched, from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner. Cut the thread, then do all the lines to the left of it, then all the lines to the right. After you finish sewing each line, cut the thread, and begin sewing the next line. Repeat this process for the top-left, bottom-right set of lines. You do not need to backstitch here, but you can if you want to. The straight stitch is the most basic stitch on a sewing machine. How you get this stitch on your sewing machine depends on the brand. Refer to the manual that came with it. Use a contrasting thread color if you want the lines to stand out. For a more subtle design, match the thread color to the fabric. Remove the basting stitch. Use your fingers to tug and pull the thread out. You shouldn't have to use a seam ripper for this since basting stitches are so loose. Don't worry, the potholder won't come apart. The quilting stitches are holding it together. If you knotted the basting stitch, cut the knot first. Unfold a bias tape and pin it right-side-down around the potholder. Open up a double-fold bias tape, then fold 1 of the narrow ends down towards the wrong side by ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm). Pin the tape by the long, raw edge all the way around your potholder. The right side of the bias tape should face the potholder. The bias tape should be right on top of the potholder, not hanging off the edge. You will sew it down first, then fold it over. Pin the folded, narrow edge down first. Overlap the other end of the bias tape by 1 inch (2.5 cm), then cut the rest off. Choose bias tape in a contrasting color for a more colorful look. Something between ⁄ 4 and ⁄ 2 inch (0.64 and 1.27 cm) would work great here. Tuck a loop of folded bias tape under 1 of the corners, if desired. Cut 6 inches (15 cm) of bias tape. Sew along the open, long edge on your sewing machine using a straight stitch and a matching thread color. Fold the bias tape in half so that the narrow ends touch. Tuck it under 1 of the bias-taped corners on your potholder and secure it with a pin. The ends of the loop should touch the raw edges of your potholder. The rest of the loop should be on top of the potholder. Remove some of the pins holding the bias tape down, then slip the loop under it so that it's between the potholder and the bias tape. This is simply a hanging loop. You don't have to include it, if you don't want to. Sew the bias tape to the potholder using the crease as a guide. Your bias tape will have 3 creases; use the crease that's closest to the edge of the potholder as a guide. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, begin sewing at the narrow end that you folded over. Work your way around the potholder, then finish sewing at the other end of the bias tape. Match the thread color to the actual fabric of the potholder. This way, if any of the stitching shows through at the end, it won't be as visible. Reverse the sewing machine for a few stitches when you start and finish sewing. This is known as “backstitching” and will keep your stitches from coming apart. Fold the bias tape over, tuck the raw edges in, and pin it down. Flip the potholder over so that the back is facing you. Fold the raw edge of the bias tape back down, using the crease as a guide. Next, fold the bias tape over the raw edge of the potholder. Pin it in place. If you added a hanging loop, fold the loop up so that it's sticking out over the edge of the potholder. Pin it down too. Pull the bias tape tightly enough so that it covers the stitching from when you sewed the bias tape in place. Sew the bias tape close to the edge using a straight stitch. There is no specific seam allowance, but try to sew as close to the inside edge of the tape as possible—about ⁄ 8 inch (0.32 cm) will do. Remember to backstitch then you start and finish sewing, and to remove the pins as you sew. Use your sewing machine for this step. Match the thread color and bobbin color to the bias tape. If you added a hanging loop, then sew the top edge of the bias tape to the loop to tack it in place. Purchase a weaving loom kit from a craft store or fabric store. The kit should contain a square plastic weaving loom with "prongs" on all 4 sides, a pack of fabric bands, and a hook. Check the kids crafting section first. If you can't find it there, try the rug making aisle next. Do not use a regular weaving room for rugs. It's not the same thing. The loom needs to have prongs on all 4 sides. The looms in these kits come in a standard size. If you have an option between large, medium, and small sizes, however, stick with the smaller size. Wrap the loops around the prongs on the loom going horizontally. Take a band and slip it over the first prong on the bottom-left side of the loom. Stretch it across the loom towards the matching prong on the bottom-right. Slip it over the prong and move on to the next band. Work your way towards the top of the loom. Be careful not to let the bands get twisted. Put the bands left and right prongs, not the top and bottom prongs. This will create the base for your potholder. The bands come in all sorts of colors, so get creative with the pattern. Try all 1 color, a rainbow pattern, or an alternating pattern. You can also just do a random pattern. Rotate the loom so that the bands are going vertically. The prongs on the left and right sides of the loom should now be free of bands. It will be much easier to weave new bands across the loom going horizontally rather than vertically. Weave your crochet hook over-and-under across the vertical bands. Place your crochet hook on 1 side of the loom, towards the bottom. Move the hook across the first band, then slide it under the next band. Continue to weave the hook through the bands, over-and-under, until you reach the opposite side. Each band creates a double strand. Treat these strands as a single strand. For example, if you have a pink band, weave across the entire pink band. If you're left-handed, start on the left side of the loom and finish on the right. If you're right handed, start on the right side and finish on the left. Keep the hook woven across the bands. One end of the hook should be on the left side of the loom, and the other end of the hook should be on the right side. Use the hook to pull a new band back through. Slip a band over the curved part of your hook. Next, pull the hook back through the vertical bands, dragging the band you just latched onto it through them. Make sure that the opposite end of the band catches onto the prong. If it doesn't, slip it onto the prong. Once you reach the other end of the loom, take the hook off and slid the band onto the prong. If you started weaving on the left, pull the hook back towards the left. If you started weaving on the right, pull the hook towards the right. Repeat the process for the next row, but start weaving from underneath. Go back to the same side you started weaving on. Slide the hook under the first band and over the next one. Continue to weave the hook under-and-over across the bands until you reach the opposite side. Use the hook to pull another horizontal band through the vertical ones. Remember to hook both ends of the band over the prongs. Continue to weave rows of bands until you reach the top of the loom. Alternate the position of the hook with each row that you start. For example, when you get to the third row, start with the hook on top of the first band. When you get to the fourth row, start with the hook under the first band. The potholder may start to curve around the edges, which is normal. Just keep weaving. Crochet