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https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Mouth-Guard | How to Clean a Mouth Guard | To clean a mouth guard, start by pouring a little bit of dish soap on it. Then, dip a clean toothbrush in warm water and scrub the dish soap into the mouth guard. Rinse the mouth guard off and you're finished! If your mouth guard is discolored, try soaking it in 1 part bleach and 10 parts water for 5-10 minutes. Then, thoroughly rinse off all the bleach with water. For a really dirty mouth guard, soak it in a glass with denture cleaner for 10 minutes to clean it. | Get a toothbrush specifically for the purpose. You can even buy a special cleaning brush, but a toothbrush will work just as well. Don't use the toothbrush you use for brushing your teeth. Try to find a hard bristled toothbrush. Put a small amount of soap on the mouth guard. Dishwashing soap is a good choice, but you can also use hand soap. Anti-bacterial soap also works. Use lukewarm water on the toothbrush to create suds. Gently brush the mouth guard or retainer. Pay special attention to the pockets of dirt and plaque. Rinse under warm water. Make sure all of the soap comes off. Feel the mouth guard to make sure none of the soap remains. Rinse it really well to avoid any unpleasant irritation of the oral mucosa from leftover soap. Put into your mouth or into a case. If your mouth guard or retainer is not in use, it should be in a case. This protects it from getting damaged and away from pets (who often like to chew on it.) Make a bleach solution. Use one part bleach to 10 parts water. Place the solution in a small bowl or denture cleaner container. Do not use bleach if you are allergic to any kind of bleach. Also, make sure to use gloves to protect your hands. Soak your mouth guard for 5 to 10 minutes. The bleach kills the bacteria and plaque that have built up. Discard the solution after you've used it once. Rinse after taking it out of the bleach solution. Be sure that all of the solution is gone. No bleach should remain to damage your mouth's soft tissues, such as your gums. Purchase denture or retainer cleaning tablets. Fill a bowl or denture cleaning container with cold tap water. Drop in the tablet. Place the mouth guard in the solution. Remove it after 5 to 10 minutes. Do not leave the mouth guard in the water all day or overnight as strong cleaning solutions could harm it. Rinse well. Store your mouth guard in its container. You might also want to rinse it after taking it out of the container. Clean your mouth guard once a day. This prevents dirt and plaque buildup on your mouth guard. It also ensures that your guard lasts as long as possible. You can do a quick rinse with mouthwash daily and a more thorough clean weekly. It's a good idea to clean your mouth guard every morning when you wake up, after you take it out of your mouth. You can do this very quickly and easily by running it under cool water and brushing it, which will help prevent bacteria buildup. It is also very important to adopt a complete oral hygiene routine to reduce the amount of plaque buildup, so remember to brush two times a day. Keep it in a case. Night guards and mouth guards can be damaged by heat and by pets. They can also get stepped on and mangled. The best way to keep them clean and in good shape is consistently using a case. Be careful using toothpaste on your mouth guard. Some dentists say it is fine, while others claim that toothpaste is abrasive and can damage the guard. Even if you can't see it, the abrasions can build up over time and compromise the mouth guard. Clean your case regularly. Just as your mouth guard gets dirty, so does the case. Use a gentle soap solution. You can also clean it out with a bleach solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Only keep the bleach solution in for 5 to 10 minutes. Never use boiling water on a mouth guard or retainer. It can compromise the plastic and make it start to melt. Use warm or cool (but not hot) water. | Get a toothbrush specifically for the purpose. Put a small amount of soap on the mouth guard. Use lukewarm water on the toothbrush to create suds. Rinse under warm water. Put into your mouth or into a case. Make a bleach solution. Soak your mouth guard for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse after taking it out of the bleach solution. Purchase denture or retainer cleaning tablets. Place the mouth guard in the solution. Rinse well. Clean your mouth guard once a day. Keep it in a case. Be careful using toothpaste on your mouth guard. Clean your case regularly. Never use boiling water on a mouth guard or retainer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Flea-Bites-in-Cats | How to Treat Flea Bites in Cats | To treat flea bites in your cat, start by taking it to the vet's, since the bites are a problem within the skin rather than on the surface, and the most effective treatments require a prescription. Your vet may prescribe a corticosteroid to decrease the inflammation and irritation, which will reduce the chances of your cat hurting itself by scratching too hard. Additionally, you may need to treat your cat and any other animals your home with an anti-flea medication to eliminate the flea population and prevent a re-infestation. | Look for raised red lumps on the cat's skin. Flea bites are likely to raise small red lumps on the cat's skin, but these can be difficult to see because of the cat's fur. However, if a cat has a flea bite allergy these lumps tend to scab over. Typically, a cat has many pinhead sized scabs scattered over the skins surface. Use your fingertips to stroke the cat, and look for spots with a gritty feel. If you push the fur against the lie of the coat to see the skin, the tiny scabs will become evident. Watch out for fleas in the cat's coat. If the cat has a heavy flea infestation you may see fleas. However, fleas do not live on the pet but only hop on to feed. This means that it can be difficult to find the culprit, unless it is a heavy infestation. You are however, quite likely to spot evidence of their presence in the form of flea dirt. Identify any flea dirt. Flea dirt is actually flea excrement, and is composed of dried blood that gets trapped between the hairs. To the naked eye it looks like black grit. If in doubt, place a piece of the suspected flea dirt onto a piece of damp cotton wool. The moisture in the cotton wool reconstitutes the blood and an orange halo will spread around the sample. Understand that the first step is to soothe any itchiness. Irritation is caused when the flea bites and injects saliva into the cat's skin. Flea saliva is a potent allergen which sets up an allergic reaction in sensitive animals. It is pointless to bathe or shampoo the cat because the irritation is happening within the skin rather than on the surface. Also topical creams tend not to be effective because the allergic reaction is usually widespread over the body and it is not practical to cover the entire cat in ointment. If the cat is very itchy then she will scratch and traumatize the skin. Take your cat to the veterinarian. Your veterinarian may provide short term relief in the form of anti-inflammatory medication. Be sure to tell your vet if your cat is taking any other drugs or medications, even herbal ones. Understand how corticosteroids work. Steroids are sometimes used if the cat is distressed by the level of itchiness. Controlling the itch can help reduce the risk of self-trauma to the skin, in that it reduces the chance of the cat scratching and her claws lacerating the skin. Corticosteroids work in several ways to decrease inflammation and irritation. Firstly, they decrease the sensitivity of cells to chemicals that mediate inflammation, thus making those cells less reactive. They also inhibit the production of those same chemicals which cause the inflammation in the first place. Importantly, steroids discourage the mast cells that contain histamine from flooding the area, and for those mast cells that are present, steroids inhibit them from releasing their histamine load (histamine is a potent source of itchiness). Recognize the benefits of using corticosteroids. The benefit of using steroids for a cat with flea