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https://www.wikihow.com/Analyze-a-Movie | How to Analyze a Movie | To analyze a movie, start by introducing its background, along with any ideas you had about the film before you saw it. Then, briefly describe the movie's major conflict, and summarize its plot. Next, talk about the themes you found interesting, and explain how the film supported those themes. You should also speak to what you didn't like, or what wasn't well done in the movie. Finally, give your overall assessment, backing up your opinion with the previous analysis, and providing any suggestions to others who might want to watch the film. | Know only the basics. If you've never seen the movie you want to analyze before, don't do a ton of research beforehand. You want to go into the movie and let it make its impression on you, not the other way around. It's good to know some very simple background information, but otherwise, try to let the film speak for itself. Some of the basics you will want to know include: the year and place the movie was made; the studio that sponsored it; and its director, main actors, and writers. Try to avoid reading reviews or spoilers before the movie; they can bias you. Even trailers can make you judge a movie before you see it. Watch alone (or with a quiet friend). You are going to want to focus in-depth on the movie so that you can write a good analysis later, and it's best to do that without any distractions. Some people find it intimidating to go to the movies alone, but you may find that's it's actually fun and helps you focus better on the things that matter. If you feel like you must go with a friend, pick a thoughtful one. Someone who squirms or makes jokes all the time will distract you. Watch all in one sitting. Unlike television shows, movies are meant to be seen all at once. If you interrupt the flow of the movie to get a snack or run around the block, you won't have the experience the creators intended you to have. Sit still, and hit pause as little as possible. Take a few notes. If you aren't in a dark theatre, you can scribble down a few observations to yourself as the movie unfolds. However, your focus should be on the movie, not on your writing, so don't get too caught up in doing an in-depth analysis right there in your seat. You can do that later! Make sure you don't pause. Some things you may want to jot down, especially if they catch your attention, include: Major plot points. Crucial or repeated lines. Particularly notable shots. Write down all your thoughts after. While the credits are rolling and your brain is still fresh, record everything that struck you about the movie or felt significant. You don't have to organize these thoughts into categories yet, so just make a point of focusing on things you thought were interesting, or emphasized by the filmmakers. If you're stuck for ideas, try thinking about…...the way color was used....whether the shots flowed together or were jarring....if particular characters or things were supposed to represent certain things. Wait, then look over your thoughts. After a day or so, review the notes you took during and after the movie. Think about if any of the things you focused on seemed to be bigger issues throughout the movie, from a theme of self-sacrifice to the fact that only evil characters wear hats. Once you've identified the themes that seem most important, you can start breaking down the movie to look for evidence in each of its elements. Investigate the movie’s background. Any given movie contains at least two stories: the narrative it tells, and the background of its creation. Movies take a lot of time, effort, and money to make. Learning a bit about how the film you're trying to analyze was made will give you a lot of insight into it. Are there any myths about the movie's creation? For example, The Wizard of Oz has a ton of urban legends surrounding it. Even if the legends aren't true, they may tell you about the movie's mystique or fan base. Did the filmmakers intend for the movie to comment on contemporary politics or culture? For instance, Dr. Strangelove was made in the 1960s and satirized the Cold War that the United States was embroiled in. Was the movie based on a true story, fiction, or a mix of the two? For example, the 1977 TV series Roots explores the family history of writer Alex Haley. Even though real people and events are present, the story is fleshed out with fictionalized characters and side events. Think about the story arc. Movies are a storytelling medium, and the success of a film depends on the structure of the story. Think about the pacing of the story and whether it's choppy or smooth. Make note of any major plot twists, too. If you want to figure out if a movie was well-plotted, write down the major events of the plot as you remember them. If you can remember them in order, that's a good sign. Most movie plots follow the same structure: setup, to new situation, to progress, to higher stakes, to final push, to resolution. Engage with the writing. The writing of a movie supports the story, so a well-plotted movie is often well-written as well. Try to figure out if you got all the information you needed from the writing. Make a list of any notable quotes or phrases. Does the dialogue sound believable, like real people talking? Even in movies that take place in the past, you should not be so distracted by old-timey grammar that you can't follow the story. Try to tell where the jokes are, and if they land well. (You can easily tell this in a theatre--if you hear other people laughing, it means the joke worked.) Make note of moments of silence. These can say as much as words do. Judge the acting. Think about the characters for a moment. Are they believable? This does not mean whether you like the character portrayed or not, but refers instead to whether the acting helped you to believe the characters were real. Just as important is an actor's presence on the screen. If an actor commands your attention so that you can't look away, they're probably performing well. Are accents and speech patterns consistent throughout the movie? Do they provide additional information, or are they distracting? How do the actors convey information using their bodies and faces? Pay attention to the interactions between the actors, including how they move, their expressions and gestures, and how they deliver their dialogue. Analyze the lighting and camera techniques. A horror movie might use a shaky camera and dim light to express authenticity. A blockbuster might rely on bright lighting that makes the actors look flawless, and smooth cuts from shot to shot. Try to identify the mood you get from looking at a particular scene, then identify the camera and lighting work that is making you feel that way. Angles are important too: they show you where the director would want you positioned in a scene. Does the angle make you feel like you're looking down on people, or backed up into a corner? Find your favorite scene in the movie and pause it on the screen. Then, pay attention to the lighting and composition—think about how it affects the atmosphere and emotion in that scene. Other production elements to examine include the blocking, editing, and camera movement in the film. Consider the soundtrack. Movie soundtracks are an accessible way for all types of people to engage with music--even orchestral music! Think about the soundtrack's volume, mood, and importance to the plot. A good soundtrack will deepen the mood of the movie that you're watching and may even advance the plot. It should not be distracting. Horror movies are well-known for their atmospheric soundtracks, which can make a tense environment even scarier. The Shining is a famous example of this: with the music turned off, some of the most terrifying scenes don't seem so bad. Some period movies like A Knight's Tale , or Sofia Coppola's Marie Antoinette , use contemporary music to help audiences better empathize with historic figures. Examine the trappings. The inanimate objects used to set the proper mood for a movie can tell you a lot about it too. Is the director of the movie known for a particular aesthetic? Do you feel a specific way when you look at the sets? Is this the type of movie in which the plot doesn't matter because the accessories are so fabulous? Look at the costumes. Clothes are an easy way to set a movie in a particular time or place, but if they're not accurate, they can detract from the film. Examine the outfits the characters wear carefully, and try to figure out if they do any visual storytelling of their own. Sets are powerful too. Many films shoot for hyper realistic sets, while others have more basic backdrops. Some directors even choose sets that look like theatre stages as a deliberate choice. Organize your evidence. You want facts that support your concept of its themes, which could be concepts, colors, or even repeated images or lines of dialogue throughout the film. Look over your thoughts on the different elements of the movie and see if you can find support for your thoughts. For instance, if you're analyzing the 1995 Disney movie Aladdin, you might think about how Aladdin craves both freedom (from hunger, prison, and poverty) and power throughout the movie, and how other characters' desires for freedom or power shape them as well. You might think about how Aladdin and Jasmine each describe themselves as "trapped" at first, despite their different circumstances, and how the Genie is happy to trade physical strength for a vacation at the end. Pick the themes that resonate with you. The best writing comes from enthusiasm, so channel what excites you into your work. Remember that directors don't necessarily put themes in on purpose. For instance, many critics felt that objectification of women was a theme throughout Transformers, but it's unlikely that the director consciously chose to do this. Start with an introduction. Now that you've made all your judgements of the movie, it's time to help others do the same. Mention the background of the film, including the people involved in making it, and make a note of any expectations you had going in. At this point, you can hint as to your theories about the movie, but there's no need to hit your readers over the head with them. In your analysis of Aladdin , you would want readers to know that the movie's story is based off of a cycle of legends called the 1001 Nights and that its images are inspired by an earlier, unfinished movie called The Thief and the Cobbler. Summarize the plot. Take a sentence or three to explain the setup of the plot and the seeds of the major conflict. Try to be as brief as possible: plot is but one small aspect of the movie, and you have a lot of ground to cover. To summarize Aladdin , you'd want to say that it's the story of a clever young man whose life changes forever when an encounter with a Genie grants him incredible power and privilege--though not without a cost. It should go without saying, but if you're writing a review, no spoilers. Don't describe any major twists or resolutions. If you're writing a more formal analysis for class, it's okay to explain the whole plot. Don't get too snarky. A joke or two is fine. Explore the themes you find interesting. Once you've gone into the bones of the movie, you can tell your reader about the layers on top of them. Pose a hypothesis about what you think the filmmaker is trying to say, or even what the filmmaker wants you to think. Identify examples of elements in the movie that prove your point. In the story of Aladdin , you could make the argument that power is a trap. Both Jasmine and the Sultan are royalty, but their lives are ruled by antiquated marriage laws and Jafar, a vizier who towers over both of them. Both Jafar and Aladdin use the Genie to gain great temporary control, but these new powers are capricious. Jafar is defeated by his power: he turns into a genie and is imprisoned in a lamp. By the end, Jasmine has been freed to marry who she wants, and Aladdin has chosen to free the Genie, as he promised. The characters who choose their own freedom--and prioritize others' freedom at the expense of their own power--are rewarded. You don't have to tie all your observations back to a simple thesis, necessarily. However, it's good to stay on task. Criticize aspects of the movie you did not appreciate. Don't be afraid to criticize. There are very few perfect films, and a nuanced discussion of the film's flaws will add strength to your analysis. Go ahead and say what would you change about the movie. Are there any ways in which it could support its themes better? Wrap it up. Did the film meet expectations? What is your overall verdict? Use your opinion backed up by analysis and facts. Obviously, this is your review, and it can't be objective: express whether you think the movie succeeded at its aims, and whether you enjoyed it. In the conclusion of your analysis of Aladdin , you might decide that its emphasis on the joys of freedom resonated with you and made the movie a popular hit, but you were troubled about how casual the protagonist was about making weaker or indentured characters (like the monkey, carpet, and Genie) do his work for him. Overall, do you think the movie was a success? Can you imagine the filmmakers exploring similar visions later? If you're writing an accessible review for a large audience, feel free to make a recommendation about what types of people might be interested in the movie (costume fans, classical music buffs, people who like watching things blow up…) | Know only the basics. Watch alone (or with a quiet friend). Watch all in one sitting. Take a few notes. Write down all your thoughts after. Wait, then look over your thoughts. Investigate the movie’s background. Think about the story arc. Engage with the writing. Judge the acting. Analyze the lighting and camera techniques. Consider the soundtrack. Examine the trappings. Organize your evidence. Start with an introduction. Summarize the plot. Explore the themes you find interesting. Criticize aspects of the movie you did not appreciate. Wrap it up. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Tomatoes-in-Pots | How to Grow Tomatoes in Pots | To grow tomatoes in pots, select a 15 gallon, 18-inch plastic pot with drainage holes at the bottom for each tomato plant. Add a layer of pebbles or river rocks to the bottom of the pot, then fill the pot the 1/3 of the way with a mixture of potting soil and vegetable fertilizer. Place your seeds or seedlings into the pot, then fill the pot the rest of the way with soil and attach a tomato cage to the pot. Water the plants thoroughly whenever the soil seems dry, and keep the plants where they will get 4-6 hours of sun each day. | Buy healthy tomato plants or seeds. Go to your local garden store and look at the tomato varieties available. A growing plant will produce tomatoes quicker, but you may have more variety to choose from if you buy seeds. If you purchase a tomato plant, look for one that is a healthy green color with whole leaves untouched by pests. Both BushSteak and Patio Princess tomato plants do well in containers and produce ample fruit. If you are looking for a cherry tomato variety, try the Sweet Baby Girl plant. Some 'early' tomato plants will develop fruit within 45 days of planting. However, it usually takes a healthy plant 80 days to create fruit. If you plant from a seed, then you'll need to include an additional 20 days for germination and seedling growth. Select a 15 US gal (57 L), 18 in (46 cm) pot for each tomato plant. This is the minimum size necessary to give your plant adequate room to develop. Some small varieties, such as Sun Sugar, may fit inside a 12 in (30 cm) pot, but the roots will be restricted and your yield may not be very impressive. Choose plastic pots for easier movement and cleaning. Sturdy clay pots may look nice, but a pot this large will get very heavy and you will not be able to move it without some strain. Whiskey barrel halves are another common choice, but they are almost impossible to sanitize. Instead, look for sturdy plastic pots with drainage holes and saucers. Some plastic pots are also fashioned to look like terracotta on the outside. Placing a dolly underneath a pot can help you move it around for watering or variable sunlight, too. Scrub each planting pot clean with hot water and soap. Even if you've bought pots from the store, it's important to sanitize them completely before planting. Add a squirt of dish soap into each pot and then fill it up with hot water. Let it soak for a minimum of 5 minutes before completely rinsing it out with fresh water to remove all soap residue. Then let your pots dry completely before you use them. Cleaning your pots helps to reduce the possibility of harmful bacteria or insect eggs infecting your new plants. Repeat this process every time you plant something new in a pot. Mix together potting soil and vegetable fertilizer. Purchase an all-purpose potting soil at your local gardening center. While you are there, buy a bag of vegetable fertilizer as well. Follow the directions on the fertilizer bag and mix it into the potting soil. Don't ever plant using soil directly from the ground. It could contain bacteria or pests that might damage your tomato plants or seedlings. Place a fiberglass screen at the bottom of your pot. Get a small roll of fiberglass or plastic window screening from your local hardware store. Use industrial scissors to cut a piece out of the screen. It should be slightly larger than the size and shape of the bottom of your pot. Then, position the screen inside the pot. Adding a screen to the bottom of your pot will keep the soil from draining out with the water. This keeps more nutrients close to your tomato plant's roots, too. Pour pebbles or river rocks into your saucer. Add them in until you've created an even layer in the bottom of your saucer. Then, place your pot on top of the saucer and rocks. Check to make sure that your pot is level and sturdy. The rocks create air gaps in between the underside of your pot and the surface it sits on, which allows water to drain out more thoroughly. Fill your pot 1/3 full with potting mix. For a 15 US gal (57 L) pot, you should cover the bottom 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) with soil. This leaves plenty of room for you to place the plant and then surround it with additional soil. If you add too much soil initially, you may expose too much of your plant to the sun, which can harm it. If you are planting tomato seeds, add potting soil until you get.5 in (1.3 cm) from the top of the pot. Planting your seeds any deeper will prevent them from sprouting. Place 2 seeds in the center of each pot if you’re growing tomatoes from seeds. Make a.25 in (0.64 cm) tiny hole in the dead middle of the pot. Then, put 2 seeds into this hole and re-cover it with soil. The seeds should be fully covered and hidden when you are finished. Planting both seeds at once gives you greater odds that 1 of them will sprout up. Place a single plant in the center of each pot if you’re growing from plants. Grasp the plant firmly by its center stalk and rock it back and forth gently in the original plastic container to loosen the soil up. Then, pull up firmly. Place the plant in the very middle of the new pot. Fill up the space around the plant with soil until it is even with the current soil line of the plant. Be very careful when lifting the plant out of its original container or you could damage the roots. If the plant won't budge from its original plastic container, try watering it just until the soil is moist before transplanting it. Give the tomato plant or seeds a thorough watering. Soak it with water once, and then wait another 10 minutes before soaking it again. The soil should be completely saturated. If you've planted seeds, take care to gently sprinkle water on the soil. Don't use enough force or add enough water to dislodge the seeds from the soil. After soaking it so thoroughly, your tomato plant may not need additional watering for an entire week. Constantly saturating your tomatoes will destroy them. Insert a tomato cage once the pot is filled with soil. Carefully push the legs of the cage into the soil, centered over the tomato plant. Stop once the cage is firmly fixed in place. If you feel any resistance, pause and readjust the position of the cage before continuing. Pushing down too recklessly can damage the roots. Tomato cages are usually made out of concrete reinforcing wire. They are sold at gardening centers. If a tomato cage gets bent or damaged, make sure to pull it out carefully and replace it. Otherwise, it could pull down your plant. Position the pot so that it gets 4-6 hours of sun each day. Your tomato plants need between 4-6 hours of total sun per day in order to grow and eventually produce fruit. If needed, place your pots on dollies and roll them to where they'll get sun. You can also set your pots in front of a sun lamp indoors. Keep the sun lamp at least 6 inches (15 cm) away from the pots to avoid burning the plants. If you've planted tomato seeds, keep them warm at night by covering the top of each pot tightly with plastic wrap. Then, remove it at the start of each day. Wrap nylon netting around the tomato cage. Position the netting so that it encloses the entire cage, including the top. Then, fold the netting over the upper cage rims. Secure the netting to the rims using clothespins or other sturdy clips. The netting helps to keep insects, such as tomato worms and stink bugs, away from the plant. It also helps to filter the sun's rays to prevent leaf burning. If you do find insects on your plants, try using a mild insecticide. There are both natural and manufactured options available, depending on the offending pest. Be sure to thoroughly rinse any insecticide-treated tomatoes before you eat them. Water your tomatoes as often as necessary in order to keep the soil moist. If the soil is dry for.5 in (1.3 cm) down or if your plants look slightly wilted at the end of the day, then they need to be watered. Keep watering until you see water coming out of the pot's bottom drain holes. This means that the water has saturated the soil from top to bottom. Vary your watering schedule depending on the season and temperature. On hot days, you may need to water daily. When the weather is mild, once weekly might suffice. When you are finished watering, drain off any remaining water from the saucer. Letting the water sit in the saucer can cause root rot. Try to water your tomatoes during the daytime. Evening or nighttime water can encourage the growth of fungus. Harvest your tomatoes one-by-one once they develop their red color. The fruits should almost be completely red with only trace amounts of green remaining. Ripe tomatoes can be plucked by gently pulling at the stem with your fingers. Or, use a pair of garden shears to snip them off their branches. Note that some varieties of tomatoes (check your variety) are naturally striped, green, or otherwise not like an ordinary red tomato when mature. | Buy healthy tomato plants or seeds. Select a 15 US gal (57 L), 18 in (46 cm) pot for each tomato plant. Choose plastic pots for easier movement and cleaning. Scrub each planting pot clean with hot water and soap. Mix together potting soil and vegetable fertilizer. Place a fiberglass screen at the bottom of your pot. Pour pebbles or river rocks into your saucer. Fill your pot 1/3 full with potting mix. Place 2 seeds in the center of each pot if you’re growing tomatoes from seeds. Place a single plant in the center of each pot if you’re growing from plants. Give the tomato plant or seeds a thorough watering. Insert a tomato cage once the pot is filled with soil. Position the pot so that it gets 4-6 hours of sun each day. Wrap nylon netting around the tomato cage. Water your tomatoes as often as necessary in order to keep the soil moist. Harvest your tomatoes one-by-one once they develop their red color. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Yourself-if-You-Get-Stung-by-a-Bee-or-Wasp | How to Treat Yourself if You Get Stung by a Bee or Wasp | To treat yourself after getting stung by a bee or wasp, you should seek medical assistance if you experience abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, tightness in your chest, coughing, diarrhea, dizziness, hives, palpitations, or swelling in your face. If you don't experience any of these symptoms, you can treat the sting at home. First, scrape your fingernail across the stinger if it's still in your skin to pull it out. Avoid squeezing the end of the stinger since it could release more venom into your system. Then, wash the area with soap and water, and apply an ice pack for 20 minutes once an hour to help with the pain. You can also apply a baking soda and water paste over the area, which can help reduce swelling and itching. | Assess your body's reaction to the sting. If you have had multiple stings in the past or this instance has multiple stings, you may experience an allergic reaction to the protein in the venom of the wasp or bee. The level of your reaction will determine whether further treatment or professional medical assistance is required. A mild reaction will be localized to the area where you were stung. You may develop a red, raised welt that is approximately ½ inch in diameter. However, some people will experience a red raised area up to two inches in diameter. The area may be itchy. The center is often white where the stinger punctured the skin. A moderate reaction includes the localized response you'll see in a mild reaction, with the addition of swelling of the affected area that extends beyond two inches in the day or two following the sting. Moderate reactions usually peak at 48 hours and last five to ten days. A severe reaction to a sting those symptoms in the mild and moderate levels of reaction with chronic hives (urticaria), diarrhea, coughing or difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue and throat, weak and rapid pulse, reduced blood pressure, loss of consciousness and, potentially, death if not treated quickly. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should call your local emergency number. If you are aware of your allergy and have an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen, Auvi-Q or other), you should use it or have someone nearby use it on you. Press the autoinjector against your thigh and hold it there for a few seconds. Await emergency assistance. Determine what stung you. The initial first aid for a bee or wasp sting will depend upon which insect stung you. In both cases, however, first aid will consist of reducing the discomfort and swelling to the area. Wasps do not leave a stinger behind, while honey bees (though not bumblebees) will leave a barbed stinger behind. Administer first aid for stings without a stinger left behind. Wash the sting site gently with soap and water. Use cool water to help reduce the discomfort. Hot/warm water will increase the circulation to the area and increase the swelling. Then, apply a cold pack or ice to reduce swelling. If you are using ice, ensure that there is a towel between the ice and your skin to reduce the potential for cold damage to the skin's surface. Apply the cold pack or ice for 20 minutes once an hour until you feel relief. If the area is very itchy, you could take an oral antihistamine like Benadryl to relieve the itching. Alternatively, over-the-counter topical corticosteroid cream can also be used to reduce the histamine response in the area to the sting. If you feel pain in the area, you can take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Follow all dosing instructions on the bottle. Administer first aid for a sting where the stinger is left behind. First, you need to remove the sting. The stinger should be located in the center of the sting. There will be a venom sac attached which continues to pump out venom into your body after the bee has flown off. Do not pull the stinger out with your fingers or a tweezer. Squeezing the venom pouch will only drive the venom into your body faster. Instead, wash your hands and then scrape your fingernails across the stinger to catch it and pull it out without squeezing the sac. You could also scrape the sting site with a credit card edge to pull out the stinger. As with a wasp sting, wash the affected area with soap and water, apply a cold pack or ice to the area to reduce swelling and discomfort. If using an ice pack, place a towel between the ice and your skin to prevent cold damage to the tissue. Consider an over-the-counter antihistamine or topical corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation, itching and discomfort from the sting. Apply some home remedies. For ordinary stings that don't cause an allergic reaction (see below), home treatment after applying initial first aid is adequate. In most cases, the signs and symptoms associated with the sting should disappear within several hours or a day or two. There are, however, some home remedies that can provide relief from the sting of the sting, so to speak. These include: Make a paste of baking soda and water to place over the area. The baking soda helps to soothe the area, reduce the swelling and calm any itching. Apply honey to the area to reduce the swelling and discomfort. Honey has natural antibacterial properties. Crush a couple of cloves of garlic and apply the juice to the area. Garlic also has natural antibacterial properties. Lavender essential oil can help reduce the pain of bee and wasp stings when a couple of drops are applied topically to the affected area. Monitor your symptoms for a while. In most people the swelling and itching will recede in a matter of a few hours with a minor reaction and home treatment. The more severe the reaction, the longer the symptoms will last. Observe for the following symptoms, which can appear a few minutes or after an hour of the sting and indicate a severe reaction to the sting. Seek assistance if you experience any of them. Abdominal pain Anxiety Trouble breathing and wheezing Chest discomfort or tightness Coughing Diarrhea Dizziness Hives and itchy skin Palpitations Slurred speech Swelling of the face, tongue or eyes Unconsciousness Note that there have also been reports of unusual reactions to bee and wasp stings which include persistent symptoms lasting months, serum sickness, encephalitis (swelling of the brain) and secondary Parkinsonism (symptoms similar to Parkinson's Disease) after an anaphylactic shock. However, these are rare very responses to the sting of a bee or wasp. Distinguish between a wasp and a bee. Although wasps and bees can be mistaken for each other because both give painful stings, it is important to know and be able to identify the difference between them so you can administer the proper treatment. Bees and wasps are both members of the Hymenoptera (or winged membrane) order of insects, but look different and have different lifestyle habits: Their bodies are different proportions. Bees measure about 2.5 cm long and can have entirely black bodies. Others are black or brown with yellow stripes. Bees are also hairy. Wasps, meanwhile, have more narrow waists and smooth, shiny skin. Bees also have two wings, whereas wasps have four wings. Bee colonies are much larger with populations over 75,000 while wasps live in colonies of fewer than 10,000. Wasps hibernate through the winter months but bees do not hibernate, although they stay in the hive in the cold winter months. Wasps cannot produce honey but all species of bees can. Bees feed on pollen and plant products while wasps will eat pollen but also other insects. Honey bees can sting only once. Their stinger is barbed and stays in your body, causing it to be torn from the bee's body and left in your skin. Honey bees die after attacking. A single wasp or bumble bee can, however, sting multiple times. Determine what a sting looks like. Bee stings and wasp stings look very similar for the most part. Unless you see the insect sting you, it may not be apparent which one it was, so knowing what to look for in the sting can be helpful. You will experience instant and sharp burning pain at the site of the sting. A red welt will appear within minutes. A small white spot will be in the center of the welt where you were stung. The area may swell slightly around the sting. Look for a stinger in the center of the red area to determine if was a honeybee which stung you. Cater your treatment based on the sting and your body's reaction to it. Avoid provoking bees and wasps. Bees are usually docile and will attack only when provoked, while wasps are more naturally aggressive predators. In general, you should stay calm around bees and wasps. Walk away slowly from the area. Swatting at bees and wasps can cause them to sting. Preventing wasps and bumblebees from invading your outdoor space is the best way to prevent being stung. Wasps and bumblebees are attracted to sweet drinks, food, and garbage. Take your picnic food out only when you are ready to eat and put it away quickly when finished to avoid attracting these insects. Examine the inside of all drinks and food before eating or drinking to prevent being stung in the mouth. Use a tight lid on the garbage to prevent the insects from gathering inside the garbage and swarming you when you open the lid. Never work in the yard wearing yellow or white colors or floral prints as these attract the insects. Try wearing the color red because bees and wasps cannot see the color red. Do not wear loose clothing in which bees and wasps can get trapped. Minimize any attractive scents, such as perfume, colognes, scented soaps, hair spray and other fragrances. Do not walk barefoot. Wasps and bees are commonly found on the ground. Do not leave outside lights on longer than necessary at night. The light attracts insects and the predators that eat them — like wasps. Do not squash a wasp. The body of the wasp will release a chemical alarm that signals other wasps in the area to attack. Similarly, when a bee stings it releases a chemical that attracts other bees to the area. | Assess your body's reaction to the sting. Determine what stung you. Administer first aid for stings without a stinger left behind. Administer first aid for a sting where the stinger is left behind. Apply some home remedies. Monitor your symptoms for a while. Distinguish between a wasp and a bee. Determine what a sting looks like. Avoid provoking bees and wasps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Heal-Blisters-from-Rowing | How to Heal Blisters from Rowing | To heal blisters from rowing, start by applying moleskin pads or loose-fitting bandages over them so the blisters can heal undisturbed. It's usually best to avoid draining blisters to prevent the risk of infection, but if the blister is swollen, filled with fluid, or making it difficult to perform tasks, then you may want to consider lancing and draining it with sterile tools. Be sure to keep the blistered area clean with soap and water, especially if a blister has been torn open or drained. Apply antibiotic ointment over a torn blister and cover it with a clean bandage. Don't forget to change the bandage every day and remove it at night so the wound can breathe. | Apply a moleskin pad. Some people believe it's best to leave a blister as it is until it heals because the skin over the blister is like a natural band-aid that provides a barrier against infection. Draining a blister increases the risk of infection, especially if you have a chronic condition like diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease. If you can avoid draining it, the best way to let a blister heal is by applying a moleskin pad to it and leaving it undisturbed. Use a doughnut-shaped moleskin pad. This will leave the area directly over the blister open so it can breathe and heal. Moleskin pads reduce friction to the surface of the blister, allowing it to heal on its own. Change the padding daily, and keep the area clean. Wear a loose-fitting bandage. A bandage will provide similar protection as a moleskin pad, but will completely cover the blister (instead of leaving the top area open). A simple adhesive bandage will do, and it should help keep the skin intact while also reducing some of the friction. A bandage is more protective, but may not reduce friction as well as a moleskin pad. You can use clean gauze and medical tape to cover larger blisters. Change the bandaging every day, and keep the area clean. Use a blister plaster. Blister plasters are not actually made of plaster. Instead, the blister plaster acts as a second layer of skin, and protects the blister even when your skin is wet. Rub the blister plaster gently between your hands (provided your hands are clean). This can help improve the blister plaster's ability to stick to your skin. Apply the plaster taut over the skin, covering the entire blister. This will help reduce pain while allowing the blister to heal. Change the plaster daily, and keep the area clean. Assess the blister. If you can keep the blister covered and it is not causing you any problems, it's best to let it heal on its own. However, if the blister is swollen, filled with fluid, and making it difficult to row or perform other tasks, then you may want to consider lancing and draining the blister in a sterile procedure. Only you will be able to accurately assess how functional your blister is. If you are unsure of how to proceed, or do not feel capable of safely draining the blister in a sterile manner, talk to your doctor about how to treat or manage the blister. Consider leaving the blister alone. Most blisters will heal on their own without being drained, so you might want to just leave it alone. Your body will reabsorb the fluid in the blister as it heals. If the blister is infected or extremely painful, then it may need to be drained. Do not drain your blister if you have HIV/AIDS, cancer, or heart disease. Wash your hands thoroughly. Before you touch your blister, it's important to have clean hands. This will help reduce the chances of your blister becoming infected. Wet your hands with clean, running water. Lather soap between your hands by rubbing them together. Scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds. Be sure to apply soap under your fingernails, between your fingers, and on the fronts and backs of both hands. Rinse your hands free of all soap and dirt/debris under clean, running water. Dry your hands with a clean paper towel, and use the towel to turn off the faucet to avoid touching any unclean surfaces. If you do not have access to clean, running tap water, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to disinfect your hands. However, this will not be effective in removing dirt and grit from your hands. Apply enough hand sanitizer to cover both hands, then rub it over every surface of your hands and fingers. Let it air dry when you're finished. Disinfect the blister's surface. Even though you've washed your hands, it's a good idea to disinfect the blister itself. This is to prevent any outside bacteria from being introduced into the blister once you puncture the surface. Apply iodine to a clean cotton swab or a clean piece of paper towel. Swab the blister, including the area immediately surrounding the blister, until it is completely covered. Let the iodine air dry. Sterilize a clean, sharp needle. Now that your hands are clean and the blister has been swabbed with iodine, you'll need to sterilize the needle. It's very important that the needle be clean, sharp, and sterilized, because a dirty, rusty, or dull needle can cause injury or infection if you lance the blister with it. You can buy a sterile lancing needle from most drug stores, or sterilize a clean, sharp needle at home. There are numerous ways to sterilize a needle. Some people hold the needle over a flame, while others pour boiling water over the needle. The safest way to sterilize a needle is to simply pour some rubbing alcohol onto a clean cotton swab, wipe the needle down, and let it air dry. Puncture the blister. Using the now-sterilized needle, carefully puncture the blister near its edge (where it meets the rest of your finger or hand). Be careful not to stab the muscle or the deeper skin layers underneath your blister; you merely want to penetrate the outer layer of skin on the blister itself. Larger blisters may require multiple punctures. Be sure to insert the needle close to the edge of the blister for each incision. Let the fluid drain out. Getting the serum (fluid) out of your blister is the most important part of the process. You may need to gently massage some of the fluid out if it does not drain well on its own. Be gentle and do not rush through it. Take the time to ensure you get all the serum out of your blister. Leave the overlying skin from the blister in place. Removing it will cause a large, open sore that could easily become infected. Apply ointment and cover the blister. Your skin may be stressed from the injury and subsequent punctures. Applying a thin layer of ointment, such as Vaseline or Neosporin, to the blister can help your skin return to its normal, elastic state. An antibacterial ointment has the added benefit of cleaning the wound while it's covered. Don't apply too much ointment. The wound will need to be able to breathe, and excess ointment may reduce the flow of oxygen to your skin. Cover the blister with sterile, non-stick gauze, and use medical tape to keep it fixed in place. Be sure that you do not accidentally apply tape to the blister itself, as this may cause significant pain when you remove it. Change the dressings every day, and keep the area clean. Use more ointment as needed. Wash the area clean. Whether your blister has torn open or you lanced and drained it, it's important to keep the area as clean as possible. You should wash the area once each day, and any additional times as needed if the area is exposed to dirt or bacteria. This is particularly important if you continue to row, as river and lake water is full of bacteria that could easily cause an infection. Use soap and water. Do not use alcohol, peroxide, iodine, or any other wound cleanser, as these will irritate the skin and prolong the healing process. Follow the same guidelines for washing your blister wound as you would for washing your hands. Keep the flap of skin in place. If the flap of skin covering the deflated blister gets very dirty or if there is still pus remaining under it, you may need to remove the skin flap. It's best to let a doctor do this, as she will be able to ensure your injury does not get infected. Otherwise, leave the skin flap in place so it will help protect the open sore underneath. If the skin gets bent out of place, gently smooth it back into position over the open sore. Do not attempt to cut or pull away the skin at home, as this will drastically increase the risk of infection and prolong the healing process. Apply ointment and a clean bandage. Once you've washed the blister wound and smoothed the skin back in place, you'll need to protect the wound. Apply enough antibiotic ointment to sufficiently cover the blister, then cover it with a clean bandage. If your blister grows itchy or develops a rash, stop using the ointment and see your doctor as soon as possible. Change the bandage every day, and any time it gets dirty or wet. Keep the area clean. Remove the bandage at night to allow the wound to breathe. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. You can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve some of the pain caused by the blister and to speed up healing. Read the manufacturer's instructions to find the proper dosage, or talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how much to take. Maintain a proper handle grip. A common cause of rowing blisters, especially for those just starting out, is improper handle grip on the oars. If your grip is too tight, you're likely to develop blisters. If it's too loose, though, you could lose your hold on the handle altogether. Maintain a loose, relaxed grip, but keep proper form and a correct grip on the handle. It can take a long time to learn how to properly hold on to the handle. Don't get discouraged. Just keep with it, and ask your coach or a more experienced rower for advice on your technique. Keep your oars clean. A dirty or greasy oar handle will not necessarily cause blisters in and of itself. However, it can make it difficult for you to maintain the proper grip on your handles, which may cause blisters. Use an abrasive cleaning product and clean paper towels to scrub down the oar handles after every workout. Wear non-slip gloves. If you're comfortable rowing in gloves, a good pair of non-stick rowing gloves can help you keep on top of your rowing without the risk of blisters. You can find these at many sporting goods stores, or by searching online. Tape up your hands. If you're not comfortable wearing non-slip gloves while you row, you can try taping your hands instead. Use regular, store-bought duct tape for this, but make sure the tape is clean to prevent irritation or infection. Use a pair of scissors to cut a piece of duct tape. It should be slightly larger than the spot on your hand(s) that is prone to getting blisters. Apply the piece of duct tape to your palm. Press down in the center and smooth the tape in outward strokes to remove any lumps or wrinkles. Toughen up your skin. It may be painful and frustrating in the meantime, but eventually your hands will get tougher in the spots that are most prone to blistering. This can take time, and it's important to be patient while your skin toughens. Do not let it deter you; it's important to keep rowing until your skin builds up a tolerance to the motion. Increase your rowing time or intensity gradually. If you rush to lengthen the time you spend rowing or your intensity, you will easily cause blisters. Figure out a schedule for yourself that will allow you to increase your time and intensity slowly over several days or weeks. This is something you will have to determine for your own abilities and endurance. Don't be afraid to push yourself, but know your own limits. | Apply a moleskin pad. Wear a loose-fitting bandage. Use a blister plaster. Assess the blister. Consider leaving the blister alone. Wash your hands thoroughly. Disinfect the blister's surface. Sterilize a clean, sharp needle. Puncture the blister. Let the fluid drain out. Apply ointment and cover the blister. Wash the area clean. Keep the flap of skin in place. Apply ointment and a clean bandage. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Maintain a proper handle grip. Keep your oars clean. Wear non-slip gloves. Tape up your hands. Toughen up your skin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Being-Stubborn | How to Stop Being Stubborn | Being overly stubborn can harm your professional opportunities or social relationships, but you can avoid this by learning how to listen to others and how to compromise. Try to approach every discussion you have with an open mind, which will help you include other people's views in your decisions or actions. You can show others that you're listening to them by maintaining eye contact during your conversation and not interrupting them, because speaking over another person is a sign that you don't respect their opinion. As you listen to the other person, tell yourself that they're just as entitled to their opinion as you, even if you don't agree with it. If you're struggling to understand what they're saying, ask them questions to clarify what they're saying to show that you're trying to see their point of view. To avoid making conflicts worse, explain to them that your main concern is reaching an agreement, which will show them that you want to compromise. | Listen to the other side of the story. You may agree with some of the things you hear, and disagree with others. This gives you a chance to hear things you may not have heard before, and also increases your chances to reach an agreement. When both parties listen to each other, it makes things easier for everyone. If you are filling your head with all the reasons to say “no” as the person is talking, you are not actively listening. If it is difficult for you to listen, say to the other person, “Okay, I'm listening to what you have to say.” This will force you to pause and focus on the person talking. Maintain good eye contact. This will help you stay focused and also will convey your interest in hearing what the other person has to say. Do not interrupt the person talking. Instead, wait until he is done to address the matter. Repeat back in similar wording what you heard him say. Each time you do this it builds your credibility as an active listener. If the person talking is upset, happy, or passionate about what he is saying you can reply, “It sounds like you are really excited about this opportunity. I can see why this is so important to you.” People like to be heard and listened to. When you correctly repeat back to people what you heard, they know you have been listening. Remind yourself that you are not always right. While listening to someone talk, you may think everything he says is wrong because you know "the right way." There is a distinction between facts and opinions. Your opinion is not the only one that matters, nor is all your knowledge necessarily correct. You have to accept that you learn something new every day, even if it overwrites something you thought you already knew. You are entitled to have an opinion, but you cannot expect others to always agree with you. Repeating your opinion louder, or more often, or with judgmental slurs attached, will not convince anyone to agree with you. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. No one likes a know-it-all. If maintaining relationships with family, friends and business is important, you must consider your likability. Build trust in others by starting with small steps. Your stubbornness might be attributed to an overall mistrust of others. Most people are not going to take advantage of you the second you stop fighting tooth-and-nail for your objectives. For the ones who do, it becomes apparent very quickly and you can distance yourself. Remember, these types of people are the exception not the norm. There are ways to build your ability to trust others. Start with small steps that lead to larger ones. For example, if you think someone is incapable of being responsible, allow him to pick up your dry cleaning. This is a low-risk activity, but it will still allow you to build trust. Once the person demonstrates he is reliable, you can allow him to do more important tasks. Each time the person is successful your trust in him will grow. Even if someone forgets to do something for you, it doesn't mean they can't be trusted. Give him a second chance to earn your trust. You would appreciate the same concession. Keep an open mind by reserving judgement. Enter any discussion and situation with an open, neutral mindset, without prejudice, or judgement. Approach with the attitude that you are willing to hear what someone has to say so you can make a fair decision, rather than a rash decision. Considering everyone's input prevents closing off the possibility for a positive outcome. Prevent yourself from jumping to a negative conclusion by using visualization techniques. For example, close your eyes and envision a box filled with all the negative things you believe about the person or the event you are supposed to attend. Picture yourself closing the box and putting a lock on it and setting it to the side. Open your eyes and take a step forward symbolically moving away from your stubbornness. This should help you start the conversation with an open mind. Focus on the positive feeling that results from a good outcome and let that motivate you through the situation. Be humble. Don't always assign people less value than yourself. Think about everyone as being equal. It is okay to be confident and have healthy self-esteem, but over doing it can make you appear stubborn and closed-minded, not to mention snobby, self-centered and even mean. To be humble you need to approach every situation from the perspective that you are grateful for what you have. Don't boast about your accomplishments. Be appreciative for what you have and for the people in your life. If you never lose sight of this and uphold a high level of care for others, you will see your stubbornness decrease. Humility requires you to hold a modest opinion of yourself rather than an inflated one. For example, if you hold an advanced college degree, don't think less of someone who doesn't have one. There are all sorts of reasons why people don't go to college, and many of these people might be more successful than you. Realize that being stubborn is good in some cases. In an instance when you are certain you are right or are defending something of value, being stubborn is appropriate. Also, in a case when the decision is yours to make and the consequences greatly impact you, your stubbornness will serve you well. Given the right situation, stubbornness is useful. It is when it gets out of control and negatively affects you and those around you that you must find a way to temper it. If you or your attorney are fighting for your rights, being stubborn is an asset. If you need to have a medical procedure approved and you are getting push-back from your insurance company, being stubborn might save your life. Build rapport to lessen tension. Don't use stubbornness to get what you want, instead learn the essentials of negotiation so you can compromise, cooperate and collaborate. You will get what you want in a more effective and professional manner. Building rapport is the first step. People tend to let down their guard with those who share common interests. If you put your stubbornness aside and relate to people, they will respond in a positive way. Find common ground with people by simply noticing a photograph or piece of art on the wall or on the person's desk and say, “That is a great shot. It looks like a place I saw in New Mexico. Where did you take that?” To find common ground with people steer toward conversations about the weather, pets and children. People respond to people they can relate to. Find a subject matter the person can relate to and talk about it. Bringing the subject up again when you are leaving is a nice way to end the conversation. You will be asked questions that might make you feel defensive. Maintain your composure and say, “In the hope of resolving this issue, let me try to answer that question without getting defensive.” Saying it out loud will remind you to focus on continuing to build rapport. You might feel competitive toward the other person, so remember that good sportsmanship is relevant to any competitive situation. Maintain a professional, friendly tone throughout the conversation. Decrease misunderstandings to increase resolution. Make it your goal to understand what the other person is saying and what they want. If something doesn't make sense to you, ask for clarification. Next, express your desires in a way that will help the other person understand what you want. Once both parties understand each other, it will be easier to mold a positive outcome. If there is something that you don't understand say, “I don't know if I'm understanding why you need to use the car next week. Are you saying that you won't be able to make it to work, or will you get fired because of it?” You may need to apologize for a misunderstanding. For example you might say, “I am sorry I created a misunderstanding. Let me see if I can rephrase it.” Build legitimate support for your position. Your stubborn demands have probably lacked rational support if stubbornness has been your main tactic for controlling a situation. Others have probably given up trying to resolve an issue with you because you continually force your position on to them. Saying, “Because I said so,” in a negotiation isn't acceptable and works against reaching an agreement. You will need to support your position with evidence that will help justify what you want. For example, if your significant other wants you to go with her to a work party and you don't want to you could say, “I know it seems like I'm just being stubborn, but the reason I don't want to go to the party is because I don't know anyone, and I would rather you go with your friends and have fun. You won't have to worry about whether I'm having fun or not. So go, I want you to have fun.” Facilitate and celebrate agreements. If you approach every situation with the intent of saying “no,” it will hinder an agreement. Conflicts are resolved much quicker if you start with an attitude of, “How can we make this work?” You aren't giving up any power by using this approach. In fact, arriving at a solution in an expedient manner is a powerful accomplishment. If you have been at odds with a roommate and you resolve a longstanding issue say, “I'm so happy we solved this problem. Let's go out for coffee and dessert. My treat.” Whenever you have had a struggle with someone, always acknowledge his willingness to work on a solution. For example say, “I really appreciate you working with me to get this issue resolved. I hope we can put it behind us now.” Acknowledge when you have put your stubbornness aside and it has made a difference. For example say, “I really tried to not be stubborn and I think it helped. Do you?” You are not admitting a weakness. Making a change is a show of strength. Agree to disagree. There will be times when you won't be able to resolve a conflict. If you make every effort to fully participate, then that is all that you can do. You may want to make additional attempts at a resolution. Unfortunately, there are times when you must accept it and move on. You can always take a break from the action to allow yourself and the other person to think, cool down, and process the potential outcomes. Sometimes the best outcome is to understand that you will never understand. This will help you mentally get past the issue. Explore and identify the losses of your life. Stubbornness can be a reaction to losing someone or something in your life. You may be self-protecting against any further loss because the initial loss was extremely painful. Things, people, or family status may have been pulled out from under you. Subconsciously you think if you hold your ground on everything, you won't get hurt. The root of a person's stubbornness varies from person to person. Possible reasons include: feelings of inferiority; there may be a secret being protected; a desire to get attention from others; a person is afraid to give up power. Situations that may trigger a person's stubbornness include: playing a competitive game; a schoolmate might be flunking out of school and doesn't want anyone to know so he refuses to talk about his classes; a person gets into a debate over something and takes a side just to antagonize everyone involved; a roommate refuses to share responsibility in an issue over expenses. The world filled with stubbornness you are trying to create is not healthy. You will eventually end up feeling isolated, depressed and may suffer other psychological challenges. Did you experience a loss of control when a parent left, a spouse was killed, or your dream job was eliminated? Rather than remain stubborn, learn new and healthier coping strategies including but not limited to: participate in healthy activities that require you to open up, learn about the grieving process, or meditate. Are you passive aggressive because someone in your life always told you what to do and you didn't like it? Now, when someone asks you to do something you say you will, then you stubbornly drag your feet to make the other person angry. Follow through on your promises as passive aggressive behaviors will undermine and deteriorate any relationship. Ask yourself why you won’t let go of being right. Insecurity drives a lot of human behavior and can lead to anxiety and depression. Do you fear others will think you are uneducated, a low-achiever, or somehow less of a human being if you show your vulnerabilities? Believing you are right when it is obvious that you are not, will ultimately reinforce your insecurities. Admit that you are wrong when it is justified. You will see it is not the end of the world. In fact, you will feel the relief and begin to understand that being stubborn takes a toll on your thoughts, emotions and relationships. Determine what you hope to gain by being stubborn. Being overly stubborn creates a barrier between you and others. Are you pushing people away? Does the barrier make you feel safe? What are the possible pay-offs, and are the results of your actions healthy? Is your stubbornness working against you? Do you want stability and togetherness, yet all your actions push others away? The answer is: it isn't working for you. Be honest with yourself and write a list of the things you hope to gain from being stubborn. For example, do you think it will make you feel superior to others, that it will keep life from changing, or that you want to prove that no one can tell you what to do? Expecting these outcomes is not realistic. Examining your flawed thinking is essential for change to happen. Write a second list of the things you can do to stop being stubborn, and create the unshackled life you want to live. Seek help if you are struggling. It takes bravery and courage to ask for help. If you are struggling with controlling your stubbornness, contact a trusted source to talk about getting help. There are resources available to you through a private provider such as a counselor or doctor. Talking with someone will help you sort out your struggles and develop an effective approach to handle anything. If you are becoming increasingly isolated, call a counselor or doctor to make an appointment. If you have suffered a great loss, being stubborn can be considered normal for a limited period of time. However, this may be a sign that you may be suffering from unresolved grief, therefore grief counseling will help. Art therapy is also available and can be extremely beneficial. | Listen to the other side of the story. Remind yourself that you are not always right. Build trust in others by starting with small steps. Keep an open mind by reserving judgement. Be humble. Realize that being stubborn is good in some cases. Build rapport to lessen tension. Decrease misunderstandings to increase resolution. Build legitimate support for your position. Facilitate and celebrate agreements. Agree to disagree. Explore and identify the losses of your life. Ask yourself why you won’t let go of being right. Determine what you hope to gain by being stubborn. Seek help if you are struggling. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Handrail | How to Build a Handrail | Building a handrail is relatively easy if you have a basic tool kit and experience making home improvements. You'll first need to measure the rise and run of your stairs to work out how long your handrail should be. You can buy premade handrails made of wood, metal, or synthetic materials in most hardware stores. If you're mounting a handrail on a wall, you'll need brackets to hold it. If there's no wall there, you'll need newel posts and balusters to support the rail. Before you screw your rails onto the wall or balusters, finish the rails with a primer to protect them. You can also apply paint or a stain for a more stylish look. | Consult your local building authority to learn about building codes. Learn whether you need a permits for handrail construction and whether there are standard specifications for handrails in your area. It is important to ensure that your home improvement projects are compliant with codes set in place for residential buildings. If your work requires a permit, make sure to obtain one before adding onto your home in any way. This prevents any issues that may come about with inspections, potential penalties or violations, and issues that could come about if you ever tried selling your home in the future. If it does not require a permit, move forward with your building project. Measure the rise and the run of your stairs. The run of the railings should be measured from the top step to the bottom step of the stairs, along its diagonal. For a wall-mounted installation, add an additional 2 to 4 inches to each end to use as returns (also called the ends) for people to grab during use of the handrail. The rise of the railing should be measured according to local building authority codes; this is usually between 30-36 inches, or alternately at 36 inches, at the average height of people. Measure the rise at 36 inches from the same place at each step, and mark its position with a pencil or chalk. Use a tape measure to draw a straight line on the wall, connecting the 36-inch marks you placed at the top of the stairs in descending order to the very bottom step. Measure where you intend to place brackets that will later be screwed into the wall. Mark the bracket locations using a level to make sure that the brackets are plumb. Decide on the style of railing. If you're choosing to incorporate a handrail indoors, chances are it is an extension of the staircase you already have and will hang on the wall opposite the stairs. Wood is the most commonly used material for indoor handrails. Wood is sturdy and attractive, making it a good fit for indoor use. Wood is also an option for an outdoor handrail, but it may be prone to rotting in humid climates. Untreated wood will need an oil treatment before installation. Use tung oil, linseed oil, or a product based in one of those oils to coat the wood. Avoid water-based products because although they make wood water and moisture resistant, with time it peels and degrades. Metal railings are decay resistant and great for areas frequented by termite pests. Synthetic railings can be shaped and molded to your style needs and can even be made to look like wood. This option is expensive compared to other handrail options, but also more durable. Shop for a handrail at your local hardware store. In most hardwood stores handrails come readily available, depending on the type of material you want to use. Bring your measurements with you so you can buy the right size. If you have trouble locating the size you need in a ready-made manufactured style and size, request a custom railing. Stores like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Amazon are common sellers of handrail and stair products. If you're installing a wood railing, you can bring home wood samples from your local hardware store to match them to the wood fixtures in your home. Bear in mind that wood does not have to match perfectly, it just has to coordinate. Gather your supplies. In addition to the handrail, you will need at least two sets of brackets and screws. You will also need a drill to complete the installation, and a saw if you intend to cut your own returns. Remember that for a wall-mounted installation, the handrail should be 8 inches longer than your measurements, to account for the 4-inch returns you'll cut off on either end. If you buy a ready-made handrail, it will likely come with brackets and screws, too. If not, purchase brackets intended for a handrail installation. Cut the ends off of your railing. Use a saw to cut the ends (approximately 4 inches from each end) from the railing at a 45-degree angle. Once you've installed the handrail, the returns will be attached to either end to serve as hand grips. Reverse the placement of the cuts so that the pieces will be able to face the wall at the top and bottom of the rail. You may want to ask an employee at the hardware store to cut the returns for you if you aren't handy with a saw. Install the brackets. Line up the brackets and use a drill to mount them to the wall Repeat until all brackets are securely installed. Be sure that the brackets are vertically plumb before drilling them into place. It's important to make sure that the brackets are installed securely. If they seem loose in the wall, the handrail may not be sturdy enough to support people's weight as they use it. You may want to purchase extra brackets to ensure that the handrail will be held securely in place. Place the railing on top of the brackets. Hold the railing in position against the wall along the length of the chalk line. Secure the handrail into its position on the brackets by placing screws into the holes drilled on the railing's underside. Loosely-secured railings are a serious hazard issue, so be sure that the rail can bear the weight that will be imposed on it daily. If the railing is loose, reinforce the railing from below by applying a metal corner bracket there. Install the returns. Place the angled edge of the return against the end of the rail. The flat end of the return should rest against the wall, forming a hand grip. Use wood glue and apply it to the cut edges before securing the return to the rail. Hold it in place for a few minutes to ensure it is securely attached. Repeat with the other return on the other end of the rail. For extra enforcement, hammer in 2-3 nails to connect the returns to the rails. You may need to shorten the returns by an inch or two to ensure that they fit securely against the wall. Prepare your deck or porch for building. Inspect the condition of your foundation. If repairs need to be made to floorboards, do so now. The less work done after the rail installation, the better in order to make sure the handrail stays intact for as long as possible. Buy your materials. To install a handrail using balusters, rather than installing one on a wall, you'll need quite a few materials in addition to the handrail you have chosen. If you're installing double handrails, one on either side of your set of stairs, double the quantity of supplies you purchase. Your handrail should be a 2x4 piece of wood that is no longer than 8 feet long, according to most building codes. Purchase two newel posts, the supporting posts that hold up the rail; you'll need one for the top of the stairs and one for the base. The standard size of a post is 4x4 inches and 5 feet long. Purchase one baluster per stair step. Balusters are the spindles that connect the rail to each step. The height of the balusters should be between 30 and 36 inches, depending on how high you want the railing to be. If there are already posts and/or balusters in place, count the total numbers of pieces you will need to replace, if any. For secure installation of newel posts, you'll need a post-hole digger and concrete mix to pour into the holes. Purchase sure-tite fasteners for secure installation of balusters in the steps. You'll need wood glue or epoxy glue to fasten the handrail to the posts. Depending on the style of railing you install, you may need additional reinforcement supplies, such as a finish nail gun and a screwdigger. Install the newel posts. If you're replacing an old handrail, your set of stairs may already have newel posts at the top and bottom that you can use to support your new handrail. If not, you'll need to install posts before you can install your rail. To install a post in the ground, use a post-hole digger to dig a hole least 18 inches in depth in front of the bottom step. Fill the hole halfway to the top with mixed, wet concrete. Stand a newel post in the hole. If you're installing two posts, use a 4-foot level to stand on the top of both posts to ensure that they posts are perfectly aligned with one another vertically. Use the same level to ensure that the posts are horizontally aligned and level, too. Wait 24 hours for the concrete to set before installing the handrail. To install a top post to a wooden deck, place post over the stair stringer in a plumb position. Use four timber lock screws and wood glue to secure it into place. Finish it with finishing nails. Install the balusters at the appropriate point on each stair. Balusters should be spaced no more than 4 inches apart. Use a pencil to mark the place where each baluster will be installed. Make sure the balusters are lined up with the newel posts at either end of the stairs. Drill holes into each step, then thread the holes with sure-tite fasteners. If your balusters don't already have holes, you'll need to drill them. Drill a standard sized access hole into the bottom of the balusters. Into the side of each baluster, drill another access hole horizontally to intersect the first hole. Set each baluster, or spindle, onto the sure-tite fasteners on each step. Tighten them down with a wrench. Attach the handrail to the newel posts and balusters. Apply wood glue or epoxy glue to the top of the posts. Fit the handrail into place. Wait 24 hours for the glue to dry before using the handrail, then secure the handrail and balusters together one at a time with a finish nail gun. For extra reinforcement, you can screw the handrail to the post with a Screwdigger, using a wood screw of 100-120 mm in size. Position the screw behind the post and make sure that it is going through both the posts and the handrail. Apply an exterior primer to your finished handrail. If the handrail is unfinished, finishing it is the last step. After allowing the glue to dry completely, use a sturdy paintbrush to apply a topcoat of primer onto the railing from the top down, ensuring that all surfaces and nooks are covered. After the topcoat dries, apply a second coat. If you wish to paint your stairs and railing, use an oil based paint because it preserves the wood grain while protecting the wood against harsh weather conditions. Use the same technique as the primer and topcoat when making the application. If staining is more your preference than painting, choose a wood stain that contains a deck sealer to preserve the look and feel of the wood. | Consult your local building authority to learn about building codes. Measure the rise and the run of your stairs. Decide on the style of railing. Shop for a handrail at your local hardware store. Gather your supplies. Cut the ends off of your railing. Install the brackets. Place the railing on top of the brackets. Install the returns. Prepare your deck or porch for building. Buy your materials. Install the newel posts. Install the balusters at the appropriate point on each stair. Attach the handrail to the newel posts and balusters. Apply an exterior primer to your finished handrail. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Irrigate-a-Foley-Catheter | How to Irrigate a Foley Catheter | To irrigate a Foley catheter, place towels under the person's buttocks and a pan below the catheter tubing, and then sterilize the connection site with an alcohol pad. Then, disconnect the tubing and insert an empty, sterile syringe into the open end of the catheter. Pull on the syringe to remove excess urine. Replace the empty syringe with a catheter tip syringe filled with normal saline. Push the saline into the catheter, then pull as much as you can back out. When finished, reconnect the tubing. | Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. When finished, dry off with clean paper towels. If necessary, alcohol hand sanitizer or towelettes may be used instead. Though not always necessary for home irrigation, you can put on disposable latex gloves for extra safety. Open a new catheter tip syringe. To prevent infection, only use an unopened, sterile catheter tip syringe unless directed otherwise by your clinician. To make sure that the syringe remains sterile, do not allow the tip of the syringe to touch your skin or any other object. Catheter tip syringes can be purchased at most medical supply stores, drug stores, and supermarkets. They are typically sold in multi-syringe bundles for less than $1 per individual unit. Draw saline into the syringe. Place the tip of your syringe into a bottle of normal saline solution. Then, pull back on the plunger of the syringe. Continue pulling the plunger until you have filled the syringe with the amount of saline prescribed by your doctor, typically around 10 millilitres (0.35 imp fl oz). Look for saline solutions at most medical supply and drug stores. They typically cost between $4 and $9 per bottle. If you can't afford saline solution, use an unopened bottle of water instead. Do not use homemade saline solutions since they will increase your chances of infection. While handling the bottle of saline solution, you should only touch the outside of the container. Do not get your fingers on the top or inside of the bottle. Tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles. Remove the syringe from the saline bottle and hold it vertically. Then, tap on the barrel with your knuckles to loosen any air bubbles. Place the syringe back into the bottle, then carefully push the plunger to get rid of the trapped air. If necessary, pull the plunger back again to replace any lost saline. Cover the syringe and set it to the side. To make sure it stays sterile, place the tip cover included with your syringe onto the catheter tip. If a cover was not included, place the syringe back into its sterile packaging. Set it aside for later use. Clean your hands a second time. For safety, you should wash your hands again even if you already did so while preparing the syringe. Wash your hands with soap and warm water, scrubbing well for at least 15 seconds. Dry them with a clean paper towel when finished. If you are wearing latex gloves, replace them with a fresh pair. Place towels and a pan under the catheter. To absorb excess liquid and urine, place several towels beneath the connection site joining the catheter to the drainage tubing. Then, position a pan beneath the open end of the catheter connection. This basin will collect urine and other fluids that escape the catheter as you irrigate it. Clean the catheter. Scrub the connection site between the catheter and drainage tubing with an alcohol pad, cleaning the area for 15 to 30 seconds before continuing. Allow the area to air dry on its own. Do not dry it with towels, and do not attempt to speed up the drying process by blowing on the area with your breath or a fan. Separate the catheter from the drainage tubing. Gently twist the catheter off the drainage tubing to disconnect the two pieces. Place the end of the drainage tubing on a clean towel. Position the catheter over the collection basin you just prepared, but do not let the open end of the catheter actually touch the basin. Make sure the basin is lower than the end of the catheter and the person's abdomen. Remove excess urine from the catheter using an empty syringe. Place a sterile, empty syringe into the open end of the catheter that's over the basin. Gently pull the plunger back to check for excess urine. If you draw urine into the syringe, continue pulling to remove the urine currently inside the catheter. Remove as much urine as possible before continuing. Try to get the person wearing the catheter to sit in an upright position so more urine comes out. Dispose of urine in a toilet or other clean, sterile waste container. Switch to the saline syringe. Remove the empty syringe from the catheter and dispose of it. Then, grab the syringe filled with saline solution and, if necessary, remove the cap. Insert the saline-filled syringe into the catheter opening and twist the syringe until the connection feels secure. To keep it sterile, remember to avoid touching the end of the syringe. Push the saline into the catheter. Push the plunger down to insert all of the saline into the catheter. Stop if you feel any resistance. When finished, pull back on the syringe plunger to remove as much of the saline solution as you can. If you encounter resistance, stop and call a doctor for help, as they may need to change the catheter or use a different technique to irrigate it. Clean the catheter connection site and drainage tubing. Scrub both the catheter connection site and drainage tubing with an alcohol wipe for about 15 seconds. Let them dry on their own, and do not attempt to speed up the process by drying them with towels or blowing on them with your mouth or a fan. Make sure to remove the drainage tubing cap before cleaning it. Remove the syringe and reinsert the tubing. To remove the syringe, pinch the end of the catheter while untwisting the syringe from the catheter cap. Then, insert the tubing back into the catheter. When everything is secure, discard the used syringe. Wash your hands one more time. For safety, wash your hands with soap and warm water for 15 seconds, then dry them with paper towels. Though this may seem like overkill, it will protect you from any bacteria from the catheter and urine. Make sure the urine is flowing properly. After irrigation, urine should flow from the catheter with ease. If urine has not started flowing after 15 minutes, repeat the flushing process. If the problem persists, call your doctor. | Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Open a new catheter tip syringe. Draw saline into the syringe. Tap the syringe to remove any air bubbles. Cover the syringe and set it to the side. Clean your hands a second time. Place towels and a pan under the catheter. Clean the catheter. Separate the catheter from the drainage tubing. Remove excess urine from the catheter using an empty syringe. Switch to the saline syringe. Push the saline into the catheter. Clean the catheter connection site and drainage tubing. Remove the syringe and reinsert the tubing. Wash your hands one more time. Make sure the urine is flowing properly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Journalist | How to Be a Journalist | To be a good journalist, start by improving your writing skills by writing every day and getting feedback on your writing from a teacher or other writers. In addition to your writing skills, you'll need strong interpersonal skills, like the ability to talk to strangers and network with other journalists. Additionally, since journalists get information from a variety of sources, know how to gather, assess, and organize your own research. Finally, verify your sources by getting secondary accounts, or independently verifying that their stories line up. | Write every day. Journalism consists mostly of writing, whether it's an article or live-tweeting a story. You need to be a strong writer who has a voice, and the way to get there is practice. Daily writing allows you to get your practice and helps build your confidence, which is key to succeeding as a writer. Keep a journal or log of your activities. Start a blog. Offer to help your friends and relatives by completing writing tasks to help them with work or self-promotion. For example, create a short newsletter for your club or church. Build your grammar skills. You need to be able to proofread and edit your writing so that you can produce clean copy. Use a spellchecker to avoid misspellings, and proofread to make sure that you don't have any typos. Make sure any revisions and edits are made to the article, but check to ensure that your word processor isn't setup to show comments or changes. Double-check for homophones and often-confused words that might not show up on a spellcheck. Familiarize yourself with the Associated Press style guide. Use online resources like Purdue's OWL and Grammar Bytes to improve your grammar. Use sample texts to help you develop new skills. Find articles that you like and try to write your own article in a similar way. This is called using a mentor text. Your mentor text serves as a model for how an article should be written. Choose a style to emulate, or experiment by writing the same story in different writing styles. Outline an article that you think is formatted well, and write your own article in the same format. Use sample texts to practice new ways of writing, but make sure that you don't try to pass off someone's writing or unique style as your own. Be speedy and accurate. Journalists have a quick turn-around time between assignment and deadline. Think about how fast news is reported after it happens. To be a good journalist, you need to be able to meet your readers' expectations by producing speedy and accurate work. Practice by setting a time limit for yourself to complete writing tasks. When your time is up, stop writing, even if you're not finished. Assess your performance to see if you're meeting your goals. Try to improve each time you do the exercise. Get feedback on your writing. Ask people you trust to review your writing and offer their critiques. If you can get a teacher or tutor to help you, then take advantage of their knowledge base to help you improve your writing skills. While it might be hard to have your writing critiqued, it's necessary if you want to grow as a writer. Join a writing group that does regular critiques. You'll get help from people who know what they're talking about and meet other writers. Look for a group on social media or http://www.meetup.com. Take a writing class. Your best option for improving your writing is a class. Even accomplished writers still take classes to gain new skills or push themselves to try different forms of writing. Check with your school, find a workshop, or look for an online class. You can take a basic writing course or one that's targeted to a specific area. You may want to take classes outside of journalism to help you build different skills. Try https://www.edx.org/ for free classes from elite colleges and universities. Form good relationships with others. Some of your best sources of information will be people you meet. Be open to meeting new people and hearing what they have to say. They may be a source, or they might give you a good idea about a story lead. The more people you're connected to, the easier it will be to find a source for your story. Stay close to your mentors, teachers, and fellow students because you never know when that person could help you with a story or a job. Use social media, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, to stay connected to people. Talk to people you meet. For example, share small talk with people who are sitting at the same table as you are in a coffee shop, sharing your elevator, or waiting in the same line as you are. Say, “Is this your first time coming here?” Network with other journalists. Learn new skills and find opportunities by reaching out to other journalists. Don't just limit yourself to people you meet. Look up your journalist idols and reach out to them. You can network both in person and through correspondence, such as email or social media. When you contact your idol, explain that you are pursuing journalism and use their work as an example of good journalism. You could say, “As a developing journalist, I consider your work to be a model of the work I aspire to produce.” Tell your idol your purpose for contacting them so that they know that you aren't just sending fanmail. You could say, “I hope that by following you and your work that I can reach the same levels of success that you have.” Develop confidence. When you're putting yourself out there - whether through your writing or when meeting new people - confidence is essential to helping you be successful. You need to be able to approach others and form relationships that help you, and you also need to project that you know your worth. Don't compare yourself to others; instead, focus on being who you are and sharing that with the world. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself, turn the thought around and make it positive. It's normal to think bad thoughts about yourself sometimes, so don't feel bad about it. Tell yourself, “I have important and interesting things to share with the world,” or “I'm just as valuable as anyone else.” Go above and beyond what’s required. Going above and beyond is about more than just doing what's necessary to get a story. You need to be more than just a good writer in today's journalism market. When you write a story, don't stop at the minimum to get the job done. Think about what you'd want out of the article if you were a reader, and try to give them that. Make yourself more marketable by expanding your technical skills. Knowing how to use more programs, do basic coding, and use creative software will help you get your voice out there and will make you more marketable. If possible, beat your deadlines. While you don't want to rush your work, you do want to provide your publisher with a speedy product so that your article will be timely. Make sacrifices. You may have to give up your free time or miss out on fun events with friends in order to meet your journalism goals. Writing is usually a solitary activity, so it may be a sacrifice for you to miss out on that social time. You may also need to sacrifice earning potential or social connections if you write about polarizing issues. When you're faced with sacrifices, ask yourself what's more important to you. Ask, “Where do I want to be in five years? How will this sacrifice impact my five-year goal?” Conduct your own research. Journalists get information from a variety of sources, so you'll need to know how to gather, assess, and organize information on your own. Research consists of more than just doing a Google search. You need to be able to find the information you need in print sources, by talking to knowledgeable individuals, and by sorting through relevant materials, such as letters, memos, or file documents. Expand your knowledge base. Being able to understand various topics, sniff out stories, and look at things from various perspectives are all necessary to be a good journalist. Consider getting a degree in something other than journalism to make you a more informed writer. If you want to cover world events, consider studying languages. Stay up-to-date on news and events. Read or watch the news, and stay plugged in to politics, current events, and pop culture. Anything can be relevant from a journalistic standpoint, so keep yourself open and learn the current trends. You'll produce better stories and get your readers what they want if you know what's going on. Verify your sources. Before reporting information that you find, make sure that it's from a reliable source. When possible, try to find a second source that confirms the information. If you receive facts from a source, independently verify that those facts line up. For example, if someone tells you that they knew the subject of your story when they were in college, make sure they were really in college together. Maintain independence from your sources and subjects. While you will likely build relationships with some of your sources or the people you write about, make sure those relationships don't influence how you portray them in your work. For example, if your best friend works as a police officer, then getting your crime information from them will likely be biased toward your friend's opinion. For example, don't take payments from a source or a subject of an article. If you are writing an investigative article about a corporation, you'll lose your independence if you allow them to hire you for freelance work during your investigation. If you have someone who gives you inside information about the local crime beat, keep a professional relationship with that person. If you start to get too personal, then you may unknowingly have a bias toward them. If you get too close to a source, you can always ask them to help you find a new one so that your information stays independent. Start a blog. Practice your journalistic abilities by running your own blog. In addition to being a great place for you to share your voice and flex your skills, it will also help you promote yourself to people who might hire you or may buy your stories. Be active on social media. Build a strong and clean social media presence across platforms. Make sure that you are posting meaningful information on a regular basis. You should be able to share your handles with potential employers, so be mindful about what you post. Apply for internships. Both paid and unpaid internships are available in journalism. If you don't need the money, then an unpaid internship might be a great way for you to get experience without as much competition. Paid internships are competitive, but you'll be getting paid to do what you love. If you get turned down for an internship, contact the employer to ask if you can still submit a story or two for consideration. Join the school paper. If you're in school, take any position that is available, even if it's not what you really want to do. If you do a good job, you'll likely get more and better opportunities. Build a portfolio. Include your bio, interests, and examples of your work. If you build an online portfolio, include links to sites that feature your work, as well as links to your social media accounts. | Write every day. Build your grammar skills. Use sample texts to help you develop new skills. Be speedy and accurate. Get feedback on your writing. Take a writing class. Form good relationships with others. Network with other journalists. Develop confidence. Go above and beyond what’s required. Make sacrifices. Conduct your own research. Expand your knowledge base. Stay up-to-date on news and events. Verify your sources. Maintain independence from your sources and subjects. Start a blog. Be active on social media. Apply for internships. Join the school paper. Build a portfolio. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Stick-Foundation | How to Apply Stick Foundation | To apply stick foundation, twist the tube so the foundation barely sticks up over the edge. Swipe or dot the foundation onto your forehead, on the bridge of your nose, under both eyes, and on your chin and cheeks. Dotting the foundation will give you lighter coverage than swiping it. Blend the foundation from the center of your face outward, using light sweeping motions, then set the foundation with powder. | Find a foundation that matches your complexion. Your complexion is the shade of your skin and can change from sun exposure or skin conditions. You always want to try a foundation on to make sure it matches your complexion. Standing in natural light, swipe potential foundations across your cheek or near your jawline. The right foundation will disappear, blending perfectly with your skin. If you can't find a foundation that matches, try choosing the shades that are closest (one slightly darker, one slightly lighter), and mixing them to make a perfect match. You can also buy the lighter foundation and add a bronzing powder later to warm it up. Find a foundation that matches your skin tone. Just as important as matching your complexion, your foundation needs to work with the undertones of your skin. Generally categorized as warm, neutral, or cool, your skin undertone always remains the same (unlike your complexion, which can change with exposure to the sun). Buying a foundation for the wrong undertone will make your foundation look off, even if it perfectly matches your complexion. Find your undertone by looking at the veins on your inner wrist. If they are green, your undertones are warm (yellow). If they are purple or blue, your undertones are cool (blue or pink). If you can't tell if the veins are purple or green, your undertone is neutral (a mix of yellow, gold, pink, or blue). Look for foundations that are specifically made for your undertone and labeled for a warm, cool, or neutral skin tone. If the foundation brand doesn't mention undertone, try to find one that matches your undertone. Look for yellow or gold for warm; pink, red or blue for cool; neutrals can experiment with foundations with undertones from both ends of the cool/warm spectrum. Figure out your skin type. Your type of skin can influence which foundation is right for you. Stick foundations may be made for all skin types (check the labeling), but for the most part they're best for oily or combination skin. If you don't know whether your skin is dry, oily, normal, or combination, wash your face with a gentle cleanser and notice how your skin feels after 15-20 minutes. If your face feels moist or oily, your skin is oily. If your skin feels tight, tingly, or dry, you have dry skin. If your skin feels soft and clean, you have normal skin. If your skin feels oily in your T-zone (your forehead and nose), then you have combination skin. Start with a clean face. Before applying makeup it is especially important to wash your face with a gentle cleanser formulated for your skin type. Removing dirt and oil from your face will help keep your pores clear and lessen the likelihood of blackheads. Make sure your hands are washed and cleaned as well, as you will be touching your face quite a lot and you don't want to transfer dirt or bacteria. Use a lightweight moisturizer on your face and neck. The moisturizer will keep the foundation from drying out your skin. A little moisturizer can also make it easier for you to spread the foundation over your skin since the stick is solid and more difficult to smooth evenly over your face than liquid foundations. Avoid moisturizers that are too rich. A day cream or heavy moisturizer that makes your skin oily can cause your foundation to oxidize and turn darker or even orange. Apply a primer to shrink pores, smooth over fine lines, and make your foundation last longer. Primer is an optional step, but most beauty experts think it's worth it. The primer gives the foundation something to cling to so it will stay put all day. Plus, it smooths your skin so your foundation won't settle into wrinkles or dry spots. Choose a foundation that is right for your skin type (oily, normal, dry). Use primer if you live in a humid climate or plan to visit one. The primer will keep your makeup from smudging and "melting" off your face. Some foundation sticks come with primer already added. Twist the tube so that the foundation just barely sticks up over the edge. You don't want the foundation stick to come out as far as a lipstick would. The farther out you twist the foundation, the easier it will be for it to snap off or break during application. If you are worried about bacteria on the end of the foundation stick, wipe the top with a cotton pad dipped in alcohol or a makeup cleansing wipe. Swipe or dot the foundation on your face. Swipe it once across your forehead, on the bridge of your nose, under both eyes, your chin, and cheeks. You may want to add a little near your jawline as well so you can blend the foundation down to your neck. The foundation is not meant to be a mask--it is supposed to even out your complexion. Applying the foundation to these specific spots will give you enough product to cover your face and still look natural. Dotting the foundation, as opposed to swiping, will put less product on your face and give you a lighter layer. If you're not sure how much foundation you need, try dotting it on first. It's easier to add more later than to take it off. If you don't want to put the foundation directly on your face, you can use your fingertips to apply it to your skin. The heat from your fingers will warm up the foundation and may make it even easier to apply. Try not to apply foundation with a makeup sponge, as this absorbs a lot of foundation and is a waste of product. Blend the foundation using clean fingertips. You don't want to rub the foundation into your skin as you blend, rather, you want to sweep and pat the makeup. The center of your face usually has the most discoloration, so make sure you have ample coverage there. Always blend the foundation outward, toward the edges of your face. Blend, blend, then blend some more. This step is key to getting a natural-looking application of foundation. Check your hairline and neck to make sure you don't have an obvious line where your makeup ends. Use your ring fingers to blend the foundation--it is the weakest finger and will ensure you don't pull on your skin too much. You can use a makeup sponge or brush to help blend your makeup if you would prefer not to use your fingers. If you have any blemishes or dark circles under your eyes and want a little more coverage, simply dab a little more foundation in these areas and blend gently. Set your foundation with powder and apply the rest of your makeup. Some foundation sticks are mattes, which should stay in place on their own. Otherwise, a dusting of translucent powder will set the foundation and absorb excess oil, which can cause your foundation to oxidize and turn dark or orange. | Find a foundation that matches your complexion. Find a foundation that matches your skin tone. Figure out your skin type. Start with a clean face. Use a lightweight moisturizer on your face and neck. Apply a primer to shrink pores, smooth over fine lines, and make your foundation last longer. Twist the tube so that the foundation just barely sticks up over the edge. Swipe or dot the foundation on your face. Blend the foundation using clean fingertips. Set your foundation with powder and apply the rest of your makeup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Golf-(Card-Game) | How to Play Golf (Card Game) | To play the card game Golf, try to have the lowest score out of any player at the end of the game. To do that, you need to cancel out your cards by making pairs with them. At the beginning of the game, arrange your 6 face-down cards in a 3 by 2 grid. On your turn, draw a new card and replace a card in your grid with it if you'd like. Then, flip 2 cards in your grid and try to make a pair. Once all the cards in each player's grid have been turned up, add any cards you didn't cancel to your score for that round -- the lowest score wins! | Have the players sit in a circle and shuffle a deck. If there are four or more players, shuffle two decks together. If there are eight or more players, shuffle three decks together. If you want to use a variant rule, make sure everyone agrees before the game begins. Once the cards have been dealt, the rules cannot be changed. Deal out six cards to each player face down. Someone can volunteer to be dealer or you can select one randomly. Don't look at the cards you've been dealt! If anyone does, shuffle the cards again and re-deal. If you play multiple rounds, take turns as the dealer, going clockwise. The dealer should give himself the same number of cards. Make a draw and discard pile. Place the remainder of the deck in a face down stack to from the draw pile. Flip over the top card face up next to it to form the discard pile. Each player arranges their cards in a 3x2 grid in front of them. Don't look at the cards or turn them face up yet. Each player turns any two cards in their grid face up. You can choose the second one after you've turned over your first. Explain the scoring system. Use the Scoring Guide for a common system, or use a variation. Write or print it out for people who haven't played before. Points are bad! Make sure everyone knows the goal of the game is to get the lowest score, not the highest! The player to the dealer's left takes the first turn. If possible this should be someone who has played the game before, so the new players can learn by watching them. After that player is finished, play continues clockwise, each player taking a turn in order. At the start of your turn, draw a card. You can take the top card of the discard pile if you think it will be useful. Otherwise, draw a card from the top of the draw pile (the rest of the deck). Read the rest of these rules or see Strategy to help you make this decision. Decide whether to replace one of the cards in your grid with the drawn card. You can replace any card, whether it's face up or face down. Pick up the card you want to replace from your grid and put it face up in the discard pile. Place the newly drawn card face up in its place. You cannot shift the position of your grid around before you do this. If you don't like the card you just drew, you can discard it face up in the discard pile instead of replacing a card in your grid. You cannot do this if the card you drew just came from the discard pile. Try to make pairs of the same card. If the two cards in a column share the same number or letter (for instance, a Queen above another Queen), they cancel each other out and are worth nothing (zero points). Remember, you're trying to get the lowest score possible! If you like, you can take columns that have canceled out and place them on the bottom of the discard pile (NOT the top). This makes the table less cluttered. Take one final turn after a player's grid is entirely face up. Once someone replaces their last face down card, each other player turns their grid face up as well and takes one final turn in clockwise order. After the final turn, score your points. Wait until the last player takes their turn, then flip every card in front of you face up. Use a sheet of paper with each player's name on it to record their score for the round. Refer to the scoring guide to count up players' points. Remember to follow any variations the players agreed upon beforehand. Shuffle the cards and play as many rounds as you like. Whoever sat left of the dealer in the last round is the new dealer for this round. The person sitting left of the current dealer always goes first in a round. Keep score after each round until: You play 9 rounds, 18 rounds, or some other number everyone agrees on. The traditional numbers of rounds are named after the golf theme and sometimes called "holes" instead of rounds. A player reaches 100 points, 200 points, or some other number everyone agrees on. When people decide to stop. This works well for casual groups so no one gets bored, but more competitive people might not like stopping when they're behind! Whoever has the lowest total score wins the game. Each player adds up their score from each round, and the lowest total wins. If two players are tied, either let them share the glory or decide on another game to break the tie (such as rock paper scissors). Shuffle the deck and deal out four cards. This variation can be played with 2 or more players but works best with 3 to 5. If you have 8 or more players, shuffle two decks together. If you want to use a variant rule, make sure everyone agrees before the game begins. Once the cards have been dealt, the rules cannot be changed. No one should look at any cards yet. The dealer should give herself four cards as well. Make a draw and discard pile. Place the remainder of the deck in a face down stack to from the draw pile. Flip over the top card face up next to it to form the discard pile. Each player arranges their cards in a 2x2 grid in front of them. Remember not to look at the cards yet! They should always be kept face down. Each player peeks at any two cards in their grid. Don't let anyone else see what they are. Put them back in place when you've memorized them. If you're playing with young kids or other people who have trouble memorizing cards, see the "4 cards in hand" Variation or try using the 6-card rules instead. Teach everyone the scoring system. See the Scoring Guide for a common system, or use a variation. Write or print it out for people who haven't played before. The goal of the game is to get the lowest score. Make sure no one is trying to "win" by getting the highest instead! At the start of your turn, draw a card. This can be from the discard pile or draw pile (rest of the deck). Read the rest of these rules or see Strategy to help you make this decision. Hold this card in your hand. If it came from the face down draw pile, don't let anyone else see it. Decide whether to replace one of the cards in your grid with the drawn card. You can replace any card, whether it's one you've peeked at or not. Pick up the card you want to replace from your grid and put it face up in the discard pile. Place the card you just drew face down to fill the empty space in your grid. You may not move the cards in the grid to different positions. Remember to memorize the card you just put down! This variation tests your memory, so you are not allowed to peek at a card after the beginning of the game. If you don't like the card you just drew, you can discard it face up in the discard pile instead of replacing a card in your grid. You CANNOT do this if the card you drew just came from the discard pile. Try to make pairs of the same card. A pair of the same card in a row or column are worth zero points. Don't show the other players or turn any cards face up to "cancel", though. They remain a face down secret until the end of the game. If you have three of a kind, only two of them will cancel out. The third will still be worth its usual value. If you have four of a kind, your entire grid is worth zero points. When you want to end the game, knock on the table. Instead of taking your normal turn, anyone can knock on the table to signify that they think they'll win. That player skips their turn, and each other player takes one final turn. Then the round ends. You can't knock after someone has already knocked. After the final turn, score your points. Wait until the last player takes their turn, then flip every card in front of you face up. Use a sheet of paper with each player's name on it to record their score for the round. Refer to the scoring guide to count up players' points. Remember to follow any variations the players agreed upon beforehand. Shuffle the cards and play as many rounds as you like. Whoever sat left of the dealer in the last round is the new dealer for this round. The person sitting left of the current dealer always goes first in a round. Keep score after each round until: You play 9 rounds, 18 rounds, or some other number everyone agrees on. The traditional numbers of rounds are named after the golf theme and sometimes called "holes" instead of rounds. A player reaches 100 points, 200 points, or some other number everyone agrees on. When people decide to stop. This works well for casual groups so no one gets bored, but more competitive people might not like stopping when they're behind! Whoever has the lowest total score wins the game. Each player adds up their score from each round, and the lowest total wins. If two players are tied, either let them share the glory or decide on another game to break the tie (such as rock paper scissors). You can use each scoring system for any variation of the game. Scoring Cards Basic System Harder Variation Ace 1 point 1 point 2 2 points 2 points 3 3 points 3 points 4 4 points 4 points 5 5 points 5 points 6 6 points 6 points 7 7 points 7 points 8 8 points 8 points 9 9 points 9 points 10 10 points 10 points Jack 10 points 11 points Queen 10 points 12 points King 0 points (zero) 13 points
Jokers or "bonus cards". For this optional variation, shuffle in 2 Jokers for each 52 card deck. If you don't have Jokers, instead designate a specific card the "bonus card" (usually Twos or "one eyed Jacks"). The Joker or bonus card is worth -2 (negative two) points instead of its usual value. A pair of Jokers or bonus cards cancel each other out just like normal pairs, increasing your score from -4 to 0. Penalties for Ending the Game Early. This optional rule punishes players who try to end the game too early, and rewards players who correctly guess when they're ahead. Here are a couple variations. The player who ends the game (by "knocking" or by flipping their last card face up) gains 10 points if they do not have the lowest score this round. If the player who ended the game does not have the lowest score this round, that player gains a number of points equal to the player who did. For example, Scrooge "knocks". After each player takes their final turn and counts up their score, Scrooge has 17 points and Marley has 12. Because Scrooge didn't win the round by getting the lowest score, Scrooge is punished for knocking and adds Marley's 12 points to his own. The final scores are Scrooge 29 and Marley 12. 8-card or 10-card Golf. Follow the rules for 6-card golf, but give each player a 4x2 or 5x2 grid. This will make the game quite a bit longer and may require an additional deck of cards shuffled with the other(s). 4-cards in hand. Follow the rules for 4-card golf, but give each player a hand of four cards instead of a grid. Players can look at all cards in their hand at any time. Any two cards in hand cancel out if they have the same value. There is no "grid position" in your hand. This creates a short simple game with no need to memorize cards. 9-card Golf. Follow the rules for 6-card golf, but give each player a 3x3 grid. Each player turns up 3 cards instead of 2 at the start of the game. A player can only cancel cards by getting 3 of a kind in the same row or column. When they do, they can remove those 3 cards and place them at the bottom (NOT the top) of the discard pile. This will make the game quite a bit longer and may require an additional deck of cards shuffled with the other(s). Variant rules in 6-card Golf. There are many different ways to play 6-card golf, and different families and gaming groups will have their own rules. Here are some common ones: When you flip over your first two cards, they have to be in the same column, or they must be in different columns. Two of the same card anywhere on the layout cancel out, not just in the same column. This makes the game easier for younger players or beginners. If you have two columns next to each other with FOUR of the same card in them, they cancel out to zero points AND each other player gets 10 points added to their score this round. Players can only draw from the top of the draw pile during the final turns, not the discard pile. Variant rules in 4-card face down Golf. Again, there are many ways to play. Here are some common additions or changes to the rules: You can only peek at the two cards closest to you. Pairs across from each other diagonally also cancel out. Pairs don't cancel out at all. The only goal is to take the lowest cards and try to end the game when you think you're ahead. Players can only draw from the top of the draw pile during the final turns. Choose the starting cards wisely. If you're playing a variation that allows you to start with face up cards, choose cards in different columns. This gives you more chances to "cancel" out a column. Replace your highest scoring cards. Unless you can cancel out your high scoring cards, you want to get rid of them so they don't add their high values to your score. This is especially important as the game draws to a close. If your opponent is almost out of face down cards (or is looking smug), toss out your liabilities as quickly as possible! Pay attention to the players on your right and left. Much of the strategy in Golf comes down to paying attention to the other players. If the player to your right is picking up Sixes, you should give up trying to cancel your own Sixes. They aren't likely to discard any. If the player to your left is trying to finish a column of Nines, try to avoid discarding your own Nine. | Have the players sit in a circle and shuffle a deck. Deal out six cards to each player face down. Make a draw and discard pile. Each player arranges their cards in a 3x2 grid in front of them. Each player turns any two cards in their grid face up. Explain the scoring system. The player to the dealer's left takes the first turn. At the start of your turn, draw a card. Decide whether to replace one of the cards in your grid with the drawn card. Try to make pairs of the same card. Take one final turn after a player's grid is entirely face up. After the final turn, score your points. Shuffle the cards and play as many rounds as you like. Whoever has the lowest total score wins the game. Shuffle the deck and deal out four cards. Make a draw and discard pile. Each player arranges their cards in a 2x2 grid in front of them. Each player peeks at any two cards in their grid. Teach everyone the scoring system. At the start of your turn, draw a card. Decide whether to replace one of the cards in your grid with the drawn card. Try to make pairs of the same card. When you want to end the game, knock on the table. After the final turn, score your points. Shuffle the cards and play as many rounds as you like. Whoever has the lowest total score wins the game. You can use each scoring system for any variation of the game.