the edges by pulling the first loop through the next loop. Slide your hook through the first 2 bands on 1 corner; make sure that the hook is pointing away from the corner. Pull both loops off the prongs, then use the hook to pull the second band (furthest from the corner) through the first band (closest to the corner). When you're done, the second loop should still be on the hook. If you're left-handed, start on the top-left corner and work towards the right. If you're right-handed, start on the top-right corner and work towards the left. Continue to crochet around the loom until you're back where you started. Use the hook to pull the next band (third from the corner) off the prong. Pull the loop through the loop that's already on the hook. Continue in this fashion until you're back where you started on the bottom-right corner. Work your way around the loom, pulling the previous band through the next one. The potholder will come off the loom bit by bit as you crochet the loops together, so don't worry about pulling it off. Pull the second-to-last loop through the last one, then pull it tightly. Crochet the final loops together by pulling the last loop through the one that's already on the hook. Use the hook to pull the last loop tightly until the bands tighten. This should be enough to hold the potholder together. Gently stretch the edges of the potholder to help it maintain a square-like shape. For a more secure hold, tie the 2 loops together in a double-knot instead of crocheting them. | Cut a 9 in (23 cm) rounded square out of paper for the template. Use the template to cut your fabric, batting, and fleece. Stack the pieces, with the cotton on the outside and the rest in the middle. Secure the edges with pins, then hand sew a basting stitch around them. Draw diagonal lines, 1 inch (2.5 cm) apart, to make a quilted pattern. Sew the diagonal lines using a straight stitch on a sewing machine. Remove the basting stitch. Unfold a bias tape and pin it right-side-down around the potholder. Tuck a loop of folded bias tape under 1 of the corners, if desired. Sew the bias tape to the potholder using the crease as a guide. Fold the bias tape over, tuck the raw edges in, and pin it down. Sew the bias tape close to the edge using a straight stitch. Purchase a weaving loom kit from a craft store or fabric store. Wrap the loops around the prongs on the loom going horizontally. Rotate the loom so that the bands are going vertically. Weave your crochet hook over-and-under across the vertical bands. Use the hook to pull a new band back through. Repeat the process for the next row, but start weaving from underneath. Continue to weave rows of bands until you reach the top of the loom. Crochet the edges by pulling the first loop through the next loop. Continue to crochet around the loom until you're back where you started. Pull the second-to-last loop through the last one, then pull it tightly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Mental-and-Emotional-Health | How to Improve Your Mental and Emotional Health | It may feel easier to push uncomfortable feelings aside, but you should focus on acknowledging and processing your emotions to improve your mental and emotional health. For example, if you're sad, try and figure out why exactly that is, like maybe a bad day at work left you feeling upset. Then, once you pinpoint the issue, think about what you can do to feel better, like call a friend. You can boost your mood by spending time outdoors, exercising, and meditating. Another way you can improve your mood is to volunteer since giving back and helping others can make you feel better. Since food can affect your mood and mental health, try to eat a healthy diet full of lean proteins, veggies, and fruits. Sleep is also crucial to your mental health, so aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. | Take a self-assessment. In addition to traditional intelligence, everyone has what is known as "emotional intelligence" or EQ. EQ refers to how well you understand your emotions and actions. Figuring out your EQ is a great place to start if you are looking to improve your mental and emotional well being. You can find online assessment tools to help you figure out your results. A mental health specialist can also help you determine your EQ. This will help you figure out which areas need the most improvement. For example, maybe you'll learn that you are not great at acknowledging your emotions. That could give you a starting point for improvement. List your priorities. Take some time to look at the big picture. Are there areas of your life where you know you could make improvements? Devote some of your attention to figuring out which of these areas is most important to you. One of your priorities might be developing a more positive relationship with your sister. Another priority might be figuring out how to maintain a healthy work-life balance, good physical health, fulfilling relationships, and a satisfying spiritual life. Figuring out what you most want to improve can help you figure out the most productive path. Set goals. After you have completed your self-assessment, you can clearly identify the areas you would like to focus on improving. Take time to set some clear, attainable goals. These can be both long term and short term goals. For example, maybe you will set a goal of meditating for 10 minutes every day. That is a short term goal. You might say, "I would like to feel more confident in my conflict resolution strategies by the end of the year." That's more of a long term goal. Write down your goals. This will help you solidify them and make you more likely to commit. Process your emotions. An important part of improving your emotional well-being is learning to acknowledge your emotions. Sometimes it might feel simpler to shove aside an uncomfortable emotion. However, it is important to process your emotions. Processing your emotions is a multi-step process. This process includes: Sensing. This is when you notice the way you are feeling. There might be a physical sensation associated with this emotion. For example, you might feel sad and notice a feeling of heaviness or tightness in your chest. Naming. This is when you apply a name to the emotion. For example, you might decide that what you are feeling is sadness. Attributing. This is when you try to find the source of the emotion that you are having. For example, you might attribute a feeling of sadness to a bad day at work or a falling out with a friend. Evaluating. This is when you think about how having the emotion makes you feel. For example, you might note that you feel angry for feeling sad or uncomfortable for feeling sad. This may be a result of your background or culture. Acting. This is when you decide what you are going to do to express or cope with the emotion. For example, if you are feeling sad, then you might decide to write about it, go for a walk, call someone, or just sit and do nothing for a while. Learn how to identify and deal with your triggers. Everyone has different triggers. Yours might be certain people, situations, or places. To cope with your triggers, take some time to figure out what they are and develop plans for how to deal with them. For example, you might note that you get anxious whenever you are around your sister, so she might be a trigger for you. Therefore, you might develop a plan to cope when you are around her, such as keeping to light topics of conversation, setting a time limit for your visits, or bringing a friend along to act as a source of support. Gather information. Avoid