bites is two-fold. Steroids decrease skin inflammation and irritation, thereby reducing the risk of the cat damaging herself scratching. The other benefit is that they help to switch off the allergic reaction associated with flea bite saliva sensitivity. They do this by down-regulating the immune system such that the production of antibodies associated with the presence of foreign antigen (in this case flea saliva) is reduced. Decide whether to give the steroids in the form of a depot injection, oral tablets, or a spray. The depot injection is the most commonly used. It is given by intramuscular injection and works for 5 to 7 days at a time. A single injection is often enough to give the owner time to institute flea control and thus remove the source of irritation. The preferred injection is dexamethasone, in a dose of 0.25ml for an average 5kg cat, possibly repeated 7 days later if the cat is still itchy. However, a longer acting (3-4 week) injection is available. Your vet may choose this option in severe cases. Oral steroids are another option, although less popular than the injection because of a cat's natural disinclination to take pills. The dose is 1mg/kg, so a 5kg cat requires a single 5 mg tablet once a day, with or after food, for 5 to 7 days. The third option is Cortavance spray, which is applied to the cat's skin from a pump bottle. This is absorbed into the skin where it has an anti-inflammatory action identical to that of systemic steroid treatments. The advantage with this treatment option is that the steroid molecule is destroyed in the skin so no, or very little, active steroids make it into the cat's circulation. However, the disadvantage is that the cat's fur may stop the spray from contacting the skin's surface, making it ineffective. Never give steroids alongside NSAIDs. Although there are no contraindications for using steroids alongside antibiotics or anti-histamines, steroids must never be used at the same time as NSAID pain relief, such as meloxicam. The combination of steroids and NSAIDs is likely to lead to severe gastric ulceration, hemorrhage, and possibly death. Use antibiotics if the flea bites become infected. If the skin is infected, it may feel sticky or there may be some oozing from the spots. Also, the cat may lick their skin as a result of itchiness, resulting in inflamed, sticky sores. The stickiness is a sign of infection and antibiotics are needed. This is especially true if the cat is given steroids, because this suppresses the cat's immune system and makes it more difficult for the cat to fight off the infection. The most commonly prescribed are broad spectrum antibiotics from the penicillin family. Potentiated amoxicillin works by disrupting the bacteria's cell wall. An averaged size cat is usually prescribed 50 mg by mouth twice a day for 5 to 7 days. Don't rely on antihistamines. Antihistamines are widely used to reduce allergic itchiness in people, but unfortunately the results in cats are very disappointing. As the name of the drug suggests, antihistamines work by inhibiting histamine release from sensitized cells (histamine causes itchiness). Quite why this group of drugs are less effective in the cat is not certain. If you want to try antihistamines, they are unlikely to be detrimental to the cat and a safe dosage of chlorpheniramine (Piriton) is 2-4 mg by mouth twice daily per cat. The tablets are commonly 4mg so this is equivalent to half or one tablet, twice daily. There are no contra-indications to using anti-histamines at the same time as steroids or antibiotics. Understand the importance of killing off the fleas. Killing off the fleas is a crucial part of successfully treating flea bites. There are a number of excellent products available that are highly effective at killing fleas. In order to be effective it is necessary to treat all the animals in the house. This is because untreated animals act as a reservoir of infection and make it completely impossible to eliminate the flea population. Find an anti-flea product called Fipronil. Fipronil is available as a spray and a spot-on product. It works by blocking the passage of calcium through the nerve cells of the fleas' nervous system, causing paralysis and death. The fipronil is taken up by the oil glands in the cat's skin and slowly released over time to provide protection for 4 weeks. Repeat application is necessary every 4 weeks to continue protection. Use the spray version of fipronil. The spray form come in a pump bottle (available in 100ml, 250ml, and 500ml bottles). The concentration of fipronil varies depending on the bottle size and hence the dose varies. A 100ml bottle is appropriate for use in cats (the larger sizes are designed for dogs) and the dose is 6-12 pumps per kg of body weight. Thus a 3 kg cat requires 18-36 pumps spread evenly over the entire body. The minimum interval between treatments is 4 weeks. Try the spot-on form of fipronil. The spot-on form comes in 50mg pipettes designed for use in the cat. The dose is one 50mg pipette applied to the skin on the back of the neck (where the cat won't lick it off), used monthly. This treats current infections and prevents re-infection. Buy a product containing selamectin. Selamectin belongs to a family of insecticides called the avermectins. It is available in the US as a spot-on, Revolution, and in the UK as Stronghold. Selamectin works by blocking nerve transmission in the flea, paralyzing it and causing death. The selamectin is applied once a month to the skin on the back of the neck. It has a persistent activity that lasts for 4 weeks, meaning the pet if fully protected from fleas for that month. Regular flea control and treatment of all in-contact animals should prevent reinfection and thus remove the need to treat flea bites. Selamectin is only available as a spot-on product. An average sized cat requires one 45mg pipette (blue top) applied to the skin on the back of the neck once a month. This should be continued on a permanent basis so as to prevent reinfection with fleas. Prevent future flea bites. The key to preventing future flare ups is controlling the flea population. Thus, all cats should be treated monthly with an effective flea control product (such as those containing fipronil or selamectin). Other animals in the household may harbor fleas and they should also be treated, in addition to the allergic animal. Use an environmental control insecticide to kill flea eggs and larvae in the carpet and other soft furnishings. This prevents the next generation of fleas from hatching and re-infesting your cat. | Look for raised red lumps on the cat's skin. Watch out for fleas in the cat's coat. Identify any flea dirt. Understand that the first step is to soothe any itchiness. Take your cat to the veterinarian. Understand how corticosteroids work. Recognize the benefits of using corticosteroids. Decide whether to give the steroids in the form of a depot injection, oral tablets, or a spray. Never give steroids alongside NSAIDs. Use antibiotics if the flea bites become infected. Don't rely on antihistamines. Understand the importance of killing off the fleas. Find an anti-flea product called Fipronil. Use the spray version of fipronil. Try the spot-on form of fipronil. Buy a product containing selamectin. Prevent future flea bites. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Add-and-Subtract-Square-Roots | How to Add and Subtract Square Roots | To add and subtract square roots, first simplify terms inside the radicals where you can by factoring them into at least 1 term that's a perfect square. When you do this, take the square root of the perfect square, write it outside of the radical, and leave the other factor inside. Then circle any terms with the same radicands so they're easier to see. To finish, just add or subtract the coefficients of the terms with matching radicands. Leave any other terms as they are, since you can only add and subtract terms that are the same. | Simplify any terms inside the radicals when possible. To simplify the terms inside of the radicals, try to factor them to find at least one term that is a perfect square, such as 25 (5 x 5) or 9 (3 x 3). Once you do that, then you can take the square root of the perfect square and write it outside the radical, leaving the remaining factor inside the radical. For this example, we are working with the problem 6β50 - 2β8 + 5β12. The numbers outside the radical sign are the coefficients and the numbers inside it are the radicands. Here's how you simplify each of the terms: 6β50 = 6β(25 x 2) = (6 x 5)β2 = 30β2. Here, you've factored "50" into "25 x 2" and then have pulled out the "5" from the perfect square, "25", and placed it outside of the radical, with the "2" remaining on the inside. Then, you multiplied "5" by "6", the number already outside the radical, to get 30 as the new coefficient. 