Jokers or "bonus cards". Penalties for Ending the Game Early. 8-card or 10-card Golf. 4-cards in hand. 9-card Golf. Variant rules in 6-card Golf. Variant rules in 4-card face down Golf. Choose the starting cards wisely. Replace your highest scoring cards. Pay attention to the players on your right and left. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Car-Battery-Terminals | How to Remove Car Battery Terminals | Removing the terminals on your car's battery may be necessary if you need to change your battery or clean the terminals. To remove car battery terminals, start by opening the hood and finding the battery in the engine compartment. Make sure the positive post has a cover, or place a towel over it to avoid creating a spark. Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the negative post and lift the terminal off. You can now remove the cover from the positive and negative posts. | Open the hood of the car and use the support bar to prop it open. Locate the battery within the engine compartment. If you're unsure about which part is the battery, then check your owner's manual. Some vehicles have their battery in the trunk, under or behind an access panel. Check the positive post to be sure that the cover is on. If the post is not covered, place a towel or other clean rag over the positive post. This will help you to avoid accidentally creating sparks by coming into contact with the positive terminal. Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the negative post using a socket wrench. The nut will be located to the left of the terminal. Lift the terminal off the negative battery post. If needed, pry the terminal open with a screwdriver, or gently wiggle the connector until it loosens. Remove the cover from the positive post. Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the positive post by using a socket wrench. Although the negative terminal has been removed, still be careful to ensure the wrench used does not contact any other metal. Lift the terminal off the positive post. If needed, pry the terminal open with a screwdriver or wiggle the connector to loosen the terminal. Sprinkle the terminals with baking soda. Scrub the terminals and the posts using a special battery terminal brush, inexpensive and available at most auto parts store. This special brush has two parts, one to fit over the battery posts and another to fit inside the cable terminals. A battery terminal brush is specially designed for this job and will eliminate the need to use your fingers for cleaning. In a pinch, any wire or bristled brush will do, but, a small one will work best inside the terminals. If your brush will not fit into the interior of the terminals, try an old toothbrush or, as a last resort, use a rag draped over your finger to scrub inside each terminal. Rinse the terminals and posts with clean water. Dry the terminals and posts with a clean towel or rag. Rub petroleum jelly onto the posts. The petroleum jelly will help to prevent future corrosion from building up. Place the positive terminal back onto the positive post. Hand-tighten the nut until you can no longer turn it. Place a socket wrench over the nut and tighten the nut until it no longer turns. Although the negative terminal is not connected, still be careful to ensure the wrench used does not contact any other metal. Place the cover over the positive post. If the cover is missing, then you should cover the post with a clean towel or a rag. Place the negative terminal back onto the negative post. Hand-tighten the nut until you can no longer turn it. Place a socket wrench over the nut and turn it until the nut is completely tightened. Remove all tools, towels or rags from the engine area. Lower the support bar and close the hood. Discard any rags or towels that came into contact with battery acid. | Open the hood of the car and use the support bar to prop it open. Locate the battery within the engine compartment. Check the positive post to be sure that the cover is on. Loosen the nut that holds the terminal onto the negative post using a socket wrench. Lift the terminal off the negative battery post. Remove the cover from the positive post. Lift the terminal off the positive post. Sprinkle the terminals with baking soda. Scrub the terminals and the posts using a special battery terminal brush, inexpensive and available at most auto parts store. Rinse the terminals and posts with clean water. Dry the terminals and posts with a clean towel or rag. Rub petroleum jelly onto the posts. Place the positive terminal back onto the positive post. Hand-tighten the nut until you can no longer turn it. Place a socket wrench over the nut and tighten the nut until it no longer turns. Place the cover over the positive post. Place the negative terminal back onto the negative post. Place a socket wrench over the nut and turn it until the nut is completely tightened. Remove all tools, towels or rags from the engine area. Lower the support bar and close the hood. Discard any rags or towels that came into contact with battery acid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Black-Magic | How to Do Black Magic | To do black magic, start by finding a secluded area and drawing a circle with a pentagram inside of it. Then, step into the circle and focus all of your energy on a spell you want to perform. You can use any kind of spell, whether it has to do with things like finding love, achieving immortality, or summoning a spirit. When you're ready, recite the words of the spell you've chosen and patiently wait for your desired outcome. | Draw a circle with a pentagram inside. This powerful symbol is present during most black magic rituals. It is traditionally drawn in the ground using a wand hewn from a hazel tree. You may use a stick or another implement to draw the symbol if Hazelwood isn't available. Choose a strategic location that will give your spell the best chance to work. Spirits will have a harder time visiting a location that's populated by a lot of people, so choose a place in the woods or another area not frequently visited. Graveyards are a classic place to choose if you're planning on conjuring the dead. Step into the circle of power. Once inside, gather your concentration and energy. You will need all the energy within you to complete the spell. Don't let yourself get distracted. Recite the words of power associated with your desired spell. Each spell has different words of power that are recited to achieve the outcome you want. If you are summoning a demon or some other spirit, you must learn its true name before the spell will work. There is no one spell that will work to bring true love, give you immortality, and so on. Do research to find a spell, or write your own if you'd like. Write your spell in your grimoire. A grimoire is a sort of textbook for spells, with instructions on how to use black magic. Another name for a grimoire is a “Book of Shadows.” You can create your own Book of Shadows or use one that was already compiled by another magic practitioner. One famous example is The Witches' Way, by Janet Farrar and Stewart Farrar. Prepare for your results. If your spell works, the outcome you desire will take effect. Prepare for this, and also prepare for the evil that may come. If you have summoned a demonic beast or evil spirit, treat it with respect. These creatures do not necessarily have loyalty to their summoner. Make a poppet. A poppet is a small magical doll, also known as a voodoo doll. Choose a piece of black cloth and cut 2 layers in the shape of a small person. The shape should look vaguely similar to the person on whom you want to place a hex. Sew the edges together but leave the top of the head unsewn. Black cloth is best, but if you don't have it on hand, you can use another color. Your poppet should be created from all natural materials. Avoid using polyester fabric or other man-made fabrics; black magic is not as easily conducted through manmade materials. Fill the poppet. Fill it up with earth, a few powerful crystals, and hair and nail clippings from the person you want to hex. Sew up the head to close the poppet. Ideally, the poppet should contain something the person you're hexing has had physical contact with. If you can't get their hair or nails, try anything they've touched or owned, like a piece of clothing or even a note they wrote. Prepare a sacred circle. Draw a circle using chalk or a stick, then draw a pentagram inside it. Alternately, you may draw a sacred circle on a piece of paper large enough to stand on. Light candles around the circle before you step inside. Candle magic is thought to enhance the power of a spell by tapping into the elements, which are represented by the different parts of the candle—fire, air (to feed the flame), water (liquid wax), and earth (solid wax). Set an intention for your spell as you light the candles. Stand in the circle and speak the words of your spell over the poppet. Repeat the words of power 3 times. Here are a few examples of words you can use to place your hex: To cast a binding spell and prevent the person from taking actions, repeat, "I bind your feet from bringing you to harm me. I bind your hands from reaching out to harm me. I bind your mouth from spreading tales to harm me. I bind your mind from sending energy to harm me." Say this while wrapping the poppet in black ribbon. To cast a love spell over someone you desire, say the words, "Bright the flame. Light the fire. Red is the color of desire." Let the candles burn down. Once they have burned completely, the hex has been cast. Consider the outcome you want to bring about. What trouble is plaguing you so much that you want to use black magic to correct it? Black magic is considered a dark art because you use it to get what you want by means of controlling someone else or harming them with negative energy. If your aim is to help others or bring about some form of peace and justice, look into white magic instead. If you want to practice magic for personal gain, black magic is what you should use. Here are common reasons why people use black magic: To keep someone bound in place. If someone is harming you and you wish to stop them, you can use a binding spell to stop the person's actions. To cause someone to be attracted to you. Love spells are among the most popular when it comes to black magic. To achieve immortality or improve your health. To communicate with the dead. Know the basics of a black magic ritual. The ritual you use to perform black magic will depend on your desired outcome. There are different rituals for everything from casting a spell to gain wealth to raising the dead from their graves. Most rituals involve the following elements: A site is chosen for casting the curse or spell. A circle is drawn on the casting site, and a pentacle is drawn inside the circle. This is called a circle of power. Candles, herbs, crystals, charms, and other materials are employed to help draw out the spirits. Words of power (relevant to the particular outcome you want) are repeated 3 times. Understand curses and hexes. Aside from conducting a classic black magic ritual, there are other ways to perform black magic. Placing a curse or hex is done to bring ill fortune to another person, or to make them do what you want them to do. Be very careful about using curses and hexes. It's up to you to determine whether your reasons for wanting to bring misfortune to another person are valid. You must use your power wisely. Make sure you're willing to deal with the consequences. Awakening the forces of darkness can be a serious move and should not be done lightly. The threefold law (Wiccan Rede) states that what you put forth comes back to you threefold. Do you feel so strongly about using black magic that you're willing to suffer should the magic come back to harm you? Be sure that the outcome you are hoping to obtain is completely worth it. | Draw a circle with a pentagram inside. Step into the circle of power. Recite the words of power associated with your desired spell. Write your spell in your grimoire. Prepare for your results. Make a poppet. Fill the poppet. Prepare a sacred circle. Stand in the circle and speak the words of your spell over the poppet. Let the candles burn down. Consider the outcome you want to bring about. Know the basics of a black magic ritual. Understand curses and hexes. Make sure you're willing to deal with the consequences. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Multiplication-Chart | How to Make a Multiplication Chart | To make a multiplication chart, start by creating a table with 12 rows and 12 columns, and label the first row and the first column with the numbers 1 through 12. Then, move to the second column, which should have a number 2 in the top row. From there, fill in the column with multiples of 2 from 2 × 2 all the way to 2 × 12. You'll know you got it right if the number 24 is on the bottom row! Continue filling out your table until all of the squares are filled in, then check the numbers with a calculator. The number at the very top of the column and the very right of the row should multiply together to equal the number of the row you're in. | Understand how to read a times table. A times table shows the products of sequential factors. Each column is labeled with one factor, and each row is labeled with another factor. The cell where the row and column meet gives you the product of the two factors. Determine how many factors you need in your times table. The standard times table is for factors 1-12, but your teacher may only require you to memorize a table for factors 1-10, depending on what grade you are in. Use a ruler to create 12 rows and 12 columns. You can also find a blank table online and print it, or use graph paper. It's best to keep your table very neat, so that you don't confuse factors. When you make your table, be sure to keep room to the top and left of it so that you can label your rows and columns. Label the columns and rows 1-12. The column to the left should be labeled “1,” and the other columns labeled in order up to 12. The top row should also be labeled “1,” and the other rows labeled in order down to 12. Fill in the products for each multiplication sentence with a factor of 1. Since any number times 1 equals that number, you can quickly fill in the first row and first column of your times table, since these will all equal the number being multiplied by 1. For example, in the top row, you would fill in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12, since 1 × 1 = 1 {\displaystyle 1\times 1=1} , 2 × 1 = 2 {\displaystyle 2\times 1=2} , 3 × 1 = 3 {\displaystyle 3\times 1=3} , etc. The first column follows the same pattern, since it shows 1 × 1 = 1 {\displaystyle 1\times 1=1} , 1 × 2 = 2 {\displaystyle 1\times 2=2} , 1 × 3 = 3 {\displaystyle 1\times 3=3} , etc. Fill in the rest of the second row. The second row represents 2 × x {\displaystyle 2\times x} , where x {\displaystyle x} equals each factor you are multiplying by 2, from 2-12. For example, 2 × 2 = 4 {\displaystyle 2\times 2=4} , 2 × 3 = 6 {\displaystyle 2\times 3=6} , 2 × 4 = 8 {\displaystyle 2\times 4=8} , etc. Fill in the remaining rows. In each row, you are multiplying that row's factor by each factor represented in the columns. A quick way to fill in each row using mental math is to add that row's factor to each product. For example, the numbers in the third row will be 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36. The numbers in the fourth row will be 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, 48. Note that for the third row, which represents the factor 3, you simply add 3 to each product to get the next product. For the fourth row, which represents the factor 4, you add 4 to each product to get the next product. Check your table. You can verify all of your numbers are correct by using a calculator. You can also check your table against one in your math textbook or online. Understand how to read this type of chart. This type of chart is made up of separate tables for each factor. Each table shows the sequence of products when you multiply this factor by other numbers. For example, this type of chart has a table showing all the products of the factor 1, another table for all the products of the factor 2, another table for all the products of the factor 3, etc. Unlike a times table, this type of chart shows the number sentences for each factor. Determine how many factors you need in your chart. The standard multiplication chart is for factors 1-12, but you might need to create a chart with fewer or more factors, depending on your teacher's requirements. Create 12 tables. Each table should have 12 rows and 3 columns. All 12 tables should fit on one piece of paper. Make sure your table is neat by using ruler to create the lines. It is also best to use graph paper, or you can make your chart in a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel. Fill in the first column of the first table. Each cell in this column will have a number 1, since this is the table for the factor 1. Fill in the first column of the remaining tables. In the first column of each table, you will simply repeat whatever factor that table represents. So the second table should have a 2 in each cell, the third table should have a 3 in each cell, etc. Fill in the second column of each table. In the second column you will write each factor, from 1-12. This column will be the same in each table. Fill in the multiplication and equals signs for each multiplication sentence. The multiplication sign will come between the two factors. The equals sign will come after the second factor. For example, in the first table, you should have: 1 × 1 = {\displaystyle 1\times 1=} 1 × 2 = {\displaystyle 1\times 2=} 1 × 3 = {\displaystyle 1\times 3=} 1 × 4 = {\displaystyle 1\times 4=} 1 × 5 = {\displaystyle 1\times 5=} 1 × 6 = {\displaystyle 1\times 6=} etc. Fill in the final column of each table. This column will show the product of each multiplication sentence. To fill in this column quickly, simply add whatever factor that table represents to each product. For example, the products for the 5s table are 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 10, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60. Notice that for each new product, you are adding 5 to the product that came before. Review it daily. To help you memorize the chart, aim for reviewing it for at least five minutes each day. Review the table by reading over it and by quizzing yourself. You can have someone else quiz you, or you can use an online program, such as the Math Trainer found at Math is Fun. Look for patterns. Finding patterns in the numbers can help you better remember your times tables. Think about how the numbers relate to each other moving from left-to-right, up and down, or diagonally. Note that the order of the multiplication does not matter. For example, 4 × 5 = 20 {\displaystyle 4\times 5=20} and 5 × 4 = 20 {\displaystyle 5\times 4=20}. Notice that when a factor is doubled, its product is doubled. For example, compare the fourth row of the times table with the eight row. Compare the fifth row with the tenth row. If you look at the times table for the factor 5, you should see that when you multiply 5 by an odd number, the product ends in 5, and when you multiply 5 by an even number, the product ends in a 0. Note that when you multiply any single-digit factor (1-9) by 11, the product has that digit in the ones and the tens place. For example, 4 × 11 = 44 {\displaystyle 4\times 11=44} and 7 × 11 = 77 {\displaystyle 7\times 11=77}. The table for the factor 9 has many patterns. When you add the digits of any product, their sum equals 9. Also, as you move up the times table, the digit in the ones place goes down by 1. Memorize it in chunks. If you try to memorize the entire times table at the same time, you'll have a difficult time retaining all of the numbers. It's better to divide the table up into several sections and study each section until you have it memorized. For example, you might first memorize your multiplication facts from 1 x 1 {\displaystyle 1x1} down to 6 x 6 {\displaystyle 6x6} (the top left corner of the chart). Then you can memorize your facts from 1 x 7 {\displaystyle 1x7} to 6 x 12 {\displaystyle 6x12} (the top right corner of the chart. Then you can memorize your facts from 7 x 1 {\displaystyle 7x1} to 12 x 6 {\displaystyle 12x6} (the bottom left corner). Finally, you can memorize your facts from 7 x 7 {\displaystyle 7x7} to 12 x 12 {\displaystyle 12x12} (the bottom right corner). Make a new chart from memory. The best way to see how much you've memorized is to create a new chart without using a calculator or any other help. You should also try to fill in products automatically, without doing any mental math. Set a time limit, such as 3 minutes, and see whether you can fill in the entire chart in that amount of time. Each time, see if you can fill in the chart faster. When you practice making a new chart, fill in the easy calculations first. Skip any product that doesn't come to you right away. When the time limit is up, you know that you need to work on memorizing the products you could not fill in. | Understand how to read a times table. Determine how many factors you need in your times table. Use a ruler to create 12 rows and 12 columns. Label the columns and rows 1-12. Fill in the products for each multiplication sentence with a factor of 1. Fill in the rest of the second row. Fill in the remaining rows. Check your table. Understand how to read this type of chart. Determine how many factors you need in your chart. Create 12 tables. Fill in the first column of the first table. Fill in the first column of the remaining tables. Fill in the second column of each table. Fill in the multiplication and equals signs for each multiplication sentence. Fill in the final column of each table. Review it daily. Look for patterns. Memorize it in chunks. Make a new chart from memory. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Being-in-Love-With-a-Person-You%27ll-Never-Meet | How to Stop Being in Love With a Person You'll Never Meet | Being in love with a person you'll probably never meet can be tough, but by prioritizing your own needs, you can get through it. If you haven't already, let the person know that you won't be talking to them anymore, since it's best for your mental health. Then, avoid contacting them in the future so you can heal and focus on yourself. In the meantime, stay busy with your hobbies, seeing friends and family, and taking care of your health. Get rid of any reminders you have of the person, like photos of them and gifts they sent you. If you find yourself feeling down, remind yourself why the relationship wouldn't work and that you'll come out the other end a happier person. | Keep busy. Stay occupied during your spare time so that you don't give yourself a lot of time to think about them. Take up new hobbies, pick up old ones, ask friends out for coffee or dinner, join a club, take a class, or volunteer. Fill your days and nights so that you're enjoying life and aren't spending much time thinking of them. You will notice that thinking of them is regressive – you will think of them less and less over time. Change your routine. You might have a routine of texting them every morning, or talking on the phone every night, and come to expect that is what you'll do every day. Change your routine so that you don't expect to talk, text, or video chat with them at certain times throughout the day. If you normally talk in the morning, try exercising instead. Or if you always text at lunch, plan to read a book instead. Your routine won't change effortlessly, and that is okay. Stick with it and before you know it, what was work will be your new routine. If they try to continue with routines that involve you, such as phone calls or texts, you can explain that you no longer wish to speak with them on the phone, for example, or you may take a more thorough approach and block them on social media. If you choose to block them, block their phone number so that they may not call or text you also. Focus on why it would not work out. It may help you to look at all of the reasons why a relationship with this person is not realistic. Try making a list of all of the reasons why it would not work out. You might include: Distance, such as living in different states, countries, or even different continents. Differences in lifestyle, personality, or interests. For example, maybe the person you are in love with is an outgoing sports enthusiast who loves to attend parties and other social events. If you are more of an introvert who likes to watch movies and hang out at home with just a few people at a time, then your lifestyles, personalities, and interests might not mesh well. Different relationship goals, such as wanting marriage while the other person may not be interested in a monogamous relationship at all. Say goodbye. You don't have to actually say goodbye to them, but you do need to say goodbye to the relationship. Reconcile with yourself that you need to stop being in love with them, and that it's time to let go. This can be a painful process, but it's necessary because it signals that you've made a decision to stop being in love and move on. You can say goodbye, you can write it in a letter, or a poem, or simply process it internally by thinking about it. If you share a friend or hobby group, you may decide that you want to maintain a friendship with them. If that's the case, explain to them that you're ending the romantic part of your relationship but look forward to a mature and healthy friendship. If you think it would be better to cut all ties, it's up to you whether you want to explain that you want no further contact with them. Get rid of reminders. While you'll never meet, you might have exchanged letters, trinkets, gifts, or other items. You need to get rid of these reminders so that you can begin the process of healing and falling out of love. Box the items up and throw them away or ask someone else to discard them for you. This should happen at the same time that you say goodbye to allow yourself a clean slate. Plan how to start the conversation or letter. Before you contact the person to tell him or her that you want to end the relationship, take some time to plan out what to say. Try writing out what you want or need to say ahead of time. There are several different ways that you can start this conversation. Some potential opening lines that you might use include: "I need to talk to you about something important..." "Do you have time to talk about something important? I want to discuss…" "I don't know the best way to start, but..." "I'm heartbroken about this, but..." Send an email. This is probably the least personal way to end the relationship, but it does allow you to write your thoughts out carefully and choose your words intentionally. Ending the relationship via email also gives you an opportunity to speak without interruption or rebuttal. This method also gives the recipient time to reflect on what you've written before they respond. Don't write extensively about what went wrong. Instead, simply say that you need to end the relationship and what it is you expect going forward, be it no communication, limited communication, or a thriving friendship. Send a direct message. Ending a relationship over chat is a bit more complicated because you need to make sure that you and the other person are both able to chat at the same time without interruptions. You'll still tell the other person that you are ending the relationship and what you expect going forward. The difference is that chat or direct message facilitates a conversation, which will allow the other person an opportunity to respond to what you're saying. If you think that they won't take your ending the relationship well, you might consider writing an email instead of allowing them to respond to you in a direct message. Speak on the phone or video chat. You may decide that you want to speak to the other person, either on the phone, or over video chat, so that you can have the closest conversation possible without being face-to-face. On the phone or in video chat you'll still need to focus on your decision to end the relationship and your expectations. Don't be accusatory or rude because that's unproductive and will just provoke anger or hurt in them. If you are nervous that they will try to talk you out of ending the relationship, opt to send an email instead of the more personal routes of conversation. Get closure. When ending a relationship, especially with someone who you love, obtaining closure can be an important step in the healing process. Closure lets you both know that you appreciate your experiences together, but that that it's time for both of you to move forward without one another. Communicate with the person that you love and tell them not only how you're feeling, but that you need to restrict or cut off communication, and that you wish them the best. Sometimes it's not possible to have a conversation that brings you satisfying closure. That's okay. That lack is a closure in and of itself. Move forward and focus on healing yourself. Decide what sort of relationship you’re looking for. Make a list of what you're looking for in a relationship, such as companionship, partnership, someone to share life events with, someone to talk with, and so on. This will help you figure out if you're looking for an online or face-to-face relationship. You may discover that you actually want physical companionship as well, which will help you stop being in love with the person you'll never meet. Consider your self-esteem. If you have fallen into a habit of thinking that no one will be attracted to you or that no one in your town or city is available, an Internet relationship can be an easy substitute for dealing with personal issues. Instead of focusing your energies on a relationship, spend that time and energy working on yourself and your self-esteem. Take two minutes every day to quietly think about that which you appreciate about yourself, such as your sense of humor, your eyes, your intellect, or even your shopping savvy. Make an effort to be kinder to others. You will have a better opinion of yourself the kinder you are to others. Learn from your experiences. Even though this relationship hasn't met your needs, it was still a good learning experience. Whether you've learned that you can be loved, that your personality is relationship-worthy, or that long-distance relationships are just plain hard sometimes, the important thing is to not let the whole situation be a wasted experience. Consider what was good about your relationship. Was it educational? Or did it help you mature emotionally? Was it nice to have a confidant? Thinking about the positive aspects will help you figure out what you want in future relationships. Similarly, consider what needs you had that weren't met in the relationship. Was it difficult to coordinate schedules? Or did you have different life goals? Lastly, consider what did and did not make you happy in your relationship. Thinking about these aspects of your relationship will help you identify your needs and what you want in future relationships. Reallocate your resources. Being in love with a person who you'll never meet is a good learning experience and has the potential to meet many of your emotional needs. However, it also uses up so many of your emotional, financial, and time resources. Choose to reallocate those resources to dating locally. Because you'll be able to meet people locally, your resources will be much better invested. Go on a local dating website Or look at a national website, but select your geographic area Or look to local hobby groups Ask a friend to set you up with someone Join a local recreational sports league Accept that you feel may conflicted. You may feel an internal conflict when you decide to end your relationship to pursue dating locally. Choosing to date locally can be intimidating, especially if you're in love with someone who you'll never meet. You have an emotional and intellectual connection with that person, but seek a physical connection as well. Recognize that you feel conflicted, accept that it's okay, and give yourself permission to seek happiness in a local relationship. It's good and healthy to admit that you'll never meet this person for whom you have feelings. Maintaining even the slightest hope that you'll meet them may only intensify your inner conflict. Break the cycle. Ending a love relationship can be painful, and it's not something that you want to feel again intentionally. Refrain from starting another relationship with someone else that you won't meet. If necessary, stop using the Internet for a while to prevent opportunities for falling into a similarly difficult relationship. Find new games to play, new message boards with which to interact, and new groups to join. You learned from previous experience that it was important to meet the person who you love, so you want to avoid starting a similar relationship with someone in these new groups or communities. | Keep busy. Change your routine. Focus on why it would not work out. Say goodbye. Get rid of reminders. Plan how to start the conversation or letter. Send an email. Send a direct message. Speak on the phone or video chat. Get closure. Decide what sort of relationship you’re looking for. Consider your self-esteem. Learn from your experiences. Reallocate your resources. Accept that you feel may conflicted. Break the cycle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Subtly-Flirt-With-a-Guy | How to Subtly Flirt With a Guy | To subtly flirt with a guy, maintain eye contact, keep you body language open, and keep the conversation casual with a joke or 2. Make sure you smile and look into his eyes, which shows him that you're interested. While you're talking, face him with your body and avoid crossing your arms so you seem relaxed. Try to make a few jokes throughout your conversation to keep the mood light and playful. You can also touch him lightly on his shoulder or knee when you talk. For example, if he tells a joke, laugh and touch his shoulder to show him you're open to physical contact. | Be confident in your ability to flirt. If you're not confident, fake it until you make it. Smile, try not to fidget and look your target directly in the eye when talking to him. These few steps are often all you need to do to subtly catch a guy's interest. Laugh, joke, and keep the conversation light at first. Humor is one of the best ice-breakers on the planet. Throwing in a joke here and there shows that you are spontaneous, fun, and laid-back, all of which tells a guy you may be interested. Use open, interested body language. Body language is the oft-forgotten secret weapon of flirting. Not only does it work, but it works subtly, letting a guy know subconsciously that you are interested. To flirt with your body: Face your shoulders and hips towards him. Play with your hair. Make eye-contact. Nod and smile as he talks. Avoid crossing your arms, looking away/down, or staring into space as he talks. Smile. Smiling is the number one way to flirt with someone. Show off your pearly whites every chance you get, and you'll notice that he'll be smiling too. Touch him lightly. Breaking the touch barrier between two people is a great way to separate flirtation from friendly conversation. Touch his shoulder or knee lightly, or put your hand briefly on his back as you get up to go the bathroom. Feeling adventurous? Offer to play a quick game like patty-cake, slaps, or invent a secret handshake together. Be genuine. The quickest way to lose your future date is to fake your interest. Ask him questions about himself, laugh only when you think something is funny, and remember to feel natural. If you're having a good time, chances are your flirting is successful. But if you cannot be genuinely nice to a guy, he probably is not the right fit for you. Avoid loaded or leading questions. Never ask a guy about marriage, his last relationship, or if he wants kids. These are big, difficult questions that usually come up later in a relationship. Remember that flirting is supposed to be light and fun, not serious. Religion, politics, and how much money he makes should all be avoided. Know when to back off. Flirting can quickly go from fun to creepy if you don't know when to leave. If he wants to go see his friends, keeps looking away and checking his watch, or starts giving one-word answers, it is time to back off and give him some space. Dress for the occasion with cute clothes. Looking good sends nice signals to someone that your are interested in finding a partner or fling. That said, don't feel the need to go outside of your comfort-zone. Aim for something you feel good and confident wearing. Make eye contact across the room. Trying to get a guy to notice you often takes little more than locking eyes with him. If you do make eye-contact, don't look away. Smile briefly or wave before turning back to your phone. Talk to him whenever you get the chance. Conversation is the best way to begin a connection with someone. It also shows your interest and lets you get to know each other, which allows you ample opportunities to flirt. Some conversation tips include: Find common ground to talk about. Maybe you like the same shows, both cook often, or grew up in the same neighborhood. Ask questions. Show your interest by asking about his life, not talking about yours. Make jokes. The occasional burst of humor can be a great way to show a guy you're interested on the sly. Be personable and approachable. He should be able to talk to you without feeling like he's invading. Separate yourself from large groups of friends occasionally, smile often, and give him the chance to come find you without feeling overwhelmed. Make the first move. Most guys love it when they are approached by a woman. Have confidence in how amazing you are, then take a deep breath and walk right up to him to start a conversation. Buy him a drink. Ask him a question about himself, the surroundings, his shirt, etc. Casually mention him by saying “I saw you across the bar earlier, what's your name?” Tease him gently. Giving someone a little grief is actually a great way to get a guy's attention. Make sure your jokes are not about anything serious, but it's okay to give him a hard time if he spills a drink or says something silly. Teasing is often at the root of flirting, cause it shows that you are willing to have fun and be a bit silly. Make sure you're willing to be teased back – it means he is trying to flirt with you. | Be confident in your ability to flirt. Laugh, joke, and keep the conversation light at first. Use open, interested body language. Smile. Touch him lightly. Be genuine. Avoid loaded or leading questions. Know when to back off. Dress for the occasion with cute clothes. Make eye contact across the room. Talk to him whenever you get the chance. Be personable and approachable. Make the first move. Tease him gently. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Cactus-Needles | How to Remove Cactus Needles | To remove cactus needles, grip the ends with a pair of tweezers and pull straight out. For glochids, which are thin, hairlike cactus needles, put on protective gardening gloves and rub a pair of wadded up pantyhose against the affected area to pull them out. For stubborn cactus hairs, apply a large amount of rubber cement to the area. Once the adhesive dries, pull the cement up slowly, pulling the needles up with it. | Take out standard cactus needles using tweezers. If you can see a cactus needle clearly, grip the end of it with a pair of tweezers and pull it out. To avoid snapping the needle, do your best to remove it in a single, straight motion. If the needle gets buried deep under your skin, locate the tip furthest away from the entry wound and gently push it out. Brush off glochids using a nylon stocking. Glochids are thin, hairlike cactus needles that are shorter and less rigid than regular cactus spines. To remove them, put on protective gardening gloves and wad up a pair of nylon pantyhose. Then, rub the hose against the affected area to pull out the glochids. When dealing with glochids, nylon hose provides all the adhesive power of duct tape without causing any unwanted skin irritation. Pull out stubborn cactus hairs with rubber cement. Using a cotton swab, tongue depressor, or other small applicator, apply a large amount of rubber cement to the pierced area. Let the adhesive dry, then pull the edges of the cement up slowly and carefully. Repeat the process multiple times to remove as many needles as possible. Your drying time will vary based on which brand of rubber cement you use. You may feel some slight pain as the adhesive dries. To combat this, take a standard dose of an over-the-counter painkiller like acetaminophen. Dress your wound after getting the needles out. After removing the cactus needles from your skin, clean the pierced area with fresh water for 5 to 10 minutes. Once you've removed as much dirt and debris as you can, apply antibiotic cream to the wound and cover the entire affected area with gauze wrap or a bandage. For safety, wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning the wound. If you see any cactus hairs in the wound site, pick them out using tweezers sterilized with antibacterial soap. Until the wound heals, change your bandage at least once a day or whenever it becomes dirty or wet. Seek medical help if you can’t remove the needles. Visit a doctor if you can't get cactus needles out of your arms, legs, or any other non-sensitive areas of your body. If you get cactus needles stuck in your neck, throat, or any other sensitive spots that you can't easily remove them from, head to the emergency room as soon as possible. Leaving cactus needles in your skin for a long period of time can lead to infections. Remove small cactus needles using duct tape. Small cactus hairs like to bury themselves in fabric, making them incredibly difficult to remove. However, you can usually get a large portion of them out using duct tape or a similarly strong adhesive. To do so, cover the affected area with a strip of tape, then rip the tape off. Repeat this multiple times for the best results. Do not use this method on your skin. Doing so may cause additional damage to the stabbed area. Pull out large cactus needles with a comb. Unlike small needles, large cactus spines and ball-like hitchhikers are easy to remove from clothing. To do so, grab a fine-toothed comb and place it just above the needles. Then, run the comb down through the needles to brush them off. Once you've removed most of the needles, get rid of any stragglers using duct tape or a pair of tweezers. When combing, make sure to keep you hand as far away from the needles as possible. Clean your clothes in a washing machine to remove leftover needles. Once you've removed as many needles as you can, place your clothing items in a washing machine and run them through a normal cleaning cycle. Doing so will remove any small hairs you couldn't get out by hand. Do not wash your affected clothes with other garments, otherwise you may simply move the cactus needles from 1 item to another. Pull out large needles with a pair of tweezers. If large, clearly visible cactus spines get tangled up in your hair, grab them with a pair of tweezers and pull them out. These needles may be accompanied by small, hard to see cactus hairs, so put on gardening gloves to keep your hands safe. If any of the cactus spines pierced your scalp, ask a friend or family member to check for major signs of damage. If they notice any, visit a doctor immediately. Remove small and stuck needles with a comb. To keep your hands safe, put on a pair of gardening gloves. Then, grab a fine-toothed comb and run it through the affected areas of your hair. This will help you remove thin, difficult to see cactus hairs as well as any stubborn hitchhikers that got tangled up in your locks. If you're having a difficult time, soak your hair in warm water for about 10 minutes. This will loosen everything up and make the cactus needles easier to remove. Cut your hair if you can’t remove the needles. If you can't seem to get the cactus needles out of your hair, you may need to cut the affected areas off with scissors or shave them down using a razor. Though you might feel tempted to simply leave the needles in, doing so can lead to incredible amounts of discomfort and, if the needles reach your scalp, serious infections. | Take out standard cactus needles using tweezers. Brush off glochids using a nylon stocking. Pull out stubborn cactus hairs with rubber cement. Dress your wound after getting the needles out. Seek medical help if you can’t remove the needles. Remove small cactus needles using duct tape. Pull out large cactus needles with a comb. Clean your clothes in a washing machine to remove leftover needles. Pull out large needles with a pair of tweezers. Remove small and stuck needles with a comb. Cut your hair if you can’t remove the needles. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Socialize-a-Lory-or-Lorikeet | How to Socialize a Lory or Lorikeet | To socialize a lory or lorikeet, start by placing its cage in a spot where it can see you. Every time you pass by the cage, talk to your bird so it gets used to your voice. You can also use different voice tones to keep it interested and alert. Additionally, bond with your bird by feeding it a variety of treats by hand. Try to keep all of your interactions with your bird positive and calm to build trust and reinforce positive behaviors. If you bird is acting in ways that you don't approve of, simply walk away and ignore it for a few minutes. | Place the bird’s cage near you. The more time spent with your lory or lorikeet, the better socialized they will become. You have to get your bird used to you and other people. Put the cage somewhere where your bird can see you and others so they can get used to you. Sit close to the cage or walk by it throughout the day. Let them realize you are not a threat by becoming part of their environment. Talk to your bird. Interact with your bird by talking to them. Whenever you enter the room or walk by their cage, speak to them. Talk to them in different tones of voice to rouse their curiosity. You can even try singing to them to get them used to you. Do this multiple times each day. Offer the bird food. You can try to build the trust between you and your lory or lorikeet by sharing food. Birds often feed each other, so offering the bird food can help establish that trust and relationship. Try feeding them different foods so they can stay curious and learn to trust you. If the bird pecks at your hand, or if they always stay out of reach of your hand, offer food in a wooden spoon. This is less threatening for the bird, and still provides them with food intensives. Avoid sudden movements at first. When you first get your lory or lorikeet, avoid any sudden movements or loud sounds. They are prey birds, so they may see that as a threat. Whenever you are around them, move slowly in a controlled manner. Eventually, the bird will get used to you. For example, don't reach towards the bird quickly or run over to the cage. Instead, move in a calm manner past the cage, or reach into the cage in a controlled way. Be patient. Not all birds will become socialized and accept you at the same rate. Some birds have traumatic events in their past that have made them distrustful to humans. Others may have a difficult personality. Remember to keep interacting with your bird and to stay patient. Eventually, your bird will trust you wholeheartedly. Play with your bird regularly. Spending time with your lory or lorikeet and playing with them daily helps to socialize them. Use toys and different games to amuse them. You also may bring them with you into different rooms throughout the day. For example, you may pull toys out of their cage and play with them with your bird. You can also put an empty box on the floor with something inside they can chew, and then gently tap the box with something until you finally place it in their view. You can also try playing peek-a-boo with a toy. Lories and lorikeets love just about every kind of toys. They love foot toys, balls, cardboard boxes or rolls, and toys that make noise. You can use just about anything to play with your bird. Take the lory or lorikeet into the bathroom with you when you're grooming yourself, or bring them in the living room. Just don't take them into the kitchen because kitchen fumes can be harmful to birds. Play instructional games with your bird. Playing games is important to keep your lory or lorikeet happy and healthy, but it can also help socialize them. Instructional games are particularly important because it helps tame your bird, build trust, and let them know that you are the one who can guide them. For example, you can teach your parrot to get your attention through spreading their wings instead of screaming at you. Whenever they spread their wings, spread your arms and say “Eagle pose!” Practicing this over and over will show your parrot this positive behavior. You can also try to teach the bird how to slap your hand with their foot using a verbal cue. Give the lory or lorikeet a lot of praise and treats when they perform a new behavior learned in your instructional games. React positively to behavior problems. You may unknowingly reinforce negative behavior by the way you react to behavior problems like screaming and aggression. If you scream at a screaming bird, you are giving it positive reinforcement, just as you are positively reinforcing biting behavior by getting angry. Try to react calmly and positively to get the behavior you want. Most negative behaviors happen when your bird is upset. Walk away from your bird and calm down before interacting. This also gives your bird time to calm down. Approach them later more calmly. Tell visitors to ignore the bird at first. As you begin socializing your bird, instruct your visitors to ignore the bird. Many people may want to run up to your lory or lorikeet's cage to see the bird, but this could reinforce negative associations for your bird. Keep visitors away from the bird for around 10 to 60 minutes. This helps your bird watch the people and determine they are not a threat. Tell your visitors, “I can introduce you to my lorikeet soon, but for now we need to ignore them while they get used to new people.” Explain to guests how to approach your lory or lorikeet. Your bird has a very specific way it needs to be approached. Especially if you are teaching it how to be social, you need to make sure everyone handles your bird in the correct way. This helps provide positive associations for your bird with strangers. Go through the steps on how to handle the bird, including how to pet it. If your bird will allow it, demonstrate with the bird. Explain to your guests that the bird is not a dog, cat, or child, and they cannot treat it like most pets. Allow the bird out of the cage. After your guests have been in your home for a period of time, you can let your lory or lorikeet out of their cage. Make sure that the guests do not approach the bird, but that the bird approaches when they feel comfortable. This helps the bird retain control and feel out the situation. Explain to your guests, “Don't approach the bird, but allow the bird to come to you. It'll take a few minutes to feel comfortable, but then it will get curious.” Make visitors act as a human perch. When your lory or lorikeet is getting used to people, have people only let the bird perch on them. Don't let visitors put their arm out towards the bird because this could spook or upset the bird. Letting unfamiliar people make motions towards the bird can cause them to mistrust strangers. Tell your visitors that they should remain still and not interact with the bird if they decide to land on them. They shouldn't pet or touch the bird while they're perching on them. Allow the bird to build trust with the person before they move towards it. No one should ever move towards a lory or lorikeet before they build trust. This trust can be established by letting the bird use them as a human perch, or by being around the bird and letting them get used to the person. Use tricks to help your bird get used to stepping up to strangers. You should already have your lory or lorikeet trained before socializing them, so you can use this training to get them used to people. After the bird gets used to a person, you can give the person treats. Have the person cue a trick, and then to receive the treat, the bird has to step up onto the arm. After the bird gets used to this, then have the bird step up onto the visitor's arm before they get the treat. Socialize young birds with other birds. Lories and lorikeets need to learn socialization with other birds, especially if you are going to keep more than one bird. If you have a young bird, introduce them to other birds and let them interact. This helps them avoid being aggressive or angry with any other birds you get. Introduce young birds to a variety of different people. If you have young lories and lorikeets, you should try to get them used to a variety of different people. This helps them get used to people and not be frightened by people who look different than you. For example, you can bring people around them that are different genders or ethnicities or with different color hair. You can also allow them to get used to people who wear hats, glasses, or other accessories. Let young birds experience changes in their environment. Another way to socialize young lories and lorikeets is to let them experience many different things. This helps them adapt to changes in their homes and piques their curiosity. Change things around in your home or in the room the birds are kept. You can also take the birds into different rooms so they can experience different environments. Play music around your bird, let them walk on different surfaces, and let them be moved around in a basket. Feed young birds various foods. Another thing that can help your lory or lorikeet become socialized is to feed them an array of foods so they get used to any food that they are given. This also helps them learn that curiosity is a good, safe thing. Fostering their curiosity helps your bird be more involved with their surroundings. | Place the bird’s cage near you. Talk to your bird. Offer the bird food. Avoid sudden movements at first. Be patient. Play with your bird regularly. Play instructional games with your bird. React positively to behavior problems. Tell visitors to ignore the bird at first. Explain to guests how to approach your lory or lorikeet. Allow the bird out of the cage. Make visitors act as a human perch. Allow the bird to build trust with the person before they move towards it. Use tricks to help your bird get used to stepping up to strangers. Socialize young birds with other birds. Introduce young birds to a variety of different people. Let young birds experience changes in their environment. Feed young birds various foods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Pass-the-STAAR-Test | How to Pass the STAAR Test | To pass the STAAR test, try your best to pay attention in class, take notes, and keep up on your homework, especially during the few weeks leading up to the test since your teacher will be reviewing it. Also, do some practice questions on your own to help you prepare for the test, which you can find on the Texas Education Agency website. When you're studying for your test, focus on the areas that you struggle in. For example, if you struggle with math, spend more time reviewing for the math section than the reading section. | Get a good night's sleep. You will do better on your test if you are well rested. If you are sleepy, you will have difficulty thinking and will be more forgetful. If you are a teenager, you need between 8-10 hours of sleep a night. If you are between the ages of 6 and 13, you need 9-11 hours of sleep each night. Cramming for the test the night before won't help you. It is better to relax and get a good night's sleep instead. Adjust your schedule the week of the test so you can get enough rest. Do something fun. Don't spend the night before your test worrying about it. Do an activity that you enjoy and that will take your mind off of things. Spend time with your friends or family, watch a movie, play video games, or read a magazine that is not school related. You will do better on the test if you are relaxed and in a good mood. Pack your bag the night before. You do not want to be in a rush the morning of your test. This can cause you to feel even more nervous and anxious. Pack your school bag the night before with everything you will need for the day. Make sure you have all necessary materials for the test, including pencils and erasers. Eat a healthy breakfast. Wake up early enough to eat a nutritious breakfast. Food is necessary to fuel your brain. If you take your test without eating, you will be more distracted and have problems concentrating. Do not experiment or try any new foods the day of your test either. Good breakfast choices include fruit, whole grain-cereal, and protein rich foods (e.g. eggs, nuts, and yogurt). Stay away from processed and sugary foods such as cookies, cakes, etc. Also avoid eating a carbohydrate (e.g. bread, pancakes, etc.) heavy breakfast because it will cause you to feel sluggish and sleepy. If you do not feel like eating in the morning, try having a smoothie or a breakfast shake. Read each question carefully. Before you answer a question, read the entire question before you choose an answer. It is important to do this even if you already feel like you know the answer. Underline any words that are important or that stand out to you. If the question is difficult to understand, try to rewrite/rephrase the question so it makes sense to you. Be sure to follow any written or verbal instructions you receive about the test. If you are unsure about an answer, eliminate the answers you know are wrong and choose between the other possible choices. This will increase your chances of getting the question right. Monitor your time. The STAAR test is a timed test. Wear a watch or make sure you can see the clock during your test. Your teacher will probably give you warnings about the time, but you should keep track of it as well. If you have extra time, go back and double check your answers. Be sure to leave some time at the end to answer the questions that you skipped. It is better to guess than to leave a question unanswered. For example, if you have 45 minutes to complete a section, try to finish in 40 minutes so you have time to go back. Stick with your first answer. When you take a test, the first answer that you choose is usually the best answer. You get into trouble when you begin to second guess yourself. Do not got back and change your answer unless you are absolutely sure. If you go completely blank on a question, skip it and come back to it later. You do not want to waste time thinking about one question when you could be answering the questions that you already know. Make some type of mark by the questions that you skipped. You do not want to forget to go back and answer them. Take a deep breath. If you find yourself getting anxious during the test, stop and take a deep breath. Close your eyes and breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Take a couple of breaths and then get back to your test. Practice deep breathing before you take your test so you can get in the habit of doing it. As you take a deep breath, tell yourself, "I am in control. Everything is going to be fine." If you get a headache, start sweating, feel like you might pass out, get butterflies in your stomach, start sweating, or start shaking, you may be feeling anxious. These are signs that you should take a deep breath. Pause if you experience fear. Test taking can be scary. If you experience fear or become overwhelmed during the test, stop and acknowledge it. When you pause, remind yourself about the task at hand. The task is to answer the question in front of you. If your mind goes blank or you feel like you have no idea what you are doing all of a sudden, you may also be experiencing fear. Fear is completely normal. You will not be able to eliminate fear completely, but you can manage it so it does not affect your test. Place your hand on your belly and take 3 deep breaths. As you inhale and exhale, notice how your belly gets bigger then smaller. You can also write the word "breathe" at the top of your test booklet to remind you take deep breaths when you begin to feel stressed out. Tell yourself, "I can do this," or "Just keep going." Focus on one question at a time. It is easy to get worked up about a test. You may be thinking about what will happen if you do not pass or how many more questions you have to answer. You may still be thinking about the last question you answered. Stay in the present and answer one question at a time. If your mind begins to wander, bring it back and tell yourself, "I will only focus on one question at a time. If you tend to have problems focusing or get nervous every time you take a test, talk to a teacher, parent, or school counselor about it. They can help you with other techniques to stay calm during the test. Tell yourself, "I am smart. I can do this." Understand the test components. Become familiar with the test subjects and format of the test before your exam date. You do not want to be surprised by anything when you take the test. The test structure will vary depending on what grade you are in. If you are in 3rd grade, your test will include reading and mathematics. If you are in 4th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, and writing. If you are in 5th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, and science. If you are in 6th grade, your test will include reading and mathematics. If you are in 7th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, and writing. If you are in 8th grade, your test will include reading, mathematics, science, and social studies. If you are in high school, you will have end-of-course (EOC) assessments for English I, English II, Algebra I, biology and U.S history. Do practice questions. Your teacher will give you practice questions at school, but you should also do some practice questions on your own. Visit the Texas Education Agency website and click on the "Student Testing and Accountability" section. Once you are in that section go to "Testing," "State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR)," and then click on "STAAR Released Test Questions." Find the questions that correspond to your grade level. You can see the practice questions and the answers. Try to answer the questions without looking at the answers. Commit to studying for a designated amount of time. For example, you may spend an hour on Tuesdays and Saturdays doing STAAR practice questions. Talk to your teacher about developing a study schedule. Having a regular study schedule is more effective than cramming for your test. You need to spend enough time studying for your STAAR without neglecting your other school work. You may study only once a week or every other week in the beginning of the school year and then increase your study time as the test approaches. You may be studying 3 or 4 times a week as your test date gets closer. An appropriate study schedule varies by each student. If you took the STAAR test last year, pay attention to the areas that you struggled in and devote more study time to those. If you did not take the STAAR test last year, spend more time in the general subject areas that you struggle in. For example, you may spend more time studying mathematics than reading. Pay attention in class. Your teacher will prepare you for your STAAR test during the school year. Your curriculum will include the things that you need to know. It is important that you pay attention in class, take notes, and do your homework. Your teacher may do more intense STAAR prep in the weeks leading up to your test. This is a time that you really need to focus. If you do not understand a concept or have a question, get help from your teacher as soon as you can. If you wait until it is time for your test, it may be too late. Try to be a good student throughout the school year, not just a few weeks before the test. This will increase your chances of passing the STAAR. Work with a standardized-test taking tutor. A tutor that is experienced with standardized test taking can help you prepare for the test. A tutor can help assess your skills and teach you standardized test taking techniques. Your tutor can also develop a study plan based on your skills and how soon you need to take your exam. Some private tutoring organizations such as 'Mathnasium' (math learning center) and Sylvan Learning offer STAAR specific training. You can also ask your teacher or school counselor about any prep programs in your area. | Get a good night's sleep. Do something fun. Pack your bag the night before. Eat a healthy breakfast. Read each question carefully. Monitor your time. Stick with your first answer. Take a deep breath. Pause if you experience fear. Focus on one question at a time. Understand the test components. Do practice questions. Talk to your teacher about developing a study schedule. Pay attention in class. Work with a standardized-test taking tutor. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Naturopathic-Doctor | How to Become a Naturopathic Doctor | To become a naturopathic doctor, take a mix of science and liberal arts classes as an undergraduate and earn your bachelor's degree. Next, enroll in an accredited 4-year naturopathic graduate program and complete coursework in biomedicine and homeopathy. Then, register for the NPLEX during grad school and pass Part I and Part II of the exam. Finally, submit an application to your state or province's licensing board to get your license and start practicing professionally. | Take a mix of science and liberal arts classes as an undergraduate. Degree programs in naturopathic medicine require a bachelor's degree (or a comparable undergraduate degree). While you don't need a degree in science, most programs require solid coursework in the sciences. Additionally, given naturopathy's approach to medicine as both an art and science, balance scientific coursework with electives in the liberal arts and humanities. Undergraduate scientific coursework should include general biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, psychology, and physics. Helpful liberal arts courses include ethics, literature and composition, philosophy of science, and religious studies. While there's no required undergraduate major, strong choices include biology, chemistry, nutrition, kinesiology, and psychology. Ask your academic adviser for advice about taking courses that would prepare you for a naturopathic degree program. Tour schools with accredited 4-year naturopathic degree programs. Research degree programs online, and find “Request Information” links on universities' websites. If possible, visit schools, reach out to their faculty members, and meet with academic advisers. To select the right program, compare costs, consider programs' strengths and specialties, and decide which locations you prefer. Submit your application by the deadline. Specific application steps vary by program. In general, you'll need to enter basic information into an application form and submit your undergraduate transcripts, your resume , an essay , and 1 to 3 letters of recommendation. Additionally, you'll need to include an application fee, which may cost $75 to $150 (U.S.), and you may need to sit for an in-person or phone interview. Check your prospective program's website for specific application requirements, procedures, and deadlines. Rent a place to live if you’re not staying on campus. Once you've received an acceptance letter and enrolled, research the cost of living in your school's city. Compare the cost of living on campus with local rent prices. If convenience is a priority, go with on-campus housing; look for affordable places to rent if you're on a budget. Look into getting a roommate if you want to save money on rent. When apartment hunting, take distance from campus, access to groceries and other necessities, cost of utilities, and safety into consideration. Complete coursework in biomedicine and homeopathy. Your degree program will jointly focus on standard medical biology and natural therapeutic techniques. The first 1 to 2 years of your coursework will probably deal with topics such as anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology. Once you've built a solid foundation in medical biology, you'll take classes related to botanical medicine, nutrition, physical therapy, and other homeopathic topics. Toward the end of your 4-year tenure, you'll spend most of your time in clinical settings working with actual patients. Choose a specialty if you’re interested in a particular area of medicine. While you're in school, decide whether you want to pursue an area of focus, such as geriatrics (elderly patients), pediatrics (infants and children), or oncology (cancer treatment). A specialty isn't required but, if you've chosen one, take coursework related to your focus whenever possible. Work with your academic adviser and your program's faculty to choose a specialty and enroll in relevant courses. Apply to take the NPLEX once you’ve met the eligibility requirements. You'll have completed the courses required to take the NPLEX by your third or fourth year. The 2-part exam is offered each year in February and August. To register, submit the application form with your basic information (such as your name, contact info, and Social Security number), a scanned copy of your government-issued photo ID, and an eligibility verification letter provided your school's registrar. Apply to take the NPLEX at https://www.nabne.org/home/applicant. Be sure to submit your application before the registration deadline in November (for the February exam) or May (for the August exam). You'll also need to pay non-refundable fees, which currently total $475 for Part I of the exam and $700 for Part II of the exam. You must pass Part I before you can take Part II. Download the NPLEX resources offered with your exam registration. Once your registration has been approved, you'll be able to log into the NPLEX administrator's website to access valuable NPLEX study guides. Additionally, your program will offer helpful resources, and you can find practice tests and paid courses online. Once you've registered, access the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE, or the NPLEX administrator) resources at https://www.nabne.org. You'll also be able to print out your registration ticket, which you'll need to take to the test. Start preparing for the exam at least 3 to 4 months in advance. The NPLEX is a comprehensive exam, and the first part includes 200 questions on anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, immunology, and pathology. Start thinking about the NPLEX early in your academic career, take detailed class notes, and review material routinely to keep it fresh. As the exam draws closer, break the exam down into individual sections. Focus on 1 section, such as anatomy and physiology, for 1 to 2 weeks. Study at least 1 to 3 hours per day, and work section by section in the 3 or 4 months leading to the exam. Review your notes from classes, and organize study sessions with your classmates. Make flashcards of key vocabulary and physiological processes, and test your knowledge by taking multiple choice practice exams. Apply to take Part II once you’ve passed Part I. Part II includes 400 multiple choice questions that focus on diagnosis and treatment. Once you've passed Part I, you'll be able to eligible to register for Part II. Like Part I, study section by section for at least 1 to 3 hours per day, take practice exams, and tap the resources offered by your degree program. A typical Part II question presents a clinical case, such as a set of symptoms. It'll ask you the most likely diagnosis, appropriate tests needed to make a diagnosis, a homeopathic treatment, or whether there's an indication that medical intervention is necessary. Retake Part I or Part II of the exam if you don't pass. Passing both parts is a licensing requirement in North America. You can retake either test if you don't pass, but you'll need to pay the application fee each time you retake the exam. Part I has 2 sections, and Part II has 4 sections. If you don't pass an individual section, you'll need to retake the entire part. For instance, if you pass section 1 of Part I but don't pass section 2, you'll need to retake and pass both sections. Note that if you pass Part I but don't pass Part II, you only need to retake Part II. Apply for a post-grad residency for more hands-on experience. Residencies aren't a licensing requirement in most jurisdictions, but they're a great way to work directly with patients. During a residency, you'll work under a naturopathic doctor and gain experience in a clinical setting. In general, apply for a residency by April of your degree program's fourth year. Participating institutions include accredited degree programs and naturopathic and homeopathic clinics. To apply, submit your application form, transcripts, and letters of recommendation at https://aanmc.org/naturopathic-residencies. You'll also need to sit for an interview, which will help the selection board match you with a program. Upon acceptance, you'll be placed with a residency site. While you'll list your top choices in the application, final placement is up to the selection committee. Meet your jurisdiction’s licensing requirements. There are no universal licensing requirements or processes, so you'll need to look up the specific standards for your state or province. Completing a 4-year naturopathic degree program and passing the NPLEX Part I and II are basic necessities. As a rule of thumb, submit your application to your state or province's licensing board. Application requirements may include a form with your name and contact information, your official NPLEX scores, official copies of your transcripts, an affidavit verifying you've never been the subject of disciplinary action related to your practice, and an application fee, which is usually several hundred dollars (U.S.). Check your jurisdictions specific requirements and application process at https://fnmra.org/ras. Join a professional association of naturopathic physicians. In addition to adding to your credibility, professional organizations post valuable job listings. In the United States, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians is the leading professional organization. Annual membership fees vary by membership type; student members pay around $100, while a regular membership costs around $500 per year (U.S.). To join, submit copies of your active ND (doctor of naturopathy) license and transcripts from an accredited program at https://www.naturopathic.org/assoc_subscribe.asp. If you're a student, submit a scanned copy of your student ID instead of an ND license. The only requirement to renew your membership is to pay your annual fee. Start out by joining another physician’s practice. At the start of your medical career, it's wise to work under an experienced naturopathic physician or at a naturopathic clinic. Typically, you should submit a C.V. (curriculum vitae) when applying to jobs in medical fields. In your C.V., highlight your professional experience, including your clinical practice, residency (if you completed one), and internships. If you chose a specialty, include experience and coursework related to your area of focus. Search listings your professional association's job board. To make your job search easier, seize networking opportunities while you're in school. You might be able to get a job at an office or clinic where you attended clinical coursework, interned, or completed your residency. Open your own practice once you’ve gained experience. When you have some experience under your belt, consider opening your own business. Scout locations for your office, invest in medical equipment and furniture, acquire licenses required by your state or province, and purchase malpractice and property insurance. Additionally, register your business with your local and federal governments. Starting off at a clinic or physician's practice can help you learn the ins and outs of running a naturopathic business. Consider teaching at a school with an accredited naturopathic program. In addition to clinical practice, you could help train the next generation of naturopathic medical professionals. If you'd like, teach part-time on the side while you continue running your practice. Stay in touch with your alma mater to nurture your network. If possible, present talks, lead seminars, or attend Q&A sessions to gain experience nurturing young minds. Conducting research and publishing academic papers will also make you an attractive candidate should you wish to enter academia. Check your professional organization for speaking opportunities, professional conferences, and publication calls for entry. | Take a mix of science and liberal arts classes as an undergraduate. Tour schools with accredited 4-year naturopathic degree programs. Submit your application by the deadline. Rent a place to live if you’re not staying on campus. Complete coursework in biomedicine and homeopathy. Choose a specialty if you’re interested in a particular area of medicine. Apply to take the NPLEX once you’ve met the eligibility requirements. Download the NPLEX resources offered with your exam registration. Start preparing for the exam at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Apply to take Part II once you’ve passed Part I. Retake Part I or Part II of the exam if you don't pass. Apply for a post-grad residency for more hands-on experience. Meet your jurisdiction’s licensing requirements. Join a professional association of naturopathic physicians. Start out by joining another physician’s practice. Open your own practice once you’ve gained experience. Consider teaching at a school with an accredited naturopathic program. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-Your-Rabbit | How to Exercise Your Rabbit | To exercise your rabbit, try playing tag with it by running away when it comes towards you and then running after it when it runs away. You can also play games like fetch and hide and seek with treats to get your rabbit moving. Or, you can train your rabbit to wear a harness and walk on a leash so you can take it for walks every day. Additionally, leave toys out for your rabbit so it can play and exercise by itself when you're not around. | Play tag. Rabbits like to run around, including after people. If your rabbit is coming towards you, turn and run away so it will chase you. Then, turn around and start chasing your rabbit so it can run away in the other direction. You can turn around again to make your rabbit the pursuer once more. It may take a few times for your rabbit to figure out what you are doing, but once it learns that this is just a game, it's a great way to get some running exercise. It can be good to crawl while doing this. Being closer to the ground will help your rabbit get comfortable with you. Hold treats out for your rabbit to reach. This is good to get your rabbit to stretch out different parts of its body. Make sure the food is just out of regular reach so your rabbit has to really extend to get there. Hold a treat in your hand in the air above your rabbit's head. Make sure it has to stand up and stretch to get there. Put your rabbit on a box or table, and either hold or place a treat just off the edge. Your rabbit will need to stretch its neck to get there. Just make sure your rabbit doesn't slip or fall off the edge. Play fetch. Unlike with a dog, you will be the one doing the chasing here. Give your rabbit a toy and let it toss the toy in the air. Chase down the toy, and return it to your rabbit. Hide food. Take some small treats or pellets and hide them somewhere your rabbit likes to explore. It will smell the food, and try to hunt down a treat. Alternatively, you can put some raisins into a small paper bag, and let your rabbit dig around the bag to find them. Create a digging box. Rabbits love to dig around. Take a large cat litterbox, or something of similar size, and layer the bottom with newspapers. Put some crumpled up newspapers on top to encourage digging. Your rabbit will enjoy shredding and tearing apart the newspaper. By rummaging around in newspaper, your rabbit will probably get ink on its nose, paws, and other parts of its body. Don't worry, the ink is nontoxic, so your rabbit will be just fine. Train your rabbit to follow commands. Rabbits are intelligent creatures, and are quite easy to train. Think about commands you want your rabbit to follow, and create steps for it to accomplish them. Reward good behavior with praise and a treat, but just be sure the rabbit doesn't do something else first, or else you will be rewarding the wrong behavior. Include simple command words, like “Sit” or “Jump,” so your rabbit begins to associate those words with what you want it to do. Once your rabbit is getting the hang of its tricks, start weaning off the treats, so it only follows commands. Some good tricks include getting your rabbit to jump up and down onto places like the couch or your lap, running into and around certain parts of its play area, house breaking, or stopping aggressive behavior. You can also use a clicker to reinforce what you are doing. When you provide treats, also click so the rabbit associates the sound with a treat. Make sure you don't yell at or hit your rabbit during training. This will only make the rabbit uneasy or scared of you, which you definitely don't want. Your rabbit should associate your hands with food and affection, and if you hit your rabbit may become more aggressive. Walk your rabbit on a leash. If you want to take your rabbit out for a bit, attach it in a harness with a leash. Your rabbit will probably resist the harness at first, so make sure you have little delay between putting it on and going for your walk. Look for H-style harnesses, which you'll probably find the cat section of the pet store. Don't use harnesses or collars that go around the neck, as these can cinch the neck and cause injury. Make sure you have a stretchy leash, and don't tug too much while walking, as that is also a good way to hurt your rabbit. In general, rabbits will prefer more unstructured freedom to roam and explore rather than a restricted walk. Still, this can be another way to get your rabbit out for some movement. Never leave your rabbit leashed if you are not around. Left alone, your rabbit may chew through the leash, get tangled in it, or be unable to escape a predator. Give your rabbit 3 hours of free ranging time a day. Rabbits need up to 3 hours a day where they can run about and stretch their legs. If you allow your rabbit the space to roam around your house, this doesn't need to be structured playtime, which can be easier on your time. Get on the floor with your rabbit. Rabbits are curious and friendly, and you can do a lot to encourage your pet's activity by getting down on its level. Get down on the floor with your rabbit and its toys. The rabbit will explore around you, and may even follow you as you roam around your house. Move your rabbit around. If rabbits are given regular free range, especially indoors, they may get comfortable in particular places and spend too much time relaxing there. If you are worried about your rabbit settling, pick it up and move it to a different part of your house. The rabbit will get a little bit of exercise hopping back to the preferred location. Alternatively, you can confine your rabbit for a few hours, limiting the space it can move around in. That way, when you remove the barriers and let it free, your rabbit will be more likely to explore the parts it couldn't go before. You can also take some of your rabbit's favorite toys and move them to different areas. Your rabbit will want to track them down, and maybe bring them back where it thinks they belong. Watch for problems. Just like in humans, rabbits that don't get exercise will suffer from various health problems. If you notice your rabbit suffering from some of these concerns, you may need to take some time to get your rabbit exercising. You should also consult with your vet to see what else you should do to help your rabbit. Problems include: Obesity. Without exercise and a good diet, your rabbit will gain weight, which will add stress to other parts of its body, including the cardiovascular system and the pads of its feet. Your rabbit will even find it difficult to groom itself effectively. Keep an eye on your rabbit's weight, and make sure it is getting a healthy diet of grass hay and fresh foods. Behavioral problems. If your rabbit is not getting enough exercise, it may also become bored and unhealthy. Look out for signs that your rabbit isn't healthy such as lethargy, aggression, chewing cage bars or its own fur, or destroying parts of its cage. Leave toys around. Rabbits are curious and playful. While they may not always be interested in toys you have, leaving things around for them to play with will help prevent boredom. These don't need to be fancy toys bought at a pet store. Rabbits can enjoy themselves with untreated wood products, hard plastic baby toys, pine cones, oatmeal boxes, and phone books. Just be prepared for your rabbit to chew those items up. You can move toys around too. When something isn't where your rabbit expects it to be, it will naturally try to explore and learn more. Avoid toys made from cherry, redwood, and peach wood, as these materials can be poisonous to rabbits. Give your rabbit enough space. Rabbits are fast, active animals that like to run and jump around. In the wild, rabbits can run up to 3 miles every day. You probably don't have 3 miles to give your rabbit, but you want to make sure your rabbit's secure play area is large enough for it to move around. Ideally, your rabbit run will be at least 8 feet long and 4 wide with some kind of fence or barrier at least 4 feet high. Create raised platforms. Rabbits need to exercise their legs by jumping on and off raised areas. These don't need to be complicated things, maybe a box or chair that your rabbit will be able to jump on and off of. Keep these areas near grassy or soft areas for more comfortable landings. You can encourage your rabbit to jump up and down on these platforms by placing treats on top of them or back on the ground. Provide hiding places. Rabbits sometimes need an area where they can feel safe and secure. Your rabbit will also want an area that it can go to get out of wind and rain, or just go if it feels stressed and afraid, or simply wants to be alone. Make sure your shelters are big enough for your rabbit, and try to make more than one entrance if possible. Cardboard or wooden boxes, paper sacks, sections of wide-bore drain pipes, and shelves are all good places for a rabbit to hide. If you have multiple rabbits, make sure you have enough hiding spaces for each individual. Remove potential hazards from the area. Because of their curiosity and speed, rabbits can easily get themselves into trouble, even if you are watching. Make sure you've gotten rid of hazards or other things that can cause harm to your pet. Make sure the area is sealed off and doesn't have any small holes, like in a fence, where your rabbit can escape from the area. Outside of a den or other safe space you have set up for it, you don't want your rabbit to get somewhere you can't reach. Remove house plants and weeds to prevent your rabbit from eating something poisonous. Block off wires with a PVC pipe, or wrap them in electrical tape to prevent nibbling. Watch your rabbit at all times. If your rabbits are going to be let loose outside, you need to keep an eye on them at all times. Keep an eye out for possible escape attempts, poisonous items they may try to eat, and any predators that might be lurking nearby. | Play tag. Hold treats out for your rabbit to reach. Play fetch. Hide food. Create a digging box. Train your rabbit to follow commands. Walk your rabbit on a leash. Give your rabbit 3 hours of free ranging time a day. Get on the floor with your rabbit. Move your rabbit around. Watch for problems. Leave toys around. Give your rabbit enough space. Create raised platforms. Provide hiding places. Remove potential hazards from the area. Watch your rabbit at all times. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blend-Essential-Oils | How to Blend Essential Oils | To blend essential oils, try mixing different combinations of lavender, neroli, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and rose oil to get strong floral scents. If you'd prefer an earthy smell, experiment with oakmoss, patchouli, pine, and cedar oil. For an herbal scent, try mixing marjoram, rosemary, basil, and thyme oil. To make a minty smell, play around with peppermint, spearmint, and sage. Or, if you're looking for a citrus scent, try blending orange, lemon, lime, and bergamot oil. | Determine what type of scent you want. Different types of scents are often used to alleviate different issues. Think about what type of scent you want. There are general categories of essential oil scent, and oils in any one category tend to mix well with their own kind. That said, you can mix scents from different categories. Try experimenting with different types of scents. Floral: Lavender, neroli, jasmine, ylang ylang, rose Earthy : Oakmoss, patchouli, pine, cedar Herbal: Marjoram, rosemary, basil, thyme Minty: Peppermint, spearmint, sage Spicy: Nutmeg, clove, cinnamon, black pepper Citrus: Orange, lemon, lime, bergamot Choose top, middle, and base notes. The note of an oil refers to the length of time that it takes to evaporate. Top notes evaporate the quickest while base notes linger for a long time. If you want your oils to hold their aroma for a certain time, choose a good base note that pairs well with top and middle notes. Top notes evaporate within one or two hours. They include anise, basil, citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, spearmint, orange, and lemongrass. Middle notes evaporate within two to four hours. They include fennel, nutmeg, tea tree, jasmine, and chamomile. Base notes last for up to a few days. They include balsam, cedarwood, ginger, patchouli, and oakmoss. Test your blend. Dip one cotton swab into each bottle of oil. You should use one swab per bottle. Hold these about a foot away from your nose, and swirl them in circles in the air. This will give you a sense of what the scent combination will smell like. If you do not like it, try removing one of the cotton swabs, and try again. This will help you find a good combination of aromas for your blend. You can also use cotton balls or fragrance testing strips to try out your scents. Mix the oils. Once you have determined your essential oil blend, you can start adding them together. Using a pipette or dropper, drop the measured amounts of your top, middle, and base notes into a clean mixing bowl or into a glass vial. Drop the correct amount of drops as stated per the recipe you are using. If you are unsure how much to use, you can follow a few different guidelines: The 30-50-20 rule: your mixture is 30% of your top note, 50% of your middle note, and 20% of your base note. The 1-2-3 Rule: For every one drop of your base note, you have two drops of your middle note and three drops of your top note. You should mix your essential oils together first before adding any carriers or diluting agents. Find a carrier oil if you want to apply it to the skin. If you are applying essential oils to the skin, you will need to dilute them with a carrier oil first. Essential oils are highly concentrated, and by applying them directly to your skin without a carrier oil, you risk permanent damage to your skin. Carrier oils are typically vegetable oils. Good carrier oils include: Sweet Almond Oil Rosehip Oil Avocado Oil Sesame Oil Jojoba Oil Hemp Seed Oil Olive Oil Grape Seed Oil Add a dispersing agent if you want to use it in the bath. If you are not planning to rub it directly on the skin but do want to use it in the bath, you should use a dispersing agent. A dispersing agent will help the oil spread through the bath safely. While some vegetable oils can be used as a dispersing agent, others, like coconut oil, are too thick for use in the bath. Try using an oil with a lighter, more liquid viscosity. Some good agents include: Honey Milk Jojoba Oil Sweet Almond Oil Mix with alcohol for a perfume. Perfumes are used in smaller applications. While you can use jojoba oil for a perfume, alcohol is typically the preferred diluting agent. Use between ten and fifteen drops of essential oil blend per half ounce (15 ml) of alcohol or jojoba oil. Determine your proportion of ingredients. Once you have mixed your essential oils, you can add them to a carrier oil or dispersing agent, depending on your use of the oil. How much of each ingredient you mix together depends on how you are planning on using your essential oil. For massages, use between fifteen and twenty drops of essential oil blend per ounce of carrier oil. For lotions or skin oils, use between three and fifteen drops per ounce of carrier oil. For use on children, use three to six drops per ounce of carrier oil. For baths, use between two and twelve drops of oil per ounce of dispersing agent. If you are using essential oils for smelling or inhaling only, you do not need a carrier oil. Combine the essential oil blend with the diluting agent. You can combine your ingredients in a bowl or in a bottle. If you are mixing your oils in a bowl, you should mix the oil by stirring the oil with a spoon. Wooden stir sticks may also help. If you are mixing your oils in a bottle, you can gently swirl the bottle in your hand to mix the oils. Store in a bottle. Glass vials, bottles, and sprayers are a good way to store your essential oil blends. Amber bottles with a volume of two to four millimeters are often recommended to store essential oils. Carefully pour the blended oil inside the container; you may use a funnel if it helps. Keep the blend in a cool, dark area. Carrier oils may expire more quickly than essential oils. Blends with rosehip, sesame, or sweet almond oil can be stored for 6-12 months. Jojoba oil and coconut oil are very stable and may last indefinitely. You may also store the blended oil in the refrigerator. The exception to this is any blend containing avocado oil, which should not be stored in the fridge. Do not use if your oils smell bitter or rancid. Do not store the oils in direct sunlight or near a stove. Wait a few days. The scent of an essential oil blend can change as the oils settle. Let the essential oil sit for three or four days before you try smelling it again. Note if the scent has changed significantly. This will tell you how a blend ages. By aging some of your blends, you might find more satisfying scents. | Determine what type of scent you want. Choose top, middle, and base notes. Test your blend. Mix the oils. Find a carrier oil if you want to apply it to the skin. Add a dispersing agent if you want to use it in the bath. Mix with alcohol for a perfume. Determine your proportion of ingredients. Combine the essential oil blend with the diluting agent. Store in a bottle. Wait a few days. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Defend-Against-a-Ram | How to Defend Against a Ram | Rams are known for charging and headbutting, so if you're going to be around one, it's good to know a few ways to defend yourself if it decides to charge you. When a ram backs away, it's typically a sign that it's going to charge you, so try walking toward the ram to disorient it. You can also wave a large stick at it to appear threatening. Another technique is to stand your ground until the ram lunges, then dodge to the side to escape its charge. To avoid a charge, keep your eyes on the ram at all times. You'll also want to avoid scratching or pushing its head, since this can be seen as a sign of aggression. Watching your own posture is also key. Since rams tend to lower their heads before charging, avoid lowering your head or else it may think you're an opponent. Instead, keep your head upright around the ram. | Walk toward a ram that you see backing away from you. When a ram backs away, it usually means that it is planning to charge you. In nature, another ram would also back away to accept the challenge. If you walk toward the ram you may be able to disorient it long enough to make an escape. Your main objective is to get to a gate and get out of the situation, so if walking toward the ram means walking away from a gate, you may need to take a different approach. Don't run toward the ram as it may see this as a charge. Simply walk at an even pace toward the animal. If the ram backs up and you keeping walking toward it for long enough, it will most likely charge at some point, so be ready to perform another defensive technique. Wave a large stick at the ram when it charges. You'll probably need to carry the stick into the pen with you ahead of time. A stick that is three or four feet long and a couple inches thick is ideal. As the ram charges hold the stick out in front of you and swing it in a downward motion. This may stop the ram in its tracks, but you should also be prepared to dodge in case it does not stop completely. Stand your ground until the ram lunges and dodge to the side. It may be scary to stand still while the ram charges you, but running away is not an option since they can run up to 40 mph. When the ram gets close to you, it will get onto its hind legs, meaning it can't move side to side. This is the moment when you dodge to the side. Since the ram is expecting to butt its head against something after it lunges, it will be confused when it only hits air. Use this time to make your next move. Wrestle the ram to the ground. If you are able, grab the ram's horn as it gets near to you and let its momentum swing the ram in a circle. If you can grab its back leg you may be able to bring it to the ground. This is a risky maneuver and should only be done in dire circumstances. Grab either the right horn with your right hand or the left horn with your left hand and swing the ram around the same side of your body as the hand you grabbed with. As the ram swings in a circle, you may be able to grab a hold of the other horn and twist the ram's head in a way that will bring it to the ground. Keep your eyes on the ram at all times. If a ram decides to charge, it can get to you pretty quickly, so it is highly advised to never turn your back on a nearby ram. Knowing where the ram is at all times is the most effective safety measure. This takes vigilance, but it is the kind of proactive measure that is most likely to pay off. If you can see the ram always, then you have a better chance at defending yourself in case of a charge. To the end of always having eyes on the ram, it is advisable to work with at least one other person, which can help you get done what you need to while still keeping the ram in sight. Avoid scratching or pushing a ram’s head. The ram's head is its main weapon, so touching its head can be taken by the ram as a sign of aggression. This is why it's especially important never to pet a ram on the head. Even if it seems friendly, this act can change the ram's demeanor quickly. Rams that were raised as pets may get close and nuzzle in a way that encourages you to pet them, but you have to avoid it no matter what. Pushing a ram's head, even more than scratching or petting, will be taken as an act of aggression against it and can lead a ram to become aggressive. Keep your head upright around a ram. When a ram is about to charge, it lowers its head. So if a ram sees you lower your head toward it, this will be taken as a sign that you are an opponent. If you lower your head, you are challenging the ram and you may cause it to charge you. This is especially important to keep in mind if you happen to drop something and need to bend over to pick it up. You should squat and keep your head upright as much as possible so the ram doesn't see you lower your head. | Walk toward a ram that you see backing away from you. Wave a large stick at the ram when it charges. Stand your ground until the ram lunges and dodge to the side. Wrestle the ram to the ground. Keep your eyes on the ram at all times. Avoid scratching or pushing a ram’s head. Keep your head upright around a ram. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-Turkey-Call | How to Use a Turkey Call | To use a turkey call, start by listening to recordings of wild turkeys to hear what they actually sound like. Then, get a box call and wipe down the moving surfaces with a wax-free chalk. To do a yelp call, hold the box in one hand and the lid in the other, and slowly slide the lid across the open box with pressure. To do a gobble, hold the box in your hand vertically, and shake it slowly back and forth so that the lid clatters against the box. For a cackle, shake the box faster for a shorter sound. | Listen to turkeys. Before you start making calls of your own, you need a solid handle on what turkey calls sound like. You can't imitate what you don't understand. Find recordings of different turkey sounds, or better yet, sit down in the forest and listen to them. Recognize that turkeys are social animals'; they travel in groups and make noises to communicate. Your turkey calls will be best if you think of them as language, not just noise. A variety of turkey calls can gain turkey's attention, pull or push them in certain directions, and either soothe or scare them. Buy a box call. This type of call is popular and reliable, and is well-known for being the easiest to learn for novices. Because it is so easy to use, you can start using the box call as you develop an ear for sounds. Experimenting with it will help you differentiate between the calls, and what it takes in terms of pressure, friction, and duration to produce them. Box calls can be purchased over the Internet, but many like to buy them in person, so they can test them beforehand. You can get a solid one for around $15 (USD), but many cost $30 or more. Wooden box calls have been around for over a century. There are many types of wood available, all valuable for their versatility and timbre. Aluminum box calls are also useful, as they last longer in wet weather. Chalk it up. Before you practice with your box call or set out to hunt with it, rub down the moving surfaces with a wax-free chalk. (This should be available where you purchase your other hunting supplies.) It's a good idea to do this at least once during your hunting session, as well. Try a yelp. Yelps are some of the most well-known turkey calls, so they're a good one to master. Slide the lid of the box, across the open box with pressure to create friction. Swing it smoothly to create a full sound--don't stop in the middle. This sound imitates the noise a turkey makes when trying to reconnect with its flock. Hold the paddle gently instead of pulling it firmly. You can vary the sound of the yelp by changing the speed and friction you use. Yelps are a good basic, but not the end-all be-all of turkey calls. Don't rest on your laurels once you've mastered this sound--keep learning new ones. Gobble and cackle. Hold the box call vertically (so that its long end is perpendicular to the forest floor). Now, shake it vigorously so that the lid clatters against the box. Do this a bit more slowly to make a gobble (a noise meant to attract female turkeys and challenge tom turkeys). Moving more quickly will produce a cackle (which turkeys use to communicate their locations to one another). Use this call to provoke the turkey to gobble in response, thus give away its location. As you do this, don't move around too much. Because the box call requires physical activity, the motion can easily spook the birds if they are nearby. Purchase a few slate calls. Opt for the slate call if you want something a little more challenging; this is a favorite among the experts. Like box calls, they are percussive, and consist of two parts: the call itself, a flat circle made of slate, glass, or another material, and strikers, sticks shaped like screwdrivers. You may also hear them referred to as pot-and-peg calls; this is correct as well. Each combination of striker and slate makes a different sound as you rub the striker on the slate, so get a few and experiment. Yelp with the striker. Now that you have your slate call, learn the basic: the yelp. The pitch and volume of this will sound different depending on which slate and striker you use, so it's good to practice with a variety of tools. Experiment to discover what works best for you. To get the basic motion of using a slate call, press the striker firmly to the slate, then quickly circle the striker around it. To improve the yelp, try drawing a fish-hook shape with the striker (instead of a circle shape). This will produce a “ye-OW” sound, which is even more accurate. Learn clucks, putts, and cutts. These very different sounds start with a similar motion--all you need to do to change the meaning is vary the speed and pressure of the movement. To cluck, putt, or cut, pull the striker horizontally and sharply on the slate. Clucking is the most relaxed of the three--it's a turkey's way of telling other turkeys where it is. Because it's a slow call, your movement should be, too. Putting is an alarm sound, so if you're trying to attract turkeys, it's to be avoided. If you're a wildlife photographer who wants to photograph them on the move, it's perfect. Make the same motion, but do it with more force and rhythm. Cutting is mostly quick clucking, with a few yelps. It's the noise a hen makes when she's in the mood, so it's popular for attracting toms. Use the slate to purr. How is a turkey at peace like a cat at peace? They both like to purr. To make this contented sound, drag the striker vertically and slowly across the slate with some pressure. Unlike many well-known turkey calls, this should be a soft and comforting noise, not a sharp one. Sand your slate call. If you want slate calls and strikers so sound their best, then periodically, you will need to remove grime from their surfaces. If you're working with a slate call made of actual slate, then a gentle application of fine-grit sandpaper is the best way to get the job done. Rub it down with the sandpaper at the end of the season, and any time you notice a visible buildup of grime. Store slate calls in a sealed plastic bag off-season, in a spot with stable temperature and humidity. Never touch the surface of your slate call with your hands! This will make it oily, marring the sound. Buy a single or double-reed diaphragm call. Diaphragm calls, or mouth calls, are tricky to use, but their range makes them popular with turkey hunters anyway. Unlike box and slate calls, they aren't held in your hands. Instead, a mouth call is a rubber or latex organ that fits in the mouth, up against the palate. Single-reed calls have the best range: you can make a wide variety of noises, and make those noises carry farther, with them. However, they're hard to learn. Double-reed calls are a bit more limited, but they're much easier to use. Practice moving your mouth. Since mouth calls don't require the use of your hands, they're convenient, but require learning a different set of motions. Find a quiet place where you won't be interrupted, and get your mouth used to the way it feels to have the call inside it. Here are some exercises you should try. Start by placing the call in your mouth. Keep the open end facing outside, then push the call up to the roof of your mouth with your tongue. Exhale so that the air is forced between your tongue and the call. Press your tongue hard against the reed, then blow. You will produce a higher sound this way. Now press more gently. With low pressure, the sounds will be lower tones. Exhale syllables, such as "chuck" or “pip,” between tongue and reed. This will help you hear the distinct sounds they produce. Trim the call to fit your mouth. Now that you've gotten the idea of how it feels to manipulate the call, you'll want to ensure a custom fit. If it feels a little too large in your mouth, carefully trim along the edge with clean scissors, then pop it back in to check the fit. Remember to trim conservatively--you can always cut more if you need to. Begin yelping. The classic yelp isn't hard to do with a mouth call. Try saying the word “chuck” repeatedly. Experiment with different volumes and pitches to mix it up, and remember: a yelp is the first call you'll learn on the mouth call, but not the only one. Cackle and cutt. Toms are usually the ones who cackle (or gobble), while hens are the chief cutters. There may be a sex difference in the way these sounds are deployed, but the motion for each is the same. Simply place your call in your mouth, and say “kit kit kit” several times. Make the sound quicker for cackling. Try listening to recorded cackles and gobbles until you feel you can get it right. Slow the sound down a bit to cut. Practice purrs. Purring is especially tricky on the mouth call. Some mouth call users prefer fluttering their lips around the call (as if they're blowing a raspberry), while others roll a syllable in the back of their throat (as if they're gargling). Experiment to figure out which works best for you. | Listen to turkeys. Buy a box call. Chalk it up. Try a yelp. Gobble and cackle. Purchase a few slate calls. Yelp with the striker. Learn clucks, putts, and cutts. Use the slate to purr. Sand your slate call. Buy a single or double-reed diaphragm call. Practice moving your mouth. Trim the call to fit your mouth. Begin yelping. Cackle and cutt. Practice purrs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-an-Axe-Handle | How to Replace an Axe Handle | To replace an axe handle, purchase a new handle suited to your axe and remove the old one by drilling or sawing it off. Next, mark the saw wedge, or kerf, of the new handle with a pencil and test the fit by manually pushing it in and striking the other end. Then, shorten the handle if necessary, fill in the kerf with a wedge, and secure the handle in place by adding metal wedges in the eye. Finally, saw off the protruding wedge and treat your new handle with a coat of mineral oil. | Acquire a handle suited to your axe. Axe handles are typically standardized, meaning that it should be easy for you to find a handle that fits your axe's blade. Axe handles may be purchased at a home hardware store. If you're networked with any woodworkers, they may be enticed into carving you a handle for a fee as well. Purchasing a new axe outright is an option if you're going to the store to pick up a handle. Due to the fact that handles can be replaced fairly easily however, this is only recommended if you're strapped for time and need a new axe in a hurry. If you're truly a DIY type, you might consider making an axe handle from scratch. Keep in mind, however, that this will require a lot of exact measurements and precise woodworking. Remove the old handle. Because you won't be using the old handle, it doesn't matter if you damage it. Get out the old handle however you can. Here are a few ways you might go about it: Drill into the handle through the hole in the axe. Once you have a sufficient hole, insert a metal wedge and thrust it out by hitting the wedge with a hammer. Hammer out the handle outright by using a chisel. Don't be afraid to bash it hard. After all, the old handle will be replaced as soon as it's out of there. Saw off the handle, then hammer out the bit of handle that's still inside the blade. Clean the eye of the axe. Even if you take your time to eject the old handle from the blade, there may still be debris in there. Push out the excess pieces with a chisel, then smooth out the insides. Using sandpaper on the inside of the axe will ensure that all of the old handle has been properly removed. The "eye" refers to the hole in the axe blade that the handle fits into. Mark the kerf of the new handle with a pencil. Many storebought handles will come with a pre-made kerf. The "kerf" refers to the saw wedge in the top of the handle. This allows the handle to fit into the eye of the axe. Find the point on the handle where the kerf ends and trace a pencil line around the handle. This will offer a visual reference of how deep your handle needs to go. Test fit the handle. The handle may need few tries to get in properly. Push it in and try to get it in manually at first. Next, tap it in lightly with a blunt piece of wood. Each time you push it in, check how far it gets in based on the bottom of the kerf. Although you shouldn't apply very much pressure when you're first starting out, this will hopefully give you a proper idea of the measurements the top of your handle needs to be. Take measurements following each test fitting. Cut down the handle as the test fittings suggest. If an inch of kerfed handle is sticking out, for example, it means you'll have to shave down an equal amount of your handle accordingly. Don't strike the handle with a metal hammer. Metal risks damaging the wooden handle. Strike in the handle. In order to fit the handle into the blade, force will be needed even in the kerf offers space inside the blade eye. Take a piece of blunt wood and strike the other end of the handle. Use the handle like a wedge and try to push it into the Avoid excessive force when pushing in the handle. This includes striking it on the ground or using a steel hammer. Instead, pick something blunt that will deliver sufficient force without risking damage to the handle itself. Shorten the handle if necessary. After you have test placed it a few times, you should be able to narrow down how much of the axe's top handle needs shortening. The handle should be able to fit all the way into the axe blade's eye. If it can't fit, narrow it down to a point where it could fit into and fil all of the hollow space within the blade. A rasp is a serrated tool meant to cut down wood smoothly. Files and rifflers may also be used to file down a length of wood. Allow at least half an inch between the bottom of the kerf and the main handle. Fill in the kerf with a wedge. Filling in the opening on the other side of the axe's eye will prevent it from moving around as much. You can do this by lightly tapping a thin wedge of wood into the kerf, and securing it with layers of carpenter's glue. Add metal wedges in the eye. To secure it further after wedging the kerf, add metal wedges by hammering them into place. This will add another layer of protection to your axe and help ensure that the kerf's wedge doesn't fall out of place. Adding the wedges diagonally can help improve stability. Saw off the protruding wedge. After you've worked on securing the handle from protruding side, it's a good idea to saw it down. Sawing down the protruding side will maximize the force of your swing. Keep a few millimetres on the end of the handle for good measure. Tighten a loose handle with extra glue. If you have followed through with all of the stability measures and still aren't sure the handle will hold, you can fill whatever cracks that remain with glue. Using glue may make it difficult to replace this handle when its use runs out. If you're the sort of person who goes through a lot of axe handles, it may be best to skip out on the glue. Chair Doctor is a highly recommended product for this. It is a thin viscosity liquid designed to fill in loose gaps. Protect your handle with a coat of mineral oil. Bottles of mineral oil are relatively cheap, and can be used to restore life to a drab handle. Drip some mineral oil into a handcloth and apply it consistently to the axe handle. Let it sit for a few minutes afterwards while the oils soak in. Because oil will help block out moisture, it's especially important to use mineral oil on your handle if you're using or storing the axe in a moisture-heavy environment. Put your axe to use. After you replace the handle, it should serve you well for months or years to come. Your handle's longevity will depend on how well you take care of the axe. Don't swing it irresponsibly, and store it in a safe place when you're done with it. Excess force in your axe swing can be avoided if you remember to sharpen the axe's blade regularly. Always use a proper chopping block. Making sure the object you're chopping has a solid foundation will limit the risk of potential injury. | Acquire a handle suited to your axe. Remove the old handle. Clean the eye of the axe. Mark the kerf of the new handle with a pencil. Test fit the handle. Strike in the handle. Shorten the handle if necessary. Fill in the kerf with a wedge. Add metal wedges in the eye. Saw off the protruding wedge. Tighten a loose handle with extra glue. Protect your handle with a coat of mineral oil. Put your axe to use. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Send-Money-from-India | How to Send Money from India | To send money from India, try using a third-party transfer service, like Money2World, PayPal, or Book My Forex, which allow you to send up to $25,000 USD per month per transaction. You can also visit your bank and fill out an application to send money abroad, or you can use your bank's online transfer service if it offers one. Keep in mind that you may want to send your money in a foreign currency instead of in rupees since rupees are subject to more restrictions. | Visit a bank. Many banks will allow you to visit a branch and fill out an application to remit money abroad. You may be limited in the methods of remittance you can use with this method. For instance, you may only be able to apply for a wire transfer or Foreign Currency Demand Draft (FCDD). You may also be required to be an account holder at the particular bank. Whether or not you are an account holder, be prepared to: Show identification, such as a passport Give information on the recipient of your funds, including an account number to transfer the money to Show proof of the purpose of your remittance, such as an invoice Choose an account (checking, savings, etc.) to transfer your funds from Use an online banking service. If your bank offers online banking services, you may be able to remit money online. Log in to your bank's online service, and look for a “transfer” or “remittance” option. You will need to give information on the recipient of your funds (including an account number to transfer the money to), and you may need to show prof of the purpose of your remittance, such as an invoice. Use a third-party transfer service. These include Money2World, PayPal, or Book My Forex, and services offered by some banks to non-account holders. These are subject to a limit of $25,000 USD per month per transaction. If you are not an accountholder at the institution making your outward remittance, you will need to provide proof of identification and residence (such as a passport). You will most likely have to complete a one-time registration process, which will record your account number and other personal information. This information will be used to verify the remittance, and any that you would like to make in the future. You may also be required to register and verify the recipient of your remittance. This is to protect the security of your fund, to prevent fraud, and to make future remittances more streamlined. After you register with a funds transfer service, you will most likely have to wait a short period of time (such as 24 hours) before you can use the service for an outward remittance. Send a remittance in an international currency such as US dollars (USD) or Euro. Outward remittances sent in rupees are subject to more restrictions than those sent in foreign currencies. You can arrange to have money sent from India in a foreign currency, such as USD or Euro, as long as you have access to this money via a checking or other account. These foreign funds can then be sent in a variety of ways, including wire transfers and checks. Be prepared to provide proof of the purpose of your remittance, such as an invoice. You can purchase foreign currency from many banks as well as private currency exchanges. You can also remit money in a foreign currency using an FCDD (available through many banks and financial institutions), although this will be converted from rupees, and therefore subject to the restrictions imposed by the Indian government. You must know each remittance transfer provider is offering an own exchange rate. It means the exchange rate of Western Union is different from the real mid-market rate. You could use a price comparison portal to find out about the hidden fees. Make sure that the funds will be used for an acceptable purpose. Outward remittances are typically restricted to certain purposes. You must also provide proof of the purpose, such as an invoice, bill, or debit note. The invoice or other document must be in the same name as the account requesting the remittance. You may send money from India when it will be used abroad for one of the following Education expenses Emigration fees Employment Care for a close relative Medical treatments Visa fees Police verification Visits abroad for private purposes Keep your outward remittances within acceptable limits. Most funds transfer services have limits on the amount on money that can be sent from India. For most purposes (called “Small Value Remittances”) the limit is $25,000 USD per financial year. One exception is the Liberalized Remittance Scheme, which allows Indian residents to send up to $125,000 USD per financial year for purchasing shares or debt investments in a company abroad. You can remit up to $100,000 for medical expenses, and more if a doctor estimates a cost above this. You may send $100,000 per financial year for medical, educational, employment, familial, or emigration expenses if you are an Indian resident. Corporations are not eligible for this program. Accounts held by non-residents are not subjected to these limits. Choose how the funds will be distributed. Typically, there is more than one way to send funds to a beneficiary via an outward remittance. Fees for the remittance will vary based on the type of service you use, and the amount of money you remit. Common ones include: Wire transfer. This method sends funds from one account to another quickly and electronically, in the amount you specify in your currency. The fees for this service may be relatively higher, but it is the best choice when you want to send a specific amount in your currency. A Foreign Currency Demand Draft (FCDD) sends a specific amount in a foreign currency, and withdraws the equivalent amount from your account in your currency. Funds may be delivered as soon as the next business day. Common foreign currencies used are US Dollars and Euro; however, your bank may offer FCDD's in numerous others. FCDD's typically have lower fees than wire transfers, and are the best choice when you need to send a specific amount in a foreign currency. Have the funds debited from your account. If you are an accountholder at the bank or service making your outward remittance, then the funds will be withdrawn from the account you have specified. If you are a non-accountholder, you will need to make a payment by check, draft, or cash deposit for the funds that you want to remit. | Visit a bank. Use an online banking service. Use a third-party transfer service. Send a remittance in an international currency such as US dollars (USD) or Euro. Make sure that the funds will be used for an acceptable purpose. Keep your outward remittances within acceptable limits. Choose how the funds will be distributed. Have the funds debited from your account. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Weed-Whacker | How to Start a Weed Whacker | To start a gas powered weed whacker, start by placing it on the ground and flipping the kill switch on. Once the kill switch is engaged, find the choke and switch it to the “on” or “closed” position, which will allow you to cold start your weed whacker. Then, press the purge valve 5 to 6 times to push fresh gas into the carburetor. After your engine is primed, place your hand on the throttle lock and pull the cord 2 or 3 times until the engine starts to run. With the engine running, switch the choke back to the “run” position and pull the cord 1 more time to get your weed whacker ready to use. | Place the weed whacker on the ground, away from obstructions. This will give you more leverage as you try to start the weed whacker. Additionally, you want to make sure any object that could get caught in the spinning line is kept well away. Make sure the gas tank is sealed before starting your weed whacker. Always use the right kind of gas mixture because most weed whackers are two cycle. Flip the kill switch on. The location of this switch will vary depending on the weed whacker you're using. You can usually find it somewhere on the shaft. The kill switch controls the flow of electricity to the motor. It's also referred to as a the “on/off switch”; if it's kept off, the engine cannot start. Switch the choke to the “on” or “closed” position. This is only something you need to do if cold starting your weed whacker. A cold start refers to any time you need to start an engine when its temperature is colder than the temperature it usually runs at. The choke will restrict the airflow into the engine, making it easier to start it. If you've used the weed whacker in the past five minutes, the engine should still be warm enough. You won't need to switch on the choke or use the purge valve. Press the purge valve five to six times. The purge valve is a bulbous piece of rubber, similar in shape and size to the tip of a finger. It's also sometimes referred to as a “primer bulb”. Pressing this bulb will allow fresh gas to enter the carburetor. This step is only needed when cold starting the weed whacker. If it doesn't start, keep pressing the purge valve. Sometimes if the weed whacker has been sitting around it needs more priming. Place your hand on the throttle lock and pull the cord. The throttle lock is a small lever usually found on top of the weed whacker's shaft. You should only have to pull the cord two or three times before the engine starts to run. Be sure not to pull on the trigger below the shaft; you don't need to give the weed whacker any gas for it to start. Stop pulling the cord once you hear the engine running. If done correctly, you'll then hear the engine stop working; it'll essentially “burp”, running only for a few seconds. Make sure not to pull the cord after you hear the engine die down. Switch the choke to the run position. Now that you've been able to start the engine, you don't need the assistance of the choke. Resuming proper air flow to the engine will keep it efficient. While the choke allows for a cold engine to be started more easily, it will lead to higher fuel consumption if kept on while you use the weed whacker. Place your hand on the throttle lock and pull the cord again. Be sure not to pull on the trigger below the shaft; you don't need to give the weed whacker any gas for it to start. Keep pulling the cord until the engine starts. It should now keep running, rather than simply burping. The weed whacker is now ready to use! For a warm start, you should only need to follow this step. There's no need to fiddle with the purge valve, and you should make sure the choke is on the run position. Plug the weed whacker into an outlet. Make sure to use an extension cord that's long enough to cover the area you will be trimming. Some weed whackers have a clip on the handle where you can loop the extension cord. This prevents it from disconnecting if it gets caught as you use the weed whacker. Some electric weed whackers are battery powered. If this is the case, you'll need to make sure you've charged the weed whacker before trying to start it. Make sure the trigger isn't held down when plugging in the weed whacker. Pull the trigger. The advantage of electric weed whackers is they're ready to be used once they've been plugged in. The line will start spinning as soon as you pull the trigger. Make sure to keep the weed whacker away from you and any surface that could be damaged by it. Note the differences between electric and gas powered weed whackers. While a gas powered weed whacker demands several steps before starting, electric weed whackers are much simpler. You won't find a kill switch or a pull cord on an electric weed whacker. You should only need to pull the trigger to get it working. | Place the weed whacker on the ground, away from obstructions. Flip the kill switch on. Switch the choke to the “on” or “closed” position. Press the purge valve five to six times. Place your hand on the throttle lock and pull the cord. Stop pulling the cord once you hear the engine running. Switch the choke to the run position. Place your hand on the throttle lock and pull the cord again. Plug the weed whacker into an outlet. Pull the trigger. Note the differences between electric and gas powered weed whackers. |
https://www.wikihow.tech/Replace-an-iPhone-Battery | How to Replace an iPhone Battery | To replace an iPhone's battery, you will have to disassemble the phone using a Pentalobe screw driver and a prying item (such as a spudger). Once your phone's screen has been separated from the rest of the iPhone's housing, you can remove the pieces of hardware and brackets holding down the battery, after which point you'll be able to remove the battery and replace it with a new one. | Make sure the iPhone is turned off. Failing to turn off the phone can result in a shorted circuit. To turn off your iPhone 7, press and hold the Lock button on the right side of the phone's casing, then slide the slide to power off switch at the top of the screen right. Remove the Pentalobe screws from each side of the Lightning port. The Lightning port is at the bottom of the phone. You'll need a 3.4 millimeter Pentalobe P2 screwdriver to remove the two screws here. Place a gentle heating pad on the bottom of the iPhone 7. Doing so will loosen the adhesive that holds the screen in place, which will allow you to lift the display up later. Leave the heating pad for five minutes before proceeding. Place a suction cup on the front of the iPhone. Place it at the bottom of the screen, directly above the Home button. Pull up on the suction cup to lift the screen. The screen should only lift a fraction of an inch away from the case. Pulling too hard may rip the display from the case, so be gentle. Hold the rest of the iPhone down with your other hand while you pull the suction cup. If the screen won't come up, try heating the bottom of the iPhone for another few minutes. Insert your spudger into the space in the lower-left corner of the iPhone. There should be a space created by gently pulling up on the suction cup, and your spudger should fit snugly into the gap. Make sure you're using a plastic spudger and not a metal one, as a metal spudger will damage your phone. Slide the spudger up the left side, then repeat on the right side. Twisting the spudger back and forth should gently pry the screen away from the phone's casing. Do not use the spudger near the top of the phone--there are plastic clips that hold the top of the screen in place, and doing so will break them. Instead, only move the spudger about halfway up each side. Lift the screen up to form a ten-degree angle with the phone's case. Lifting the screen any higher than this will break the fragile display cables, so err on the side of caution when doing this. Slide a thin card or guitar pick along the top of the iPhone. Doing so will unstick the last of the adhesive there. Pull the screen down toward the bottom of the phone. You should only have to pull it a few millimeters down to clear the plastic clips at the top of the iPhone Open the display to the right. It should fold open like a book, with the interior of the iPhone now exposed and the still-connected display and screen face-down to the right of the case. Remove the four tri-point screws from the lower display bracket. This silver bracket is on the lower-right side of the iPhone's interior; there's a ribbon connecting it to the display part of the phone. You'll find four screws attaching the bracket to the phone, three of which require a 1.2 millimeter screwdriver and one of which needs a 2.6 millimeter screwdriver. Remove the display bracket and set it aside. You'll see two black strips of plastic beneath it: one running parallel to the battery, and one running perpendicular. Use the spudger to lift up the perpendicular plastic strip. This strip is the battery connector; detaching it will disconnect the display from your iPhone's battery. Use the spudger to lift up the parallel plastic strip and the grey strip beneath it. Doing so will detach the ribbon here from the iPhone's interior, thereby disconnecting one of the two display ribbons. Unscrew the bracket over the second display ribbon. This silver bracket is at the top-right corner of the phone's interior. You'll find three tri-point screws here: one 1.3 millimeter, and two 1.0 millimeter. Remove the bracket. You should see another black piece of plastic that's perpendicular to the battery; this is the connector for the second display ribbon. Use the spudger to pry up the connector. Doing so will remove the second display ribbon from the iPhone's interior. Set the iPhone's display assembly aside. It should be completely removed at this point. Remove the two Phillips (+) screws from the barometric vent. This black bracket is in the bottom-left corner of the iPhone's case. You'll find a 2.9 millimeter screw and a 2.1 millimeter screw holding it down. Remove the barometric vent. You should now be looking at the Taptic Engine's connector, which is a black piece of plastic like the rest of the connectors you've unattached so far. Pry up the Taptic Engine's connector with your spudger. Doing so will disconnect the Taptic Engine from your iPhone's logic board, which will in turn allow you to remove the Taptic Engine. Remove the three Phillips screws from the Taptic Engine. All three of these screws are 1.5 millimeter screws. Lift gently the Taptic Engine out of the case. With the Taptic Engine out of the way, you're finally ready to remove the iPhone's battery. Peel back the three adhesive strips from the bottom of the battery. You'll want to use a pair of needle-nose pliers or tweezers for this step. Pull one of the adhesive strips toward you. Do this gently, since wrinkling or tearing the adhesive strip will make it extremely difficult to remove your iPhone's battery. After enough pulling, the strip will slide out from under the battery. If one of the adhesive strips tears and renders the battery impossible to remove: lay the iPhone on a heating pad for a few minutes to loosen the adhesive, then pry out the battery with a thin plastic card inserted on the left side of the battery. Pull the other two strips out. Make sure you're holding down the battery while pulling out the last one so that the battery doesn't get ejected from the iPhone's interior. Remove your iPhone's battery. At this point, you can place a new battery in the iPhone, or let the phone dry as needed if it has suffered water damage. Make sure the iPhone is turned off. Make sure the iPhone is completely turned off, not just in Sleep mode. Press and hold the Power button, then swipe the slider to turn the iPhone off. Remove the two Pentalobe screws on each side of the Lightning port. This is the charging port at the bottom of the iPhone. You'll need a Pentalobe P2 screwdriver to remove them. The size varies slightly depending on the model: 6 and 6 Plus - 3.6 mm Pentalobe 6S and 6S Plus - 3.4 mm Pentalobe Place a suction cup on the front of the iPhone right above the Home button. You'll want a strong suction cup that can help you separate the display from the case. For the 6S and 6S Plus, place the suction cup in the lower left corner instead of directly above the Home button. Pull up firmly on the suction cup to separate the display from the case. You just want to create a very small gap between the display and the rest of the shell. Pulling too hard can damage the display, so pull with a firm, constant force. Hold the rest of the iPhone down with your other hand while you pull the suction cup. Use a plastic spudger to pry the case apart. A spudger is a tool with a flat end, much like a flathead screwdriver. Insert the spudger into the space created, and then gently work the display apart more. If you're opening the 6S or 6S Plus, insert the spudger into the notch that appears above the headphone jack. Twist the spudger to help pry the display up from the case. Move the spudger around the case (6S and 6S Plus). Sliding the spudger up the right and left sides of the case while gently twisting it will help pry up the screen. Swing the display up using the top as a hinge. Once you've pried the lower portion of the screen from the case, you can swing it up so that the screen is at a 90° angle from the case. You can prop it up on a book or box to keep it in place. Do not completely remove the screen, or you will damage the connectors, rendering the iPhone inoperable. Find the battery connector bracket. If you're looking at the battery, the connector will be on the left side, about a third of the way from the bottom. The connector is covered by a rectangular piece of metal with two screws. Remove the two screws holding the connector bracket. Use a small #000 Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the bracket into place. You'll be able to lift the bracket out, revealing the connector. Pop the connector off of the logic board. Use your spudger to pop the end of the connector off of the logic board. Be careful when doing so, as removing the entire socket will break the iPhone. Remove the screws from the display cable bracket. This bracket can be found in the upper-right corner of the open iPhone. Take the screws out and remove the bracket. Make sure to pay attention to which screws went in which holes. The iPhone 6, 6 Plus, and 6S Plus have five screws to remove. The iPhone 6S has four. Disconnect the camera cable. This is the large connector at the bottom of the area you revealed when you removed the bracket, with a cable leading to the display. Use the spudger or your fingernail to gently pry the connector from the socket. Be careful not to remove the socket as well. Remove the other connectors in the same area. There are three other connectors that need to be removed from the same area. One is directly next to the camera cable, and the other two are revealed when you disconnect the camera cable. Separate the screen from the rest of the case. Once the connectors are all removed, you can separate the screen from the rest of the iPhone. Use tweezers to peel the adhesive off the bottom of the battery. These adhesive strips help keep the battery in place. You'll find them along the bottom of the battery. Gently pull the adhesive out and away from the battery. The adhesive runs along the other side of the battery. Pull it slowly out until you've completely removed it. One strip will go up the right side of the battery, and another will go up the left. Heat the back of the iPhone with a hairdryer. Use a hairdryer and blow on the backing of the iPhone for about a minute. This will weaken the rest of the adhesive that is holding the battery in. Don't hold the hairdryer directly up against your phone or attempt this step on its hottest setting, as too much heat can cause your phone to sustain more damage. Use a plastic card (like a credit card) to pry the battery out. After removing the adhesive strips, you'll need to use a firm plastic card to pry the battery off of the remaining adhesive. Stick the card in between the left edge of the battery and the side of the case, then gently pry it out. Make sure that you don't bend the battery while you're prying it, as this can release hazardous chemicals. Replace your battery and reassemble your iPhone. Once your battery has been removed, you can replace it with a new one and put your iPhone back together. Make sure that all of your connectors are firmly reseated in the correct ports, and that you put the screws back in the same holes that they came out of. Perform a hard reset after reassembling by pressing and holding the Home and Power buttons until the Apple logo appears. For best battery performance, it's recommended that you drain the battery to below 10%, then charge it to 100%. Remove the two Pentalobe screws next to the Lightning port. This is the charging port at the bottom of the phone. You'll need a Pentalobe P2 screwdriver to remove these screws. Secure a suction cup to the front of the phone. Press the suction cup onto the screen, just a bit above the "Home" button. Apply enough pressure to form a tight seal. A tight seal is necessary to hold this front half up as you try to disconnect it from the bottom. Pry the rear case down. Lift the suction cup upward with one hand while pulling down on the rear case with your other hand. Once enough of a gap forms, slide a plastic opening tool in between the two halves and pry the rear case away more firmly. Disconnect the Home button before opening the iPhone completely (5s only). If you have a 5s, you'll notice a cable leading from your Home button to the bottom of the iPhone. If you separate the two halves too quickly, you'll break this cable, which will make your Home button useless. You'll need to disconnect this cable before proceeding: Pop the metal bracket holding the cable to your iPhone off with a spudger. Pry the cable out of the connector, making sure not to remove the socket as well. Open the iPhone so that the display is at a 90° angle to the base. Use the top as a hinge, and rest the screen against a book or a box at a 90° angle so that you can work on the insides without holding it. Don't let it open further, or you may damage the cables connecting it. Remove the two screws holding the battery connector bracket in place. This bracket can be found about an inch up from the bottom of the phone, directly to the right of the battery. Use your screwdriver to remove the screws surrounding the cable bracket. Then, use your fingers to lift the front panel assembly cable bracket from the logic board inside the rear case. Disconnect the battery from the logic board. Use a spudger or your fingernail to pry the connector out of the socket. This connector was protected by the bracket you just removed. Be careful not to pull the socket out with it. Disconnect the digitizer (display). To make things easier, you can remove the display so that you don't have to keep it propped up. This can help prevent damage to the cables, but is not strictly required to remove the battery: Remove the four screws (three for the iPhone 5) holding the connector bracket plate in the upper-right corner. Make sure to note which screws go in which holes, because it is vitally important that they return to the same ones. Disconnect each of the cables that were housed underneath the bracket. Make sure to not pry the sockets off of the logic board. The 5 has three cables, the 5C has two, and the 5S has three. Once all of the cables are removed, you can separate the display from the rest of the iPhone. Peel the adhesive back from the bottom edge of the battery. You'll see a black tap stuck to the bottom of the battery. Peel this back to reveal two strips connected by the black tab. Cut the black tab to separate the adhesive strips. You'll see that the two strips have space in between them. use scissors to cut the black tab in half, making two different strips. Pull each strip out from the bottom of the battery. Grip and pull one of the strips out and then to the side. Pull at a slight angle out from behind the battery. Continue pulling while running up the side of the battery, until the entire strip is free. Repeat with the other strip on the other side. Heat the back of the iPhone if the battery does not come out. There's a good chance that the battery is still stuck to adhesive residue. Heat the back of the iPhone with a hairdryer for about 60 seconds. Gently pry the battery out with a credit card. Use a credit card, or similar strong plastic card, to pry the battery out after heating it. Make sure to not bend the battery itself when prying it out. Replace your battery and reassemble the iPhone. Once your battery has been removed, you can replace it with a new one and reassemble all of the pieces. Make sure that all of your connectors are securely fastened, and that all of the screws went back in their original holes. After reassembly, perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the Power and Home buttons until the Apple logo appears. New batteries should be drained to below 10% and then charged to 100% before using them for the first time for maximum efficiency. Remove the screws at the bottom of the iPhone. You can find them on either side of the charging port. The iPhone 4S uses Pentalobe screws, which require a Pentalobe P2 screwdriver. The iPhone 4 may have Pentalobe screws, or it may have #000 Phillips screws. Slide the back plate up and off. Grasp the iPhone in both hands, placing your thumbs on the back plate and your fingers on the screen. Slide the plate upwards to separate it You will need to apply a good deal of pressure to slide the case up. To minimize the risk of damaging your screen, apply most of the pressure using your thumbs, and focus the pressure toward the bottom or top of the back plate rather than at the center. The panel will move up about 2 mm. Once the case slides up, you can open it to the side and lift it off the front assembly completely. If you cannot lift the case off with your fingers, you can use a small suction cup to lift it off. Remove the screws from the battery bracket. Use a #000 Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws around the battery bracket. This bracket can be found to the left of the battery, at the bottom. These screws hold the battery connector to the logic board. Note that the top screw is shorter than the bottom. On some iPhone 4 models, there's only one screw you'll need to remove. Pry up the battery connector. Slide a plastic opening tool beneath the metal connector next to the battery. Lift it up to release it from the logic board. You should also consider removing the small grounding clip beneath the battery connector before removing the connector itself. You can do this using the same plastic opening tool. If you do not do this, you risk sending the clip flying as you remove the connector. Work carefully to avoid prying up the socket by accident. You only want to remove the connector. Lift the battery out. Pull the plastic tab from behind the battery to lift it out. You may need to use a stiff credit card to help pry it from the adhesive. You will need to work carefully. There is an adhesive holding the battery to the rear case, so you will need to use considerable yet directed force to lift it out. Avoid moving too close toward the top of the iPhone, since this is where your volume button cables are located. Replace your battery and reassemble the iPhone. You can put your new battery in and then reassemble the iPhone. Make sure that all of the connectors have been reattached, and that the screws have gone back in their original holes. After reassembling, perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the Power and Home buttons until the Apple Logo appears. New batteries should be discharged to below 10% and then charged to 100% before being used for the first time. Remove the two bottom screws. Use a Phillips #00 screwdriver to remove the 3.7 mm screws at the bottom of the phone. Set them aside in a safe spot. The two screws are located on either side of the dock connector. Lift open the front panel. Place a sturdy suction cup on the screen, just above the "Home" button. Once it has a secure hold, lift it straight up with one hand while holding the bottom of your iPhone with the other. The top panel should come right off. You will need to use considerable force to lift the front panel off using the suction cup. There is a rubber gasket between the front bezel and back assembly, so the two halves are fit together fairly tight. Rock the suction cup back and forth as you lift to help loosen it. If necessary, you can also use a plastic opening tool to pry the bottom away from the top as you lift the top off. Do not remove the front case completely since it is still connected to the bottom by several cables. Instead, lift it up and rotate it so that it rests at a 45 degree angle from the bottom of the phone. Disconnect the ribbon cables. While holding the front assembly open with one hand, use your other hand to disconnect the black ribbon cables labeled "1," "2," and "3" with a plastic opening tool. Insert the tool from the left. If you pull it up from the right, you could damage the ribbon connector. Lift cables 1 and 2 up to remove the connectors. Cable 3 will rotate up about 90 degrees. Slid the ribbon cables of the the connectors. This should allow you to remove the entire front assembly from the back case. Remove the SIM tray. Insert a SIM eject tool into the hole next to the headphone jack in your phone. Press down until the SIM card tray pops out, and continue sliding it out with your fingers to remove it. If you do not have a SIM eject tool, you could also use a paper clip. Note that you could also remove this tray at the beginning of the process if you find that to be easier or more comfortable for you. Disconnect ribbon cable 4, 5 and 6. Slide your plastic opening tool under each connector to pop them up and open. If you have an iPhone 3GS, there will also be a ribbon cable labeled "7" that you need to disconnect. Take this time to remove the "Do not remove" sticker to reveal one of the screws near the bottom of the case. Remove the screws surrounding the phone and battery. There will be eight screws: five 2.3 mm screws, two 2.3 mm screws, and one 2.9 mm screws. The first five 2.3 mm screws have partial threads and secure the logic board to the rear case. The second two 2.3 mm screws have fill threads and secure the logic board to the camera. The 2.9 mm screw was below the "Do not remove" sticker. Remove the camera. Slide the flat tip of the plastic opening tool beneath the camera. Apply slight yet even pressure to pop it up and out. Note that you can only partially remove the camera. The bottom will still be connected to the logic board. Pry up the bottom end of the logic board. Slid the tip of the plastic opening tool beneath the logic board at the dock connector side. Lift the logic board up carefully and slide it out toward the dock connector end of the phone, removing it completely. There is a small gold tab on the logic board. It's delicate and can break easily, so you need to be extra careful. Lift the battery out. Slide the plastic opening tool beneath the battery. Lift the battery up to remove it. There is an adhesive that holds the battery to the rear case. As a result, you could end up bending the battery or otherwise damaging it if you attempt to remove it without being careful. You could use the plastic pull tab to remove the battery, but doing so could increase the risk of bending the battery. If necessary, try gently heating the back of the case with the lowest setting of a hair dryer. This can weaken the adhesive bond, making it easier to remove the battery. This step completes the process. | Make sure the iPhone is turned off. Remove the Pentalobe screws from each side of the Lightning port. Place a gentle heating pad on the bottom of the iPhone 7. Place a suction cup on the front of the iPhone. Pull up on the suction cup to lift the screen. Insert your spudger into the space in the lower-left corner of the iPhone. Slide the spudger up the left side, then repeat on the right side. Lift the screen up to form a ten-degree angle with the phone's case. Slide a thin card or guitar pick along the top of the iPhone. Pull the screen down toward the bottom of the phone. Open the display to the right. Remove the four tri-point screws from the lower display bracket. Remove the display bracket and set it aside. Use the spudger to lift up the perpendicular plastic strip. Use the spudger to lift up the parallel plastic strip and the grey strip beneath it. Unscrew the bracket over the second display ribbon. Remove the bracket. Use the spudger to pry up the connector. Set the iPhone's display assembly aside. Remove the two Phillips (+) screws from the barometric vent. Remove the barometric vent. Pry up the Taptic Engine's connector with your spudger. Remove the three Phillips screws from the Taptic Engine. Lift gently the Taptic Engine out of the case. Peel back the three adhesive strips from the bottom of the battery. Pull one of the adhesive strips toward you. Pull the other two strips out. Remove your iPhone's battery. Make sure the iPhone is turned off. Remove the two Pentalobe screws on each side of the Lightning port. Place a suction cup on the front of the iPhone right above the Home button. Pull up firmly on the suction cup to separate the display from the case. Use a plastic spudger to pry the case apart. Move the spudger around the case (6S and 6S Plus). Swing the display up using the top as a hinge. Find the battery connector bracket. Remove the two screws holding the connector bracket. Pop the connector off of the logic board. Remove the screws from the display cable bracket. Disconnect the camera cable. Remove the other connectors in the same area. Separate the screen from the rest of the case. Use tweezers to peel the adhesive off the bottom of the battery. Gently pull the adhesive out and away from the battery. Heat the back of the iPhone with a hairdryer. Use a plastic card (like a credit card) to pry the battery out. Replace your battery and reassemble your iPhone. Remove the two Pentalobe screws next to the Lightning port. Secure a suction cup to the front of the phone. Pry the rear case down. Disconnect the Home button before opening the iPhone completely (5s only). Open the iPhone so that the display is at a 90° angle to the base. Remove the two screws holding the battery connector bracket in place. Disconnect the battery from the logic board. Disconnect the digitizer (display). Peel the adhesive back from the bottom edge of the battery. Cut the black tab to separate the adhesive strips. Pull each strip out from the bottom of the battery. Heat the back of the iPhone if the battery does not come out. Gently pry the battery out with a credit card. Replace your battery and reassemble the iPhone. Remove the screws at the bottom of the iPhone. Slide the back plate up and off. Remove the screws from the battery bracket. Pry up the battery connector. Lift the battery out. Replace your battery and reassemble the iPhone. Remove the two bottom screws. Lift open the front panel. Disconnect the ribbon cables. Remove the SIM tray. Disconnect ribbon cable 4, 5 and 6. Remove the screws surrounding the phone and battery. Remove the camera. Pry up the bottom end of the logic board. Lift the battery out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Hamster-Respiratory-Illnesses | How to Diagnose Hamster Respiratory Illnesses | If you think your hamster has a respiratory illness, check its eyes and nose for a thick, mucus-like discharge or redness. A sick hamster will also have difficulty breathing, so listen close for wheezing or even rattling or crackling noises when it breathes. Keep an eye on your hamster during the day and watch for any sneezing, shaking, or if it is avoiding its food. Overall, you might notice your hamster will be less active and maybe even more nippy than usual when it has a respiratory illness. Respiratory illnesses can make hamsters very sick, very quickly, so take your hamster to the vet if you notice any symptoms. | Check your hamster’s eyes and nose. Respiratory illnesses can cause a variety of symptoms in hamsters. For example, a hamster with respiratory problems may have a thick, mucus-like discharge coming from their eyes and nose. The discharge is opaque or yellow. If your hamster has a respiratory illness, its eyes and nose may also look red. Watch and listen to your hamster breathe. Respiratory illnesses make breathing difficult for hamsters. Your hamster may wheeze when it breathes, causing its chest to visibly widen and contract with each breath. You may be able to hear the wheezing, along with possible rattling or crackling noises, when your hamster breathes. Detect sneezing. If your hamster has a respiratory illness, it may start sneezing. When your hamster sneezes, you may see discharge come out of its nose. Look at your hamster’s hair coat. A healthy hamster has a shiny hair coat. A hamster with a respiratory illness, though, will have a dull hair coat. If your hamster is sick, its hair coat will lose its natural, healthy sheen. Observe your hamster’s body condition. In general, hamsters with respiratory illnesses don't look so good. The sickness will cause your hamster to eat less, leading to weight loss. If your hamster has a respiratory illness, it will look thinner than usual. Look for shaking and shivering. Hamsters with respiratory illnesses can start to shake and shiver. This may be because they're feeling cold. Determine if your hamster is eating less. A respiratory illness can make your hamster feel so sick that it doesn't want to eat much anymore. If you're concerned that your hamster has lost its appetite, measure the amount of food you feed it each day. At the end of the day, measure the amount of food left over in the cage. Remember that hamsters tend to hoard food in their cages. If your hamster is showing other signs of respiratory illness, though, you may see leftover food in the cage because your hamster feels sick and doesn't want to eat—not because it's hoarding the food. Take note of decreased activity. Healthy hamsters are very playful and active. If your hamster is sick, though, it won't feel playful. Instead, it may want to stay curled up in its bedding and not move around very much. Decreased activity may be the first sign of respiratory illness that you see. If your hamster looks sick and stays in its bedding, do not try to force it out to play. Watch for grumpiness. Sick hamsters can become quite grumpy. For example, if you try to handle your hamster when it is sick, it may bite you. If your hamster seems more nippy than usual, leave it alone in its cage. Take your hamster to your vet. Respiratory illnesses can make hamsters very sick, very quickly. Because hamsters are so small, invading bacteria or viruses can quickly overwhelm a hamster's immune system. What starts as a little cold can turn into a serious case of pneumonia. When you recognize the signs of respiratory illness in your hamster, call your vet right away to make an appointment. Have your vet examine your hamster. When you bring your hamster to your vet, they will observe your hamster in its cage first. Then, they will examine your hamster from head to toe and listen to its heart and lungs. If your hamster is having trouble breathing, your vet will give it extra oxygen before doing the physical exam. Answer your vet’s questions. During the physical exam, your vet will ask you questions about your hamster's illness. For example, they will ask you what symptoms you observed and when you first noticed them. Also, because respiratory illness can be transmitted from one hamster to the other, and from humans to hamsters, your vet will ask if you or the hamster's cage mates are sick. Poor housing conditions, such as drafts, can make a hamster sick. Your vet may inquire about your hamster's living environment. Allow your vet to identify the ‘culprit’ organism. Respiratory illnesses in hamsters are caused by bacteria ( Pasturella, Streptococcus ) and viruses (flu virus). To treat your hamster most effectively, your vet will need to know which specific organism is causing the illness. To do this, your vet will take a sample of fluid from your hamster and analyze it. Have your vet take x-rays of your hamster. If your vet thinks your hamster has pneumonia, they may want to take x-rays of your hamster's chest. Chest x-rays would help your vet determine the severity of the pneumonia. X-rays of your hamster's skull may be helpful, too, to look at the nasal passages. | Check your hamster’s eyes and nose. Watch and listen to your hamster breathe. Detect sneezing. Look at your hamster’s hair coat. Observe your hamster’s body condition. Look for shaking and shivering. Determine if your hamster is eating less. Take note of decreased activity. Watch for grumpiness. Take your hamster to your vet. Have your vet examine your hamster. Answer your vet’s questions. Allow your vet to identify the ‘culprit’ organism. Have your vet take x-rays of your hamster. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Assemble-a-Skateboard | How to Assemble a Skateboard | To assemble a skateboard, start by placing the adhesive grip tape over the top of the deck and smoothing it out with the palms of your hands. Then, trim the excess tape from the edges of the board with a razor or box cutter and sand down the edges so they don't peel up. Next, use a screw driver to attach the trucks to the bottom of the board, making sure the screws don't stick out from the top of the deck. Once the trucks are attached, slide the bearings and wheels onto the axles and tighten a nut onto each one to keep them secure. | Keep all your parts organized. You will have a lot of small hardware that comes in your skateboard kit. It's best to keep everything organized so you don't lose any parts or hardware. You may want to keep your parts in the box or original packaging until each one is needed. Place your deck down on a flat surface. To best apply the grip tape to your deck you want to have it laying flat on an open surface. This will allow you evenly lay the grip tape over your deck. You want the nose and tail ends of your board to be pointing up with the graphic on the bottom of the deck facing your flat surface. Place your grip tape over the deck. Your grip tape will be a rectangular sheet that covers a larger area than your board. This allows you a little wiggle room if you don't place the tape exactly square. Peel the back paper off from the back of your grip tape, like a sticker. Lay the grip over the top of the deck as evenly as possible. Be careful to touch as little of the adhesive side of grip tape as possible. Pinch the ends of tape between your forefinger and thumb. Pulling the ends of the tape taut, find the edges of your deck with your middle finger and let the grip fall flat onto the deck. If you have a piece of grip tape that has a cutout or graphic that is supposed to be on one end of your board, you can identify the nose and tail ends. The tail typically has a steeper incline whereas the nose has a more narrow curve. Smooth out the grip tape with the palms of your hands. Press down hard to remove any air bubbles. Start at the center of your deck and gradually move outward toward the nose and tail. Do your best to make sure there are no air bubbles, as these will dramatically reduce the amount of time the grip tape remains adhesive on the board. Air bubbles also allow small rocks to get between your grip and the deck which can be uncomfortable while riding. Take a screwdriver and rub it along the edge of the board to make an outline. You will see a white guideline for cutting. Trim away the excess grip tape. Cut around the edge with a sharp blade, preferably a razor or box cutter. It's easiest to start in the center of your deck rather than on one of the edges. Make an incision which is perpendicular to your deck. This will make it easier to start cutting and get a consistent cut around your deck. Angle your razor over the top of your deck to help the process. Pull the outer portion of your tape to make the cutting easier. Sand down the edges of the grip tape. Take a portion of the tape that was cut away and, like with sandpaper, rub the edges of your grip tape. By sanding the edges you are smoothing out any rough or lifted portions that could peel up. Attach your trucks to your deck. Take a screwdriver or Allen wrench and poke holes through the grip tape. Poke your holes downward so that the grip tape doesn't crack and your hardware can screw in over the grip. Then place your screws through the holes in the deck. Once your screws are in place, attach your trucks onto your board. Attach one truck at a time. Some hardware kits come with multiple colored screws. These different colored screws help you to differentiate the nose from the tail when riding. You can place these screws at either end. Just remember which end you place the screws. Use your fingers or the palm of one hand to hold the hardware in place while you attach the trucks. The baseplate is the flat square portion of your truck that connects to your deck. The hanger, the “T” shaped part of your trucks will be facing down. Screw the nuts on over the trucks using your skate tool or socket wrench. You can also use a screwdriver to tighten the heads of the screws. Make sure that the kingpins on both trucks, the portion of your trucks with the large nut and rubber bushings, are facing each other. Otherwise, your board won't ride properly. Insert your bearings into your wheels. If you don't have a bearing press, you can insert your bearings using your trucks. Remove the nut and washer from the axle of your truck so you can slide the bearing and wheel on. Most bearings have a flat side and a ridged side. Slide the bearing down onto the axle so the flat side is facing up. Press your wheel down over the bearing until you feel the bearing slide into the center of your wheel. Take the wheel off the axle, slide another bearing down and repeat with the other side of the wheel. Each wheel has two bearings. Do this for all four wheels. You may hear a popping sound when you press the wheel onto the bearing. This sound indicates that the bearing is fully in. Attach your wheels. Some wheels have an outside and inside edge. If this is the case, the outside will be the side with the graphic. Some wheels, however, will have graphics on both sides and it doesn't matter which way the wheel goes on the truck. Slide the wheel down onto the axle and then place the washer and nut over the wheel. With your skate tool or wrench, tighten the nut as far as it will go. By tightening the nut all the way you will ensure that your bearings are fully in place. Then loosen the nut enough so that your wheel can spin freely. Loosen the nut just a few turns to keep it secure while giving your wheel enough space to move. Grab your wheel and tug on it. It should move back and forth on the axle slightly. Make sure that your wheel is also level. If it lays at an angle, your bearings are not fully in. Make sure that your grip tape and screws are even. The heads of your screws should be flush with your grip tape. If your screw heads are sticking out, then it will make it harder to perform tricks and maneuver. If your screws aren't flush, screw each one further down. Don't go too far so as to risk cracking the wood of the deck. Test your trucks. Make sure that your trucks are firmly secured to your deck. The baseplate portion of your trucks which is attached to the deck shouldn't move at all. If your trucks are loose then you will have a much harder time riding your board, and it could be dangerous if you aren't an experienced skater. If your trucks are too tight, you'll have a hard time turning your board. Stand on your board and test it. Rock back and forth and skate around. Test the tightness of your trucks and make sure that your wheels can spin freely. If the board feels wobbly, tighten the nut on the kingpin clockwise about half a turn for each truck. If your trucks are too tight, you may have trouble turning or carving. Turn the nut of your kingpin counterclockwise. Make sure that you rotate the nuts of each truck evenly. If you can't coast for very long or feel resistance when pushing, loosen your wheels some more. | Keep all your parts organized. Place your deck down on a flat surface. Place your grip tape over the deck. Smooth out the grip tape with the palms of your hands. Trim away the excess grip tape. Sand down the edges of the grip tape. Attach your trucks to your deck. Insert your bearings into your wheels. Attach your wheels. Make sure that your grip tape and screws are even. Test your trucks. Stand on your board and test it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-and-Treat-Hand,-Foot,-and-Mouth-Disease | How to Recognize and Treat Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease | To recognize hand, foot, and mouth disease in your child, look for mouth sores and skin rashes on their hands and feet. You should also keep an eye out for fever, loss of appetite, a sore throat, or headaches and a general tired and unwell feeling, which are all common symptoms of the disease. In most cases, the disease is not serious and will go away on its own with home care. However, to speed up recovery, keep your child well hydrated, and consider giving them mouthwash or oral spray to help soothe their sore throat. | Look out for fever and reduced appetite. HFMD usually affects children younger than 5 years old and the infection typically begins with a mild-to-moderate fever and loss of appetite. The fevers in children with HFMD usually reach 101°F (38.3°C) or 102°F (38.9°C), which is the body's way of trying to stop the virus from multiplying and spreading. In addition to fever, look for loss of appetite at meal times, which is typical of most viral infections. The time between viral contact and the start of symptoms (known as the incubation period) is typically between three to seven days. Young, pre-school kids are most often affected, although teens and adults do come down with HFMD occasionally. The most common time of year for HFMD outbreaks is in the summer and early autumn. Watch for sore throat and painful mouth sores. Although a fever is often the first sign of HFMD, after about one to two days of higher temperatures painful sores usually develop in the throat (causing a moderate-to-severe sore throat) and elsewhere in the mouth. The red sores are fairly small (2 or 3 mm in diameter) and quickly develop into blisters (vesicles), then they pop and become ulcers (the most painful stage). In addition to the throat, the most common areas for HFMD sores to appear are the tongue, gums and inner cheeks. Blisters/ulcers from HFMD can be difficult to distinguish from canker and herpes sores. The main differences are canker sores rarely affect the throat and gums, whereas herpes sores almost always appear on the outer lips. The discomfort created by the throat and mouth sores make it painful to eat, which may further reduce appetite. Expect to see a rash on the hands and feet. If the throat and mouth sores are indicative of HFMD (and not cankers, herpes or some other viral infection), then a rash will invariably develop on the hands and feet within an additional one to two days. The small red blisters characteristically appear on the palms of both hands and the soles of both feet. Less commonly, the blisters can also appear on the knees, buttocks, genitals and elbows. In addition to the small blisters, HFMD causes the skin on the hands and feet to appear like a rash, although it's not usually itchy — unlike chicken pox, which is another type of infection that HFMD often mimics. Fingernail and toenail loss can occur with HFMD, particularly in children, within about two to four weeks of coming down with the condition. Soaking the affected feet in 3 US quarts (2,800 mL) of warm water mixed with 2-3 tablespoons (48-72 g) of Epsom salts can help relieve some of the pain. Don't soak the feet for more than 15 minutes, though. Prepare for malaise and headaches too. Other symptoms commonly associated with HFMD (and most other viral and bacterial infections) are dull/achy headaches and malaise — a general unwell and tired feeling. These symptoms and the ones mentioned above usually last for between five to seven days. In the vast majority of cases the infection is self-limiting and doesn't require medical attention. With malaise, children may not want to get out of bed in the morning, or play during the afternoon or stay up much past dinner time. Headaches are difficult to detect in young children who can't communicate well, so look for reduced attention span, unexplained crying, head holding (with their hands) and avoidance of loud sounds and/or well-lit areas of the house. Nausea/vomiting is not common with HFMD (and many other viruses that affect the throat and mouth), but it is characteristic of bacterial infections and food poisoning. Not everyone gets all of these symptoms (especially adults who have more mature immune systems to fight the infection), but non-symptomatic people can still pass the virus on to others. Be patient and remain hydrated. HFMD is not serious in most cases, so letting it run its course (about a week) is the best way of gaining natural immunity and preventing future infections. As such, be patient and keep well hydrated, which is good advice for any viral infection, but particularly important for HFMD because of the pain associated with swallowing. Fevers and nights sweats cause your body to lose more water than normal, so start with drinking eight 8-ounce glasses per day to rehydrate yourself and keep your mucous membranes of your mouth/throat moist. Consider buying some mouthwash, oral spray or lozenges from the pharmacy that contain compounds that numb or dull a sore throat. They can be effective to reduce pain and make it easier to consume liquids and soups. You may also want to encourage hydration by offering something cold that might soothe the throat, like a sugar-free popsicle. Common signs of dehydration include: dry skin and mucous membranes, sunken-looking eyes, reduced urination, dark-colored urine, irritability, confusion and weight loss. Consult your doctor about medications. There's no specific treatment for HFMD in terms of medication, in part because the infection is not serious and usually clears up on its own within a week to 10 days; however, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help reduce a fever, and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can reduce inflammation and pain associated with blisters and ulcers. Remember that aspirin is never a good idea for young children and ibuprofen may not be either, so ask your doctor. A mild-to-moderate fever is beneficial to fight viral infections as noted above, but temperatures of 103°F (39.4 °C) or greater in children should likely be managed with medication. Drugs called antivirals are recommended for infections within people who have a high risk of complications due to weak immune systems. Antivirals kill viruses or prevent them from reproducing in the body. In rare cases, antivirals may be prescribed for HFMD, such as acyclovir (Zovirax), valacyclovir (Valtrex) or famciclovir. Note that valacyclovir and famciclovir medications are only approved for use in adults, not kids. Consider taking colloidal silver. Colloidal silver (also called atomic or ionic silver) is a liquid preparation containing small clusters of electrically charged silver particles. The medical literature reveals that colloidal silver has powerful antiviral properties and can kill a wide-variety of viruses, although there is no quality research demonstrating its effect on HFMD as of yet. Even still, considering its relative safety, lack of side effects and affordability, it might be worth a shot for treating HFMD. The effectiveness of colloidal silver against viruses depends on size (particles should be less than 10 nm in diameter) and purity (no salts or protein in the solution). Colloidal silver can be made at home with some specific supplies, or purchased from most health food and supplement stores. Try gargling with colloidal silver to help relieve throat and mouth sores, and spray some on your hands and feet to prevent outbreaks of blisters. Silver solutions are usually considered non-toxic even in high concentrations, but protein-based solutions made by some pharmaceutical companies can increase the risk of argyria — skin discoloration due to silver compounds getting trapped there. Avoid contact with people who show signs or symptoms. HFMD is mild-to-moderately infectious and is spread by contact (usually via the mouth) with an infected person's: nasal secretions, throat mucous, saliva (including droplets sprayed from coughing and sneezing), fluid from blisters and feces (poop). Therefore, if you see anyone (especially young children) looking ill and complaining or exhibiting the above mentioned symptoms, avoid them until they are recovered. You may have to keep your child out of preschool or elementary school for a week to either prevent getting HFMD or spreading it to others. Teach your child to notify adults if they feel ill or see symptoms such as red spots or rashes on the skin of other children. Practice good hygiene. Because HFMD is contagious and transmitted through touch and body fluids, keep your hands (or those of your children) disinfected. Always wash hands with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers. Try not to touch your mouth with your hands, especially after you've touched someone else. Avoid sharing eating utensils or cups/glasses with people with HFMD or other viral infections. Regularly disinfecting countertops, tables, chairs, toys and other surfaces which are commonly touched is a good preventative approach. Disinfect your hands (and your children's hands) multiple times per day with regular soap, and don't go overboard on the hand sanitizer because it can promote the growth of "super bugs" that are resistant to medications. Natural disinfectants appropriate for household use include white vinegar, lemon juice, salt water, diluted bleach and hydrogen peroxide. Maintain a strong immune system. With any type of infection, true prevention depends on the strong and healthy functioning of your immune system. Your immune system is comprised of specialized cells that search and destroy potential pathogens such as viruses, but when the system is weak, disease-causing microorganisms grow and spread virtually unchecked. As such, it's not surprising that those most at risk for infections, including HFMD, are young children and the immunocompromised. Therefore, focus on boosting your immune system in order to stay healthy and be able to fight off HFMD successfully. Getting more sleep (and better quality sleeps), eating more fresh fruit and veggies, cutting down on refined sugars (soda pop, candy), reducing your alcohol intake, quitting smoking, practicing good hygiene and exercising regularly are all proven ways to keep your immune system strong. Dietary supplements that can boost immunity include: vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, echinacea and olive leaf extract. Vitamin C and olive leaf extract also have antiviral properties, which may also help to prevent or fight off HFMD. | Look out for fever and reduced appetite. Watch for sore throat and painful mouth sores. Expect to see a rash on the hands and feet. Prepare for malaise and headaches too. Be patient and remain hydrated. Consult your doctor about medications. Consider taking colloidal silver. Avoid contact with people who show signs or symptoms. Practice good hygiene. Maintain a strong immune system. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Entertain-a-Cockatiel | How to Entertain a Cockatiel | To entertain your cockatiel, respond to it when it talks to you since cockatiels love a good conversation! You can also play games like fetch or hide-and-seek in a bird-safe room. Although it may take some time for your cockatiel to catch on to these games, eventually, with some praise and treats, they'll get the hang of it. When your cockatiel's alone at home, give it plenty of toys to chew on like untreated wood, rope toys, bells, or legos. Besides toys, try placing a mirror in your bird's cage, since cockatiels are flock birds and it will be in interested in seeing another bird! | Give your cockatiel toys to shred and chew on. Cockatiels love to shred and chew on a variety of items. It stimulates their brains and keeps their beaks healthy. Providing them with a bunch of different things to chew on is important, as they can get bored with just one chewing or shredding toy. Things that cockatiels typically like to chew on include: Commercial shredding toys Untreated wood, such as apple, ash, almond, apricot, peach, maple, or elm Paper Thin cardboard, such as paper towel rolls or tissue boxes Feather toys Rope toys Bells (which are extra entertaining to birds because they are both shiny and noisy!) Plastic buttons sewn onto a strip of calico or burlap Legos arranged in different shapes Put a swing in your bird's cage. Cockatiels tend to like sitting on swings once in a while. Most swings made for birds are round hoops that allow the bird to sit upright inside of them. They move similarly to branches in the wild, so this may be why cockatiels like to sit on them. Pick a swing for your bird's cage that is covered in something that is easy for them to perch on. For example, look for a swing that is wrapped in natural cotton rope. Provide a mirror for your bird. Some cockatiels can be entertained by looking at themselves in a mirror. Putting a small mirror in their cage can provide hours of entertainment. Your bird may look in the mirror and think that there is another bird there for it to interact with or even a potential mate. Since cockatiels are flock animals, they will likely be interested in interacting with the bird they see reflected in the mirror. Give the cockatiel somewhere to bathe. Some cockatiels like to take a bath in a shallow dish of lukewarm water. Place the dish at the bottom of the bird's cage and only leave it in place for a few hours. Providing your bird with the water and dish once a week or so will allow it to have some focused time cleaning and preening itself. Not all cockatiels enjoy this activity. Some just want to be sprayed by you with a light mist of warm water from a spray bottle. Spraying them will still give them much needed moisture and cleaning time. Rotate your cockatiel's toys. A cockatiel will get bored with toys that are always the same and always in the same spot. Switch out toys that the bird seems disinterested in and move toys it loves into different areas of its cage. Giving the bird some variety will help to assure that it continues to be entertained by its toys. When you rotate out old toys, put new toys in, and move the bird's existing toys around in its cage, take that opportunity to thoroughly clean any toys that are going in its cage. Having clean toys will help to assure that your bird remains healthy. Consider getting another cockatiel. A really good way to keep your cockatiel entertained is to get another one for it to interact with. The birds will be able to talk to each other and generally keep each other company. You can keep both birds in separate cages that are placed next to each other. This will eliminate the chance of overcrowding or fighting. Provide new treats. In order to entertain your cockatiel, you can provide it with an array of exciting tastes and textures for it to explore. Try giving your bird a new type of food every week. A new fruit or vegetable will bring a bit of excitement into your cockatiel's day. Remember, there are certain foods that you not should feed a cockatiel. Avoid foods that are known to be toxic to birds, such as avocados, tomatoes, and the pits of stone fruit. Talk to your cockatiel. A cockatiel can be entertained quite a bit by having a conversation with you. Talk to it daily in a sweet and calm voice. They can also be good mimics and often like to respond to a person who whistles or sings to them. If your cockatiel begins talking, whistling, or singing, you should respond. It is likely trying to lure you into interacting with it. Take your cockatiel out of its cage regularly. It is important to physically interact with your cockatiel on a regular basis. This will begin by taking it out of its cage. Many birds will willingly come out of their cage if you stick your finger into the cage and allow them to perch on it. Other birds, however, will need to be tamed and trained to do this. To judge whether your cockatiel wants to come out of its cage, you should try to read its gestures. Sometimes your bird will be interested in interacting with you and other times it will want to be left alone. Play games with your cockatiel. Some cockatiels enjoy playing interactive games. Try tossing a toy for your cockatiel to fetch, or playing hide-and-seek in a bird-safe room. If your cockatiel is trusting and comfortable with you, you can also play “tag” by playfully pretending you are going to touch its tail, allowing the bird to run away, and then repeating the process after it has had a moment to rest. It may take some time for your cockatiel to catch on to these games. Try to build associations between the games and particular phrases (e.g., “Fetch!” or “Come find me!”). Offer treats and praise when your bird participates in the game. Train your cockatiel. You can really stimulate your bird's brain and give it lots of entertainment by training it to respond to your commands. This could simply be training it to leave its cage on command, which is usually done with a step up method that trains the bird to step onto your hand. It could also be training to search out treats around a room when you have the bird out of its cage. If your bird has a hard time stepping directly onto your hand, you can train it to step onto a stick instead. Allow your cockatiel to use its wings. Even if your bird's wings are clipped, it should still be able to complete short flights if it is healthy. When you have it out of its cage, let it fly around the room a little bit. This will give it some much needed exercise and will allow it to keep its wing strength up. Before you let your cockatiel fly, make sure all doors and windows are closed. Also make sure that there are no other pets in the room that could harm it, such as a cat or dog. | Give your cockatiel toys to shred and chew on. Put a swing in your bird's cage. Provide a mirror for your bird. Give the cockatiel somewhere to bathe. Rotate your cockatiel's toys. Consider getting another cockatiel. Provide new treats. Talk to your cockatiel. Take your cockatiel out of its cage regularly. Play games with your cockatiel. Train your cockatiel. Allow your cockatiel to use its wings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-African-Violets | How to Grow African Violets | To grow African violets, start them from seed or plant a leaf from a mature African violet. When you plant your violets, use a well-draining soil that's slightly acidic and choose small pots. Then, put your plants in a warm, humid spot that gets lots of indirect sunlight. You'll need to water your violets whenever the soil they're planted in is dry, and it's also a good idea to feed them a balanced fertilizer so they continue to flower every year. Once a year, repot your African violets so their roots have more room to grow. | Grow a new plant in water from a leaf. The most common way to grow new African violets is to propagate them from the leaves of existing plants. Once you do this, you can sprout the cutting in water. To propagate a new African violet in water, you'll need a sterilized cutting tool, a thin-necked bottle (such as a sterilized beer bottle), and a plastic bag or wrap. Select a large and healthy leaf from a healthy African violet. Include 2 inches (5 cm) of stem and cut the leaf from the plant on a 45-degree angle. The cut side of the angle should be on the top of the leaf. Fill the bottle with lukewarm water. Place the stem of the leaf into the neck of the bottle, so that the stem is in water and the leaf is resting above the rim. Cover the leaf and top of the bottle loosely with plastic to help keep in the humidity. Place the leaf somewhere warm that gets lots of filtered light. Add more water as necessary to keep the stem submerged. Over the next several weeks, the cutting will begin to sprout baby African violets. Plant a leaf right in the soil. Alternatively, you can also plant that same cutting directly into soil rather than sprouting it in water. To do this you'll need your healthy leaf and 2 inches (5 cm) of stem cut from a healthy violet, a small pot of clear plastic, potting soil, and a plastic cover or wrap. Fill the pot with loose potting soil. Press the cut stem a half-inch (1.3 cm) into the soil. Cover the top of the pot with a clear plastic cover or wrap. Place the cutting somewhere warm where it will get lots of filtered sun. You probably won't need to water as long as the plastic keeps in the moisture. Grow them from seeds. One way to grow African violets is to start them from seed, though this is less common than propagating the plants from cuttings. To grow African violets from seeds, you'll need seed starters, a plastic cover or wrap, a spray bottle, growing lights, and a medium suitable for African violets, such as milled coconut and perlite or pasteurized peat moss. Water the medium and allow it to dry out so it's moist. Fill the seed starters with medium. Spray the top of the medium with water. Sprinkle a few seeds into the top of each starter cell. Cover the top of the cells with plastic. Place the seed starters 10 inches (25 cm) below the grow lights. Provide the seeds with 12 to 14 hours of light per day. If the environment stays humid thanks to the plastic wrap, you won't need to water. Determine the right time to transplant. Seedlings should reach a certain size before they're transplanted, but plants sprouted from cuttings will be ready to transplant after a certain amount of time. For seedlings, wait until the seedlings have leaves that reach 2 inches (5 cm) in width. For cuttings, the babies should be ready in about eight to 10 weeks, once new leaves are roughly the size of a dime. Choose the right soil. African violets grow best in a slightly acidic medium that has a pH between 6.4 and 6.9. Because the medium must be loose, well-draining, and allow for free root development, African violets are not often grown in soil. Most garden and home stores will sell a medium specifically designed for African violets. You can also make your own African violet mix by combining equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss. Select the right pot. Because African violets are grown indoors, choosing the right pot is like choosing the right home for your plants. These plants grow best in pots that are sized for their root systems. Don't put your plant in a pot that's too large, otherwise it may not bloom. A good rule of thumb is to put your violet in a pot that's one-third the size of the plant itself, because this will match the size of the root system. For the current size of your seedlings or babies, a 2-inch (5-cm) pot will probably be sufficient. You can use either plastic or terracotta pots for your violets. Plastic pots require less watering, but terracotta pots provide more air flow. Separate plants grown from cuttings. When you propagate violets by cuttings, you could have as many as 15 babies grow from a single parent. These must be separated before they're planted. Gently turn the cutting, along with all the soil, out onto a newspaper or table. Carefully remove the soil with your fingers to reveal the cut stem and all the babies. To distinguish one baby from another, look for small clusters of leaves that are attached to the parent. When you've located all the babies, carefully trim each one from the parent using a sterilized cutting tool. Transplant the violets. Fill your small pots with your African violet medium. Leave the medium loose, and don't pack it down. With the tip of your pinky finger or a pencil, make a half-inch (1.3 cm) indentation in the soil at the center of each pot. Gently place each seedling or baby plant into the hole in the soil. Make sure all the leaves and stems are above the soil. Loosely cover the roots with extra medium. Water the plants and store them somewhere warm and humid. Add some water to each pot so that the medium is moist. Place the pots with the new plants in a location that's warm, gets lots of indirect sun, and that's humid. If you don't have a humid location available, set up a humidifier where the plants are growing. Water the plants when the soil feels dry. African violets thrive best when their soil is somewhere between dry and moist, so give them water when the soil starts feeling dry to the touch. Over or underwatering the violets could prevent the plant from blooming. Use room temperature water rather than cold water, otherwise you could chill the roots. If this happens, the leaves or flowers may start to curl. Don't get water on the leaves or flowers, as this can lead to rings or spots forming on the plant. If you get water on the leaves or flowers, gently dry the area with an absorbent towel. Provide plenty of bright but indirect light. African violets need lots of light, and they won't flower if they don't get enough sun. However, they will scorch easily in direct sunlight, so their placement in the house is very important. In winter, the plants will do best near a window that faces south or west in the Northern Hemisphere, or north or east in the Southern Hemisphere. In summer, the plants will be better near a window that faces north or east in the Northern Hemisphere, or south or west in the Southern Hemisphere. To provide bright and indirect sunlight, provide shade by placing the plants behind lightweight curtains. Feed them fertilizer. These plants need lots of nutrients to continue producing flowers year-round, and the best way to ensure they get what they need is to provide them with fertilizer. There are specific fertilizers available for African violets, but the important thing is to provide them with balanced nutrients. A good fertilizer would be a 20-20-20, which means it has equal quantities of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for feeding the violets. Monitor the temperature. The best temperature range for African violets is between 65 and 75 F (18 and 24 C). Keep them in an area where you can maintain this temperature, and keep them away from drafts and other things that could cause sudden temperature fluctuations. Anything below 50 F (10 C) will almost certainly kill the plant. Maintain the humidity. The ideal humidity level for African violets is between 40 and 60 percent. You can monitor this with a hygrometer. To add more humidity to the air, consider installing a portable humidifier in the room where the violets are kept. Violets that don't get enough humidity will grow slowly, and while they will produce flower buds, they likely won't bloom. Repot the plants every year. Because African violets thrive in small pots, it's important to repot them regularly to keep up with their growth. When you repot, make sure you use new soil, and a pot that's one size larger than the pot they're currently in. | Grow a new plant in water from a leaf. Plant a leaf right in the soil. Grow them from seeds. Determine the right time to transplant. Choose the right soil. Select the right pot. Separate plants grown from cuttings. Transplant the violets. Water the plants and store them somewhere warm and humid. Water the plants when the soil feels dry. Provide plenty of bright but indirect light. Feed them fertilizer. Monitor the temperature. Maintain the humidity. Repot the plants every year. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Your-Speaking-Voice | How to Improve Your Speaking Voice | To improve your speaking voice, start by learning proper breathing techniques to strengthen your voice. For example, work on diaphragm breathing, or belly breath, by breathing in deeply for 4 seconds, holding the air for 4 seconds, and then releasing for 4 seconds. Repeat this exercise for 2 minutes daily. Next, start working on speaking from your diaphragm by taking a big breath and then speaking on the exhale as your belly flattens. Additionally, release tension in your body and throat to achieve a deeper, more relaxed tone. | Practice proper breathing. To produce a smooth, powerful, and natural voice, you must first learn proper breathing techniques. While humans are meant to breathe and speak from their diaphragms, many people do this with their chests instead, and this produces a weaker voice. You know you're a chest breather if you take a breath and your chest and shoulders rise. To correct this and to teach your body to breathe from the diaphragm: Breathe in deeply for four seconds, making sure you breathe into your diaphragm. After four seconds, hold the air in your diaphragm for another four seconds before exhaling for a count of four seconds. Repeat this exercise for two minutes every day. Work your way up to practicing this technique for five minutes a day. Once you're comfortable with the four second breathing, you can practice the same technique, but extend the inhale, hold, and exhale to 20 seconds each. You only need to do this once daily. Incorporate proper breathing into your speaking. As you teach your body the proper breathing technique, you can start working on speaking from your diaphragm as well. To do this, take a deep breath into your diaphragm and practice speaking as you exhale and your belly flattens. As you begin to run out of air, take another deep breath and speak again, but be sure you only speak as your belly is flattening. When possible, always breathe through your nose. Air inhaled through the nose is moister and better for your vocal chords and vocal strength. Relax your body and your voice. Muscle tension in the body and throat or emotional stress can all wreak havoc on your voice, and this can lead to a thin and nasally voice that has no resonance (doesn't carry well). The breathing exercises will hopefully calm your body and mind, and you can relax your throat by: Yawning deeply, and as you finish the yawn, begin humming. Open your jaw to a comfortable width and move your jaw from side to side as you hum. Do this for a few minutes, then use your fingers to massage your throat. Practice your pitch. It's important to speak in your natural pitch because trying to talk in a higher or lower pitch can damage your vocal chords, and it will affect your resonance. Moreover, a good pitch will result in a much more pleasant speaking voice, and while it may be difficult to change your natural pitch, you can make your voice fuller and deeper, and give it more character by working with the pitch you have. To take advantage of your natural pitch, be sure you are relaxed when you're going to speak. Stress can put tension on your muscles, including your vocal chords, and this can make your voice high-pitched and squeaky. Breathe from your diaphragm when you're speaking, because this will allow you to project your voice properly and fully. Resonance in your body is what will give your voice base and depth, because the air in your body vibrates in different cavities, such as the nose, throat, chest, and mouth, and these areas create different sound qualities. To have a full and deep voice, you have to resonate the air in all those cavities. For instance, if you only use the nasal cavity, you will have a higher and more nasally voice. Avoid nasal speech. Having a nasal voice means your voice won't be as deep, rich, or full as it should be. You can determine if you have a nasal voice by placing your fingers on the bridge of your nose and saying the words “rung” and “mom.” You should feel the bridge vibrate when you say those words. Now say the words “sour,” “bracelet,” and “tiger.” If you felt the same vibration in your nose, you are speaking with a nasal voice. To prevent this: Concentrate on using the full range of motion with your lips, jaw, teeth, and tongue when you speak. When you don't use the full range of motions with these articulators, you are more likely to focus sound in your nasal cavity rather than your mouth. Speak more melodiously. A melodious voice is one that conveys change, emotion, and life, whereas a non-melodious voice is flat and monotonous. You can work on having more melody in your voice by varying your pitch variety as you speak. Many speakers naturally do this when posing questions: when people speak, they indicate a question by raising the pitch of the voice on the final syllables of the phrase. Practice saying the phrase “you are going there” in three different ways: the first way is without changing your inflection (a statement), the second way is by slightly raising the pitch of your voice with each word (a question), and the third is by slightly lowering the pitch with each word (emphatic). Say the phrase out loud and see how it conveys different meanings. To practice incorporating these changes into every day speech, read aloud to yourself every day, and focus on varying the pitch of your voice on different words to convey different emotions. Work on articulation and enunciation. If you mumble or don't articulate properly, your words will be unclear when you speak and people will have a hard time understanding you. The keys to clear articulation are forming the sound to make the word accurately, supporting the sound with your breath, and finishing the sound completely. Articulation and enunciation exercises include: Tongue exercise: Fold your tongue back as though you were trying to touch the back of your throat. Stretch it as far back as you can, then stick it out of your mouth as far as possible. Repeat 10 times. Jaw exercise: using broad movements with your jaws and an exaggerated motion with your tongue and jaw, repeat each of the following syllables five times: bah, mah, wah, fah, pah, dah, jah, lah, kwah, sah, thah, see, so, soo, zee, zo, zoo Lip exercise: say the following tongue twister, focusing on articulating each word: “To sit in solemn silence in a dull dark dock; In a pestilential prison with a life long lock; Awaiting the sensation of a short sharp shock; From a cheap and chippy chopper on a big black block.” As you improve, say it faster and faster. Project from your mask. The mask is the area of your face that includes the lips, the side of the nose, and the bridge of the nose, and this is the area from which your voice should come. To find this area, say mmm-hmm over and over. Place your hands on your lips and move the sound around until you feel your mask vibrating. To project from this area: Say mmm-hmm one, mmm-hmm two, mmm-hmm three, and take note of whether your mask is vibrating when you say the numbers. If not, work on moving the sound around until your mmm-hmms and your numbers are coming from your mask. Do a vocal strength training workout. To help project your voice better and produce a strong, powerful voice, try strength exercises. To do this, inhale deeply and slowly exhale as you make a hissing sound. Repeat this 10 times daily. You can also try saying “ney” 10 times, but the trick is to say it loudly without yelling, and to say it in different pitches as you work up and then down your vocal range. | Practice proper breathing. Incorporate proper breathing into your speaking. Relax your body and your voice. Practice your pitch. Avoid nasal speech. Speak more melodiously. Work on articulation and enunciation. Project from your mask. Do a vocal strength training workout. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Anxiety | How to Deal With Anxiety | To deal with anxiety, try meditating by breathing in and out deeply for 5 minutes at a time, which can help reduce your anxiety levels. Additionally, try imagining a place where you feel peaceful and safe, which can help remove thoughts of anxiety from your brain. You could also try talking to someone you trust about your anxiety, since letting out your feelings can help relieve stress. For a longer-term solution, aim to reduce your sugar and alcohol consumption, since they can increase anxiety levels. | Eliminate anxiety-inducing food and/or drink from your diet. It sounds simple, but changing what you ingest daily can have a huge impact on your anxiety levels. If you notice yourself feeling anxious, panicky, or stressed every day, plan to implement at least one of these dietary changes. Rethink your consumption of the following common anxiety provokers: Coffee. The most popular “energy drink” of all time may also be one of the leading causes of anxiety. If you drink coffee every morning, try switching to decaffeinated tea or just water for a few weeks. It may be hard to give up, but chances are you'll see a reduction in your stress levels over this period of time. Sugar and starch. People often see eating sugary and starchy treats (like ice cream, cookies, or pasta) as an option for stress reduction, since comfort foods temporarily provide a feeling of calm. However, the rise and fall of blood sugar that occurs after eating these foods can actually cause emotional strain and stress. Alcohol. After a stressful day at work, many unwind over a few drinks. Alcohol makes stress feel far away in the moment, but the after-effect cancels out the temporary sense of relaxation. Drink sparingly, and when you do drink, make sure to hydrate to reduce the chance of getting a very stressful hangover. In functional medicine, anxiety is believed to be caused by inflammation of the central nervous system. This inflammation stems from the gut, so changing your diet may lead to a reduction in anxiety. Incorporate mood-enhancing foods into your diet. Keeping yourself healthy with a balanced diet can go a long way toward stabilizing your mood. If you're getting the right nutrients, your body will be better able to ward off anxiety during stressful situations. To avoid the negative mental-health effects of coffee, alcohol, and sugar, try replacing these foods with fruits and vegetables. Consume more foods high in antioxidants such as blueberries and acai berries. These help to raise mood levels and lower the hormones responsible for stress. Try foods that are high in Vitamins D, B, and E, such as eggs, almonds, and salmon. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts or flax seeds, may also help. Foods high in minerals like magnesium, such as whole grains (pasta and bread), maca root, and seaweed. Most people do not get the recommended amount of magnesium which can result in a variety of symptoms, including anxiety. Foods and drinks that have GABA, a type of neurotransmitter that increases sleep and relaxation, should be consumed on a regular basis. Some of these include kefir (a cultured dairy product), kimchi, and oolong tea. Try exercises that relieve anxiety. Studies have shown that regular exercise relieves symptoms of everyday anxiety and also helps to treat anxiety disorders. It improves feelings of well-being both while you're exercising and for hours afterward. Cardiovascular exercises such as running or biking as well as weight training and other muscle-building exercises all serve the purpose of reducing anxiety. Consider giving yoga a try. The soothing atmosphere of yoga studios, and the chance to be quiet and internally-focused for an hour or so, make this physical activity particularly conducive to calming anxiety. If the thought of exercising itself makes you anxious, try incorporating low-impact physical activity into your routines. You don't have to play a team sport or join a gym to get enough exercise; simply walking around your neighborhood can go a long way toward boosting your mood every day. Use deep-breathing exercises. Breathing deeply and slowly will immediately decrease your stress level. Most people practice shallow chest breathing, drawing breath into their lungs and exhaling at a rapid rate. When we're feeling stressed, we tend to breathe even more quickly, which stresses us out even more. Instead, focus on breathing from your diaphragm or belly. Your stomach should balloon up. Breathing deeply and slowly will draw in more air than breathing through the lungs would, and also helps decrease your blood pressure, relax your muscles, and calm you down. Try breathing in for a count of 4, holding for a count of 3, and breathing out for a count of 4. Keeping your total number of breaths to 8 or less in one minute will help to immediately reduce anxiety levels. Do something you love. Often, anxiety builds up when you don't get a chance to detox from life's problems. Take at least ten minutes during your day to practice a hobby or pastime which brings you peace. This may be reading, playing sports, playing music, or making art. Giving yourself an outlet will help to remove the anxiety from your mind both immediately and in the long run. If you have a little free time, look into taking a new class in a field of interest to you. If you love jewelry, look into a local ring making class. If you've always wanted to learn a new language, start taking lessons from a local teacher or audit a language class at a local community college. During the times that you are doing your favorite things, make a conscious decision to avoid thinking about your stressors. Removing them from your thoughts will allow you to enjoy your activity much more, and help prevent future ruminations. Do whatever it is that helps you relax in a healthy way. There's no one right way to de-stress , everyone is different. Relax at home with friends and family. When you're at home you should be totally anxiety free. Your home, and the people you love, should be your sanctuary. When you are dealing with a lot of anxiety, take some time and relax at home. Make sure that you give yourself ample time to spend with those closest to you, in happy and non-stressful scenarios. Take a hot bath, listen to calming music, and avoid anything that might worsen your anxiety. If you're not around anyone at your home, call a friend, or ask someone to come over. It can be comforting to spend time with people you love. Talk to a family member or friend about how you're feeling. Say something like, “I've been very anxious lately, and it's been preventing me from feeling happy. Do you ever feel this way?” Get some sun exposure. Vitamin D deficiency may contribute to your anxiety. The best way to increase your Vitamin D is to go outside in the sun for at least fifteen minutes a day. You can also take Vitamin D supplements if necessary. Don’t overwhelm yourself. If you keep a busy schedule, bring work back with you from the office, and stress about perfecting your school papers, you're likely often overwhelming yourself and creating more anxiety than is necessary. Keep a schedule of your necessary activities and cut everything else out for a bit. Giving yourself alone time to deal with your anxiety will help you to overcome it in the long run. Although getting together with friends regularly is always nice, doing it too often can cause anxiety about letting them down and not having time to yourself. Spread out friend dates with plenty of time for yourself in between. Learn to say “no” to some requests. Whether it be another commitment from work or piling on errands, turning down invites is okay from time to time. Get lots of sleep. A lack of sleep can leave anyone feeling haggard and worn out, and it's worse for individuals who suffer from anxiety. Insufficient sleep can cause your anxious, worried thoughts to worsen. Make sure that you're getting 7–9 hours of sleep every night. Try going to bed and waking up at the same times every day. This will help to regulate your sleep cycle, which will help you to get better nights of sleep. If you're having a hard time falling or staying asleep, try using melatonin supplements. Melatonin is a hormone your body creates to help you fall asleep. You can buy the hormone in low dose pills from most health food stores. Avoid using your phone, laptop, and television in the hour before you go to bed. These devices can inhibit healthy sleep and prevent proper melatonin production in your body because of the bright light they put off. Confront sources of anxiety you can control. There are many different situations that induce anxiety, and it's helpful to pinpoint exactly what might be making you anxious and take steps to confront it. If you're behind on doing your taxes, for example, you may feel like you've got a yoke around your shoulders until the chore is finally done. If your job or finances are causing you stress, you may want to look for a new, better paying job. You can also get a certificate or go back to school to increase your earning potential. Keep a journal to help you figure out what exactly is making your mood dip. Writing down your thoughts can often reveal sources of anxiety you hadn't yet acknowledged to yourself, and give you ideas of how to confront that anxiety. Learn about anxiety as much as possible. Even just understanding how anxiety works and what causes it can help you feel more in control of it. Even if a particular source of anxiety feels as though it is out of your control, you may be able to change something about the situation to make it feel less stressful to you. For example, if you feel anxious about the holidays months before the time to visit with family actually rolls around, figure out a way to approach the situation differently. Try hosting your extended family at your house so you won't have to travel, or holding your celebration at a restaurant so you don't have to host. Look at the flexible side of anxiety-inducing situations. Avoid sources of anxiety you can’t control. If a certain type of situation makes you feel anxious, it's OK to simply avoid it. If you hate flying, and don't feel this fear is ever going to abate, it's OK to drive. Know your limits, and practice self-preservation. However, it is important to deal with anxieties if they start to interfere with your life. For example, if you work in a profession that requires you to fly frequently, then driving is not a practical option and it would be better for you to see a therapist for help dealing with your anxiety about flying. If you feel that your functioning (financial, social, occupational, or home) has decreased, such as from a job loss or poor review, stress on your relationships, or in some other notable way, and it is due to avoiding things that cause you anxiety, then it's time to seek out a counselor and psychiatrist. If certain people in your life cause you anxiety and you don't feel comfortable/can't confront them, make changes so that you don't have to be around them. If you are anxious about any a societal situation, like climate change , remind yourself that you can not fix these issues alone. If your work or school is stressing you out, take a time during the day where you turn off your cellphone and laptop to remove yourself from the anxiety they cause. If you know you get anxious being glued to your email because of work, take it out of your life for a bit. Practice meditation. Relaxation and meditation routines are very effective at lowering anxiety levels, especially for people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). There are many different types of meditation, so it's best to experiment with a few different methods and choose the one that makes you feel the most comfortable and relaxed. You can practice meditation when you feel an anxiety attack coming on, or daily, to decrease your overall anxiety. Guided meditation is a good option for beginners. A guided meditation can be practiced in person, but it may be easier to buy a meditation CD or watch a meditation video on YouTube to start. You'll learn techniques on how to calm yourself down when your heart starts to race or when you feel you are not in control of your thoughts. Practice mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on a particular thought or pattern of thoughts that make you anxious and naming the emotions that surface without passing judgment or being critical of them. If the emotions get too intense, back off a bit and focus on your breathing. This practice can be as simple as finding a quiet space to think for 5 minutes at the beginning of each day. Here is an example technique you can try: Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Spend 5 minutes feeling the “in” and “out” movements of your breathing. Now invite in an emotion: anxiety, depression, a painful memory, a recent conflict. Hold the emotion in your mind, but don't allow yourself to get lost in thinking. Just “sit” with the emotion as you might sit with a friend. Watch the emotion. Hold it in your conscious awareness and say, “I am here for you. I will sit with you as long as you need.” Allow the emotion to express itself and watch it change. If you sit with the emotion as a friend, the emotion will begin to transform itself and heal. Try visualization. This is a process of clearing your mind of anxiety-inducing thoughts and images and replacing them with peaceful thoughts and pictures. Try using guided imagery to picture a place that you feel relaxed and safe in. As you picture the scene, focus on the details so that your mind is fully immersed in the place of your imagination. Turning your thoughts away from your anxiety to positive thoughts and images will calm both your body and your mind, and prepare your for dealing with whatever is causing you your anxiety. Ask for help. For many people, talking about anxiety is a very helpful release. If you need to vent, ask your spouse or a friend for advice and tell them how you feel. Sometimes just putting your feelings into words can take a lot of stress away. Try saying something like, “I'd like to talk with you about how I'm feeling. Lately I've been overwhelmed by anxiety; it's a feeling I can't escape.” If you lean on the same person for advice too often, your problems may overburden someone else. Make sure that you're not overwhelming your confidante. If you have a lot of anxiety to work through, consider seeing a therapist. You'll be free to discuss your problems as much as you need to in the knowledge that a trained professional is there to help. See a therapist. Know when it's time to get a doctor involved. If you are experiencing chronic anxiety and feel you may have an anxiety disorder, make an appointment with a psychologist or a psychiatrist. Anxiety can manifest as a mental-health disorder, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Anxiety disorders can lead to debilitating worry, panic attacks, agoraphobic, separation anxiety, social anxiety, and even obsessive-compulsive disorder. It's very difficult to treat mental-health anxiety disorders without the help of a doctor, and the sooner you see one, the faster you'll feel better. Although “diagnosis” can be an intimidating word, a diagnosis of a mental-health disorder—such as anxiety disorder—will help your therapist or psychiatrist know how to treat your specific case of anxiety. To find a therapist, start by talking to your medical doctor. He or she may have recommendations on where to find a good mental-health professional. There are also online resources to connect you with a therapist or psychiatrist in your area: the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Association of America) website lets you search for therapists in your area. It's important that you trust your therapist, and feel relaxed and comfortable when speaking to them. When searching for a therapist, you should also check in with your health-insurance provider to see if therapy, psychiatrist, and medication expenses are covered by your insurance. Explain your anxiety to your doctor. Be as specific as possible when describing your anxiety symptoms to a therapist or psychiatrist. They're there to help you, and will already be familiar with a range of mental-illness symptoms and manifestations of anxiety. If you have specific triggers that set off your anxiety, be sure to mention those. Anxiety disorders respond well to therapy, but only if your therapist has enough information to help you. Try saying something like: “Normally I'm fine, but whenever I have to be in a crowd, my breathing and heart rate increase and I'm suddenly very anxious.” “I have so many anxious thoughts going through my head that it's hard for me to get through the day.” Sign up for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy where your therapist teaches you how to cope with your anxiety while reframing your way of thinking. For this therapy, you will meet with a therapist once every week or two. It can be used in combination with medication and other forms of therapy. Your therapist may give you exercises to do between appointments. Always do these exercises to help improve the effectiveness of therapy. CBT can take up to a few months. You must remain committed to the therapy for the entire duration for it to work. Consider anti-anxiety medications. If you experience prolonged anxiety that affects your ability to sleep and go about your day for an extended period of time, ask your psychiatrist about medication that could reduce your anxiety. Many anti-anxiety drugs can have negative side effects or be habit-forming, so be sure to try methods such as therapy, exercise, and mental strategies before jumping into medications. Panic attacks, extreme social anxiety, and other symptoms can be effectively treated with a prescription drug that suits your needs. Try a natural remedy. Certain herbs, teas, and supplements are said to decrease symptoms of anxiety. Although homeopathic methods are not proven medically, herbs and teas can be useful in soothing and calming you. Try the following options: The chamomile flower is traditionally used to treat anxiety, stress, and an upset stomach. It has properties that are similar to anti-depressant drugs. It can be brewed into tea or taken as a supplement. Ashwagandha is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine that may be helpful in treating anxiety. You can buy it as a supplement. Ginseng is said to help the body reduce stress. Try taking a ginseng supplement daily for its anxiety-fighting effects. Consider trying Kava kava. It is a Polynesian plant said to have a sedative effect that relieves anxiety if used short-term. However, long-term use is not advised, and some people report it can actually make their anxiety worse. If you're interested in trying it, see if your local health foods store carries this supplement, or order it online. Valerian root is popular in Europe for its sedative properties. Take it when you are experiencing difficult bouts of anxiety that you can't seem to overcome. | Eliminate anxiety-inducing food and/or drink from your diet. Incorporate mood-enhancing foods into your diet. Try exercises that relieve anxiety. Use deep-breathing exercises. Do something you love. Relax at home with friends and family. Get some sun exposure. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Get lots of sleep. Confront sources of anxiety you can control. Avoid sources of anxiety you can’t control. Practice meditation. Practice mindfulness meditation. Try visualization. Ask for help. See a therapist. Explain your anxiety to your doctor. Sign up for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Consider anti-anxiety medications. Try a natural remedy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fever-Break | How to Make a Fever Break | If you need to make a fever break, take a cool bath or a shower to lower the person's body temperature. You can also apply a cloth soaked in cool water to their forehead to help bring down the fever, or have them sit or lie down near a fan. Acetaminophen works as an antipyretic, so administer a dose based on the person's age and weight every 4-6 hours. You can also use ibuprofen if you prefer, but do not use this in children under the age of 2. Contact your doctor if the fever persists for more than a couple of days or rises above 101°F for children or 103°F for adults. | Be patient and monitor the temperature. The vast majority of fevers in children and adults are self-limiting, and usually disappear within two to three days. Therefore, you should be patient with mild-to-moderate fevers for a few days (because they are beneficial) and monitor the temperature every couple of hours or so to make sure the fever doesn't get dangerously high. For infants and toddlers, it's best to take rectal readings. Fevers that last for a week or more are reason for concern, as are high temperatures (over 103°F or 39.4°C in adults and over 101°F or 38.3°C in kids). Keep in mind that body temperature is usually highest in the evening and after physical activity. Menstruation, feeling strong emotions and being in a hot and humid environment also raise the core body temperature temporarily. In addition to sweating, other symptoms associated with mild-to-moderate fevers include: muscle aches, general weakness, fatigue, shivering, headache, loss of appetite and flushed face. Additional symptoms associated with high fevers include: hallucinations, confusion, irritability, convulsions, and potential loss of consciousness (coma). While waiting out a mild-to-moderate fever, make sure to keep well hydrated. Fevers trigger sweating, which can quickly lead to dehydration without making the effort to drink lots of fluids. Remove excess clothing or blankets. A simple and common-sense method of reducing a fever is to remove excess clothing during waking hours and excess blankets while in bed. Clothes and blankets insulate our bodies and prevent heat from escaping from our skin. Thus, wear one layer of lightweight clothing and use one lightweight blanket to sleep with while trying to combat a high fever. Avoid clothes and blankets made from synthetic fabrics or wool. Stick with cotton fabrics instead because they breathe better. Remember that your head and feet are capable of losing a lot of heat, so try not to cover your head with hats or your feet with thick socks while fighting a high fever. Don't bundle up someone who develops the chills from a fever because they can get over-heated quickly. Take a cool bath or shower. If you or your child develops a high fever with the associated symptoms (see above), then take action to lower the body temperature by taking a cool bath or shower. However, it's important not to use cold water, ice or alcohol solution because it often makes the situation worse by triggering shivering, which then tends to raise the core body temperature even more. Stick to tepid or cool water and bathe for about 10 to 15 minutes. Taking a bath may be easier than a shower if you are tired, weak and achy. As an alternative, grab a clean cloth or sponge, soak it in cool water, wring it out, and apply it to the forehead as a cold compress. Change it every 20 minutes until the fever comes down. Another good idea is using a spray bottle filled with chilled distilled water to spritzer (spray) yourself every 30 minutes or so in order to cool down. Focus on spraying your face, neck and upper chest for best results. Keep well hydrated. Keeping well hydrated is always important, but it becomes even more so with a fever because you lose more water via perspiration. Aim to increase your water consumption by at least 25%. So if you're used to drinking eight large glasses of purified water daily (the recommended amount for optimal health), increase it to 10 glasses if you have a fever. Drink cool beverages with ice added to try and bring a fever down. Natural fruit / vegetable juice is a good idea because it contains sodium (an electrolyte), which is lost during sweating. Avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages as they can flush the skin and make a person feel warmer. For fevers without noticeable perspiration, consider consuming warmer beverages (such as herbal tea) and foods (such as chicken soup) to trigger sweating — it leads to evaporative cooling of the body. Sit or lay near a fan. The more air that circulates around your body and over your sweaty skin, the more effective the evaporative cooling process is. That's why we sweat in the first place, so that our skin and surface blood vessels cool down as the ambient air evaporates the moisture. Being near a fan simply speeds this process up. Therefore, sit and sleep next to an oscillating fan to help bring down a fever, although make sure enough skin is exposed to be effective. Don't be so close to a fan or have it turned up so high that it causes chills, as shivering and the resulting goose bumps acts to increase the core body temperature. Air conditioning may be the best idea for a hot and humid room, but a mechanical fan is usually a better choice because it's less likely to make the room too cold after a while. Know when to see your doctor. Most fevers are beneficial and shouldn't be artificially reduced or suppressed, but sometimes it's necessary to prevent serious complications, such as a febrile seizures, coma or brain damage. To best understand how to treat a fever, make an appointment with your doctor if it doesn't go away within a week or if the temperature is considered high (see above). Your doctor has all the instruments necessary to take a temperature reading in the most appropriate area — either orally, rectally, under the armpit or in the ear canal. It's time to take your feverish child to the doctor if they have a high fever (>101°F or 38.3°C) and are: listless, irritable, vomiting, makes poor eye contact, appears very sleepy most of the time and/or has completely lost their appetite. Keep in mind that since children are smaller and growing, they might become seriously dehydrated sooner if a fever continues more than a couple days. Adults should see their doctor if they develop a high fever (>103°F or 39.4°C) and any of the following: severe headache, throat swelling, bad skin rash, light sensitivity, stiff neck, confusion, irritability, chest pain, abdominal pain, constant vomiting, numbness and tingling in limbs and/or seizures. If the high fever is caused by a bacterial infection, then your doctor may recommend antibiotics first in order to control or eliminate the infection. Consider taking acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is not only a painkiller (analgesic), but it's also a strong antipyretic, which means it can trigger the hypothalamus in the brain to lower body temperature. In other words, it works by turning down your brain's thermostat. Acetaminophen is typically best and safest for young children with high fevers (using the weight-appropriate dosage recommendations on the box) and also helpful for teenagers and adults. For a high fever, it's recommended to take a dose of acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours. For adults, the maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen is 3,000 mg. Taking too much acetaminophen or taking it for too long can be toxic and damaging to the liver. Pay attention to the ingredients in other medications as well. For example, cold medicine can include acetaminophen. Alcohol should never be combined with acetaminophen. Try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) instead. Ibuprofen is also a good antipyretic — in fact, in some studies it's more effective than acetaminophen at reducing fever in children aged between 2 to 12 years. The main issue is that it's typically not recommended for children younger than 2 years (especially infants younger than 6 months) because of potential serious side effects. Ibuprofen is also a good anti-inflammatory (unlike acetaminophen), which can be helpful if you or your child also experience muscle / joint aches with the fever. For adults, between 400-600 mg can be taken every 6 hours for reducing high fevers. Child doses are typically half that, but it depends on their weight and other health factors, so ask your doctor. Taking too much ibuprofen or taking it for too long can be irritating and damaging to the stomach and kidneys, so take the medication with food. In fact, stomach ulcers and kidney failure are the most serious side effects. Furthermore, alcohol should never be combined with ibuprofen. Be cautious with aspirin. Aspirin is a good anti-inflammatory and strong antipyretic and is very effective for treating high fevers in adults. However, aspirin is more toxic than either acetaminophen or ibuprofen is, particularly to children. As such, aspirin should not be used for fever reduction or any other condition in children or adolescents, especially those experiencing or recovering from viral illness such as the chickenpox or flu — it's linked to Reye's syndrome, an allergic reaction involving prolonged vomiting, confusion, liver failure and brain damage. Aspirin (Anacin, Bayer, Bufferin) is particularly irritating to the lining of the stomach and a significant cause of stomach ulcers in the United States and Canada. Always take aspirin on a full stomach. Maximum adult daily dosage of aspirin is 4,000 mg. Exceeding this amount may cause an upset stomach, ringing in the ears, dizziness and blurred vision. | Be patient and monitor the temperature. Remove excess clothing or blankets. Take a cool bath or shower. Keep well hydrated. Sit or lay near a fan. Know when to see your doctor. Consider taking acetaminophen (Tylenol). Try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) instead. Be cautious with aspirin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Break-an-Egg | How to Break an Egg | To break an egg cleanly, tap it on a hard surface to crack the shell. Hold the egg over a bowl or frying pan and press your thumbs against the indentation, then gently pull the shell apart to release the yolk and whites. To crack 2 eggs at once, tap them both against a firm surface. Hold both eggs over a bowl, keeping your index and pinky fingers on the top and base of the eggs to hold them steady. Use your other fingers to pull the eggs apart. | Hold the egg in your dominant hand. It's best to use your dominate hand when cracking an egg. Grasp the egg firmly in your hand so the long side is facing downward. There is no exact way to hold the egg. Simply hold it in whatever fashion is comfortable for you. Tap the egg on a firm surface. Do not tap the egg on the side of a bowl or dish as the shell may shatter and get into the bowl. Instead, give the long side a few firm taps on a hard, flat surface. Your kitchen counter should work fine. Find the indentation of the egg. Turn the egg over to look at the crack you made. There should be a sideways crack running down the egg and a small indentation near the center of the crack. Pull the shell apart. Press your thumbs against the indentation on the egg. Secure the rest of the egg with your remaining fingers. Holding the egg over a bowl, gently pull the egg apart to release the shell into the bowl. Take two eggs in either hand. If you feel comfortable using your non-dominant hand, you can crack two eggs at once. Secure an egg in either hand. Hold the eggs in whatever fashion is comfortable for you, but make sure your pinky and ring finger touch the bottom of the egg. You may have to hold your egg slightly differently in either hand, which should not affect the process of cracking the eggs. Crack the eggs in your hands. Tap either egg against a firm surface, like the kitchen counter. A few firm taps should make the eggshells crack slightly. Crack the eggs at the same time. Pry the eggs opened. Hold the egg over a bowl. Keep your index and pinky finger on the base of the egg to keep it steady. Then, use your remaining fingers to pull the egg apart and release its contents into your bowl. The technique will take practice, as it's tricky to crack an egg with a single hand. You may break some eggs in the process. Use your dominant hand for the most part. Unless you want to crack two eggs at once, always use your dominant hand. It will be much easier to maneuver the egg using your dominant hand. Remove any bits of shell. Even with the best technique, shells can fall into the egg whites and yolk. To fix the issue, wet your fingers. Place your fingers into the egg whites and yokes. The water will naturally attract the bits of shells. Avoid breaking eggs on the edges of bowls. Never break an egg on the edge of a bowl or dish. While this is the conventional method, it's not effective as it generally causes the egg to shatter. | Hold the egg in your dominant hand. Tap the egg on a firm surface. Find the indentation of the egg. Pull the shell apart. Take two eggs in either hand. Crack the eggs in your hands. Pry the eggs opened. Use your dominant hand for the most part. Remove any bits of shell. Avoid breaking eggs on the edges of bowls. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Abyssinian-Guinea-Pigs | How to Care for Abyssinian Guinea Pigs | To care for your Abyssinian guinea pig, feed it a constant supply of timothy, orchard, or brome hay, which provides the fiber your guinea pig needs. Add fresh fruits and vegetables, like kale, mustard greens, grapes, and oranges, along with pellets reinforced with vitamin C, to give your guinea pig the nutrients it needs. Additionally, give your guinea pig chew toys, paper towel rolls, wicker, or cardboard boxes for it to chew on in order to wear down its teeth, which grow constantly. To make sure your guinea pig gets enough exercise, let your it play outside of its cage under supervision every day. Also, brush your guinea pig every other day to prevent tangles. | House your Abyssinian in the largest possible cage. House your pet in the largest cage that your living space and budget can accommodate. Abyssinians are known for their high energy, so they need plenty of space for exercise. A good size for one guinea pig is about 7 square feet (0.65 square meters), or 30 by 36 inches (76 by 91 cm). Many cages advertised for guinea pigs are around 2 square feet, which is too small for an active Abyssinian. Don't use a glass aquarium or a cage with a wire bottom. Glass aquariums don't allow enough air flow, and wire bottoms can injure a guinea pig's feet and legs. Cover the bottom of the cage with soft bedding. Commercial paper bedding is popular and controls odor. While it doesn't control odor, Timothy hay is a good option, since guinea pigs love to tunnel through and eat it. For the best of both worlds, use paper bedding for the base layer and hay for the top. Stay away from wood shavings, straw, and cat litter, which can each cause injuries or health problems. Place a hide area in its cage. A dark hide area will offer your guinea pig a place to rest and help prevent stress. You can find a hide box online or at your local pet store. You could also just use a cardboard box, a flower pot, or a large PVC tube. If you have more than one guinea pig, then make sure that each animal has its own hideaway. Keep the cage away from drafts and direct heat sources. Like all guinea pigs, Abyssinians are prone to overheating, so keep the cage away from fireplaces, sunlit windows, and other sources of direct heat. They prefer temperatures between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 24 degrees Celsius), so keep the cage away from unheated, drafty areas, too. Abyssinians are especially social and like to be around their owners, so the family room is a good cage location. However, they have sensitive hearing, so keep the cage away from televisions, speakers, and other sources of loud noise. Keep clean water in its cage at all times. Your Abby should always have access to clean fresh water in a bowl or stoppered bottle container. It will probably like to play and sit in a water bowl, so you'll need to change the water several times a day. A stoppered bottle won't need to be changed as frequently. Its spout should be metal so your Abby can't chew through it. Provide a constant supply of grass hay. Timothy, orchard, or brome hay is the most important part of your pet's diet. Hay provides the fiber a guinea pig needs and helps wear down its teeth. Go for grass hay instead of legume hay, such as alfalfa, which contains too much protein and calcium and can lead to obesity. Feed your Abby guinea pig pellets in moderation. Guinea pig pellets provide needed vitamins and minerals, but a constant supply can lead to obesity. Abyssinians are prone to obesity-related diseases, such as diabetes, so you should only provide a small daily portion. A good portion size is 1/8 cup (30 mL) of pellets per 2 pounds (0.9 kg) of weight. Provide a small portion of fresh fruits or veggies. Washed fruits or veggies will keep your guinea pig's diet well-rounded and help prevent it from getting bored with its food. Good choices include kale, mustard and collard greens, grapes, kiwis, and oranges. Serve 1/2 to 1 cup (120 to 240 mL) each day, and remove uneaten portions within a few hours to prevent bacterial growth. Guinea pigs usually don't like cold food, so give it fruits and veggies at room temperature. Don't feed your pet iceberg lettuce, nuts or seeds with shells, dairy products, and candy. Make sure it gets enough vitamin C. Like all other breeds, Abyssinian guinea pigs need to consume lots of vitamin C. Feeding it pellets fortified with vitamin C and daily portions of fresh fruits and veggies will help meet its nutritional needs. You can also purchase chewable vitamin C tablets for guinea pigs or supplements that dissolve in water. Give the cage a daily spot cleaning. Transfer your pet to a spare cage or safe spot, then scoop out droppings, remove uneaten food, and replace soiled bedding. Wash the food and water containers with hot, soapy water, and rinse them well before refilling them. When you do your daily spot cleaning, check for potential hazards and damage to the cage. Check the droppings for signs of illness, such as diarrhea. Wear latex or rubber gloves, use cleaning supplies designated for cage cleaning only, and wash your hands when you're finished. Give the cage a weekly deep cleaning. Take everything out of the cage and throw away all of the old bedding. Clean the cage with hot, soapy water, and use a scrub pad or old toothbrush to remove any stubborn deposits from the bars and floor. Use a store-bought disinfectant or a mild bleach solution to sanitize the cage, toys, and food and water containers. Rinse the cage and accessories thoroughly with hot water after disinfecting them. Let everything dry completely, then add fresh bedding and put the cage back together. Brush your Abyssinian every other day. While they're considered short-haired guinea pigs, Abyssinians have a unique tufted coat that requires some maintenance. Use a soft bristle brush or toothbrush to groom your pet to prevent tangles. Brush outward from the centers of the tufted rosettes on its shoulders, back, and hindquarters. Pay particular attention to the rear end, which is especially prone to matting and compacted droppings. If your guinea pig has a tendency to get matted fur on its rear, trim the fur shorter in that area. You can do it yourself or ask your vet to help you. Bathe your guinea pig only when necessary. Abyssinians handle most of their grooming themselves, and they prefer their own scent to that of cleaning products. However, your pet won't be happy if its beautiful coat gets messy or sticky, so an occasional bath might be necessary. Fill a basin with about an inch (two to three cm) of warm water, then place your guinea pig in the basin. Give it a minute to adjust, and pet it and offer treats so it knows it's safe. Wet its fur with your hands, but take care to avoid its face and ears. Gently massage it with shampoo labelled for guinea pigs, then rinse away all soapy residue with running warm water. Towel dry your guinea pig and brush its fur to prevent matting. Give your pet chew toys and chew sticks. Like other guinea pigs breeds, Abyssinians need to chew in order to wear down their teeth, which grow constantly. Chew sticks and chew toys, cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls, and untreated wood or wicker are all great options. Keep backups handy so you can replace destroyed toys when necessary. Let your guinea pig play outside of its cage under supervision. All guinea pigs are social animals, but Abyssinians love to be with their owners even more than other breeds. In addition to meeting its social needs, daily out of cage time will give your active Abby exercise. Always supervise your pet closely when it's out of its cage, and make sure the room is secure and guinea pig proof. While they're social, Abyssinians typically don't like being held or cuddled. Keep this in mind when small children interact with your Abby. Avoid exercise wheels and balls. They're both bad for a guinea pig's back, and a ball can lead to heat stroke. Make sure the out of cage play area is guinea pig proof. Abyssinians are notoriously mischievous, so you'll need to make sure it can't get into any trouble during out of cage playtime. Keep it away from electrical cords, rugs, or other objects that might tempt it to chew. Make sure it can't get under sofas or beds, into vents, or any other places where it might get lost. Keep other pets away during out of cage time, and supervise children when they interact with your guinea pig. Get your Abyssinian a companion. Your super social Abby will be happier if it has a playmate, especially if you can't spend lots of quality time with it. Caring for multiple guinea pigs isn't too much more demanding than owning just one. The most important thing is to provide a large enough enclosure. Believe it or not, it's illegal to own just one guinea pig in Switzerland! | House your Abyssinian in the largest possible cage. Cover the bottom of the cage with soft bedding. Place a hide area in its cage. Keep the cage away from drafts and direct heat sources. Keep clean water in its cage at all times. Provide a constant supply of grass hay. Feed your Abby guinea pig pellets in moderation. Provide a small portion of fresh fruits or veggies. Make sure it gets enough vitamin C. Give the cage a daily spot cleaning. Give the cage a weekly deep cleaning. Brush your Abyssinian every other day. Bathe your guinea pig only when necessary. Give your pet chew toys and chew sticks. Let your guinea pig play outside of its cage under supervision. Make sure the out of cage play area is guinea pig proof. Get your Abyssinian a companion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-a-Horse-Rug | How to Wash a Horse Rug | If you want to hand-wash a horse rug, fill a large bin with hot water and add non-biological, non-detergent soap. Soak the rug in the bin for at least 30 minutes, pushing it down with a broom handle to ensure it's completely wet. After it's soaked, spread the rug on a clean, flat surface and scrub the rug with a stiff-bristled brush, working from the top of the rug to the bottom. When you're finished, hang the rug over a strong washing line on a fence to air-dry. | Fill a large bin with hot water and non-biological, non-detergent soap. Non-biological soap doesn't contain enzymes that break down fatty, starchy, and greasy compounds, as they can irritate your horse's skin. Detergent soaps can harden the proofing layer of your rug and cause it to peel off. Follow manufacturer's directions for the amount of soap per portion of water. Hand-wash lighter horse rugs, such as summer sheets and coolers. Make sure the bin is large enough that your rug can fully submerge in water. Use phosphate-free, environmentally friendly soap whenever possible. Try Nixwax Rug Wash, Horseware Blanket Wash, or Leather Therapy Blanket Wash. Soak your rug in the bin for 30 minutes or more. Push your rug down into the water with your hands. Now, use the tip of a clean broom handle to press it down into the water repeatedly to expose the entire surface to water. Afterward, let it sit and soak for about 30 minutes. Insulate the bin with bubble wrap, feed bags, or other rugs to keep it hotter for longer. Spread the rug onto the floor and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. Find a flat, clean surface and lay your rug across it. Now, use a brush to scrub the outer layer in single, straight-line motions from the top of the rug to the bottom. Always press down on the brush at the beginning of your scrubbing motion and follow straight through to the end to clean the surface and remove water. Swap your brush with a broom if you'd like. Remove excess dirt from the rug with a stiff-bristled brush. Start by laying the rug over a fence. Now, bang it with the back of your brush to remove dirt and grass. Afterward, use the bristles of the brush to remove any remaining dirt. Be sure to turn the rug over and brush the underside to get rid of the worst of the sweat and hair. Take off any removable straps and close all Velcro straps before brushing your rug. Try brushing your rug every 3 to 4 days to make washing easier. Place your blanket into a mesh washing bag to contain the straps. Purchase a mesh washing bag from big-box stores or online suppliers. Make sure it's large enough to cover the entire surface of the rug. Make any remaining straps as short as possible and cover them with a sock to protect the washing machine. You can also take off removable straps and put them in a pillowcase to wash them separately. Head to a commercial laundromat that specializes in horse laundry to wash your rug. If you want to use your own, be aware that washing horse rugs in a standard washing machine may invalidate the machine's warranty. Machine-wash your blanket on "Delicate" and "Cold" at the laundromat. Double-check manufacturer's instructions to make sure you're cleaning it properly. Start by putting your rug into the washer and adding a mild soap. Afterward, set your washer—most horse rugs are cleaned on a "Delicate" and "Cold" cycle to minimize stretching and agitation. If your rug doesn't fit, head to a commercial laundromat and use the same settings. On older machines, "Delicate" is replaced with "Knits Gentle." Add a small amount of disinfectant to kill any bacteria and reduce odors. Avoid using fabric conditioners or detergents. Air-dry your rug on a strong washing line or over a fence. Ideally, find a spot exposed to both sun and wind. You can also hang your rug with its breast straps fastened over a pole so long as the pole is high enough to keep the rug off the floor. If necessary, hang your rug inside or under your stable's overhang. Don't dry clean or tumble dry your blanket or you might damage it. Avoid drying your rug in the tack room, as the high amount of moisture in the air can rot its leather. Fold your horse rug before storing it. Start by checking that the leg straps are connected and not hanging loose. Now, hold the rug up in front of you and fold it in the middle so that the chest and tail section align. Tuck the belly straps into the fold and fold the neck side of the rug to the center. Afterward, fold the belly side into the center. Hang the blanket with the belly side facing outward if you need to put it somewhere before storing it. Store your rug in a cool, dark place when you don't need it. For the best results, store it in a container that protects it from moisture, dust, or rodents—a plastic tub with a locking lid is a great option. Afterward, put the container in a garage or other location free from humidity and hot temperatures. Make sure that your rug is completely air-dried before storing it. Purchase a waterproofing product for your horse rug. Head to a pet store, outdoor store, or camping store and look for products that can waterproof your rug. Be sure to check the material of your rug and make sure your product is intended for it. Select either a spray or wash-on product. Apply the waterproofing product to your horse rug. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions and follow the directions exactly. For spray-in products, move the bottle in side-to-side motions, taking care to apply the product evenly across the entire surface of the rug. If you're using a wash-in product, put your horse rug into a large bin of hot water, submerge it, and let it soak it into the material for the recommended amount of time. Don't waterproof your blanket unless it is completely clean and dry. Always apply sprays outside. Wear disposable gloves when applying your waterproofing product. Let your horse rug dry for 24 hours between coats. After applying a waterproofing coat, be sure to give the rug enough time for it to set. Read the manufacturer's instructions for drying time and the recommended number of coats. Select a drying location that is cool, dry, and slightly windy. You can also dry your rug under or inside your stable's overhang. In some cases, the waterproofing product must dry away from sunlight. Apply another waterproofing coat if your blanket absorbs water. Throw 1 cup (240 mL) of water onto your blanket and watch it for 1 to 2 minutes—if it stays in beads, your blanket doesn't need another coat. But if it soaks in, it needs another coat. Give your blanket time to dry before applying another waterproofing coat. | Fill a large bin with hot water and non-biological, non-detergent soap. Soak your rug in the bin for 30 minutes or more. Spread the rug onto the floor and scrub it with a stiff-bristled brush. Remove excess dirt from the rug with a stiff-bristled brush. Place your blanket into a mesh washing bag to contain the straps. Machine-wash your blanket on "Delicate" and "Cold" at the laundromat. Air-dry your rug on a strong washing line or over a fence. Fold your horse rug before storing it. Store your rug in a cool, dark place when you don't need it. Purchase a waterproofing product for your horse rug. Apply the waterproofing product to your horse rug. Let your horse rug dry for 24 hours between coats. Apply another waterproofing coat if your blanket absorbs water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Octopus | How to Cook Octopus | To cook octopus, start by cutting the tentacles off of the body using a sharp knife. Then, cut the head off of the middle piece of the octopus and discard the middle piece. Next, bring a large pot of water, vegetables, and herbs to a boil and add the tentacles and head. Let the octopus cook, covered, for 20-45 minutes or until it's tender. Once the octopus feels tender, strain it and serve on its own or with rice or salad. | Thaw the octopus. Frozen octopus can be thawed by sitting it in the refrigerator for roughly 24 hours. Frozen octopus actually has an advantage over fresh octopus because the freezing process helps tenderize the meat. If you are working with fresh octopus, tenderize it first by beating it with a meat tenderizer. Before cooking frozen octopus, however, it must be completely defrosted. Separate the tentacles from the body. Use a sharp kitchen knife to cleanly slice off each tentacle at its base. Note, however, that some recipes require you to cook the octopus whole before cutting it into pieces. Make sure that you read the instructions carefully for the recipe you plan to use before slicing up the octopus. With the octopus lying flat on your working surface, hold up one tentacle and saw it off at the base. Remove the other tentacles in the same manner. If you have kitchen shears, you can cut of the tentacles more easily with those than you can with a sharp knife. Cut the middle piece and the head. Separate the head from the middle piece and cut the head in half. The middle piece that connected the octopus tentacles to the head is hard and unpleasant, so you can discard it. The head, however, should be cooked alongside the tentacles. Remove the beak and ink sac, if necessary. When working with frozen octopus, this step is not usually needed, since most frozen octopus is sold with these pieces already removed. Even if you work with fresh octopus, you can usually ask the fishmonger to clean the octopus for you before he wraps it up for you to take home. Once you halve the head or body of the octopus, the ink sac and innards should be visible. You can cut these away and remove them with little difficulty. The beak might still be attached to the hard middle section you discarded, in which case, no further action is needed. If the beak is attached to the body, however, you can usually push it out by squeezing the octopus gently. Once it is exposed, simply cut it out and throw it away. Fill a stockpot with water and aromatics. Add enough water to a large stockpot to fill it at least 2/3 high. Add your herbs and vegetables to the stockpot, as well. If you have ready made vegetable stock, you could use that instead of using the water and aromatic ingredients. The vegetables and herbs in this recipe primarily exist for the sake of flavoring the octopus. This recipe calls for onion, carrot, leek, bay leaves, parsley, thyme, and peppercorn, but you could change the vegetables and herbs to nearly any other set of aromatics you have available. Bring the stock to a boil. Heat the stockpot over high heat until a rolling boil develops. Let boil for 5 minutes or so. By letting the herbs and vegetables boil in the water before you add the octopus, you help draw the flavor of these aromatics into the water, creating the beginnings of a vegetable stock. Add the octopus. Add all the tentacles and body pieces to the boiling water. The water will slow after you add the octopus, so let it come to a rapid boil again before pressing forward. This recipe works best when the octopus has already been cut into separate tentacles and head pieces. Do not, however, cut the octopus further into smaller chunks. The octopus can still cook if cut smaller, but it is not recommended for aesthetic reasons. Cover and cook until tender. This could take anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes. Test the meat with a fork after 5 minutes. It will not be ready yet, but doing so will give you an idea of how it feels when it is still too tough. Pierce the meat again after 15 minutes and note the difference in tenderness. When ready, the meat of the octopus should practically be falling off the fork as you lift it out of the broth. Remove the octopus and serve. Boiled octopus is generally cut into slices and served with rice or in salad, but you can also enjoy it on its own. You can strain and reserve the water, if desired, for use as seafood stock. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius). Prepare a large rimmed baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil. The oven rack should also be switched to the lower-middle position so that the octopus has plenty of space inside the oven. The majority of the actual cooking process will be done in the oven. Grilling is a great way to add extra flavor to the octopus, but the cooking method is too fast and will not create a tender enough octopus when used alone. Place the octopus on the baking sheet. Sprinkle it with salt and cover it with foil. Create a loose seal by gently crimping the edge of the top sheet of foil to the rim of the baking sheet. Cook the octopus until tender. This could take up to 2 hours. Let cool when done. The meat should feel very tender when pierced with a small paring knife or fork. As the octopus cools, remove the foil cover so that it cools faster. At this point, you can also cover and refrigerate the octopus for two days or so. Discard any liquid that seeped out as the octopus cooked, however. Preheat a grill. Brush the grill rack lightly with 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of olive oil and preheat the grill for about 10 minutes to a high temperature. For a gas grill, turn all the burners onto high and let preheat fully for 10 minutes. For a charcoal grill, spread out a thick layer of charcoal on the bottom of the grill and let them burn down until white ash forms along the surface of the briquettes. Coat the octopus with oil. After coating the pieces with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, to taste. The oil will give the exterior a better glow and a better crunch. It also helps the salt and pepper cling to the meat. Char the octopus on the grill. Place the octopus pieces on the grill and cook for roughly 4 to 5 minutes, or until spotted with brown. After placing the pieces on your grill rack, close the grill and cook the pieces covered. You should only turn the pieces once, and do so during the middle of the cooking process. Serve with olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley. When grilled, octopus can be enjoyed on its own or sliced and added to other dishes. If you plan to serve it as is, though, the extra oil, fresh lemon juice, and parsley can make it an even more flavorful dish. Heat the water and vinegar. Combine the two ingredients in a large stockpot and bring them to a boil over high heat. You can add the aromatic ingredients before the vinegar water reaches a boil, but boiling the water before you add these other ingredients can help keep the boiling point high, thereby making the water boil faster. Add the other aromatic ingredients. Halve the lemon and squeeze the juice into the water before adding both halves to the water, as well. Also add the peppercorns, bay leaves, and salt. Turn the heat down to medium and let the aromatics simmer for 10 minutes. Boiling these ingredients first will create a flavorful liquid for your octopus to cook in. Scar the octopus. Use tongs to dunk a whole, uncut octopus into the simmering water three times, letting it stay beneath the water for 5 seconds each time. You could also wear thick rubber gloves and hold onto the octopus by the head with your hands as you scar it. This method is best suited for a whole octopus. You will not be able to scar a cut-up octopus, since the purpose of this method is to cause the tentacles to curl up as they are rapidly dunked into the hot water. Poach the octopus. Drop it into the water and turn the temperature to medium-high, or until the water reaches a light boil. Let cook for 30 minutes, or until otherwise tender. When tender enough to enjoy, the octopus should be tender enough to pierce with a fork. Cool slightly and serve. Let the octopus cool for a few minutes, just until it becomes cool enough to touch, and enjoy. You could also cover the octopus and save it in the refrigerate up to 8 hours. | Thaw the octopus. Separate the tentacles from the body. Cut the middle piece and the head. Remove the beak and ink sac, if necessary. Fill a stockpot with water and aromatics. Bring the stock to a boil. Add the octopus. Cover and cook until tender. Remove the octopus and serve. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit (130 degrees Celsius). Place the octopus on the baking sheet. Cook the octopus until tender. Preheat a grill. Coat the octopus with oil. Char the octopus on the grill. Serve with olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley. Heat the water and vinegar. Add the other aromatic ingredients. Scar the octopus. Poach the octopus. Cool slightly and serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cite-an-Online-Article | How to Cite an Online Article | To cite an online article using APA style, start with the author's last name and first initial of their first name, followed by a period. Next, include the year of publication in parentheses and end with a period. Then, type out the full title in italics, end with a period, and follow that up with the publication name and volume number, if appropriate. Finally, close the citation with the direct URL. | Start your full citation with the name of the author. If the article has an identified author, provide their last name followed by a comma, then their first name. Place a period after the author's name. If no author is identified, start your citation with the title. Example: Bernstein, Mark. Provide the title of the article in quotation marks. Type the name of the article using title-case. Capitalize nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs in the title. Place a period at the end of the title, inside the closing quotation marks. Example: Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing the Living Web." List the name of the website where the article appears. The name of the website follows the title of the article. Use title-case, capitalizing nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs. Put the name of the website in italics. Place a comma after the name of the website. Example: Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing the Living Web." A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites , Include publication information for the article and the website. Following the name of the website, list the name of the publisher or sponsoring organization if it is not included in the name of the website. Place a comma, then type the date the article was published in day-month-year format. Place a comma after the date. Example: Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing the Living Web." A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites , 16 Aug. 2002, Copy the direct URL (or permalink) for the article. Use the full URL, without the "https://." If the article was found in a database and has a digital object identifier (DOI), use that instead of the URL. Place a period at the end of the URL. Example: Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing the Living Web." A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites , 16 Aug. 2002, alistapart.com/article/writeliving. Close your full citation with the date you accessed the article. Even though an access date isn't specifically required with MLA format, this information is recommended. Websites can be updated, and the information in the article or the location of the article on the website may change. Type the word "Accessed," then provide the date in day-month-year format. Example: Bernstein, Mark. "10 Tips on Writing the Living Web." A List Apart: For People Who Make Websites , 16 Aug. 2002, alistapart.com/article/writeliving. Accessed 4 May 2009. Use the first item in your full citation for in-text citations. A basic MLA in-text citation includes the author's last name and the page on which the information quoted or paraphrased appears, enclosed in parentheses. If the article doesn't have page numbers, simply use the author's last name. Example: (Bernstein). Start your full citation with the author of the article. An APA citation lists the last name of the author, followed by a comma, then the author's first initial. For some online articles, the author may be the group or agency that publishes the website, rather than a specific individual. Place a period after the name of the author. Example: American Nurses Association. Include the date of publication in parentheses. If the article lists a specific date it was published, type the year in parentheses after the name of the author. If more than one date is listed, use the most recent date on which the content of the article was changed or updated. Place a period after the closing parentheses mark. Example: American Nurses Association. (2015). Provide the title of the article in italics. Type a space after the period following the year of publication, then type the title of the article in sentence-case. Capitalize only the first word and any proper nouns. If the article has a subtitle, place a colon after the title and then type the subtitle, also in sentence-case. Include the document type, if available, in square brackets after the title. Place a period at the end. Example: American Nurses Association. (2015). Academic progression to meet the needs of the registered nurse, the health care consumer, and the U.S. health care system [Position statement]. Close with a direct URL (or permalink) where the article appears. Use the phrase "Retrieved from," and then include the full URL for the article. In APA style, URLs are not followed by a period. This is the end of your full citation. Example: American Nurses Association. (2015). Academic progression to meet the needs of the registered nurse, the health care consumer, and the U.S. health care system [Position statement]. http://nursingworld.org/MainMenuCategories/Policy-Advocacy/Positions-and-Resolutions/ANAPositionStatements/Position-Statements-Alphabetically/Academic-Progression-to-Meet-Needs-of-RN.html Use the author's last name and date of publication for in-text citations. After you paraphrase or quote information from the source in your paper, provide the last name of the author and the year the article was published in parentheses. Separate these elements with a comma. Example: (American Nurses Association, 2015). If you have multiple articles with the same author and year of publication, place a lower-case letter after the year to distinguish them in your in-text citations. Make sure the same lower-case letter is reflected in your reference list. Begin your citation with the author's name. If the article has an individual author, type their last name first, followed by a comma, then their first name. Some online articles have a group or organizational author. Type this name exactly as it appears on the website. Place a period after the author's name. Individual author example: Nunley, Kathie. Organizational author example: United Nations Platform for Action Committee. Provide the title of the article in quotation marks. Following the name of the author, type the title of the article using title-case. Capitalize nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs. Place a period at the end of the title, inside the closing quotation marks. Individual author example: Nunley, Kathie. "The Caffeine Craze." Organizational author example: United Nations Platform for Action Committee. "Globalization and Clothes." Include the name of the website or publisher in italics. After the name of the article, provide the name of the website or the organization that publishes the website. Use title-case, capitalizing all nouns, pronouns, verbs, and adverbs. Place a period at the end of the name. Individual author example: Nunley, Kathie. "The Caffeine Craze." Layered Curriculum. Organizational author example: United Nations Platform for Action Committee. "Globalization and Clothes." Women and the Economy. Note the date you accessed the article, or the date it was published. If there is a date of publication for the article, use the most recent date listed. If the article was modified, include the phrase "last modified" before the date. If there is no publication date, use the date you accessed the article after the word "accessed." Use month-day-year format for the date, and place a period at the end. Individual author example: Nunley, Kathie. "The Caffeine Craze." Layered Curriculum. Accessed July 28, 2018. Organizational author example: United Nations Platform for Action Committee. "Globalization and Clothes." Women and the Economy. Last modified March 2011. Copy the full URL of the article. Close your citation with a full direct URL or permalink for the article. If there is no direct URL, use the URL of the home page of the website. Place a period at the end of the URL to end your citation. Individual author example: Nunley, Kathie. "The Caffeine Craze." Layered Curriculum. Accessed July 28, 2018. http://help4teachers.com/caffeine.htm. Organizational author example: United Nations Platform for Action Committee. "Globalization and Clothes." Women and the Economy. Last modified March 2011. http://unpac.ca/economy/g_clothes.html. Alter the punctuation for footnotes in text. In Chicago-style footnotes, include the same information you included in your bibliography. There are some differences from the bibliography entry, however. Parts of the citation are separated with commas in footnotes, instead of periods. The names of individual authors are listed in first name-last name format. Individual author example: Kathie Nunley, "The Caffeine Craze," Layered Curriculum , accessed July 28, 2018, http://help4teachers.com/caffeine.htm. Organizational author example: United Nations Platform for Action Committee, "Globalization and Clothes," Women and the Economy , last modified March 2011, http://unpac.ca/economy/g_clothes.html. | Start your full citation with the name of the author. Provide the title of the article in quotation marks. List the name of the website where the article appears. Include publication information for the article and the website. Copy the direct URL (or permalink) for the article. Close your full citation with the date you accessed the article. Use the first item in your full citation for in-text citations. Start your full citation with the author of the article. Include the date of publication in parentheses. Provide the title of the article in italics. Close with a direct URL (or permalink) where the article appears. Use the author's last name and date of publication for in-text citations. Begin your citation with the author's name. Provide the title of the article in quotation marks. Include the name of the website or publisher in italics. Note the date you accessed the article, or the date it was published. Copy the full URL of the article. Alter the punctuation for footnotes in text. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Act-Around-Someone-You-Do-Not-Like | How to Act Around Someone You Do Not Like | Before interacting with someone you don't like, take a deep breath so you can remain calm. Instead of focusing on that person's actions, which will only frustrate you more, focus on your own goals for the day. If the person tries to strike up a conversation, say hello and only talk as much as you can take. Then, politely excuse yourself by saying, “It was nice to see you,” or, “I don't have time to talk right now, but I hope you have a nice day.” However, if the person has made you feel threatened or harmed, tell someone right away. | Evaluate your dislike. Understanding where your dislike of the person comes from can help you avoid specific situations that may exacerbate your feelings. Ask yourself both, “What do I dislike about this person?” and “Why do those traits or behaviors bother me?” Consider whether those traits truly impact you. For example, if you find a coworker or peer to be arrogant, think about whether their attitude truly has a negative impact on you. Do they take credit for your work, for example? Or do they simply have trait you do not like? Make a concerted effort to not focus on traits that do not have a direct impact on you. Remind yourself, “This person's actions do not have any impact on me and it is not worth my time to negatively focus on them.” Take a breath. Calm yourself by taking a deep breath and refocusing your attention away from that individual. Breathe in slowly for a count of three, hold your breath for two seconds, and breathe out for another three count. As you breathe, focus your attention back on your own goals and challenges for the day, and let that other person slip from your thoughts. Repeat the cycle as necessary throughout the day to help you keep calm. Disconnect yourself. Do not sacrifice professional or academic priorities to avoid this person. However when the situation doesn't necessitate interaction, keep calm by simply disconnecting from the conversation. You may opt to not pick up the phone or respond to that person's email or text message at that time. Do make an effort to respond eventually when you have a clear head. If you must interact with this person on occasion, it is best to be polite. Do not lie or make excuses about why you waited to respond. Simply say, “I apologize that it took me so long to respond,” and continue with your message. Stay neutral. When you dislike someone, it can be easy to further upset yourself by trying to find things to dislike about the person. Remind yourself that you have the option to stay neutral regarding that person's actions or decisions. Do not let your dislike turn into a grudge. When you find yourself looking for more reasons to dislike this person, remind yourself that it is alright to not connect with someone, but it only hurts you to find other things that bother you. Resolve your dislike. Keep your calm in the long term by simply addressing what you dislike directly if you think it can be resolved. If you dislike someone because they treated you poorly at some point, for example, let them know, "I would like to talk about this situation so that we can put it behind us." When you speak with this person, try to avoid accusing them or casting blame. Instead, stick to statements regarding facts and your own feelings. Rather than saying, "You tried to hurt me down by asking me to leave," let them know, "It was hurtful when you asked me to leave because I was excited about this activity, as well." Allow the other person to share their thoughts and feelings on the situation as well. Understand that your perception of the situation might not reflect their perception or intentions. Leave your mind open to hearing their side of the story, as well. Agree upon a resolution. Perhaps you want to be friends now. Perhaps you don't want to socialize, but you will agree to stop saying hurtful things about one another. Find a solution that works for you and the other person, and agree on it once you feel you have addressed the underlying issue. Acknowledge the person. You may not like them, but there is no need to vilify them. If the person you dislike tries to strike up a conversation with you, be willing to say, “Hello,” and wish them a good day before you leave the conversation. You do not have to be friendly, but remember it is common decency to be polite to others. If you do not feel like talking to this person, try saying, “I'm afraid I don't have time to talk right now, but I hope you have a wonderful day.” Do not avoid calls, emails, or other communication that may impact your work or school activities. Remember in those moments that your work is important to you, and it is not worth sacrificing over personal distaste. Be inclusive. Do not exclude this person from group functions or interactions regardless of your feelings. If there is a school or work event that is open to everyone, reach out to this person to ensure they feel welcome. If you are making a lunch run or grabbing supplies for a group project, remember to ask this person if they need anything. This way, you don't have to engage in an extended conversation but you still ensure they feel included. Know that you have the option to not include this person in personal events such as get-togethers with friends or birthday parties, but understand that you should not exclude them from larger group events. Avoid gossip. It is normal to want to express your feelings when you dislike someone, but remember that word could get back to them if you talk behind their back. Try to avoid disparaging this person, even when they are not around. If there is a truly harmful interaction between the two of you, don't resort to gossiping about them. Instead, report this to your manager, teacher, or another party who may be able to help mediate. If there is a moment that was not harmful to either of you, but that you truly feel the need to discuss, present it to someone who does not know or share an environment with this person. Try to avoid allowing your negative feelings into their life. Offer to help. If the reason this person bothers you is because they are constantly asking you for assistance, to check their work, or to go over something again, offer to help them. Take the time to teach them the processes they need to know to contribute to the project. This not only helps them, but may also help you minimize future interactions. Set up a tutoring session and take them through whatever processes they need to learn step-by-step. Take that time to show them where they can find informational resources, either online or through print material to which they have access, that may help them answer their own questions. Smile through it. There may be times, such as seeing an ex at a mutual friend's gathering, where you feel obligated to act cordial toward the person you dislike. In those situations, it is best to smile, politely say hello, and talk only as much as you can take. There is no need for you to interact beyond pleasantries, especially if it is going to cause you mental anguish or an emotional outburst. Spare yourself and those around you by simply saying, "It was nice to see you," and walking away. If the two of you are participating in something together, divide up duties. If you are both working at a table for an event, for example, have them go out into the crowd and draw people in while you stay and man the table. Politely excuse yourself. You do not have to stay involved in a conversation with someone you do not like, but you should not simply blow them off. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation by letting that person know that you have other matters that also need your attention at that moment. Let them know something like, “It was nice to catch up, but I have to excuse myself. I have some pressing matters that I need to take care of.” Remember that you are not obligated to disclose any information that you do not want. If they start asking about your personal life or plans that you do not want to talk about, simply let them know, “I'm not comfortable talking about that right now.” Avoid lying. Making up excuses might seem like the easy way to get out of conversation or social obligation with this person, but lying is not only improper, it creates a burden for you since you have to remember the story and possibly create further fabrications. Avoid lying and instead be polite but honest when speaking with this person. If this person asks you to hang out, for example, you don't need to say, “No, because I don't like you.” Instead, opt for an honest but less offensive response such as, “I don't feel like hanging out tonight.” Don’t make false promises. When you are trying to be polite, it can be tempting to make promises such as, “Not now but definitely another time,” or, “I can't talk right now but I'll text you later.” Try not to make promises you do not intend to follow through on. This is both disrespectful to the other person, and may encourage them to come around later trying to engage you. Instead of making false promises, simply stop your statements short. Try, “I don't think I can tonight,” instead of, “I don't think I can tonight but maybe next week.” Alert an authority figure. If your dislike of this person comes from them antagonizing or displaying potential harmful behavior toward you, do not be afraid to stand up for yourself. Let an authority figure know, whether that be your teacher, your boss, or the police, if necessary. Explain the situation to them and let them know what this person has done to make you feel threatened or harmed. Try to stick to facts and accounts of actions as much as possible. If you regularly encounter this person and worry about potential further harm through extended contact, request to be put in a situation that involves little to no contact with this person. This may include transferring desks, shifting part of your job duties, or moving to another class. Remember your own value. If you do not like a person because they disparage you or put you down, remember that this individual is expressing a personal opinion, not stating fact. Remind yourself of your own value and worth, and allow your positive thoughts to replace their negative input. Trying making a list of three to five things that you like about yourself to help remind yourself of your positive traits. List not only the items, but why they are important and how they help you in your daily life. If this person is antagonizing you over something they know is a larger issue in your life, you may want to seek professional assistance such as therapy to help you deal with not only this person but your matters in a healthy way. Say no. If an antagonistic person tries to talk to you, make plans with you, or in any other way engage with you, do not be afraid to tell them no. Let them know, “I do not think you are a positive force in my life and I do not want speak with you.” Know that you have the power and the authority to say no at any time. If this person occupies a position of power in your life it may seem difficult to get away from them, but know that you always have the option to tell them no or remove yourself from the situation. | Evaluate your dislike. Take a breath. Disconnect yourself. Stay neutral. Resolve your dislike. Acknowledge the person. Be inclusive. Avoid gossip. Offer to help. Smile through it. Politely excuse yourself. Avoid lying. Don’t make false promises. Alert an authority figure. Remember your own value. Say no. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Free-Gas | How to Get Free Gas | To get extra gas at the pump, print out your receipts when you fill up and check to see if there is a mismatch between the amount you were charged for and the amount of gas you got, which can happen if the machine is miscalibrated. If there are, go inside and ask for a refund, or for extra gas. You can also try shaking the gas hose to let out extra gas that you haven't been charged for. Also, keep the nozzle in your tank for as long as possible to let any extra gas flow into your tank for free. | Print out your receipts and check the pumps. Some pumps don't give you what you pay for. If you want to get free gas, it's important to make sure that the gas you are paying for matches up with what is advertised. Sometimes the pumps can be miscalibrated, and if they are, you can get some extra gas for free. Try filling up a container you're sure of the dimensions of, like a gas can, instead of your tank. Use a calculator quickly to make sure that the price that you're paying matches the amount that went in. If it doesn't, go in and ask for a refund, or for extra gas. If you find a pump in your town that's reliably wonky, keep going back to it and complaining every time it messes up. Print your receipts every time and double-check. Shake the hose. At some pumps, even newer multi-pump dispensers, you can take the nozzle out of the dispenser with one hand and grip the hose 2-3 feet above the nozzle with your other hand, and shake firmly downward, as if you were cracking a whip. A small amount of gas will squirt from the nozzle every time you do this, and it won't show up on the counter. Warning: This can be extremely dangerous, resulting in damage to the dispenser or personal injury. It's also a good way to get you into trouble and a super-inefficient way to fill your tank. Keep the dispenser in your tank for as long as possible. Often, a little gas will keep coming after you cut off the flow. Shake the hose gently and get the rest of the gas out of it and into the tank. It won't be like getting a full tank for free, but you'll be getting a little extra than what you paid for. Stay at a hotel that offers free gas rewards. Book a hotel stay directly with a chain that offers gas cards as a reward for frequent bookings, such as Choice Hotels. Some hotel booking services, like Hotels.com and Expedia.com, have also offered gas cards as a reward for booking through them. A few smaller chains or individual hotels also offer gas cards to visitors. Some Kensington Hotels or Personality Hotels offer a complimentary $10 gas card per night's stay. If the hotel you're planning to stay at doesn't have an advertised gas card or free gas offer, inquire. Sometimes the gas-card package costs a little more than the standard room package, but you might still save money once you factor in the money you save on gasoline. Offer your vehicle as a moving billboard. "Drivertising" companies pay you a monthly fee in return for the right to place advertisements, ranging from rear-window decals to full-car covers, on your vehicle. "Drivertising" companies to investigate include gasforfree.com and freegashelp.com. Often, these offers are only extended to frequent drivers that average more than 1,000 miles (1,600 km) per month. However, some agencies will make exceptions, especially if you live near a university or areas with high pedestrian activity. Other requirements include having a late-model vehicle in good repair, a clean driving record and valid insurance. You may get a bonus, or qualify for special advertising, if you drive a specialty vehicle or have an occupation, such as pizza delivery, that requires you to drive long distances every day. Be a cop. Ever notice that you've never seen a patrol car filling up at a gas station? That's because police officers in metropolitan areas usually get to fill up for free at specific guarded locations. This only applies to the unit cars, not their daily drivers, but it's an effective way at getting gas for free and getting around town on the city's dime. Other jobs that let you use vehicles with gas in them include parks departments and other city jobs. You usually don't have to pay for gas, or you'll be reimbursed after the fact. Give people rides and make them pay. Carpooling can be a great way of getting someone else to spring for the gas. If you give someone a ride somewhere, ask if they wouldn't mind springing for a little extra in the tank, or giving you some cash to help cover it. Totally fair request. Some state and local governments also offer gas cards as an incentive for carpooling. Sometimes, the offers will be for other kinds of bonuses, like gift cards to restaurants or coffee shops. Still, free stuff! Ask about free gas the next time you rent a car. If you're traveling and need a car, you can sometimes get a little in the tank for free. Some rental companies offer a free tank of gas with select rentals, or as a part of other offers. If you don't have a strong opinion about what car you drive, or are willing to negotiate, you might luck out. Participate in survey rewards programs and credit card rewards programs. You can usually redeem reward points for gift cards at the merchant of your choice, which sometimes includes gas stations, or fillable gas cards that will come with some money already loaded on. These can be a great and hassle free way of getting some extra gas at the pump. Open a new checking or savings account. Some banks offer free gas as an incentive to draw new members. Keep an eye out for these kinds of offers and try signing up for a new savings account to keep all the money you're saving at the pump. Research the terms and conditions of opening an account with that bank before you march in and ask for your gas card. In some cases, you may be required to maintain a minimum balance, or you may be charged a maintenance fee for keeping the account open. | Print out your receipts and check the pumps. Shake the hose. Keep the dispenser in your tank for as long as possible. Stay at a hotel that offers free gas rewards. Offer your vehicle as a moving billboard. Be a cop. Give people rides and make them pay. Ask about free gas the next time you rent a car. Participate in survey rewards programs and credit card rewards programs. Open a new checking or savings account. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-a-Holter-Monitor | How to Wear a Holter Monitor | Before you put on a holter monitor, make sure to wash your skin well with soap and water so the adhesive pads will stick to your body. Once you dry off, put the adhesive pads on your chest and the bottom of your rib cage as directed by your doctor. Then, check the device to ensure the battery is charged and the activity lights are flashing. After you put the monitor on, continue doing your normal, daily activities so your doctor can get an accurate picture of what your heart activity is like. However, you should avoid getting the monitor wet, so take it off before showering or doing any sweaty exercise. | Decide if you need to see the cardiologist. If you believe you are having heart problems, you should schedule an appointment with a cardiologist. Your cardiologist will be able to counsel you on what the next steps should be and what tests they want you to undergo. If you don't have a cardiologist, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider and they will give you a referral to a cardiologist if you need one. Schedule an appointment with the cardiologist. You'll need an appointment with a cardiologist or a hospital to get the monitor. Typically, a monitor is worn for 24 to 48 hours, but this timeframe can increase up to several weeks at your doctor's discretion. Your doctor will prescribe the required time for you. Your doctor will generally want to do an Electrocardiogram (EKG) and an Echocardiogram before resorting the Holter monitor. The EKG and the Echo will give your cardiologist a reading of your heart's activity in that moment. But your doctor may want a prolonged, more detailed reading. Some common reasons people end up wearing a Holter monitor include suspecting they have an irregular arrhythmia or checking to see if various medication is working effectively. Pick up the monitor. When you go to pick up your monitor for the first time, the tech may put it on for you. If they do, they will affix sticky patches to your skin that help get a more clear reading. If the tech only gives you the monitor, you will have to attach it yourself. Clean your skin. The first step in attaching your Holter monitor is to clean your skin very well with soap and alcohol where the adhesive pads will attach to your body. Note that some of them have a gel to affix, and some of them have self-stick pads. If your monitor comes with cleansing wipes, use those to clean the area every time you put new sticky pads on. Attach the sensors to your skin. Put the adhesive pads on your body as directed — this usually means three pads on your chest and one near the bottom of your rib cage on the lower, left-hand side. Secure the electrical leads to the pads according to the instructions. Typically, the leads will snap into place on the adhesive pads, but you may have to use a sticky surgical tape instead. Activating the device. There are various types and brands of Holter monitors, so instructions for activating the device may vary; however, for most Holter monitors, you won't need to do anything except make sure the battery is charged to maintain functionality. If the battery is charged, the machine automatically turns on. Make sure you see the activity lights flashing on the monitor itself so you know that it is working properly. Conduct your normal activities. It is important to live your life normally while wearing the monitor so that your cardiologist can get a genuine representation of your heart activity in your normal life; however, you will not be permitted to get the monitor wet, which means you will have to remove it when you shower. Be sure to reattach the monitor as soon as you are done showering and have dried your body off. It is important to avoid all activities that would get the monitor wet while you're wearing it. Don't shower with the monitor, avoid sweaty exercises, don't go swimming, etc. Keep the battery charged. You will need to make sure the battery for the monitor remains charged. Your cardiologist will probably give you an extra battery so that you can always have a fully charged one that you swap out as needed. This way, you can always have one battery charging while the other is being used. Typically, you will be given a battery charging port that the battery simply slips into to charge. You will receive explicit instructions about charging the batteries from the technician at the cardiologist's office before you leave. Keep a diary. It is important to keep track of your cardiac symptoms while you are wearing the Holter monitor. Keep a journal or diary and write down notes about every abnormal cardiac event that you feel while wearing the monitor. This will give your doctor a more complete picture of what is going on with your cardiac health. Some monitors come with a separate phone-like device that allows you to “track” your symptoms. This means that you notify the monitoring company when you feel a symptom so that they know to pay special attention to what is happening on the monitor at that time. Remove the monitor from your body. When the data measurement period is over, remove the pads and put the device back into its box/packaging. Your doctor may have a solvent to help making removal of the patches easier as they can often leave sticky marks on the skin for days after removal. Return the equipment. The monitor is basically a rental from the doctor's office; it is not yours to keep. You must return it to the cardiologist within a specified period of time. If you don't return it, they will charge you for the equipment. You may have to physically go to the cardiologist's office to return the monitor, or you may be able to simply mail it back to their office. It all depends on the cardiologist's preference, but they will make it clear to you how they want you to return the device before you leave with it. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your cardiologist. Your cardiologist will read the results from your Holter monitor and discuss it with you at this appointment. They will let you know if there are any problems and what possible courses of treatment might be. The doctor will read the data from the machine and interpret it; they will then decide where to take your treatment from here. Your cardiologist may take care of all this with a phone call instead of a follow-up appointment. | Decide if you need to see the cardiologist. Schedule an appointment with the cardiologist. Pick up the monitor. Clean your skin. Attach the sensors to your skin. Activating the device. Conduct your normal activities. Keep the battery charged. Keep a diary. Remove the monitor from your body. Return the equipment. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your cardiologist. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Transplant-Potted-Flowers-Outdoors | How to Transplant Potted Flowers Outdoors | The best way to transplant potted flowers outside is to dig a hole that's just as deep and twice as wide as the pot that your flowers are in. Sprinkle some organic potting soil and 1 tablespoon of slow-release fertilizer into the hole. Carefully pull the root ball out of the pot and loosen up the root ball with your hands. Place the root ball in the hole and fill the hole with the dirt you dug up. Pat the dirt down and water it. | Pick a planting location that meets your plant’s sunlight and soil needs. Different flowers thrive in different environments. Choose a spot in your yard that gets the correct amount of sun and contains the right kind of soil for your particular flowers to help them grow and thrive. For example, if you have peonies, plant them in a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil in order to get the best results possible. If you aren't sure what your type of flowers need, do some research online to find out. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the pot. Use a shovel to dig a hole in your chosen planting location. Make sure that the hole is as tall as the pot or container that your flowers are currently in. Also make sure that your hole is about twice as wide as the pot or container is. Add potting soil and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of balanced fertilizer to the hole. Get some organic potting soil from your local garden center and sprinkle a little bit into the hole. Then, measure out 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of 10-10-10 slow-release fertilizer and mix it in with the potting soil to ensure that your flowers are surrounded by all of the proper nutrients. 10-10-10 fertilizer contains equal quantities of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Slide the flowers out of their pot. Hold the base of the plant with 1 hand and hold the pot with the other. Lean the pot over sideways and slightly upside down. Pull up on the pot while supporting the flowers with your other hand. Allow the plant and dirt to slide out. Give the bottom of the pot a pat if the plant doesn't slide out easily. Massage the flowers’ root ball to break it apart. The soil surrounding your flowers' roots is likely compact and shaped like the pot from being kept inside it. Gently grab at the edges of the soil surrounding your flowers' root system to break it apart a little bit. This should help the plant adapt to its new environment. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill it with soil. Set the root ball in the hole you dug and make sure that it's straight and centered. Then, push the soil you dug up towards the base of the plant. Pat the dirt down gently. Water the flowers at their base. Fill a watering can with water and then pour water at the base of the plant. If the water soaks into the ground quickly, refill your watering can partially and water the flowers again. Check on your flowers daily to ensure that they’re adapting. Check on your flowers each day for about a week to make sure that they're adjusting well. Continue to water your flowers consistently as needed. If you check on the flowers and they've started to wilt and/or brown a little bit, give them more water and provide shade for them with a sunshade cover or patio umbrella. If you aren't sure if your flowers need water, stick your fingers into the soil. If the first 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) feel dry, you may need to water your flowers. Choose a large flower pot with drainage holes. Large pots are better at providing insulation for your flowers' roots and can also hold more water than smaller ones. Drainage holes are necessary for preventing root rot. Try to find a pot that has all of these qualities. Keep the container size in mind while picking out a flower pot. While you want your pot to be bigger than your container, you don't want it to be so big that the flowers look small in the pot. Put a 1 inch (2.5 cm) layer of fine gravel in the bottom of the pot. Fine gravel, horticulture charcoal, and clay pot shards typically keep water from collecting in the bottom of potted plants. Spread any 1 of these out in an even layer. Fill the pot ⅔ of the way with soil-free potting mix. Soil-free potting mix is light and fluffy, and so roots that are planted in it can access more oxygen and nutrients. Pour the potting mix into your pot until it's about ⅔ of the way full. Slide the plant out of its container. Tilt your container sideways and carefully slide the plant and surrounding dirt out. Use your hands to break apart some of the compacted dirt that's on the outside edges of the root ball. Hold the root ball over the pot while you do this so that some of the dirt falls in. This should encourage the plant to adapt to its new environment. If your flowers are in a thin, plastic container, cut the container off instead of sliding the flowers out of it. Place the root ball in the pot. Set the root ball on top of the soil-free potting mix. Make sure that the plant is sitting centered and straight inside of the pot. Add some more potting mix to the pot and water your flowers. Sprinkle more soil-free potting mix into the pot until it's about 2 inches (5.1 cm) from the top. Then, water your flowers and lightly press the potting mix down evenly. Place your pot in the shade until the next day. Set your pot somewhere outside in a well-shaded area. It may take your flowers 1-2 days to adjust, so keep them in this location during this time. After a day or so, you can move them to a location that has a little more sun. After a few more days, your flowers should be able to handle being placed somewhere that gets full sun. Provide water and fertilizer for your flowers. Different flowers need different amounts of water, but as a general rule of thumb, it's best to keep the potting mix consistently moist. Additionally, provide balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer for your flowers about twice a month to give them the best shot at survival and healthy growth. Stick your fingers into the top of the potting mix if you aren't sure if your flowers need to be watered. If the mix feels dry, it's likely time to water. Bring your flowers inside during the winter. Your potted flowers will need to be moved inside in order to survive once the temperature drops. As winter nears, bring the flowers inside to keep them thriving. Don't bother bringing the flowers inside if you live somewhere that doesn't tend to drop below 50 °F (10 °C). Wait until the temperature is above 50 °F (10 °C). While each type of flower has different needs, most flowers grow and thrive best in temperatures over 50 °F (10 °C). If you're wanting to move your flowers from inside your home to outside, wait for the weather to warm up first to ensure that your flowers will adjust well. Make sure to move your flowers back inside once the weather cools down again. Put your potted flowers in a sheltered, shady place. A smaller environmental change is better for your flowers than a big one is. When you first move your potted flowers outside, make sure to place them somewhere that's protected and that doesn't get too hot. Screened-in porches are ideal for this. Expose your flowers to sun over time. Since they've been indoors, it'll take some time for your flowers to be less light-sensitive. Each week or so, move your potted flowers to a location that gets a little bit more sun until they've adjusted enough to be placed in the location you want to keep them in. Give your flowers more water and fertilizer than you normally would. Since your flowers have been kept inside with minimal exposure to direct sunlight, they probably haven't needed a whole lot of water or fertilizer. Increase the amount of each that you give your flowers, especially if it's very warm and/or windy outside, to keep them as healthy as possible. | Pick a planting location that meets your plant’s sunlight and soil needs. Dig a hole that’s twice as wide and just as deep as the pot. Add potting soil and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of balanced fertilizer to the hole. Slide the flowers out of their pot. Massage the flowers’ root ball to break it apart. Place the root ball in the hole and backfill it with soil. Water the flowers at their base. Check on your flowers daily to ensure that they’re adapting. Choose a large flower pot with drainage holes. Put a 1 inch (2.5 cm) layer of fine gravel in the bottom of the pot. Fill the pot ⅔ of the way with soil-free potting mix. Slide the plant out of its container. Place the root ball in the pot. Add some more potting mix to the pot and water your flowers. Place your pot in the shade until the next day. Provide water and fertilizer for your flowers. Bring your flowers inside during the winter. Wait until the temperature is above 50 °F (10 °C). Put your potted flowers in a sheltered, shady place. Expose your flowers to sun over time. Give your flowers more water and fertilizer than you normally would. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Know-if-You-Are-Gay | How to Know if You Are Gay | If you're not sure how to know if you are gay, think about any past romantic experiences you have had. If you have had only had crushes on people of a different gender, you are probably straight. If you have had romantic experiences or fantasies involving people who are the same gender as you, then there is a good chance you are gay or bisexual, but it's okay if you're a little confused. Also, if you don't want to, you don't have to label yourself at all. You like who you like, and you can leave it at that. It may help to think of loving people, rather than their gender. | Count how often you notice people of each sex. When you're out in public, observe who tends to draw your eye. Gay people are more likely to notice people who are the same sex as them, while straight people tend to notice the opposite sex more. Alternatively, bisexual people may notice both sexes roughly equally. For example, let's say you're a guy enjoying the day at the beach. If you find yourself checking out the other guys in their swimsuits, you might be gay. Keep in mind that you might sometimes notice people for reasons other than being gay. For instance, you might really like their outfit. Notice who sexually arouses you. Being gay means that you have a sexual preference for the same sex as your own. Look at pictures of people who are commonly viewed as “attractive” and see which sex arouses you. If you're more aroused by people who are the same sex as you, it's possible that you're gay. If you find both sexes arousing, you may be bisexual. For example, you might look at pictures of celebrities to see what attracts you. However, keep in mind that thinking someone looks attractive doesn't necessarily mean you'd want to have sex with them. Examine your past crushes to see who you’re attracted to. Your crushes can tell you a lot about your sexuality. Think about the people you've “liked” in the past. Notice if you tend to develop crushes on people who are the same sex as you. This could be a sign that you're gay or bisexual. For example, if you're a guy who's crushed on a soccer teammate, a fellow boy scout, and your best guy friend, you might be gay. It's normal to have occasional crushes on someone who's the same sex as you, even if you're not gay. However, if you find yourself having same-sex crushes often, you might be gay. Reflect on your past relationships and how they made you feel. You can be gay even if you've had straight relationships in the past. Think about who you dated in the past and how comfortable you felt in the relationship. Ask yourself if you felt attracted to this person and what type of attraction you felt. This can help you figure out if you might be gay or bisexual. For example, let's say you're a guy who's had several girlfriends. If you felt uncomfortable with physical contact with each girl, it's possible that you're gay. Keep in mind that you might just not be ready for intimacy or may be asexual , both of which are okay. You don't have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. Examine your sexual fantasies to help identify your sexual preference. Reflect on the type of fantasies you've had in the past. Notice what you were doing and who you tend to think about. If you often fantasize about same-sex relationships, you may be gay or bisexual. As an example, let's say you tend to think about people who are the same sex as you are whenever you masturbate. You may be gay, but you could also be bisexual if you sometimes think about the opposite sex. Don’t assume you’re gay based on how you walk, talk, or dress. You've probably heard stereotypes about what makes someone gay, but none of these are true. Your sexual orientation has nothing to do with your style, appearance, or how you speak. Similarly, walking or dancing a certain way doesn't make you gay. Ignore these stereotypes when figuring out your sexual orientation. For instance, having a high-pitched voice as a guy doesn't make you gay. Similarly, preferring short hair as a girl doesn't make you a lesbian. Flirt with someone who’s the same sex as you to see if it feels right. Start by giving a compliment to someone you think is attractive. If they seem comfortable with it, playfully touch their arm or shoulder. See how it makes you feel. You might say, “That color looks amazing on you.” If you enjoy flirting with the same sex, you might be gay or bisexual. If you feel like it's boring or awkward, it's possible that you're straight. Kiss or hold hands with someone who’s the same sex if you want. Physical intimacy like kissing or holding hands will help you figure out if you might enjoy being with someone who's the same sex as you. Take things slow and start by holding hands with them. Then, consider giving them a kiss if you both seem to be comfortable with it. Keep in mind that kissing and touching a person who's the same sex as you doesn't automatically mean you're gay. Don't do anything that feels uncomfortable to you. If you get uncomfortable, excuse yourself. Say, “I need to refresh my drink,” or “I'm going to go find a snack.” Use protection if you decide to go all the way with someone. If you want to be sexually intimate with someone, use a condom or dental dam to protect both of you from sexually transmitted infections (STIs). You are still at risk even if you're having a same-sex relationship. Only have sex with someone if it's really what you want. Don't be afraid to take things slow. Keep in mind that even if you have a sexual experience with someone of the same sex or gender, that doesn't necessarily mean that you're gay. Likewise, having sex with someone of the opposite sex or gender doesn't have to mean that you're straight. View your sexual identity as something that’s fluid. Things would be so simple if you could just label yourself as gay and be done with it, but it may not be that easy. It's normal for you to have questions and change your mind sometimes. Listen to how you feel and respect your personal preferences at the moment. For instance, you might feel like you're gay but still aren't sure. That's okay. When you're ready, you can decide what label feels right to you. Celebrate your sexual identity as part of who you are. Embracing who you are is something to celebrate, so be proud of yourself. Recognize that you are perfect the way you are and give yourself permission to be you. If you're not ready to tell everyone that you're gay, that's totally okay! This doesn't mean you aren't proud. It's normal to be nervous, so take your time and come out when you feel it's the right time. Label your sexual identity when you feel ready. Take your time to figure out your sexual orientation. It's okay if it takes you awhile and if you change your mind. It's totally normal to experiment and question your sexual preferences. When you feel ready, decide on which label you want to use for yourself. For instance, you might think you're bisexual because you've dated both same-sex and opposite-sex partners. However, you might later realize you're gay. It's okay to change your mind and re-label yourself as gay. Come out on your own terms. There's no right or wrong way to come out. Your sexual identity is personal, so you don't owe anyone an explanation. At the same time, being out and proud may help you feel like you're being true to yourself. When you're ready, tell someone you trust about your sexual orientation, like a family member, friend, or teacher. Then, slowly tell the other people who are important to you. For instance, you might start with your best friend. Tell them, “Have you ever noticed that I always notice hot guys? That's because I'm gay.” When you tell your parents, it might help to bring educational resources for parents who have gay children. Say, “I love you, so I want to share something important with you. I'm gay, and I'm really proud of it. Since I realized this, I'm feeling really happy and excited about falling in love. I hope you can understand and support me.” Don't feel like you have to take things slow if you're ready to come out. If you want people to know your sexual identity, go ahead and tell them. Consider if you’re bisexual if you’re attracted to both sexes. Being bisexual means you're attracted to either sex. This can feel really confusing at first because you might suspect that you're gay but then have a crush on someone who's the opposite sex. It's totally okay to be bisexual, so give yourself permission to explore this possibility. Being bisexual doesn't mean you're attracted to everyone. It just means that you may be attracted to people of either sex. Similarly, being bisexual doesn't mean that you have to switch back-and-forth between the sexes. Reach out to a counselor if you’re struggling emotionally. It's totally normal to have conflicted emotions when you're exploring your sexual identity. But if you're overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, sadness, or anxiety, or if you aren't getting the support you need from your family members or community, there are people who can help. Ask your doctor to recommend a counselor. Or, if you're a student, find out if your school offers counseling services. You can also find support groups online or call a crisis line that's dedicated to LGBTQ issues. For example, young people living in the U.S. can call the Trevor Project 24/7 at 1-866-488-7386. | Count how often you notice people of each sex. Notice who sexually arouses you. Examine your past crushes to see who you’re attracted to. Reflect on your past relationships and how they made you feel. Examine your sexual fantasies to help identify your sexual preference. Don’t assume you’re gay based on how you walk, talk, or dress. Flirt with someone who’s the same sex as you to see if it feels right. Kiss or hold hands with someone who’s the same sex if you want. Use protection if you decide to go all the way with someone. View your sexual identity as something that’s fluid. Celebrate your sexual identity as part of who you are. Label your sexual identity when you feel ready. Come out on your own terms. Consider if you’re bisexual if you’re attracted to both sexes. Reach out to a counselor if you’re struggling emotionally. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Run-a-Talent-Show | How to Run a Talent Show | To run a talent show, start by creating an application for participants and then advertising auditions for your show. Once you've scouted the talent, find a venue, like a local school or theater, and decide on a date. Then, advertise your show with flyers, online, and through social media so you draw a big crowd. On the night of your show, set up a ticket booth for guests as well as a concession stand so people in the audience have something to drink and snack on. | Choose the type of talent show you want. Decide if you want an exhibition or fundraising show. Decide on the kind of performances you are looking for and if it will be a competition. Once you have decided, then you can choose the appropriate venue and staff. If the show is a competition, decide on the rewards for the winners. Make a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place with tiered awards. Consider making a winner for each performance category. Create a judging criteria. If you have judges, create categories and a point system. For example, 20 points for originality, 20 points for costume, etc. Create penalties for exceeding the time limit to keep the competition fair. Create a budget. The budget is the lifeline of your show. You will have to host your show at a venue, advertise for it, and buy supplies. Determine the size of your show and how large the budget needs to be to make it successful. Find sponsors to help raise money to host the show and provide awards. Application fees and ticket sales will help pay back your initial expenses. Set a spending limit for each show category such as advertising and rental fees. Create an organizational committee. Assemble a group of community members - such as parents, local business owners, and teachers - and form a committee. This committee will help plan, promote, and organize the talent show. An organizational committee will not only help take the pressure off of you, but will also give you support in emergencies. Designate a treasurer to keep track of your budget and expenses. Choose a venue. Think about the size of your show. You want to be able to accommodate the size of your audience. If the show is small and the performers require minimal technical assistance, then a small meeting hall is the best. Larger halls require more advanced technical setups with PA systems. Find a local school or theater to host the event. If you work with a place that already has the venue, contact the person in charge of its schedule. Remember your audience. Depending on the venue you choose, you will have the provide adequate seating. If you choose an empty hall, for instance, you have the choice to set up rows of folding chairs or tables for the audience to sit. Set your date. Set your date as soon as possible. You want to make sure your venue is available and secure it. Plan your date around other major events the show's participants might have. For instance, if your show is full of students, then you want to plan around tests. Create a support staff. You will need people who are not performing or judging to help run the show. You will need stagehands and a stage manager, sound and light operators, and judges (if it is competitive) at the very least. Recruit people in the community who want to help but do not want to perform. It's important to think about every aspect of your show. You will need people to set-up, run the show, attend to the audience, and clean up. Host a tech training day. Some people without technical experience may wish to help with the technical aspects of the show. Holding a technical training day will help them gain experience and be able to help run your talent show. Create an application for participants. Applications keep records of the participants as well as set parameters and legal agreements. This helps you organize participants according to the show's categories and keep track of their technical needs. Indicate anything that is unacceptable for your show. For example, if you do not want nudity or pyrotechnics, stipulate that on the application. Make sure participants under 18 get the signatures of their legal guardians to participate. List the categories of the talent show so that the participants can check where their performance falls under. Charge an application fee to create a larger reward and to help with the costs of running the show. Indicate when the prizes will be disbursed. Advertise your auditions. Make flyers that tell the time, date, and place that you are holding auditions. Indicate the age range, type of performances, and awards. Tell them where they can apply. List the application fee if there is one. Specify if you want them to be in their stage apparel. Provide relevant contact information in case anyone has questions about their act or your show. Find a place to hold auditions. You will want to book a spot where everyone can perform their act at full volume with plenty of space. Choose a time that works well for both the judges and performers. For instance, if the judges work during the day or the performers got to school, hold the auditions on a weeknight or on the weekend. Any off-site hall, dance studio, or gym makes a great spot to hold auditions. Do not use someone's home. You will not be able to hold the amount of people auditioning, and you will bringing strangers into your house. If anything goes wrong, then the owner of the home can be held liable. Make sure the performers have a space where they can wait and practice before their audition. Have participants sign in when they arrive. Have a check-in sheet. This will help you keep track of the how many people are auditioning and allow you to schedule their audition times. Create a schedule. This schedule will be based on how many people have arrived and signed in. Let the performers know when they will be auditioning so they can leave and come back if necessary. Limit the audition time. This gives everybody an equal amount of time. This will also keep the schedule on track. Use a light or sound to let the participant know when their time is up. Advertise for the show. You need to get the word out so you have an audience! There are many ways to advertise. Make fliers that let people know the time, date, and location of the show. Be sure to list the type of performers you will have to create excitement. Advertise well in advance for you show so people can make plans to attend. If you know someone who is great at graphic design, then recruit them! This can be a very cost-effective way to make professionally designed flyers. Place flyers at local universities, performance spots, and coffee shops to attract not only an audience but performers as well. If you are selling tickets, advertise where they can be purchased. If you are selling tickets ahead of time or online, be sure to include that information. Use the internet. Create a Facebook Page, Twitter, and Google+ account for your show. Send reminders amount the date and time. Highlight the performers to generate buzz. Find a local community member who is willing to build website for your show that provides all the details for the event. If you have enough funds, consider hiring someone for this purpose. Create an information hotline. This line will be used to answer any questions a performer or an audience member might have. Have volunteers answer the line. Make sure you set hours for the hotline so that the volunteers are no overworked. Use word of mouth. Tell everyone you know and encourage them to do the same. The more excitement you show, the more likely they are to tell others about your talent show. This is one of the very best, and most cost-effective, ways to advertise your talent show. Have everyone arrive early. Make sure everyone arrives at the venue an hour to and and hour and a half early. That way you have time to deal with any major issues before the show. Use this time to go over all the logistics of the show with your committee and volunteers. Make sure that everybody is informed of any last minute changes. Create an emergency phone line. Either purchase a new line or designate someone's phone for emergency calls. Keep this number separate from your informational line. This line will be for performers who are running late or unable to attend. Perform a stage check. Assemble the tech crew to make sure the lights and sound are working. Check with the backstage manager that all the performers have arrived and are backstage preparing for their routine. Have the tech crew check the lights. Make sure to have replacements bulbs in case any lights are out. Have the tech crew check the sound also. Have replacement cables and back-up equipment in case something does not work. Make sure the performers have everything they need for their act such as musical instruments, laptops, or screens. Set up the ticket booth. Place a small table at the main entrance of your venue. Have two volunteers work the booth. They will collect tickets from people who bought their tickets in advance. They will also sell tickets. Have a cash box with plenty of change. Make sure the treasurer keeps track of how much money is in the box before and after to check that against the amount of tickets sold. Set up food stands. Decide on what kind of food you want to sell before the show. Pre-packaged snacks require far less effort than selling hot food. If you wish to serve hot food, you will have much more to clean and prepare. Comply with the local ordinances to avoid being fined. You will most likely need someone with food safety training to handle the food. You will also have to comply with fire safety requirements. Bring disposable utensils and dishes so you do not have to wash dishes. Provide a place to recycle them. Bring cleaning supplies, such as wiping cloths and a bucket to rinse them in. Use bleach in the bucket water to keep them clean. Have a cash box for the food stand as well. Start the show. Have the Master of Ceremonies start the show and introduce the performers. Take this time to enjoy the performers, but be ready to handle any questions or situations as they arise. Make sure you have an announcer or M.C. to engage the audience in between acts. This will keep the audience engaged and give the stagehands time to set up the next act. Clean up. Make sure to clean the venue after the show is over. If you have a volunteer staff, gather them together as everyone is leaving. You want to leave the venue in better shape than when you arrived. Designate teams to clean certain areas. This will make cleaning faster and more organized. | Choose the type of talent show you want. Create a budget. Create an organizational committee. Choose a venue. Set your date. Create a support staff. Create an application for participants. Advertise your auditions. Find a place to hold auditions. Have participants sign in when they arrive. Create a schedule. Limit the audition time. Advertise for the show. Use the internet. Create an information hotline. Use word of mouth. Have everyone arrive early. Perform a stage check. Set up the ticket booth. Set up food stands. Start the show. Clean up. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Be-a-Jedi | How to Be a Jedi | To be a Jedi, wear a loose-fitting brown robe similar to a monk's robe to reflect the monastic lifestyle of the Jedi order. Memorize the five Jedi codes and try to incorporate them into your daily life. Practice meditation and mindfulness to harness inner peace and learn fencing or martial arts to practice self-discipline, since these principles are very important to the Jedi. May the Force be with you! | Find a brown shirt. Wear a brown T-shirt or turtleneck to begin with (Make sure that it's a plain brown shirt). You also should wear a white karate GI suit over that. You can buy these at martial arts stores or online. Wear a brown robe. The Jedi wore clothing that fit their monastic lifestyle. A friar robe is a great choice to simulate the Jedi robe, but if you really are crunched for time you could always try a brown bathrobe. You can buy a Friar robe online. Friar robe's offer hoods, which make them a good option to replicate a Jedi robe. The robe should reach to the floor or your ankles at the very least. Stick with simple and comfortable robes. Tie it all together with a wide, brown leather belt. Don't wear an expensive, flashy belt. Remember that the Jedi are very ascetic. That's what you should be striving to emulate. Wear boots and loose fitting pants. Remember to keep the colors and tones of the boots and pants very muted. You shouldn't be wearing conspicuous or extravagant clothing, and the pants shouldn't be so baggy that they fall below your waist. The material should be tough enough to withstand survival missions or work outdoors. There is no such thing as designer Jedi clothing. Look for over and under tunic of the same measurements. Wearing multiple layers of tunics is an ideal way to replicate the Jedi look. The under tunic should be white and the over tunic should match the color of your trousers. Remember that Padawans also only wore simple robes and tunics. Memorize the Jedi code. The Jedi code should inform the way that you interact with the world and how you think about yourself. The Jedi code is a good mantra to memorize and try to recall on your path to becoming a Jedi. Try to remember the code whenever you get frustrated or worked up. The Jedi code is as follows: There is no emotion, there is peace. There is no ignorance, there is knowledge. There is no chaos, there is harmony. There is no passion, there is serenity. There is no death, there is the Force. Be brave and noble. Fear is the path to the dark side, so you should try to avoid letting fear consume you. It's totally okay to fear so long as you admit it to a master or an apprentice, or any one with you. If no-one is with you admit it to yourself out-loud, it is better to be mindful of being afraid than to contain it inside you. Maintain an inner calm. To hone your full potential abilities as a Jedi you must be morally, ethically, and mentally stable. Patience is a huge part of being a Jedi. You shouldn't find yourself riled up easily or constantly worried. Have faith in your abilities to handle extreme situations. Follow the Jedi Path. The three pillars of the Jedi Path are self-discipline, knowledge, and the Force. Remember that the Force doesn't necessarily need mean moving around objects with your mind. It also has to do with being able to convince people to do your bidding, being perceptive, and understanding the truth in things. Try to model all your actions after the pillars of the Jedi Path. Self discipline means you should exercise regularly and remain diligent. Don't be someone of excess. Have you ever seen an out of shape Jedi? Embracing the knowledge pillar means you should embrace your studies and learn as much as you can about the world and the creatures that live in it. Practice meditation. Mindfulness meditation is an easy meditation to begin with. This will help you have a relaxed and capable mind. The idea behind mindfulness meditation is that your brain is constantly thinking and planning but never taking the time to be present. Sit with your legs crossed on the ground and practice breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to be completely present as you do this - only pay attention to your breathing and what your body feels like. When you notice that your attention has strayed from your breathing, move it back to your breath. Don't berate yourself, just notice that your attention has strayed and let it go. Learn sword-fighting skills and martial arts. Taking fencing classes will teach you similar skills that you would use with a lightsaber. Martial arts is a great way to train your body and your mind at the same time. Being fit and capable are essential if you want to be a Jedi. However you should remember that fighting is not what being a Jedi is all about. The Jedi Path says nothing about fighting. Get rid of everything you don’t need. Obi –Wan lived in a cave for nineteen years, so you can probably get rid of some of your clothes and belongings. If you really want to be a Jedi it means embracing the ascetic lifestyle. The more monastic your lifestyle the more you will be in touch with the Jedi Path. Embrace compassion. You should strive to be a good person. You must develop this just as you develop your other skills. You don't need to be constantly saving people from danger, but you should try to find small kindness in life. For example, offer your change to a homeless person or donate some of your clothes to charity. Surround yourself with good people. Anakin wasn't corrupted until he started spending more time around Darth Sidious. Don't allow people to negatively alter your worldview. You should be open to new opinions, but take care not to stray from the code or the Jedi Path while you remain open-minded. Evil is evil. Look up Jedi communities online to talk to like minded individuals and experienced Jedi. There are communities who offer practical advise such as "Jedi Living" | Find a brown shirt. Wear a brown robe. Tie it all together with a wide, brown leather belt. Wear boots and loose fitting pants. Look for over and under tunic of the same measurements. Memorize the Jedi code. Be brave and noble. Maintain an inner calm. Follow the Jedi Path. Practice meditation. Learn sword-fighting skills and martial arts. Get rid of everything you don’t need. Embrace compassion. Surround yourself with good people. Look up Jedi communities online to talk to like minded individuals and experienced Jedi. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Absolute-Value-Equations | How to Solve Absolute Value Equations | To solve absolute value equations, first isolate the absolute value terms by moving anything outside of the vertical bars to the other side of the equation. Next, solve for the positive value of the equation by isolating the variable. Since the absolute variable can represent 2 numbers, then solve for the negative value by putting a negative sign outside the vertical bars. Then, move the negative by dividing both sides by -1 and solve for the variable. | Understand the mathematical definition of absolute value. The definition states that | p | = { p if p ≥ 0 − p if p < 0 {\displaystyle |p|={\begin{cases}p&{\text{if }}p\geq 0\\-p&{\text{if }}p<0\end{cases}}}.This formula tells you that if a number p {\displaystyle p} is positive, the absolute value is simply p {\displaystyle p}. If a number p {\displaystyle p} is negative, then the absolute value is the negative value of − p {\displaystyle -p}. Since two negatives make a positive, the absolute value of − p {\displaystyle -p} is therefore positive. For example, |9| = 9; |-9| = -(-9) = 9. Understand what an absolute value represents. The absolute value of a number represents how far away from 0 the number is on a number line. Absolute value is denoted by bars surrounding the term or terms ( | x | {\displaystyle |x|} ). The absolute value of a number is always positive. For example, | − 3 | = 3 {\displaystyle |-3|=3} and | 3 | = 3 {\displaystyle |3|=3}. Both -3 and 3 are three numbers away from 0. Isolate the absolute value term(s) in your equation. The absolute value should be on one side of the equation. Any numbers that are not included inside the absolute value symbols should be moved to the other side of the equation. Note that an absolute value can never equal a negative number, so if, after isolating the absolute value, your absolute value equals a negative number, the equation has no solution. For example, if your equation is | 6 x − 2 | + 3 = 7 {\displaystyle |6x-2|+3=7} , then subtract three from both sides of the equation to isolate the absolute value: | 6 x − 2 | + 3 = 7 {\displaystyle |6x-2|+3=7} | 6 x − 2 | + 3 − 3 = 7 − 3 {\displaystyle |6x-2|+3-3=7-3} | 6 x − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6x-2|=4} Set up the equation for the positive value. An equation involving absolute value will have two possible solutions. To set up the positive equation, simply remove the absolute value bars, and solve the equation as normal. For example, the positive equation for | 6 x − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6x-2|=4} is 6 x − 2 = 4 {\displaystyle 6x-2=4}. Solve the positive equation. To do this, use algebra to solve for the variable. This will give you the first possible solution to the equation. For example: 6 x − 2 = 4 {\displaystyle 6x-2=4} 6 x − 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 {\displaystyle 6x-2+2=4+2} 6 x = 6 {\displaystyle 6x=6} 6 x 6 = 6 6 {\displaystyle {\frac {6x}{6}}={\frac {6}{6}}} x = 1 {\displaystyle x=1} Set up the equation for the negative value. To set up the negative equation, rewrite the equation without the absolute value bars, and take the negative value of the number on the other side of the equation. For example, the negative equation for | 6 x − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6x-2|=4} is 6 x − 2 = − 4 {\displaystyle 6x-2=-4}. Solve the negative equation. Use algebra to solve for the variable as you would for any other equation. The result will be your second possible solution to the equation. For example: 6 x − 2 = − 4 {\displaystyle 6x-2=-4} 6 x − 2 + 2 = − 4 + 2 {\displaystyle 6x-2+2=-4+2} 6 x = − 2 {\displaystyle 6x=-2} 6 x 6 = − 2 6 {\displaystyle {\frac {6x}{6}}={\frac {-2}{6}}} x = − 1 3 {\displaystyle x={\frac {-1}{3}}} Check the result of your positive equation. You must always plug possible solutions back into the original equation to verify that they are real solutions. To check your positive equation, plug the value for x {\displaystyle x} derived from the positive equation back into the original absolute value equation. If both sides of the equation are equal, the solution is true. For example, if the solution to the positive equation was x = 1 {\displaystyle x=1} , plug 1 {\displaystyle 1} into the original equation and solve: | 6 x − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6x-2|=4} | 6 ( 1 ) − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6(1)-2|=4} | 6 − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6-2|=4} | 4 | = 4 {\displaystyle |4|=4} Check the result of your negative equation. Just because one solution is true, it does not mean that both are true. You must also plug the solution from the negative equation back into the original equation to verify it is a real solution. For example, if the solution to the negative equation was x = − 1 3 {\displaystyle x={\frac {-1}{3}}} , plug − 1 3 {\displaystyle {\frac {-1}{3}}} into the original equation and solve: | 6 x − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6x-2|=4} | 6 ( − 1 3 ) − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |6({\frac {-1}{3}})-2|=4} | − 2 − 2 | = 4 {\displaystyle |-2-2|=4} | − 4 | = 4 {\displaystyle |-4|=4} Note your valid solutions. A solution is valid if, after plugging it back into the original equation, it yields a true equation. It is possible to have two valid solutions, but you may have one solution, or no solution. For example, since | 4 | = 4 {\displaystyle |4|=4} and | − 4 | = 4 {\displaystyle |-4|=4} are both true, then both solutions to the equation are valid. So, | 6 x − 2 | + 3 = 7 {\displaystyle |6x-2|+3=7} has two possible solutions: x = 1 {\displaystyle x=1} , x = − 1 3 {\displaystyle x={\frac {-1}{3}}}. | Understand the mathematical definition of absolute value. Understand what an absolute value represents. Isolate the absolute value term(s) in your equation. Set up the equation for the positive value. Solve the positive equation. Set up the equation for the negative value. Solve the negative equation. Check the result of your positive equation. Check the result of your negative equation. Note your valid solutions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Good-Dog-Sweater | How to Choose a Good Dog Sweater | To choose a good dog sweater, start by measuring the length and circumference of your dog's torso. If you're shopping online, check the company's size chart to find out what size the measurements correspond to and order that size for your dog. If you're shopping at a pet store, bring your dog with you and put the sweater on your dog to check the fit. The sweater should cover its whole back, all the way to the base of the tail, and allow for a full range of motion. Finally, pick a color and pattern that suits your dog and your own personal sense of style. | Visit a pet store. Try to find a store specializing in pet products, ideally one that will allow you to take your dog in with you. If you can bring your dog in with you, then you can try various sweaters on (or at least hold them up to your dog's body to guesstimate if it will fit). This will make choosing easier on you in the long run. Seeing the sweaters in person also allows you to determine if they'll be flattering on your dog, if they're made of durable material, and if you like the way it looks. You want to find one that fits comfortably, while also complementing your dog's physical characteristics. Order a sweater online. There are many internet sites dedicated to pet supplies and apparel. Spend some time browsing the internet for different dog sweaters and find the one that is right for you. This means one that you like and that you think will suit your dog's needs. Be sure to read the product information (and any product reviews available) to ensure that it is a high quality product. Make your own dog sweater. If you're feeling a little crafty, try making a coat for your dog. You can try sewing together pieces of fleece to create a handmade sweater that will keep your dog warm on cold days, while being so cute at the same time! You can also try knitting a sweater for your dog. Measure your dog. Check online for measurement charts that tell you what measurements correspond to what sizes for most dog sweaters. There may be a little fluctuation between various brands. But the chart will help give you a pretty good idea of what size your dog needs. Typically, a size small sweater works for a dog whose torso length is 12 in (30 cm), neck circumference is 12 in (30 cm), and chest circumference is 16 in (41 cm). This size typically works for Pomeranians and other similarly sized breeds. A medium size sweater is for dogs whose torso length is 16 in (41 cm), neck circumference is 14 in (36 cm), and chest circumference is 20 in (51 cm). This size typically works for Cocker Spaniels and other similarly sized breeds. A large size sweater is for dogs whose torso length is 20 in (51 cm), neck circumference is 18 in (46 cm), and chest circumference is 24 in (61 cm). This size typically works for Chows and other similarly sized breeds. Most sweaters can also be purchased in extra small (XS) and extra large (XL) sizes. Order several sizes. If you are unsure of exactly what size to get, try ordering several. If your budget allows, this can be a good way to help find one that fits your dog perfectly. Try on each sweater and keep the ones that fit and that you like. Return the rest, if possible. Most companies will let you return items that don't fit as long as you keep your original receipt and the original packaging. Try the coat on your dog in the store. The coat should cover the whole back to the base of the tail and should be comfortable around the neck. The fastening should be firm but not tight. Get an adjustable one if at all possible: dogs grow, just like humans. You want the sweater to be loose enough to allow for a full range of motion for your pup. But make sure the sweater is not too tight – especially around your dog's neck and armpits. Consider the practical aspects of the sweater. There are some important practical things to check for when you are shopping for a dog sweater. Some things to check for include: Whether or not the sweater will get in the way when your dog has to go potty. For example, the sweater should not cover your dog's genital area, or it will get in the way when he has to go to the bathroom. If the sweater provides access to your dog's collar or harness. The sweater should also have an opening to attach your dog's leash to his collar or harness. The difficulty of putting on the sweater. You should also consider how hard it will be to get the sweater on and off of your dog. Check the sweater for buttons or Velcro that may make the process of putting on and taking off the sweater easier. Pick the right style and pattern. Pick a color and pattern that suits your dog and your own personal sense of style. Make sure the sweater is something you enjoy looking at and that your dog seems to appreciate. The sweater should not make your dog uncomfortable in any way – aside from the initial dislike while your pet adjusts to wearing it. Get creative with patterns and materials. Try something bright and playful. Or maybe choose something made out of an interesting cloth – like leather or knit. For example, Westies look great in plaid, but Labradors look best in plain coats. You can even try getting a sweater with a cute or funny picture or phrase on it. Choose the right material. Picking a sweater your dog will like should be an exercise in comfort and practicality. While a dog sweater should look cute, it should also be made of the kind of material that will benefit your dog the most. If your dog needs warmth, then go for a fleece lining; if you frequently take your dog out in the rain then a waterproof coat is probably a necessity. Some coats are great at wicking away moisture from a soggy doggy – these are really useful after a wet walk. Dress your dog up for special occasions. There are tons of options for dog sweaters that are holiday related. Costumes can be a fun way to keep your dog warm or to show your dog off if you take it out in public wearing its costume. Choose a fun sweater with Santa Clause or a Christmas tree on it for the holiday season. Find a hilarious outfit/costume for Halloween – consider choosing a dinosaur, ladybug, hot dog, or pumpkin dog costume. Take the sweater off if your dog hates it. Don't force your dog into doing something it clearly hates and that makes it uncomfortable. Yes, it may take your dog a few days to fully adjust to wearing its new sweater; but if your dog continues hating it after a few days, you may want to consider taking it off. You don't want to make your dog unhappy even if the sweater looks incredibly cute. | Visit a pet store. Order a sweater online. Make your own dog sweater. Measure your dog. Order several sizes. Try the coat on your dog in the store. Consider the practical aspects of the sweater. Pick the right style and pattern. Choose the right material. Dress your dog up for special occasions. Take the sweater off if your dog hates it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Higher-Marks-in-Exams | How to Get Higher Marks in Exams | To get higher marks in your exams, take thorough notes in your classes so you can use them to study. Also, try to study for at least 30 minutes every day leading up to your exams so you memorize the material. Avoid cramming for your tests the night before or you could overload your brain and forget everything. When it's time to take one of your exams, start by writing down any important formulas or information on a scrap piece of paper so you can reference them as you go. Also, if you don't know the answer to a question, always guess. | Pay attention in your classes and concentrate. The best thing you can do to raise your test scores is to pay attention when you're supposed to be learning the material: in class! Letting your mind wander or not showing up at all are both likely to make you miss out on key information that will later appear on tests. Take good notes. This is important if you want to have an easier time studying later. Not only will writing the information down as you learn it help you in absorbing the information and paying attention, but you'll have a reference for when you go to study later. Do your homework. Homework, such as assignments and at-home reading are where you will find the rest of the information that will be on tests, so doing this homework is important. Schedule time and set aside a quiet place just for homework to help beat the procrastination blues. Use mnemonics and other tricks. Various memory tricks really can be useful for remembering certain things like numbers, categories, and lists. Just make sure that you learn them correctly and don't mix them up! Mnemonics are phrases which can help you remember the order of certain things. For example, "Katy Perry Came Over For Great Songs" is a great way to remember the biological classifications (Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus, Species). Another memory trick is if you have to remember a string of numbers. Instead of trying to remember 2537610925, for example, break it up like a phone number: 253-761-0925. You can break up dates this way too. 14 Oct 1066 (the Battle of Hastings) can become a locker combination: 14-10-66. Do practice tests. Ask your teacher or go online and print a few practice tests. Taking a practice test will help you figure out how much information you actually know vs how much information you think you know. Knowing your weak spots before a test is crucial! Study frequently. Studying hard for only a few hours the night before the test isn't going to help ensure perfect scores. If you really want to ace those exams, study old and new material every day, or at least several times a week. This will make test-taking a breeze. Take study breaks. When you study, make sure you take a 5-10 minute break after every 30 minutes of study. This will help keep your brain from getting overloaded and give it more time to absorb the information. On study breaks, try not to fill your brain with more information, even if that information is more about your favourite celebrity's latest concert rather than Winston Churchill's foreign policy. Study according to a learning style that fits the subject. Certain subjects are easier to understand when studied using a style that connects to the nature of the subject. For instance, if you're studying literature, you'll need visual reading and writing activities. If you're studying music, you'll need auditory resources. For art courses, kinesthetic activities often help. Learning styles, as conventionally understood, are somewhat controversial. Many academic studies suggest that learners develop subjective preferences for studying material, but these styles don't necessarily mean they learn better through these styles. Nevertheless, the idea of learning styles still persists even in academic circles. If a subjective preference for a certain learning style helps motivate you to study, you can still try it. Take advantage of sense memory. Your brain is pretty good at associating smells or sounds with ideas or memories. You should take advantage of this! While you're studying, wear some unusual cologne or perfume (with a smell you don't usually encounter) and then expose yourself to that smell again right before or during a test. Listen to music . Your teacher probably won't let you have headphones during a test, but you should at least listen to music, specifically classical music, right before taking a test. Studies have proven that exposure to certain types of music right before rigorous mental activity can really help, by waking up your brain and increasing your awareness. Eat right. The most important thing is to eat, full stop. Being hungry during a test will distract you and make you tired. Don't eat too soon before a test though, as some foods can make you tired. Instead, make sure you get a meal filled with lean protein before you have to take a test. Eating healthy will generally boost brain performance too, so make sure you're always eating a healthy diet to help you learn all through school. Sleep well. If you don't sleep, you won't be able to focus when the pressure's on! Make sure to go to bed early the night before a test, rather than staying up all night to study. Your brain won't be able to hold on to all that crammed information anyway. Have all the necessary supplies. Go to your test with all of the calculators, pens, pencils, blank paper, and other supplies you might need. Not having these things could mean you'll have a much harder time! Drink lots of water. Getting dehydrated during a test can be distracting and reduce your ability to think clearly. Stay hydrated before your test and bring a bottle of water with you to the test as well. Don't do anything different. If you aren't used to drinking coffee, now is a bad time to start. Try not to do anything different in your basic routine the day of or the night before the test. This can really throw you off. Write important things down first. As soon as the test starts, write down all formulas or other important information on some scratch paper before you start going through the questions. This will help keep you from blanking when you need that information later. Do the problems you know first. Always do the fast, easy problems to which you know the answer first. This will help make sure that you get as much of the test done as possible. If you get stuck, just move on to the next problem that you can answer quickly. Cross out the wrong answers. Once you've answered the questions you know, move on to the ones you're not sure about. When you're dealing with multiple choice questions, eliminating answers that you know are impossible or silly will help you better decide between the possible options. Look for clues in the other questions. Sometimes the answer to a question can be contained within or hinted at in another question on the test. Look at other answers or questions to help jog your memory. Never leave questions blank. Unless you're docked for incorrect answers, never just leave a question blank. Especially if it's multiple choice; you'll at least have a 25% chance of getting the right answer. As mentioned above, this is where eliminating wrong answers will come in handy. Pace yourself. This is important! Always keep track of how much time you have and try to use your time wisely. You can always go back to check or improve your answers later! | Pay attention in your classes and concentrate. Take good notes. Do your homework. Use mnemonics and other tricks. Do practice tests. Study frequently. Study according to a learning style that fits the subject. Take advantage of sense memory. Listen to music . Eat right. Sleep well. Have all the necessary supplies. Drink lots of water. Don't do anything different. Write important things down first. Do the problems you know first. Cross out the wrong answers. Look for clues in the other questions. Never leave questions blank. Pace yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Knife-Sheath | How to Make a Knife Sheath | To make a knife sheath, start by placing your paper patterns for the sheath and welt over a piece of leather and using a sharp thin-bladed utility knife to cut around the patterns. Next, hand-stitch the belt loop onto the sheath, then dampen the leather with water to make it soft and pliable. Afterwards, fold the sheath and align the edges, then stitch them together with a needle and thread. Finally, dampen the leather again, place your knife in the sheath, and press the leather around the blade and handle to mold the sheath to the shape of your knife. | Find and prepare your workspace. Before you begin on this project, set yourself up in a great workspace. Locate a space with lots of natural light or strong artificial lighting. Make sure your workspace has a large flat surface and enough room from all of the necessary materials and tools for this project. Gather your materials. To create a knife sheath, you will need to collect the following materials: 8 or 9 ounce leather Graph paper Cardstock or cardboard Masking tape Leather dye Waxed thread Neatsfoot oil Gather your tools. To create a knife sheath, you will need to collect the following toos: Pencil Ruler Scissors Thin bladed utility knife Compass Awl (a sharp pointed tool used to puncture leather) Overstitch wheel (a wheel with sharp points used to mark even stitching holes) Drill and 1/16 inch bit Wood rasp (a file used to shape and eliminate wood) Belt sander Two needles Spray bottle filled with water Contact cement glue Dauber (a stick with a cotton ball attached to one end that is used to apply dye) 220 grit sandpaper fine sandpaper Clean rags Divide a piece of graph paper. Create your custom sheath pattern for your knife on a piece of graph paper. Use a ruler to locate the center of the paper. Draw a line down the center of the page from top to bottom to divide the paper in half. This line represents the sheath's fold. Position and trace your knife. Place the knife on the prepared graph paper to the left of the centerline. Position the top of the knife blade approximately ⅛” from the centerline—the sharp side will face away from the centerline. Use a pencil to trace the sharp side of the knife. Begin at the centerline approximately ⅛” down from the tip of the blade. Following the blade's curve, draw a line up and around the sharp side of the knife. Continue the line ⅔ of the way up the handle. Do not trace directly along the handle. Since the handle is thicker than the blade, extra material is required in order to enclose it. Measure and draw the welt. The welt is an additional piece of leather placed inside of the sheath. It runs along the sharp side of the blade to prevent the knife from cutting through the sheath. Create a second curved line that is 9/16” to ⅝” away from the first curved line. Design a sleek top line to connect the pattern's curved outer-line to its straight centerline. Locate and mark a point on the centerline that is approximately 1 inch above the top of the curved outer-line. Connect this point with the top of the second curved line—this connecting line should gradually rises from the lower horizontal line up towards the top horizontal line. Create the belt loop. Shift the centerline to the left ¼ inch and extend it up from the top of the handle 4 ½ inches. Connect the original centerline to the shifted centerline with a slight curve. Draw a ¾ inch straight horizontal line from the shifted centerline to the left. Connect the sheath's second curved line with the belt loop's top horizontal line at a 45° angle. Cut out the pattern. Fold the paper along the original centerline. Unfold the paper and cut out the left side of the pattern—make sure to stop at the centerline. Refold the pattern and carefully cut along edges of the sheath pattern—the right side of the sheath pattern will not include the belt loop pattern. Transfer the sheath pattern onto leather. When creating a knife sheath, it is ideal to use 8 to 9 ounce leather. Lay the leather on your work surface so that the soft side is facing up. Determine if you will wear your sheath on the right or the left. If you are right handed, you may wish to wear your belt sheath on the right. Flip the pattern over so that the belt loop is on the right side of the pattern. If you are left handed, you may wish to wear your belt sheath on the left. Flip the pattern so that the belt loop is on the left side of the pattern. Place your pattern onto the leather and secure the pattern in place with masking tape. Use a pencil to trace the pattern onto the leather—trace directly over the masking tape. Use a sharp thin bladed utility knife to cut out the pattern. Create a welt pattern from the original sheath pattern. The area between the two curved lines on the original pattern represents the welt. To create a welt pattern, cut along the inner curved line of the original pattern. Continue cutting ¼ inch beyond the centerline. Place the welt on the leather and secure it in place with masking tape. Trace the welt pattern onto the leather with a pencil and cut it out with the utility knife. Punch a hole and create a slit at the bottom of the sheath. In order for the welt to fit properly, it is necessary to slit the bottom of the sheath along the centerline. Punch a hole in the leather along the centerline 9/16” to ⅝” from the bottom. Use your utility knife to slit the leather along the centerline from the base of the circle to the bottom of the sheath. Draw the stitch lines on the belt loop in the shape of a square. A stitch line allows you to keep your stitches straight. To create the stitch lines you will need a pencil and a ruler. Use a ruler to draw a straight horizontal line 1 ¾ inch from the top of the belt loop—begin and end the line ¼ inch from each side. This will be the bottom stitch line. Place your pencil on the right end of the horizontal line. Moving your pencil towards the top of the belt loop, draw a 1 ½ inch straight vertical line. Repeat on the left side. Connect to the vertical lines with a straight horizontal line. Mark the stitches with an awl and an overstitch wheel. To ensure even stitches, it is beneficial to mark the stitches before puncturing the leather. Run a damp rag over the stitch line to wet the leather slightly. Use an awl, a sharp pointed tool, to mark the first stitch in the lower left corner of the stitch line. Place one spoke of an overstitch wheel, a wheel with sharp points used to mark even stitching holes, in the hole you created with the awl. Rotate the overstitch wheel along the stitch line to create a series of evenly spaced dots along the stitch lines. Puncture the stitch holes with a drill bit or an awl. Lay the sheath on a piece of wood—the wood prevents the drill or awl from puncturing your work surface. Individually puncture each hole with a drill bit or an awl by inserting the tool through the leather and into the wood. When using a drill, create the holes with a 1/16 inch drill bit. Mark and roughen up the attachment site. The belt loop attaches directly to the soft side of the leather. You will attach the belt loop with glue and stitches. In order for glue to adhere to the leather, you must roughen up the leather at the points of attachment. Hold the belt 2 inches from the top of the leather strap and fold the belt loop ½ inch above its base towards the soft side of the leather. Use a pencil to trace the top 2 inches of the leather strap to indicate where the belt loop will attach to the sheath. Roughen up the attachment site with sandpaper, a utility knife, or a wood rasp. Using your tool of choice, carefully score the top 2 inches of the belt loop and the area inside the pencil markings on the sheath. Apply glue to attachment sites. Coat the attachment sites with a fine layer of contact cement glue. Put the sheath aside and allow the glue to cure. When it feels dry to the touch, you are ready to proceed. Dampen the leather at the fold of the belt loop with a spray bottle. Fold the belt loop and align the attachment sites. Press down on the attachment site firmly. Puncture the stitch holes with a drill bit or an awl. Lay the unfolded sheath on top of a piece of wood. Use a drill or an awl to individually re-puncture the belt loop's existing stitch holes. Make sure the drill or awl goes through both layers of leather and into the wood. Hand stitch the belt loop onto the sheath. To attach the belt loop to the sheath, you will need waxed thread and two needles. Cut a length of waxed thread that is 5 times longer than the stitch line. Thread one needle on each end of the thread. To prevent the thread from slipping out, pull one inch of thread through the eye and bend it. Insert one needle (needle A) into the stitch hole in the top left corner. Pull the needle through the hole until you an even amount of thread on each side of the sheath. The other needle (needle B) will remain on the opposite side. Insert needle A through the next stitch hole (move to right) and pull it through. Needle A is now on the same side as needle B. Insert needle B into the same hole and pull it through. Needles A and B are now on opposite sides. Pull tightly on the thread to create a tight stitch. Repeat this process, until you return to the first stitch hole. Create 1 more forward stitch. Individually insert the needles into opposite sides of the first stitch hole and pull through. Create 2 backwards stitches. Reverse the direction of the stitches. Individually insert the needles into opposite sides of the last stitch, followed by the second to last stitch hole. Insert the needle on the inside of the sheath (the flesh side) through the third stitch hole. Needles A and B are both on the outside of the sheath. Trim the ends close to the leather. Use a lighter to melt the threads in the second and third to last stitch holes. Trace the welt line onto the each side of the sheath. Lay the sheath on a flat work space with the flesh side facing up. Align the welt along the right side of the sheath and trace the inner line with a pencil. Repeat on the left side of the sheath. Apply contact cement to each side of the sheath and each side of the welt. Coat the area of the sheath between the edge and the pencil marks you just created with a thin, even layer of contact cement. Coat each side of the welt with a thin, even layer of contact cement as well. Set the pieces aside and allow the glue to cure. When it feels dry to the touch, you are ready to proceed. Attach the welt to one side. Place the top edge of the welt along the top edge of the sheath. Working from top to bottom, carefully position the welt along the edge of the sheath. When you reach the bottom, force the welt, which was intentionally cut long, through the slot. Dampen, fold, and press the sheath together. Precision is the key to folding the sheath and aligning the edges. Dampen the leather. When leather is dry, it is difficult to mold and its risk of splitting increases. Use a spray bottle to dampen the edges of the sheath. Also, wet the sheath's centerline. Wipe away excess water with a damp rag. Fold the sheath along the centerline. Align the top corners of the sheath together. Clamp down on the edges with your fingers to press the corners together. After aligning a small section of the sheath's edges, press down firmly with your fingers to secure it in place. Repeat until you reach the bottom. Trim the welt. Cutting the welt to the correct size will provide a straight, clean look to the fold along the centerline. Retrieve a pair of sharp scissor or a utility knife. Cut the welt so that it is flush with the sheath. Mark the stitch line with a compass. The stitch line will run down the center of the welt. This will help ensure that the welt remains in place. Set your compass to ¼ inch. Begin at the top of the sheath. Place the compass along the edge of the sheath and the pencil on the leather. Slide the compass down the edge. Continue around the bottom curve until you reach the centerline. Mark the stitch holes with an awl and an overstitch wheel. A straight, even stitch line will give your sheath a professional finish. Run a damp rag over the stitch line to wet the leather slightly. Use an awl to mark the first stitch at the top of the stitch line. Place one of spokes of the overstitch wheel into the first hole you created with the awl. Rotate the overstitch wheel along the stitch line. Puncture the stitch holes with an awl or drill. To make marks left behind by the over-stitching wheel more visible, widen and deepen each mark with an awl. Place the sheath on top of a piece of wood. Use a 1/16 inch drill bit to individually puncture the stitch holes. Make sure the drill or awl goes through both layers of leather and into the wood. Stitch the main seam. The main seam is long and thick—the needle must travel through three layers of leather. Cut your thread extra long and have a pair of needle nose pliers on hand to pull the needles through the holes. Cut a length of waxed thread 6 to 7 times longer than the stitch line. Thread each end of the waxed thread through separate needles. Insert one needle (needle A) into the stitch hole at the top of the sheath. Pull the needle through the hole until you there is an even amount of thread on each side of the sheath. The other needle (needle B) will remain on the opposite side. Insert needle A through the next stitch hole and pull it through. Needle A is now on the same side as needle B. Insert needle B into the same hole and pull it through. Needles A and B are now on opposite sides. Pull on the thread to create a tight stitch. Repeat this process, until you reach the last stitch hole. Backstitch. Reverse the direction of the stitches. Individually insert the needles into opposite sides of the last stitch, followed by the second and then third to last stitch holes. Insert one needle through the fourth stitch hole so that both needles are on the same side of the sheath. Trim the ends close to the leather. Use a lighter to melt the threads in the second and third to last stitch holes. Form the Leather. To ensure that your knife fits securely in the sheath, you must shape, or form, the leather to your knife. Dampen the leather. In order to form the leather to the shape of your knife, it must be damp. Use a spray bottle to wet both sides of the sheath. Allow the water to soak into the leather. Continue to wet the leather until it is easy to mold. Wipe away any excess water with a damp cloth. Form the leather around your knife. Insert your knife into the damp sheath—make sure the tip of the blade reaches the bottom. Use your fingers to press the leather around the blade and handle. Pull the knife out and reinsert it 5 to 6 times to ensure that it is fitting properly. Once the leather is formed, remove the knife and hang up your sheath to dry. Dye the leather. After cutting out the sheath from the leather, you have the option to dye the knife holder. Prepare your workspace. Cover your work space with 2 to 3 layers of newspaper. Lay the sheath on top of the newspaper—make sure the soft side of the leather is facing up. Put on a pair of disposable rubber gloves. Apply an even coat of dye to the soft side. Pour your dye into a small disposable cup. Dip a dauber—a stick with a ball of fluff on the end—into the dye. Carefully tap off any excess dye before applying a thin, even coat of dye to the leather. Re-saturate the dauber as needed. As the dye dries, use a dry rag to polish the leather. This will remove any excess dye and residue. Apply an even coat of dye to the flesh side. Flip the sheath over so that the rough flesh side is facing up. When applying the dye to the flesh side, take care to leave a 9/16” to ⅝” strip of undyed leather around the edge of the sheath. You will attach the welt to this area with glue. As the dye dries, polish the leather with a dry rag. Sand and dye the edges. After hand stitching the sheath together, you have the option to sand and dye the edges. Use a spray bottle to mist the edges of the sheath with water. Wipe down the edge with a damp cloth. Shape the edges with a belt sander or wood rasp. Then use a belt sander to even out the three layers of leather with a belt sander and an 80 grit belt. Once the layers are even, use a 220 grit belt to smooth the edge. Touch up any rough spots with a piece of fine sandpaper. Dye the edge to match the sheath. Cover your work space with 2 to 3 layers of newspaper and put on a pair of disposable rubber gloves. Pour your dye into a small disposable cup. Dip a dauber into the dye. Apply a thin, even coat of dye to the leather with the dauber. Re-saturate the dauber as needed. While the dye dries, remove any excess dye and residue with a dry rag. Buff the leather and treat it with oil. To increase the lifetime of your sheath, polish and waterproof the leather. Shine up your leather sheath by rubbing it with a dry, clean cloth. Pour neatsfoot oil into a shallow basin. The oil seals the leather and protects it from water damage. Submerge your leather sheath into the oil and then hang it up to dry. | Find and prepare your workspace. Gather your materials. Gather your tools. Divide a piece of graph paper. Position and trace your knife. Cut out the pattern. Transfer the sheath pattern onto leather. Create a welt pattern from the original sheath pattern. Punch a hole and create a slit at the bottom of the sheath. Draw the stitch lines on the belt loop in the shape of a square. Mark the stitches with an awl and an overstitch wheel. Puncture the stitch holes with a drill bit or an awl. Mark and roughen up the attachment site. Apply glue to attachment sites. Puncture the stitch holes with a drill bit or an awl. Hand stitch the belt loop onto the sheath. Trace the welt line onto the each side of the sheath. Apply contact cement to each side of the sheath and each side of the welt. Attach the welt to one side. Dampen, fold, and press the sheath together. Trim the welt. Mark the stitch line with a compass. Mark the stitch holes with an awl and an overstitch wheel. Puncture the stitch holes with an awl or drill. Stitch the main seam. Form the Leather. Dye the leather. Apply an even coat of dye to the flesh side. Sand and dye the edges. Buff the leather and treat it with oil. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Self-Worth | How to Build Self Worth | If you want to build your self-worth, block out negative thoughts and practice self-affirmations instead. For instance, tell yourself that you matter, that you're special, and that you are worthy of being loved. Try to be specific with your affirmations, praising yourself for your unique positive traits, like being compassionate, intelligent, creative, or whatever you like most about yourself. Then, act on these affirmations, behaving in ways that show yourself that they are true. | Understand the power of your attitude toward yourself. How you perceive yourself, how you talk about yourself, and how you represent yourself eventually becomes the reality for you. And if it happens that you're putting yourself down, belittling your worth, and making light of your talents in the face of others, then you will come across as self-effacing, low in self-esteem , and almost a part of the wallpaper. There's a difference between humility and self-denial. On the other hand, if you exaggerate your qualities, talents, and skills, you'll come across as egotistical and arrogant. Oddly enough, this is not about overestimating your self-worth but about deceiving yourself through insecurity. There is a middle pathway and it is the one in which you recognize and celebrate the fact that you are a valuable person, equal to everyone else, and that your talents and thoughts are unique and worthy. Getting to this belief can be difficult if you have spent years underestimating your worth but it is always possible to change your thoughts and to learn to value yourself. Learn to overcome a fear of self-love. Self-love is often equated with narcissism , egotism, and some kind of one-way trip to a negative form of introversion. This is probably partly because the English language has a hard time dealing with the word "love" – it has to cover a lot of territory for the many different types of love out there. It is also mired in the confusion people feel about the message to do good unto others, to always be charitable, and to give of oneself. While these are noble intentions, they can often be taken out of proportion and used to downplay putting one's own needs and wants beneath those of others out of a fear of being perceived as selfish or inward-looking. Again, this is about getting the balance right through self-care. Healthy self love is about being your own best friend. Self love is expressed not through preening oneself all day and constantly announcing how great you are (those are signs of intense insecurity ); rather, self love is about treating yourself with the same care, tolerance , generosity, and compassion as you would treat a special friend. Avoid obsessing over how other people see you. How does it help you to cater your personality to their idea of you? Only you can give yourself the esteem boost you need. Trust your own feelings. Self-worth requires that you learn to listen to and rely on your own feelings and not automatically respond to the feelings of other people. When you trust your own feelings, you'll recognize unfair demands and be able to respond to them better. Self-worth plummets when we let others make decisions for us. Initially, this may seem like the easy route and one that allows you to avoid hard choices, however, our self-worth grows when we make decisions for ourselves. If you don't, you will always find yourself boxed in by what other people decide for you. When the people who make decisions for you disappear from your life, you are left alone and indecisive. Analyze yourself. Many of us live in a culture that is very fond of going to see someone else to analyze us. Here are some questions for your self-analysis: What experience have I had? How has this experience informed my growth? What are my talents? List at least five. What are my skills? Remember that talents are innate, skills need to be worked on to perfect them. What are my strengths ? Stop focusing on your weaknesses; you've probably done that long enough. Start looking at what your strengths are and start thinking about how you can make the most of them in the things you choose to do. Try taking the character strengths survey at www.viacharacter.org. What do I want to be doing with my life? Am I doing it? If not, why not? Am I happy with my health? If not, why not? And what can I do to move into wellness instead of living in sickness? What makes me feel fulfilled? Am I working on that or am I busy working on other people's fulfillment? What is important to me? Stop making your self-worth conditional on other people. If you try to live up to other people's expectations, you'll struggle to find your self-worth. Unfortunately, many people live this way, making such choices as what to study, what career to choose , where to live, and how many children to have -- all based on expectations from parents, spouses, friends, and the media. Be very wary of listening too much to people who regret the choices that they made in life and who actively inflict their distress or anger upon others. They'll give you poor information, incorrect details, or simply omit to inform you at all. People with healthy self-worth will share their insights and learning with you, and will be willing to guide you around life's many traps. Look for those people to mentor you. Let go of the parts of your self-worth that are based on people's opinions from your childhood. Whether it was your parents, a caregiver, or kids at school, their opinions don't determine who you are as a person. If those people made you feel bad about yourself, look for evidence in your life that they're wrong so you can let go of their opinions. Tell yourself that you matter. Realistic self pep-talks are great and affirming your self-worth openly to yourself can be a good way to start changing the negative self-talk that you might have developed over time. Make set times during the day to remind yourself that you're a great person. Tell yourself you're special, wonderful, lovable , and loved. Affirmative talk is part of a range of methods for boosting yourself and for taking out time to acknowledge that you do matter -- just as much as every person around you. Try to be specific with your self-affirmations. For example, instead of saying "I love myself," you could say "I love myself because I'm a smart, compassionate person." Prove to yourself that you matter. One of the problems with self-affirmations is that there is a sense that affirmations are magical, that they are all that's needed to improve your sense of self. When in reality, you also need to act on your sense of self-worth. This is achieved by recognizing and accepting responsibility. Responsibility is recognizing that you are in control of your attitude, your reactions, and your sense of worth. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent," and that is the crux of poor self-worth: letting other people and circumstances serve as the source of lowering your self-worth is going to keep you stuck. Accept the responsibility for your circumstances. Make a decision to do something about them. Even if others appear to stand in your way, work around them. Build your self-confidence. Improving your self-confidence is a great way to work on a more positive self-image. There are several strategies you can use to improve your self-confidence including: Blocking negative thoughts. Every time you have a negative thought, turn it into something positive. For example, if you think to yourself, “I will never pass this test,” then change the thought to something like, “I will pass this test if I study hard for it.” Removing negativity from your environment. Surround yourself with people who are uplifting and supportive. Steer clear of people who are negative and critical of themselves or other people. Being assertive. Being assertive will help you to get your needs met and this will help you to feel happier. Setting goals. Set realistic goals for yourself, and make sure to reward yourself when you accomplish them. Seeking mental health support. Working with a mental health professional, such as a therapist, can help you to develop your self-confidence. Forgive yourself and other people. Responsibility also requires that you relinquish the need to use blame as a source of coping; blame alleviates the need to look at yourself and to change your own behavior. Blame will leave you stuck in time and stuck with your negative feelings, and it perpetuates feelings of helplessness. Blame implies that someone or something else has the power that you lack. Don't blame your parents, the government, your next door neighbors. They may have made things difficult for you but don't use that as an excuse to reduce your self-worth. Avoid being a martyr ; the responsibility to move on as a strong, whole person rests with you. Work on your resilience. Resilient people have the emotional strength to get through life's difficulties without falling apart. This isn't about belittling the hardships and challenges of life. It is about how you react and work your way through them. You always have a choice between demeaning yourself or always remembering your self-worth and staying firm in that resolve. To do this, focus your energy on what you need to do to change the situation or the circumstances. Realize that other people have been wrapped up in the circumstances too and are not necessarily directing the outcome. Break the habit of trying to please other people. When you stop having to please everyone else, your desires will rise to the surface and you can start working on your own happiness and self-worth. Express your feelings instead of bottling them up. In doing so, respect the feelings of others but don't be beholden to them. Heed opportunities. Opportunities present themselves in all sorts of ways. Part of building self-worth is learning to recognize these opportunities, however small, and working with them. Turn challenges into opportunities. Successful people tend to turn challenges into opportunities. Try to think of challenges in your life as an opportunity to grow into a stronger person. Budget your money. Self-worth is often closely tied to one's financial situation. All financial opportunities that come your way should be assessed with care. Retirement savings , investments, and savings in general are all things that will help ensure a sound life for you and financial freedom allows you the space to build self-worth away from financial pressures. Value yourself regardless of your job and earnings. In societies that tend to value people by what they do rather than by who they are , there is a great risk of undervaluing your self-worth because it's tied up in earnings and job prestige. If you ever find yourself replying, "Oh I'm just a..." in reply to the question, "So what do you do?", you're suffering from a self-worth deficit. You are not "just" anything – you are a unique, valuable, and wonderful human being who matters. Value your time. If you're performing volunteer or low-paid support work that eats up your time beyond what you can afford, and you're neglecting other parts of your life, such as looking for a job, spending time with your family, or ensuring that your own life is running smoothly, then it's possible that you're caught up in competing value systems. The first value system is that which tells us we must volunteer or contribute community service to others more needy in society because it is both noble and essential for our own sense of well-being. The second value system is that which rewards us for knowing our self-worth and for expecting good compensation for what we contribute to society. These two competing values create tension for many well-meaning people who want to give but find themselves caught up in the challenges of lack of time, lack of money, and a sense of inadequacy with all the juggling. Eventually this will lead to one or more of the following: being sick, exploding, walking out for good, resenting the loss of your time, and/or perpetuating an unhealthy balance that would not only impact you but serve as a poor role model for your children, friends, and others that are watching you. When you feel a need to downplay your talents and skills and give them away freely or at little cost, take back your time and to start valuing yourself more. Balance the time you give away to others and time spent on your own life. Could you be spending more time with your family and/or friends? If the answer to that is yes, then realize that your wealth resides in keeping that time for you and those you love, and reducing the amount of time you give away to others. When altered, this can easily spur you onto the path of increased self-worth. This doesn't mean that you have to give up helping out completely, but you do need to put community service or commitments to helping others into perspective. At the end of the day, you matter more than anything. Follow through. Maintain your focus on self-worth as an important part of what goes into making you whole. Make time on a regular basis to check on your progress in building your self-worth and be patient. It takes time to change negative self-talk and putting yourself last. If your entire pattern of interacting with others has been based on effacing yourself as much as possible, it will take a lot of courage to make the changes needed. But it's 100% possible. There will be some people who find the new, more assertive you a little confronting. Don't let that worry you because it's about your journey, not theirs! You are seeking to gain respect as you go, something that people pleasers rarely have. Live in the present. The past has its lessons, but the only moment that truly matters is now. It is the only moment that "is," after all. Nothing else is a sure thing. And if this moment isn't what you want to be, make it so the next moment is. Keep a notebook of your achievements. Every time you feel tempted to put yourself down and to bemoan that you're getting nowhere, make a cup of coffee, sit down comfortably and take out this book and read through it. Can you update it with a new achievement while you're there? Compete only with yourself, not with others. Those achievements are what you do and how they make you feel, not how others perceive them or what others have done just like it. | Understand the power of your attitude toward yourself. Learn to overcome a fear of self-love. Trust your own feelings. Analyze yourself. Stop making your self-worth conditional on other people. Tell yourself that you matter. Prove to yourself that you matter. Build your self-confidence. Forgive yourself and other people. Work on your resilience. Break the habit of trying to please other people. Heed opportunities. Budget your money. Value yourself regardless of your job and earnings. Value your time. Balance the time you give away to others and time spent on your own life. Follow through. Live in the present. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Recognize-Angina-Pains | How to Recognize Angina Pains | Angina pains feel like chest pains or discomfort that sometimes radiates down the arm, and these pains are dangerous because they're similar to heart attack symptoms. If you've never experienced angina before, call emergency services immediately because you may be suffering from cardiac arrest. In addition to generalized pain, angina pain often feels like a squeezing, heaviness, or pressure behind your breastbone. You might also experience pain that radiates to other parts of your body, like your arms, shoulders, jaw, or neck. Other symptoms to watch for include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, sweating, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, immediately stop and rest or take nitroglycerin, which should help the pain subside. | Note a pain localized behind your breastbone. The main symptom of angina is chest pain or discomfort, which is usually localized just behind the breastbone, or sternum. Typical descriptions of the type of pain include pressure, squeezing, tightness, and heaviness. This pain may also result in a difficulty of breathing. Chest heaviness is often described as an elephant sitting on the chest. Some also compare the pain to that of indigestion. Notice whether or not the pain radiates to other parts of your body. The pain may radiate from your chest to your arms, shoulders, jaw, or neck. It may also occur as primary pain in other areas such as your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Women are statistically more likely than men to experience primary angina pain localized to an area other than the chest, or the chest pain may feel more like stabbing than pressure or tightness. Recognize any accompanying symptoms. Angina pain is caused by myocardial ischemia, which means reduced blood flow to your heart stops it from receiving enough oxygen. Because of this, you are likely to experience a range of symptoms in addition to the actual angina pain. Generally speaking, women are more likely to experience these additional symptoms, sometimes without even feeling typical chest pain. These symptoms include: Fatigue Nausea Dizziness/fainting Sweating Shortness of breath Tightness in your chest Time the duration of the pain. You should immediately rest and stop putting any undue stress on your heart when you begin feeling a chest pain that you believe to be angina. Once you sit down and rest or take nitroglycerin, the pain should subside in a short amount of time—around five minutes—if you have what is called “stable angina,” which is the most common form. Look for patterns in the cause of the pain. Stable angina is deemed as such because the causes and severity are usually both consistent and predictable—at times when you force your heart to work harder. This means that the pain can flare up consistently after exercise, climbing stairs, cold temperature, smoking, and when you're feeling especially stressed or emotional. If you're accustomed to monitoring symptoms of stable angina and your pain, the cause, the duration, or anything else deviates significantly from the norm, then you should seek immediate medical assistance because your angina has become unstable and could be a sign of a heart attack. Prinzmetal angina (or variant angina) is another form, but it's related to heart spasms that interfere with blood flow. This form of angina can be alarming because it also deviates from a predictable schedule and is very painful. However, medications are available to help control the heart spasms at the root of it. These angina symptoms are often severe and occur at rest often between midnight and early morning and can be mistaken for unstable angina. Causes of Prinzmetal angina include cold weather, stress, medication, smoking and cocaine use. Consult your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis. Call 911 if you’ve never experienced angina before. If you've never experience angina pain before and you've never been diagnosed with any heart condition, then you should call 911 at the first onset. Your symptoms could indicate a heart attack, so you should not wait to see if the symptoms subside on their own. If the symptoms indicate the onset of CAD, then your doctor will discuss treatment options and what to do for future instances of angina. Call 911 if your episode deviates from your stable angina history. If you've been diagnosed with CAD and know the usual triggers of your angina pain, then you should seek immediate medical care if your symptoms deviate from their usual pattern. This can be a sign of a heart attack. Your symptoms differ in several ways, including: Increased severity Symptoms lasting longer than 20 minutes Occurring at rest Occurring with less activity than usual New symptoms in association such as nausea, shortness of breath, a cold sweat, or a sense of impending doom Symptoms are not relieved by taking medication, such as nitroglycerin Call 911 if your stable angina doesn’t respond to medication. Nitroglycerin is often prescribed to those with CAD because it dilates the arteries, helping to restore proper blood flow. You should call 911 if your pains don't subside with rest or if they don't respond to your nitroglycerin. Directions for nitroglycerin tablets and sprays usually suggest resting while taking a dose every five minutes (up to three doses) while symptoms continue. Use as directed and contact your care provider if the symptoms do not respond. Recognize your age as a risk. The risk for angina increases with age. Specifically, the risk for angina increases for men older than 45 years and women older than 55 years. In general, the development of angina in women lags approximately ten years behind men. A decline in the natural hormone estrogen may be a factor in the increased risk for angina and heart disease among postmenopausal women. Consider your sex. Angina is more often the presenting symptom of coronary artery disease (CAD) in women than in men. Low estrogen levels in women after menopause may play a role in the development of coronary microvascular disease (MVD), and thus microvascular angina. Up to 50 percent of women with angina have coronary MVD. The leading killer of both men and women is CAD. Estrogen protects women from heart disease. After menopause, estrogen levels drop drastically and translate into higher risks for angina in women. Women who have gone through early menopause, either naturally or as a result of hysterectomy (removal of the uterus), are twice as likely to develop angina as women of the same age who have not yet entered menopause. Look at your family history. A family history of early heart disease increases an individual's risk for angina and heart disease. If you have a father or brother who was diagnosed earlier than age 55—or if your mother or sister was diagnosed before age 65—then your risk is highest. Having one first-degree relative diagnosed with early heart disease may increase your risk for angina and heart disease by as much as 33 percent. That risk can jump to as high as 50 percent if you have two or more first-degree relatives diagnosed. Examine your smoking habits. Smoking increases the risk for angina and heart disease through several mechanisms. Smoking accelerates the development of atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits and cholesterol in your arteries) by as much as 50 percent. Carbon monoxide in smoke also displaces oxygen in the blood, leading to a deficiency of oxygen in the cells of heart muscle (cardiac ischemia). Cardiac ischemia can lead to angina and heart attack. Smoking also decreases exercise tolerance, which can shorten exercise times associated with the development of angina. Take into account if you’re diabetic. Diabetes is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease and thus angina. Diabetics have blood with a higher viscosity (thickness) than usual. This makes the heart work harder to pump blood. Diabetics also have thicker atrial walls in their hearts, allowing the passageways to block more easily. Test your blood pressure. Consistently high blood pressure (hypertension) can cause hardening and thickening in your arteries. Persistently, or chronically, elevated blood pressure leads to damage of the walls of your arteries, which predisposes you to atherosclerosis (arterial buildup). If you are younger than 60 years of age, hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on more than one occasion. If you are older than 60 years of age, hypertension is defined as a blood pressure of 150/90 mm Hg or higher on more than one occasion. Try to reduce your cholesterol. High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) also contributes to buildup on the atrial walls of your heart (atherosclerosis). The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that all adults age 20 or older have a complete lipoprotein profile checked every four to six years to assess their risk for angina and heart disease. A complete lipoprotein profile is a blood test that measures total blood cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (also known as “good” cholesterol), LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Both high levels of LDL (so-called “bad” cholesterol) and low levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol) can also result in atherosclerosis. Consider your weight. Obesity (a BMI of 30 or higher ) increases other risk factors since obesity is tied to high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and developing diabetes. In fact, this collection of associated symptoms is referred to a metabolic syndrome and includes: Hyperinsulinemia (fasting blood glucose level >100 mg/dL) Abdominal obesity (waist circumference >40 in for men or >35 in for women) Decreased HDL cholesterol levels (<40 mg/dL for men or <50 mg/dL for women) Hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides >150 mg/dL) Hypertension Find out if you have high levels of certain substances in your blood. Your doctor may check your blood to find out if you have high blood levels of homocysteine, C-Reactive protein (CRP), ferritin (or stored iron levels), interleukin-6 and lipoprotein (a). These substances can all increase your risk of CAD and angina if you are outside of the normal ranges. You can also request these tests from your doctor, and then talk to your doctor about what you can do to lower your risk if any of your levels are abnormal. Evaluate your stress levels. Stress makes your heart work harder by making it beat faster and more heavily. People who suffer from chronic stress are much more likely to develop heart conditions. | Note a pain localized behind your breastbone. Notice whether or not the pain radiates to other parts of your body. Recognize any accompanying symptoms. Time the duration of the pain. Look for patterns in the cause of the pain. Call 911 if you’ve never experienced angina before. Call 911 if your episode deviates from your stable angina history. Call 911 if your stable angina doesn’t respond to medication. Recognize your age as a risk. Consider your sex. Look at your family history. Examine your smoking habits. Take into account if you’re diabetic. Test your blood pressure. Try to reduce your cholesterol. Consider your weight. Find out if you have high levels of certain substances in your blood. Evaluate your stress levels. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-and-Treat-Periodontitis-in-Cats | How to Diagnose and Treat Periodontitis in Cats | If your cat starts exhibiting symptoms, like bad breath, red gums, loose teeth, or drooling, it might have periodontitis and need to be taken to the vet. Once your vet diagnoses your cat's periodontitis, they will suggest treatment options based on the severity of your cat's condition. For example, your cat may need to have gum tissue or teeth removed, which could require surgery. Your vet may also prescribe your cat with antibiotics to treat any infections, and suggest that you start brushing your cat's teeth. To maintain your cat's dental health, you should brush its teeth once a day, using a small amount of veterinary toothpaste and a feline toothbrush. | Smell the cat's breath. Sometimes, the only noticeable symptom of periodontitis is bad breath. If you notice that your cat has persistent bad breath, you should take them to the vet to be checked out. A healthy cat should not have a strong or offensive smell on their breath. It is normal for the cat's breath to smell like their food after they eat, but it is not normal for the cat to have persistent bad breath. If you believe that your cat has periodontitis, do a smell check a few times a day for a few days to see if the bad breath is consistent. Inspect the cat's mouth. There may be a few visible signs of periodontitis that you can notice by gently checking your cat's mouth, teeth, and gums. Sit with your cat on your lap. As you pet and talk to your cat, gently tip their head back. Use a finger to part their lips to see their teeth and gums. Note that your cat may not let you inspect their mouth. If they resist your attempt, stop immediately. Take your cat to the vet instead for a full oral exam. Signs of periodontitis include: Red gums Gum recession Loose teeth Swelling around the mouth or face Drooling Yellowed teeth Identify any unusual behavior. If your cat is experiencing tooth pain, they may be acting strangely. You might notice them pawing at their face frequently. They may also have difficulty eating. Some cats may even start to lose their appetite. You may notice the cat becoming messier as they eat. This can be a sign that they are having difficulty eating. If your cat has a decreased appetite, take them to the vet as this may be a symptom of multiple problems, which have nothing to do with their teeth. Take your cat to the vet. Only your vet can diagnose for certain if your cat has periodontitis or another disease. If you suspect that your cat has periodontitis or if they are exhibiting any of its symptoms, schedule a visit with your vet. In order to do a full oral exam, your vet may need to sedate your cat. If you don't take your cat to the vet, a condition called tooth resorption could develop in your cat. This condition, which leads to lesions caused by periodontitis, will cause the cat to eventually lose all of its teeth. You should take your cat to the vet annually for a dental exam and cleaning regardless of whether or not they have dental problems. Talk to your vet about medical procedures. If the periodontitis is severe, your cat may require surgery or another procedure. There are many different procedures used to treat cats, based on how the disease has progressed. Root planing: In this procedure, tartar and diseased tissues are removed from the tooth. The vet may smooth over the root surface. Subgingival curettage: This will remove diseased connective tissue from the tooth. Gingivectomy: The vet will remove excess gum tissue to prevent bacteria from growing in the pockets between the gums and the teeth. Gingival Flap Surgery: The vet may open a flap of the gum over the root of the tooth to reach the deeper pockets so that they can be cleaned. Tooth extraction: A tooth is removed. This is done when the tooth cannot be saved or if other procedures do not work. Give your cat their medication. The vet may prescribe your cat antibiotics to prevent or treat any infections. Follow the directions of the antibiotic carefully to make sure that your cat is getting the correct dosage. Introduce your cat to brushing. Once your cat has been treated by a vet, you will need to maintain daily dental care. Brushing your cat's teeth will help prevent future tartar build up and bone loss. Your cat may not respond well to brushing at first. Introduce brushing to your cat over a period of about four weeks. Find a pet toothpaste in a flavor that your cat enjoys, such as fish or chicken flavor. Do not use human toothpaste, as it contains ingredients, such as fluoride, that may be harmful to cats. For a week or two, put a little toothpaste on your finger, and let the cat lick it off. Once the cat is used to the taste of the toothpaste, rub a little bit on the cat's front teeth. If the cat resists, stop, and try again the next day. After a week or two, the cat may stop resisting when you touch their teeth. At this point, you can start using a brush. Start with the cat's front teeth and work your way around their mouth. Brush your cat’s teeth once a day. Once a day, put a small amount of veterinary toothpaste or dentifrice on a brush, and brush the cat's teeth with it. Move the brush along the outside of their teeth. Go quickly so that your cat does not wriggle away. You do not need to brush the insides of your cat's teeth. You can buy cat-specific toothbrushes from your vet or pet store. Do not use a human toothbrush as your cat may swallow the bristles. If a feline toothbrush does not work, try a finger brush instead. Finger brushes are available at most pet stores. These will slide over your finger. This is a more comfortable method for some cats. Change their diet. If your cat had surgery or another medical procedure, you may need to feed them only soft foods for the first week or so after bringing them home. After that, your vet may recommend a special type of dry food that will reduce the risk of further tartar build-up. Talk to your vet to understand what dietary changes may be necessary for your cat. Some cat foods are marketed as dental diets. They contain special anti-tartar ingredients. Ask your vet if one of these is right for your cat. Check in with your vet periodically. Once your cat has been treated, they may need to return to the vet every so often to have their teeth checked again.Talk to your vet to see how often they recommend you visit. After your cat has been treated, you may need to return to your vet after four to six weeks. After this first visit, depending on the severity of their condition, you may need to bring the cat in between two and four times a year. Brush your cat’s teeth. Even if your cat does not have periodontitis, you should still brush their teeth once a day. Use a feline toothpaste or toothbrush, and apply a small amount of veterinary toothpaste before brushing their teeth. Give the cat a dental rinse. There are a few different types of oral rinses or solutions that you can give your cat to reduce tartar build-up. These come in gel and liquid form. Some may can squeezed into your cat's mouth. Others may be sprayed. Chlorhexidine is a common oral rinse given to pets. You can buy this in a gel or rinse form. Squeeze a little bit into the cat's cheek. If you want, you can spread it around their mouth with a finger brush. Note, however, that some cats dislike the taste. At your pet store, you may be able to buy a liquid that you can add to your cat's water bowl. These may be called "dental water" or "liquid tartar remover." Make sure to read the instructions carefully so that you add the right amount to their water. Take your cat in for regular dental cleanings. During a dental cleaning, your vet will remove any plaque or tartar on your cat's teeth. They will also check your cat's mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue for any problems. To do this, however, your cat will be put under general anesthesia. Dental cleanings are usually done every six months. Some vets may only ask you to come in once a year, however. Some groomers may offer “anesthesia free” dental cleanings. These cleanings are for cosmetic purposes only, and they will not help prevent periodontitis. | Smell the cat's breath. Inspect the cat's mouth. Identify any unusual behavior. Take your cat to the vet. Talk to your vet about medical procedures. Give your cat their medication. Introduce your cat to brushing. Brush your cat’s teeth once a day. Change their diet. Check in with your vet periodically. Brush your cat’s teeth. Give the cat a dental rinse. Take your cat in for regular dental cleanings. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Kombucha-Scoby | How to Make Kombucha Scoby | To make a kombucha scoby, start by bringing 7 cups of water to a boil. Next, remove the pot from the heat, add the sugar and tea bags, and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then, remove the tea bags, and combine the tea and store-bought kombucha in a jar. Cover the jar with several paper towels or coffee filters, and wrap them tightly around the rim with a rubber band. Store the jars in a room-temperature area away from direct sunlight, and let it sit for 1 to 4 weeks until the scoby is opaque and about ¼ inch thick. | Bring water to a boil. Add 7 cups (1.65 liters) of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil, then remove the pot from the heat. Add sugar and the tea bags to the water. Mix in the ½ cup (118.29 ml) of sugar into the hot water and stir it until it's completely dissolved. Once the sugar is dissolved, add the 4 tea bags. Let the tea cool. Let the tea sit and cool until it reaches room temperature. Then take out and discard the tea bags. Combine the tea and bottled kombucha. Pour all of the cooled sweet tea that you just made into a large, clean jar. Then pour 1 cup (236.58 ml) of the unflavored, store-bought kombucha into the jar. If there is a small kombucha scoby forming in the store-bought kombucha bottle, make sure that you add it to the jar as well. If you do have a small scoby in the jar, it will grow from a “baby” scoby to a larger “mother” scoby. Don't worry if you don't have a small scoby in the bottle; a scoby will still develop in your jar. Cover the jar. Once you have combined the kombucha and the sweet tea, cover the jar with a few layers of cheesecloth, coffee filters, or paper towels. Then take a rubber band to tightly band the coverings over the jar at the rim. Place the jar out of direct sunlight. Put the jar in a cupboard or corner away from direct sunlight in an average room-temperature room of around 70 °F (21 °C) (around 21.11 C). Direct sunlight can hinder the development of the kombucha scoby. Store the kombucha for 1-4 weeks. Keep the kombucha sealed for 1-4 weeks, checking on it a couple times a week. By the end of the first week you should see bubbles forming at the top of the liquid, then you will see a thin film forming on top. When the scoby is finished developing, it should be about ¼ inch (6.35 mm). Remove the kombucha scoby. When the kombucha scoby is opaque and about ¼ inch (6.35 mm) thick, it is ready to use. Remove it and use it to brew your own kombucha tea! Dispose of most of the liquid that you used to make the scoby, as it will taste very acidic and strong. Keep about 1 cup (236. 58 ml) if you are planning to make kombucha. If your scoby starts to develop mold or smells rancid, it likely means that bad bacteria are forming on the scoby and that you should throw it out and start again. Heat 6 cups (1.42 liters) of water. To start making a half gallon of kombucha, place 6 cups (1.42 liters) of water on the stove and heat until almost boiling, then take the pot off the heat. Place sugar and tea bags in the water. While the water is still hot, add ½ cup (118.29 ml) of sugar and stir until it dissolves. Then add 4 tea bags into the water to steep. Let the tea cool to around 75 degrees F (23.88 C). Let the tea sit and cool to about 75 degrees F (23.88 C). If you want a strong tea taste in your kombucha, leave the teabags in until the tea cools. If you want a mild tea taste, remove the teabags after about 10-15 minutes. Remove teabags and add starter tea. After the tea has cooled to 75 degrees F (23.88 C), remove the teabags if you haven't already. Pour the sweet tea into a large clean jar and add 1 cup (236.58 ml) of the starter tea you developed when you were making the kombucha scoby. If you already disposed of all the starter tea, substitute 1 cup (236.58 ml) of distilled white vinegar. Add the scoby. Carefully drop the scoby you developed into the jar of liquid. The scoby should float to the top and cover the liquid in the jar. Cover the top of the jar. Place a coffee filter or cheesecloth on the top of the jar of kombucha and use a rubber band to bind the cover in place. Let the kombucha sit for one to three weeks. Place the kombucha in a cupboard or on a counter away from direct sunlight to sit at about 68-85 degrees F (20-29.44 C). Do not pick up or shake the kombucha while it is developing. If you like kombucha with a sweeter taste, leave it to sit for only a week or a week and a half. If you like a stronger and more vinegary taste, leave it to sit for two or three weeks. Pour kombucha out and keep the scoby in the jar. When you are ready to serve it, pour most of the kombucha liquid out from the jar and retain the scoby and about a cup (236.58 ml) of liquid inside. You can use the scoby and starter tea for another batch of kombucha. If you are not going to drink all of the kombucha, place it in a sealed bottle and put it in the refrigerator. | Bring water to a boil. Add sugar and the tea bags to the water. Let the tea cool. Combine the tea and bottled kombucha. Cover the jar. Place the jar out of direct sunlight. Store the kombucha for 1-4 weeks. Remove the kombucha scoby. Heat 6 cups (1.42 liters) of water. Place sugar and tea bags in the water. Let the tea cool to around 75 degrees F (23.88 C). Remove teabags and add starter tea. Add the scoby. Cover the top of the jar. Let the kombucha sit for one to three weeks. Pour kombucha out and keep the scoby in the jar. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smile-With-Braces | How to Smile With Braces | To have a great smile with braces, try making yourself laugh whenever you want to smile since laughing can actually make your smile look more natural and radiant. Also, practice narrowing your eyes whenever you smile, which will also make your smile look more natural. If you're feeling self-conscious about your smile, practice smiling in front of the mirror to learn what looks best and feel more confident smiling in front of people. Also, take care of your teeth by brushing after every meal and rinsing with mouthwash so you feel your best whenever you smile. | Exercise your smile. The best way to grow comfortable with smiling while wearing braces is to practice. Your facial expressions rely on a series of muscles in your face, so "exercising" your smile in front of a mirror can help you find a smile range that you're comfortable with. Stretch the corners of your mouth outward, keeping your lips closed. Hold that pose for 10 seconds, then release it. Repeat the first stretch, but part your lips just enough to expose the line where your top row of teeth meet the bottom row of teeth. Hold that pose for 10 seconds, then release it. Stretch the corners of your mouth even farther outward until your lips part enough to expose roughly half of your teeth. Hold that pose for 10 seconds, then release it. Stretch the corners of your mouth as wide as you can, exposing all of your teeth. Hold that pose for 10 seconds, then release it. Practice these stretches in front of a mirror until you find a smile you're comfortable with, and continue to exercise your facial muscles until you have total control over your smile. Develop a more natural smile. Once you've started exercising your facial muscles, the next step is to develop a more natural, comfortable-looking smile that won't look forced. One way to do this is to tone additional facial muscles. Purse your lips, making them as big as possible while pulling in your cheeks. While keeping your lips pursed, try to simultaneously stretch the corners of your mouth outward, into a smile. Hold that pose just long enough that your facial muscles begin to feel fatigued. Then release it. Do not practice this exercise more than once a day, as excessive stretching may cause muscle strain. Over time, this stretch should help your smile look more natural and more radiant. Increase your flexibility and control. Once you've practiced stretching and toning your facial muscles, you may want to work on gaining further control of your smile. One way to do this is by working other facial muscles while practicing your smile. Stretch the corners of your mouth outward as far as possible while keeping your lips closed. While holding that pose, try to wiggle your nose until you feel your cheek muscles begin to strain. Hold that pose for five seconds, then release. Repeat this exercise up to 10 times daily to develop a greater command over your facial muscles. Smile until your eyes narrow. Psychologists have found that all sincere smiles involve the muscles around the eyes. Sometimes called the "Duchenne smile," this expression of sincere happiness causes so-called "crow's feet" creases around the eyes, as the eyes narrow and the smile broadens. It's a mechanism most people aren't consciously aware of, but with practice you can learn to smile with your eyes, giving you a more natural, sincere smile. Stand or sit in front of a mirror. Smile until you notice your eyes narrow slightly. Try to hold this pose and study the way your facial muscles stretch in this position. Practice smiling with your eyes until you're able to achieve this expression on command. Replicate other Duchenne smiles. One way to practice smiling with your eyes is to look at photographs of other people exhibiting Duchenne smiles, then try to perform the same expression. You can easily find pictures online by searching for "Duchenne smile", and researchers have found that viewing a photograph of a Duchenne smile makes it easier to replicate that smile on command. Practice in front of a mirror or camera. Continue looking at Duchenne smiles and then practicing your own until you're able to smile with your eyes on command. Try role-playing smiles. Research suggests that some people are capable of achieving a Duchenne smile while imagining (or "roleplaying") certain events that were causes of happiness. Imagining or remembering a fun occasion with friends, greeting a friend, and receiving a good grade were all scenarios that caused some people to express a Duchenne smile. Try laughing to smile. Some research connects laughter with a Duchenne smile. If you're having trouble replicating the Duchenne smile on command, you may want to try forcing a brief instance of laughter to form a Duchenne smile. Think about something that amuses you or brings you joy, and practice laughing/smiling in front of a mirror. Focus on your strengths. Some researchers have found that actively thinking about your strengths and positive characteristics can help build a stronger self-esteem. Having a stronger sense of self may help you feel more comfortable with your new braces, and may make it easier to smile and feel confident. Try repeating positive affirmations. Having one or more daily affirmations may help empower you and make you feel more confident and sure of yourself. You can use tried and true affirmations, such as "I am a valuable, compassionate person" and "I feel positive and loving toward myself." Or you can create your own affirmations related to having braces, such as "I know that I have a beautiful smile; it will only be better because of my braces." Challenge your negative thoughts. It's common for everyone to have negative or self-doubting thoughts from time to time, but it's important to always remember that these thoughts are not who we really are. Any time you find yourself thinking negative thoughts about your braces or how they look, stop that thought pattern in its tracks and remind yourself that your braces won't be on forever, and you'll have a flawless smile when you're finished. Buy dental floss with a threader. Some people with braces may feel uncomfortable smiling out of fear that there is something stuck between their teeth or braces. Flossing and taking special care of your teeth and braces can help remove that fear, giving you a confident, clean smile. It's important to floss, but some people with braces may find it difficult to work around the wires and brackets. Most makers of dental floss now offer floss with a stiff, straight end, called a threader, which can make it drastically easier to floss between your braces and gums. Look for floss threaders at your local pharmacy or grocery store. If you cannot find pieces of floss with their own threaders, you can also buy a threader that can be used with ordinary dental floss to accomplish the same task. For this type of threader, use about 12 inches of dental floss to ensure that you can adequately feed the floss through your teeth. Work the floss in a c-shape. As you floss, try to form a c-shape against each tooth. Then work the floss up and down, scraping the sides of your teeth from every angle. This will help maximize the area covered by the dental floss. Floss after every meal to help keep a clean, bright smile. Brush your teeth. It's important to brush at least twice a day, but many dentists recommend patients with braces brush after every meal. In addition to your usual brushing routine, it's important to remember to brush around each and every part of your braces. Consider using an interproximal brush. It's a special brush built for people with braces that can easily slip underneath the wire of the braces. Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Mouthwash can be used at home or on the go, especially after meals. Mouthwash helps mask bad breath and may help kill or remove harmful bacteria that cause unpleasant odors. Use the cap of the mouthwash bottle to pour out a "serving" of mouthwash. Pour the mouthwash into your mouth, but do not swallow. Rinse vigorously, focusing on each quadrant of your mouth. If at all possible, try to avoid rinsing with water immediately after rinsing with mouthwash. Mouthwash will continue to kill bacteria in your mouth after you've finished rinsing with it, and rinsing with water too soon after you've used mouthwash may disrupt this process. Limit hard foods. Not only can hard foods lead to chipping or cracking of your teeth, but they're also prone to getting stuck underneath or between your braces. For this reason, it may be helpful to cut or break hard foods into smaller pieces before chewing. Avoid chewy and crunchy foods. Foods like popcorn, hard candies, and licorice can easily get stuck in your braces, and could even cause damage to your braces. Stick with softer foods, including fruits and vegetables, to ensure your smile is in good shape. Cut out candy and sweets. Sugary foods are known to cause acidic deposits in teeth, and can lead to bad breath, decalcification of teeth, and even tooth decay. Hard candy can also damage your braces. Try to avoid candy and sweets as much as possible to have a healthy, fuller smile. | Exercise your smile. Develop a more natural smile. Increase your flexibility and control. Smile until your eyes narrow. Replicate other Duchenne smiles. Try role-playing smiles. Try laughing to smile. Focus on your strengths. Try repeating positive affirmations. Challenge your negative thoughts. Buy dental floss with a threader. Brush your teeth. Use an antiseptic mouthwash. Limit hard foods. Avoid chewy and crunchy foods. Cut out candy and sweets. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Distributive-Property-to-Solve-an-Equation | How to Use Distributive Property to Solve an Equation | To use the distributive property to solve an equation, multiply the term outside the parenthesis by each term inside the parenthesis. For example, if there is a 4 outside the parenthesis and an x minus 3 inside of them, change it to 4 times x minus 4 times 3. Then, combine all of the numbers into one group, and all of the variables into another. In our example, that would be 4x minus 12. Finally, solve the equation as usual. | Multiply the term outside of the parentheses by each term in the parentheses. To do this, you are essentially distributing the outer term into the inner terms. Multiply the term outside the parentheses by the first term in the parentheses. Then multiply it by the second term. If there are more than two terms, keep distributing the term until there are no terms left. Keep whatever operation (plus or minus) is in the parentheses. 2 ( x − 3 ) = 10 {\displaystyle 2(x-3)=10} 2 ( x ) − ( 2 ) ( 3 ) = 10 {\displaystyle 2(x)-(2)(3)=10} 2 x − 6 = 10 {\displaystyle 2x-6=10} Combine like terms. Before you can solve the equation, you will have to combine like terms. Combine all numerical terms with each other. Separately, combine any variable terms. To simplify the equation, arrange the terms so the variables are on one side of the equals sign and the constants (numbers only) are on the other. 2 x − 6 = 10 {\displaystyle 2x-6=10} …..(original problem) 2 x − 6 ( + 6 ) = 10 ( + 6 ) {\displaystyle 2x-6(+6)=10(+6)} ….. (Add 6 to both sides) 2 x = 16 {\displaystyle 2x=16} ….. (Variable on left; constant on right) Solve the equation. Solve for x {\displaystyle x} by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient in front of the variable. 2 x = 16 {\displaystyle 2x=16} …..(original problem) 2 x / 2 = 16 / 2 {\displaystyle 2x/2=16/2} …..(divide both sides by 2) x = 8 {\displaystyle x=8} …..(solution) Distribute a negative number together with its negative sign. If you have a negative number multiplying a term or terms within parentheses, be sure to distribute the negative to each term inside the parentheses. Remember the basic rules of multiplying negatives: Neg. x Neg. = Pos. Neg. x Pos. = Neg. Consider the following example: − 4 ( 9 − 3 x ) = 48 {\displaystyle -4(9-3x)=48} ….. (original problem) − 4 ( 9 ) − ( − 4 ) ( 3 x ) = 48 {\displaystyle -4(9)-(-4)(3x)=48} …..(distribute (-4) to each term) − 36 − ( − 12 x ) = 48 {\displaystyle -36-(-12x)=48} …..(simplify the multiplication) − 36 + 12 x = 48 {\displaystyle -36+12x=48} …..(notice that 'minus -12' becomes +12) Combine like terms. After you complete the distribution, you then need to simplify the equation by moving all the variable terms to one side of the equals sign, and all the numbers without variables to the other. Do this by a combination of addition or subtraction. − 36 + 12 x = 48 {\displaystyle -36+12x=48} …..(original problem) − 36 ( + 36 ) + 12 x = 48 + 36 {\displaystyle -36(+36)+12x=48+36} …..(add 36 to each side) 12 x = 84 {\displaystyle 12x=84} …..(simplify the addition to isolate the variable) Divide to find the final solution. Solve the equation by dividing both sides of the equation by whatever the coefficient of the variable is. This should result in a single variable on one side of the equation, with the result on the other. 12 x = 84 {\displaystyle 12x=84} …..(original problem) 12 x / 12 = 84 / 12 {\displaystyle 12x/12=84/12} …..(divide both sides by 12) x = 7 {\displaystyle x=7} …..(solution) Treat subtraction as adding (-1). Whenever you see a minus sign in an algebra problem, particularly if it comes before a parenthesis, you should imagine that it says + (-1). This will help you correctly distribute the negative to all the terms within the parentheses. Then solve the problem as before. For example, consider the problem, 4 x − ( x + 2 ) = 4 {\displaystyle 4x-(x+2)=4}. To be certain that you distribute the negative properly, rewrite the problem to read: 4 x + ( − 1 ) ( x + 2 ) = 4 {\displaystyle 4x+(-1)(x+2)=4} Then distribute the (-1) to the terms inside the parentheses as follows: 4 x + ( − 1 ) ( x + 2 ) = 4 {\displaystyle 4x+(-1)(x+2)=4} …..(revised problem) 4 x − x − 2 = 4 {\displaystyle 4x-x-2=4} …..(multiply (-1) times x and times 2) 3 x − 2 = 4 {\displaystyle 3x-2=4} …..(combine terms) 3 x − 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 {\displaystyle 3x-2+2=4+2} …..(add 2 to both sides) 3 x = 6 {\displaystyle 3x=6} …..(simplify terms) 3 x / 3 = 6 / 3 {\displaystyle 3x/3=6/3} …..(divide both sides by 3) x = 2 {\displaystyle x=2} …..(solution) Identify any fractional coefficients or constants. Sometimes, you may have a problem that contains fractions as coefficients or constants. You are allowed to leave them as they are and apply the basic rules of algebra to solve the problem. However, using the distributive property can often simplify the solution by turning the fractions into integers. Consider the example x − 3 = x 3 + 1 6 {\displaystyle x-3={\frac {x}{3}}+{\frac {1}{6}}}. The fractions in this problem are x 3 {\displaystyle {\frac {x}{3}}} and 1 6 {\displaystyle {\frac {1}{6}}}. Find the lowest common multiple (LCM) for all denominators. For this step, you can ignore all the integers. Look only at the fractions, and find the LCM for all the denominators. To find the LCM , you need the smallest number that is evenly divisible by the denominators of the fractions in the equation. In this example, the denominators are 3 and 6, so the LCM is 6. Multiply all terms of the equation by the LCM. Remember that you can perform any operation that you want to an algebra equation, as long as you do it equally to both sides. Multiply all terms of the equation by the LCM, and the fractions will cancel out and “become” integers. Place parentheses around the entire left and right sides of the equation and then perform the distribution: x − 3 = x 3 + 1 6 {\displaystyle x-3={\frac {x}{3}}+{\frac {1}{6}}} …..(original equation) ( x − 3 ) = ( x 3 + 1 6 ) {\displaystyle (x-3)=({\frac {x}{3}}+{\frac {1}{6}})} …..(insert parentheses) 6 ( x − 3 ) = 6 ( x 3 + 1 6 ) {\displaystyle 6(x-3)=6({\frac {x}{3}}+{\frac {1}{6}})} …..(multiply both sides by LCM) 6 x − 6 ( 3 ) = 6 ( x 3 ) + 6 ( 1 6 ) {\displaystyle 6x-6(3)=6({\frac {x}{3}})+6({\frac {1}{6}})} …..(distribute multiplication) 6 x − 18 = 2 x + 1 {\displaystyle 6x-18=2x+1} …..(simplify multiplication) Combine like terms. Combine all of the terms so all the variables appear on one side of the equation, and all constants appear on the other. Use basic operations of addition and subtraction to move terms from one side to the other. 6 x − 18 = 2 x + 1 {\displaystyle 6x-18=2x+1} …..(simplified problem) 6 x − 2 x − 18 = 2 x − 2 x + 1 {\displaystyle 6x-2x-18=2x-2x+1} …..(subtract 2x from both sides) 4 x − 18 = 1 {\displaystyle 4x-18=1} …..(simplify subtraction) 4 x − 18 + 18 = 1 + 18 {\displaystyle 4x-18+18=1+18} …..(add 18 to both sides) 4 x = 19 {\displaystyle 4x=19} …..(simplify addition) Solve the equation. Find the final solution by dividing both sides of the equation by the coefficient of the variable. This should leave a single x term on one side of the equation, and the numerical solution on the other. 4 x = 19 {\displaystyle 4x=19} …..(revised problem) 4 x / 4 = 19 / 4 {\displaystyle 4x/4=19/4} …..(divide both sides by 4) x = 19 4 or 4 3 4 {\displaystyle x={\frac {19}{4}}{\text{ or }}4{\frac {3}{4}}} …..(final solution) Interpret a long fraction as distributed division. You may occasionally see a problem that contains multiple terms in the numerator of a fraction, over a single denominator. You need to treat this as a distributive problem and apply the denominator to each term of the numerator. You can rewrite the fraction to show the distribution, as follows: 4 x + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4x+8}{2}}=4}.....(original problem) 4 x 2 + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4x}{2}}+{\frac {8}{2}}=4}.....(distribute the denominator to each term of the numerator) Simplify each numerator as a separate fraction. After distributing the denominator to each term, you can then simplify each term individually. 4 x 2 + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4x}{2}}+{\frac {8}{2}}=4}.....(revised problem) 2 x + 4 = 4 {\displaystyle 2x+4=4}.....(simplify the fractions) Isolate the variable. Proceed to solve the problem by isolating the variable on one side of the equation and moving the constant terms to the other side. Do this with a combination of addition and subtraction steps, as needed. 2 x + 4 = 4 {\displaystyle 2x+4=4}.....(revised problem) 2 x + 4 − 4 = 4 − 4 {\displaystyle 2x+4-4=4-4}.....(subtract 4 from both sides) 2 x = 0 {\displaystyle 2x=0}.....(isolated x on one side) Divide by the coefficient to solve the problem. In the final step, divide by the coefficient of the variable. This should lead you to the final solution, with the single variable on one side of the equation and the numerical solution on the other. 2 x = 0 {\displaystyle 2x=0}.....(revised problem) 2 x / 2 = 0 / 2 {\displaystyle 2x/2=0/2}.....(divide both sides by 2) x = 0 {\displaystyle x=0}.....(solution) Avoid the common trap of dividing only one term. It is tempting (but incorrect) to divide the first numerator term by the denominator and cancel out the fraction. A mistake like this, for the problem above, would look like the following: 4 x + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4x+8}{2}}=4}.....(original problem) 2 x + 8 = 4 {\displaystyle 2x+8=4}.....(divide only 4x by 2 instead of the full numerator) 2 x + 8 − 8 = 4 − 8 {\displaystyle 2x+8-8=4-8} 2 x = − 4 {\displaystyle 2x=-4} x = − 2 {\displaystyle x=-2}..... (incorrect solution) Check the correctness of your solution. You can always check your work by inserting your solution into the original problem. When you simplify, you should reach a true statement. If you simplify and get an incorrect statement, then your solution was incorrect. For this example, test the two solutions of x=0 and x=-2 to see which is correct. Begin with the solution x=0: 4 x + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4x+8}{2}}=4}.....(original problem) 4 ( 0 ) + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4(0)+8}{2}}=4}.....(insert 0 for x) 0 + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {0+8}{2}}=4} 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {8}{2}}=4} 4 = 4 {\displaystyle 4=4}.....(true statement. This is the correct solution.) Try the "false" solution of x=-2: 4 x + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4x+8}{2}}=4}.....(original problem) 4 ( − 2 ) + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {4(-2)+8}{2}}=4}.....(insert -2 for x) − 8 + 8 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {-8+8}{2}}=4} 0 2 = 4 {\displaystyle {\frac {0}{2}}=4} 0 = 4 {\displaystyle 0=4}.....(incorrect statement. Therefore, x=-2 is false.) | Multiply the term outside of the parentheses by each term in the parentheses. Combine like terms. Solve the equation. Distribute a negative number together with its negative sign. Combine like terms. Divide to find the final solution. Treat subtraction as adding (-1). Identify any fractional coefficients or constants. Find the lowest common multiple (LCM) for all denominators. Multiply all terms of the equation by the LCM. Combine like terms. Solve the equation. Interpret a long fraction as distributed division. Simplify each numerator as a separate fraction. Isolate the variable. Divide by the coefficient to solve the problem. Avoid the common trap of dividing only one term. Check the correctness of your solution. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-and-Fillet-a-Northern-Pike | How to Clean and Fillet a Northern Pike | If you have a northern pike fish, you'll need to remove the Y-bones to get 5 clean fillets off 1 fish. To remove the top fillet, cup upwards along the angle of the back fin. After removing this fillet, carefully remove the center bones and skin the fillet. Use the Y-shaped bones poking out of the top of the fish to find the side fillets. You can then find the vent, or the small hole on the underside of the fish, to find the tail fillet. If you're making a stew, fish patties, or meatballs, use a spoon and your knife to pull any extra meat off the bones. | Lay the pike on it's belly and cut about half inch down right behind the head. You'll want a nice, at least 6-inch fillet knife to work with. Cut right behind where the head of the pike meets the body, slicing down until your hit resistance. This is the fish's backbone. Angle the blade towards the tail and cut all the way towards the fin. Use the backbone as a guide, running down to the top fin. Your entire blade should be in the fish, removing a 1-1/2 inch fillet of flesh from the fish's "back." Cut upwards, mimicking the angle of the back fin, to remove the top fillet. As you reach the dorsal fin, start curving up so that your knife exits right before you hit the fin. This top fillet should be boneless, as you can stay above all the bones using this method. That said, don't worry if there is bone running down the center. Use pliers, your fingers, or careful knife work to remove any center bones from the fillet. There shouldn't be many, but take care of them now. If they are deeply embedded, which is more common with larger fish, you may need a set of clean pliers to remove them. Skin the fillet, if desired, while still fresh. To do so, slide the knife between the skin and flesh, pushing it through the other side. Holding the top of the fish down with one hand, slice all the way down the fillet to remove the fish. Go slowly to prevent accidentally cutting off the meat. Some people like to keep the knife still, and actually pull on the skin, ripping it off by keeping the knife between the flesh and skin. Use a finger feel out the Y-shaped bones poking out of the top of the fish. These will be your guides as you cut into the side of the fish. If necessary, use your knife to cut lightly into them, exposing the tops so that you can see your guides as you get into the side fillets. Flip the fish on its side and plunge the knife in behind the head. This will be right in line with the cut you made on the top of the fish. Again, cut until you hit the bones, which you exposed in the last step. It won't be quite as deep as you went in the top fillet, as the sides are a bit thinner. Turn the knife and cut down to the dorsal fin, using the Y-bones as you guide. Cut as close to these bones as possible without hitting them to get the most meat. Keep the knife parallel to the cutting board to get a nice, flat fillet. Pull up as you reach the dorsal fins to complete the fillet. If you want, use your knife to square off any of the edges for a more restaurant-quality fillet. If you'd like, now is also the time to skin the fish. Check for any stray bones, pulling away with pliers or your fingers. This usually happens if you cut too deep, or at an accidental angle. That said, there are worse problems to have, as you can easily pull a few stray bones out of the fish. Flip the fish over and repeat on the opposite side. The process is the same, though it can be a little harder to keep the fish balanced with its other side missing. Remember to go slow and use a sharp knife, trying to stay parallel to the cutting board the entire time. Locate the vent, a small hole on the underside of the fish. This little hole, the fish's anus, is located on the belly of the fish near the tail. Locate it as the starting point for your fish. Cutting the tail fillets of a pike is just like any other fish. If you already know what you're doing, there are no extra bones or steps to worry about with northern pike. Plunge the knife in just behind the vent, towards the tail. Cut down until you hit the remains of the backbone, then angle the knife back towards the tail. You want to be just tail-side of the vent, so that it is not in your fillet. This hole only provides your starting point -- you don't want to cook it! Cut along the fish until you just about reach the end. You don't want to totally cut the fillet off. It should have a small "hinge" of skin right where the flesh meets the tail, so you can pull the meat off the fish like an opening door. Starting at this hinge, get the knife between the skin and meat to easily remove the skin and scales. Leaving the fillet just barely on the fish makes it much easier to skin, as the tail forms a natural hinge. Use a spoon to scoop out any extra meat around the bones if making a stew, fish patties, meat balls, etc. There is plenty of good meat left on the fish if you're not only interested in the fillets. Simply use a spoon and your knife to pull the meat off the bones and sort out any last bits of bone. | Lay the pike on it's belly and cut about half inch down right behind the head. Angle the blade towards the tail and cut all the way towards the fin. Cut upwards, mimicking the angle of the back fin, to remove the top fillet. Use pliers, your fingers, or careful knife work to remove any center bones from the fillet. Skin the fillet, if desired, while still fresh. Use a finger feel out the Y-shaped bones poking out of the top of the fish. Flip the fish on its side and plunge the knife in behind the head. Turn the knife and cut down to the dorsal fin, using the Y-bones as you guide. Pull up as you reach the dorsal fins to complete the fillet. Check for any stray bones, pulling away with pliers or your fingers. Flip the fish over and repeat on the opposite side. Locate the vent, a small hole on the underside of the fish. Plunge the knife in just behind the vent, towards the tail. Cut along the fish until you just about reach the end. Starting at this hinge, get the knife between the skin and meat to easily remove the skin and scales. Use a spoon to scoop out any extra meat around the bones if making a stew, fish patties, meat balls, etc. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Heatstroke | How to Treat Heatstroke | To treat heatstroke, first get the person out of the sun and take off any excess clothing so they'll begin cooling down immediately. Then, get ice packs and put them under the person's armpits and on their neck, back, and groin. Alternatively, you can cover the person's body with a damp sheet or spray them from head to toe with cool water. You should also try to rehydrate the person by giving them sports drinks if you can or plain water if that's all you have. | Call the emergency services immediately if the patient’s has a fever of 104 °F (40 °C) or higher. Even if the patient's temperature is slightly below the fever threshold, you should call an ambulance as body temperatures can range from 1 to 2°F or ½ to 1°C. If the ambulance dispatcher chooses to stay on the line with you and walk you through the steps you should be taking to treat the heatstroke patient, follow those steps instead of the ones in this article. Move the person out of the sun and into the shade or an air conditioned room. An air conditioned room is ideal as this will help begin to cool the patient down immediately. Once in the shade or the air conditioning, remove any unnecessary clothing that the patient may be wearing. If you do not have air conditioning, fan air over the patient. A notepad will work well. You might lay the patient in the back seat of a car with the air conditioner on high. Cover the patient's body with a damp sheet or spray them with cool water. Find a sheet that is big enough to cover the person from their neck to their toes and wet it in the sink. Cover the patient with the wet sheet and fan them with a notebook. If you do not have a sheet, use a water bottle to spray the patient's body with cool water. You can also apply water to the patient using a sopping wet sponge or cloth. Apply ice packs to the patient’s body if you have any available. Place the ice packs under the patient's armpits, and on the groin, neck, and back. These areas contain blood vessels that are very close to the skin. Applying ice to these areas can help the body cool down more quickly. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables if you don't have an ice pack handy. Assist the patient into a cold shower or tub of cold water. Have the patient sit in the shower and direct the cold water over them, as they may not be strong enough to stand. If you are outdoors and do not have a bathroom available, a lake, pond or stream or even cold water from a hose will help cool the patient as well. Rehydrate the patient by giving fluids if possible. Sports drinks are ideal because they provide fluids as well as salt that the body will need to recover. If you do not have sport drinks you can make your own by adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt and a tablespoon of sugar for every quart of water. Have the patient drink about half a cup of the drink every 15 minutes. Make sure that the person does not drink too quickly. Tell them to drink it slowly. Do not pour liquids into a patient's mouth if they don't seem alert enough to swallow. You might cause them to choke, adding another layer of danger to an already critical situation. If you have neither sports drinks nor salted water, regular cool water will be fine. Don't offer the patient energy drinks or soft drinks. Caffeine disrupts the body's ability to regulate its temperature, so these drinks will only make the situation worse. Pay attention if the patient begins to shiver and slow down the cooling process. Shivering is the body's natural method of heating itself up, which would be counterproductive under these circumstances. In this case, shivering means that you're cooling the body too quickly, so ease off a little bit until the shivering subsides. Take the patient's temperature to determine if he or she is suffering from heatstroke. The main symptom of heatstroke is a body temperature above 104°F (40°C). To take the patient's temperature with a thermometer, place the thermometer either in the patient's mouth or under the patient's arm. The thermometer should be held in place for approximately 40 seconds. Normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C), but can range from 1 to 2°F or ½ to 1°C. Look for other symptoms if you do not have a thermometer. There are a number of other symptoms that indicate heatstroke aside from a high temperature. These include flushed skin, rapid breathing, racing heart rate and headache. Patients may also be confused, agitated and slur their speech. Lastly the patient's skin will be moist to the touch if they have been doing physical activity or hot and dry to the touch if they have been in hot weather. Talk to the patient to determine if they have a headache, slurred speech, confusion and or agitation. Place your hands on the patient's chest to determine if they have heavy breathing, rapid heart rate, and/or flush, warm or moist skin. Give the paramedics a full report when they arrive. Tell them exactly what you have done to administer first aid thus far, and give them a detailed list of the patient's symptoms. Drink plenty of fluids. If you will be outside on warm days and doing something that requires physical exertion, be sure to drink plenty of water and sports drinks to stay hydrated. This can help prevent heatstroke before it starts. Try drinking a quart of water per hour. Do not over exert yourself and avoid the outdoors during the hottest times of the day. If you need to work outside, work in the early morning hours or the later afternoon hours. This is when temperatures are cooler, and cooler temperatures reduce the risk of heatstroke. Everyone reacts to heat differently, but physical exertion should be avoided at temperatures over 90°F (32°C). Wear loose fitting, lightweight and light colored clothing. Excess, tight fitting clothing makes it difficult for the body to cool itself and increases the risk of heatstroke. Likewise, dark clothing will heat up the body and increase the risk of heatstroke. By dressing properly while you are active outdoors you can help prevent heatstroke before it starts. You should also apply sunscreen to any exposed skin to help protect yourself from sunburn. | Call the emergency services immediately if the patient’s has a fever of 104 °F (40 °C) or higher. Move the person out of the sun and into the shade or an air conditioned room. Cover the patient's body with a damp sheet or spray them with cool water. Apply ice packs to the patient’s body if you have any available. Assist the patient into a cold shower or tub of cold water. Rehydrate the patient by giving fluids if possible. Pay attention if the patient begins to shiver and slow down the cooling process. Take the patient's temperature to determine if he or she is suffering from heatstroke. Look for other symptoms if you do not have a thermometer. Give the paramedics a full report when they arrive. Drink plenty of fluids. Do not over exert yourself and avoid the outdoors during the hottest times of the day. Wear loose fitting, lightweight and light colored clothing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Polish-Wood | How to Polish Wood | To polish wood, start by cleaning it with a wood cleaner or hot soapy water to get rid of any dirt and debris. Then, dry the surface with a microfiber cloth, since leftover moisture could damage the wood. When your surface is dry, test your polish on a corner to make sure it doesn't damage your wood. If the polish dries and your wood looks fine, wipe your surface with wax remover. Once you've gotten rid of the wax, apply a thin layer of polish to the whole surface with a microfiber cloth. Wipe along the wood's grain to keep the polish consistent. If you want your wood to be shinier, keep adding thin layers until you're happy with how it looks. | Pick up a wood polish from a local store. If you are looking for a simple solution, pick up a furniture or floor polish from any big-box store. These polishes will be versatile and easy to use, so if all you're looking for is a nice shine then these will get the job done. Be sure to purchase a formula made specifically for the project you're working on. If you are looking for something more advanced, look into using linseed or tung oil, shellac, varnishes, or lacquers. But be aware that varnishes, lacquers, and some mixtures of oils emit toxic fumes and will require extra safety precautions. For polishing laminate floors, purchase a product specifically formulated for this purpose. Other types of polish won't adhere to the laminate. Do not use food oils as polish, such as olive or vegetable oil. These will spoil and develop a rancid smell over time. Only use wax over non-oil polishes, such as shellac or lacquer. Work in a well-ventilated area. If you're polishing a piece of furniture with a product that emits strong fumes, it is safest to work outside unless it is a sunny day and the product is also flammable. If you need to work inside or are polishing a hardwood floor, open all of the windows in the room or use fans to increase air circulation. Disposable and reusable ventilator masks are available at hardware stores that can protect you from any fumes you may encounter. Clear the area of any obstacles. If you are polishing furniture, move other furniture, decorations or plants away from the furniture you are polishing. If you are working on carpet, put down a tarp to prevent staining in case your polish spills. If you are polishing floors, remove all furniture from the room you wish to treat. This includes tables, chairs, beds- anything touching the floor. You won't be able to treat the floors properly if there is anything obstructing your way. Be sure to make sure any animals or small children cannot enter your work area as you polish, especially if you are using a polish or solvent that emits fumes. Clean the wood thoroughly before applying polish. If the surface isn't clean before applying polish, any remaining dirt, grime, hair, or dust will be sealed in. You can use either a professional-grade wood cleaner or a mixture of hot water and dish soap to wipe down the furniture and floors. For furniture, briskly wipe down the surface with a damp microfiber cloth before drying with a dry microfiber cloth. For floors, sweep the area with a broom or wood-safe vacuum and then mop. For all types of wood projects, always work parallel to the grain of the wood whenever possible. Microfiber cloths are much softer than standard wash cloths and less likely to damage the wood. It is important to dry the wood quickly as water can damage it. You can also spray the entire area with a floor cleaning solution before mopping if the floor is particularly dirty. Test your polish on an inconspicuous spot. The polish may have an unexpected effects on the wood so be sure to test it out first. Make sure to give it ample time to dry so you can be certain of its effects before moving forward. If you find that the polish doesn't work the way you would like it to, feel free to try something different. This is a great way to see if your furniture or floors have a layer of laminate that will prevent the polish from sticking to the surface. Wipe down your furniture with the wax remover. Dampen your dry microfiber cloth with the wax remover and wipe along the grain of the wood. Wait until it is completely dry to ensure that you won't damage the wood, then wipe off any excess dirt or wax with a dry microfiber cloth. Use 0000 steel wool to gently sand away any remaining marks or stains. It is important to remove any excess wax buildup before polishing as any remaining wax will degrade your polish. Test your wax remover on an inconspicuous area before covering the entire piece of furniture. You can purchase wax remover in any store, but you can also use a mixture of.5 cups (0.12 L) cups of water to.5 cups (0.12 L) of white vinegar if you would prefer a homemade option. Apply thin layers of polish along the grain of the wood. Place a dry microfiber cloth on the open cap of polish and flip. This will allow the polish to absorb into the cloth without applying so much that it will begin pooling on the furniture. Rub the cloth along the grain of the wood to work in the polish. You can continue to apply layers depending on how dry the furniture is and the level of shine you would like to achieve. Make sure to get in all crevices and corners. Open cabinets or drawers to polish the joints and interior spaces. Be sure to test the polish in an inconspicuous area before covering the entire piece of furniture. Repeat the polishing process as needed. Once complete, your furniture should be glossy and shiny, but you can continue adding layers to achieve the finish you want. You can repeat the polishing process on a routine basis to keep your furniture looking great, but unless you apply a new layer of wax you won't need to use wax remover again. Plan the path you will walk through the room as you polish the floor. Without planning this out first, you could accidentally corner yourself far from a door and be forced to either walk over the wet polish or stay in place until it dries. It is best to begin in a back corner opposite a door and work across in rows. Polish can stain baseboards and drywall, so be careful not to splash the walls. If you are concerned about this, place blue tape around the bottom of the baseboards as a protective measure. Rub the polish into the floor with a flat-surface mop. Pour a small amount of polish on the floor and begin working the polish into the wood with a back-and-forth motion parallel to the grain of the wood. It is best to start with less polish and slowly add more, as too much can cause the polish to puddle on the floor. Thinner layers will also dry more quickly and make it easier to apply a second coat. This type of motion will smooth out any air bubbles as you work. Apply polish in the corners and edges with a china-bristle brush. Wait 24 hours after your last coat before returning furniture to the room. Heavy furniture may scratch your freshly applied polish, so wait until the floors are completely dry before bringing any back in. If you would like a smoother finish, feel free to use a 100-grain sanding pole between layers. Clean the floors and wipe with a tack rug after sanding. Do not sand the final layer. This will dull the finish of the polish. Create good habits to maintain your polished floors. Place rugs at entryways to prevent tracking dirt, or ask guests and family to remove their shoes before entering the home. Place rugs near sinks to prevent water damage. Sweep and vacuum on a regular basis to prevent scratches. | Pick up a wood polish from a local store. Work in a well-ventilated area. Clear the area of any obstacles. Clean the wood thoroughly before applying polish. Test your polish on an inconspicuous spot. Wipe down your furniture with the wax remover. Apply thin layers of polish along the grain of the wood. Repeat the polishing process as needed. Plan the path you will walk through the room as you polish the floor. Rub the polish into the floor with a flat-surface mop. Wait 24 hours after your last coat before returning furniture to the room. Create good habits to maintain your polished floors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-a-Cat-Calm-During-a-Move | How to Keep a Cat Calm During a Move | To keep a cat calm during a move, keep it in a secure room at your new home with all of its belongings for a few days so it has time to adjust. You might want to use a cat pheromone diffuser or spray in the room, which will calm your cat and reduce any stress it's feeling. Then, after a few days, take something with your cat's scent on it and dab it on surfaces around your new home to make it less scary for your cat. When you're finished, let your cat explore the house 1 room at a time. | Bring out moving boxes early so your cat can get used to them. Leave empty moving boxes around your house several weeks before moving day. Hold off on filling them for a few days so your cat has a chance to investigate. Your cat may even enjoy playing in the empty boxes. It'll be less anxious about packing if it sees the boxes as fun and non-threatening. Pack your things gradually instead of waiting until the last minute. Take things slowly, as packing everything suddenly will stress out your cat. Pack 1 room at a time so your pet can maintain a sense of security. Cats like predictability and aren't big fans of sudden change. Your pet will be much happier if you pack gradually and let it stick to its normal routines as much as possible. Keep your cat in a familiar room while you pack boxes. Your cat might get freaked out if it's around when you're filling up boxes. When you're busy packing, move your cat into a closed room with its food, water, toys, bed, and litter box. A bedroom or spare room where your cat likes to nap or play is a good option. Additionally, you'll be packing hazardous or delicate objects at some point in the process. Keeping your cat in a closed room will prevent it from getting into trouble. Before letting your cat out of its room, make sure any boxes you stack are secure, and look out for other packing-related hazards. Try to keep your cat away from packed boxes to prevent it from damaging them or getting hurt. If possible, pack up your cat's room last so it has a calm, safe space throughout most of the packing process. When you need to pack up its safe room, keep your cat and its necessities in another comfortable, secure area. Try to stick to your pet’s routines as much as possible. Do your best to make things as stable as possible for your cat. For instance, maintain its feeding schedule if you typically offer meals at certain times of the day. Packing may take up a lot of your time, but try to take regular breaks to play and cuddle with your cat as you normally would. Train your cat to stay in a crate or carrier. If you haven't already, get your cat accustomed to spending time in a crate or carrier to prepare it for its trip. Start by feeding it meals and treats inside the enclosure with the door open. Then keep it in the crate or carrier with the door closed for gradually longer periods of time. The crate or carrier should be just large enough that your cat has room to turn around. Always offer your cat treats and praise when you put it in the enclosure. Do your best to make the training process as stress-free as possible. After training your cat to spend time in the carrier, practice taking short drives with it to get it used to traveling. Keep your cat in a quiet room while you load the moving truck. Place your cat's water, toys, bed, and litter box in the room. Close the door, and leave a note on the door so no one accidentally lets your cat escape. If you'll be traveling with your cat later that day, feed it a light meal in the morning to help prevent it from getting carsick. Transport your cat in its carrier. Keep your cat in its carrier when you drive it to your new home. Make sure the carrier is well-ventilated, maintain a comfortable temperature, and secure the carrier so it won't slide when you turn or come to a sudden stop. To help keep your pet calm, place a towel, pillow, or soft toy with familiar scents in the carrier. Offer reassurance by occasionally talking to it in a high-pitched, soothing voice. Ask your vet for other recommendations for keeping your cat calm during travel. They might recommend a calming dietary supplement, such as Zylkene. It's unsafe to drive with a cat outside of its carrier, especially if your vehicle is packed with your belongings. Your cat could get injured or it may distract the vehicle's driver. Take periodic breaks if you’re driving a long distance. If you're traveling more than an hour or so, pack water, a portable litter box, litter, a scoop, disposable bags, and a cat harness. Stop every 2 or 3 hours to let your cat stretch, take a drink, and use the litter box. If there's room in your vehicle, set up the litter box on the floor and see if your cat will do its business. If there's no room, set up the litter box on the ground outside of the vehicle. Just don't let your cat out of the vehicle unless it's harnessed. It might not be comfortable enough to use the litter box during a break en route. If that's the case, set up the litter box as soon as you get to your destination. Place it in a closed off room and give your cat some privacy to encourage it to go. If you need to stay in a hotel overnight, search in advance for pet-friendly accommodations on your route. Set up a secure room with your cat’s belongings. Place your cat's food, water, bed, litter box, and other essentials in a quiet, secure room in the new house. Then bring the carrier to the room and let out your cat. Keep your pet in the room for a few days, or until it seems comfortable with its new surroundings. A spare room that doesn't need to be set up right away is a good choice. That way, your cat can get acclimated without furniture and boxes being shuffled around it. Spray the room you select with a calming pheromone spray, such as Feliway. These sprays have a smell that cats find calming and reassuring. When you unload boxes and furniture, keep a sign on the door so no one accidentally lets out your cat. Keep hiding spots, climbing perches, and scratching posts in the room to enrich your pet's environment. Empty boxes can be entertaining, so try placing some in the room as you unpack. Calm your cat with a pheromone spray or diffuser. Ask your cat's vet if they provide artificial pheromones, or look for products online and at pet stores. Set up a diffuser or spray the product in your cat's room to help it feel more secure with its new surroundings. Artificial pheromones mimic the scents cats use to mark their territory and are commonly used to help reduce stress in cats. You can also use a pheromone spray or diffuser to calm your cat while you pack or when you're on the road. Use your cat's scent to make its new home feel more familiar. Before letting your cat explore your new home, gently rub a clean cloth against its face. Dab the cloth around the house to help your cat feel at home. Try to think like a cat, and dab the cloth in spots where your pet would rub its face and body. You've probably noticed your cat loves to rub its face against everything from sofas to your shin. Cats do this to mark their territory, and marking spots with the cloth can help your cat understand that your new house is its turf. Spraying artificial pheromones around the house can also help your cat feel more at home. Let your cat explore your its new home 1 room at a time. At first, your cat may hide and seem insecure. Once it stops hiding, plays, purrs, and otherwise seems confident, let it out of its room so it can explore other parts of the house. Giving it free rein over the entire house right away can stress it out, so expose it to its new surroundings gradually. Offer treats and toys as your cat explores to help keep it calm. Let it explore a room or section of your house for 10 or 15 minutes, then take it back to its safe room. It may take a couple of days to get your cat used to your entire house. Make sure the areas you let your cat explore are free of stacked boxes, breakable objects, and other hazards. Don't, for example, let your cat in the kitchen if glasses, plates, forks, and knives cover all of the counters. Make sure your cat has adjusted before letting it go outside. If you plan on letting your cat spend time outside, give it about a month to become accustomed to its new home first. Let it out for the first time just before you feed it a meal. Get its food and favorite treats ready, open the door, and let your cat briefly explore your enclosed yard. After 5 to 10 minutes, call it back inside and offer the food. If its normal meal doesn't grab its interest, offer a strong-smelling treat, such as tuna. Let your cat out for gradually longer supervised trips outside once a day. Leave it unattended only when it appears confident outside and reliably returns when called. | Bring out moving boxes early so your cat can get used to them. Pack your things gradually instead of waiting until the last minute. Keep your cat in a familiar room while you pack boxes. Try to stick to your pet’s routines as much as possible. Train your cat to stay in a crate or carrier. Keep your cat in a quiet room while you load the moving truck. Transport your cat in its carrier. Take periodic breaks if you’re driving a long distance. Set up a secure room with your cat’s belongings. Calm your cat with a pheromone spray or diffuser. Use your cat's scent to make its new home feel more familiar. Let your cat explore your its new home 1 room at a time. Make sure your cat has adjusted before letting it go outside. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-by-Yourself | How to Play by Yourself | If you want to play with yourself, try drawing something with markers, crayons, or a pencil. You can doodle random things or try to draw a more complex picture. Alternatively, try playing with figurines, like your dolls or action figures. If you have a video game counsel or access to a computer or tablet, play some single-player video games. If it's nice outside, go play outdoors and practice shooting basketball hoops or kicking a soccer ball. | Draw something. Everyone has an imagination, but not everyone is good at accessing it. One of the easiest ways to have fun by yourself while tapping into your imagination is to sit down at a table with pens, pencils, markers, or crayons and start drawing. Be sure to set out plenty of scrap paper, and don't hold back: just keep drawing and drawing until you hit on something you like. Expand it, add details (and color, if you have colored items), and keep building on it until you're satisfied. You don't have to show your doodles to anyone else if you don't want to. Just recycle them when you're finished, if you don't want to keep them. Play with figurines. Playing with dolls, action figures, and other such figurines is a time-honored children's tradition the world over, and for good reason: It's a great way to pass time when there's nothing else to do. If you don't own toys, you can buy some, make some , or use decorative figurines. Assign each of them a name and title, and move them around to act out stories. Give them distinct voices and personality quirks. Try using a crumpled blanket or stacked books to create “scenery” for your characters. Perhaps one figure is a lone U.S. Marshal riding down a box canyon made of books, about to be ambushed by a desperado; maybe it's a witch on a broomstick, about to rescue someone from jumping off a bridge. The possibilities are endless. Dance. You're at home alone, so why not? Pick some music, crank the volume, and start shaking to it. You might be surprised how much fun it actually is. Mix things up by putting on music you don't think you could dance to (such as a slow piece of classical music) and try to dance to it anyway. Let your body express the sounds and emotions of the songs. This is a great way to improve your mood and get some exercise, too. Be sure the front door is locked before you go wild, unless you want someone who lives with you to walk in and see you dancing around crazily. The time it takes them to unlock the door is all the time you need to stop dancing and try to make your face look serious. Trying to look serious after dancing usually just makes you laugh even harder, but isn't having a good time the whole point? Clear plenty of space before you dance. Once you begin to get into it, it's easy to lose track of where your body is moving. Play one-player games. This includes one-player variants of social games. The best known one-player game is probably Klondike solitaire , a simple matching game played with cards. Other solitaire card games include Pyramid and Spider. Aside from card games, marbles can be played by yourself, as can checkers and even chess. Obviously, the challenge of such a game is limited, but the chances to learn and practice strategy are plentiful. You can also shoot hoops, throw darts, or practice trick shots in pool by yourself, provided you have the necessary equipment. Solo marbles is as easy as setting an X of marbles inside a circle, and then taking shots from outside with a larger marble (the taw ) and trying to knock out all the small marbles. It can be played indoors, provided you have tape for a square ring and enough smooth flooring to take shots. There is a massive list of solitaire card games available on Wikipedia. Note that not every variant version of these games is actually explained. Proprietary games, such as Magic: the Gathering and other collectible card games, can be played in solo matches in much the same way as chess or checkers. Playing decks against each other is a useful way to test strategies and deck balance. Putting on music in the background is a great way to help time pass quickly while playing a solo game, as well as keep track of how much time has passed. Just make a note of the length of your playlist or album, and you'll know what time it is when it ends. Play video games. Today more than ever, video games are everywhere. Even if you don't own a console (such as a Wii or PS3) for playing games, there are many thousands available for your computer and phone. Most of these are designed for one player. Some pit you against other online players; a few are best in the company of friends (especially go-kart racing games and fighting games). Avoid these if you truly want to play by yourself, and look into action-adventure games and role playing games instead. There are many free games available to play online. Try Yahoo! Games for a large selection of recent and classic titles, or http://www.onemorelevel.com/ for a smaller, curated list that's easy to navigate and includes some lesser-known (but still fun) titles. Some free games allow you to pay money to unlock extra features or get an edge. Don't pay for anything unless you're 100% sure you want to. Remember, it's just a free Internet game. Don't discount older game consoles. Many fun games were made for consoles like the NES, Sega Genesis, and original PlayStation. These games, and the systems that play them, can often be bought for a tiny fraction of their original cost from garage sales and thrift shops. Use a hobby kit. If you have free time and no one to spend it with, why not build or make something for fun? Try gluing and painting a model plane or car, or building a model rocket from a kit and then launching it behind a nearby school over the weekend. Some craft stores even sell kits that allow you to make working robots, grow neon-colored crystals in water, and do a whole range of other fun and offbeat things. Most of these kits cost less than $30, and are a great way to while away an afternoon. Other kits include sand art, jewelry, and dreamcatcher kits. Shop around and see what's out there! You can also make your own “kit” by purchasing basic parts and keeping them in a box or bag together. Try making your own scented soaps or bath salts, beeswax candles, T-shirt designs (with decals and fabric paint), or even wine (if you're old enough). Play solo sports. With a bouncy ball, it's easy to play handball by yourself: just find a wall and bounce the ball off it at different angles, trying to keep it in play by swatting it back each time for another bounce. You can also shoot hoops at a park with a basketball, if nobody else is using the court. Practice your soccer (football) footwork by jogging across a field while kicking a ball ahead of you, or race yourself by running to a set point and back. You can practice less traditional sports by yourself, too. Try keeping a footbag (Hacky Sack) in the air as long as possible, throw a flying disc (Frisbee) as far as you can, or play a solo game of horseshoes, if there's a public pit in your area. If there's a public range in your area, archery is a great sport to play by yourself, since it's generally always a solo sport. Getting the basic equipment to play archery is a bit expensive, but you shouldn't have to pay more than around $150, which is still a lot cheaper than the cost of getting into certain other sports. Explore. Whether by car, bicycle, or on foot, exploration can be a fun way to pass time in your neighborhood. Try picking a direction and just heading that way. For a more outdoorsy experience, go to a park with a wooded area, then throw a baseball or flying disc as far into the woods as you can. Follow it in and search for it, then repeat until you've crossed the woods. Be sure to read signs carefully. Some parks don't allow foot traffic off of designated paths in wooded or brushy areas. Always respect the rules. If you plan to explore outside of town, be sure you have a compass and a topographic map, and know how to use them. This skill is called orienteering. It's easy to learn and can save your life. Go down a hill. This is another popular pastime with children everywhere. By letting gravity do your work for you, you can enjoy fast movement speeds without having to exert yourself very hard. If you live somewhere with nearby snow, buy a sled or similar item and go sledding by yourself. If you have a city park nearby, find a hill there, lay sideways, and roll down the hill. (Be sure to check for dog poop first.) You can bring a bicycle or scooter to go even faster, but be sure to watch out for others who might be in your way at the base of the hill, since it takes much longer to stop a speeding bike than it does to stop a rolling body. Sight see. Use a bike, a car, or public transportation to visit places of local interest and beauty. Take a camera (or camera phone) with you, and snap photos of every pretty panorama or interesting feature you notice. Even just traveling alongside streets can sometimes reveal pretty houses and yards to photograph. Try keeping a record of where you go each season, and coming back to the best spots every few months to see how they change with the passage of the seasons. To turn your sightseeing into a game, note any unusual feature you find (such as a rare flower or a four-leaf clover) at one location, and then try to match it up with a photo of the same feature somewhere else in town. If you have an eye for detail, you could spend months finding and matching all sorts of things. People watch. One of the best ways to spend time outside is to sit on a bench near a busy street and watch people pass by. Note their outfits, faces, and body language, as well as what accessories they have and which direction they're headed. Try adding details to their lives, such as whether or not they secretly wear crazy socks to work, or what they think of jazz music. Turn them into characters in your head. It's more fun than you might think from reading about it. You can turn people watching into a game using the same method as you use for sightseeing. Don't stare at people. The goal is to go unnoticed so you can continue to enjoy being outside and people watching. If you catch someone's eye, smile politely and look away. Consider bringing a cup of coffee or tea so you have something to shift your focus to quickly. Explore. If you're stuck on a long shopping trip, you're there with someone else who's doing things that don't interest you. Excuse yourself by telling the other person you're going to have a look around, and agree on a meeting place and time to get back together. Head off and distract yourself any way you can. Even when nothing seems interesting, you can usually find things to look at. Try reading nutrition labels or looking at brand icons in a supermarket, for example. Don't forget, you can also go outside the building and see what the back lot looks like. Be sure the person you're with hears and understands you when you set a place and time. Ask them to recite it back to you so you know you're both on the same page about the location in particular. If you're young enough, you can usually get away with sitting down in a corner and actually playing with die-cast cars or other small toys inside a store. Don't expect to get away with this if you're a teenager or older, though. Play a pocket game. Between phones and handheld game consoles like the Nintendo 3DS, there are many games available to play on the go. Prepare ahead of time and bring along an alternate game or two in case you get stuck on one. If you can't find a good place to sit and play your game, check for benches outside the front of the building, or chairs in the back near restrooms and fitting rooms. As with console games at home, don't forget that there are several older handheld systems available for relatively little money, most of which had many fun games made for them. You don't have to buy a top-of-the-line system to have fun. | Draw something. Play with figurines. Dance. Play one-player games. Play video games. Use a hobby kit. Play solo sports. Explore. Go down a hill. Sight see. People watch. Explore. Play a pocket game. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Mashed-Potatoes-Warm | How to Keep Mashed Potatoes Warm | To keep mashed potatoes warm, start by filling a large saucepan about a quarter of the way full with water, bringing the water to a boil, then reducing the temperature to low. Next, transfer cooked mashed potatoes into a heat safe bowl and place the bowl into the pan. Then, place a lid or foil over the bowl and leave the pan simmering for up to 2 hours, stirring every 20 minutes. When you're ready to serve, remove the bowl from the pan and whisk the potatoes with a fork before transferring them into a serving bowl. | Gather your supplies. If you have access to a slow cooker, this is a great way for storing warm mashed potatoes all day. Asides from a slow cooker, you'll also need extra butter, cream, and your finished mashed potatoes. You'll need about a tablespoon of butter and 2-3 tablespoons of cream. Don't use this technique for rewarming potatoes. This technique only works for potatoes that are freshly cooked. Grease the bottom. Set the slow cooker on low. Place the butter at the bottom of the cooker. Spread the butter around with a wooden spoon to properly grease the area. Then drizzle your cream onto the butter. You do not have to wait for the butter to fully melt. Slow cookers take time to heat up. Transfer your potatoes. After laying the foundation of dairy, pile on your finished mashed potatoes. Make sure the heat is set to low and cover. Stir occasionally. Keep the potatoes in the slow cooker for about four hours. Each hour give the potatoes a decent stir. You want make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Serve the potatoes. Once you're ready to serve the potatoes, transfer them into a large decorative serving bowl. Whisk with a fork while in the serving bowl. Lay a heat pad onto the table before serving the potatoes. Keep in mind the risks. The oven is a default we often resort to when keeping something warm. On the other hand, ovens are notorious for drying out mashed potatoes. There are ways of preventing this from happening. It merely depends on what tools you strap your potatoes with before sending them into the oven. Use two bowls. Gentle steam retains the moisture of mashed potatoes. You'll need two bowls where one is large enough to store your bowl of finished potatoes. Make sure you can fit the bowl of mashed potatoes inside the larger bowl with latter's lid attached. Make sure the bowls are oven safe before continuing. Heat the water. Heat up about a cup of water in either the microwave or on the stove-top. Once the water is heated, transfer it into the large bowl. Fit the small bowl inside to ensure the water doesn't overflow. Store in the oven. Once you've prepared the two bowls, place them in the oven set to 200 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a lower temperature if you prefer, but nothing under 150 degrees. This technique will only work for about an hour. Check on the potatoes after thirty minutes to ensure the process is working. Serve the potatoes. Once you take the potatoes out of the oven, whisk them with a fork. If you still need to keep the potatoes warm, cover the potatoes with a warm, damp washcloth. The washcloth will buy you another twenty minutes. Make sure it is clean before using on your food. Gather the supplies. For this technique you will need a large saucepan, a heat-safe bowl, and finished potatoes. This method won't keep the potatoes warm for as long as the slow cooker. Prepare the pan. Fill your pan about a quarter way full with water. Bring the water to a simmer and then lower the temperature to low. Prepare your potatoes. Transfer your cooked mashed potatoes into a heat-safe bowl. Then place the bowl over the pan. Cover your potatoes. Place a lid or use a layer of aluminum foil over the bowl of mashed potatoes. Make sure the heat setting is on low. Leave the pan simmering. With this technique you can keep the mashed potatoes warm for up to two hours. You can only keep them intact by stirring them every twenty minutes. Pay attention as they are on the stove for signs of drying. You will see this if your potatoes become crusted or even discolored. Serve the potatoes. Remove the bowl from the simmering pan at the time they're needed. They'll arrive at the table steaming hot and in fluffy condition after a good whisk with your fork. | Gather your supplies. Grease the bottom. Transfer your potatoes. Stir occasionally. Serve the potatoes. Keep in mind the risks. Use two bowls. Heat the water. Store in the oven. Serve the potatoes. Gather the supplies. Prepare the pan. Prepare your potatoes. Cover your potatoes. Leave the pan simmering. Serve the potatoes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Alloy-Wheels | How to Clean Alloy Wheels | To clean alloy wheels, start by spraying them with a hose to remove any dirt and debris. Then, spray the wheels with a generous amount of alloy wheel cleaner. You can also use foaming oven cleaner, white vinegar, or lemon juice. Once the wheels are soaked, let the cleaner sit for 1-2 minutes before scrubbing the wheels with a soft-bristled brush. Finally, rinse the wheels off with the hose and dry them using a microfiber cloth. | Pick up an alloy wheel cleaner to deal with ordinary dust and dirt. To get rid of the kind of grime that normally accumulates after a few hours of driving time, a basic spray-on wheel cleaner is all you'll need. Be sure to pick out a product that's designed specifically for use on alloy wheels. A single bottle should provide you with enough cleaner for 3-4 individual uses. Applying a standard wheel cleaner to your alloy wheels could damage them. Use foaming oven cleaner to break down tough grease and stains. Oven cleaner is potent enough to eat through oil, rust, water and mineral stains, and any number of other hard-to-remove substances. After applying it, you should notice even the most persistent messes dissolving within a few short minutes. You can buy a can of oven cleaner at any supermarket or drugstore for just a few dollars. The same power that makes oven cleaner so effective also makes it a potential irritant. Be sure to wear thick gloves and eye protection, and do your cleaning in a well-ventilated space. Try vinegar or lemon juice for a natural option. If you're looking for a thrifty alternative to harsh chemical solutions, pour some distilled white vinegar or lemon juice into a spray bottle and apply it the same way you would a regular commercial product. The natural acids in these substances will cut right through most stubborn grime. Another benefit of using natural cleaners like lemon juice or vinegar is that you won't have to worry about them etching the surface of the wheel the way concentrated chemical cleaners can. If your wheels are especially dirty, consider taking them off and soaking them in your household cleaner of choice for 10-20 minutes. Wet the entire wheel with a hose to remove loose dirt. Take a few moments to give your wheels a preliminary rinse and clear away any excess brake dust or dried dirt. Make sure the water makes contact with every part of the wheel, including the interior surface around the barrel. Fitting your hose with a pressure attachment or adjustable nozzle will make it easier to blast off bits of stuck-on debris. If you don't have a pressure attachment, place your thumb over the opening of the hose to create a more concentrated stream and increase your spraying power. Spray the entire wheel with your cleaning product of choice. Apply a generous amount of cleaner to the wheel's center hub, as well as outlying components like the spokes. Mist on additional solution as needed around areas where buildup is the heaviest. Keep your distance after applying oven cleaner to minimize your exposure to harsh fumes. If your wheels feature plastic hub covers, don't forget to remove them prior to spraying on the cleaner. Allow the cleaner to sit for at least 1-2 minutes. As it sits, it will begin penetrating the caked-on dirt. To make the most efficient use of your time, spray all of your wheels at once, then scrub and rinse them one by one. That way, the cleaner will have had plenty of time to work by the time you get to the next wheel in line. Scrub the wheel with a soft-bristled detailing brush. Work the brush in small circles over the surface of the wheel. The movement of the bristles will lift the remaining dirt right off with little effort. Focus on recessed areas like the spokes and rim screws where the most dirt tends to accumulate. You can pick up a detailing brush for just a few dollars at your local automotive supply store, or in the car-care aisle of a supercenter. Clean your brush in a bucket of warm water every couple of minutes, or whenever you notice it getting dirty. Rinse the wheel thoroughly. Use your hose to flush any remaining cleaner or dissolved dirt from around the wheel. Any traces of cleaner that are left behind could dry into an unsightly residue or even cause corrosion. If your hose has an adjustable nozzle, set it to the wide fan or spray setting to get better coverage. To make sure the wheel is completely clean, continue spraying until the water runs clear. Wipe the wheel dry using a microfiber cloth. Run your cloth over the wheel from top to bottom to soak up standing water. Drying your tires manually will prevent any streaks or water spots from forming on your clean wheels. Microfiber is your best choice, as it's softer and more absorbent than other materials. A coarser rag could also leave tiny scratches in your wheels, if you're not careful. Buy a sealant product formulated for alloy wheels. Head down to your local automotive supply store and pick up a small canister of sealant. Make sure the product you get is designed specifically for use on alloy wheels. Once applied, these products form a protective buffer that makes it harder for dirt and debris to stick to your wheels. Sealants serve as a barrier against dirt, grease, brake dust, tar, and other substances commonly found on roadways that could the hinder the appearance of your wheels. Wheel sealants are available in both spray and wax form. A single container of sealant or wax should provide you with enough for 5-10 applications. Apply the sealant to the entire surface of the wheel using a detailing pad. Scoop up a dime-sized glob of sealant with your detailing pad, then rub it directly onto the center hub, spokes, and barrel. Work the sealant in using small, smooth circles until it turns clear and there are no visible streaks or swirls. If you're using a spray sealant, hold the can 5–6 inches (13–15 cm) away from the wheel and spray on an even coat from top to bottom, left to right. You can also use a soft car sponge or microfiber cloth if you don't have a detailing pad handy. Allow the sealant to cure for 30 minutes. During this time, the sealant will become partially absorbed into the alloy to protect it from within. Avoid touching the sealant as it dries—smudging it could reduce its coverage and overall effectiveness. Work outside or in an open garage to promote airflow and help the sealant set in quicker. Buff the wheels with a microfiber cloth. Go back over the surface of the each wheel using small circles to remove excess sealant and polish the metal underneath until it's spotless and sparkling. Once your wheels have a lustrous, even finish, you'll be ready to hit the road in style! Use one side of your microfiber cloth to wipe off the lingering sealant, then fold it over and use the other side to do your polishing. Don't forget to also buff around the rims and in between the spokes as best as you can. | Pick up an alloy wheel cleaner to deal with ordinary dust and dirt. Use foaming oven cleaner to break down tough grease and stains. Try vinegar or lemon juice for a natural option. Wet the entire wheel with a hose to remove loose dirt. Spray the entire wheel with your cleaning product of choice. Allow the cleaner to sit for at least 1-2 minutes. Scrub the wheel with a soft-bristled detailing brush. Rinse the wheel thoroughly. Wipe the wheel dry using a microfiber cloth. Buy a sealant product formulated for alloy wheels. Apply the sealant to the entire surface of the wheel using a detailing pad. Allow the sealant to cure for 30 minutes. Buff the wheels with a microfiber cloth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-a-Short-Distance-on-a-Flat-Tire | How to Drive a Short Distance on a Flat Tire | If you need to drive a short distance on a flat tire, drive slowly and avoid going over 20 miles an hour to avoid putting more pressure on the tire. Keep your vehicle on smooth, flat ground and drive as straight as possible to minimize the damage to your rims. If you need to take a corner, turn the wheel gently. If you're going downhill, let the car coast gently and only use the break if you have to. Don't drive more than a couple hundred yards, even if your tire's not completely deflated, and pull over safely as soon as you can. Try to stop on level ground in case you need to lift your car up on a jack. | Drive slowly. Try not to go faster than about 15-20 miles per hour on a flat. Doing so may cause irreparable damage to the metal wheel beneath the tire, and could even cause you to lose control of the vehicle. Press down on the accelerator lightly, or, if possible, idle along until you find a suitable place to pull over. Traveling at high speeds will just damage your wheel faster, as higher speeds will subject the wheel to greater forces, without the tire to protect it from bumps and debris. If you're headed downhill, let the car coast gently on its own momentum with your foot poised on the brake. Keep the vehicle on smooth, flat ground. Avoid potholes, steep inclines and broken patches of asphalt. Rough road conditions can bang up your rims, causing them to bend and putting your vehicle out of alignment. You should also beware of wet or sandy terrain that could cause you to slip, sink or become stuck. Paved roads, parking lots or the shoulder of the highway or interstate will be your best bet. Go as straight as possible. Don't take any steep curves or try to navigate winding avenues while you look for place to pull over. Instead, coast ahead slow and straight, turning the wheel gently when you have an opportunity to exit the flow of traffic. Take the most direct route to get where you're going. Resist any drag created by the flat by holding the wheel steady, but don't struggle against it so hard that it compromises your ability to steer. Turning sharply places more strain on the edges of the rim. Pull over to a safe spot. The first opportunity you get, make your way off the main road and head for the first place you see where traffic is not too heavy. Make sure the vehicle has come to a complete stop, then engage your parking brake and turn on your emergency flashers to signal to other motorists that you're experiencing car trouble. Pull over somewhere level in case you need to lift your car up on a jack. Don't get out of your car until you're sure that traffic is clear on the driver's side. Don’t go far. You should never attempt to drive any further than a couple hundred yards on a flat tire, even if it isn't completely deflated. This may not be enough distance to get you to an auto garage, but you can at least creep along until you're away from the hazards of the highway. Remember to go slow and pull over as soon as you're able. You can change a tire almost anywhere in a pinch, so don't bother trying to find a designated parking area for your car. Get yourself to safety before worrying about how to fix your vehicle. Try to make it to a gas station. If there's a gas station within sight, and you've been fortunate enough to avoid a total blowout, you may be able to steer the vehicle in carefully and inflate the tire at an air pump. Gas stations also typically stock the sort of supplies needed for basic auto repairs, like tire patching kits, which means there are few better places to be if you experience a flat. Don't push yourself too hard to get to a gas station. If your destination is more than half a mile away, you'll be better off pulling over where you are. In some cases, gas station attendants are trained to be able to help stranded drivers change flat tires. Keep a spare in your vehicle. Most newer vehicles comes equipped with a spare tire either on the back or in a separate compartment in the trunk. If your car or truck is among them, you're in luck. Just switch the flat tire out with the spare and you'll be able to make it to a garage for a full repair. If you're not sure how to change a tire yourself, consult your vehicle's owner's manual for a step-by-step walkthrough. Compact spare tires (also known as “donuts”) are designed to carry you about 50 miles maximum, and can only withstand speeds up to 55mph. Call a tow truck. If you aren't able to make it to a garage or change the tire yourself, you may have no choice but to get a tow. Once you make the call, a wrecker service will be dispatched to take your vehicle to the nearest auto repair center so that you can get the problem fixed without delay. In some cases, the person that shows up may even be able to patch the damaged tire right then and there. Signing up for a roadside assistance program like AAA can be a big help should you find yourself in a bind. Typically, you can expect to wait 45 minutes to an hour for the tow truck driver to arrive. That's still probably not much longer than it would take for you to change the tire yourself. Keep your cell phone charged when you're on the road in case you need to place a call in the event of an emergency. Invest in a set of run flat tires. Run flat tires are specially engineered to be safe to drive on even after they're totally deflated. The reinforced flat acts as a cushion against the wheel that eases the stress of coasting to a safe stopping location. Whether you don't have any experience changing a tire or you'd simply prefer not to, run flat tires can save you quite a bit of inconvenience. Some run flat tires can allow drivers to keep going for up to 100 miles at a reduced speed before wearing out. | Drive slowly. Keep the vehicle on smooth, flat ground. Go as straight as possible. Pull over to a safe spot. Don’t go far. Try to make it to a gas station. Keep a spare in your vehicle. Call a tow truck. Invest in a set of run flat tires. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Your-Dad-Happy | How to Make Your Dad Happy | To make your dad happy, watch TV with him or ask him about his favorite memories, so you can get to know him better. Every dad can get angry or stressed sometimes but try to avoid arguing with him, which would only make things worse. You should also try not to fight with your brothers or sisters if you have any, even if they get on your nerves, since this will make your dad and everyone in your home happier. As well as getting on with your family, try to do your chores when you're asked so he doesn't have to worry about nagging you. Sometimes the easiest way to make your dad happy is to give him a hug, a kiss, or tell him that you love him. | Spend time with him. It can be difficult to spend time with your dad, especially during school days as your schedule is busy and your dad is at work. Making that extra effort to spend time with him and share your opinions and thoughts will strengthen the bond between you. Try to have at least one meal with him in a day. This can be a great time to talk and discuss the events of the day, anything that you're worried about or anything that's important. If your dad shares things too, show him you were listening by asking him about it later. Learn about his life. Take time to ask your dad about his youth, his dreams, his career, his favourite memories. These are stories to cherish as you grow older. They might also help you understand his values. Listen to him and be genuinely curious. Listening shows you care and helps you connect with your dad more. Avoid arguments. It can be difficult not to answer back, especially if you don't agree with something your dad is saying or if he's not granting you permission for something you desperately want. Exercise some self-discipline and wait to have a discussion when you're calm. If you're feeling angry, take slow, deep breaths to help you calm down. If you can, sit down and have a drink of cool water. This should help you calm down. Always seek to understand your dad's point of view. He may have a valid reason for not allowing you to do something or for thinking a different way. What you may see as a restriction may be his way of protection. If your dad is upset, try to think of other reasons that he could be upset. Is he tired? Did he have a long day at work? Is he stressed out about something? He may not be upset because of you. Ask him for advice. Consider asking your dad for advice on school work or friendships or matters of finance if you have or are seeking a job. This will show him his opinion matters. Even if your dad doesn't have experience with a certain situation, he can still give you advice on how to approach it or where you can best learn how to approach it. Show affection. Show your dad that you love him. Speak to him in caring words, in a warm tone of voice, or show him affection through hugs and kisses. Some dads don't like being too affectionate and even you might find it strange to be physically affectionate. Know that caring human touch is a basic need. Sometimes boys especially tend to shy away from showing affection to their parents. Try to find a level that you're comfortable with. You don't have to hug your dad in public if you don't like to. Implement his values. Make a list of what you think are your dad's values. Think of phrases your dad repeatedly says, such as, 'Always tell the truth,' or, 'Try to do to your best'. These indicate the values he's teaching (honesty and hard work, in these two examples). It might be that your dad doesn't say these things all the time but once sat you down for a talk about these principles. Think of the way he lives his life. Notice if he does his best to be punctual or if he's always well-dressed. Try to live your life by these principles. You don't have to agree with everything your dad says or does. Think about values that will affect your life in a positive way and try to implement those. If your dad has a way of doing something that you don't agree with, discuss it with him. Maybe together, you can think of ways to help him change that. Do your chores. Think of the things that your dad is always asking you to do around the house. Think of the chores that are your responsibility. Be sure to do them. If you don't like doing chores because you find them boring or difficult, ask your dad for tips on how to do them. Perhaps he can help you think of new ways of doing them. Asking him for his advice will also show him that you value his opinion. Once your dad gives you advice, follow it. He might find it disrespectful if you ask how to do something then do something your own way. Don't give your dad an opportunity to ask you why you haven't done your chores. Stay on top of them by creating a schedule. Try setting a repeated alarm on your phone that lets you know when it's time to do a certain chore, until you get into the habit of doing it on time. Take initiative. Notice things that need to be done around the house that no one has asked or expects you to do. Do it as a surprise for your dad. Try to think of things that have piled up for months that no one gets around to doing. Think of your dad's routine. For example, if he likes to have a cup of coffee before going to work, make one for him from time to time. You'll be showing him that you're thoughtful. Be considerate of other people living in your home. Especially when using places like the living room and kitchen, don't leave a mess behind for someone else to clean up. Keep your room tidy. Messy rooms are a common complaint among parents. Even if you don't share your room and it's your space, show your dad that you can shoulder the responsibility of taking care of what's yours by keeping it neat and tidy. Keep your closet tidy by folding/hanging up your clothes. Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket. Make your bed in the mornings as soon as you're up. If you want to decorate your room with things like posters, try to make sure that they are things that you would not be embarrassed about if your dad were to come into the room. Use the internet and your phone responsibly. This is especially important if your dad is the one paying for your phone bills and the internet connection. Access to the internet and your phone is a privilege, not your right. You have to show your dad that you respect the amount of money he's paying for you and also the values he has taught you. Discuss the boundaries of using electronics with your dad. Follow any guidelines he gives you such as how late you're allowed to stay up using the computer or what sort of things you can post online. Avoid using electronics at the dinner table to show respect for your dad and the rest of your family. This will show that you care about your time together. Take care of your siblings. Give your dad a peaceful, comfortable and warm environment to come home to. Try your hardest to get along with your siblings. Don't bully your younger ones and don't annoy your older ones. Help them with any homework they might not understand or any problem they might be going through. Do fun things together. If you are old enough to drive and have a car, offer to help your dad by taking your siblings where they need to go. It's natural to fight occasionally with your siblings but try your hardest to get along with them. Study well. Show your father you want to succeed in life by performing well at school. Endeavor to complete all your assignments on time and to the best of your ability. If there's something you don't understand, ask your teachers to explain again, provide further resources for learning or ask a friend to explain it to you. Develop a study schedule. Make an estimate of how long your homework will take and plan your afternoon and evenings around it. Include revision and breaks in your schedule. Plan study sessions with 45 minutes full studying then a 10-minute break. Keep your phone off to help you focus only on the study material while you work. Avoid any other distractions that you know will come up. Experiment with different studying techniques until you find your own learning style. Find a quiet room in your house to study. Make sure you have your own space to do it. Organize your folders and stationery. Keep files of your subjects. Make sure you write your name and the date on all assignments to help you know which order they should go in. Get along with your teachers. Try to build a good reputation for yourself. Always be polite to your teachers and show them you're keen on learning well by participating in class. Sometimes it can be difficult to be polite when you don't like a teacher or if your friends tend to act up in class. Set a good example by being well-mannered. Your dad will be proud of you when he hears your teachers praising you. This doesn't mean you have to agree with everything your teacher does. If a teacher is being a bully or if you're concerned about their behavior toward you or anyone else in class, raise the issue with your school principal. Be sure to tell your parents so that they are also up to date with your life. Take part in extracurricular activities (ECAs). Doing well at school is about more than academics. Participating in ECAs so will help you develop into a well-rounded individual: you will learn valuable life skills like discipline, leadership, teamwork, time management, analytical skills, social skills and organization all while having fun in an activity you're interested in. These are all skills you need to succeed in life. All parents want to see their children succeed in life. ECAs also boost your college applications and resume/CV as they show you have a range of interests and values that the college or employer will be looking for. Make good friends. Show your dad that you're a good judge of character. Befriend people who you see do well in school. Look for those that have a good reputation with others and their teachers and who perform highly in class and whom you think have good character and stay out of trouble. You might learn from them and being friends with them might help keep you out of trouble too. If you like, you can form study groups with them. Never do anything just because your friends are doing them. Think your actions through. If you're having trouble with peer pressure, talk to your dad about it or speak to a school counsellor. | Spend time with him. Avoid arguments. Ask him for advice. Show affection. Implement his values. Do your chores. Take initiative. Keep your room tidy. Use the internet and your phone responsibly. Take care of your siblings. Study well. Get along with your teachers. Take part in extracurricular activities (ECAs). Make good friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-Privacy-to-a-Chain-Link-Fence | How to Add Privacy to a Chain Link Fence | Chain-link fences don't give you much privacy, but there are some simple ways you can prevent prying eyes from peaking into your garden. You could try planting evergreen shrubs or bushes, such as arborvitae, along the fence. These plants won't lose their leaves in winter, which means you'll get year round coverage. Alternatively, purchase a bamboo fence from a gardening store or online. You can install the bamboo by attaching it to the top and bottom of your chain-link fence with wire ties. If you're feeling more ambitious, try making a wooden-slatted privacy panel. You'll need to cut planks of wood to size and nail them together. Then, attach your panel to the fence with pipe rail ties. | Purchase a bamboo fence. Bamboo fences can be purchased online or at some home improvement stores. They come in rolls that you spread out across your fence. It's a much cheaper, more efficient solution than buying lots of slats or replacing your entire fence. Bamboo rolls can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 USD. Put a plank on the ground in front of the fence. Pick up a board from the home improvement store, about 2 in × 8 in (5.1 cm × 20.3 cm) in length. Lay it at 1 end of the chain link fence. Use the board to prop up the bamboo fence as you work. The board provides a level surface for the bamboo while also lifting it off of moist soil. Roll the bamboo along the fence. Stand the bamboo roll vertically on the board, up against the fence. Hold the roll steady as you begin rolling it to the side. Roll it as far as you possibly can while holding it upright. Work slowly. Tie the fence in place before moving the board so you are able to keep the fence steady. Place wire ties every 12 in (30 cm) across the top rail. Start at the chain link fence's end post. Wrap the tie around the bamboo, sliding the ends through it and towards the fence rail. Wrap the ends around the rail to hold the bamboo in place. You can purchase packs of chain link wire ties or get 1 ft (0.30 m) galvanized wire from a home improvement center. You may also use zip ties. These are made of plastic, so they may be less sturdy but easier to attach than metal wires. Twist and clip the wires to secure the bamboo to the fence. On the other side of the fence, twist the ends of the wire together by hand. You will need a wire cutter to trim off the excess. Then, use a pair of pliers to twist the ends as tight as you can make them. Place a second row of wire ties at the bottom of the fence. Place the second row of wire ties about 1 ft (0.30 m) off the ground. Each tie should be placed directly beneath a tie from the first row. Space the ties 12 in (30 cm) apart once again. Tie the ties in place the same way as you did before. This will secure the bottom of the bamboo to your chain link fence. Repeat unrolling and tying the bamboo to install it. Once you are able, slide the board along the fence. Continue using it as a base to roll out and lift the bamboo. Keep doing this until you are able to tie the bamboo to the other end of your fence. If you covering a long fence, you may need multiple bamboo rolls. Measure the length, width, and height of your growing space. Measuring your space in advance can help you figure out what kind of plant is right for you. Run tape measure along the fence, and also note how much space is between the fence and any nearby structures. Measure the fence's height to figure out how tall the plants need to be. Bushes typically range from $15 to $60 apiece. Bushes, trees, and shrubs are a natural “privacy screen” but they require weekly maintenance and can take a few years to grow to full size. You can also grow vines similarly to how you grow bushes or trees. Pick a type of tree suitable to your growing location. The type of plant you pick depends upon your needs as well as where you live. Choose a plant based on the temperature in your region. Also consider if you need a plant that survives well in sunlight, dryer soil, or keeps its color year-round. For example, you can choose an Arborvitae. These hedges are evergreens that can grow tall in front of high fences. Deciduous bushes like North privet and Rose of Sharon lose their leaves in the winter, so you don't get year-round coverage. Space the planting spots evenly along the fence. Mark each planting spot with a wooden stake. The distance between each spot depends on how much space your chosen plant needs to grow. If you leave enough space, your plants will obscure the fence once they reach full size. For instance, expect to leave 6 to 8 in (15 to 20 cm) between trees and 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) between each shrub. You can also run a string from stake to stake to ensure you plant in a straight line. Dig a hole as deep and 3 times as wide as the root ball. If your plant is in a container, dig the hole as deep as the container. You can place the container in the ground to check the hole's depth. Then, widen the hole appropriately so the plant has plenty of room to spread its roots. Avoid planting containers in the ground. Trees and shrubs need to be taken out of the container before planting so the roots can spread. If you are placing a bunch of plants with bare roots, you can dig a trench along the fence to make this easier. Center the plant in the hole and bury the roots. Set a plant at each stake you placed earlier. Position the plants in the center of the hole, then begin refilling the hole until the soil is above the plant's root crown. The root crown is the spot where the roots connect to the trunk. Then, gently press down on the soil with your foot to eliminate air pockets. You do not need to put any compost or other additives into the soil at this time. Compost can be spread over the soil after the first year. Spread pine mulch around the growing area. Get an organic mulch such as pine bark or pine needles from a home improvement center. Spread the mulch in a layer 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) thick. The mulch is useful for protecting your plant from harsh weather and keeping the soil moist. Spread the mulch along the diameter of the hole you dug earlier. Also, avoid letting the mulch touch the plant's trunk. Water the plant immediately and repeat watering once a week. Thoroughly water the ground immediately by spraying it with a hose. The soil should be moist all the way down to the root ball. Spray the ground instead of the plant to avoid root rot. To water trees and bushes regularly, place a garden hose nearby and let water drip into the soil for 30 minutes. You can check the soil's moistness by sticking a pole into the ground. It should slide into the soil without resistance. Trim shrubs and bushes a few times a year. Your plants will need maintenance in spring and fall, at the very least. Get a good pair of gardening clippers. Trim the plant evenly along the top and sides, keeping the top wider than the base so light filters down to the lower branches. Trimming shrubs and bushes forces them to grow upwards and keeps them looking neat. For trees like juniper and cedar, you are better off letting the branches grow naturally. Prune excessive branches as needed. Cut wood into boards to create the slats. You will need 2 cedar boards that are 6 ft (1.8 m) long and 1 in × 3 in (2.5 cm × 7.6 cm) in size. You also need 12 cedar planks that are 6 ft (1.8 m) long. You can order the wood at a home improvement store and the employees may be able to cut the wood for you. Building slats may cost you around $50, although this can be higher depending on the supplies you need. Depending on the size of your fence, you may need to adjust the size of the boards. If you cut the wood yourself, take proper precautions by wearing goggles and a respirator. You can also purchase slats from a home improvement store, but they can get expensive. Connect the smaller boards to 1 plank. Choose 1 of the cedar planks to be the top of your privacy panels and lay it horizontally on the ground. Lay the 2 smaller boards vertically over the plank. Position each board so it is 4 in (10 cm) from the plank's ends. The smaller boards will connect to the fence and hold the slats in place. Nail the slat to the side boards. Flip the boards carefully so the plank is on top of the side boards. Square up the boards, making sure they are aligned with the top of the slat. Then, hammer a 1.5 in (3.8 cm) steel finish nail through the slat and into each side board. Make sure the side boards are level, or else the slats will not hang straight on your fence. Place the bottom plank on the side boards. Repeat the process by selecting another plank to be the bottom slat. This time, position it so it is ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) above the free end of the side boards. Use 2 more nails to secure the slat to the boards. The bottom slat needs to be higher than the ends of the side boards so it doesn't hang in wet soil. Space the rest of the boards evenly and nail them in place. The remaining cedar planks form the rest of the panel. Measure the space between the top and bottom slat. Position the other cedar planks between them. When you're sure they're square, nail them in place. Make sure the edges of the slats are aligned. You don't want some of the slats to stick out further than the others. Tie the panel to your fence with rope. Lift the panel off the ground, placing it where you want it to hang across your fence. Then, use pieces of rope or bungee cords to secure the panel to the top rail of your chain link fence. Use more pieces to secure the panel's bottom end to the fence as well. Adjust the panel so it is as tight against the fence as possible. If it isn't straight, your next measurements may be inaccurate. Mark the spots where the pipe rail tie will fit on the side boards. The pipe rail ties are what you use to secure the panel to the chain link fence. They rest on the side boards and connect to your fence's top rail. You can hold the pipe ties against the boards to get an idea of how they will line up. Using a pencil, mark the spots where the bolts will pass through the boards and into the ties. You can purchase the pipe ties at a home improvement store. You need 2 of them for your panel. Drill holes in the spots you marked earlier. Undo the rope or bungee cords holding your panel in place. Lower the panel to the ground. Using an electric drill and a ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) drill bit, drill all the way through the side boards and panels. Each pipe tie connects to the boards in 2 spots, so you will need to drill a total of 4 holes. Wear safety gloves, goggles, and other protective clothing while operating a drill. Bolt the the pipe ties to the panel and fence. Position the pipe ties on the side boards again. Fasten the top ends with 2 in (5.1 cm) bolts. Raise the panel, sliding the ties over the chain link fence's top rail, then secure the bottom ends with another pair of bolts. Twist a washer and nut onto each bolt to ensure the panels stay in place. If you have a long fence, repeat the process to create more panels you can hang. | Purchase a bamboo fence. Put a plank on the ground in front of the fence. Roll the bamboo along the fence. Place wire ties every 12 in (30 cm) across the top rail. Twist and clip the wires to secure the bamboo to the fence. Place a second row of wire ties at the bottom of the fence. Repeat unrolling and tying the bamboo to install it. Measure the length, width, and height of your growing space. Pick a type of tree suitable to your growing location. Space the planting spots evenly along the fence. Dig a hole as deep and 3 times as wide as the root ball. Center the plant in the hole and bury the roots. Spread pine mulch around the growing area. Water the plant immediately and repeat watering once a week. Trim shrubs and bushes a few times a year. Cut wood into boards to create the slats. Connect the smaller boards to 1 plank. Nail the slat to the side boards. Place the bottom plank on the side boards. Space the rest of the boards evenly and nail them in place. Tie the panel to your fence with rope. Mark the spots where the pipe rail tie will fit on the side boards. Drill holes in the spots you marked earlier. Bolt the the pipe ties to the panel and fence. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-an-Amazon-Parrot-Habitat | How to Set Up an Amazon Parrot Habitat | To set up an Amazon parrot habitat, start by getting a cage that's at least 39 inches tall, 23 inches wide, and 39 inches deep. Opt for a cage made out of stainless steel or wrought iron since Amazon parrots can chew through normal wire cages. Once you have a cage, place a few perches inside of it at different heights. You should also hang a few climbing toys inside, like a ladder or rope, as well as some foraging and chew toys to keep your parrot entertained. Additionally, place a food and water bowl inside the cage. When you're finished setting up your parrot's habitat, place it on a table or stand in a busy spot, like your living room, so your parrot doesn't get lonely. Then, install some full-spectrum lighting within a couple feet of the cage, which will help keep your bird healthy. | Purchase a sizeable cage. In most cases, an Amazon parrot requires a cage that is 39 in (99 cm) to 59 in (150 cm) high, with a base that is at least 23 in (58 cm) wide by 39 in (99 cm) deep. This will give your bird enough room to move around and to stay active, even while it is stuck inside its cage. Avoid the traditional tall and narrow cage. This is known as a “tube cage,” and it doesn't provide enough space for the bird to stretch their wings out. The bigger the cage, the better! If you have more than one Amazon parrot, you'll need to purchase a larger cage to accommodate both birds. Choose a cage with appropriately spaced bars. It will be beneficial for your parrot to have a cage that has horizontal bars on at least one or two sides to encourage climbing and movement. The cage bars should be spaced ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) to 1 in (2.5 cm) apart. If the bars are too wide, your parrot may be able to get out of the cage when you don't want it to. If the bars are spaced too closely together, the bird may get its claws or beak stuck in between. Choose stainless steel or wrought iron cages. Wrought iron and stainless steel are popular choices for parrot cages because they are hard, durable materials that can stand up to your parrot's forceful chewing. The bars will be thicker and stronger to withstand the bird's strength. Keep in mind that a wrought iron cage may rust over time – especially if it is exposed to liquid. But a stainless steel cage will be much less susceptible to rusting. A wire cage will typically not be sturdy enough to house your parrot; parrots often chew right through the wire bars of the cage. Keep the cage off the ground and away from potential hazards. Your parrot's cage should be placed on a table or cage stand to keep it up off the ground. This will help prevent any possible accidents – like knocking the cage over or another pet getting into the cage. You should also keep the cage away from any drafty areas, as birds are quite sensitive to changes in temperature. Avoid placing the cage in a place where food is prepared, like a kitchen. Besides being a hygiene issue, the fumes from non-stick pans are toxic to birds. You don't want to place your bird's cage next to heating or cooling vents. Parrots do best in normal indoor temperatures. You should also keep your parrot's cage out of doorways, away from exterior doors, and out of direct sunlight. Keeping the cage at eye level will also minimize the likelihood of the cage getting kicked around or toppled by people passing who don't see it right off the bat. Place the cage in an often used part of your home. Amazon parrots are very social birds who love to be around their owners. Try to put the bird's cage in a part of your home that people use often so that your bird can interact with your family regularly. Consider placing your parrot's cage in a corner of the living room. This is typically an active place in the home, where people often gather and spend time together. This will keep your bird company, while also keeping it out of doorways, walkways, and entrances/exits. You don't want your bird to feel isolated or alone. This could lead to behavioral problems in the future. Provide several perches of different sizes. Give your bird a variety of perches inside its cage to keep it engaged, entertained, and to help it move around the cage. Perches should be made of clean, nontoxic, pesticide-free materials. Include at least one swinging perch. Avoid putting any perches directly above the bird's food and water dishes, as this could lead to contamination of the food and water that you will have to clean repeatedly. Include climbing toys. Parrots are very active birds that love climbing and moving around in their cage. You need to provide several outlets for your Amazon parrot to remain active while inside its cage. You should consider including a climbing ladder, climbing rope or net, and several swings. Your bird may also climb on the bars of the cage itself, but you need to provide your parrot with more options for play and exploring than just the cage alone. Provide foraging and chewing toys. Parrots need opportunities for foraging in order to satisfy their natural instincts. Amazon parrots will also chew on things to maintain their beak health, so it's important to provide them with safe chewing options in the form of toys inside their cage. Foraging toys allow the bird to dig inside of the toy as it searches for the treat tucked away inside, or even just to explore and interact with the toy. Chewing toys are safe, non-toxic options for parrots to exercise their beak and fulfill their gnawing tendencies. Include food and water dishes. It's best to choose stainless steel or high impact plastic dishes for your parrot's food and water supply. These materials are easily cleaned and are more resistant to repeated washing, disinfectants, and hot water. Most food and water dishes come with attachments that allow them to hang from the bars of the cage itself. Install full-spectrum lighting. Full-spectrum lighting involves special lightbulbs that emit UV rays and are intended to mimic the kind of light birds would be exposed to in their natural habitats. It has been shown to increase birds' overall health, especially minimizing calcium and vitamin deficiencies. Your full-spectrum lights should be installed within two feet of the bird's cage to be most effective. You can purchase large tube bulbs for full-spectrum lighting, or smaller ones that fit in regular lightbulb sockets. Be careful to keep all cords and wires out of reach of your bird's cage. Purchase a cage cover. Most birds (including parrots) need 10-12 hours of sleep each night. Since there are not usually that many hours of darkness, many people choose to purchase a bird cage cover. Covering your bird's cage will allow the bird to feel safe and cozy, as well as indicate that it is time for bed. You can purchase a cage cover according to the specifics of your bird's cage, or you can cover it with a folded sheet or blanket. Just be sure to choose something light and airy that will let enough circulation into the cage. Provide a mostly pellet-based diet. The bulk of your bird's diet should be made up of traditional pellet and seed mixtures intended for birds. These can be purchased at any pet store. Try to buy a brand that advertises natural or organic products to ensure your bird is getting the best nutritional value from its food. This should make up about 75% of your parrot's diet on a daily basis. Parrots can have a small amount of human food in addition to their pellet diet – like cooked pasta or brown rice, lean cooked meat, or eggs. Fatty foods, junk foods, salty foods, chocolate, caffeine, and alcohol should never be fed to your bird. Supplement your parrot’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Your Amazon parrot should be given small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables each day. Try serving your Amazon parrot some fresh cherries, pear, peas, peppers, banana, corn, cooked beans, dates, lentils, grapes, kale, kiwi, spinach, melons, broccoli, carrots, zucchini, blueberries, and peaches. Never give your parrot avocados, as they are toxic to most birds. Be sure to wash all produce thoroughly and then cut it up into small, bite-sized chunks before feeding it to your bird. Typically, fruits and veggies should make up about 25% of your parrot's daily food intake. Provide fresh drinking water daily. It's important that your Amazon parrot has constant access to fresh drinking water. You should empty out its water bowl, clean it with hot soapy water, and refill the bowl with fresh water each day. Since Amazon parrots love to bathe and splash around in their water dish, you may need to check their water bowl several times each day to ensure that they have enough water and that their existing water isn't contaminated. | Purchase a sizeable cage. Choose a cage with appropriately spaced bars. Choose stainless steel or wrought iron cages. Keep the cage off the ground and away from potential hazards. Place the cage in an often used part of your home. Provide several perches of different sizes. Include climbing toys. Provide foraging and chewing toys. Include food and water dishes. Install full-spectrum lighting. Purchase a cage cover. Provide a mostly pellet-based diet. Supplement your parrot’s diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Provide fresh drinking water daily. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Informative-Essay | How to Write an Informative Essay | To write an informative essay, start with an introduction that presents a thesis statement articulating your argument in 2-3 concise sentences. For the body of the essay, focus on one main idea per paragraph and start each paragraph with a topic sentence that establishes that main idea. Then, follow the topic sentence with cited evidence and explanatory detail. Finish up with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis. Don't forget to proofread carefully before turning in your essay! | Understand your assignment. If you're writing for school, confirm the essay's required length and any topic parameters. This helps determine how much information you'll need to gather and present. Check your syllabus and any assignment prompts or sheets first; if you still need clarification, ask your teacher. Be sure you know how your teacher wants you to cite your sources so you can keep track of what you research. Some schools provide reference software like EndNote or RefWorks, which can make collecting and keeping track of research sources easier. Be aware of any formatting requirements. The essay prompt will often tell you things such as whether the essay needs to be handwritten or typed, and what font type and size to use. If it doesn't stipulate, the safe choice is a standard, readable 12-pt font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid using "cute" or "quirky" fonts in an academic paper unless given specific permission to do so. Know the due date! Get started early so that you have plenty of time to complete the essay. Choose a topic. If the topic is not already assigned, you'll need to select your own topic. It's easy to get stuck on this step if you have a wide range of choices, so take your time and abide by a few general rules: The topic should not be too broad or too narrow. See Write an Essay for more information. There should be enough information about the topic to write about, but not so much that you can't present clear, concise information. For example, writing on "the history of animal shelters" is probably much too broad, while "the history of Sunny Days Animal Shelter in X County" is probably too narrow. A happy medium might be "the history of breed-specific animal shelters in America." The topic should be appropriate and interesting to your audience. Think in advance about who might be reading your essay. Obviously, if this is for school, your teacher is your primary audience, but you should always have a target audience in mind. What will they want to know? What do they probably not know already that your essay will provide? Ideally, the topic should be one that interests you. This will make the writing process that much easier, and you can pass your enthusiasm on to your reader. Conduct good research. This is especially important for an informative essay, where you need to impart accurate information. Be very careful to use objective sources written by experts on your topic. A librarian can best help you find reliable sources of information, such as encyclopedias, books, journals, and relevant websites. Be careful when using the Internet, including sites like Wikipedia, as many pages are full of unreliable content. For best results, try to find online sources from reputable organizations, government agencies, and universities. Google Scholar can be a good place to start. Take notes as you research. Use a blank sheet of paper or notebook to jot down interesting facts that you read. Alternatively, you can type notes on a computer. Whatever you choose, find a way to keep all your notes for the essay in one place. For your informative essay, you will need an introduction, at least three main points, and a conclusion. You may want to make these sections and write notes down under the section where you expect it to go. Keep track of your sources. You should know in advance what information you'll need when citing sources. You will usually need to include the author(s), title, publisher, copyright information, and website address (if relevant). Brainstorm your ideas. When you feel you've gathered enough material from your research, brainstorming will help you put the information into relevant groups and see the connections between them. Make an ideas map. Put your topic in a circle at the center of a piece of paper, then write down the most important pieces of information or ideas related to it in circles surrounding the topic. Make lines connecting each idea to the topic. Next, add details around each idea, circling them and making lines to show connections. There may be lines connecting ideas to each other, as well, or between supporting details. Make a list. If you prefer the linear format of a list, write down your topic at the top and then below it any ideas you have. Under the ideas, add extra details that support them. Don't worry about putting them in specific order - that comes next. Free write. Free writing can help you generate ideas, even if it usually doesn't provide polished prose you'll use in your final draft. Set a short time limit, such as 15 minutes, and then write whatever comes to mind about your topic. Don't stop to edit or change spelling, and keep writing even if you aren't sure you have anything to say. The important thing is to write for all 15 minutes. Plan an introduction with a hook. You should have some idea that you want to present in your thesis statement, which is typically two to three sentences long and articulates your overall argument. Don't worry about getting your thesis just right at this point - that comes later. If you don't feel ready to write the thesis out, jot down some notes in the introductory part of your outline. At the very least, you need some idea of what you want to say in your essay. While it may seem odd to summarize your essay before you've begun, writing your thesis at the beginning of your outline will help you organize your ideas and select the most important details that you want to present. Use one major supporting detail per paragraph in the body of your essay. The body of your essay is the part between the introductory paragraph and the conclusion paragraph. Select main details from your research that demonstrate your overall thesis (from Step 1). The number of details you use depends on the paper length: if you're writing a five-paragraph essay, then you have three paragraphs for the body, so you'll need three main ideas. Make sure you choose the most important details, and that they are all distinct from one another. Details used to support your thesis are also called "evidence." Add in supporting details for each paragraph in the body. Now that you've identified the major point for each paragraph, jot down smaller, supporting details that help your reader understand the paragraph's main idea. These might include examples, facts, quotations or further explanation. Make sure you have enough supporting details for each paragraph. If you don't have enough to say about the paragraph's main topic, consider changing the topic or combining it with another paragraph. Alternatively, you can research a bit more to find additional supporting details for the paragraph. Restate your thesis in your conclusion. The conclusion summarizes what you've already said, and brings some new level of nuance or sophistication to your original thesis. Think of it as your final opportunity to make sure your reader understands what you've written. Write a rough draft. Using your outline as a guide, flesh out your notes into full paragraphs. Do not worry about spelling errors or mistakes. Remember that this is just a rough draft, not your final copy. Just focus on writing it down, and later you can fix mistakes. Write your rough draft by hand or type it - whichever is easier for you. Give each paragraph a topic sentence. The topic sentence, often the first sentence in each paragraph, tells your reader the main idea of the paragraph. It can also serve as a transition from the previous paragraph's main idea to the new paragraph's main idea. For example, a topic/transition sentence might look like this: "While some factories allow union labor, others, such as those in X, argue that unionizing harms the workplace." This sentence gives a clear direction for the paragraph (some factories argue against unionizing) and links it to the paragraph before it (which was probably about pro-union factories). Remember: each paragraph needs unity (a single central idea), clear relation to the thesis , coherence (logical relationship of ideas within the paragraph), and development (ideas are clearly explained and supported). Structure your essay in parts. Your essay will need, at minimum, an introductory paragraph, a body, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should follow the "C-E-E" formula: Claim + Evidence + Explanation. Use supporting details and your own thoughts to expand on the paragraph's topic or idea. Make sure you're clear about what the idea of each paragraph is. To keep yourself on track, refer to your outline as you write. Edit your rough draft. Read through your rough draft a few times and ask the following questions: Have you told the reader everything you need to about your topic? Do you have a clear thesis statement, expressed in two to three sentences? Do all your paragraphs relate to the thesis? Does each paragraph have one main idea, supported by accurate, objective details? Does your conclusion summarize your thoughts on the topic without adding new information or opinions? How does the paper flow? Are there clear, logical transitions between paragraphs? Have you used clear, concise prose and avoided flowery language? Did the reader learn something new from the essay? Is it presented in an interesting way? Have you cited sources as instructed by your teacher? Write your final draft. After you've made notes on your rough draft, transform it into a final draft. If you've done the work on your rough draft, turning it into your final draft shouldn't actually be too hard. As you write your final draft, keep track of coherence in particular. Rough drafts often have all of their ideas jumbled up without a clear, logical progression. A key difference between a rough draft and a final draft is that the final draft should offer its information in a smooth, clear, easy-to-read fashion that builds on previous points as it goes along. Keeping an eye out to make sure you've followed the C-E-E- formula will help you. Finalize your language. Once you've organized all of your paragraphs in a logical progression, you can turn your attention to your language choices. Read through your essay aloud, listening for any places that sound odd or awkward. Revise those. Also keep an eye out for word echoes, or words that show up many times within the space of a few sentences or paragraphs. If you use the word discusses multiple times in the same paragraph, it will make your writing seem clunky and unpolished. Proofread your final draft. Mistakes can happen, so be sure to give your final draft one more read-through, checking for spelling and grammar errors. Sometimes our eyes "fix" mistakes for us as we read, so it's hard to catch mistakes reading silently. Reading aloud helps you find mistakes your eye might not. | Understand your assignment. Choose a topic. Conduct good research. Take notes as you research. Keep track of your sources. Brainstorm your ideas. Plan an introduction with a hook. Use one major supporting detail per paragraph in the body of your essay. Add in supporting details for each paragraph in the body. Restate your thesis in your conclusion. Write a rough draft. Give each paragraph a topic sentence. Structure your essay in parts. Edit your rough draft. Write your final draft. Finalize your language. Proofread your final draft. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Attract-Customers | How to Attract Customers | If you want to attract customers, increase your company's social media presence by creating a Facebook page or becoming more active on Twitter. Use these platforms to announce sales, offer a loyalty program, and promote your business. If you can, invest in pay-per-click (PPC) marketing to increase your online traffic. This will help your business show up more quickly on search engines like Google or Yahoo. You can also offer additional perks to increase customers, like free shipping. | Determine who your customers are. Send out a survey to your existing customers to see what age, gender and marriage status are. If possible, find out their working life and personal life preferences. It is recommended to have a vision of what an ideal buyer is when it comes to demographic and psychographic factors such as personality, values and attitudes. Opt to attract a new demographic. If you want to attract a younger or older part of the population, keep in mind that your new marketing methods will have to appeal to their preferences. Model your strategies on what your customers want, not what you want to give. Ultimately, if you don't give your customers what they want, they will not return. For example, they may want to pay for products under $20, so perhaps you should adjust your inventory to feature fewer items over $50 and many items below $20. Your products will be closer to what they want to buy. Consider increasing your budget for location, marketing and presentation. These are 3 important areas where increasing your budget to get yourself more visible may increase your profits. Follow your competition. Take notes and try to emulate several of their successful marketing strategies. You do not want to copy them exactly, but see if their website, social media or print marketing strategies are reaching the target demographic to model your own strategy. Choose a good location. Make sure you take into account the street, parking and adjoining businesses. If your ideal customers do not come by on a regular basis, your plan is unlikely to work. Invest in signage. Once you have a brand, make signs that follow a consistent visual message. Offer a discount. Plan a sale and you will attract more people. Make sure that you run the figures so that you are covering costs and getting a good return on investment. Host an event or contest. With proper advertising, signage and specials, an art, open house or holiday party event may bring in new business. Make sure you set out a raffle or sign up sheet so that you can communicate with your new customers in the future. Offer loyalty and/or referral discounts. Try a punch card or coupon for next purchase. Advertise it via email, website, social media, newspaper and radio to get the word out. Encourage your most loyal customers with bigger discounts, free products or loyalty bonuses. Word of mouth is extremely affective for attracting new customers. Emphasize your expertise. Customer service and expertise attract customers who are looking to be treated well. Highlight this in your message and consider offering customer service or consultation free with your product. Try several advertising strategies until you find the right fit. Although you should start with an idea of where you will find your customers, the reality may surprise you. Try a new 1 each month and stop using methods that haven't worked in 3 to 6 months. For example, although your customer base is young and social media is the best to start attracting young people, posting a coupon in your local independent paper may yield better results. Update your store information on Google, Yelp and all other online listings. Do the same in your local telephone book and local business directories. Become a member of civic organizations. The Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club and other charities tend to support each other, bringing more referral business to your door. Spend money on the back end of a website. Make sure your website is up, working well and very attractive before you invest in pay-per-click marketing, social media managers or anything else that is designed to funnel traffic to your website. If people are unable to use your website, they will not buy. Offer them something for free. Post free content on your website, such as short video clips, tutorials, interesting articles, blogs, advice or a free e-book. Make a landing page, so that they you can get their contact information to offer them specials and promotions in the future via email. Start social media accounts. Facebook, Foursquare, Pinterest and Twitter are valuable ways to attract new customers. Post sales, new products and links to sign up for your free content on the social media pages. Social media accounts are free; however, there is some cost in time and expertise in maintaining them consistently. Just like blogging, the value is in frequent use. Follow other businesses and try cross promoting on Facebook or other accounts. Blasting your followers with specials every day may not be the best way to get regular readers, but posting other interesting content between sales posts is a good marketing strategy. Try the Facebook ads and promoted posts to get new people interested in your site. You can use behavioral marketing to target your ideal customer demographics. Think of social media as a way to connect with your customers. You will attract reliable, repeat customers if you develop a relationship with them. Consider offering free shipping. You will increase the “instant gratification” of the purchase and convince potential customers of the value they are getting. Make sure you can afford to offer the shipping. Consider that sometimes adding a free product or shipping will work just as well as taking a discount. People like to have value added to their purchase, but still feel like they are getting a quality product. Give a well thought out loyalty bonus. Give something to people who purchase your product via email or Facebook. They are likely to be more pleased with their purchase and refer others. Buy pay-per-click (PPC) marketing. Search engine marketing requires you to create an account with Bing, Google, Yahoo or another engine and pay a small fee to have results on the first page. Use your products and customer preferences to choose your keywords. PPC marketing asks you to bid for a per click price. You may be outbid by other companies for the same keyword or keyword combination. Your website will appear higher and attract more customers and clicks if you fine-tune your keywords over time. Remember that very common key words may be too expensive to justify with a small business marketing campaign. Try long-tail keywords (2 or more words) that are more specific to your region, products or brands. Use WordStream's free keyword tool to research popular keywords before you bid for them on Google AdWords or Microsoft Ad Center. | Determine who your customers are. Opt to attract a new demographic. Model your strategies on what your customers want, not what you want to give. Consider increasing your budget for location, marketing and presentation. Follow your competition. Choose a good location. Invest in signage. Offer a discount. Host an event or contest. Offer loyalty and/or referral discounts. Emphasize your expertise. Try several advertising strategies until you find the right fit. Update your store information on Google, Yelp and all other online listings. Become a member of civic organizations. Spend money on the back end of a website. Offer them something for free. Start social media accounts. Consider offering free shipping. Give a well thought out loyalty bonus. Buy pay-per-click (PPC) marketing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Money-for-College | How to Get Money for College | To get money for college, start by requesting information about scholarship programs from your school counselor. You can also ask your counselor about the many different types of grants available, including state, institutional, and federal. Be sure to apply for those as soon as you can to maximize your chances of receiving money. If you've already chosen a major, look into professional organizations in that industry that give scholarships and find out how to apply. | Request information about scholarship programs from your school. Many universities offer academic, sports, and other types of scholarship money for college. Every year, organizations give out over a million scholarships. Your counselor should be the most knowledgeable about this. Scholarships can be awarded based on academic merit, athletics, financial need, or on a first-come, first-served basis. Depending on what school you attend, you may need to apply for federal aid first. Look into professional organizations for the major/career in which you are interested. Places like the American Broadcasters Association give scholarships to students looking for a career in broadcasting. Apply for grant money as soon as you can. There are many different types of grants, including state, institutional, and federal. They tend to be on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of this, it is best to apply for them as early as you can. You will be more likely to get more money from the grant this way as well. You can apply for a number of federal, state, and private grants and scholarships. If you live in the United States and make less than $40,000 a year, you may be eligible for some sort of grant. Look into state grant money if you live in the United States. Most states offer their own free money programs. States may base their grants on financial need; although, some state programs encourage specific areas of study. Some states take information from the FAFSA, others will require you to complete a separate application. Take a chance on getting money from institutional grants. Organizations give this grant money to students when federal and state aid isn't enough to cover tuition or to reduce tuition for desirable candidates. These grant monies come from the college itself. Consider applying for a federal grant. If you live in the United States, you can apply for the FAFSA grant. You might even be eligible for a Pell grant , which is the largest grant program available. Pell grants begin at a few hundred dollars and may be as much as several thousand dollars. It also allows you to considered for all other types of federal grants, work programs and federal student loans. FAFSA forms must be filled out online before January 1st of each year. Look into federal loan programs and low-interest private loan programs. Unlike grants and scholarships, loans must be paid back. Loans will generally have different interest rates, which will go into effect after you graduate from college. Federal loans, such as FAFSA, can be both subsidized and unsubsidized. Sometimes, the amount you get and the interest rate, are based on your income. Private loans usually have a higher interest rate than federal loans. They are great for those students who have already used up their federal loan limit. Negotiate a better financial aid package. Some schools will make a low offer of financial aid initially. When students ask for better packages, sometimes the school will provide more assistance. Also, some schools may have offered scholarships to students who decided not to enroll and they may have extra funds to re-distribute. Find a job. You do not need to apply for a job that is associated with your major. A simple job, such as working in retail or at a cafe, bartending, or waitressing is easier to get and will offer more flexible hours. Consider getting several part-time or one full-time job during the summer. You may not have a lot of time to have fun and relax with your friends, but you will gain more money to pay for your studies. If you plan on going to school while working, consider getting a part-time job with flexible working hours instead. This will allow you to focus on your studies while making money. When you do get a job, ask your employer if the company has any tuition assistance programs that you could benefit from. Host a bake sale in your community. It may seem like a flashback to your elementary school days, but most people won't mind donating money for a good cause — especially if they get a yummy treat in return. Take advantage of your talents. Not everyone is going to share your talents, and some people may be willing to spend a lot of money on a handcrafted item or getting their computer fixed. For example: If you are good at arts and crafts, consider making a bunch of items to sell online or at craft fairs. People will often spend a lot of money on handmade bags, scarves, arm warmers, and pottery. If you are good with children or pets, offering baby or pet sitting services. Community centers, libraries, and cafes are great places to post fliers. If you are skilled at fixing things, such as electronics, post fliers in community centers, libraries, and cafes offering your services. Ask for gift money instead of other types of presents. A $200 pair of earrings may look beautiful, but that same money can also pay for a semester's worth of textbooks. When friends and family ask you what you want to get for your birthday, Christmas, or any other holiday, consider requesting gift money instead of expensive gadgets, jewelry, clothing, and so forth. Check out contests at your school. Some contests offer money, but others may offer other freebies, such as free classes or textbooks. Pass on the newest phone, car, and computer model. New phones, cars, laptops, and other electronic devices can be very expensive. While having the latest model might be nice, it is not necessary, especially if your current model is still functional. Unless your phone, car, or laptop is completely falling apart, try to keep your money in your savings account instead. Choose good gas mileage over aesthetics when buying a car. Gas can get expensive, especially if you are driving your car to and from school. A fancy car that uses a lot of gas may look nice, but your bank account won't look so nice after a few months. Instead, opt for a smaller car that uses less gas or a car that is known to be very fuel-efficient, and one that will get you to and from school safely. Search around for cheaper options before buying your textbooks. Student bookstores don't always have the best prices when it comes to textbooks. Instead of buying a brand new textbook, consider buying a used one; the price is often half of a new textbook. You may also be able to find cheaper editions online. Some colleges have bookstores close to them that sell textbooks. They are not part of the school or student bookstore, and their prices are often much lower. Buy used textbooks with caution. Some professors require the latest edition, and the used textbook you are buying may or may not be the right edition. To earn back some of your money, consider selling your textbooks at the end of the semester. Keep in mind, however, that if a new edition comes out in the meantime, you may not get very much money back. You can also rent textbooks as well. This is often the cheapest option, and you do not have to worry about the sell-back value plummeting at the end of the semester. Distribute your earnings between multiple savings accounts. When you get money, plan on distributing it between three accounts: your regular account, an account for college fees, and an account for emergencies. When you deposit your paycheck, transfer a small portion of it to your "college fees" and "emergencies" accounts. Whatever you have left over will go into your regular account, and will have to last you until your next paycheck. Consider earning college credits early while still in high school. Some high schools offer classes (such as AP and Cambridge) that will give you credit for college. Consider community college for general education courses. Save the special major courses for your college, and take the regular, general education courses at your local community college. Community colleges are often much cheaper, and you can finish your entire college education sooner. Consider living at home or with relatives. College is often associated with freedom, but this does not mean that you have to move out and live on your own. Rent is expensive, and the cost of living in an apartment or a dorm room can really add up after a year. If you have parents or relatives who live close to your school, consider living with them. You will also end up saving on other things, such as: internet, heating/water/electrical bills, and food. See if you can get financial aid from your parents or relatives. Even if they cannot pay for your tuition, they might be willing to chip in a little bit when it comes to buying other necessities, such as textbooks and school supplies. They may request that you pay the money back, but unlike with a loan, they are unlikely to tack on interest. Save money on transportation. Cars can be a quick and convenient way to get to school, but they can also get expensive, especially if your school requires you to buy monthly parking passes. Instead, see if you can walk, bike, or skateboard to school. If there is public transportation near your school, try to take advantage of that. Many schools offer student-priced public transit passes to their students. One advantage to taking the bus to school is being able to do your homework while you ride. If you absolutely must take a car to school, consider carpooling instead and have everyone chip in for the parking and gas costs. | Request information about scholarship programs from your school. Look into professional organizations for the major/career in which you are interested. Apply for grant money as soon as you can. Look into state grant money if you live in the United States. Take a chance on getting money from institutional grants. Consider applying for a federal grant. Look into federal loan programs and low-interest private loan programs. Negotiate a better financial aid package. Find a job. Host a bake sale in your community. Take advantage of your talents. Ask for gift money instead of other types of presents. Check out contests at your school. Pass on the newest phone, car, and computer model. Choose good gas mileage over aesthetics when buying a car. Search around for cheaper options before buying your textbooks. Distribute your earnings between multiple savings accounts. Consider earning college credits early while still in high school. Consider community college for general education courses. Consider living at home or with relatives. See if you can get financial aid from your parents or relatives. Save money on transportation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Mafia | How to Play Mafia | To play Mafia, start by choosing 1 moderator to direct the game and choose roles for the players. Next, the moderator assigns card suits to the different characters, shuffles the cards, and deals 1 card to each player. The players are assigned roles by the moderator depending on what card they drew. Then, the moderator begins the night cycle by directing everyone to close their eyes and letting the Mafia choose 1 victim to kill. After that, the moderator wakes up the detective, who investigates the murder. Other roles are woken up to play their parts, as directed by the moderator, until the events of the night are complete. | Gather 7 or more people to play and have everyone sit in the same room. The players may sit around a table, on sofas and chairs, or on the floor, but they must all be in the same room during the entire game. Make sure that you choose a space that is large enough for everyone to comfortably occupy. 