the stigma that mental health issues are somehow not "real" problems. Your mental and emotional health is just as important as your physical health. Take some time to learn about the importance of your mental health. Head to the library. Look for some books about the value of taking good care of your mental health. Research different ways to improve your emotional well being. For example, you might visit a yoga studio to ask them about the mental benefits of practicing yoga. Have fun. Good news! Experts say that playing might actually be good for you. A great way to boost your mood is to make time to do something fun.Think of some new ways to enjoy yourself. Organize a game night. Invite your friends over for board games or cards. Head to the park. Swinging is just as much fun for adults as it is for kids. Make more jokes. Try something as simple as saying, "Lovely weather, isn't it?" while you're waiting for the bus in a downpour. It may not be original, but the act of making a joke can improve your mood. Be creative. Try to get in touch with your artistic side. Creative activities can be very therapeutic, and can also serve as mood boosters. Consider sketching as a relaxing activity. Take an art class. Contact your local community center for details. This would also be a great way to make new friends. Get a coloring book. Kids aren't the only ones who enjoy coloring. Adult coloring books can help you relax and unwind. Listen to music. Or, learn to play an instrument. You could find a group class or hire an individual teacher. Volunteer. Giving back to others is a great way to make yourself feel good. Volunteering can boost your mood and improve your emotional health. Plus, it's important to help others. It's a win-win. Choose something that interests you. For example, if you love animals, consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. Volunteering can also serve as a way to meet new people. You might even make some new friends! Spend time outside. Nature is a natural mood enhancer. Being outdoors can help you slow down and relax, which is great for your mental health. Make it a point to head outdoors frequently. Take a break from work. Instead of eating at your desk, walk to a nearby park to eat lunch on nice days. Go exploring. Check out nearby state parks and head out for a hike. Ask a friend to join you on a bike ride. Learn to meditate. Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and tension. Commit to adding meditation to your routine. If you're not ready to try it daily, begin by adding two to three brief sessions per week. They can be short--even a 5-minute meditation is helpful. Download an app that has guided meditations. You can choose the length you want. Morning and night are both great times to meditate. Just make sure to choose a quiet spot and wear comfortable clothing. Try to clear your mind. Choose a mantra to repeat, such as "Om". Manage your stress. The mind-body connection is critical for maintaining good health. If you don't physically feel good, odds are good that your mental and emotional health will suffer, too. Take care to keep your body in good health. One of the most important things you can do is to learn to control your stress. Take a time-out. For example, if you are having an argument with your partner, say, "I'm going to take a walk around the block to cool down before we continue this discussion." Find coping mechanisms. Everyone experiences stress. The key is to be able to handle it. Try different techniques such as slowly counting to 10 when you feel stressed. You could also try listening to music or taking a relaxing bath. Focus on your breath. Breathe slowly and intentionally, in through your nose and out through your mouth. This will help slow a racing heart rate often caused by stress. Exercise. Physical activity produces endorphins, which boost your mood. Regular exercise can help you to manage stress, feel more confident, and improve your overall health. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Find an activity you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick to the program. Do you like to dance? Try a Zumba class. Socialize during your workouts. Ask a friend to go for a long walk while you catch up on gossip. Eat a healthy diet. Food can definitely impact your mood and your overall mental health. Take care to stick to a healthy diet. Make sure that you eat plenty of fruits and veggies each day. Combine these with lean proteins and complex carbs. Certain foods are mood boosters. Try adding salmon, walnuts, and avocados to your diet. You should also look for blueberries and leafy greens, such as kale. Avoid foods that can negatively impact your mood. Try to stay away from sugary snacks and fried food. It's also a good idea to limit your alcohol and caffeine intake. Get enough sleep. You won't feel well if you don't get enough rest. Make getting a good night's sleep a priority. Most adults need between seven and nine hours per night. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. This will help your body adjust to a regular sleep schedule. Limit electronics before bed. Power down the laptop and the television about an hour before bedtime. Avoid checking e-mail or social media late at night. Lack of sleep can make you irritable, anxious, and unable to focus. Be social. Socialization is an important part of feeling your best. Being social doesn't mean that you have to go out every night. It just means that you should make an effort to regularly interact with people. Say hi to your neighbors. Striking up a pleasant conversation can increase feelings of happiness. Meet new people. Try joining a local book club if you love to read. Make plans. Put some effort into building your network of friends. If you enjoy chatting with someone in yoga class, ask if they want to grab a smoothie after class sometime. Get a pet. Animals are a wonderful source of companionship. They can also be entertaining and funny. Best of all, pets are a great source of unconditional love. Choose the pet that is right for your lifestyle. For example, if you love to hike, pick a dog that can go with you. Taking care of a cat can make you feel needed, which is important for good mental health. Talk to friends and family. Make sure to connect with the people in your life who are important to you. Your loved ones can support you when you're down, and celebrate with you when something good happens. Make it a point to spend time with the people in your personal network. Reach out to someone you haven't seen in a while. Pick up the phone and say, "Hi, it's been a while. Let's get together and catch up!" Lean on loved ones when you need to. Don't be afraid to say, "Bill, I've been feeling low lately. Do you have some time this week to get together and talk?" Seek professional help. Sometimes you might feel like nothing you try is working. If you think you might have a mental health condition, consider seeing a medical professional. For example, if you have been depressed, look for a counselor. Therapy can be really helpful if you are dealing with issues such as anxiety or depression. Ask your doctor for a recommendation. You can also visit your primary care physician. Ask if there could be a physical reason behind your emotional issues. | Take a self-assessment. List your priorities. Set goals. Process your emotions. Learn how to identify and deal with your triggers. Gather information. Have fun. Be creative. Volunteer. Spend time outside. Learn to meditate. Manage your stress. Exercise. Eat a healthy diet. Get enough