2β8 = 2β(4 x 2) = (2 x 2)β2 = 4β2. Here, you've factored "8" into "4 x 2" and then have pulled out the "2" from the perfect square "4" and placed it outside the radical, leaving the "2" on the inside. Then, you multiplied "2" by "2", the number already outside the radical, to get 4 as the new coefficient. 5β12 = 5β(4 x 3) = (5 x 2)β3 = 10β3. Here, you've factored "12" into "4 x 3" and have pulled out the "2" from the perfect square "4" and placed it outside the radical, leaving the factor "3" on the inside. Then, you multiplied "2" by "5", the number already outside the radical, to get 10 as the new coefficient. Circle any terms with matching radicands. Once you simplified the radicands of the terms you were given, you were left with the following equation: 30β2 - 4β2 + 10β3. Since you can only add or subtract like terms, you should circle the terms that have the same radical, which in this example are 30β2 and 4β2. You can think of this as being similar to adding or subtracting fractions, where you can only add or subtract the terms if the denominators are the same. If you're working with a longer equation and there are multiple pairs with matching radicands, then you can circle the first pair, underline the second, put an asterisk by the third, and so on. Lining the terms up in order will make it easier for you to visualize the solution, too. Add or subtract the coefficients of the terms with matching radicands. Now, all you have to do is to add or subtract the coefficients of the terms with the matching radicands and leave any additional terms as part of the equation. Do not combine the radicands. The idea is that you are saying how many of that type of radicand there are, total. The non-matching terms can stay as they are. Here's what you do: 30β2 - 4β2 + 10β3 = (30 - 4)β2 + 10β3 = 26β2 + 10β3 Do Example 1. In this example, you are adding the following square roots: β(45) + 4β5. Here is what you have to do: Simplify β(45). First, you can factor it out to get β(9 x 5). Then, you can pull out a "3" from the perfect square, "9," and make it the coefficient of the radical. So, β(45) = 3β5. Now, just add up the coefficients of the two terms with matching radicands to get your answer. 3β5 + 4β5 = 7β5 Do Example 2. This example is the following problem: 6β(40) - 3β(10) + β5. Here is what you have to do to solve it: Simplify 6β(40). First you can factor out "40" to get "4 x 10", which makes 6β(40) = 6β(4 x 10). Then, you can pull out a "2" from the perfect square, "4," and then multiply it by the current coefficient. Now you've got 6β(4 x 10) = (6 x 2)β10. Multiply the two coefficients to get 12β10. Now, your problem reads 12β10 - 3β(10) + β5. Since the first two terms have the same radicand, you can subtract the second term from the first and leave the third as it is. You're left with (12-3)β10 + β5 , which can be simplified to 9β10 + β5. Do Example 3. This example is the following: 9β5 -2β3 - 4β5. Here, none of the radicals have factors that are perfect squares, so no simplifying is possible. The first and third terms are like radicals, so their coefficients can already be combined (9 - 4). The radicand is unaffected. The remaining terms are not alike, so the problem can be simplified as 5β5 - 2β3. Do Example 4. Let's say you're working with the following problem: β9 + β4 - 3β2. Here is what you do: Since β9 is equal to β(3 x 3) , you can simplify β9 to 3. Since β4 is equal to β(2 x 2) , you can simplify β4 to 2. Now, you can simply add 3 + 2 to get 5. Since 5 and 3β2 are not like terms, there's nothing more you can do. Your final answer is 5 - 3β2. Do Example 5. Let's try adding and subtracting square roots that are part of a fraction. Now, as with a regular fraction, you can only add or subtract fractions that have the same numerator or denominator. Let's say you're working with this problem: (β2)/4 + (β2)/2. Here's what you do: Make it so these terms have the same denominator. The lowest common denominator, or the denominator that would be evenly divisible by both the denominators "4" and "2," is "4." So, to make the second term, (β2)/2, have the denominator of 4, you need to multiply both its numerator and denominator by 2/2. (β2)/2 x 2/2 = (2β2)/4. Add up the numerators of the fractions while leaving the denominator the same. Do just what you would do if you were adding fractions. (β2)/4 + (2β2)/4 = 3β2)/4. | Simplify any terms inside the radicals when possible. Circle any terms with matching radicands. If you're working with a longer equation and there are multiple pairs with matching radicands, then you can circle the first pair, underline the second, put an asterisk by the third, and so on. Add or subtract the coefficients of the terms with matching radicands. Do Example 1. Do Example 2. Do Example 3. Do Example 4. Do Example 5. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-Selection-Criteria | How to Write Selection Criteria | To write selection criteria as an employer, start by reviewing the job description and identifying the qualifications, skills, abilities, and experience needed. Be sure to list the essential criteria first, which includes all of the skills required to get the job, followed by the desired criteria, which includes the qualities and skills that would make a person more successful in the position. You can also use key expressions like "background in," "experience in," and "proven record in" to ensure your criteria is measurable and specific. | Examine the job description. The selection criteria outline the qualifications, skills, abilities, and experience needed to successfully do the position. Once you understand the job description, you can begin to develop the criteria. The criteria will also help you evaluate potential job candidates. As you think about the position, ask yourself some questions: What types of experiences would prepare someone to do this job? What type of education would prepare someone for this job? What skills are necessary to complete the job? Are there any policies or regulations someone needs to know to do this job? For example, if you are filling a managerial position, your selection criteria may include phrases like "demonstrated ability to manage financial resources and develop budgets," or "proven ability to manage a team." Decide between essential and desired criteria. Essential criteria are absolutely necessary to fulfill the position. The desired criteria are qualities and skills that would make a person more successful. The essential criteria should help applicants decide if they are well suited for the position. The desired criteria can help you identify the top candidates for the job. List the essential and most important criteria first. Use key expressions. Key expressions are usually used to write selection criteria. These expressions will let candidates know what you are looking for and what level of experience is needed to fulfill the criteria. "Background in" refers to education. "Experience in" and "proven record in" means you want a candidate with actual experience that can be proven and with verified outcomes. If you are referencing a transferable skill or potential to do something, you would use phrases like "aptitude for" or "capacity to." "Knowledge of," "awareness of," and "understanding of," indicate that you expect familiarity and/or comprehension. Avoid overwhelming applicants. A large number of selection criteria may deter people from applying to the position. Try to limit yourself 10 criteria or less. Also avoid using jargon and acronyms as some applicants may not be familiar with them. Write using plain, simple, and concise language. Include