12 to 16 is the ideal number of people to play mafia. Choose a moderator. The moderator does not actually play the game. They will be in charge of making sure that the game runs smoothly, so the moderator should be someone who has a firm grasp on the rules. If you are the moderator, some of your duties will include: Distributing cards Telling people when to “sleep” and “wake” Timing discussions Informing people if they have been eliminated Declaring the winner Split up a deck of cards so that there is 1 card for each role. Use a deck made up of as many cards as there are players. The deck needs to contain 1 king, 1 queen, 1 card of a certain suit for each mafia member, and enough additional cards of another suit to represent townspeople. There should be 1 mafia member for every 3 townspeople, so include this amount of the special suit in the deck. For example, to play with 12 players, remove all but 1 king and 1 queen, all but 3 cards of a certain suit (or the number of mafia players needed), and include only 7 more random cards. You may assign any card they like to be the mafia card, such as hearts, clubs, or spades. Shuffle the cards and have each player take 1 card. Shuffle the deck and hold it out face down to each of the players. Instruct the players to look at their cards, but to keep their cards hidden from the other players. Have players keep their cards hidden for the remainder of the game by setting them face down on a table. Use a standard deck of playing cards to assign roles in mafia. If you don't have a deck of playing cards, then you can also assign roles on pieces of paper and have everyone draw one out of a bag or hat. Assign roles to players using playing cards. Whoever gets the king is the detective and whoever gets the queen is the doctor, and these players have special actions that they get to use once per round. If a player gets one of the special suit cards, then they are a member of the mafia. If a player gets any other card, then they are a townsperson. The detective gets to point to player that they suspect is a mafia member. If the detective is correct, then that person is eliminated. If they are wrong, then nothing happens. The doctor may point to 1 person who they want to save. They may also choose to save themself. If the mafia tries to kill the person the doctor chooses, then that person is saved for the round. Tell everyone to close their eyes to begin the night cycle. You may instruct the players to put their heads down too if desired. All players should do this no matter what their role is. For example, if a player is a townsperson, mafia member, doctor, or detective, have them put their head down and close their eyes. Instruct the mafia to open their eyes and choose a victim. Anyone who drew a mafia card should open their eyes at this time and look around to see who else has their eyes open. Give the players a set amount of time, such as 60 seconds or 5 minutes to decide who they want to “kill” or eliminate from the game. When they reach a decision, have them tell you who the victim is by pointing to the person. Tell the players not to speak with other mafia members and only communicate silently using simple hand gestures, such as pointing and nodding or shaking their heads. If the mafia cannot come to a unanimous decision about who to eliminate, then they forfeit their turn and no one will be eliminated during that round. Tell the mafia to go back to sleep after they choose their victim. Note who the person is that the mafia has chosen to eliminate. Then, tell the mafia to go back to sleep and have all of them close their eyes again. Wait until everyone has closed their eyes to continue the game. Say out loud that it is time for the detective to wake up. That person may then open their eyes and point at someone they think is a member of the mafia. Since there is only 1 detective in the game, they will have to rely on their instincts and any other hints they have gotten. Remember that there should only be 1 detective. If you notice someone else open their eyes, then you may need to check their cards to see who the real detective is. Note: In an alternative way to play, the Sheriff/Detective does not automatically eliminate the Mafia member they have identified. Rather, it is up to the sheriff to convince the townspeople the next day who the Mafia member is. Indicate if the detective was right or wrong and tell them to sleep again. Silently indicate if the person the detective identified is a member of the mafia, such as by nodding or shaking your head. Instruct the sheriff to go back to sleep after they make their selection. If the detective was right, the person will be eliminated. However, if the person was wrong, then they know who another one of the townspeople is and can choose someone else on their next turn. Wake up the doctor and let them choose someone to save. The doctor can point at someone to save or save themselves. If the person the doctor saves is the same person the mafia chose, they will survive this round and not be eliminated. Otherwise, nothing will happen to the person saved and the person the mafia chose will be eliminated. If a mafia member opens their eyes when they are not supposed to and sees the detective or doctor, then you may choose to eliminate them on a technicality. Make sure that everyone knows the consequences of cheating before you begin the game! If the doctor dies, the townspeople can no longer be saved from the mafia in subsequent rounds. Instruct the doctor to go back to sleep after they make their choice. Once the doctor has pointed out someone to save, note who it is and then tell them to go back to sleep. The doctor will close their eyes at this time, and this is the end of the night cycle. Tell everyone to wake up and explain the events of the night. You can tell the players a short story about who the mafia selected, if the detective caught a mafia member, and if the doctor chose the right person to save. You can add details to your story or keep it short and simple. For example, you could say something like, “The mafia attacked John during the night, but the doctor was able to save them, so they will live. The detective was unable to catch any of the mafia members in the act.” Or, you might say, “The mafia attacked and killed Maria last night. The doctor was too late to save her, but the detective caught one of the mafia members in the act. George is in the detective's custody and will no longer be able to commit crimes against the townspeople.” Instruct the players to discuss the events of the evening for 5 minutes. The players (including the doctor, detective, and mafia members) should discuss recent events. Nobody may show their cards or reveal that they have a special role. However, mafia members should try to convince the other players that they are townspeople to avoid suspicion. Set a timer for 5 minutes to ensure that the discussion doesn't get out of hand or go on too long. For example, players may say something along the lines of “Joey hasn't said much, which seems pretty suspicious.” Then, Joey might say something like, “I don't feel the need to say much because I haven't done anything wrong. However, if I was a guilty of something, then I might point fingers at other people.” Allow players to make accusations. At this point, someone may make an accusation against another player stating that they think that the other person is part of the mafia. Once an accusation has been made, it must be seconded by another player to move into the defense phase. For example, someone might accuse another player by saying, “I think Jennifer is in the mafia!” If someone else seconds the accusation, then it goes forward to the defense phase. Explain the accusation and allow the accused to defend themselves. The accuser gets 30 seconds to explain why they think the person is in the mafia, but the person who is accused also gets 30 seconds to defend themselves. The accuser may draw on their observations or invent reasons why they think the person is guilty. The accused player may declare their innocence, invent fictional alibi, and use other tactics to prove their innocence. For instance, someone might accuse someone because they look guilty and they didn't have much to add to the discussion. The accused may also use fictional alibis and cite other aspects of their character as part of their defense. For example, the accused might say they are the doctor or detective, which no one would have any way of knowing for certain except the moderator. If the accused is lying (or if the accuser wants to convince others they are lying), then the accuser might claim they are the real doctor or detective. Instruct the players to vote. The moderator now asks who thinks that the accused is guilty and instructs everyone to vote. Instruct players to indicate their vote by a thumbs up (for guilty) or thumbs down (for not guilty). Count the number of thumbs up and thumbs down. If the majority of players voted thumbs up, then the person is considered guilty and eliminated from the game, even if their card proves they were not part of the mafia. If the majority voted thumbs down, then the person is saved. You can hold an anonymous vote by instructing everyone to close their eyes, or let everyone keep their eyes open. Everyone gets to vote, including the accused and the accuser. Start a new accusation round if the player is voted not guilty. If there is not a majority vote of guilty, the accusations begin again. Allow someone else to make an accusation and progress through the accusation, defense, and voting as before. The day round continues until someone has been declared guilty and removed from the game. Begin the night round again after a player has been declared guilty. If a majority of the voting players vote guilty, the accused shows their card and is now considered killed. They are eliminated for the rest of the game and may no longer participate in discussions or votes. After this happens, the night round begins again. The person who is eliminated may keep their eyes open and observe the rest of the game, but they must do so silently and they cannot interfere or give the players any information. The game continues until all of the townspeople or the mafia are eliminated. The team with players left is declared the winner by the moderator. Change the name of the game for a political twist. In a leftist version of the game the sheriff is replaced by a revolutionary hero of the people such as Assata Shakur, Emma Goldman, or Ernesto Che' Guevara. Likewise, the Mafia is replaced by the FBI and winning the game involves eliminating all the FBI agents. Folks that play these version of the game generally call the game "Emma" or "Assata" instead of "Mafia". Include extra roles for players to enliven the gameplay. Extra roles are optional, but they can make the game more complex and interesting. Have the moderator assign different cards to indicate additional roles they want to incorporate into the game. Some options you might try include: The Informant, who gets to know who the mafia are without them knowing who they are. The Lawyer, who chooses someone to defend. The person who the lawyer defends cannot be voted out the following morning. The Peeping-Tom, who is allowed to open their eyes at any moment. This person may find out who plays each role in the game, but this makes them more likely to be killed by the mafia. The Grandma With a Shotgun. If the Grandma with a shotgun is visited by anyone during the night cycle, that person dies, but the Grandma cannot be killed. Cupid can make 2 players fall in love, which will put both of them at a higher risk of being eliminated. On the first night cupid picks 2 people to be the lovers. If 1 of the lovers dies, the other dies of a broken heart instantly. Create 2 competing groups of mafia for an extra-large group. For large groups of 20 or more players, it is often interesting to have 2 separate, competing groups of mafia and play the game with 2 night cycles. These 2 sets of mafia will be working to kill the townspeople and their rival mafia members. You can give them names like East Side and West Side Squad, or Blue and Red Team Mafia. | Gather 7 or more people to play and have everyone sit in the same room. Choose a moderator. Split up a deck of cards so that there is 1 card for each role. Shuffle the cards and have each player take 1 card. Assign roles to players using playing cards. Tell everyone to close their eyes to begin the night cycle. Instruct the mafia to open their eyes and choose a victim. Tell the mafia to go back to sleep after they choose their victim. Say out loud that it is time for the detective to wake up. Indicate if the detective was right or wrong and tell them to sleep again. Wake up the doctor and let them choose someone to save. Instruct the doctor to go back to sleep after they make their choice. Tell everyone to wake up and explain the events of the night. Instruct the players to discuss the events of the evening for 5 minutes. Allow players to make accusations. Explain the accusation and allow the accused to defend themselves. Instruct the players to vote. Start a new accusation round if the player is voted not guilty. Begin the night round again after a player has been declared guilty. Change the name of the game for a political twist. Include extra roles for players to enliven the gameplay. Create 2 competing groups of mafia for an extra-large group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Almond-Slivers | How to Roast Almond Slivers | One of the easiest ways to roast almond slivers is to toss them with vegetable oil and spread them out on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the almond slivers at 1-minute intervals until they're brown and roasted on the outside. You can also roast almond slivers in the oven by spreading them out on a baking sheet and baking them for 8 minutes at 350 °F. | Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Don't roast the almond slivers at a higher temperature than this or they could burn. Spread out the almond slivers on a baking sheet. Don't worry about lining or greasing the baking sheet. Make sure the almond slivers are in an even layer. Put the almond slivers in the oven for 5 minutes. Don't leave them in for any longer or they could burn. It might help if you set a timer so you don't forget about them. Remove the almond slivers and stir them with a spoon. Push the almond slivers in the center of the baking sheet out toward the edges, and vice versa. This will help all the almond slivers roast evenly. Return the almond slivers to the oven for 3 more minutes. After 3 minutes, check on the almond slivers. They should be several shades darker than when you started. If they're not, leave them in in the oven and check on them every minute so they don't burn. Remove the almond slivers from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Don't leave the almond slivers on the pan to cool or they'll continue to roast. Let the almond slivers cool for several minutes before serving. Melt 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of butter in a large pan. Place the pan on the stovetop and turn the burner to medium heat. Put the butter in the pan and wait for it to melt. Add 1⁄3 cup (79 mL) of almond slivers to the pan. Stir the almond slivers into the melted butter so they're evenly coated. Continue to stir the almonds as they roast. Roast the almond slivers in the pan for 3-4 minutes. After 3-4 minutes, the almond slivers should look light brown and roasted on the outside. Once the almonds are roasted, turn off the burner. Transfer the almond slivers to a plate with a paper towel on it. Let the almond slivers cool for several minutes. Once the almond slivers are slightly cooled, they're ready to serve. Toss 1 cup (240 mL) of almond slivers with vegetable oil in a bowl. Use about ⁄ 2 teaspoon (2.5 mL) of vegetable oil. Make sure the almond slivers are evenly coated with the oil. Spread out the almond slivers on a microwave-safe plate. Use a spoon or spatula to spread out the almonds so they're in an even layer. Microwave the almond slivers for 1 minute. After 1 minute, remove the almond slivers from the microwave and stir them. After you stir them, put the plate of almond slivers back in the microwave. Keep microwaving the slivers at 1-minute intervals until they're golden brown. After each minute interval, take the almond slivers out of the microwave and stir them. You'll know they're finished when they look golden brown and roasted on the outside. It could take between 3-8 minutes for the almond slivers to finish roasting. | Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Spread out the almond slivers on a baking sheet. Put the almond slivers in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove the almond slivers and stir them with a spoon. Return the almond slivers to the oven for 3 more minutes. Remove the almond slivers from the oven and transfer them to a plate. Melt 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of butter in a large pan. Add 1⁄3 cup (79 mL) of almond slivers to the pan. Roast the almond slivers in the pan for 3-4 minutes. Transfer the almond slivers to a plate with a paper towel on it. Toss 1 cup (240 mL) of almond slivers with vegetable oil in a bowl. Spread out the almond slivers on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave the almond slivers for 1 minute. Keep microwaving the slivers at 1-minute intervals until they're golden brown. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-a-Woman%27s-Eyes | How to Read a Woman's Eyes | Reading a woman's eyes can be a good indication of what she's thinking, but it isn't always reliable. People's pupils usually dilate when they're talking about or looking at something they like, but this isn't always easy to read. Wide eyes also indicate happiness or excitement. If their eyes squint, this usually means they're suspicious or doubtful about something. Strong eye contact can be a sign that a woman likes you romantically, but you can't always trust this. Some people make more eye contact than others, and there are other reasons she might be making strong eye contact. Always take her words and body language into account when you're trying to read her intentions. | Listen to her. Eyes can be expressive and portray a great range of emotion, but never presume that someone's eyes can indicate that they want something counter to what they have said they want. Before trying to read a woman's eyes, listen plainly to what she says and take her words to heart. For example, do not assume a woman's eyes say “Yes,” when she is plainly stating “No” to your offers or propositions. Respect her words over the perceived value you want to see reflected in her expression. Make eye contact. You cannot read a woman's eyes without looking at them. Make eye contact with her, and hold it throughout your interaction. This will allow you to see the full range of emotions that she may express with her eyes. Try to avoid intense stares. Make polite eye contact when someone speaks, but do not stare a woman down after she has stopped talking or if something else is calling your attention. Watch her expression. Look at what form her face takes when she says she is excited about something. Look at her eyes when she is talking about something that makes her upset or angry. Watch her to learn what expressions coordinate with her emotions. Listen to what she's saying to give you an idea of what she is feeling. For example, when she says, “I really like learning about this subject,” take a look at her eyes and remember that expression as one that indicates joy. Watch her pupils. People have very little control over when or why their pupils dilate, which can make them very telling. Talk to a woman about something you know she finds interesting and look at her pupils. Then change the subject to something you think she'll find less interesting and look for change. When a person is interested in something, their pupils will likely dilate somewhat. Look to the pupils as a sign that a woman is interested in a certain topic. Check her eyebrows. Often, people move their eyebrows to underscore or emphasize something. Raised eyebrows are often a sign of friendliness and welcoming, and generally signal someone showing that you have their attention. Conversely, raised eyebrows and constricted pupils together may mean surprise or shock. Lowered eyebrows or a single raised eyebrow may show frustration or skepticism. Pay attention to the eye shape. Every eye has a natural shape, but eye shape can also be impacted by squinting or opening eyes wider. Check her eye shape to see if she is squinting, open-eyed, or if her eyes are in an otherwise normal position. Squinting may indicate suspicion or mistrust. If you are not in an improperly-lit area, which may also cause squinting, ask the woman directly if something is bothering her. Wide open eyes can indicate happiness or excitement. Take note of what makes this women open her eyes wide to find out more about her interests and passions. Do not trust the eyes. Eyes can be a powerful tool for flirting, but they also often miss the mark. Research suggests that someone trying to make flirtatious eye contact with another will have to try at least three times before the other person notices. Don't depend on her eyes to tell you if she is interested. Understand that a woman making frequent eye contact or avoiding eye contact may not be a sign of her romantic interests. If you want to know about a woman's romantic feelings, you will get the most direct answer from politely inquiring directly. Watch where her eyes go. Some eye reading practitioners believe that you can tell a flirtatious gaze by watching where a woman's eyes look on you. In flirtatious situations, the eyes are said to scan you in a triangular pattern from one side of the body to the other, then down and up again. Looking directly at someone's mouth is also often thought to be part of a flirty gaze. Time her blinks. There is some evidence to suggest that a woman may blink more frequently when looking at the person she desires. The average person blinks 15-20 times a minute. Check to see if she is blinking more frequently around certain people as a potential indicator of attraction. People often blink at different speeds. Compare the blinking around the person a woman desires to the amount she blinks when that individual is not around. Ask for clarification. Reading eyes or facial expressions can be confusing is often inconsistent. Do not be afraid to ask a woman for clarification regarding what her facial expressions convey. If you believe a woman is indicating romantic interest with her eyes, try letting her know by saying, “I get the sense that you like this person. Is that the case?” Do not assume that the eyes say something different than what she indicates verbally. Accept a woman's answer when you ask for clarification, even if you aren't certain her expressions correspond with what she's saying. | Listen to her. Make eye contact. Watch her expression. Watch her pupils. Check her eyebrows. Pay attention to the eye shape. Do not trust the eyes. Watch where her eyes go. Time her blinks. Ask for clarification. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-on-Any-Topic | How to Speak on Any Topic | Public speaking requires confidence, focus, and clarity, and with a little practice, you'll be able to speak on just about any topic! At the beginning of a speech, give a short, attention-grabbing statement summarizing what you're about to say. For a more personal speech, you could start with an anecdote that relates to what you're going to talk about. For example, if you're speaking at an animal shelter fundraiser, you could tell a story about the first dog you rescued. If you start to get nervous, take slow, deep breaths to calm yourself. Make eye contact with the audience, but shift your gaze every 10-15 seconds so you're not staring. Make sure to restate your main points at the end of your speech, since this will emphasize what you've just said. | Ask for a moment to organize your thoughts. In formal speech and debate, you're allowed a limited amount of time to plan impromptu remarks on an assigned topic. If someone asks you to speak on the spot, tell them you'd like a few minutes to think of what to say and to jot down some notes. You shouldn't try to write out your remarks in full. Just jot down a few key words to help you remember your main points. Begin a short speech with a headline statement. If you're just speaking for 5 minutes or less, introduce your topic with a concise, attention-grabbing summary statement. If you'd like, you can make a joke to break the ice first, but make it quick and ensure it is relevant to the topic. Since your time is limited, you should get to the point sooner rather than later. Suppose you're asked to talk about a work project at a company meeting. You might start with a joke to introduce the problem the project addresses: “As a member of the design team, I want to personally thank all engineers present for not staging an all out mutiny due to the ongoing specification problems.” After breaking the ice, get straight to the point: “We understand your frustrations, and we've established new software solutions and pricing protocols to prevent future miscommunications.” Avoid making jokes like, “Three guys walked into a bar…” Instead, stick with funny or absurd comments that relate to your own personal experience, but keep it brief. Start with a story if you’re making a longer speech. If you're speaking for 15 or 20 minutes, you have time to grab the audience's attention with a story related to the topic. The story's resolution might introduce the problem or topic, or you could start the story in your introduction and conclude it at the end of your speech. For instance, if your assigned topic is how dogs improve quality of life, you could open with a story about rescuing your pooch. Map out your structure and use it as a guide. List your main points early in your remarks so your audience clearly understands the direction you're taking them. Additionally, mapping out your structure will help you stay on track for the rest of your speech. If you're presenting a school project, you might say, “Despite their friendship and philosophical commonalities, Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre held contrasting ethical views. I'll start by discussing their similarities, then I'll explain their quarrel over whether political justice warrants violence.” For this example, you could spend 1 to 2 minutes on the philosophers' similarities, a minute or so on each of their ethical stances, and another minute clarifying the differences between their perspectives. Restate your main points at the end of your remarks. After you've delivered the body of your remarks, remind your audience of the path you've lead them. Commit this formula to memory: “Tell them what you're going to tell them, tell them, then tell them what you've told them.” You can adapt this structure for any topic, so keep it in mind any time you're asked to make off the cuff remarks. Breathe deeply and try to relax. Feeling nervous is completely normal, and most people experience some degree of anxiety about public speaking. Control your breathing, think positive thoughts, and visualize yourself successfully delivering your speech. If you know you're speaking in advance, practicing your speech can help ease your nerves. If you're speaking on the spot and practicing isn't an option, focus your thoughts on your remarks' structure. Concentrate on your headline or argument, list your main points, and try not to let your nerves distract you. Adapt your message to your audience. Your speech should always be tailored for your audience, whether you're speaking in front of a large crowd or to 1 or 2 people. Think about your audience's age group, interests, attitudes, knowledge of the subject, and expectations. Don't just tell them what they want to hear, but present your message is a way that suits your listeners. For instance, if you're speaking to professionals well-versed in your field, you don't need to explain basic terms. However, if your audience is less experienced, you'll need to limit technical language and define any necessary jargon. Use nonverbal cues, but try not to make nervous gestures. Body language can help you emphasize important points, but it's most effective when used in moderation. Try to be strategic, and avoid nervously tapping or fidgeting. For example, if you're listing your main points, you could count with your fingers to distinguish each point. If you're drawing a comparison, you could use your hands to indicate “on one hand, this,” and “on the other hand, that.” Keep your language simple. Try not to use complex sentence structures and complicated words. It's harder to understand dense, jargon-packed language verbally, so make your remarks concise and conversational. For instance, instead of, "We've developed new software for processing custom orders that will enhance interdepartmental communications, leading to a more efficient, streamlined manufacturing process," you could just say, "We'll be switching to a more user-friendly program that should prevent future miscommunications." Conversational doesn't necessarily mean casual. If your remarks need to be professional or academic, you can still keep your tone formal by avoiding slang, sentence fragments, and contractions. "The team identified 10 new frog species," is both concise and academic. "The team found a lot of new kinds of frogs," is informal. Make eye contact, but don’t stare. Instead of looking down, look up and out toward your audience. Look at a point for 5 or 10 seconds, then shift your gaze. Staring at a point for too long and shifting your gaze every second are both awkward, so try to keep a natural tempo. If making direct eye contact makes you nervous, look at points just above the audience. It'll look like you're making eye contact, but you won't actually be locking eyes with anyone. Focus on developing a clear structure if you’re making a speech. If you master a basic logical structure, speaking on any topic will just be a matter of filling in the blanks. Lay out your map in the introduction, get to the meat of your speech in the body, and restate your claims in the conclusion. At the start of your remarks, state your argument or headline, then list your evidence or examples 1 by 1: “This is the case because of x, y, and z.” Explain each example in the main body of your speech. For brief remarks, you might only have 30 seconds to a minute for each example. For a longer speech, you might be able to spend a few minutes on each one. Conclude by restating (using different wording) your argument and evidence: “As x, y, and z show, this is the case.” Develop a repertoire of stories, quotations, and facts. Being prepared to speak about any topic on the spot requires imagination and indirect planning. Set aside time every day to read, watch documentaries, or listen to informative podcasts. When you have an interesting experience or see a quote or fact, memorize it so you have a repertoire of material for an impromptu speech or conversation. Read books, magazines, and newspapers. Watch documentaries about topics such as nature and technology, and listen to podcasts like Radiolab , StarTalk , and 99% Invisible. To broaden your knowledge, read, watch, and listen to informative content on a range of subjects. If you're involved in a particular field or occupation, stay up to date on your discipline and think of topics you might be asked to discuss. Keep up with current events. From politics to pop culture, staying up to date on current events is one of the best ways to hone your conversational skills. If you're informed about what's going on in the world, you'll be able to start a conversation with just about anyone. Read newspapers, and pay attention to local, national, and international news. Research a topic if it's confusing or you want to learn more. For instance, if you're interested in a 500-word story, look online for long-form articles that delve into the details. Try to keep up with a range of topics, such as politics, international affairs, business, and entertainment. Remember to fact check news stories, look for reputable news sources, and try to find sources from multiple perspectives. | Ask for a moment to organize your thoughts. Begin a short speech with a headline statement. Start with a story if you’re making a longer speech. Map out your structure and use it as a guide. Restate your main points at the end of your remarks. Breathe deeply and try to relax. Adapt your message to your audience. Use nonverbal cues, but try not to make nervous gestures. Keep your language simple. Make eye contact, but don’t stare. Focus on developing a clear structure if you’re making a speech. Develop a repertoire of stories, quotations, and facts. Keep up with current events. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Black-Hair-Curly | How to Make Black Hair Curly | To care for natural curls in black hair, wash your hair in lukewarm water since hot water can cause dry, frizzy hair. Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner every time you wash your hair, which should be every 3 to 10 days. Then, every 1 to 2 weeks, replace your regular conditioner with a deep conditioner. When your hair is still wet, apply oil-free products such as leave-in conditioners and styling gels. Once your hair is clean and styled, allow it to air dry or use a diffuser to keep your curls from frizzing up. | Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. For even better results, choose a detangling conditioner--this will make it easier to detangle your hair. Once your hair is clean, comb it with a wide-toothed comb, starting from the ends. This method works best for kinky or naturally curly hair. It won't work on braids or relaxed hair. Brush your hair with a Denman brush while it is still wet to enhance natural curls. Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb while the conditioner is still in it. Always start from the ends and work your way up to the roots. Apply a styling gel to small sections of hair. Choose a styling gel meant for bringing out curls, and apply it to ⁄ 2 to 1 in (1.3 to 2.5 cm) sections of hair. If you need to, run a wide-toothed comb through your hair to evenly distribute the gel. When buying gel, look for labels such as "For Curly Hair" or "Curl Defining." Focus more on the ends and mid-lengths. The closer you get to the roots, the less product you should use. Stretch your hair out with a comb, starting from the back. Grab a thin section of hair from the back of your head, right at the nape. Run a medium-toothed comb or Denman brush through the section, starting at the roots and finishing at the ends. Pull the hair strand firmly enough so that it becomes longer and the curls smoother. Repeat this process for the rest of your hair. Start in the back of your head and finish in the front. Mist your hair with water as you work so that it does not dry. It must be damp. Dry your hair under a hooded dryer to set your style quickly. How long you sit under the dryer depends on how thick and porous your hair is. The thicker and more porous it is, the longer it will take to dry. If you want your hair parted in a specific way, create the part before you sit under the dryer. You can also use a blow dryer with a diffuser attachment at home. This helps elongate and set the curls while dispersing an even airflow. Repeat the process whenever you wash your hair to maintain the style. Due to your hair type, you shouldn't be washing your hair more than once per week. When you do wash your hair, however, the style will come out. Your hair will still be naturally curly, but the curls won't be as defined. To define them again, you'll have to repeat the process in this section. Start with dry, detangled hair. This method is great if you are transitioning from relaxed to natural hair as the curls will help conceal the difference between textures. It may also work on relaxed hair and micro box braids as well. For best results, start with stretched hair, like what you'd from a braid-out. If you have long hair, part it into 4 sections first: 2 on the top and 2 on the bottom. Secure each section with a hair clip. Mist a 1 in (2.5 cm) section of hair with water. Grab a 1 in (2.5 cm) section of hair from the top of your head. Apply just enough water to dampen it, but not so much to make it soaking wet. Smooth your hair down with a bristle brush. Don't get your hair wet if you are starting with micro or box braids. Instead, grab several braids and get ready for the next step. If you want tighter curls or ringlets, start with a ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 2 in (0.64 to 1.27 cm) section instead. Wrap the hair around a Flexi rod, then bend the ends inward. Place the end of your hair section against the middle of a Flexi rod. Wrap your hair around the rod until you get to the roots, then fold the ends of the rod inward to secure it. If you are curling braids, stop when you are halfway up your braid. Don't go all the way to the roots. If you want tighter curls or ringlets, use a straw or smaller flexi rod instead. Slide a bobby pin through the straw and hair to secure it. Flexi rods come in different sizes. The thicker the rod, the larger the curl will be. Repeat this process all over your head. Work around your head, section by section. If you plan on finishing with large, chunky curls, try to keep each strand a consistent size. This is not as important if you plan on separating the curls out into smaller ones, however. Again, if you are curling braids, only curl them halfway up to the roots. Allow your hair to air-dry. If you have to run a few errands or go to sleep, wrap a silk scarf around your head. Not only will this hide the rods with style, but it will also keep them in place while you sleep or run about. If you are in a hurry, you can speed the process up with a hood dryer or a hairdryer. Use a low-heat setting so as not to damage your hair. If you wrapped Flexi rods around braids, dip the wrapped braids into boiled water for 20 to 30 seconds first. Be careful not to burn yourself. Remove the rods once your hair is completely dry. Your hair must be completely dry before you take the rods out, otherwise the curls won't stay set. If your hair feels damp, wait longer or dry it with a hairdryer. Once you take the rods out, separate each curl into 2 or 3 individual curls with your fingers. This will give you voluminous hair with less frizz. If you want more volume, comb through your hair with your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. This is a great idea for relaxed hair; don't do it with braided hair, however. Repeat the process the next time you wash your hair to maintain the style. In most cases, this style is not permanent. If you want the style to go away, simply wash your hair. If you want to keep it, you should still wash your hair as you normally would, then repeat the whole process. If your hair is natural, the curls should maintain their shape until you wash them again. After that, you'll have to redefine them with flexi rods. If your hair is relaxed, the curls may start to lose their shape by the end of the day, just like naturally straight hair. You'll have to repeat the process to get the curls back. If you have braids, the style will be permanent. To straighten your braids, simply dip them in boiled water again, then let them hang straight and loose until they dry. Wash your hair using cool to lukewarm water. Heat is the number 1 enemy of hair, especially natural hair. It can not only dry your hair out, but also lead to frizz. This doesn't mean that you have to wash your hair using freezing temperatures. Simply use the coolest setting that you can handle. How often you wash your hair depends on how quickly it gets greasy. Depending on your lifestyle and hair type, this can be anywhere from 3 to 10 days. Don't lean forward when you rinse your hair. When you straighten back up, your hair will get tangled and frizzy. Stand upright and tilt your head back under the running water. Moisturize your hair with shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner. Hair oil is only good for locking in moisture, so if there is not enough moisture in your hair to begin with, you'll only end up making your hair look shiny and greasy. The key to getting soft, lustrous curls is to wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Every 1 to 2 weeks, switch out your regular conditioner for a deep conditioner. Don't use oil on your hair while it is still wet. You will apply that once your hair has dried. Don't touch or mess with your hair when it is wet. The only time you should touch your hair while it is wet is when you are detangling it, patting it dry, or applying products. Once you put the products in, leave your hair alone. The more you mess with your hair, the more you'll break up the curl pattern; this can lead to frizz. If you want to use the scrunching technique, wait until your hair is mostly dry. It is recommended for those with loose or wavy curls. You can wrap your hair around flexi rods or put it into two-strand twists while it is still wet. This does not count as "messing." Apply oil-free products while your hair is wet. Pat your hair dry with a T-shirt to soak up any excess moisture first. Next, apply your desired products while your hair is still wet. This includes things like leave-in conditioners and styling gels. Divide your hair into sections when applying the products, then run a wide-toothed comb through your hair. This will ensure even distribution. Do not use oils when your hair is still wet. Instead, stick with water-based products instead. It would be even better if they have a gel-like consistency. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a diffuser. Never use a hair dryer on your hair and call it a day, as this will lead to dryness and frizz. Instead, pat your hair dry with a T-shirt, then let it finish air-drying on its own. If this is not possible, pop a diffuser attachment onto your hairdryer. This will distribute the heat and give you nicer curls. Always use a low-heat setting on your hairdryer. Stop when your hair is about 90 to 95% dry. Never use a towel to pat your hair dry, as this will lead to frizz. Get a haircut that enhances your curls. In most cases, you will want a layered cut rather than a straight-across-the-bottom cut. If you choose the latter, your hair may taper out into a pyramid shape. Thinning may work for some types of curls, but it may not work for others. Ask your stylist for their opinion. Use high-quality products. When it comes to hair care, you get what you pay for. In most cases, a cheap conditioner from the drug store will not give you the same results as an expensive conditioner from a salon. This is because cheap, drugstore brands tend to contain harsh, drying ingredients that tend to leave hair more frizzy than curly. Try salon brands such as: DevaCurl, Ouidad, ECO, or Camille Rose Naturals. When choosing oils, stick with lightweight, natural oils, such as: argan, coconut, grapeseed, or jojoba. If you must use a cheaper brand, make sure that it does not contain any sulfates, as these can cause hair to turn dry and frizzy. | Wash your hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Apply a styling gel to small sections of hair. Stretch your hair out with a comb, starting from the back. Dry your hair under a hooded dryer to set your style quickly. Repeat the process whenever you wash your hair to maintain the style. Start with dry, detangled hair. Mist a 1 in (2.5 cm) section of hair with water. Wrap the hair around a Flexi rod, then bend the ends inward. Repeat this process all over your head. Allow your hair to air-dry. Remove the rods once your hair is completely dry. Repeat the process the next time you wash your hair to maintain the style. Wash your hair using cool to lukewarm water. Moisturize your hair with shampoo, conditioner, and deep conditioner. Don't touch or mess with your hair when it is wet. Apply oil-free products while your hair is wet. Allow your hair to air-dry or use a diffuser. Get a haircut that enhances your curls. Use high-quality products. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reupholster-a-Couch | How to Reupholster a Couch | To reupholster a couch, start by removing the old fabric, starting at the bottom of the sofa and working your way up. Next, cut out pieces of fabric that correspond with each section of the couch using the old fabric as a guide. Then, sew the seams together with a sewing machine and heavy duty thread. Finally, attach the fabric to the couch with a staple gun, working from the innermost parts of the couch outward. | Find the right couch. Believe it or not, most furniture is designed to be re-upholstered, just as cars are designed to be worked on. Just because the fabric on an old couch has seen better days doesn't mean the couch needs to be consigned to the junk heap. There are riches to be found here. Select a couch that fits your taste. At the very least, find a couch that is of a style that can be molded to something enjoyable by the time it is completed. Take pictures of the couch pre-upholstery. Take pictures of how the couch looks before you tear it apart, and especially all through the process of "destroying it." Take pictures inside and out, front and back. Take closeup pictures of any area that might be difficult. Couches are not complex pieces of machinery, but this sort of project can take a long time, so it's good to have a nice "photographic memory" for referencing. You never know when you'll need to go back and piece something together about what the couch was like before you ripped its fabric off. Carefully take the couch apart in the following order. While taking the couch's fabric off, take care not to damage the old cover or other parts that will be needed later, such as stuffing. Otherwise, remove the fabric in the following order: With the sofa upside down or on its back, take off the dust-clothes and all the fabric around the bottom. Turn the sofa upright and take off the outside back, the outside arms, the inside back, the inside arms and the deck. If the old cover fits well, you can use it as a pattern to cut your new fabric. Keep the old cover around until you finish the sofa so that you can refer to it as needed. Inspect the cushions for compromised filling material. See if any filling material will need to be replaced once the couch has been stripped down. If the sofa needs new cushion filling, purchase high-quality foam (2.5 lb to 3 lb.), which will last for many years. Cheap foam quickly breaks down. High-quality foam can get very expensive, very quickly — its cost is tied to the cost of petroleum, out of which its made — but don't skimp out, or else the couch will be great looking, but also saggy and uncomfortable couch. Use your pictures as a guide. As you create and put the new cover on you may want to to consult the "photographic memory" compiled from before the couch was taken apart, or to ask for advice from a more experienced person. Cut your Fabric. Find a large flat area (a large table or the floor) to roll out and cut your fabric. Use the old cover as a pattern to cut the fabric. Lay the old cover pieces on the new fabric, rearranging the pieces on top of the fabric as necessary to save fabric. On seamed edges cut 1/2" from the old seam. On stapled edges add 2-3" more, which will be used to pull the fabric cover onto the sofa. Sew your fabric. Older heavy duty metal sewing machines work better and hold up longer than the new lightweight plastic machines. Use the zipper foot to sew along the welting edges. Use heavy duty thread and a heavy needle to sew the fabric. Use a 1/2" seam allowance. Get a heavy-duty staple gun to attach the new fabric to the couch. If you don't have one, purchase a good-quality staple gun, and go to town. Start attaching the new material from the inside out. First attach the sofa deck, then the inside arms, and the inside back, in that order. No matter which way you are attaching the fabric, be sure to pull the fabric snug as you attach it, or it will stretch over time. When the inside is attached, fit and sew the cushion(s). If the cushions are a little too big or too small, you can adjust the size of the cushion area by loosening or tightening the bottom of the inside arms and inside back. Then attach the outside arms and the outside back. Take pride in your achievements once the couch is finished. Perhaps the most important thing to do is show it off. | Find the right couch. Select a couch that fits your taste. Take pictures of the couch pre-upholstery. Carefully take the couch apart in the following order. Inspect the cushions for compromised filling material. Use your pictures as a guide. Cut your Fabric. Sew your fabric. Get a heavy-duty staple gun to attach the new fabric to the couch. Start attaching the new material from the inside out. Take pride in your achievements once the couch is finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Musician | How to Become a Musician | If you think you want to become a musician, start by listening to a wide variety of music in order to develop your own taste in music. Additionally, choose an instrument based on your personal and professional interests. For example, if you want to be in a rock band, pick something like guitar, piano, or drums. If you envision yourself playing in an orchestra, choose a classical instrument like violin or flute. Then, practice your instrument for at least 20 to 40 minutes each day, and make sure to practice a mixture techniques and skills. | Choose an instrument that suits your interests. If your goal is to become an on-stage rocker in a scruffy punk band, it's true that you could learn a lot about music playing the oboe, but it probably isn't the best way to form the band you want to form. If you want to play classical music and become a virtuoso, there's little room for synthesizer, unfortunately. Pick a category of instrument that fits your ambitions for being a musician. If you just want to learn to play something, start on piano, violin, or guitar. These instruments generally have the most teachers in a given area, making it easy to find lessons and learn the basics of the instrument. If you'd like to eventually play classical, art music, or jazz, it's important to pick up an instrument in the classical string category, a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument. These players generally dedicate lots of time and scholarship to learning their instrument. If you want to write your own songs and play pop music, it's usually best to pick up a guitar, bass guitar, piano, or learn to play the drum kit. While it's great to take lessons, lots of pop and folk musicians are self-taught, using DIY books, YouTube videos, and good old-fashioned trial and error. Consider starting on piano. Even if you don't envision yourself being a concert pianist doing recitals in a tux, one of the best ways to build a good foundation as a musician is to learn piano. Because all the notes are laid out in front of you, piano makes an excellent first instrument, popular with young children and beginners. It's also one of the most versatile instruments, played in classical, pop, and many other styles of music. Real upright or concert pianos can be expensive, but electric keyboards come at a variety of prices, from affordable to very professional and expensive. The great thing about piano is that you can learn the necessary fingerings and fundamentals regardless of the quality of the piano you're playing. Learn about the classical instruments. Used in concert music, jazz, pop bands, swing bands, and other types of sheet-music played by instrumentalists, classical instruments refer to the many different varieties of instruments played in organized professional bands that play something other than pop music. If you love complicated, artistic, and sophisticated music and history, learning one of these instruments would be appropriate for you. While they're not actually made of brass anymore, brass instruments are made of winding metal tubes that you blow through to create a tone. Woodwinds are made of composite materials and are played by vibrating a reed that's held in a mouthpiece. Producing a distinctive warm and woody sound, woodwinds are used in classical music and jazz, and saxophones are used often in pop music. Pick up a classical string. Used in orchestras, string quartets, and other types of professional ensembles, violins, violas, double-basses, and cellos form the foundation of the classical strings. Guitars could also be considered a classical string, depending on the style of music. Consider pop or rock instruments. While all these instruments can be used to play a variety of styles and sounds, when we think of playing pop music or starting a band of our own, we usually think of guitar, bass guitar, drums, and keyboards or piano. If you're less interested in being the kind of musician who plays in a tuxedo at a concert hall and more interested in being in a garage band that tours around in a van, these might be the right instruments for you. Guitar Bass guitar Drums Consider playing percussion. Percussion is so much more than background. Good percussionists drive the music forward in every variety of music, from folk to classical, from jazz to rock and roll. There's nothing more versatile and essential to a group of musicians than a talented percussionist keeping time. One of the best things about percussion is that you can start building the skills without any kind of instrument at all. If you have an internal sense of time and the ability to keep a steady beat with your hands, consider learning percussion. Play an electronic instrument. From digital DJs to synth wizards, the traditional definition of what it means to be a "musician" is much larger than it used to be. Just as much complex and artistic music can be made by pushing buttons on a laptop just as it can by operating the valves on the trumpet, and just as legitimately. Practice constantly. Even if you have a natural talent for a certain instrument, there's a difference between "playing an instrument" and "being a musician." That difference involves practice. Musicians are dedicated to improve their skills and learn new techniques and more complicated music on the instrument they've chosen. The only way to do that is regular and serious practice. Develop good practice habits and routines for yourself. Always practice using good posture, warm up beforehand, and try practicing for at least 20-40 minutes each day. Practice a mixture of techniques, skills, and fun activities. For every scale you learn, take the time to mess around learning the Star Wars theme or some other fun song. Like when you exercise your body, consistency is very important. Try to practice every day, so you can maintain the good habits that you're building and develop them. Find a good teacher. It's very difficult to learn music from a book alone. While written tutorials can be helpful, there's no substitute for in-person, one-on-one instructions that come from lessons with a good teacher. A teacher can help to correct your technique and build the fundamentals necessary to be a great player, whatever instrument you play. If you want to become a musician, it's very important that you be teachable. Hard-headed people who can't take criticism don't have much of a future as musicians. Listen closely to what good players say, follow directions, and learn everything you can. Make it your goal to get better. If you don't have the time or money to have a formal teacher-student relationship, find musicians who are better than you to play with. Evening jam sessions on the porch with a couple of guitars can be a great way to improve your skills. Watch and learn. Consider learning to read music. While you can play by ear, it can be good if you can learn how to read sheet music, and is absolutely essential for certain instruments and styles. If you want to play classical music, it's almost impossible to learn by ear and rote memorization. Also, learn musical history and some theory if you hope to compose your own music one day. Learning why certain notes sound good together, how to make a chord, and how music actually works is the best way to improve as an instrumentalist and as a composer, whatever instrument you play. Listen to everything. Developing your own taste in music is critical for musicians. Just like a novelist has to read a wide variety of novels and learn about the history of literature to write something worth reading, a musician needs to listen to a wide variety of music and learn to appreciate different styles of music, if you ever want to write something worth hearing, or play music that deserves to be heard. Listen to classical music, starting with old court-based consort music and moving your way up through the romantic composers like Mozart and Beethoven. Try listening to the 20th century avant-garde composers like Penderecki and Cage to challenge your conceptions of what music is. Listen to rock music, of all strains, even if it's not your cup of tea. Check out early punk, rockabilly, and psychedelic nuggets. Listen to what's popular and what's not. Try to find something worth listening to and ignore the rest. When you find something you like, look back to the influences. If you like Katy Perry, you might find out that Cher and Madonna are huge influences on her style and sound. When you listen to Cher, you might work your way back to Etta James, and eventually work your way back to Bessie Smith, one of the greatest early blues singers of all time. Find the roots of your favorite artists. Start writing your own compositions. To grow as a musician and to take your skills to the next level, it's a great idea to give composition a shot. Whether you play classically or play pop music, writing your own songs can help you see the difference between playing notes and making music much more quickly than almost anything else. Take the responsibility to write the notes you play. Find your own voice on your instrument. Miles Davis could never nail the horn technique of vibrato while learning to play his horn, so he built a whole career around a singular, sonorous, clean tone that never wavered. When asked why his band played so chuggingly, like a freight train, Johnny Cash responded, "We'd play faster if we could." Recast your supposed weaknesses as individual quirks and strengths and use them to become an individual player. Consider joining an established band. Playing with other instrumentalists and musicians can give you the skills you need to improve, learning their specific tricks of the trade, as well as giving you the opportunity to respond to play as a unit, making music as one. If you want to play classical music or organized concert music, it's important to join a community band, a school band, or some other organized music group. Playing with others is also a good way to keep your ego in check. David Hood, part of the Muscle Shoals recording studio and one of the greatest session bass players of all time, was once asked how he got such a great reputation as as reliable player and he said, "My gear always worked and I was always on time." Humility serves musicians well. Play in front of people when you're ready. If you've been practicing your instrument on a regular basis and want to take it to the next level, it might be time to take your show public. Start by playing your best material in front of a few close and forgiving friends, or your parents, and start playing for other people. If you want to be a performer, you require an audience. Coffee shop open-mics are a great way to find a forgiving audience who'll be warm and accepting. Most open-mics are full of hobbyists who want to get started and most crowds are friendly and easy-going. It's a great way to crack in. Alternatively, just play for yourself. There's nowhere it says you have to ever play in front of anyone. Learn to play and enjoy the sounds you make for yourself. Try starting your own group. Having trouble finding an established group or band to play with? Start your own. Don't wait around for other musicians to come to you, go out and find them. Put an ad up on Craigslist with your biggest influences and your desire to play with a group that plays a particular kind of music and vet the other players who get in touch. Hang around the local music shops and put up ads for players. Go to open-mics and make contacts with other local musicians who can play. Record your music. Getting a recording of yourself playing can be one of the most rewarding and fun things for a young musician. Being able to actually hear yourself playing over the speakers? Nothing cooler. And these days, it's easier than ever to record yourself quickly and easily at home, and to have it sound great. Invest in a few cheap microphones to get started and record yourself directly to your computer using GarageBand or Audacity. Set the levels like you like them and burn CDs for your friends, or put them on your iPod. If you're feeling really ambitious, you can share your recordings with the world. Record your best stuff and start a Bandcamp page or a Soundcloud account to give out quick links to your tunes. Commit to the long haul. Even if you're talented, even if you're a hard worker, even if you're the best banjo picker in your town, it's possible that you'll struggle to be heard. Being a musician can be a slog for a lot of people, and it can take a long time before the fruits of your labor start to pay off, both in terms of skill building and getting any kind of recognition, much less money. The more dedicated you are, however, the bigger chance you give yourself for success. Consider going to music school if you want to make contacts and receive individualized training on your instrument. Even if you don't want to play classical, learning the skills of music production and history can give you an edge in the music business. | Choose an instrument that suits your interests. Consider starting on piano. Learn about the classical instruments. Consider pop or rock instruments. Consider playing percussion. Play an electronic instrument. Practice constantly. Find a good teacher. Consider learning to read music. Listen to everything. Start writing your own compositions. Find your own voice on your instrument. Consider joining an established band. Play in front of people when you're ready. Try starting your own group. Record your music. Commit to the long haul. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Candles | How to Make Candles | Before making your candle, heat your wax in a double boiler to 180 to 190 °F. While the wax gets ready to be poured, place your wick into a container, cut it so it sticks 1 to 2 inches out of the top, and secure it to the edge of the jar. For the best experience, heat your container in a 150 °F oven so the wax will pour smoothly. Then, hold the wick steady and pour 3 | Choose your wax. You can buy many different kinds of wax in bulk online including paraffin, beeswax, and citronella. If you are interested, there are also many types of scented wax available as well. Choose one that fits your needs, and get enough to create your desired number of candles. Heat up your wax. Use a double boiler to prepare your wax for pouring. It should reach a temperature of 180–190 °F (82–88 °C); you can use a thermometer to get an accurate reading. If you like, you can add a few drops of essential oil at this time. Cut your wick. Use a piece of pre-tabbed wick (with the metal bottom) and stick it in your container. Add enough so that the wick sticks out a few inches from the top. Tie the top of the wick to a pencil or pen, and rest it over the top to keep the wick perpendicular to the bottom of the container. Heat your container. In order to create a smooth pour of wax with no bubbles, you will need to heat up the container you intend to use for your candle. Put it in the oven at 150 °F (66 °C) for several minutes to warm the material. Pour your wax. Hold the pencil/wick steady at the top of the container, and slowly pour the melted wax in. Avoid bumping the sides or pouring too quickly so that you don't create any air bubbles in the wax. Only pour ¾ of the way to your desired candle level. Wait and repour. Wait several hours until all of the wax has cooled in your container. There will probably be a concave divot in the top of the wax. At this point, pour the rest of your wax the remaining ¼ distance to level out the top of your candle. Finish your candle. When the wax has completely set, you can untie the wax from the pencil at the top of your container and trim to size. Burn your new candle around your house to add style or light to your décor. Decide on your wax. Pillar candles are the largest of the candle varieties and require a lot of wax as a result. Decide: do you want colored wax? Would you like it to have a scent? Do you prefer beeswax, citronella, paraffin, or another variety of wax? Consider your desired use for the candle before making your choice. Melt your wax. Use a double boiler to melt your wax. If you don't have a double boiler, use a glass bowl over a pot of boiling water with your wax placed in the bowl. When the wax reaches a temperature of 180–190 °F (82–88 °C), it is ready to be poured. Set up your mold. In order to create a pillar candle, you will first need to create a mold. The easiest way to do this is to purchase a candle-mold, otherwise the seams might not be tight enough to form a sturdy structure. You can also choose to rubber-band (very tightly!) Wood pieces to form a box mold. Add your wick. As a result of their height, pillar candles need a long wick. Add a pre-tabbed wick to your candle, making sure that it touches the bottom of your mold. Wrap the loose end around a pen or pencil and rest it horizontally across the top of your mold, to keep the wick from slipping into the wax. Pour your wax. Begin pouring the wax from a space slightly above the top of the mold, being careful not to pour too quickly. Leave ¼ of your wax out of the candle, so that you can add it later and fix the shape of the pillar. Wait and repour. After your candle has had time to settle and cool, a valley will have formed in the center of the wax. At this time, heat your remaining wax to pour back into the mold and cover up this concave indent. Remove your mold. Wait 2-4 hours at least to allow the entire candle to cool and solidify. Untie the wick from your pencil at the top and remove your mold from the exterior of the candle. Trim any excess wick from the top or bottom, and enjoy your new pillar candle! Find a clear area and try lighting the candle! Cut your beeswax sheets. Typically, sheets of beeswax come very large and will make a rather ungainly candle. Cut your sheets to size so that they measure 4 inches (10.2 cm) x 16 inches (40.6 cm). Arrange your wick. Lay your sheet of beeswax out flat on a tabletop. Place your wick as close to the edge of one end as you are able to. Leave at least an inch of the wick hanging over the top edge, while the bottom of the wick should be flush to to bottom of your beeswax. Begin rolling. Starting at the edge with the wick, roll the sheet of wax inwards. Try to roll in the same direction to avoid making the ends of the candle uneven or spiral-like. Apply gentle pressure to help the layers of beeswax to stick together. Finish the candle. As you get to the end of the wax, use your fingers to stick the layers tightly together. Roll the candle between your hands so that the warmth of your skin softens the wax and helps it to maintain its shape. Place your new candle in your favorite candle holder and, voila! You've got a lovely decorative and useful addition to your home. Gather your wax. Use the very last of the wax from old candles to create this layered candle. You can also use small chunks of broken off wax from other projects, but try to use the same kinds of wax together (don't mix citronella and paraffin, for example). Choose wax tidbits that have similar scents so that you don't create an overwhelming amalgamation of perfumes with your candle. Avoid mixing several contrasting colors of wax or else you will create a muddy brown or grayish color. Stick to waxes in the same color and value range. Melt your wax. Break your wax up using a butter knife, and place it in a double-boiler to melt. Wait until the wax reaches a temperature of approximately 185 °F (85 °C) before removing it from the heat source. Prepare your container. Place a wick with a metal tab in your container, and wrap one end around a pencil or pen to rest over the opening. Heat the container up in the oven at 150 °F (66 °C) to help reduce the number of air bubbles in your candle. Pour the wax. Use a cheesecloth to filter out any old pieces of wick or metal that might be in your recycled wax. Pour the wax over the cheesecloth slowly into your container. Avoid pouring directly over the wick or the edge, but use a steady, constant stream into the base of the container. Save ¼ of your wax to pour again later. Wait and repour. When the wax has hardened completely in your container, reheat your remaining ¼ of wax to melt. While the candle hardened, a divot was likely formed near the base of the wick. Pour the rest of the wax over the top to fill in this indentation. Finish your candle. Remove the pencil or pen from your wick and trim it to length. Once your candle has hardened completely, it is ready for use! Enjoy your recycled candle in your home, or gift it to a friend. | Choose your wax. Heat up your wax. Cut your wick. Heat your container. Pour your wax. Wait and repour. Finish your candle. Decide on your wax. Melt your wax. Set up your mold. Add your wick. Pour your wax. Wait and repour. Remove your mold. Find a clear area and try lighting the candle! Cut your beeswax sheets. Arrange your wick. Begin rolling. Finish the candle. Gather your wax. Melt your wax. Prepare your container. Pour the wax. Wait and repour. Finish your candle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Kiss-Your-Boyfriend-Gently | How to Kiss Your Boyfriend Gently | If you want to kiss your boyfriend gently, make sure to regularly brush your teeth and apply lip balm, so your breath is fresh and your lips are soft. When you get a moment alone, compliment him by saying something like, "You did an amazing job at band rehearsal today." Then, break the touch barrier by holding his hand or hugging him. Once you feel ready to kiss him, gaze into his eyes for a few seconds to see if he returns your gaze. If he does, look at his lips, lean in slowly, and tilt your head slightly so you can press your lips softly to his for a few seconds. To take things up a notch, consider tugging him gently closer to you as you kiss. | Keep your breath fresh and your lips soft. If you plan on kissing your boyfriend, you'll want to have fresh breath. Before a date or whenever you know you'll be alone together, take the time to brush your teeth, use mouthwash, eat a breath mint, or chew some gum. You should also use lip balm regularly to keep your lips soft and hydrated. Don't use lip gloss, as it is not the same as lip balm. While lip balm absorbs into your lips and makes them soft, lip gloss sits on your lips. The sticky texture may be a turn-off. Pick a moment when you have privacy. Public displays of affection can make people feel uncomfortable, so it's a good idea to wait until you are alone with your boyfriend to kiss him. Even if you only have a few minutes alone together before school or after practice, you can make them count by giving him a gentle kiss. This doesn't mean that you have to wait until you are completely alone in your room. An empty hallway or a quiet park would be just fine! Give him a sincere compliment. Complimenting your boyfriend will make him feel good about himself! Speak softly so he has to lean in a bit to hear you, and make sure to say something you honestly believe, rather than making something up. For instance, you could say, “I really admire the way you take care of your siblings,” or, “You did an amazing job at band rehearsal today.” Break the touch barrier. Before diving into a kiss, it's a good idea to break the touch barrier and make sure he is comfortable first. Reach out to grab his hand, give him a hug, or snuggle in close to him. Watch his reaction to see if he's ready to take things a step further. Remember that if he ever seems uncomfortable, pulls away, or asks you to stop, you should respect his wishes. Be mindful of his body language while leading up to the kiss. People can change their minds or start feeling uncomfortable once things start to progress. Gaze into his eyes, then look at his lips. Look directly into your boyfriend's eyes for a few seconds. If he returns the gaze, he probably wants to kiss you, too. Looking into each other's eyes creates intimacy and helps people feel connected. Drop your gaze from his eyes to his lips slowly and lean in just a little bit. This simple body language will cue him into your next move. Tug him gently closer to you. Don't be rough or yank on him, just gently pull him closer. You can put your hands around his neck or on his chest. He may put his hands on your waist. Do whatever feels comfortable for you both, rather than worrying about what you “should” do. Be mindful of his body language at this point. If he stiffens up or tries to pull away from you, he may not be feeling comfortable. Save the kiss for another time. Tilt your head slightly and press your lips softly to his. Turning your head will prevent your noses from knocking together which could make this intimate moment awkward. Keep your lips soft and barely puckered. Don't press too hard; use minimal pressure. Again, try not to think too much about the motions. Let them come naturally. Pull away after a few seconds. A gentle kiss should be short and sweet. If he leans back in after you both pulled away a bit, then he probably wants to kiss you again. If you're okay with that, lean in and give him another kiss. Don't force another kiss on him, especially if he doesn't lean in for a second one. If you don't won't want a second kiss, give a gentle sign, such as leaning back, pulling away, or turning your face to the side. Shoving him away is not a good option. Press a gentle kiss to his forehead or cheek to show your adoration. Kissing isn't just for lips! You can show your boyfriend affection by kissing him elsewhere, too. You can kiss him quickly and gently on his forehead or cheek to show much how much you like and appreciate him. For instance, if you are giving your boyfriend a hug goodbye, kiss him on the cheek before pulling away. Brush your lips against his neck or ear for a more intimate experience. If you feel comfortable doing so, you can kiss your boyfriend's neck or ear. The skin in these areas is thin and sensitive, so be gentle. You could even lightly suck on his earlobe—just don't slurp. For example, if the 2 of you are cuddling on the couch, snuggle into him and press a light kiss to his neck. Kiss him on the shoulder or chest to create a romantic moment. These kisses are loving and help you connect to your partner through physical touch. Brush your lips lightly against his chest or shoulder to show him how much you enjoy being with him. For instance, walk up behind your boyfriend and wrap your arms around him. Press a light kiss to his shoulder. Give him a butterfly or eskimo kiss to show your sweet side. A butterfly kiss is when you flutter your eyelashes lightly against his cheek. For an eskimo kiss, gently rub your nose back and forth against his nose. These sweet kisses are a great way to add some variety and affection into your relationship. For example, if you're sitting next to your boyfriend, lean into him and flutter your eyelashes against his cheek. | Keep your breath fresh and your lips soft. Pick a moment when you have privacy. Give him a sincere compliment. Break the touch barrier. Gaze into his eyes, then look at his lips. Tug him gently closer to you. Tilt your head slightly and press your lips softly to his. Pull away after a few seconds. Press a gentle kiss to his forehead or cheek to show your adoration. Brush your lips against his neck or ear for a more intimate experience. Kiss him on the shoulder or chest to create a romantic moment. Give him a butterfly or eskimo kiss to show your sweet side. |
https://www.wikihow.com/French-Braid | How to French Braid | Before beginning your French braid, brush your hair to remove any tangles or knots. Then, grab a 3-inch section of hair at the crown of your head and divide it into three equal pieces. Start your French braid with one row of a traditional braid, which you can do by first crossing the right strand into the center, then crossing the left strand into the center. As you prepare to repeat your braid, grab a small section of new hair from the area of hair you wish to include in your braid, and incorporate it into the next cross. Be sure to gently comb through any bumps to keep a sleek look. Continue braiding so that every time you do a new cross, you're gathering slightly more hair. Repeat until your braid is finished. Finally, secure the braid and enjoy! | Prep your hair. Brush through your hair to get all the tangles out and make it soft, smooth, and ready to braid. For a single braid going down the back of your head, brush your hair backwards, away from your forehead. You might want a braid down the side of your head instead, or maybe you're making more than one braid. In that case, part your hair and brush it into sections depending on how many braids you would like. You can braid your hair when it's dry or when it's wet. But, braiding wet hair gives you soft, pretty waves when you take it out later. Begin sectioning your hair. Start the process by gathering a big chunk (3-4 inches wide) from the top-center of your head. All the hair in this section should come from the same "hair row." You don't want to grab strands from higher up or lower down. If you have bangs, you can bring them into the braid at this point or leave them loose. Choose what you think looks best. To braid them, you'll need to grab hair from the very top-center of your head, right above your forehead. The section you start with has nothing to do with how big your braid will be. You start with a small section, but the braid grows thicker as you add more hair. Separate this first "chunk" into three pieces. Just like traditional braids, French braids use three sections of hair to create their pattern. Separate them out by running your fingers through the chunk you are holding to create three even pieces. Make sure that none of the pieces are larger or smaller than the other two. Begin in a traditional braid. First, you have to get your hand positioning right: hold two strands in one hand, and the third strand in the other. Begin in a traditional braid by crossing the “right” strand over to the center. Then, cross the “left” strand from over to the center. Repeat until you've made a few rows of a traditional braid. Work in new hair. Keep going with this traditional braid pattern, but start bringing in other pieces of hair. Before crossing a section over to center, grab some hair from that side of your head and include it in the cross-over. Every time you cross over, work in another small piece of hair. How much new hair you grab each time doesn't matter, but the less hair you grab, the more intricate the braid will look. For the best-looking French braid, pick up the hair near your face and neck. If you only pick up pieces from the center (near the main strand), they'll get covered up later with strands from the outside. Bring all of your hair into the braid. As you work down your head, you'll start running out of free hair to bring into the braid. By the time you reach the nape of your neck, you should have incorporated all of your hair. Finish the braid. When all of your hair is in the working braid, finish it off as a traditional braid. Keep going until you reach the end of your strands. Then, secure the braid with a ponytail holder. Avoid using rubber bands, as these rip and break hair when you remove them. Prep your hair. Just like you did for the normal French braid, brush through tangles to smooth out your hair. French lace braids can work down either one or both sides of your head, so need to part your hair. Use a center or side part, depending on what look you prefer. Start with a small section. Grab a piece of your hair from one side your part, near the part itself. The size of this section does matter in French lace, as it determines the thickness of the braid. For a larger braid, grab a hefty section of hair, and for a dainty braid, grab a smaller piece. In general, it should be about one inch thick. Split this section into thirds. As with the normal French braid, you need to divide your starting section of hair into three even pieces. Angle these pieces downward to frame your face, rather than pulling them toward the back of your head. Begin braiding. Start the French lace in a traditional braid. Cross the "right" strand over to center, then cross the "left" strand over to center. Start bringing in new hair. In the French braid, you added hair from both sides of your head. In the French lace braid, you should only add hair from one side of the braid. It doesn't matter which side you add new hair from. The important thing is that all new hair comes from the same side of the braid. Continue braiding around your head. As you move further along with your braid, it will start to form a crown or halo shape around your head. You can choose to braid over the top of your ear, or under it. If you are making a single braid, wrap it all the way around your head. You will likely run out of hair near the ear on the other side of your head. If you're making two braids, stop braiding when you reach the nape of your neck. Tie off the first braid with an elastic, then repeat the entire process on the other side of your head to create your second braid. Finish your braid. Eventually, you will run out of loose hair to work into the braid. At this point, keep working in a traditional braid until you reach the ends of your strands. Tie off your hair with an elastic tie to secure your French lace braid. | Prep your hair. Begin sectioning your hair. Separate this first "chunk" into three pieces. Begin in a traditional braid. Work in new hair. Bring all of your hair into the braid. Finish the braid. Prep your hair. Start with a small section. Split this section into thirds. Begin braiding. Start bringing in new hair. Continue braiding around your head. Finish your braid. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Forget-Hurtful-Words | How to Forget Hurtful Words | If someone calls you an insulting name or puts down your abilities, do your best to forget their hurtful words so you can move on. Sometimes people lash out and say hurtful things because they're actually hurting inside. In this case, try to remember that their words say more about them than about you. Another way to move on after being told hurtful things is to avoid dwelling. Give yourself a deadline to stew, like 1 hour, and then let it go. If you're more of a hands-on person, try writing the words down and then ripping the paper up or tossing it in the fireplace. You can also try replacing the harmful comments with positive ones. For example, if someone says “You're ugly,” try replacing it with “I'm always getting complimented on my hair and smile. I like those parts of myself.” | Don’t take it personally. Their words are about them, not you. Sometimes, when others are hurting, they may lash out at you with hurtful words. Everyone does this from time to time. It is often done without thinking, and they may even regret the words later. If someone says something hurtful to you, try to remember that they are probably hurting. Send compassion back to them rather than taking their comment personally. Validate the person who hurt you. If a person says something hurtful to you, respond gently in a way that validates the person, but not their unkind words. Whether or not the other person intended their words to be hurtful, this type of response is likely to catch them off guard, and they may be more likely to stop and think about how their words affect you. For example, you could say something like, “Wow, I'm shocked to hear such a good person say something so unkind.” Set a timer to stew. Rather than dwelling on the hurtful words others say to you, give yourself a deadline to stew them over. Feel the hurt for a designated amount of time. Then, choose to let them go. For example, you might usually spend hours or even days mulling over these comments. Start setting a timer for about 10 minutes. Think about how the comment made you feel and acknowledge the pain. Once the timer finishes, put those feelings down and don't pick them back up again. Write the words down, then destroy the paper. If you're more of a hands-on person, you might take power away from hurtful words by destroying them. Write the words down on a sheet of paper. Then, you might rip the paper to shreds, toss it into a fireplace, or scratch out the words with a pencil or pen. Replace it with a positive comment. Offset the impact of negative words by replacing them with your own positive words. This works because you are cancelling out the negative comment in your mind by following it up with a more positive, uplifting comment. For example, if someone said, “You're ugly,” you might replace that comment by saying to yourself, “There is only one of me in the universe. I am special and unique.” Use the words to become stronger. In what way does this situation test you? Evaluate the hurtful words and see if you can channel them into productive action. Question why the words hurt you and what you can do about it. For instance, if someone said, “You're weak,” and you believe that, you might feel upset or angry. However, if you take action, such as learning to defend yourself or strengthening your mental functioning, you can prevent those words from hurting you ever again. Use your experiences and perspective to help others. Unkind words usually come from a place of hurt or insecurity. Consider what the person who said the words might be going through, and think about whether there is anything you could do or say to help them. You can also boost your confidence by reaching out and offering support to others who have been hurt by cruel or thoughtless words. Make your own opinion your priority. Your confidence is always teetering on a ledge when you allow others to dictate how you feel about yourself. Stop placing so much weight on what others think about you. Instead, your own opinion should be the most important. For example, if someone says, “You'll never amount to anything,” but you don't truly believe that, remind yourself of what you think. You might say to yourself, “That's not true. I believe I am destined for greatness.” Get things done to feel more confident. How you feel about yourself and your abilities is intimately linked to your self-confidence. You can boost your self-confidence by taking on more challenges. Think about a goal or task that you would like to accomplish. Then, break it down into little steps that you can complete one at a time. For example, if you want to become financially independent, you might start by getting a job. Then, you might look for a place to live that fits your income level. Then, you might create a savings account or invest in stock that benefits your long-term financial status. The steady completion of each step helps you feel more confident and increases your belief that you are capable of taking on new challenges. Breathe deeply and repeat an empowering mantra. Deep breathing is a great way to promote relaxation. When coupled with a positive affirmation, this exercise can help you build confidence in yourself and your abilities. For example, you might breathe in deeply through your nose and mentally say, “I breathe in self-confidence and faith.” Hold the breath for a few seconds. Then, exhale while mentally reciting, “I breathe out negativity and doubt.” Practice self-love daily. When you are neglecting your emotional well-being, hurtful remarks are more likely to sting. Counteract any negative comments or behaviors from others by treating yourself with loving kindness. This can translate to many different things. Make a list of the positive activities you enjoy the most. Then, make a commitment to do a few of them daily. For example, you might like to cook healthy meals for yourself, walk your dog near the lake, or meditate before bed. Learn from the experience. There is always something to be learned from a conflict or painful experience. Once you've had some time to move away from the initial hurt, take time to reflect on what happened. Some things to think about include: What might have been going on in the other person's life, or in your relationship with them, to trigger the unkind words? Was there any truth in the words that you might be able to benefit from, even if they were phrased harshly or in an unhelpful way? If someone speaks to you this way again, how can you deal with it better in the future? Surround yourself with positive people. Positive people bring positive vibes and negative people bring negative vibes. Make the choice to reduce the time you spend with negative or toxic people who criticize or devalue you. Choose to spend your time with supportive people who value what you bring to the table. Do things you enjoy. A great way to heal from hurtful words is to engage in pleasurable activities. Pick up a hobby, join a new club or organization, or start back doing something you gave up a long time ago. Make more time in your daily and weekly schedule for things that make you smile. This could be pursuing a passion for learning, teaching others a skill that you are really good at, or simply improving your own knowledge of an activity like sewing or gardening. Give back to others. Stimulate your own emotional healing by doing more good for others. Commit to having more positive interactions with the people in your life and in your community. Interact with your loved ones in a positive way by expressing your appreciation for them and letting them know the good that you see in them. For instance, you might say, “Matt, you are so helpful. I don't know what I would do without you.” You can also do this by engaging in random acts of kindness, like helping a neighbor with their yard work or buying lunch for the person behind you at the cafe. You might also radiate good vibes in your community by volunteering or donating to charity. Write in a journal to better understand how you feel. Writing down your thoughts can bring clarity to what's happening in your inner world. Plus, when you write out hurtful comments you stop them from weighing you down. Start a journaling habit in which you write for a few minutes each day. You can write about the events of your day, follow an online journal prompt, or note a few things you are grateful for. | Don’t take it personally. Validate the person who hurt you. Set a timer to stew. Write the words down, then destroy the paper. Replace it with a positive comment. Use the words to become stronger. Use your experiences and perspective to help others. Make your own opinion your priority. Get things done to feel more confident. Breathe deeply and repeat an empowering mantra. Practice self-love daily. Learn from the experience. Surround yourself with positive people. Do things you enjoy. Give back to others. Write in a journal to better understand how you feel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-a-French-Press-or-Cafetiere | How to Use a French Press or Cafetiere | If you want to use a French press, or cafetiere, grind fresh coffee beans and bring a pot of water to a boil. Place the coffee grounds into the bottom of the French press and pour in the water. Lift up the plunger and stir the grounds to help extract the coffee. Allow the coffee to steep with the plunger up for 3-4 minutes, then slowly press down the plunger to separate the grounds from the water. Pour the coffee into a mug and enjoy! If you like, you can also brew loose-leaf tea in your French press. | Choose the right bean. With dozens of beans available at local coffee shops and supermarkets, it can seem impossible to narrow down your search for the perfect coffee bean. Thankfully, a few criteria can help you choose the best bean for your preferred palette. If you want a coffee with high caffeine levels, choose one that is a light roast. Contrary to popular belief, the darker a roast of coffee does not increase the amount of caffeine it has, but rather decreases it. The darker a coffee bean is, the longer it has been roasted, and the more of the beans' natural caffeine has been burnt out. So, to help keep you awake longer find a light-roast coffee. Decide on how rich a flavor you want. Although each roast differs, typically dark roast beans are known for a deep, full flavor. Light roasts are a little less bitter tasting and have sweeter undertones. If you are new to coffee and are afraid of the “burnt” taste of beans, choose a light roast. If you are a coffee connoisseur with years of experience, then a light or dark roast is a good option. Make sure your beans are a coarse ground. Unlike espresso and drip coffee pots which require a fine ground for coffee, you want to have your beans in larger granules. This means that instead of being the consistency of a powder, your coffee beans will be closer to the consistency of sand. Always use fresh beans. No matter what method of coffee brewing you use, it is imperative that you always use fresh beans. Old, stale beans lose flavor and give a your cup of coffee a bad taste. Buy your coffee beans in two week batches (enough to last only two weeks at a time), and always grind your beans immediately before brewing. Get your French press. A French press is a type of coffee pot formed by a large glass cylinder with a flat filter attached to a long pull/handle on the lid. This allows you to place your coffee grounds in the bottom, place the filter over the top, and add hot water. Although some people complain about having a lot of grinds in their coffee as the result of a French press, this more likely has to do with the grind of the coffee itself. If it is too fine or of irregular size, it will go through the filter and into your hot water. French presses also go by the name of “Cafetiere.” Get a good grinder. Nearly as important as the French press itself is a good coffee bean grinder. Find a conical burr grinder rather than going budget with a cheap version. The grinder is responsible for breaking up the whole coffee beans into the perfect size grains, and in revealing the coffee's true flavor. Gather other supplies. You will need boiling water to make the coffee and mugs to pour it in, otherwise the rest is up to you! Feel free to add your favorite sweeteners to your coffee whether they be sugar, honey, caramel, or chocolate in addition to half and half cream. Or go purist and drink your cup of coffee black, for a rich, deep flavor. Preheat your coffee press. Although you don't need to add any water at this point, it is good to run your press under warm water. Because the majority of your press is made of glass, pouring boiling water into it might crack the glass, ruining it. Just make sure the glass is slightly warm to the touch before brewing your coffee. Grind your coffee. It is imperative that you always grind your coffee right before you brew it, to get the best flavor and prolong how long it lasts before going stale. If you want to make one cup of coffee, then you need to grind enough for one heaping tablespoon of grounds. Continue adding additional tablespoons of grounds for more cups of coffee. While you are grinding your coffee, begin boiling your water in a separate pot. You can do this in a regular stove-top teakettle or an electric teakettle. The perfect temperature for French press coffee is from 195–200 °F (91–93 °C). Put the coffee in the press. Take off the lid from the French press. This should remove the plunger with the attached filter. Pour the desired amount of coffee grounds into the bottom of the glass. Add the water. Once you have secured the filter over the grounds, pour your boiling water into the press. Add one cup of boiling water for each cup of coffee you desire to end up with. Lift up the plunger and stir the grounds with the water to help extract the coffee into the boiling water. Wait. Leave the press with the plunger up so that the grounds can continue to interact with the hot water. You can set a timer to make sure you allow it to set for the right amount of time; 3-4 minutes is the perfect amount of steeping time. Finish the coffee. Once the time is up, press down the plunger to separate the grinds from the water. Be sure to press down with a slow and steady pace to avoid mixing up the grounds or sloshing the coffee everywhere. Then, finish by pouring into your favorite coffee mug. Enjoy! Select your tea. You can choose any loose-leaf tea with large enough leaves that it won't sneak through the filter. Another option is to cut open a bag of your favorite pre-bagged tea and pour it directly into your French press. For every one cup of tea, add one tablespoon of tea leaves. Green teas are full of antioxidants and health benefits. For an energy producing cup of tea, choose a green tea or mix that includes green tea. For a simple, pure cup of tea, try a white tea. These are the least processed of all the tea varieties and offer a light, sweet taste. White teas also have ties to improved complexion and skin health. Black tea is a dark, rich tea with a full flavor. Traditional black teas include earl gray and English breakfast tea, but there are many other varieties available. If you want a flower based tea, try a herbal tea. These are often caffeine free and aid in digestion. Popular herbal teas include chamomile and peppermint. For an energy boost similar to coffee, try a mate tea. These give a cup full of good-for-you vitamins in addition to a great taste and bit of caffeine. Oolong teas are a strong tea popular in China. These are often likened to black teas, and can be found in a variety of flavors. Boil your water. On a stove or with an electric teakettle, boil one cup of water per one cup of desired tea. Make sure that your French press is warm to the touch before adding the boiling water, to prevent it from cracking with temperature shock. The temperature of your water will change depending on the type of tea you are brewing. In general, 200 °F (93 °C) is considered a safe temperature for your water to be brought to. Add the ingredients. Place your loose leaf tea in the bottom of the press, and add as much water as you need for your cups of tea. Stir it around a bit to give the tea a better chance to steep. Wait. Leave the plunger up on the press, and wait about three minutes for the tea to brew. Waiting too long for it to brew will cause the tea to go bitter, ruining the taste. Finish your cup of tea. Once it has brewed enough time, pour your tea into a classy china teacup or your favorite cozy mug and enjoy! Add lemon, sugar, honey, or cream to customize the flavor of your tea. | Choose the right bean. Get your French press. Get a good grinder. Gather other supplies. Preheat your coffee press. Grind your coffee. Put the coffee in the press. Add the water. Wait. Finish the coffee. Select your tea. Boil your water. Add the ingredients. Wait. Finish your cup of tea. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Melamine | How to Paint Melamine | To paint melamine, you'll need primer designed specifically for melamine or laminate wood as well as some melamine paint. To get started, rough up the melamine with 150-grit sandpaper so the primer and paint sticks to it better. You can apply a liquid deglosser to the melamine for 15 minutes instead if you're in a rush. Next, apply 2 coats of primer, letting it dry after each coat. Finally, apply 2 coats of melamine paint using a paintbrush or spray canister and then let everything dry for 24 hours. | Set up your workspace before you begin. Place newspaper, a tarpaulin, or a drop cloth on the floor below your project. Ventilate the area by opening all windows, and turning on a fan if possible. If there are other objects close by that you cannot move out of the way, also cover these with a drop cloth to protect them Use a sander to lightly roughen the surfaces. Attach 150 grit sandpaper to the sander, and sand every area that you are planning to paint. Pay special attention to the edges and any detailing. Apply a liquid deglosser as a quick alternative to sanding. Apply the deglosser with a paintbrush, and leave it to soak into the wood for 15 minutes. Then wipe it off with a cloth. Make sure that you are working in a well-ventilated area. Liquid deglosser takes the shine off surfaces and makes them dull to prepare for painting. Wipe away all of the sanding dust with a tack cloth. Clean away all loose wood, coating, and dust particles from your project. Check all of the joints and corners to make sure that you haven't missed a spot. If there is a big mess, you can always vacuum or sweep away the dust first before using a tack cloth. Clean all of the surfaces with trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent. Dilute 4 ounces (110 g) of TSP powder into 2 gallons (7.6 L) of warm water. Use a sponge to wipe down all surfaces with the solution. Then use a clean rag to rinse all of the surfaces with fresh, clean water. Always wear gloves when using TSP to avoid irritating your skin. Apply primer with a paintbrush over all of the edges and corners. Use a paintbrush to apply a primer that is specifically for melamine. Target all of the areas that you cannot easily reach with a roller. Primers that are specifically for laminate wood are an alternative option. Use a roller to apply the primer to the whole project. Roll the primer in one direction across each surface. Ensure that the roller always sounds crinkly and wet, and if it loses that sound, apply more primer. If you are using a new roller cover that has fibers, wrap it in masking tape before you use it. Rip off the masking tape to remove any loose fibers that would have otherwise been stuck to your project. Sand the primer once it’s dry to remove any imperfections. Use 220 grit sandpaper to smooth over any drips or other marks caused by the primer. Wipe over the sanded surfaces with a tack cloth again. The instructions that are on the primer will indicate how long it will take to dry. This normally takes around 4 hours. Add a second coat of primer. Cover the full surface of the kitchen cupboards or furniture again. Wait for the primer to dry. You don't need to sand the surface again after the second coat of primer, unless you notice more bumps or imperfections. Apply the first coat of melamine paint over the primed surfaces. Use a foam roller to evenly coat all surfaces with paint. Let the first coat dry for 6-8 hours. If you prefer to use a paint brush, brush against the grain first and then brush with it. Paint applied to melamine takes longer to dry than on wood. This is because melamine isn't as absorbent. You can buy paint specifically for melamine surfaces from home improvement stores. Add the second coat of melamine paint once the first is dry. Use either a foam roller or paintbrush again to apply paint to all of the surfaces. Let the final coat dry for 24 hours. Spray paint your project if you prefer a smoother finished surface. Start with the back or inside of any doors to cupboards, so that you can get used to spray painting there first. Then spray paint your entire project, and let it dry overnight. Wear a respirator mask at all times when working with spray paint. Check that the spray paint can be used on melamine surfaces by reading the label before you purchase it. Apply a second coat with spray paint if you need to once the first coat is dry. | Set up your workspace before you begin. Use a sander to lightly roughen the surfaces. Apply a liquid deglosser as a quick alternative to sanding. Wipe away all of the sanding dust with a tack cloth. Clean all of the surfaces with trisodium phosphate (TSP) detergent. Apply primer with a paintbrush over all of the edges and corners. Use a roller to apply the primer to the whole project. Sand the primer once it’s dry to remove any imperfections. Add a second coat of primer. Apply the first coat of melamine paint over the primed surfaces. Add the second coat of melamine paint once the first is dry. Spray paint your project if you prefer a smoother finished surface. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Address | How to Change Your Address | The easiest way to change your address with the US Postal Service is to visit the USPS website. Then, fill out the Change of Address form and pay the verification fee using a credit or debit card. If you don't want to pay the fee, visit your local post office to fill out a Change of Address form. Alternatively, call your local post office and ask them to mail you the form. | Change your address online. Go online to fill out a Change of Address (COA) form at the U.S. Postal Service website. The step-by-step instructions will require: Indicate whether your move is permanent or temporary (under twelve months). Your full name and the names of any family members who are moving with you. A separate form will be required for each member with a different last name. A debit or credit card for the $1.05 verification fee. The post office uses your debit or credit card to verify your address information. You can avoid the verification fee if you go to your local post office and fill out the COA Request the form by phone. You can contact your local post office and request a 3575 form to be mailed to you. The number for USPS is 1-800-275-8777. You will have to pay the $1.05 verification fee if you choose to change your address over the telephone. Fill out the form in person. Visit your nearest post office and request a 3575 form. By going into the post office, you will avoid paying the service fee that is required for telephone and online conveniences. Determine if you receive benefits. The Social Security Association is in charge of federal benefits other than social security. You must receive one of the following in order to change your address with this department: Social Security Income Retirement Survivors benefits Medicare Contact the nearest Social Security office. Report your change of address to the Social Security Administration if you are receiving their benefits. This is the best way to make sure you continue to receive your government benefits without interruption. If you go to their website, you can enter your new zip code and find the nearest location. At the office, a representative will help you change your address so you can receive your benefits. Change your address online. Use your free account, my Social Security account, to update any personal information online. SSA has simplified many of the petty changes in administrative work to be completed online. Keep a positive standing with the IRS. It is important for the IRS to stay updated with your current address. Even if you changed your address with the post office, this doesn't always crossover to the IRS' information. Tax season can sneak up on you and it is your duty to stay on top of your records. Submit a written statement. You can download and print Form 8822 and include it with some other key information. Compile the necessary information followed by your signature. You'll need to additionally supply your: Full name Old address New Address Social security number Use your tax return. When filing for a tax return, put down your new address directly on the return. This is a simple way to update your information without doing any additional paperwork. The only instance where the IRS will accept an electronic request is if your tax return wasn't mailed. Call them. Look up the phone number for the nearest office to you. This can be done if you do not wish to mail out your SSN, and would like confirmation. Before dialing have the following information in hand: Full name Address Date of birth Social security number | Change your address online. Request the form by phone. Fill out the form in person. Determine if you receive benefits. Contact the nearest Social Security office. Change your address online. Keep a positive standing with the IRS. Submit a written statement. Use your tax return. Call them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Convert-to-Percentage | How to Convert to Percentage | To convert a fraction into a percentage, first check if the denominator can be easily changed to 100 through multiplication or division. If you can not easily convert the fraction, divide the top number by the bottom, then multiply the answer by 100 to get the percentage. | Use simple addition and subtraction to estimate a percentage quickly. This is most helpful when figuring out tips, or any other time you might not have a calculator available. Percentages can be added and subtracted as long as they are percentages of the same thing (ie, 5% of a 15lb turkey is cannot be added to 20% of a 5lb turkey). This trick makes it easy to guess simple percentages. For example, say you want to leave a 20% tip with your lunch bill, which is $23.50. With a few simple tricks, you can get an estimate of a 20% tip with relative ease. Move the decimal one place to the left to find 10% instantly. This is the easiest way to get rough percentages without a calculator. To do it, simply slide the decimal over one place to the left. So 10% of $23.50 is $2.35. Remember, there is always a decimal place at the end of a number, so 25 could also be thought of as 25.00. 10% of 100 is 10. 10% if 35.59305 is 3.559305 10% of 6.2 is 0.62 Add and subtract your 10% estimation to get the percentage you want. For example, you need to tip 20% on your bill of $23.50, not just 10%. However, since 20% is simply twice as much as 10%, you can easily find the right amount by doubling what you found for 10%. Therefore: 10% of $23.50 = $2.35 20% = 10% + 10% 20% = $2.35 + $2.35 A 20% tip on a $23.50 meal = $4.70 This works because, at their core, percentages are fractions. 10% = 10/100ths. So, if you added up 10 10% amounts, you would eventually get 100%. If you add two 10% amounts you get 20%, and so on up. Continue manipulating your 10% to estimate other percentages. Once you understand these basics, you can use them to find even more percentages. For example, your waiter might have been rude and unhelpful, and you only want to tip them 15%. Break this down into smaller parts so that 15% = 10% + 5%. Since 5 is half of 10, you can find it easily by cutting your estimate in half. So 15% really equals $2.35 + $1.17, or a $3.52 tip. Other tricks include: To get 1% of something, move the decimal to the left 2 places. So 1% of 23.50 would equal.235. 25% of a number is always the number divided by 4. 50% of a number is always the number cut in half. 33% of a number is always the number divided by 3. Know that percentages are just fractions out of 100. All a percentage is a simple way to display a fraction whose bottom number (known as the denominator) is 100. A percentage tells you how many things you would have if you had 100 total. For example, say 25% of your apple harvest is always spoiled. That means for every 100 apples you harvest, 25 of them will be spoiled, or 25/100. Converting fractions allows you to find percentages in the real world, such as what percentage of apples is spoiled if you get 450 bad apples out of 2,500. If your fraction already has a denominator of 100, like 25/100, the top number is the percentage. 1% means that there is "1 per every 100." Create a fraction from word problems. Sometimes you are not given the fraction, and you need to make it yourself. The hardest part here is figuring out which number goes on top, and which on bottom. The bottom number is always your "whole amount." It is your total apple harvest, the amount on the restaurant bill, the number of slices of pie, etc. This is the number you're getting a percentage of. The following examples show how to set up fractions: Jaime has 4,000 songs. If 500 of them are by the Grateful Dead, what percentage of his music is by the San Francisco jam legends? You want the percentage of Dead songs out of 4,000 total songs. The fraction would be 500/4,000. Sally puts $1,000 into a stock. 3 months later, she returns and sees that it has grown to $1,342. What was her percentage of growth? Because you are trying to find the percentage of 1,000 that grew bigger, your fractions is 1,342/1,000. Check if the denominator can be easily changed to 100 through multiplication or division. If you can "make" the bottom number 100, you can simply take the top number as your percentage, and the conversion is done. Remember, however, that anything you do to the bottom of a fraction needs to be done to the top as well. For example: Problem: Convert 3/25 to a percentage. 25 is easily turned into 100, since 4x25 = 100. Multiply both the top and bottom by 4 to rearrange the fraction into 12/100 4 x 3 = 12. 4 x 25 = 100. The top number is your percentage. Here 3/25 = 12/100 = 12% Divide the top number by the bottom if you cannot easily convert the fraction. If the bottom number is not easily converted to 100, like in the fraction 16/64, then divide the top number by the bottom. Here, 16 divided by 64 =.25 This number is commonly a decimal, but it can be a larger number if the top of the fraction is bigger than the bottom. Multiply your answer by 100 to convert the fraction into a decimal. In the previous example 16/64 =.25. To finish converting 16/64 into a fraction, multiply.25 by 100 by moving the decimal over two places to the right. Therefore, 16/64 = 25%. This is how you know the percentage when the denominator is 100, since 12/100 multiplied by 100 equals 12. A decimal point represents, in essence, the percentage of "one." For each.1 you add you get closer to making "a single 1" (.9 +.1 = 1.0) This is why moving the decimal works to turn decimals into percentages, because your find how many smaller parts make up the whole "one" that you are studying, such as "one" harvest of 2,566 apples. Try another example to test your conversion skills. The recommended daily caloric intake is 2000 calories. You eat this much today, but then go out for cake and ice cream later and add an extra 1500 calories to your day. What percentage of the recommended daily calories did you eat today? Find your total calories. Here, it is 2000 + 1500, or 3500 calories. Create a fraction. Think of the "whole." 1 full days worth of calories is 2000. Therefore, you're looking for the percentage of 2000 calories you ate. Your fraction would be 3500/2000. Divide your total calories (3500) by the recommended amount of calories (2000). 3500 ÷ 2000 = 1.75 Multiply this number by 100 to get the percentage. 1.75 x 100 = 175 You ate 175% of the recommended daily calories. Know that you cannot use percentages to do any meaningful math. The number 25% is mostly shorthand -- an easy way for people to compare two numbers, but it cannot be used to do much. For example, saying that 13% of your 2,566 apples are spoiled does not tell you exactly how many of them went bad, it just says that 13 out of every 100 apples is no good. To find the exact number of bad apples, you'll need to convert everything back. Remove the % sign and shift the decimal two places to the left. This conversion will give you a number, usually a decimal, that can be used to do your math. For example, if 13% of your apples went bad, you'd end up with.13 here. Moving the decimal 2 places to the left is the same thing as dividing by 100. Multiply the decimal by your total amount. Here, you're looking for 13% of 2,566 apples. To get it, simply multiply.13 times 2,566. The resulting number is exactly how many apples went bad, roughly 333.58. Reverse this equation to check your answer. To make sure you did the math right, divide your number of apples by.13. Your final answer should be 2,566. This is also how you find how many total objects you have based on a percentage. For example: Jimmy has 20% of all the marbles in class. He has 10 marbles. How many marbles does the class have in total? 20% →.20 10 divided by.20 = 50. The class has 50 marbles total. Use examples to practice. You find a blouse that you love for $50, but it is on sale today, 15% off. How much will the blouse cost, total? Convert 15% into a decimal. 15% →.15, or 15/100. Multiply this decimal by $50..15 times 50 = $7.50. Subtract the discount from the initial price. $50 - $7.50 = $42.50. You can buy the blouse for $42.50. | Use simple addition and subtraction to estimate a percentage quickly. Move the decimal one place to the left to find 10% instantly. Add and subtract your 10% estimation to get the percentage you want. Continue manipulating your 10% to estimate other percentages. Know that percentages are just fractions out of 100. Create a fraction from word problems. Check if the denominator can be easily changed to 100 through multiplication or division. Divide the top number by the bottom if you cannot easily convert the fraction. Multiply your answer by 100 to convert the fraction into a decimal. Try another example to test your conversion skills. Know that you cannot use percentages to do any meaningful math. Remove the % sign and shift the decimal two places to the left. Multiply the decimal by your total amount. Reverse this equation to check your answer. Use examples to practice. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Homemade-Photography-Lighting | How to Make Homemade Photography Lighting | Even on a low budget, you can make professional-looking photography lighting with a little creativity. Three-point lighting is an industry standard and involves positioning one light behind and above your subject and 2 lights on opposite sides of the camera. You can use 3 regular lamps or 3 softboxes. If you only have 2 light sources, you can use a window instead of the 3rd light during the day. You can also create some makeshift modifications on a budget. Make a light diffuser for your camera's flash by sliding a downspout funnel over the body of the flash and sticking the hollow opening over the bulb. Make a flash reflector by attaching an umbrella to your tripod with the flash facing directly at the inside of the umbrella. | Set up a standing light and 2 lamps to create a three-point lighting setup. Three-point lighting is the standard lighting setup used by professional photographers in the studio. It involves setting up one light behind and above your subject, and 2 lights on opposite sides of the camera. A three-point setup can be created used a standing light and 2 desk lamps with LED or CFL bulbs. The light in the back of your subject is called the backlight. The main light next to the camera is called the key light, and the fill light refers to the final light on the opposite side of the key light. Place your standing light above and behind your subject to make it the backlight. Use lamps for the key and fill, which go under your subject on opposite sides of your camera. Make your brightest bulb or strongest lamp the key light. Set up your studio next to a window to replace a key or fill light. In a three-point lighting setup, the key light is the main light source that you use to illuminate a subject. A fill light is the light source on the opposite side that softens shadows. Set up your studio space so that it's right next to a window to save yourself from having to get an extra light. You can use the window as a fill or key light depending on whether the natural light is stronger or weaker you're your lamp. Window light will provide your subject with a clean, natural look that studio lighting often has a hard time imitating. Choose an east-facing window if you want to shoot in the morning and a west-facing window to shoot in the evening. Lay a foam core board on a table to reflect light. If you're shooting objects on a table, lay down a white foam core board underneath your subject. Use clamps to secure your foam board to the table and tilt your camera above your subject. The foam board will reflect light to make it easier to get a good exposure at a higher shutter speed, and will serve as a clean, minimalistic background for your compositions. White paper can have a similar effect, but it's easily damaged and torn. Use a downspout funnel as a flash diffuser. Light diffusion refers to the process of spreading light from a concentrated source out evenly across a surface. It's important in photography, especially when using your standard flash. You can create a light diffuser for your flash by using a white downspout funnel. To use it as a diffuser, slide it over the body of the flash by sticking the hollow opening over the bulb. The shape of your flash will keep it in place as you shoot. If the funnel won't fit over your flash mount, hold the flat surface area 2–4 inches (5.1–10.2 cm) away from your flash bulb as you shoot. Attach an umbrella to your tripod to make a reflector. Another way to soften harsh flashes and light sources is to bounce them off of a reflective surface. You can build a simple reflector for your flash kit by taking a black umbrella and taping plain printer paper to the inside surface area of the umbrella. Layer your paper so that it is flat and covers every open surface. To use the reflector, point your flash directly towards the inside of your umbrella, away from your subject. The light will fill the room based on the angle that you're holding the umbrella. Adjust its position based on the strength of the light that you desire. Use an empty plastic box and white paper to make a light box. A light box is a small box with reflective sides that bounces light in every direction to diffuse it and soften shadows. You can build your own light box with a translucent plastic box and white paper. Flip your box so that the opening of the container is facing your camera. Then, take a large sheet of white paper and tape it to the topmost section of the back of the container. Let the paper stretch out past the bottom of the container at a soft decline to avoid rough angles or crumples in your paper. Place your subject in the middle of the light box. This only works if you're shooting smaller subjects. Set up multiple light sources around the box so that each side gets covered in light from the outside. Light boxes are sometimes called photography tents. Measure the sides of your softbox light to determine your base. A softbox reduces the harshness of strong lights to create a more even range of shadows and highlights. To build a softbox, start by measuring the height, width, and depth of your light to determine how big you need to make the bases of each side of your box. If you're using a clamp light, measure the horizontal head on the tripod that you're attaching the softbox to. The measurements of your light's edges will determine how long you make the base of your panels. Cut 4 panels out of a large sheet of cardboard using a utility knife. Cut each side of your panels at an angle away from the center of a sheet of cardboard to make 4 isosceles trapezoids. Make the smallest base of each panel 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) bigger than your tripod's horizontal attachment. Cut each side of your panel so that it is 16–24 inches (41–61 cm), depending on the size of your light. If you're using a larger clamp light, make the sides of your panels a little bigger. Use the finished end of the cardboard as the longest baseline. This will ensure that your open end is even, and will make attaching the cover easier. Place your pieces in a square on a flat surface with the biggest base facing away from the center. Your panels are sized correctly if the exterior edges are flush. Trace the panels on sheets of aluminum foil and cut them out. Place a panel on top of a section of aluminum foil so that the foil extends past all 4 sides of the panel. Trace around the panel to transfer the shape on to the foil with a marker, and set the panel aside. Carefully cut out each shape in the aluminum foil with a pair of scissors. Repeat this step 4 times, once for each panel. You can also choose to use the panels as a straight edge for your utility knife if you don't feel like drawing the outline. Glue the foil sheets on to the cardboard panels with a glue stick. Use a glue stick to cover your cardboard panel in glue. While the glue is still wet, fit your aluminum foil over the shape and smooth it out with the palm of your hand. Do this carefully so that each edge is flush with cardboard panel as you're applying it. Make sure that you put the shiny side of the foil facing up! Do this one panel at a time to keep the glue from drying out before you get a chance to attach the foil. Use a glue gun to fix your 4 panels together along the edges. Hold a panel so that you're facing one of the angular sides. Run hot glue along the angular edge and press it against another panel on the corresponding angle. Make sure that your foil is on the inside of each panel before gluing it. Hold each panel in place for 45-60 seconds to give the glue time to dry. Once you've glued your 4 panels together, run another layer of hot glue along the interior edges where the panels meet. You can move your panels a little bit as the glue is drying without breaking it, so don't worry about making your softbox sides perfectly symmetrical. You can fix any minor problems by slightly bending the panels towards their correct position before adding the extra layer of glue at the end. Tape the edges that you glued with duct tape. Run long strips of duct tape along the outside of the sides where you glued them. The duct tape will reinforce your structure and prevent the hot glue from melting through the outside of your softbox if it gets too hot under the light. Use black tape if you want to make your softbox look more professional. You really only need to worry about the glue melting from the light's heat if you're using a clamp light for an extended period of time. Cut out 4 smaller, cardboard rectangles to make the gate for your light. You're going to use Velcro to affix the exterior sides of the light to the interior edges of your gate. Measure the sides of your light to determine how big you need to make your rectangles. Cut out the cardboard rectangles to form the gate of your softbox. If you're using a clamp light, match the sides of the gate to the edges of your tripod. Attach your gates to the small opening at the end with hot glue. Use hot glue to place each piece so that they extend out from your softbox and form a rectangle around the small opening. Use lots of hot glue and wait at least 20-30 minutes after each application to ensure that the glue has time to dry. Use duct tape to reinforce the glue by placing it around the exterior sides. Place Velcro strips along the inside of your gate and outside of your camera. You are going to attach your light to the softbox by using Velcro, so place your Velcro strips along the inside edges of your gate. Then, place corresponding Velcro strips along the exterior sides of your light. Test the attachment by lifting your light up and seeing how it fits. Measure the big opening on the front of the box and cut out a white shower curtain. Measure each side of the opening in the front of your box with a measuring tape. Transfer the measurements on to a clean, white, plastic shower curtain, adding 1 inch (2.5 cm) to each side. Use scissors to carefully cut out the outline. The shower curtain has to be white, and it has to be plastic. Any other material or color will turn your softbox into a simple light stand. Cut and glue a 2 in (5.1 cm) lip to the edges of your opening. Using the measurements from the previous step, cut out strips of cardboard that are 2 inches wide, with the length for each strip matching each side of your opening. Glue the strips perpendicular to your light's edges to form a lip. Tape the edges of your shower curtain and clip them to the light. Fold tape lengthwise across each edge of your shower curtain to prevent it from tearing at the edge over time. Hold it up to your softbox and use binder clips to attach each side of the curtain to the lip of your light. Fit the curtain so that it lays flush along each edge. | Set up a standing light and 2 lamps to create a three-point lighting setup. Set up your studio next to a window to replace a key or fill light. Lay a foam core board on a table to reflect light. Use a downspout funnel as a flash diffuser. Attach an umbrella to your tripod to make a reflector. Use an empty plastic box and white paper to make a light box. Measure the sides of your softbox light to determine your base. Cut 4 panels out of a large sheet of cardboard using a utility knife. Trace the panels on sheets of aluminum foil and cut them out. Glue the foil sheets on to the cardboard panels with a glue stick. Use a glue gun to fix your 4 panels together along the edges. Tape the edges that you glued with duct tape. Cut out 4 smaller, cardboard rectangles to make the gate for your light. Attach your gates to the small opening at the end with hot glue. Place Velcro strips along the inside of your gate and outside of your camera. Measure the big opening on the front of the box and cut out a white shower curtain. Cut and glue a 2 in (5.1 cm) lip to the edges of your opening. Tape the edges of your shower curtain and clip them to the light. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Feed-and-Hydrate-a-Mother-Dog | How to Feed and Hydrate a Mother Dog | After a dog gives birth, you'll need to bring food to her whelping box and find ways to encourage her to eat. Bring her water immediately after she gives birth, since the dog will have lost a lot of fluids. You should also bring dog food to the whelping box, because the dog won't want to leave her puppies to eat. If she's not keen on eating, mix an egg yolk or some lard into her food to make it more palatable. When the dog starts nursing the puppies, give her puppy food to make sure she passes on enough nutrients. Encourage her to eat it by mixing the puppy food with her normal food for the first 3 or 4 days. You'll need to feed her much more in the weeks following pregnancy, because she will need to produce enough milk for the puppies. | Bring food to the mother dog. Place food near the mother dog so that she doesn't have to leave the puppies to eat. Many new mothers don't want to leave their puppies to eat, so they abstain from eating for too long after giving birth. However, you can allow your dog to wait a little while to eat. Most dogs that give birth wait a few hours to eat. They need to rest and recover a bit from the whelping before attempting to eat. Give highly palatable foods. If your mother dog is hesitant to eat dog food right after birthing puppies, you can choose to give it high-calorie foods it can't resist instead. This could be specific treats that you know it loves or adding an egg yolk or lard to its normal food. To make food even more palatable, try soaking it in chicken broth and microwaving it so it's warm. Provide liquids immediately. A dog that has given birth will have lost a lot of fluids during that process. Because of this, you want to get her to drink some water as soon as possible afterword. This will help to avoid dehydration. If she doesn't want to drink plain water, try giving her a bit of chicken broth to drink. This may be more enticing to the dog than water is. Feed the mother dog more food than normal. A dog that has given birth and is breastfeeding its puppies will need to eat more food than it normally would. In fact, most dogs should be fed twice as much food as normal after they give birth. If you don't give it enough food, it won't be able to recover from whelping and feed its babies. This food should be fed in small meals throughout the day, instead of just a few large meals. This will help your dog digest the food easier. Refer to the back of your dog's food bag to see what the manufacturer recommends for pregnant or nursing dogs. Transition the mother dog on to puppy food. Puppy food is high in calories and it is highly digestible. This means that the mother can absorb the nutrients in the food quickly. Feeding the mother dog puppy food also assures that the puppies she is feeding get the proper nutrition. Feed the mother dog the food amount suggested on the puppy food packaging, but make sure to give multiple meals throughout the day or just let the dog graze on the food constantly. In order to avoid stomach upset, mix the puppy food with the dog's normal food for the first 3-4 days. This will help the mother dog to adjust to the puppy food gradually. Make sure the mother dog is drinking lots of water. A dog that is breastfeeding needs to drink a lot of liquid in order to produce enough milk. Make sure that the mother dog has constant access to water while she is nursing her young. You should be particularly vigilant about monitoring how much water your dog is drinking if she is being fed a dry diet. Increase the amount you feed the mother dog for several weeks. Your mother dog will need to increase the amount of milk it produces over several weeks after giving birth. It will be at peak milk production around three weeks after giving birth. At this point it will also need to be eating up to four times as much food as it did before pregnancy. This food should be spread out over at least four meals throughout the day. This will help her to digest this increased amount of food. Monitor the mother dog's weight. A mother dog that is nursing puppies is at risk of losing too much weight. If she is not taking in enough calories to keep up with the milk production, her body will use reserves that can lead to unhealthy weight loss. In order to avoid this, make sure that your dog has not lost more than ten percent of its original weight before pregnancy. If your dog has lost too much weight you need to increase the fat and protein content of the food you are feeding it, as well as increasing the amount it eats. | Bring food to the mother dog. Give highly palatable foods. Provide liquids immediately. Feed the mother dog more food than normal. Transition the mother dog on to puppy food. Make sure the mother dog is drinking lots of water. Increase the amount you feed the mother dog for several weeks. Monitor the mother dog's weight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Receive-a-Congressional-Medal-of-Honor | How to Receive a Congressional Medal of Honor | To receive a Congressional Medal of Honor, you must enlist in a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and be engaged in military action. During your service, serve your fellow service members to the best of your ability. You'll be more likely to receive a Medal of Honor if you receive other awards during your service, like Bronze Stars, Combat Action Ribbons, and Purple Hearts. Most Medal of Honor nominees are nominated by others, but if you like, you can build a nomination package yourself, consisting of eyewitness accounts of your heroic actions. | Enlist in a branch of the US Armed Forces. To be eligible to receive the Medal of Honor you must be a member of the U.S. military. The Navy, Air Force, and Army all award medals with unique engravings depicting their particular service branch. The Marine Corps and Coast Guard medals follow the Navy design. Both officers and enlisted men can receive the Medal. Women are generally eligible to receive the Medal, although only one woman, Mary Walker in 1861, has had the honor. Be engaged in military action while in service. In 1963 Congress refined the requirements of the award to specify that a service member must be involved in a military action or conflict in order to be eligible. If you are working alongside “friendly forces,” you are also eligible. This makes the actions taken in more small-scale conflicts recognizable as well. Receive prior awards. If you've received other prestigious awards while serving, you are far more likely to make it into serious Medal contention. The award process favors those individuals who have established a career of service with one particular moment of valor being particularly noteworthy. For example, Byers received his Medal after being a five-time Bronze Star awardee, along with two Combat Action Ribbons and two Purple Hearts. This was after completing 11 deployments. Perform an act worthy of recommendation. To be in contention for a Medal, you must perform a service action that goes above and beyond the norm. It has to be an act of exceptional valor, one that often involves saving the lives of other people and placing yourself in personal peril. Your actions must distinguish you and set you apart from others. For example, in February 1945, seventeen-year-old Jack Lucas saved three fellow marines by diving on top of two grenades and lived to receive the Medal. As you can tell from this story, it is best to not search out opportunities to earn acclaim, instead simply serve your fellow service members to the best of your abilities at all times. Learn more about the medal. If you are a service member interested in receiving the Medal, it is a good idea to find out a little more about its history. This will help you to craft the best possible nomination package. You can go to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website for lots of good information surrounding the Medal. You will find that the total Medal recipients count stands at 3,498 as of December 2016. This number will slowly rise as Presidents present new Medals. You may also learn that the Medal was created during the Civil War period and was signed into law by President Lincoln. Procure substantial evidence of valor. Descriptions and official reports regarding your action will then be grouped together into a nomination package. Some nomination packages are very compressed and contain as few as 50 pages, while others are quite lengthy and grow to well over 1,000. You can request that particular persons provide letters of support, however, the initial process often starts without the nominee's direct knowledge. As the investigation continues, official accounts of the action and personal interview responses become important pieces of evidence. At any stage in the process, an official can reject or pause your application by citing the lack of evidence regarding the incident in question. For example, in 2003, Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, sent back one application requesting additional eyewitness accounts. Find contemporaneous descriptions of the incident. Your word alone is not enough evidence. Eyewitnesses, your fellow service members, or higher officials, must also provide numerous and substantial accounts regarding your actions and their importance. Eyewitness statements, in particular, are favored by the award process. This requirement, in particular, has presented difficulties for those persons trying to submit a posthumous award application for a deceased service member. Submit an award nomination via the chain of command. Your statement will most likely begin with your fellow service members writing down sworn statements, which will then be carried on to the unit commander. If your action took place within the past two years, then the paperwork will proceed on upward to its next stop, depending on your service branch. If your action took place more than two years ago, you will need to seek out a congressional nomination. For example, Army applications that fit into the two-year window go up to the Army Human Resources Command before being sent even deeper into the chain. Submit an award nomination via a member of Congress. If more than two years have passed since your action, then your nomination package will need to be sponsored or championed by a member of Congress. This politician's office will then submit your package to officials within your service branch, such as the Secretary of the Army. Relatives of the service member often write letters to politicians requesting that attention be paid to the actions of a particular service member. This is one way to get an application started. The more details that are provided regarding the incident itself, the better. Prepare for an investigation. Officials will ask the applicant to provide a list of persons who they would like to have contacted as part of the investigation process. This list should include any eyewitnesses to the action as well as character references. Members in the chain of command will also add names to the interview list based upon official reports. The investigation will focus on the incident itself, but also the overall character of the service member in question. Many of these interviews will occur face-to-face with questions being repeated multiple times to get an exact timeline and story established. For example, an opening question might be, “How did you learn of this action?” All of these answers will then be compared to official reports. These investigations are often made even more challenging by the injuries sustained by the people involved. It is not unknown for investigators to talk with a nominee and their fellow service members in the hospital, if necessary. In some cases, the Medal nominee is medically unable to speak and their actions must be described by others. The interview transcripts are then added to the nomination packet and are made available to other individuals in the chain of command as the nomination moves upward. Watch as your packet moves through the approval process. Your package may be “in play” for two years or more. Throughout this time a series of officials will look over your documents and decide whether or not to pass your package along with an approval, or suggest you for another lower-ranking award. The Distinguished Service Cross is a likely alternative being the second-highest medal awarded for valor. For example, if your package moves through Army channels it will need to pass through the: Army Human Resources Command (Army Decoration Board), Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Chief of Staff of the Army, Secretary of the Army, Secretary of Defense, and President. The President has the final say (for all service branches) regarding the approval or disapproval of the nomination. Anticipate a long wait. Because of the number of offices and individuals involved in the approval process, it is unusual for a nomination package to pass through in fewer than 18 months. You must stay patient throughout this entire time and be available to answer any and all questions. The lengthiness of the process has come under some scrutiny of late, but shows no signs of speeding up. Attend the medal ceremony. A press release comes in advance, but this will be your official introduction as a Medal awardee. The President will speak at length about your actions and then will present you with the Medal. If a service member is deceased, their relatives usually receive the award in their place. Expect local honors. There is a good possibility that your hometown or local area will plan a celebration in your honor. There could be a parade, a presentation of honors, or even a reception at the local school. You should soak up all of this attention while also looking for ways that you can help in the long term. Bring attention to the heroism of others. As a Medal winner, every time that your story is recounted you will have the opportunity to discuss the valorous actions taken by your fellow service members. Many Medal winners, in particular, choose to highlight the actions of those who lost their lives, especially if those losses took place during the awarded incident. Serve as a motivational speaker. Some Medal recipients choose to partake in speaking tours. They might travel around to schools or businesses recounting their experiences and providing larger lessons in service. The CMOH website provides a clearinghouse for these opportunities and is one way to match interested organizations with service members. Veteran health is a cause close to the hearts of Medal recipients and you can often find them speaking to post-traumatic stress support groups and the like. Receive certain monetary perks. Your pension coming from the Department of Veterans Affairs will be raised up from the standard amount (depending on the year) and provided monthly. You will also receive at least a 10 percent increase in your general retirement funds. You will have access to free flights on military aircraft and free admittance to various other military facilities (pools, golf courses). Be saluted by other service members. This is not a hard-and-fast law, but it is suggested that service members should recognize and salute Medal recipients, when possible. The salute can occur whether or not the medal winner is in uniform or wearing their medal. Even higher ranking members are encouraged to offer a salute. In addition, Medal recipients are granted uniform privileges and can wear their uniforms as often as they choose. Be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Many service members are buried locally when they die. However, Medal recipients have the option, and privilege, of interment at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, alongside other service members. Due to space limitations, this is an honor offered to only a few people. The Department of Veterans Affairs will also provide an engraved headstone for those Medal recipients who have passed away. | Enlist in a branch of the US Armed Forces. Be engaged in military action while in service. Receive prior awards. Perform an act worthy of recommendation. Learn more about the medal. Procure substantial evidence of valor. Find contemporaneous descriptions of the incident. Submit an award nomination via the chain of command. Submit an award nomination via a member of Congress. Prepare for an investigation. Watch as your packet moves through the approval process. Anticipate a long wait. Attend the medal ceremony. Expect local honors. Bring attention to the heroism of others. Serve as a motivational speaker. Receive certain monetary perks. Be saluted by other service members. Be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pupusas | How to Make Pupusas | To make pupusas, start by stirring together masa harina, salt, and flour to make a smooth, paste-like dough. Then, cover the dough with a towel and let it sit for 10 minutes before dividing it into 2 inch balls. Next, press your thumb into the center of each ball, put 1 tablespoon of white cheese into each indentation, and cover with dough to seal it in the ball. After that, flatten the balls between your palms so they're ¼ inch thick. Finally, cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side over medium-high heat in a lightly oiled frying pan. | Make the pupusa dough. Mix the masa harina, salt, and flour in a bowl. Stir it together till it forms a paste-like dough. It should be smooth, not lumpy. If it's still too lumpy after stirring, add one teaspoon of water at a time and stir out the lumps till it's smooth. If it's too wet or sticky, add one teaspoon of masa harina at a time, stirring until it thickens and smooths out. Let the dough rest. Leave your dough in the bowl and cover the bowl with a towel. Let it sit for 10 minutes. Roll the dough into balls. Divide your dough into 8 balls, about 2 inches wide. It helps to lightly oil your hands before doing this. This will keep the dough from sticking to your hands. Fill the pupusas. Take a ball of dough and press your thumb into the center. There should be a little indentation. Place 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) of white cheese into the indentation and cover the dough over it. Do this will all the other dough balls. The cheese should be completely sealed into the pupusa. Otherwise, it will leak out when you fry it. Form the filled balls into disks. Flatten the filled ball between your palms. The pupusa should become circular and flat, about 1/4-inch thick. Don't squeeze or roll too much or the filling may leak out. Cook the pupusas. Heat a frying pan or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add just a few tablespoons of oil to lightly coat the pan. Add the pupusas and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes. Then flip and cook them for 2 to 3 more minutes. The pupusas should look golden in color when they're finished cooking. Serve the pupusas. Serve the pupusas while they're still warm. Top with curtido and any sauces you like. Prepare your vegetables. Shred the cabbage, grate the carrots, and thinly slice the onion. Place them all in a large bowl and set it aside. Mix the remaining ingredients. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, brown sugar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Make sure there are no lumps of spice or brown sugar. Combine the curtido. Pour the spiced liquid mixture over the prepared vegetables and stir really well. Make sure the vegetables are completely covered in the mixture. Refrigerate. Cover the curtido and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. It'll be even better if you refrigerate it overnight before serving. This will give it a slightly pickled flavor. Try a different kind of cheese. There are several kinds of cheeses that make good pupusa filling. Consider using: quesillo, queso fresco, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella. Consider mixing a small amount of cheese into the masa harina before you mix the dough. Try to use a dry cheese, like cotija. Add another filling. You don't have to just fill the pupusas with cheese. If you want to add another filling, just be sure to use a small amount or don't use too many different ingredients. You don't want to have trouble containing the filling while rolling out the pupusas. Try these fillings: cooked pulled pork refried beans jalapenos diced bell peppers ham mushrooms cilantro Serve pupusas with red salsa or tomato sauce. While curtido is the traditional coleslaw served with pupusas, you can also serve pupusas with salsa. You might also use something resembling a tomato or enchilada sauce to dip your pupusas into. For even better flavor, warm the salsa or tomato sauce before dipping your pupusas. Garnish. Add a little extra flavor and color to the pupusas by adding a garnish. Sprinkle with a little bit of whatever cheese you like, or serve with lime wedges. The acidic citrus will help cut the richness of the pupusa filling. | Make the pupusa dough. Let the dough rest. Roll the dough into balls. Fill the pupusas. Form the filled balls into disks. Cook the pupusas. Serve the pupusas. Prepare your vegetables. Mix the remaining ingredients. Combine the curtido. Refrigerate. Try a different kind of cheese. Add another filling. Serve pupusas with red salsa or tomato sauce. Garnish. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Save-a-Dying-Kitten | How to Save a Dying Kitten | To save a dying kitten, make sure to keep it warm by placing it in a box with bedding to mimic the warmth its mother would give. Then, put air holes in the sides of the box, close the box so your kitten can't crawl out, and take it to the nearest vet to improve its chances of survival. If your kitten is bleeding, clean the edges of the wound with water or antiseptic solution, then use gauze to apply firm pressure for 5-10 minutes. Once the bleeding has stopped, tape the gauze over the wound and get your kitten to the vet as soon as possible. | Find a box. If you don't have a pet carrier available, you will need to find a box to put the kitten in. Make sure that the box is big enough for the kitten to comfortably stand up and turn around, but not so big that it will dangerously roll around when you turn corners. Secure the top of the box so that the kitten cannot crawl out. Put air holes in the sides of the box so that the kitten has abundant fresh air. To help the kitten feel safer and to absorb any vomit or urine, place an old towel or t-shirt in the box with the kitten. Keep the kitten warm. Newborn kittens don't have the ability to regulate their own temperature and will rely on their mother or you to keep them warm. Wrap a towel or blanket around the box that you're keeping the kitten in, but make absolutely sure that you have left the air holes unobstructed. You can also wrap the kitten up in a towel or old shirt to give it extra warmth. Just as you need to keep the air holes free and clear, if you wrap the kitten up, ensure that you've left the kitten's head and airways unobstructed. Locate the nearest vet. Your kitten needs medical attention right away. You may need to find an emergency veterinarian if the kitten needs immediate attention and your local veterinarian can't see you. Get your kitten to the nearest vet to improve its chances of survival, but remember that an emergency appointment does typically cost more than a routine veterinarian visit. Use a search engine and type “emergency veterinarian near me.” Or, simply type in veterinarian and your zip code in the search bar. Or call your local Humane Society and ask for a referral. Transport the kitten to the vet. Your kitten is already in a box or carrier, and now you need to transport it to the veterinarian. Kitty might make crying sounds or meow quite a bit during the drive, and that's okay. It just means that your kitten is uncomfortable with riding in a car; unfortunately, you need to get it to the vet and don't have time to let kitten adjust to the carrier. Just wrap make sure that you have soft cloths in the carrier or box and that you drive cautiously, making no sudden movements with the car or turns that would cause the kitten to roll around inside the carrier. Some kittens do better when they can see out the car's windows, and others do better they can't. You can try both positions and see which your kitten handles better. Resuscitate the kitten with CPR. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the simulated heartbeat and breathing performed by a rescuer on an unresponsive patient, and works on humans, cats, and a variety of other animals. Only administer CPR if you are confident that the kitten is not breathing or heartbeat. While CPR is being administered, designate someone to contact your veterinarian. If nobody else is available, contact them yourself you're able. Clear the kitten's airway of any obstructions. If the kitten has a foreign object lodged in their throat, use your finger to dislodge the object. If their mouth, throat, and lungs are full of fluid, hold the kitten with their head facing toward the ground so that gravity will help you clear their airway. Put your mouth around the kitten's nose and mouth and give three small puffs of air. You only need to give little puffs because the kitten's lungs are too small to take in much air. Use discretion and remember that there are diseases that are transmitted between cats and humans. Administer a breath every 20 seconds. If your kitten is not breathing but has a heartbeat, only offer rescue breaths and skip chest compressions. Feel the kitten's chest for a heartbeat. If no heartbeat is located, take the cat's chest between your forefinger and thumb and administer chest compressions by squeezing the chest behind the kitten's bent elbow. Check for a heartbeat every minute. Don't perform CPR for more than five minutes, as survival is unlikely at that point. Control bleeding. If your kitten has a long or deep cut, or a deep puncture wound, you will need to control their bleeding so that they don't bleed out. Fortunately, you control a kitten's bleeding almost exactly like you would a human's. The goal is to get the wound clean, the bleeding controlled, and the cat to a veterinarian as soon as possible for stitches. Clean around the edges of the wound with water or antiseptic solution. Once the edges of the wound are clean, use clean gauze or cloth to apply firm, direct pressure. Apply pressure for 5-10 minutes, and don't lift the gauze or cloth to check the wound. That will only promote the wound to bleed again. Once the bleeding is controlled, tape the gauze or cloth down and get the kitten to a vet. Try to limit the kitten's movement so that they don't restart the bleeding or tear off their bandage. Control its temperature. Kittens are prone to hypothermia and need heat, which is typically provided by the mother cat. If the mother is unable or unwilling to warm up the kitten, or if she isn't present, you'll need to warm the kitten quickly and safely. Place the kitten in a box with bedding, such t-shirts or old, soft towels and warming bottles, also known as hot water bottles. Newborn kittens aren't able to regulate their own temperatures and rely on their mother to do it for them. Don't use a blow dryer or other mechanized heat source that blows heat directly on the kitten. This could actually cause them to overheat. Fight fading kitten syndrome. Even with an attentive mother and perfect care, some kittens in a litter may pass before they are weaned. Kittens who die before they wean are called fading or wasting kittens. There are several health conditions that contribute to these losses and the mortality rate among kittens. Catching symptoms of fading kitten syndrome early is the kitten's best chance at survival, but you must remember that sometimes these losses are often unavoidable. If you suspect that you have a fading kitten, get them to a veterinarian right away, which is their best chance at survival. Some causes of fading kittens are congenital defects, traumatic birth, environmental toxins, blood type incompatibility between mother and kitten, prematurity or low birth weight, parasitic, bacterial, or viral infections, environmental temperature too hot or too cold, and even dehydration. Watch for lethargy. Kittens are naturally playful, curious, and energetic. They sleep quite a bit, as babies do, but when they're awake, kittens are bundles of inquisitive energy. If your kitten is lethargic, meaning that they sleep all day or don't seem to have any energy when they're awake, this could be a sign that something is wrong. You'll need to get your kitten to a veterinarian to determine the underlying issue. Monitor how much the kitten eats. Kittens, especially newborns, need to eat every two or three hours. If the kitten is refusing to eat, especially for several hours, this could be a sign that the kitten is unwell. Kittens cannot go too long without food, and abstaining from food over several hours could mean that the kitten has an upset stomach or something much worse. Get the kitten to a vet if they won't eat. Pay attention to the kitten’s vomit. Babies spit up, and kittens, being babies, will vomit occasionally. This typically means that they were over eager and ate too fast or ate too much. If your kitten is vomiting persistently, though, this is likely a sign that something is wrong with your cat and that they need medical attention. Some websites advocate giving animals over-the-counter, anti-vomiting medicine made for humans. Under no circumstances should you give this to a kitten. Take the animal to a veterinarian so that they can administer medicine that won't be fatal to your kitten. Shield your kitten from bacteria and viruses. Kittens have very weak immune systems, and if a kitten was unable to nurse from its mother right away, it will have missed out on the antibodies in colostrum. Without that precious colostrum, your kitten has no immune system at all. Bacterial and viral infections are real dangers in kittens because of their slight immune systems. If you notice lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting in your kitten, take them to a vet right away as they may have a potentially fatal infection. | Find a box. Keep the kitten warm. Locate the nearest vet. Transport the kitten to the vet. Resuscitate the kitten with CPR. Control bleeding. Control its temperature. Fight fading kitten syndrome. Watch for lethargy. Monitor how much the kitten eats. Pay attention to the kitten’s vomit. Shield your kitten from bacteria and viruses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Money-when-You-Are-Too-Young-to-Get-a-Job | How to Make Money when You Are Too Young to Get a Job | If you're too young to get a job but want to make money, use a little creativity to find work. Ask your parents if they'd give you an allowance for doing extra chores. For example, offer to clean the kitchen, do dishes, clean out the garage or attic, or take out the garbage. If you're tech-savvy, then help people set up their email accounts or Facebook pages, load and edit their photos, or give them a tutorial on how to use their cell phone. You can also think about what you do well, like walking dogs, babysitting, or doing yard work. Selling things is another great option for making some extra money, so open a lemonade stand, sell cookies, or make home-made jewelry. | Think about what you do well. What can you do that someone will pay you to do. Can you do yardwork? Walk dogs? Babysit? Make and sell things? Recycle paper and metal items? Computer stuff? There are many things that you can offer others, if you think hard about it. Make a list, writing down ALL possibilities. There are some things that will be more profitable than others, and some just won't be possible. Scratch out anything that involves materials that you don't have, or can't happen where you live. Below, you'll find specific sections about babysitting, doing yard work and housework, washing cars, and finding other creative ways to make a buck as a kid. Decide how much time you can work. You still need to save enough time for your schoolwork and hanging out with your friends, and doing other fun kid stuff. And if you play sports, or do other activities, it can be really difficult. Kids are actually pretty busy, so it can be hard to devote more time to making money than you've got on the weekends. Figure out how much time you can afford to spend making money and set a strict time-schedule for yourself. Can you work as many as five hours on Saturday? More? Make sure to clear you plan with your parents, always. They may have other responsibilities for you that you need to keep in mind as well. Do the math, if you're trying to save up for something. If you can get $7.00 per hour, it will take about 40 hours over the next month to get $300.00. That means 10 hours/week. Set your price. How much will you charge people for your service? Depending on what you're doing and who you're working for, any number of different prices might be appropriate. Negotiate with people, but have a specific number in mind. You can set a flat rate ("I'll mow your lawn and rake your leaves for $25") or you can set an hourly rate ("I'll mow your lawn and rake your leaves for $6 an hour."). If your job will take a long time to finish, consider an hourly rate. If you can do it fast, but it'll be tough, go for a flat rate. Find the minimum wage in your town, and make it slightly less than that. Some people have old ideas about how much to spend on something like this, so it's good to have an update figure. Make it seem like you're a bargain. Find out how much a pro service would charge for doing what you're going to do. Low prices will get more people to hire you. If you're trying to save up, you may want to make it quickly, but you probably can't go charging people a $100 an hour to do yard work. Find people to hire you. Post flyers, ask family members for business, and ask the people you babysit for to recommend you to their friends. Let lots of people know about your babysitting services. Make sure your potential customers know who you are, what you offer, and how to contact you. If you live in a neighborhood, knock on doors. Introduce yourself and talk up your new business. People love the idea of hiring a neighborhood kid, usually. Find a place where your customers are likely to be. If you want to mow lawns, hang up a flyer in the local area. Don't tell anyone why you need money. Instead, tell them how you will make their life easier or better by hiring you. For example, you are not offering to rake leaves. You're selling less work for them and a beautiful yard. Make a work schedule. Plan your time and work the number of hours you say you'll work. If you want to babysit, try to find someone to babysit for each Friday evening, if that's the day you pick. Do it as often as possible if you want to make money. Put in the work. If you finish up early one day, spend the rest of the time you had for work knocking on doors or posting flyers. Don't close up the store just because nobody's shopping. Work quickly. If you want to mow lawns, you may think it would be smarter to spend a bunch of time mowing one and charge more, but that's not appealing to customers Keep at it. Do a good job the first time, and make your gig a regular thing. Ask if you can come back next week, same time, same price. It's a lot easier to come back to a happy customer instead of finding new ones. If the customer is happy, then ask them to recommend you to other people. Also ask if they would arrange a meeting for you. Try doing a little extra to see if you can make more money. If you see another job that you can do, ask if they would be willing to hire you to do it. Take out the trash and clean up the house while you're babysitting, then offer to clean separately, or for more money. Take care of the shrubs when you're mowing the lawn, or offer to. Ask if they've got any other odd jobs around the house that you could do. If you could do a variety of chores at one house, that's worth it. You don't have to lug your stuff all around the neighborhood all day. Just go one place to work. Find parents in your neighborhood. Babysitting is fun, pretty easy, and parents are always looking for a sitter to free up some spare time. Talk to your parents about talking to their friends, or neighbors in the area who might need a sitter. Think of parents in your neighborhood with kids and talk to them yourself. Stick close to your house. When you're first starting out, make sure to pick a house that's close to your's, so your parents can help out if necessary. If there's an emergency, you'll be close to home. If you live in an apartment complex, this could be a really great way of making money. Offer to watch kids and have them dropped off at your own house, so your parents can help out if necessary. Take a CPR class. Babysitters need to be trustworthy, especially if you don't know the people you'll be babysitting for well. One excellent way to get the skills necessary for babysitting is to take a short CPR class and become CPR-certified. Usually, these only last about a day, or several hours, and you can do it on the weekend. Generally, babysitters need to be around 12-13, at least. You need to be enough older than the kids you're babysitting so that they'll respect you, and so that you're capable enough to take care of them on your own. Bring some creative ideas for entertaining the kid. One of the best parts of babysitting is that you get to hang out with little kids and play for a couple hours. And get paid for it! To be a good babysitter, bring a lot of fun ideas about how to spend your time with the kiddos, and you'll be in-demand. Bring along some: Games Books Art projects Old toys Outside toys or sports stuff Dress up supplies Listen to the parents' instructions. Babysitting isn't all games and fun. Depending on how old the kid is and how long you'll be watching them, you may need to feed, bathe, clothe, put down, and even change the diapers of a kid. Listen closely and write down everything you'll need to do to, so you'll have a cheat sheet when they're gone. If you don't know how to do something, be honest and ask the parents to demonstrate before they leave. Asking lots of questions helps to demonstrate that you're a good listener and serious worker. Be patient. Little kids can be a handful. It might be fun to hang out and play for 30 minutes, but at hour 3 of the same game? Yikes. Babysitters need to be very patient and calm with the kids they babysit, to keep things under control as much as possible. Remember: You're not there to have fun. If they paid you to have fun, everyone would do it. It's called work for a reason. Don't let yourself get grumpy because the kid wants to watch Finding Nemo twice in a row. Be firm. Babysitters need to have authority and be in charge of the situation. When it's time for the kid to go to sleep, don't let yourself get pushed around. Be as firm as possible and expect the kid to push you. Speak calmly and firmly and be the adult in the room at all times. Stay focused on what you're doing. Lots of kids will disrespect babysitters and say things like, "You're not my mom" when you try to get them to do something they don't want to do. Expect that it will be a challenge and prepare what you'll do in advance. If the kid wants to argue with you, or starts getting hyper, don't get swept up in the drama. Be calm and quiet, and distract the kid with activity. Sometimes, when kids get excited, a little snack will help them calm down. Most kids won't admit when they're hungry, but provide some cut-up apple slices and they'll pipe right down. Call for backup if you need help. Babysitting can be a handful. If you get in over your head, make sure you have some backup help ready, if necessary. Have a friend in your neighborhood come over and help while you're watching the kid, or call your parents if there's something you feel unable to handle. In an emergency, always call the parents and call 911 if something serious is going on. Don't be afraid to act in an emergency. That's the sign of a good sitter. Find yards that are in a big group. If you can mow your own lawn, and all the lawns that surround your parents' house, you're in good shape. You can do all the lawns at once, rake all the leaves, and take care of the yards at the same time. It's like one long day of work in which you an get paid several times. If you don't live somewhere with many yards, you can still do this. Just get a ride to a neighborhood where you can get as many yards as possible in the same neighborhood. The closer together the yards, the easier your job is. Elderly neighbors will be the most willing to hire young kids to do this. Mow lawns. One great way to make money in the summer months is to ask as many of your neighbors as you can if you can mow their lawn for them. Lawn-mowing can be a serious hassle, and you can make some serious money doing it in your spare time. Ask your parents to stake you to equipment costs, if you don't have access to the mower yourself. Ask for an old mower for your birthday. In some cases, people might want you to use their equipment, if it's available. If you can use their lawn mower, all the better. Set aside some money for materials. You'll need to pay to have the gas tank filled and ready to go, if you're mowing lawns. Or, see if your parents won't help you pay for gas. Rake leaves and trim hedges. In late summer and early fall, you'll start mowing less and less, but your clients will need other things done around the yard. Get ready to rake leaves, bag them, and clean up the yard of other debris, like acorns, twigs, and pinecones. For this job, all you need is a sturdy rake and some leaf bags. In some cases, you might not even need the bags. Cheap, light, and easy. Shovel driveways in the winter. Once the fall turns to winter, business can dry up for the lawnmower. But, snow needs to be taken care of in lots of regions. Don't stop working when it gets cold. Get yourself a good snow shovel and offer to shovel out the driveways and walks of your neighbors. Clean out gutters in the spring. After a long winter, gutters tend to get clogged up and need a good cleaning. Mostly, this just involves removing the gunky leaves and twigs from the gutters and disposing of them in bags. Even if you live in a place with really great weather, gutters need to be cleaned out regularly to avoid sticks, leaves, and other debris getting caught up in them. Since this involves getting up on a ladder, or on the roof, it's maybe the most dangerous of all these jobs. You might want to double-check with your parents. Help with a harvest in your area. In rural areas, lots of farmers and fruit growers will hire younger kids to help harvest the fruit during the ripe season. If you live somewhere with a lot of agriculture, keep an eye out at local feed stores, and rural outfitters for signs that local farmers are hiring hands. It can be tough work, but it can also be short-term (a few weeks at most) and good money. The following jobs are all possible in different regions for teens: Picking fruit, like peaches, apples, cherries, and berries Pruning grapevine Helping process wheat, or other grains Digging potatoes Detassling corn Gathering chicken eggs Walk dogs. Offer to walk your neighbors' dogs for a small fee. If you have lots of neighbors with animals, and like spending time with dogs, this can be a great way of getting some extra pocket money. Think about which of your neighbors work during the day, while you've got summer vacation. If you're around and can walk the dog while you're not doing anything, that's easy money. Do housework around your own house. Talk to your parents about taking on more house responsibilities for money. If you can get paid for doing stuff that might be considered "chores," and not even have to leave your house, that's easy money. Your parents might even talk you up to neighbors. One day, do all of the following, and then tell your parents that you'll keep doing it if they pay you regularly: Clean up the kitchen and do the dishes. Take out the garbage. Tidy the living rooms. Tidy up the bathroom. Tackle the garage and attic. Keep your room extremely clean. Help people with computer or phone stuff. If you're good with your computer, you can market those skills to people who don't understand tech as well as you do. You can help people set up email accounts, Facebook pages, and other social networking. Help people load pictures and edit them. Help with printing and copying. Find older people who need help figuring out their technology. Start with your grandparents, and see if they'll talk to their friends, or other acquaintances about hiring you to help with computer-related stuff. Ask your parents for an allowance. If you want money and you're a kid, some parents are willing to give it. Talk to them about what specific jobs you can do around the house, or specific things you can do at school to help you make money. If you can get money for good grades, then try harder at school. If you can get paid to take care of your pets, or do yard work, or some other task, then do it. If you can't get an allowance from your parents, try a different tactic. Next time it's your birthday, don't ask for presents, ask for money. Sell something. You don't have to be an adult to sell things from a little stand. If you want to make some extra coin, you can sell something and make a profit if you price it properly. Read the following articles for specific advice about selling things for money. Sell baked goods. Open a lemonade stand. Play music or sing. Sell food. Sell home-made jewelry. Sell your art. | Think about what you do well. Decide how much time you can work. Set your price. Find people to hire you. Make a work schedule. Keep at it. Try doing a little extra to see if you can make more money. Find parents in your neighborhood. Take a CPR class. Bring some creative ideas for entertaining the kid. Listen to the parents' instructions. Be patient. Be firm. Call for backup if you need help. Find yards that are in a big group. Mow lawns. Rake leaves and trim hedges. Shovel driveways in the winter. Clean out gutters in the spring. Help with a harvest in your area. Walk dogs. Do housework around your own house. Help people with computer or phone stuff. Ask your parents for an allowance. Sell something. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Drive-a-Tractor | How to Drive a Tractor | If you want to drive a tractor, press the clutch pedal down with your left foot and put the transmission in neutral, then press the break with your right foot. Once you've done that, turn the key to start the engine. Release the tractor's parking brake while still holding the clutch, and put the transmission in first gear. Slowly lift your foot off the clutch, then take your foot off the brake. At this point, the tractor will start moving forward. Drive slowly, and use caution on turns, curves, and hills. To stop the tractor, press the clutch to the floor, switch the gears to neutral, and set the parking brake. | Look for tractor safety issues. Walk around your tractor doing an inspection before climbing on. Loose wheel lugs, nuts or bolts may need periodic tightening. Check your tractor's tire pressure. Low pressure in one or more tires may cause instability and create a safety hazard. If you're not driving your tractor every day, make it a routine to give the tires a quick once-over so you know they're in good shape before you get way out in a field. Inspect your stabilizer chains to ensure they are properly secured. Do this when your tractor attachments are behind the tractor. Open the hood of your tractor. Check the cooling system, radiator and battery levels to make sure they are in the proper range.Make sure you have enough oil and fuel to complete the job or task at hand. Be safe at all times. Wear good-quality boots with gripping soles, and keep any long hair tied back. Avoid dangling jewelry that could become caught in moving machinery, and avoid wearing loose or baggy clothing while operating a tractor. Always climb into the tractor using the proper hand holds. Climb up into the tractor's seat. Familiarize yourself with the controls and find the clutch. Set the seat so you can reach the steering wheel, throttle, and other controls easily with your hands and feet. Wear your seatbelt any time you're going to be around other vehicles. In the field, while it may seem like common sense to buckle your safety belt, you'll find almost no farmers strapping themselves in. More likely than an accident in your tractor will be the need to quickly turn off the engine and hop out and do something that needs doing. The safety roll bar will help to prevent serious injury. Practice good tractor safety and drive safely. Press the clutch pedal down to the floor with your left foot. You want to be sure the transmission is in neutral as you turn it over. Engage the break with your right foot. Turn the key forward to start the engine. When it turns over, drop the throttle slightly (without killing it) to let the engine warm up a little. If you jump straight from turning it over to driving, you'll likely stall. To drive, release the tractor's parking break. Continue holding the clutch to the tractor floor and put the transmission into a first gear. Slowly lift your foot off the clutch. Just as with any manual transmission, you want to be slow and smooth as you let the clutch out. It's a lot easier since you don't have to be actively pushing the gas. Keep the throttle at a low setting and take your foot off the brake. Maintain a uniformly slow speed. Tractors aren't made for going particularly fast, they're made for durability and power. Don't push it. Go slowly, treating turns, curves, and hills with special caution. Especially if you're using attachments and other hardware, go extremely slowly and use precaution when executing turns. To stop the tractor, press the clutch to the floor completely. Switch the gears to neutral and set the parking brake. Slow the throttle. Turn the tractor key to the off position to stop the tractor engine. Make sure all operators are trained and familiar with the tractor. For farm hands or employees younger than 16, familiarize yourself with OSHA labor standards regarding child labor. Some jobs involving heavy machinery are too dangerous to be performed by less experienced workers. "HO/A #1 The FLSA prohibits youth under 16 years of age from operating a tractor of over 20 PTO (power-take-off) horsepower, and from connecting or disconnecting implements or parts to such a tractor." In some places, it's necessary to obtain a registration to drive your tractor on the road (the UK and Australia, for example) while many other regions forego registration as long as your tractor displays reflective caution tape and is clearly visible. Outfit your tractor with a mowing attachment. For heavy-duty weed control and maintenance of rough areas of your property, it's useful to get a mowing attachment to eliminate invasive weeds and brush. Attach a tractor bucket and learn to use it. Most Kubotas and other common smaller tractors have a wide variety of attachments, including buckets that will make your tractor into a kind of small-scale backhoe. You can haul brush and other junk around your property. Follow proper driving safety when adding a bucket. Never drive with the bucket in full "up" position, but always remember to raise it into the drive position so it's not dragging in the mud. Use cultivator attachments on larger tractors to plow for planting. If you've got a row to hoe, the job is much easier with a cultivator to break up the dirt and help plant your crop. Make sure any attachments heavier than the tractor itself have independent brakes. If you're using tractor attachments, you'll need to be especially careful to drive extremely carefully and use the guidelines outlined in the owner's manual for each implement, attachment, or device. Make sure that heavier attachments are outfitted with independent brakes in good working condition, and learn to use them. Hitch all attachments properly. Make sure to follow proper safety precautions while hitching your tractor to wagons or other farming implements: Make sure that the area in front and behind, making sure especially that no one is behind the tractor Back the tractor up slowly Practice a safe stop, applying the emergency brake Put the transmission in neutral Dismount the tractor and hitch up | Look for tractor safety issues. Check your tractor's tire pressure. Inspect your stabilizer chains to ensure they are properly secured. Open the hood of your tractor. Be safe at all times. Climb up into the tractor's seat. Press the clutch pedal down to the floor with your left foot. Engage the break with your right foot. To drive, release the tractor's parking break. Slowly lift your foot off the clutch. Maintain a uniformly slow speed. To stop the tractor, press the clutch to the floor completely. Make sure all operators are trained and familiar with the tractor. Outfit your tractor with a mowing attachment. Attach a tractor bucket and learn to use it. Use cultivator attachments on larger tractors to plow for planting. Make sure any attachments heavier than the tractor itself have independent brakes. Hitch all attachments properly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-Your-Horse-During-Show-Season | How to Feed Your Horse During Show Season | To feed your horse during show season, it's important to keep its normal feeding routine and schedule. Otherwise, your horse could develop colic or founder. If you have to make a change for some reason, do so gradually. For example, if you need to give it a smaller amount of food, decrease it little by little over an extended period of time. Don't forget to keep your horse hydrated by giving it fresh, clean water every two hours while traveling and ensuring it has fresh water constantly while stabled. Additionally, make sure to also bring a salt block so your horse can get its recommended 1 to 2 ounces of salt a day. | Feed your horse its regular diet while on the road or at shows. When you are traveling to an event or while at a show, it is important that your horse's diet remains the same. Abruptly switching forage can cause colic and other gastrointestinal issues in horses. Maintaining dietary consistency is key to your horse's health and performance during show season. Maintain your horse's normal feeding schedule. It's extremely important that your horse maintains its feeding routines while on the road and at shows. You should bring enough hay, supplements, feed, and chaff to feed your horse during the entire time you are away from home. Feed your horse on its regular schedule. Offer your horse salt daily. Horses require about 1-2 ounces of salt each day. Be sure you bring enough salt with you to ensure your horse will meet minimum dietary requirements while you are away from home. This can include providing a simple salt block. Try to avoid salting their water, which could cause them to stop drinking. Instead, provide them with a block or salt supplement that allows for optional intake. Hand-graze or hand-walk your horse at the show. If it is possible, get your horse out on a walk or to graze while you are at the show. Both promote digestive health, and will help your horse maintain its regular schedule. Walking and grazing can also help horses shed the bad attitude that sometimes comes with being confined at a show for an extended period of time. Make any changes to diet or feeding schedule gradually. If you decide to change the type, amount, or frequency of feed for your horse, you must do so over an extended period of time. Abrupt changes to a horse's feeding schedule or food type can lead to colic or founder. To change the amount of food, decrease or increase a little at a time over several weeks. To change the type of food, try replacing ¼ of the old food with the new food every 2 days over the course of 8 days. Reduce excitability with a diet low in sugar and starch. The sugar and starch content of your horse's diet can be linked to higher levels of excitability. This can become a problem during show season for some horses. To prevent excitability, try feeding your horse a feed that contains a sugar and starch level lower than 20% and a fat level of 10% or higher. Increase stamina by adding fat to your horse's diet. A diet higher in fat can allow horses to process glycogen more efficiently, and increase their overall stamina. Try feeding your horse a feed with a fat level of 10% or more. You can also increase the amount of fat in your horse's diet by adding a fat supplement. Consider a B12 supplement. This supplement can increase energy levels in horses, and helps fight fatigue. If you are looking to heighten your horse's energy level, consider giving them a B12 supplement. You can give your horse a B12 supplement by injection. You can also administer B12 gel to your horse through the mouth via a syringe. Offer your horse water on a regular basis. It is important that your horse is hydrated while on the road and while stabled at show locations. Give your horse fresh, clean water every two hours while you are traveling to a show. While stabled at the show, fresh water should be available around the clock. Offer your horse water between events or classes. Horses should drink 8-30 gallons of water per day, depending on activity level and climate. Bring water from home. Sometimes horses are reluctant to drink water away from home. The water can smell or taste different due to locale and chlorination. If you are traveling to a trail ride, show, or event, consider bringing along water from home. This will help ensure your horse remains hydrated during the time it is away from home. You can transport the water in a large water tank that will fit in the back of a truck. Consider flavoring the water. If your horse is reluctant to drink water away from home, consider adding a flavoring agent to it. A few days before travel, begin flavoring your horse's water at home. This will help ease your horse into drinking flavored water while on the road. Just make sure the flavoring doesn't contain caffeine or other additives that might trigger a drug test. Wintergreen and vanilla are good flavoring choices. You can also use apple juice or molasses, but both will add sugar to your horse's diet. Alternatively, you can add one or two handfuls of sweet feed into the water and let it soak to create a kind of "sweet tea" that many horses enjoy. Add electrolytes to the water. Dehydration and extreme heat can occur during show season, disrupting your horse's electrolyte balance. Add dissolvable electrolytes to your horse's water at least a week before the show. Make sure you offer a bucket of plain water alongside the supplemented water. You can also deliver electrolytes to your horse through the mouth with a syringe. Powdered electrolytes can be fed to the horse as a dressing on grain. Soak hay as a mash to encourage more water intake. Some brands of hay are perfect for travel because they soak well in water. These can be used to make a slurry that will encourage your horse to drink a bit more while they travel with you. Always have a bucket of plain water available along with enhanced water. If you have added anything to your horse's water, including electrolytes, flavoring, or hay, you need to offer them a bucket of clean, fresh water too. Make sure they have access to at least one 20 gallon (75 L) bucket of fresh water at all times. | Feed your horse its regular diet while on the road or at shows. Maintain your horse's normal feeding schedule. Offer your horse salt daily. Hand-graze or hand-walk your horse at the show. Make any changes to diet or feeding schedule gradually. Reduce excitability with a diet low in sugar and starch. Increase stamina by adding fat to your horse's diet. Consider a B12 supplement. Offer your horse water on a regular basis. Bring water from home. Consider flavoring the water. Add electrolytes to the water. Soak hay as a mash to encourage more water intake. Always have a bucket of plain water available along with enhanced water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Groom-Lories-and-Lorikeets | How to Groom Lories and Lorikeets | To groom your lory or lorikeet, trim its nails just above the quick whenever they get sharp or dirty. If you don't want to trim its nails regularly, you can put a grooming perch in its cage, which can help to dull its nails. Additionally, even though you don't usually need to wash your bird, you should still keep a small shallow bowl of clean water in its cage so it can bathe itself. | Put a shallow bird bath in its cage. Lorries and lorikeets love to take baths on their own, often once or twice a day. Encourage your bird to bathe itself by placing a small shallow bowl of water in its cage. Make sure the bowl is no deeper than a few inches. Fill it with fresh, lukewarm water. If you have more than one lory or lorikeet in a cage, provide each bird a separate bird bath. Use a ceramic bowl for the bird bath. Check on the water in the bath once a day and change it regularly so it is always clean and fresh. Set up a shower perch in your shower for the bird. Buy a shower perch designed for birds at your local pet store, or make your own with a plastic or metal rod and a suction cup. Set up the shower perch so it is suspended in your shower in a spot where the bird can get a gentle spray of water from the shower head. Never spray water directly on the bird. Instead, point the nozzle above the bird and let a fine mist fall on it. Place the bird in one to two inches of water in the sink. You can also use your kitchen sink as a bathing spot for your lorrie or lorikeet. Fill the sink with one to two inches of lukewarm water and gently place your bird in the water. It should respond positively, dipping its wings in the water and splashing around to bathe itself. If the bird is scared of the sink, you can place a shallow bowl of water on your counter top and allow it to bathe that way. Use sharp nail cutters to trim its nails. Trimming a lory or lorikeet's nails should be done if they are very sharp when you hold them on your bare skin and if they appear dirty or overgrown. Get sharp nail cutters designed for birds at your local pet store or online. If you are unsure about cutting your bird's nails yourself, speak to your vet or to a professional bird groomer. Hold the bird in one hand. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the bird in the palm of your hand. Place your thumb over its feet, just above its nails. This will keep its nails still for trimming. Use your other fingers to support the bird's body and head. Make sure its beak is facing away from your fingers so you are not at risk of getting bitten. Cut above the quick of its nails. Use the sharp nail trimmers to carefully cut each nail just above the quick, which is the slightly red area on the nail that supplies blood to the nail. Remove only ½ to one inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) of the nail. When in doubt, remove less of the nail, or just the sharp edges. Try to make all of the nails the same length when you trim. If you end up cutting too close to the quick and the nail starts to bleed, hold the nail over a flame for 1 second or use a match to quickly cauterize the wound. It is important to stop the bleeding, as the bird is at risk of bleeding to death if it goes untreated. Give the bird a grooming perch to avoid nail trimming. If you do not want to bother with regularly trimming your bird's nails, get a grooming perch for its cage. Set up the grooming perch by its food and water dish. The grooming perch can help to dull the bird's nails and reduce the amount of trimming you have to do. Provide a lava rock perch or chew toys to maintain its beak. Most lorries and lorikeets do not need their beaks trimmed, provided you give it something to rub its beak on, like a lava rock perch or chew toys. Get chew toys made for birds at your local pet store or online. As long as your lory or lorikeet's beak is growing normally and it has a surface to rub it on in its cage, it does not need to be trimmed. If the bird's beak is growing too fast or in a strange shape, see the vet right away. Trim the bird’s wings if it is dangerous for it to fly. Most birds do best if they are able to get out of their cage and fly around, for exercise and to boost their mood. But you can trim your lory or lorikeet's wings at home if you are worried about it being injured if it gets out of its cage and flies around. Trimming the bird's wings should only be done if it is not safe for it to fly around your home due to other pets or children. Never pluck out the bird's feathers, as this is painful for the bird. If you are uncertain about trimming your bird's wings yourself, speak to your vet or a professional bird groomer. Be aware that some birds are more likely to injure themselves if they have trimmed wings, as they are unable to fly and may crash land, potentially resulting in injuries. Get an assistant. Trimming a bird's wings is easiest if you have two sets of hands. Ask a friend, roommate, or partner to help you trim the bird's wings. The whole process should take no longer than 15 minutes so you won't need their help for long. You may pick someone who is not squeamish of birds and is comfortable getting up close with them. It may help if you have an assistant that your lory or lorikeet knows well, such as someone who already lives in the house with the bird. Use clean grooming scissors. Make sure the grooming scissors are sharp and made for use on birds. You can find grooming scissors for birds at your local pet store or online. If the grooming scissors are dirty, wipe them down with warm water before use. Restrain the bird with a towel. Wrap the towel around the bird's upper body and head to keep it calm. Have an assistant extend and support the wing being trimmed with their hands. This will make it easier for you to do the wing trim. Cut the four primary feathers from the outside in. A lory or lorikeet has six primary feathers that extend from its wing. These feathers will be the longest and biggest feathers on its wing and are often the same shade or color. Use the grooming scissors to carefully cut off the first four primary feathers from the outside to the inside. Do this with one large cut or one cut per feather. Remove ¾ of the feathers so they are barely visible on the bird's wing. Cut off the same length on each feather. Repeat this on the other wing. Do a test flight. Once you have removed the bird's four primary feathers, allow it to fly around. Notice if the bird is still able to get a vertical lift when it flies. Ideally, you want the bird to be able to fly just above the ground for very short periods of time. If the bird if still able to get a vertical lift when flying and can fly easily at a high height, you may need to clip more of its feathers. Remove one to two more feathers on each side, if necessary. You can clip the remaining two primary feathers on each wing of the bird to reduce its flight. Follow the same procedures, cutting the two primary feathers ¾ of the way off at the same length. Make sure you do another test flight to ensure the wings have been trimmed enough. Avoid cutting the blood feathers on the bird. Blood feathers have a thickened, purple looking shaft. They should never be cut, as this can lead to bleeding and injury. Leave a regular feather on either side of the blood feathers when you trim the bird so they are protected. If you do accidentally clip the bird's blood feathers, take it to the vet right away. Trim the bird’s wings every few months. Your lory or lorikeet's trimmed feathers will grow back with each molting, which occurs every two to three months. Check its wings to see if its feathers have grown back to their full length. Trim them down again so the bird cannot fly too high. Maintaining the bird's wings with regular trims every few months will also help to bird get used to not flying around very much. | Put a shallow bird bath in its cage. Set up a shower perch in your shower for the bird. Place the bird in one to two inches of water in the sink. Use sharp nail cutters to trim its nails. Hold the bird in one hand. Cut above the quick of its nails. Give the bird a grooming perch to avoid nail trimming. Provide a lava rock perch or chew toys to maintain its beak. Trim the bird’s wings if it is dangerous for it to fly. Get an assistant. Use clean grooming scissors. Restrain the bird with a towel. Cut the four primary feathers from the outside in. Do a test flight. Remove one to two more feathers on each side, if necessary. Avoid cutting the blood feathers on the bird. Trim the bird’s wings every few months. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-If-Your-Cat-Is-in-Heat | How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Heat | To tell if your cat is in heat, pay attention to her behavior. Cats that are in heat generally “call” or vocalize loudly and persistently. Your cat might also become more affectionate than usual by rubbing against your ankles constantly. Look to see if she is rolling around or going into a crouched position with her front half on the ground and her rear in the air, which can also indicate she is in heat. If your cat is at least 6 months old and unspayed, expect her to be in heat for about 1 week every 21 days. | Listen for calling. Another term for being in heat is "calling." This is because the female becomes very vocal and will frequently walk around the house wailing or otherwise vocalizing. This can sound like a plaintive, distressed cry, and can be loud and persistent enough to keep you awake at night. If your cat is naturally chatty all the time, vocalization is not necessarily a sign she is in heat. When a cat is "calling," her cries typically becomes much louder and more persistent, and occur alongside other behaviors noted below. Watch for restless behavior. Restless behavior and an inability to settle are characteristic of a female cat in heat. This restlessness usually occurs at the same time as calling. Expect increased affection. A female cat in heat is often much more affectionate than she would typically be. If you cat is naturally stand-offish, this will usually change when she is in heat. While in heat, your cat may rub around your ankles in such a persistent way that she becomes a trip hazard when you're trying to walk. This behavior will also manifest in the rubbing of her cheeks and chin (where her scent glands are located) against furniture, and especially entrance and exit points such as door frames. When in heat, a cat's scent changes subtly, and she enjoys spreading this around to advertise to that she'd like a mate to come visiting. Pay attention to your cat's tail. A typical sign of a cat ready to mate is the tail deflection reflex. This simply means that when you rub her lower back, especially over her pelvis and tail base, the female sticks her bottom in the air and moves her tail to one side. This reflex is her way of making it easier for a male cat to gain access to her vulva to mate. Look for "commando crawling. " This is a behavior in which the cat flattens her front quarters to the ground while sticking her bottom in the air, and then crawling along the floor in this posture. Watch for rolling. Some female cats in heat will roll around on the ground and wail at the same time. Understandably, if you don't know this behavior is entirely normal, it can appear alarming, and is a common cause of a panicked phone call to the on-call vet. However, this is not a sign that your cat is in pain. Watch for excessive licking. When a cat is in heat, it is typical for her vulva to become swollen. This mild swelling is uncomfortable, and will likely lead your cat to spend a lot of time washing the area. This swelling is too slight for the casual observer to notice, so don't expect to see a physical difference. Expect the cat to disappear. Even home-loving cats get adventurous when in heat. If a male cat doesn't come calling, then she is likely to go wandering for a day or so to seek one out for herself. If your cat is not spayed and you don't want her to get pregnant, keep her indoors during her heat and lock the cat flap so that intruders can't get in. Understand the estrus cycle. Female cats are polyestrous, which means they go into heat many times a year. This is in contrast to dogs, which experience a diestrus cycle, coming into heat only twice a year. While in heat, your cat's womb will become swollen as its blood-supply increases in anticipation of a pregnancy. You will not be able to observe this, however, as there are no external signs of this process. Understand the role of seasons. The breeding season of feral cats is between spring and late summer. This means kittens are born away from the harshest of the winter weather, when their chances of survival would be reduced. Artificial light can fool a pet cat into thinking it is not winter. As such, if your cat spends much time indoors, the changing of seasons will have little or no effect on her reproductive cycle. Expect a cat that lives indoors to come into heat all year around. Know the time frame. The reproductive cycle of a female cat is, on average, 21 days. Of these three weeks, expect her to spend as many as seven days in heat. | Listen for calling. Watch for restless behavior. Expect increased affection. Pay attention to your cat's tail. Look for "commando crawling. Watch for rolling. Watch for excessive licking. Expect the cat to disappear. Understand the estrus cycle. Understand the role of seasons. Know the time frame. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-a-Rabbit-Hutch | How to Set Up a Rabbit Hutch | To set up a rabbit hutch, start by laying 2-3 layers of newspaper on the bottom of your hutch for insulation. Next, spread wood shavings or hay on top of the newspaper to make it more comfortable for your rabbit. After that, create a cozy bedding area by putting pelleted wheat fiber or paper fibers from your local animal supply store at one end of the hutch. Then, place a food bowl near the bedding area, as well as 1 or more water bowls, depending on the size of the hutch and how many rabbits you have. | Lay down newspaper in the hutch. The first step you want to take in preparing the hutch for rabbits is to lay newspaper down throughout the compartment of the hutch. Newspaper will help keep in hay or wood shavings and provide insulation for your rabbits. Put newspaper in all areas of the hutch. Consider two or three layers. Make sure the newspaper is placed down carefully and evenly. Spread wood shavings or hay throughout the hutch. After you've put down the newspaper, take some wood shavings or hay and spread them liberally throughout the hutch. Wood shavings or hay will provide insulation for your rabbits and provide them with a comfortable environment to live in. Provide enough hay or wood shavings so that your rabbits have enough to insulate them and play in, but not too much that it makes it difficult for them to move around. Make sure to use hay appropriate for feeding livestock. You do not want specialty holiday hay used for decorating your home on holidays. This may be treated with fire retardant or other chemicals. If you choose to go with wood shavings, avoid cedar or pine shavings. These may emit a gas that is dangerous to animals. Oak or other hardwoods are a good choice. Create a bedding area. You need to also create a specific place for your rabbits to sleep. This area should be cozier and more comfortable than the rest of the hutch. Design and components will vary, but consider: If you've used wood shavings throughout, make sure you leave one spot to put a soft hay for the rabbits to sleep in. Using pelleted wheat fiber. These fibers are chemical free and comfortable. Using recycled fibers or paper fibers. Bedding supplies can be purchased at most animal supply stores. Provide food and water bowls. One of the final touches will be to provide a food and water bowl for your rabbits. Needless to say, food and water are important, so placement is an important consideration. Consider: Putting two water bowls or sources of water in the hutch. The number really depends on how many rabbits you have, the size of your hutch, and how often you'll be able to provide water. Make sure that your rabbits always have fresh clean water to drink. Putting a food bowl near the bedding area. Putting larger food and water bowls if you have a large hutch or a lot of rabbits. Place your rabbit(s) in the hutch. Your final step will be to populate the hutch with your rabbits. While this is your final step, it is also a very important one. Make sure to introduce your rabbits in way so that they will be comfortable with and excited about their new home. Take time to introduce your rabbits by hand into the hutch. Place one rabbit at a time, gently, into the hutch. Stick around the hutch for a while and watch your rabbits explore their new home. Maintain your hutch. After setting the hutch up, you'll need to maintain the hutch so it continues to be a safe environment for your rabbits. While basic maintenance might take some time, if you stay diligent, it should be fairly inexpensive. Make sure to replace wood as it degrades and rots. Replace any rusty wire or other metal. Periodically, remove your rabbits from the hutch so that you can paint and refinish it (if needed). Make sure to replace newspaper, hay, and other bedding material as it degrades or as waste accumulates. Replace any plastic rabbit water bottles (if you use them) as they age and degrade. Evaluate your yard. The first step in setting up your rabbit hutch is to evaluate your yard and outdoor space. By walking around and taking a good look at your yard, you'll get an idea of which spaces are potentially suitable for your rabbit hutch. Consider a number of factors, including: Shade. Rain. Proximity to the house. Potential perils such as water runoff, sickly trees that may collapse, or unstable ground. Pick a location. After you've evaluated your yard, you should pick the most ideal location possible. You'll want to pick a location based on all of the factors you've already evaluated. The location should be safe and secure from the elements and from predators. Consider: Picking a spot that is on high ground away from any areas that could potentially flood. Picking a spot that is shaded, but is also safe from falling trees or tree limbs. Picking a spot that is close enough to your home so that you can monitor possible predators. Avoid putting your rabbit hutch in an area frequented by other animals or livestock. One important thing to remember is to avoid putting your rabbit hutch in a location where other animals or livestock get to roam free. While your rabbits will be relatively secure in their hutch, other animals can be unpredictable and may hurt your rabbits. Livestock could potentially knock over the hutch. Free ranging dogs could see your rabbits as a snack and try to get into the hutch. While some animals, like chickens, can safely co-exist around a rabbit hutch, be careful and monitor any interactions. Level the ground. Now that you've selected a location for the hutch, you need to make sure the ground there is level. This is important since most hutches have either four legs or a flat bottom. Ultimately, you don't want your hutch leaning to one side or another, as a bad rainstorm or wind could knock it over and injure its inhabitants. Take a shovel and level the ground where the hutch will be. Spread out dirt and rock to form a level surface. Employ a large level (tool) to verify that the ground is indeed flat. Assemble the hutch. After you've leveled the ground, you need to put the hutch in place and assemble it. Assembling the hutch is also very important, as you need to make sure it is put together properly and is secure. If your hutch is not put together properly, your rabbits could get out, or intruders could get in and hurt your rabbits. If you've bought a new hutch from the store, follow the directions that come with the hutch. Most store-bought hutches will be relatively simple to put together. If you've bought a second-hand hutch, chances are it will require minimal assembly. Make sure you have all of the pieces and put it back together the way it was before you transported it. If you're building your own hutch , make sure you build one that is stable and secure. Position the hutch. After you've assembled the hutch, move it into position onto the level ground you prepared. Review the hutch, and fix any damage. After you've assembled and positioned the hutch, take a minute to carefully review it for damages or defects. This is important, as you want to make sure the hutch is safe and ready for your rabbit friends. Look to see there are no sharp or pointy pieces of metal or frayed wire. Cut these or bend them so they pose no risk to the rabbits. If your hutch uses wire, make sure that there are no gaps or large spaces in the wire from which a rabbit could sneak out. If there is, use some spare wire to cover the gap. Make sure the hutch is sitting on completely flat ground and the base is stable. | Lay down newspaper in the hutch. Spread wood shavings or hay throughout the hutch. Create a bedding area. Provide food and water bowls. Place your rabbit(s) in the hutch. Maintain your hutch. Evaluate your yard. Pick a location. Avoid putting your rabbit hutch in an area frequented by other animals or livestock. Level the ground. Assemble the hutch. Review the hutch, and fix any damage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Prepared-for-the-Arrival-of-Puppies | How to Be Prepared for the Arrival of Puppies | To be prepared for the arrival of a puppy, you should first puppy-proof your home. To do this, lock up any dangerous materials, like cleaning supplies, and remove anything that could be broken or chewed on by the puppy. When you bring your puppy home, give it one small living space where you'll keep its bedding, food, and toys, so it doesn't get overwhelmed. Additionally you may want to buy a crate, which can become a safe and relaxing place for your puppy. | Lock up any dangerous materials. Before your puppy or puppies arrive, go through your entire home and put away any dangerous chemicals. This includes cleaning products, solvents or automotive oils and lubricants. You should also keep any medications in a place that the puppy cannot reach. Secure any fragile or delicate objects. Because puppies are rambunctious animals, they are likely to bump into things and cause accidents. If you have any fragile objects in the area where your puppy will be living, you should move or find a way to secure those items. You do not want those things breaking or falling on the puppy and hurting it. Consider putting up gates to keep your puppy or puppies in a certain part of the house and moving your delicate objects somewhere else. Cover or hide electrical cords. Puppies love to chew on things, and one dangerous item that they sometimes chew on is electrical cords. These cords can shock, burn and even kill puppies that bite into them. Make sure that you properly hide or cover any cords in the area where your puppy will be living. Consider covering the cords with duct tape or covering them with commercial cord concealers. You may also want to cover any electrical sockets to prevent your puppy from getting electrocuted. Put your things away. In general, try to keep things off the floor or any other surfaces the puppy can reach. Puppies will chew on nearly anything, and sometimes they can choke on or get strangled in loose items around the house. Try to clean up your home so that it is clutter free once the puppy arrives. Put away any trash cans and make sure that they have lids. Put your clothes in hampers and keep all shoes on racks or in closets. Get on ground level and take a closer look. Check underneath furniture to ensure that you find smaller, hidden items that you might normally overlook. Fence your backyard. If you have a backyard, you will want to fence it off. This will keep your puppy from running away and, once your puppy gets a little older, destroying other people's property. It will also prevent any stray or wild animals from coming into your yard and hurting your puppy. Putting up a fence will give your puppy a safe space to play outside. Create a living area. If you are preparing for a puppy, the first thing that you should do is make a living space for your new puppy. This is the area where you keep the puppies bedding, food, and toys. Because puppies can get overwhelmed if given too much space, you should consider limiting your puppy to just a few rooms Consider keeping your puppy in a room, such as a kitchen or a bathroom, where it will be easy to clean up any messes. Buy the necessary supplies. Before your puppy comes home, you will need to make sure that you have everything that it will need. If you are unsure, check with you veterinarian or visit a pet supply store. Your puppy will likely need: Toys Treats Dog Food Bedding. Dog grooming products like brushes and shampoos. Leashes and collars. Cleaning Supplies for your home. Puppies are messy. Get a Crate. Crate training is a great way to use a dog's natural instincts to create a place for your dog to sleep. If done correctly, crate training will help your dog feel more relaxed and make house training much easier. You should be able to find a create online or at your local pet store. You will likely want to buy two crates: one for when your dog is a puppy and another for when it is an adult. Do not use the crate as punishment. Your dog will end up having a negative association with the crate, which will completely undermine your efforts at crate training. Make a game plan for dog training. Before your puppy comes home, it is a good idea to do some research on how to train your puppy. Buy a few dog-training books or read some blogs by professional dog trainers. This will help you get a better understanding of what you will need to do once your puppy arrives. Research specific training practices for the breed of puppy you are adopting. Various breeds have different temperaments and require differing approaches. At the very least you will need to know how to house train your dog. You will also need to teach it how to walk on a leash. Optionally, you may train your dog to sit, stay and rollover. Let the puppy relieve itself as soon as you bring it home. Puppies have little control over their ability to relieve themselves. When you bring your puppy home, set it onto the designated potty spot immediately so that it has the opportunity to relieve itself after travel. This may also help the puppy to start learning where the potty spot is. Give the puppy some time to adjust. Be careful not to overwhelm the puppy after you first bring it home. Do not invite friends and neighbors over right away to see the puppy, or else it may struggle to adjust and even become stressed. Instead, give your puppy some time to settle in and become familiar with its new home first. Talk to your veterinarian. If your dog is pregnant and expecting a litter of puppies, the first thing you should do is visit a veterinarian. The vet will inform you about any congenital conditions that your dog may have due to its breed. They will also run through what to expect during the pregnancy and tell you how you can help. Later on the in the pregnancy, you may want to have the veterinarian do an ultrasound to check on the puppies. This will also give you an idea of how many to expect. Ask your veterinarian for the phone number and location of an emergency veterinary clinic that they recommend. Keep this on hand in case the mother dog has difficulties while giving birth. Do not vaccinate your dog during pregnancy, as this can hurt the unborn puppies. Make a whelping box. It is important that you create a safe space for your dog to give birth. A whelping box will create a den-like atmosphere that will help your dog feel more secure and comfortable. You can construct the box out of most materials just as long as it is easy for your dog to access, big enough for your dog and in a quiet location. You may want to cover the box with a blanket once your dog has had her puppies. This may make the box feel more like a den. Because the birth can be messy, consider keeping the whelping box in a the garage or other place that is easy to clean. Have backup milk. Typically, your dog should be able to nurse the puppies once they are born. However, she may have issues providing enough milk. This will require that you hand feed the puppies. In case this happens, you should have a syringe and some replacement formula handy. It's best to buy a full nursing kit that includes a dog milk substitute, syringes, and other newborn feeding equipment before the mother gives birth so that you're prepared. Find a home for the puppies. Once you realize that your dog is having puppies and know how many to expect, arrange to give them away. Place ads online or talk to your friends and family about adopting your puppies. Be prepared to take care of the puppies until they find homes. You will likely have to live with the puppies for at least 8 weeks, which will give you some time to find adopters. In order to ensure that the puppies have a good home, charge a fee and have an application process. Ask prospective adopters questions about their homes, income and experience caring for dogs. It is illegal in certain states to adopt out dogs younger than 8 weeks old. Be sure to check your local laws and regulations before giving away your puppies. | Lock up any dangerous materials. Secure any fragile or delicate objects. Cover or hide electrical cords. Put your things away. Fence your backyard. Create a living area. Buy the necessary supplies. Get a Crate. Make a game plan for dog training. Let the puppy relieve itself as soon as you bring it home. Give the puppy some time to adjust. Talk to your veterinarian. Make a whelping box. Have backup milk. Find a home for the puppies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-Pillbugs | How to Care for Pillbugs | Pillbugs are relatively easy to care for if you set up the right environment and feed them a healthy diet. You'll need a water-resistant plastic tub or aquarium with ventilation holes. Fill the bottom of the container with grass and dirt to simulate their natural habitat. Feed your pillbugs leftover fruit and vegetables, like bits of apple, lettuce, potatoes, and carrots. You can also feed them fish flakes from a pet store. Pillbugs survive best in a humid environment, so mist their container once a day with a spray bottle of clean water. Due to the dampness, mold can grow in their container so make sure you clean it regularly. | Use a plastic tub or aquarium for housing. As pillbugs require a damp environment to thrive, you should pick a container that's resistant to water. Go with something made of plastic or glass rather than cardboard. You can purchase an aquarium at a pet store if you have a lot of pillbugs. If you don't want to spend the money on an aquarium, you can use a plastic tupperware container from your kitchen to house your pillbugs. Fill the container with grass and dirt. Once you've secured a container, you can begin creating the proper environment for your pillbugs. Fill the bottom of the container with one to one and half inches of moist soil or sand. You can purchase sand or soil from a pet store or greenhouse. Pillbugs also enjoy wood bark, leaf litter, and other dead vegetation as part of their habitat. Make sure the container is well ventilated. Pillbugs need to live in a ventilated container. Make sure you're able to place small holes on the top of the container, but not too big that pillbugs can escape. Many aquariums come with ventilated lids and you can easily poke holes in the top of a tupperware lid. Feed pillbugs a healthy diet. Pillbugs eat mostly decomposing vegetables in the wild and should have a similar diet in captivity to keep them healthy. Pillbugs can safely be fed fish flakes, which you can purchase at a pet store. In addition to fish flakes, feed your pillbugs leftover bits of apples, lettuce, potatoes, and carrots. You can also bring leaf litter in from the wild and feed them to your pillbug. While you can feed pillbugs food that has been sitting out for a few days, do not offer them moldy food. This can make them sick. Keep the container humid. Pillbugs require a humid environment to survive. Invest in a humidity thermometer to make sure your pillbugs environment is adequately moist. Pillbugs should not live in an environment of less than 75% humidity. They will not survive without proper humidity. Mist the container once a day with a spray bottle. Also, make sure to add water to the soil on a daily basis. You can also place a damp cotton ball or paper towel in the container. Just make sure your pill bugs don't eat them! Replace soil periodically. Waste gases emitted by pillbugs can be strong enough to cause health problems, so soil should be replaced periodically. Make sure you remove all the pillbugs before changing the soil. If your pillbugs have reproduced, babies may be difficult to differentiate from soil. If this is the case, put a piece of wood in the container as babies are likely to congregate there. Handle pillbugs with care. Most pillbugs can be handled easily, but you should do so with care. Gently pick pillbugs up with your thumb and forefingers when you want to handle them. You can also scoop them up with a spoon. Make sure not to drop your pillbugs while handling them, as this can cause them pain. They walk fairly fast and can sometimes fall by mistake. Never handle pillbugs while they're shedding. Do not mix different species. Pillbugs might not be well being mixed with different species. Make sure any bugs you add to your tank are also pillbugs. Pillbugs have flattened, round bodies, sharply rounded antennas, and seven pairs of legs. When frightened, they roll into a tiny ball. Keep mold out of the enclosure. Due to the dampness of a pillbug's environment, you need to make sure their container is mold free. You can do this by periodically switching the soil, as stated, and removing any uneaten food before it becomes moldy. Periodically clean containers. As containers can grow moldy due to soil, periodically switch your pillbugs into a new, temporary container. Clean the container with soap and water and rinse thoroughly. Then, re-add soil, leaves, and water and put the pillbugs back inside. | Use a plastic tub or aquarium for housing. Fill the container with grass and dirt. Make sure the container is well ventilated. Feed pillbugs a healthy diet. Keep the container humid. Replace soil periodically. Handle pillbugs with care. Do not mix different species. Keep mold out of the enclosure. Periodically clean containers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Develop-a-Good-Parent-and-Child-Relationship | How to Develop a Good Parent and Child Relationship | To develop a good parent and child relationship, get on your child's level to connect with them in age-appropriate ways. For example, if you have a toddler, get on the floor and build towers out of blocks. If you have a teen, sit on the couch with them and play video games. You're more likely to have a good conversation during these activities than at the dinner table. While you'll want to have family time, like eating dinner together or having a weekly movie night, it's also important to have one-on-one time with each of your children to help you connect and focus on each of their individual strengths. | Get on their level. You can enrich the relationship you have with your child by connecting with them in an age-appropriate way. Teach, work on projects, and play on a level that your child is familiar with. This helps them bond with you and makes you seem more approachable. If you have a toddler, get on the floor and build a city out of blocks. If you have older adolescents or teens, join in on a round of video games. You are more likely to spark conversation during these types of activities than by trying to get them talking at the dinner table. Emphasize the importance of family time. While your children need to know that you acknowledge and respect their individuality, it also counts when you uplift the family as a unit. Make family time a regular and special part of your routine. Eat meals together most nights of the week, and have everyone share their peaks and pits (i.e. best and worst moments) of the day. Go to sporting events, movies, or community gatherings together. Dedicate one-on-one time for each child. Spending time together as a unit is essential. You should also set aside time to focus on each individual child. Prioritizing one-on-one time helps you form a connection with each child. Plus, it also helps you focus on each child's individual strengths and talents. Find a shared hobby to engage in with each of your children. Maybe you will teach one kid how to fish on weekends. Or, work with another on perfecting a piano performance. Free up part of your weekly schedule to build a special relationship with each child. Stay in touch with academics, friendships, and extracurriculars. Parents who have good relationships with their children are involved in their lives. You can't expect to have a strong bond with your children if you simply say “good morning” and “good night” each day. It's understandable that you're busy juggling work and other responsibilities, but you should also make an effort to get to know your kids and learn about what's happening in their lives. If you have some free time, offer to volunteer at school, coach a softball game, or meet with your children's teachers regularly to stay updated on their academic performance. Sit down with them as they do homework. Help them practice their lines for the school play. Invite your kids' friends over so you know what kind of influences they are around. Kid around. Let your kids know that things don't always have to be so serious between you. Of course, you want them to respect your authority, but you also want to laugh with them. A sense of fun can liven up their lives and build fond memories. Make crazy faces or noises to supplement mealtimes or playtime with smaller children. Act silly with adolescents by pulling pranks or telling jokes. Be trustworthy. As a parent, it's important that you build a foundation of trust. Trust translates to many roles in parenting. Of course, your child needs to know that they can rely on you to be there. When you say you'll do something, do it. Keep your word. This helps your child form basic secure attachments that will influence future relationships. However, trust also means respecting your child's need for privacy and keeping their confidences when they do share with you. Trust doesn't necessarily mean you believe whatever your child says, but it does mean you'll try and give them the benefit of the doubt. Practice active listening without distractions. Parents are busy. But, you also want to make sure your children know that you care about what they have to say. Even if your child is complaining about the same issue at school or going on and on about teenage drama, try to give them your full attention. When you actively listen, you strengthen your bond with your child and demonstrate their importance to you. Silence your phone and shut off the TV. Don't zone them out in order to prepare your response. Truly listen to your child and try to understand their message. Turn to face them. Make eye contact. Use open body language. Listen without judgment or negative facial expressions. Once they're finished speaking, summarize what you heard. For instance, your daughter says, “All the girls at school are going to this camp-out next weekend. But, we have to go to that stupid wedding.” You might say, “It sounds like you are frustrated because you can't attend the camp-out.” Follow the 3 F’s of effective parenting. Every child pushes the envelope a bit when it comes to communication and behavior. However, as the adult, you are must be inclined to respond maturely and calmly to misconduct. Go by the 3 F's to help you with discipline and protect the overall parent-child relationship. Be firm. State what the consequences are and apply them consistently. Be fair. Make sure the punishment fits the crime. Try to avoid harsh or excessive consequences. Be friendly. Convey your words in steady yet polite tone. Avoid raising your voice. Simply explain what terms they violated and lay out the consequences. Also, take time to praise them when they are doing well. Have relaxed side-by-side conversations. Adolescents and teens can easily become intimidated with too much face-to-face communication. Reduce the pressure by planning some of your talks in a parallel position. Try asking your son about bullying at school when driving him to rugby practice. Ask your daughter about her new love interest when you are baking in the kitchen. Use this time to really get to know your child, including their interests, preferences, hobbies, etc. Share your own interests, likes, and background with your child too. Emphasize any similar interests you both may share. Your child is more likely to engage and open up when talking in this way. Review rules and increase privileges as your children get older. As your children age, it's important to review your rules and guidelines and change them as needed. Children need to see that you trust them with more responsibility as they age. However, this also may translate to more serious consequences when they break the rules. Encourage cooperation by sitting down with your children and discussing the rules. You might say, “It seems like you haven't had any problem sticking to your 9 pm curfew. Since you're older, I think we'll extend that by an hour. How does that sound?” Include them in decisions. The feeling a teen gets when their parent genuinely wants their opinion is priceless. Many parents just bark out decisions instead of letting their kids play a role. However, as your children become teenagers and young adults, it can give them a sense of autonomy to offer forth their opinions. Allow older children to weigh in on more decisions like choosing clothes, meals, activities, or vacation plans. You might ask their opinion about handling family matters to show you respect their point-of-view. For example, you might say, "Jackson, what's your suggestion for this week's family movie night?" or "Where would you like to go for summer break?" Encourage your child to take on challenges and find independence. When your child has a strong relationship with you, they feel empowered to go out into the world and take on challenges. Be a supporter for your child, pushing them to develop greater self-efficacy over time. This may translate into allowing your teenager to handle their own laundry to ready them for college life. However, it may also involve empowering your child to stand up to bullies or speak up (respectfully) to a teacher who gave them an unfair grade. Empowerment happens through gradual instruction. Teach your child how to take on more demanding chores or tasks. Role-play with them through stressful social situations. Then, give them feedback to encourage future progress. Open up and show your human side. As your children mature, it's okay to relax the parent hat a little and let them get a glimpse of the person underneath. In fact, showing your kids your human side can actually reinforce lessons. Use personal, age-appropriate stories to drive home ways your kids can learn and grow. For instance, if you were bullied in school, share that with your child and explain how you got through it. They look at you as being strong and invincible because of how you overcame bullying. | Get on their level. Emphasize the importance of family time. Dedicate one-on-one time for each child. Stay in touch with academics, friendships, and extracurriculars. Kid around. Be trustworthy. Practice active listening without distractions. Follow the 3 F’s of effective parenting. Have relaxed side-by-side conversations. Review rules and increase privileges as your children get older. Include them in decisions. Encourage your child to take on challenges and find independence. Open up and show your human side. |
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