sleep. Be social. Get a pet. Talk to friends and family. Seek professional help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Belly-Button-Lint | How to Clean Belly Button Lint | To clean your belly button lint, first mix together a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. After the salt has dissolved, use a clean rag to gently massage the solution into your belly button, which will loosen up any debris on your skin. Then, rinse and dry your belly button to remove any remaining dirt. If you have red or itchy skin, or if you have discharge from your belly button, make sure to see your doctor, since you may have an infection. | Take a shower. Before cleaning your belly button, take a quick shower. This will help loosen up any dirt or lint in your belly button. You don't need to do anything special in the shower. Just shower as you normally would using regular soap and water. Make a salt solution. It's best to clean out your belly button using a salt solution. Mix a teaspoon of table salt into a cup of water. Mix the salt in until it dissolves. Massage your belly button with the solution. You can use your fingers or a small rag to clean your belly button. If you use your fingers, wash your hands first. Dip your rag or fingers into the salt solution. Gently massage the inside of your belly button. This will loosen up any lint or other dirt and debris. If some pieces of lint are very large, you may have to pull them out of your belly button. Rinse and dry your belly button when you're done. Do this using plain water. Gently pat dry the area around your belly button dry with a clean rag. Consult a doctor if you have a belly button infection. Belly button infections can happen due to poor hygiene or a recent piercing. You should see a doctor as soon as you can in the event of an infection. Signs of a belly button infection include: Red or itchy skin near the belly button Swelling A bad smell Discharge from the belly button Pain or blistering around the belly button Gather your supplies. You don't want to keep your infant waiting to be cleaned. A baby may become fussy or uncomfortable if cleaning takes too long. When you get ready to clean an infant's belly button, get your supplies ready ahead of time. You will need the following: A large towel for your baby to lie on. A sponge, cotton swabs, a bowl of warm water, and baby soap. Wash your hands. Babies are prone to infection. Wash your hands under warm water using soap before you begin the process of cleaning your baby's belly button. Wash your hands for about 20 seconds. Make sure to dry your hands off using a clean cloth or paper towel. Check for infection. A belly button infection can be dangerous for an infant. If you notice an infection, your baby will need to see a pediatrician as soon as possible. The following are the signs of a belly button infection in a baby: Discharge around the belly button A foul smell coming from the umbilical cord Tenderness or swelling of the skin Wash the cord. Dab a piece of cloth in warm water. Gently wipe down the umbilical cord and the surrounding area. Then, wipe down the cord with a mild cleanser. You want to keep the cord clean and dry until it falls off naturally. This keeps your baby's belly button free of infection. Do not use rubbing alcohol to clean an umbilical cord. Dry the cord. Leaving the cord wet could result in an infection. Gently pat the cord, and the surrounding area, dry with a clean, absorbent cloth. Make sure the cord and the surrounding skin are dry to the touch. Shave the hair around your navel. Your belly button will be less prone to lint if there's less hair around your navel. If you grow hair around your navel, shaving may prevent lint from building up. If belly button lint bothers you, try shaving your navel with a razor and see if you notice a reduction in lint. Wear older clothes when possible. Lint collects in your belly button because of fibers of fabric, like cotton, coming off your clothes. Older clothing may attract less lint than new clothes because it's already shed those fibers of fabric. When possible, wear old clothes to prevent the accumulation of belly button lint. If you don't have anywhere special to go on a given day, throw on an old t-shirt. Avoid moisturizing your belly button. Do not use lotions or moisturizers in or near your belly button. While these are generally safe to use on other parts of the body, extra moisture near the belly button is dangerous. It can encourage fungal or bacterial infections. | Take a shower. Make a salt solution. Massage your belly button with the solution. Rinse and dry your belly button when you're done. Consult a doctor if you have a belly button infection. Gather your supplies. Wash your hands. Check for infection. Wash the cord. Dry the cord. Shave the hair around your navel. Wear older clothes when possible. Avoid moisturizing your belly button. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-a-Horse-to-Jump | How to Train a Horse to Jump | To train a horse to jump, start by setting cavaletti poles on the ground while you warm up the horse, then allowing it to come over and smell them. Next, lead your horse to walk over the poles at least 3 times and praise it when it steps over them. Once your horse can comfortably walk over the poles, mount it and ride over the poles at a walk, then a trot, followed by a canter. Then, raise the cavaletti to the lowest notch and repeat the process of moving from a walk to a canter. | Make sure you have the required items. You'll need cavaletti poles, jump standards, boots to protect your horse's pasterns, and a suitable saddle for jumping. If you don't have a cavaletti just use wood poles or tree branches. Use heavier weight poles (not PVC pipes or bamboo) so if your horse hits one of the poles he will realize that hitting them is uncomfortable. Set the cavaletti poles on the ground. Warm your horse up around them. Don't ask him to go over them yet. Let your horse smell the poles. Dismount and walk the horse around them. Allow him to smell them and check them out. Walk your horse over the poles at least three times. It's good if his hoof knocks into them once or twice so he gets used to the sound. Head for the first pole and walk over it as if it's no big deal. Praise him once he walks over it. This reassures him that going over the pole was the right answer. Do this until your horse walks over the poles comfortably. He is familiar enough with the poles once he can walk over them without pausing to look at them and ask himself what they are doing in his way. Lead your horse over the poles at a trot. You may need to adjust the distance between them to allow freedom of movement. (See related topics.) Ask the horse to do this about five times. Warm up your horse. Make sure you always do this so he doesn't pull anything. Mount up and walk over the poles. Do this until the horse is comfortable and familiarized with it. Don't forget to praise him for doing what you ask Do the same thing at a trot, and then a canter. This will come easier to some horses than others; make sure you don't overwork the horse till he hates you -- instead, teach the horse one or two things a session and end the session on a good note. Once you can walk, trot, and canter him over the poles easily and without hesitation, move on to the next step. Raise the cavaletti to the lowest notch and lead him over it at a walk, giving him time to check it out. Mount up and walk over the raised pole. Do this a few times so your horse is used to it. Do the same thing with trotting over the pole, and