only one skill or qualification in each criterion. Using jargon can also create a bias towards internal candidates that are familiar with your company and industry. Don't use gender specific language in your criteria. Make your criteria measurable. Because you are using the criteria to choose the best applicant, it is important that the criteria can be measured. This will help you compare applicants to others. Avoid including personal qualities in the criteria. Criteria such as "hard-working" and "reliable" are difficult to quantify. Stick with specific behaviors and more outcome based criteria. Using key expressions will help you avoid including personal qualities. Read the job description. Before you begin addressing the selection criteria, you should have a thorough understanding of the position you are applying for. As you go through the description, make sure that your background and interests are aligned with the description. If you have any questions about the job, contact the name listed on the job application or the human resources department to get more information. As you read, think about how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position. If you are unable to think of specific examples, you may want to consider applying for a different position. You should also research the employer that you are submitting your application to. Your responses will be better if you have a thorough understanding of the culture, needs, and expectations of the company. Identify key words. Common phrases are used in selection criteria. These phrases will give you an idea of what the employer is looking for. It is helpful to highlight the key words in the selection criteria before you develop your answers. Some of the phrases to look for include: "background in," "experience in; proven record in," "knowledge of; understanding of; awareness of," "ability to; capacity to," "must have." "Background in" usually refers to your education and training. "Experience in" refers to having practical experience in the area. "Proven record" means you should be able to confirm and/or demonstrate the skill or experience. "Knowledge, understanding, and awareness" are usually in reference to regulations, policies, and procedures. "Ability and capacity" refers to how suitable you are to perform a task or being able and qualified to perform a task. Determine essential and desired criteria. The selection criteria will be listed as either "essential" or "desired." You must meet all of the essential criteria to make the interview list. You do not have to have the desired criteria to make the interview list. However, having these criteria will make you a stronger candidate. If you do not meet all of the essential criteria, you should not apply for the position. Determine the required format and length for the selection criteria. The job description usually provides directions for responding to the selection criteria. If you are unsure, ask the employer for more information about how to respond to selection criteria. Inquire about the preferred format and required length before composing your response and writing your selection criteria. Some employers have a specific format that you must follow. Always check before getting started. A separate document is usually used to submit your responses to the selection criteria. If a separate document is not required, you can format your cover letter and resume to address the selection criteria. Go beyond your resume. Your responses should do more than restate what is in your resume. Instead, they should build on the information presented in your resume. You want to give the employers a clearer picture of your skills and experience. Think of your responses as an opportunity to include all of the information that you were not able to put into your resume and cover letter. Never refer the reader to information in your resume as part of your response (e.g. see resume). Organize your responses. Each criterion should be addressed individually. You can use the exact wording of the selection criteria as the heading. Under each heading, write one to two paragraphs explaining how you demonstrate the skill. Your writing should be clear, concise, and specific to the criterion. Try to keep your responses between 60 and 120 words. It may be helpful to brainstorm your response and write down 2 to 3 sentences about how you meet the criterion. Bullet points can also be used to differentiate between examples. If you gained the skill in two separate jobs, you may devote one bullet point to each job. For example, if the criterion is "excellent interpersonal and communication skills," begin your response by saying, "I have developed excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including..." Then provide specific examples of each of the skills that you just listed. Use the STAR model to address selection criteria. The STAR model is the suggested format for responding to selection criteria. This model will help you develop complete answers. You will outline the Situation, Task, Action, and Result. Specify the "Situation" in which you developed or utilized the skills represented by a particular criterion. Explain the circumstances surrounding the experience to give the employer a greater ability to envision your situation. Demonstrate the "Task." Write about the role you played in the situation and how you performed the duties related to the task, using as much detail as possible. Include individual actions, tasks performed with a group and the outcomes experienced. Elaborate about the "Actions." Explain the actions you took and how you completed them to fulfill the specific criterion. Show the "Results." Write about any achievements and the positive outcome from your efforts relating to the criterion. Use quantifiable results, if possible. Consider other response methods. While the STAR model is the most common, there are other methods that you can use. These methods may be more helpful depending on how the criteria are written. For example, some criteria are written as application questions with specific scenarios. Other formats include the CAR (Circumstance, Action, Result), SAR (Situation, Action, Result) , and SAO (Situation, Action, Outcome) model. An example of an application question is, "Describe a situation where you had to deal with an angry customer. Describe how you met the customer's needs and how you developed skills in this area." Criteria that focus on knowledge, understanding, or qualifications can be answered using these other response methods. Criteria that start with "ability to" are best answered using the STAR method. Choose the response format that helps you write the best answer. Avoid common mistakes. Your responses will be more impressive if you avoid some common errors. Never claim an experience or skill that you cannot support with examples. Your answers should also be specific instead of just making general statements. Lastly, do not just reword information from the selection criteria or the company's website. These responses should reflect how your specific background and experiences have prepared you to do the job. Address all of the criteria. It is important that you respond to each of the criteria listed whether essential or desirable. Even if you do not satisfy a criterion, still write a response. Your response should show any theoretical or best practice knowledge about the area, your ability to acquire that knowledge or skill, and how you plan to do so. Proofread and edit your document carefully. Look for incomplete sentences, misspellings, inappropriate word use, formatting errors and awkward wording. Rephrase sentences to make them active tense using strong, descriptive verbs. Also make sure your responses are within the word limit. Ask a friend or colleague to edit your statement. Encourage him or her to make comments, look for errors and analyze it for run-on sentences or fragments. | Examine the job description. Decide between essential and desired criteria. Use key expressions. Avoid overwhelming applicants. Make your criteria measurable. Read the job description. Identify key words. Determine essential and desired criteria. Determine the required format and length for the selection criteria. Go beyond your resume. Organize your responses. Use the STAR model to address selection criteria. Consider other response methods. Avoid common mistakes. Address all of the criteria. Proofread and edit your document carefully. |
https://www.wikihow.com/File-for-a-Domestic-Partnership-in-New-York | How to File for a Domestic Partnership in New York | A domestic partnership entitles you to many of the same benefits of a married couple, including health insurance. To file for a domestic partnership in New York, you'll need to complete an affidavit, which you can find online at the city clerk's office website. Then, you and your partner will need to bring the application and your IDs to the clerk's office. There, you'll sign the application, get it notarized, and pay a small fee, typically 50 dollars or less. | Determine if you and your partner meet the requirements to file. It is not possible for any two people to file for a domestic partnership in New York without meeting certain basic requirements. These requirements are related to age, residence, and personal history. In most cities and counties, both you and your partner need to be residents of the country/city in which you are applying for domestic partnership. However in New York City, Rockland County and Suffolk County, one partner may be an employee of the city/county at the time of registration instead of being a resident. Also, in Albany, Ithaca, and Rochester you do not have to be residents to file. Both you and your partner need to be 18 years of age. You and your partner cannot be blood related. You and your partner cannot be legally married or in another domestic partnership. You and your partner must be in a close and committed personal relationship. You and your partner must live together, and have been living together on a continuous basis (typically 6 months). You and your partner cannot have been in another domestic partnership within the last 6 months. Begin the application process with an affidavit. You will first need to complete an affidavit, which is a written report that promises the information contained is true and can be used in court. In New York City this can be done online at the city clerk's office. In other locations, the form is available for download online and can then be sent in by mail. Alternatively, hard copies can be picked up at the city/county clerk's office. Appear in person at the clerk's office with your application, ID and fee. In New York City and other cities/counties, you will need to bring a credit card or check or money order made payable to the clerk's office. Both you and your partner need to be in attendance. If you have submitted your affidavit online in New York City, you will not need to bring a hard copy. Be sure to bring valid ID. Most counties in the state of New York charge an application fee of $35.00. In others, including Suffolk County, the fee is $20.00. In the City of Rochester the fee is $50.00. Valid forms of ID include a valid driver license or non-driver identification card, original birth certificate, passport, official school record, United States permanent resident card, your employee identification card or your your IDNYC. Sign the application. This is the final step of the application process. You and your partner must sign the application and have it notarized. Conveniently, Clerk Offices provide free notary services on site. Claim your certificate of domestic partnership. After you and your partner have completed the application process, you will receive a certificate of domestic partnership. Additional copies of the certificate can be purchased for a fee, which ranges from $9.00 to $15.00. Understand you and your partner's new rights. As domestic partners, you and your partner are now entitled to a number of rights and benefits. These are similar to those afforded to a married couple. Domestic partners are allowed time off for bereavement and child care responsibilities. In New York City, domestic partners are allowed to visit each other in New York City operated hospitals, correctional, and detention facilities. A domestic partner can be added to a housing rental agreement as a family member. Domestic partners are eligible for health care benefits provided by many cities in New York, including New York City, Albany, Rochester and more. Domestic partners of New York City firefighters, police officers, uniformed correctional officers and other city workers killed while on duty have the right to a monetary award from the city. Research other benefits that may be available to you and your partner. Your new certificate is proof of your registered civil union and can be used to apply for domestic partnership benefits. These may include: Health dental and vision insurance. Sick and bereavement leave. Accident and life insurance. Death benefits. Parental leave. Prepare the documents you will need for benefits. In most cases, you will simply need the certificate that was issued by the clerk's office. Legally, you should not be required to complete any other documentation proving that you are in a domestic partnership. | Determine if you and your partner meet the requirements to file. Begin the application process with an affidavit. Appear in person at the clerk's office with your application, ID and fee. Sign the application. Claim your certificate of domestic partnership. Understand you and your partner's new rights. Research other benefits that may be available to you and your partner. Prepare the documents you will need for benefits. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dress-for-Work | How to Dress for Work | To dress business casual for men, start by wearing either long or short-sleeved, fitted collared shirts in white, light blue, or stripes. Your shirt should be neatly pressed and tucked into your pants, which can be khaki, gabardine, or cotton. For cooler weather, opt for a sport coat or sweater to go over your shirt. Finally, wear either leather boat shoes or loafers. For women, choose casual, fitted skirts or slacks that are navy, black, grey, brown, or khaki, and pair it with a blouse or sweater and heels, pumps, or high-quality flats. | Dress up if you're ever in doubt about what to wear. Despite the name, "business casual" still involves dressing up for work. In fact, sometimes business casual dress for women can look similar to business formal attire. However, your style can be more relaxed, you typically have more freedom to express your personal style, and more casual shoes are acceptable. If your workplace has a business casual code, your clothes should fit properly. Although you do not need to wear a tailored suit, you should still avoid baggy or tight clothing. Remember, casual does not mean less professional. Low-top blouses and high-slit skirts are not appropriate for work. Knee-length skirts and dresses are appropriate, as are dress slacks with a dress shirt or blouse. Dress down for a more laid-back office or on casual days. Many offices now embrace a more relaxed dress code throughout the entire week, while other companies choose to have Casual Fridays or other days when it's acceptable to dress down. If that's the case, remember you still want to look professional. Check what your coworkers wear before opting for extremely casual pieces like jeans or athletic shoes. If denim is sometimes appropriate, opt for a darker wash, which will look dressier and more professional than light-wash jeans. Wear casual, knee-length dresses and skirts for a feminine look. To ensure you always look professional, your skirt should at least reach your knees when you're standing, and it should skim over your body rather than hugging it closely. Neutral colors like navy, black, gray, brown, and khaki typically look the most professional. However, in many settings, you may be able to wear bolder colors as well, especially if the rest of your outfit is toned down. If your skirt falls below your knees, it's fine to have a slit just above the knee. However, if the skirt is very long, the slit should come just to your knee, rather than above. Slits in the center-back of a skirt should not extend higher than the back of the knee. Opt for dress slacks if you'd rather wear pants. Dress slacks are