then cantering. Once you and your horse get comfortable, raise it a little higher each time. When cantering your horse over the cavaletti, find the correct distance from the jump to remind your horse when to jump. Soften your hands (as in hold the reins less tightly) when you are about 2 strides before the poles, so that it is easier for the horse to jump (they actually need to stretch their necks to jump properly). If your horse is going too slow towards the jump, ask him/her for more momentum. If they are going too fast, shorten their stride to get the right distance. If the horse has never jumped before (or you are trying a higher jump), it may refuse to jump (rear up, dodge the poles,...), and so you have to be quite experienced so that you don't fall or get hurt. Don't apply too much pressure. Contrary to what many believe, horses generally jump better if you don't apply pressure and instead stay of out their way. Horses know how to jump, and they don't want to get hurt. When riders apply pressure to "make" the horse jump, the pressure limits the horses' freedom of movement. | Make sure you have the required items. Set the cavaletti poles on the ground. Let your horse smell the poles. Walk your horse over the poles at least three times. Lead your horse over the poles at a trot. Warm up your horse. Mount up and walk over the poles. Do the same thing at a trot, and then a canter. Raise the cavaletti to the lowest notch and lead him over it at a walk, giving him time to check it out. Mount up and walk over the raised pole. Do the same thing with trotting over the pole, and then cantering. Don't apply too much pressure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Ear-Mites | How to Treat Ear Mites | To treat ear mites, start by cleaning out your pet's ears with a small amount of mineral oil and a cotton ball to get rid of any dark-colored buildup. Next, hold your pet's head with one hand and squeeze a dose of medication made for treating ear mites into the ear canal, which you can obtain at any pet store. Then, massage the ear gently. Finally, repeat the process for the other ear and wipe away any excess medicine. Be sure to follow the instructions for reapplication, if needed. | Look for redness and irritation. The inside of the ear will be red and irritated; however, while a red irritated ear can be a sign of ear mites, that in and of itself isn't a definitive symptom. If you don't see any other ear-mite symptoms or have any doubt, see your vet. Not all red and irritated ear canals are due to ear mites. Ear infections involving bacteria and yeast are quite common, particularly in dogs. These ear infections will not respond to ear mite treatment. Your veterinarian can determine the whether ear mites are involved and, if they are not, prescribe the appropriate remedy for your pet. Treating your pet with the wrong product may do more harm than good. Take and inspect a sample from the pet's ear. If you suspect your pet has ear mites, you may be able to see the parasite with your naked eye. Carefully remove a small sample of the dark brown/black debris (it should look like coffee grounds) from the ear canal with a cotton ball. You may need to add a few drops of mineral oil to the material in the ear and massage to help loosen it up to get a sample. Your pet may shake its head after you've placed the mineral oil in its ear and likely some chunks will fly out. You can then inspect those samples. Look at the sample material in bright light and see if you can find tiny white “dots.” They may even move. Those are likely ear mites. If you can't see any in a bright light, try again in low light — it may be harder for you to see, but mites hide from light, so they may not be visible under the bright light. Take your pet to the veterinarian. The best way to know for sure that your pet has ear mites is to have your veterinarian do an exam and look at a sample of the material from the ear canal under the microscope. Note that cats are far more prone to ear mites than dogs, but dogs can occasionally get them, particularly if there is a cat in the same household that has mites. The vet may place long-acting ear mite medication in your pet's ears for you and send you home with something to help with the itching. It is not uncommon for a secondary bacterial or yeast infection to be present with the ear mites, so medication to treat that may be sent home as well. Get ear mite medication from your veterinarian or a reputable store. The medication used for ear mites is a pesticide designed to kill the mites. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions before proceeding, as they will provide important information about how much medication to apply. Don't use ear mite medication in your pet's ears if your pet has pupils of different sizes or has a head tilt they cannot correct on their own. If this is the case, there is a good chance that the eardrum is ruptured, and you don't want to place anything inside the ears that will make things worse. Consult your veterinarian right away. Clean out as much of the dark buildup in the ear as you can. Medication works best if the ears are clean before it is applied. Therefore, take the time to clean any build up out of your pets ears. Use a few drops of mineral oil in the ear canal; it will help break up the crumbly material when you massage the ear canal. Use a cotton ball to wipe out debris after your pet shakes its head. After you clean its ears, your pet may try to scratch the ear. Do your best to prevent the scratching by using a towel to block your pet's ability to reach its ears. An Elizabethan collar (aka e-collar) may be needed temporarily to protect your pet from self-trauma. Apply the medication. Begin by holding the pet's head firmly in your hand, which will prevent the pet from shaking its head and dispersing the medication as you're trying to apply it. Tip the bottle or vial over and insert the applicator tip carefully into the ear. Squeeze the bottle until the proper amount of medication is deposited. The medication is more effective if you apply it deep into the ear canal. Note that your pet will probably shake its head after application, so you may want to administer the treatment outdoors or in the bathroom or laundry room to prevent the medication from getting on your furniture. Massage your pet's ears. Once you have placed ear medication in the first ear, start massaging right away while you place medication in the second ear. Gently squeeze the ear closed and use your fingers to massage the medicine thoroughly in the ear. Massage by using your thumb and forefinger on either side of the canal, just below the opening to the ear canal. Open and close your fingers together and you will hear a squishing sound. Most of the time, massaging the first ear keeps the pet occupied quite nicely so you can get to the second ear relatively calmly. Although one person can accomplish this treatment, it always helps to have another set of hands at the ready just in case. Wipe away any excess. If there's any excess medication, wipe it away gently with a clean towel. This step is particularly helpful if you're concerned about your pet getting medication on carpets or furniture. Repeat the treatment. It is unlikely that you will kill all of the mites in one treatment. Follow the medication's instructions. Typically, you will treat the mites once daily for seven days. Wash your pet's bedding. Ear mites are contagious, especially to other pets. It is important to wash your pet's bedding in order to keep your pet from getting reinfected