a sensible, comfortable option if you prefer not to wear a skirt to work. Choose creased slacks that drape neatly from the hips through the hem, with a length that falls just at the top of your shoes. If your job requires you to do physical or manual labor, wearing dress pants is the more sensible choice. Wear a dress shirt or blouse with a skirt or slacks. When you're choosing a top, opt for one that fits you comfortably, and stay away from anything that's sheer or tight or that shows your cleavage. A few good options include button-down shirts, blouses, fitted knit sweaters, or a shirt and vest. Unlike business formal wear, it's fine to wear bright colors in a business casual dress code, if you like them. This can be a great way to inject a little personality into your look! Cotton, silk, and fabric blends are all appropriate for tops. However, it's best to avoid wearing velvet or any shimmery fabric, such as something you might wear to a party. If your job requires you to wear a button-down uniform shirt, wear it neatly pressed and tucked into your slacks or skirt. Wear heels, pumps, or high-quality flats. Your shoes should be made of leather, fabric, or another dressy-looking material like micro-fiber. Typically, closed-toe shoes are the most conservative, but sandals which aren't too dressy or too casual may sometimes be appropriate. Avoid shoes with thin straps, platforms, and spiky or chunky heels. Shoes should be black, navy, brown, tan, or taupe. White and pastels are typically not business appropriate. Choose shoes that fit comfortably and are easy to walk in. While your shoes shouldn't be flashy, you do have some versatility in what you wear, so choose shoes that you feel express your personality! For instance, if your style is more feminine, you might opt for sleek pumps, but if you're more athletic, you might opt for a nice pair of loafers. Opt for a dressier look if you're not sure to wear. While some industries are becoming more relaxed in their dress codes, it's still better to be overdressed rather than underdressed in a business setting. If you're not sure what the dress code will be, or if you're attending an important meeting, seminar, or other business-related event, wear a button-down shirt, tie, slacks, and dress shoes. In cool weather, you might add a jacket, as well. If you discover that you're overdressed, you can remove your tie and jacket, and you can even roll your sleeves up to your elbows to feel more at ease in a very informal setting. Wear either a long-sleeved or short-sleeved collared shirt. When you're choosing what to wear to work, you can never go wrong with a white, light blue, or conservatively-striped collared shirt. Button-downs are the most common choice, but polo shirts are also acceptable in most business casual situations. No matter what style you choose, your shirt should be neatly pressed and tucked in. Shirts do not have to be tailored but should not be baggy. Though they can be less form-fitting, you must still look professional. Do not wear shirts with logos or words on the front. Some non-professional jobs have a standard uniform that all coworkers are required to wear. While this typically includes just a uniform shirt, your shirt should still be neatly pressed, reasonably sized, and tucked into your pants. Opt for a polo or a button-down without a tie on casual days. Your office might have certain days when it's okay to dress down, like Casual Fridays. Some offices might even have a more casual dress code year-round. In those cases, you can be professional and casual by sticking with a nice button-down top or polo with a pair of khakis or other slacks. If jeans are acceptable in your office, opt for a darker wash, which looks dressier than light denim. Wear casual but dressy shoes like loafers unless athletic shoes are commonplace in your office. Wear pressed khaki, gabardine, or cotton pants. Dress slacks are not required in business casual, although you can still wear them paired with business casual shirts. However, more casual fabrics like khaki and cotton are more common in a business casual setting. Your pants don't have to be tailored, but they should not be too tight or too baggy. Also, make sure that they aren't too long or shortβin most cases, your pants should neatly skim the tops of your shoes. The fit of your pants can help communicate your personal style. For instance, you might choose a pair of ankle-length, slim-fitting trousers to look more modern, while you might opt for a straight-leg fit if your style is more traditional. Black, brown, navy, and khaki-colored pants are preferable, although you can wear trousers in a bolder color if you wear them with a conservative shirt. Corduroy pants are also acceptable. Although jeans are sometimes acceptable in certain industries, observe your peers and bosses to see if they are truly acceptable in your workplace. If you do wear jeans, choose a dark color over lighter or faded colors. Wear a lighter colored sport coat or a high-quality sweater. In some places, you won't need to wear a jacket every day to work unless it's cold or you just prefer to, while in other companies, a jacket is expected regardless of the weather. If you do need to wear a jacket or sweater to work, you can't go wrong with options like a navy blazer, a tweed sports coat, a solid-colored V-neck sweater, a corduroy jacket, or a cardigan. The jacket or sweater you choose is one of the best ways to express your personal style! For dress sweaters and cardigans, it's best to select snug sizes. However, when you're wearing a blazer, it's okay if it isn't quite as form-fitting. If you wear a V-neck sweater, it should only be deep enough to expose the collar of your dress shirt. Do not wear a black suit coat or blazer, as this likely will look too formal. Wear dress shoes that are comfortable yet still professional. Make sure your shoes don't pinch your toes or rub against the heel of your foot, as you won't look very professional if you're limping around the office. The most common choices for business casual footwear are either leather boat shoes or loafers, so choose the ones you like the best. Choose shoes in a conservative color like navy, black, or brown. In some situations, wearing sneakers that are specifically labeled "business casual" is also acceptable. These sneakers also tend to be brown or darkly colored. Some non-professional jobs require you to do manual or physical labor, such as stocking items in a back room. In this situation, athletic footwear may be the standard, but remember to observe your coworkers and ask your supervisors before switching to more casual shoes. Wear clothes that fit and that are not revealing. Dressing professionally means avoiding clothes that are provocative and distracting. Ensure that skirts come to your knees and cover your thighs when you sit, and do not wear shirts that are sheer or cut low enough to expose your cleavage. In addition, your clothing should never be too tight or too loose. Also, your undergarments should never show, including the seam lines or the hems of slips. Skirts should only have center-back slits that extend no higher than the back of your knee. These are acceptable because they allow you to walk and climb stairs more easily. However, slits designed to increase the view of your legs are not appropriate. Opt for a skirt suit to look dressy, feminine, and professional. In a business formal setting, the most common attire for women is a skirt suit, which is a skirt and matching jacket with a blouse underneath. Be sure that the skirt extends to your knee and covers your thigh when you sit. Longer skirts are also appropriate, but they should not be so narrow that you can't walk comfortably, nor should they be billowing. Black and dark colors are the most professional-looking choices for business formal wear. Choose a dark-colored pants suit if you'd prefer to wear pants. If you'd rather not wear a skirt or dress, a pants suit can be a comfortable alternative. Choose pants that fit you neatly, paired with a nice blouse and a tailored jacket. For the most professional look, the jacket should hit at about your hips. Your slacks should fall to the tops of your shoes, and they should not be tight