and from infecting any other pets you might have. Use hot soapy water to wash your pet's bedding. Follow the manufacturer's instructions! Some bedding can simply be thrown in the washing machine, while others must be washed by hand. Wash any bedding and any other blankets your pet comes into contact with. While ear mites don't live long when not inside your pet's ear, it is best to make sure all your bedding and blankets are clean and ear mite free. Wash them in hot soapy water. Spray your pet's bedding. There are products available meant to kill fleas, ticks, and mites on household surfaces. If you are still worried about mites infecting your pets bedding, spray them with a product that will be sure to kill them. | Look for redness and irritation. Take and inspect a sample from the pet's ear. Take your pet to the veterinarian. Get ear mite medication from your veterinarian or a reputable store. Clean out as much of the dark buildup in the ear as you can. Apply the medication. Massage your pet's ears. Wipe away any excess. Repeat the treatment. Wash your pet's bedding. Wash any bedding and any other blankets your pet comes into contact with. Spray your pet's bedding. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Check-Your-401(k) | How to Check Your 401(k) | It's important to check your 401(k) account every year or so to see how your investments are maturing. Read your latest statement on your provider's website to check your current allocation of investments. To find your old 401(k) account, contact your previous employer or search the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits online. Don't worry if there are small fluctuations in your asset classes, since different industries grow at different rates. However, if you want to reduce your future risk, allocate more funds to bonds or monkey market funds. You can also rebalance your allocations by transferring money between investments. It's best to keep your portfolio diverse in case one market changes drastically. Alternatively, choose automatic rebalancing, which will reallocate your funds if one grows too large or small. | Check your current asset allocation. Find your most recent 401(k) statement and go to the company's website. Most should allow you to review details of your 401(k) online by creating a username and password. Print out the current allocation of your investments. For example, you might have 50% in equities, 25% in bonds, and 25% in real estate. These asset classes grow at different rates, so don't be surprised if the current allocation doesn't match how you allocated your contributions. For example, you might have directed 50% of your contributions to equities, but because of how fast the stock market has grown about 60% of your account might be in equities. Reassess your risk tolerance. You aren't required to rebalance, and you should expect the market to fluctuate. Accordingly, you don't need to rebalance if you have a long investment horizon. Instead, you can ride out the highs and lows. Nevertheless, you might want to rebalance if your risk tolerance has changed. When you signed up for the 401(k), you might have taken a quiz to determine your risk tolerance. If you can tolerate high risk, you probably placed most of your contributions into equities, including foreign or emerging market stocks. However, if you have lower risk tolerance, you probably invested in short-term bonds, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit. Take the quiz again, or schedule a meeting with a retirement plan advisor. Change your future contributions. If you continue to contribute to your 401(k), you should decide whether you want to change your contributions. For example, if you want to reduce risk, you can contribute more to bonds or a money market fund. Remember that changing your contributions won't change the current balance of your account. For example, if you want to reduce your exposure to equities, you'll need to transfer money out of that fund. Transfer money between funds. Look at how much money is in each investment fund. For example, you might have too much in small cap equities. You can rebalance your 401(k) by moving money out of this fund and into a different fund. Consider automatic rebalancing. You can rebalance automatically if you use lifecycle funds, which are also called “target date funds.” Over time, the allocation slowly changes to reflect a shift in focus from seeking growth to preserving principal. You can choose a lifecycle fund based on its name. For example, a fund called “Fund 2040” is appropriate for people who anticipate retiring in 2040. Of course, you need to do proper research before investing in a lifecycle fund. Find out the fees, historical performance, and risk level. Check your fees. You're paying a variety of fees for a company to run your 401(k) plan, and these fees eat into your returns. Accordingly, you should review your fees to see that they are reasonable. Fees are particularly high for small business employees, because small plans are expensive to run. Compare your fees to the industry average using BrightScope's ratings directory. If you're paying too much, then you might want to move your 401(k). If you're an ex-employee, then you might be charged higher fees than current employees, and you could save by rolling your 401(k) into an IRA. Complain to Human Resources about high fees. You might be able to convince your employer to switch the broker they work with, which can lower your fees. Show HR your research showing how much you are paying in fees and point them in the direction of brokers whose fees are lower. Check the variety of investment funds. Generally, a 401(k) offers limited options for investing. The average 401(k) offers only 20 funds. An IRA, by contrast, is like a brokerage account, so you have more investment options. Decide whether this is important to you. Check if you can rollover the funds. You might be able to rollover a 401(k) if you left the job. In that situation, you can rollover the funds to an IRA. You might also be able to roll them over into a new 401(k), but you should check with the plan administrator. There are many advantages to rolling over your 401(k). You can take advantage of the lower fees and greater investment options. Also, it will be easier to keep track of paperwork by combining retirement accounts. Roll over into an IRA. You can rollover into an existing IRA or open one. Shop around so that the IRA has low fees and the invest options that you want. To transfer the funds, you should contact your 401(k) plan administrator and give them the details about your IRA. Ask for a “direct rollover.” Always get a direct rollover so that the money never touches your hands and you don't have to worry about taxes. Consider whether a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA is right for you. For example, any contributions to a traditional IRA are eligible for an immediate tax deduction, and you'll pay taxes when you withdraw. A traditional IRA is great if you're in a higher tax bracket now than you anticipate at retirement. However, with a Roth IRA, you pay taxes on your contributions and receive distributions tax-free. A Roth IRA is ideal if you anticipate being in a higher income bracket at retirement. Make a list of where you’ve worked. It's easy to forget about retirement accounts. Some employers automatically enroll you in them, so unless you are looking at your mail closely you might have forgotten whether you have an account. Write down every place you've worked in your life. Contact your old employers. You need to call and ask them to check their plan records to see if you ever participated in their 401(k). Look online or in a phone book to find their number. Be prepared to share your Social Security Number so that your old employer can look you up. Call the plan administrator. Over the years, businesses close or merge with other businesses, so you might not know how to find your employer. In that situation, you'll need to contact the plan administrator. Try to find an old statement with the administrator's name on it. If that doesn't work, contact your old colleagues. Ask them if they have any information about the 401(k) that your old employer offered. They might be able to provide you with a phone number for the plan administrator. You can also search for the plan administrator on a website like BrightScope.com or FreeErisa.com. Employers with 401(k) plans must file Form 5500 annually. You can search for your employer by name and get the contact information for the plan's administrator. Check the National Registry. If you've abandoned your retirement account, then your employer might be looking for you. Check with the National Registry of Unclaimed Retirement Benefits. You can search for free by using your Social Security Number. Search the Abandoned Plan Database. The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a list of retirement plans that have already been shut down or are in the process of being shut down. You can search at their Abandoned Plan Database here: https://www.askebsa.dol.gov/abandonedplansearch/. Obtain the contact information for the Qualified Termination Administrator and call. | Check your current asset allocation. Reassess your risk tolerance. Change your future contributions. Transfer money between funds. Consider automatic rebalancing. Check your fees. Complain to Human Resources about high fees. Check the variety of investment funds. Check if you can rollover the funds. Roll over into an IRA. Make a list of where you’ve worked. Contact your old employers. Call the plan administrator. Check the National Registry. Search the Abandoned Plan Database. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pearl-Necklace | How to Make a Pearl Necklace | If you want to make a pearl necklace, thread a piece of waxed silk thread onto a needle. First, thread the needle through a clamshell clasp, then add a dab of glue and close the clamshell tip. Tie an overhand knot just against the clamshell, then pass the needle through the hole in your first pearl. Tie another knot on the outside of the pearl, then continue stringing pearls and adding knots all the way down the necklace. When you're finished, attach a clamshell tip to the loose end, then add a clasp and a jump ring to finish the necklace. | Choose a suitably thick line for your pearls. Pearls come in many shapes and sizes, so you'll have to choose your line accordingly. Silk line is the traditional choice for pearls and comes in widths ranging from thin (#0) to thick (#16). If you prefer not to use silk, a nylon line will work just as well and may hold up better over time. If you have smaller pearls, you'll likely want to use a #2 thickness silk, average pearls will likely fit size #4, and larger pearls should fit on size #6. Measure out and use scissors to cut your silk line. Silk is the traditional choice used in stringing pearl necklaces. Due to the fact that silk stretches, you'll want to gently pull your thread taut to pre-stretch it after you snip your length free from its spool. This will prevent your necklace from stretching longer than you intend. For the purposes of providing a guided example, a 5-foot (1.524 m) length of silk thread will be used. This length is sufficient for a 16 to 20 inch (40.64 to 152.4 cm) knotted strand. Generally, necklace lengths are broken down accordingly: 12 - 13 inches (30.5 - 33 cm) : collar length. This necklace will lay across the middle of the neck without much loose line. 14 - 16 inches (35.6 - 38.1 cm) : choker length. A classic style that encircles the neck comfortably. 17 - 19 inches (43.2 - 48.3 cm) : princess necklace length. One of the most common lengths, well suited for plunging necklines. 26 - 36 inches (66 - 91.4 cm) : opera necklace length. A lower hanging length of pearls that will hang about to your sternum. Safeguard your silk line from deterioration with wax. Silk is a resilient fiber, but over time the oil from your skin, residue from soap, and other environmental factors will cause your line to weaken. To prevent this from happening, you should coat your line with beeswax. Rub a small amount of beeswax along the entire length of silk thread, then stretch the silk thread once more after applying the beeswax. Strengthen your string by doubling it. Fold the silk thread in half and tie a knot connecting the loose ends together. You might also use a bead clamp to fasten the ends together. Lay down a towel or bead mat to prevent spills. Scattered pearls can be easily lost in the nooks and crannies of your home. You should count your pearls beforehand so you know the total number in case a spill happens. Then, lay a towel down where you are working so that the pearls nest in it instead of rolling away. Beading mats and trays are specialty tools used by serious beaders, but these can also make your pearl necklace making experience more efficient. Thread your needle and string your pearls. You'll want to use a thin wire needle, which should fit easily through your pearl holes, to string pearls one at a time onto your thread. If you have a special pearl you plan on placing centrally, or different varieties you plan on using in a pattern, remember that your pearls will be strung in reverse fashion - the first pearls on the line will be at one end of your line, and the last pearls at the other. Verify the thickness of your string against your pearls. You should check the width of your thread by passing the threaded wire needle through a pearl and then back again. If the needle can't pass through the hole, a smaller size thread would likely suit your situation best. The line is generally considered to be too small if a pearl can slip over an overhand knot. Thread your first clamshell tip. Thread your needle through one of your clamshell tips and string it all the way to the end knot connecting the loose ends of your line. Once your knot is nestled inside the clamshell tip, add a dab of glue and close the clamshell tip to close off that end of the line. Tie an overhand knot to separate your pearls from the tip. Pearls can deteriorate over time if rubbed against a hard surface, like your metal clamshell tips. By tying a knot between the clamshell tip and your pearls, you'll increase longevity. String your pearls and knot in between. Take your threaded needle and, one by one, string your pearls on the silk line of your necklace. Knots are a good way of adding spacing to the pearls of your necklace, but these will also prevent wear and tear on your pearls from rubbing against each other. An overhand knot should do nicely for the purposes of spacing your pearls. If you decide on using knots to space your pearls, be sure your knots are tied tightly. You should be able to cinch the knot tightly against the previously strung pearl by sliding it toward the pearl with your fingernail. For greater precision when tying the knots of your pearl necklace, you should use tweezers. Check length throughout the process. The way a necklace drapes across your neck will be different from how it looks sitting on the table. You should verify the length of your