across your hips or thighs when you sit. Wearing a tailored blazer is also acceptable, so long as it matches your bottom wear. Suits should be made of quality fabrics such as wool, wool blends, or heavy-weight synthetics. Wear a tailored blouse or shirt with a skirt or pants suit. When you're choosing the top to go with your suit, opt for a high-quality fabric, like cotton, silk, or a blend. Your top might be a shell or sleeved top, but you might also choose a knit sweater or sweater set. Choose a top that's not sheer, tight, or low cut. The top should be made of quality fabric such as cotton, silk, or blends. Avoid velvet or shimmery fabrics you would wear to a party. While neutral tops are preferable in a business formal setting, the cut of your blouse can help you show off your personality. For instance, you might wear a structured top with a square boatneck if your style is more put-together and chic, or you might wear a flowy blouse under your suit if your style is more feminine and romantic. Select a dress for a simple alternative. A conservative dress can be a nice option for the office, especially when the weather is warm. A dress should extend to your knee or mid-calf, but wearing long dresses should typically be avoided, as they can look too formal. Do not wear backless dresses or dresses with spaghetti straps or plunging necklines. Sleeveless, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved dresses are all acceptable. If the weather is cool, wear a coordinating jacket with your dress. Choose solid-colored neutrals, including black, ivory, camel, grey, navy, and brown. Wear hosiery with your skirt or dress in cool weather. In a business formal setting, hose are generally preferred, as bare legs are considered more casual. However, depending on your workplace, it may be acceptable to leave your legs bare during the summer. If you do wear hose, they should be solid-colored, with no patterns. Sheer hose is the best choice, as it's the most conservative. Dark hosiery that matches your suit and shoes is also appropriate, but avoid hosiery that's opaque. Wear either heels or pumps. In a business formal setting, opt for closed-toe heels and pumps. Do not wear heels that extend beyond 4 inches (10.2Β cm), and avoid wearing sandals, chunky heels, flat-soled shoes, stilettos, and platforms. For the most professional look, choose shoes that are made of leather, fabric, or micro-fiber. In a business formal setting, opt for sensible shoes, and avoid anything too flashy. It is important to be able to walk comfortably in your shoes. Hobbling in uncomfortable shoes looks clumsy and unprofessional. Wear a suit or slacks and a jacket. Business formal usually means wearing a suit, tie, dress shirt, and dress shoes. When you're choosing a suit, opt for conservative colors like black, grey, or navy blue. The material you choose should reflect the climate, so opt for heavier fabrics in cold weather and lighter (but still dressy) materials when it's warmer out. Work attire should be snug without being constrictive. If your clothes are too tight, they'll be uncomfortable to work in, but if they're too loose, they'll look sloppy and unprofessional. Notice how your colleagues dress and use it as your standard. Try to dress at the same level as others in your workplace. Choose pants that fit neatly around your waist and cover your socks. Your pants should sit at your waist, above your hipsβthey should never sag. In addition, have your dress pants hemmed so they completely cover your socks and touch the tops of your shoes. Pants cuts typically come in traditional cut, straight leg cut, or slim-fit cut. Traditional cut slacks are more relaxed from the thigh through the leg, straight cut are a little more narrow, but still fall in a straight line, and slim-fit cut pants become more narrow at the ankle. All are appropriate for business wear. Do not wear khaki or corduroy pants, as these materials are considered more casual. Wear a suit coat or blazer that matches the color of your slacks. Having a tailored suit coat or blazer is preferred, although it is not as necessary as pants and shirts. Having a slightly bulkier or less form-fitting jacket is acceptable. If your sport coat has two buttons, only button the top button. If it has three, only button the middle button. This is not only a function of styleβit facilitates movement. When you sit, unbutton your jacket. If you leave it fastened, the buttons may pop off when you sit. In addition, unbuttoning your jacket will help prevent wrinkles. Some workplaces do not require you to wear a blazer or full suit. If you are uncertain, opt for a two-piece matched suit as this is the safest and most professional-looking choice. Wear a white or light-colored, long-sleeve dress shirt. The most professional look with a suit is always a collared button-down shirt. White looks the most formal, but pastel shirts are also acceptable. Wear either a solid colored shirt or one with subtle stripes. Always tuck your shirt into your dress slacks. Avoid loud colors such as bright yellow, orange, and red. If you are uncertain of about the fit of a shirt, ask a tailor what size looks the most professional. Wear a tie that matches your shirt, pants, or both. While you can use your tie to express your personality, be sure that the color you select is conservative. Ties with simple designs or solid colors are the best choice, but you can customize your look slightly by choosing different colors, subtle patterns, and a width you prefer. Avoid ties that are brightly colored or with overly elaborate designs. This can be distracting and off-putting to some. Do not tie your tie too shortβthe bottom should stop just above the top of your belt. Don't worry about using fancy or special knots. Knots generally only affect the length and width of your tie. Any knot will do in a business formal setting. Wear dark-colored dress shoes. The most professional-looking shoes are typically either black or cordovan (brown leather). Polish your shoes every few weeks and try to keep them looking shiny. Find dress shoes that are no more than β 2 in (1.3Β cm) longer than your actual feet. Remember that dress shoes are cut differently and that your normal shoe size may not be the best fit for dress shoes. To help preserve their appearance, store your shoes in their original box when not in use. Always wear dark dress socks with your dress shoes. Never wear athletic white socks with traditional business attire. Opt for conservative but tasteful accessories. It's normal to want to show off a nice watch or an eye-catching necklace, but be judicial in what you wear to work. A few well-chosen accessories can actually make you look more professional and put-together. Try opting for classic pieces that showcase your style without detracting from your professional appearance. Examples of classic pieces might include a nice pair of cufflinks, a pendant necklace, or a pair of pearl earrings. Scarves, hats, and other optional clothing should be conservative and high quality. In most industries, you'll be expected to remove any piercings that aren't in your ears, as well as to cover up any tattoos. Wear a black or brown leather belt with a standard sized buckle. Large or customized belt buckles should not be worn in business settings. Also, avoid belts that are brightly-colored or adorned with rhinestones or other obvious embellishments. Use either a briefcase or business bag to carry your items in. You do not have to spend obscene amounts of money for a proper carrying case. Just make sure your bag looks like it belongs in a professional setting. A nice leather bag or a briefcase is ideal. If you also carry a purse, keep it small and simple so as to avoid carrying two large bags. If necessary, you can put your purse in your larger bag. Wear your hair neat and opt for minimal makeup, if you wear any. Each day, take some time to style your hair in a way that looks neat and flattering. If you have facial hair, be sure that you are well groomed every day. In addition, wearing some make-up can help you look more polished, but wearing too much can make you look unprofessional. Try a simple look with a little concealer or foundation, blush, a neutral, matte