necklace as you string by pinching the loose end with one hand to keep pearls from falling off and holding the necklace against your neck. Attach a clamshell tip to the loose end. You should pull your line first through the side opposite where the line will be nested in the cup of the clamshell. Then knot your line securely and tuck this knot inside the hollow part of the clamshell tip. Place a bad of jewelry glue onto the knot and close the clamshell. Add a clasp and jump ring to complete the necklace. Take your pliers and bend your clamshell tips into an open position so you can link one tip to your claps and the other to your jump ring. Once the clasp and jump ring are in place, bend your clamshell tips closed and dab a small amount of glue where the clamshell tip end bends back in on itself to prevent it from coming loose. | Choose a suitably thick line for your pearls. Measure out and use scissors to cut your silk line. Safeguard your silk line from deterioration with wax. Strengthen your string by doubling it. Lay down a towel or bead mat to prevent spills. Thread your needle and string your pearls. Verify the thickness of your string against your pearls. Thread your first clamshell tip. Tie an overhand knot to separate your pearls from the tip. String your pearls and knot in between. Check length throughout the process. Attach a clamshell tip to the loose end. Add a clasp and jump ring to complete the necklace. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Lemon-Oil | How to Make Lemon Oil | To make your own lemon oil using a double boiler, start by washing and peeling 5 to 6 lemons. Set the peels aside, then bring half a pot of water to a boil and reduce it to a simmer. At that point, place your lemon peels along with 1 cup of coconut oil in a bowl large enough to fit into your pot without touching the water. Put the bowl into the pot and let it simmer for 3 hours to extract the natural oils from the lemon peels. Afterwards, remove the bowl from the heat and let your oil cool to room temperature, which can take up to 3 hours. When it's cool enough, use a strainer or cheesecloth to strain the oil into a jar with an airtight lid. Make sure to keep the oil in a dark, cool place, which will help it last for up to 1 month. | Wash and dry 5-6 lemons. Peel the stickers off the lemons and rinse them under cold water. As you rinse the lemons, scrub them with a sponge or vegetable brush to remove pesticides and dirt. Afterward, dry the lemons with a rag or paper towels. Cleaning the lemons will prevent pesticides from mixing with your lemon oil. Peel the skin off the lemons with a peeler or zester. If you don't have a peeler or zester, you can use a knife or cheese grater to remove the skin. Scrape the outside of the lemon with the peeler and remove the skin in long strips. Place the peels in a bowl and set them aside for later. The yellow portion of the skin is the part of the lemon that contains oil. You don't have to peel the white portion of the lemon. Boil half a pot of water on your stovetop, then turn the heat to low. If you own a double boiler, you can use it to create the lemon oil. If you don't, you can use a regular pot. Fill the pot halfway up with water on your stovetop and set the temperature to high. Wait for bubbles to break the surface of the water and then turn the temperature to the lowest setting on your stove. If you're using a regular pot, leave enough room in the pot to fit a bowl. Once you turn the temperature down, the water should stop boiling. It's essential you turn the stove to the lowest temperature setting so that you don't boil your lemon oil. Place the lemon peel and 1 cup (240 ml) of coconut oil into a bowl. If you're using a double boiler, pour the coconut oil and lemon peel into the top part of the boiler. If not, pour the oil into a bowl that's small enough to fit into the pot. You can use grapeseed and sweet almond oil as an alternative to coconut oil. Place the bowl into the pot of water and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Slowly lower the bowl containing oil and lemon peels into the hot water. Monitor the lemon oil to ensure that it doesn't boil. Wear a pair of oven mitts so that you don't burn your hands. The low heat will slowly extract all of the natural oils from the lemon peel and infuse it into the coconut oil. Let the oil cool for 2-3 hours. Wear a pair of oven mitts when touching the hot bowl. Turn the stovetop off and remove the bowl from the pot of water. Set the oil on your countertop and cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Wait until the oil cools to room temperature before moving to the next step. Strain the oil into a jar. Use a strainer or piece of cheesecloth to strain the lemon oil and separate the lemon peels from the oil. If you've done everything correctly, the natural oils in the lemon should be infused with the oil that you used. Use a jar that has an airtight lid to increase the longevity of your lemon oil. Store the jar in a dark, cool area. Store the lemon oil in a cool, dark area like the refrigerator or pantry. You can store the lemon oil for up to a month before it expires. Clean 5-6 lemons under cold water. Rinse the lemons under cold water from your faucet and scrub them down with a coarse sponge or vegetable brush. Remove any stickers that are on the lemons and dry them with a rag or paper towels. Cleaning your lemons ensures that the lemon oil will be pure and untainted by harmful pesticides. Remove the peel and pack it in an airtight jar. Use a knife, vegetable peeler, or zester to peel the skin. Remove the skin in long strips and place the strips into a jar with a lid. You only have to remove the yellow portion of the peel, as this is the part that contains the lemon oil. Use a jar that can hold 16 fluid ounces (470 ml). Pour enough oil into the jar to cover the peels. Fill the jar with 1 cup (240 ml) of grapeseed, sweet almond, or coconut oil. The oil should cover the peels that you packed on the bottom of the jar. Screw the lid onto the jar and shake the solution. Keep the jar on a sunny windowsill and shake it once a day for 2 weeks. Shake the jar daily to mix the lemon oil and coconut, grapeseed, or almond oil together. The natural oil in the lemon will infuse with the oil that you added to the jar. The low heat from the sunlight will help infuse the oils together. Strain the oil to separate the peels from the oil. Pour the oil into a strainer or cheesecloth over a bowl. This will separate the lemon peels from the infused oils. Throw the lemon peels in the trash after you've strained them. Store the oil in a cool, dark place for up to a month. Keep the oil in the airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator or cabinet. You can now use the oils to clean or as a natural skin care product. | Wash and dry 5-6 lemons. Peel the skin off the lemons with a peeler or zester. Boil half a pot of water on your stovetop, then turn the heat to low. Place the lemon peel and 1 cup (240 ml) of coconut oil into a bowl. Place the bowl into the pot of water and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Let the oil cool for 2-3 hours. Strain the oil into a jar. Store the jar in a dark, cool area. Clean 5-6 lemons under cold water. Remove the peel and pack it in an airtight jar. Pour enough oil into the jar to cover the peels. Keep the jar on a sunny windowsill and shake it once a day for 2 weeks. Strain the oil to separate the peels from the oil. Store the oil in a cool, dark place for up to a month. |
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