eyeshadow, mascara, and a little lipstick. If you have really long hair, be sure to put it in a bun or ponytail so that it does not look messy. Avoid dyeing your hair extreme colors or styling it in overly elaborate ways as this will look distracting and unprofessional. If you decide to wear cologne or perfume, only apply a little spritz to ensure it isn't too strong. Keep your fingernails neatly groomed. When you wash your hands, scrub under your nails so they don't look dirty. If you paint your nails, opt for a neutral color that matches your outfit, and avoid using false nails, especially ones that are excessively long. Do not paint your nails unusual colors or paint alternate colors on each nail. Choose a conservative watch. In a professional setting, your watch shouldn't be flashy, but it shouldn't be the cheapest plastic watch you can find, either. Opt for a nice watch with a metal or leather band, with an easy-to-read dial or display, in a style that suits your personal taste. Even if you can afford an expensive, shiny gold watch with diamonds in it, work is not the right place to display it. | Dress up if you're ever in doubt about what to wear. Dress down for a more laid-back office or on casual days. Wear casual, knee-length dresses and skirts for a feminine look. Opt for dress slacks if you'd rather wear pants. Wear a dress shirt or blouse with a skirt or slacks. Wear heels, pumps, or high-quality flats. Opt for a dressier look if you're not sure to wear. Wear either a long-sleeved or short-sleeved collared shirt. Opt for a polo or a button-down without a tie on casual days. Wear pressed khaki, gabardine, or cotton pants. Wear a lighter colored sport coat or a high-quality sweater. Wear dress shoes that are comfortable yet still professional. Wear clothes that fit and that are not revealing. Opt for a skirt suit to look dressy, feminine, and professional. Choose a dark-colored pants suit if you'd prefer to wear pants. Wear a tailored blouse or shirt with a skirt or pants suit. Select a dress for a simple alternative. Wear hosiery with your skirt or dress in cool weather. Wear either heels or pumps. Wear a suit or slacks and a jacket. Choose pants that fit neatly around your waist and cover your socks. Wear a suit coat or blazer that matches the color of your slacks. Wear a white or light-colored, long-sleeve dress shirt. Wear a tie that matches your shirt, pants, or both. Wear dark-colored dress shoes. Opt for conservative but tasteful accessories. Wear a black or brown leather belt with a standard sized buckle. Use either a briefcase or business bag to carry your items in. Wear your hair neat and opt for minimal makeup, if you wear any. Keep your fingernails neatly groomed. Choose a conservative watch. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Pen | How to Make a Pen | To make a quality pen, start by purchasing a pen kit online, which will include an ink cartridge and the necessary metal pieces. For the body of your pen, you can use a pre-made pen block or you can make your own using scrap lumber. Once you have a pen block, saw and drill it to the correct size. Then, you will need to sand and glue on your brass pieces. After the pen is assembled, sand it down the right shape using a lathe or sanding drum. Finally, add your desired finish and complete a final sanding. | Shape a pen with polymer clay. Take out a pen's ink cartridge and cut a bamboo skewer to the same length. Wipe the skewer with petroleum jelly and use it to pierce a small ball of polymer clay. Roll out the clay until it extends along the whole skewer, seal it over one end, and bake according to clay's label instructions. Let cool 5β10 minutes, remove the skewer, then glue in the ink cartridge once the clay has cooled completely. Use a piece of cane. A thin piece of bamboo is ideal, but any sturdy hollow cane will do. Cut off a cane segment underneath one joint, and just below the next. Drop an ink cartridge from an ordinary pen into the hollow end. Gradually make an angled cut into the solid end, until you can poke through with the ink cartridge tip. Seal the end with clay or putty to prevent ink leaking out. If the cartridge is too loose, hold it in with strong glue. If it's too long, hold it in place with tape. Make a quill pen. Choose a large tail feather, and trim away enough feathers to comfortably hold the tip. Sand the tip smooth, then cut it away at a steep angle. To let the quill pick up ink, cut a slit from the tip inward, and chop off the extreme tip to make a flat edge. For best results, before you begin cutting, soak the feather in hot water until it bends easily, then harden it again in hot sand. Purchase a pen kit. You'll most likely have to place an online order, as these are difficult to find even in craft stores. These include the ink cartridge and metal pieces. See the Things You'll Need section below for additional tools before you buy. The same source may be able to sell you those tools. This guide will work for any type of pen kit. Rollerball pens are slightly easier to assemble, but twist pen kits are usually the cheapest option. Cut or purchase a pen blank. A pen blank is just a rectangular block with a hole drilled through the center, usually made from wood or Corian. You can practice on homemade scrap lumber blanks, then move on to pre-cut blanks with more attractive wood and "stabilized" treatment for a better fit. Line up the two brass tubes from your pen kit. Cut the blank a bit longer than this length. The other dimensions don't matter, as long as the blank is significantly larger than the desired pen size. A 5" x Β½" x Β½" (12.75 x 1.25 x 1.25 cm) blank should fit most pen kits. Saw the blank apart. Line up the brass tubes next to your blank. Cut the blank into segments, each one slightly longer than a single brass tube. Most pen kits come with two brass tubes, but some use three. These may be different lengths, so use a different tube for each measurement. Draw a pencil line across the blanks so you can easily line up the grain. Drill the pen blank. If you cut your own blank, hold each part in a drill press and drill through the center. The drill bit must match the outer diameter of the brass tubes in your pen kit. Drill slowly, in Β½" (1.25 cm) increments, to avoid fracturing the material. Set the drill press' depth stop so the point just barely touches the opposite side. If it emerges fully, it will often "blow out" the whole blank, making you start again. Saw off the tip of the blank so the hole goes straight through. The most common sizes are 7mm (roughly J bit or 9/32") and 8mm (roughly O or 5/16"). If using imperial drill bits, you may want to test on scrap wood first to find the best fit. A slightly loose fit should turn out fine if you use extra glue. Sand and glue in the brass tubes. Scuff the exterior of the brass tubes with rough sandpaper, about 120 grit. Optionally, plug the end with Play-Do or dental wax to avoid getting glue inside the tube. Apply glue and stick each brass tube into the blank of the same length. Wear gloves to minimize cleanup. Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue and 5-minute epoxy are popular choices. If you use polyurethane glue, wait until the final stage, when you're ready to assemble. This glue foams up as it cures, which can ruin the fit. (This is a possibility with all glues, but most pen makers prefer the convenience of gluing at this stage instead of leaving the tubes loose.) Square the ends with a pen mill. Wait for the glue to cure, according to the glue's label instructions. Fit the pen mill rod into one of the tubes, and turn clockwise so the cutting edge squares the end. Repeat with each end of each blank, until every surface is flush with the end of the brass tube. Now's a good time to check the inside of the tubes for glue. Scrape it out using any tool. You can use a sanding jig instead, but it may take quite a bit of setup. Mount blanks and bushings on a mandrel. Line up the pen blanks in the order they fit together, on the mandrel rod. Place a bushing in between them, and another bushing on either end. Fit the two ends of the mandrel to hold the pen in place. Check the kit instructions for recommended bushing size. If you really don't want to buy the pen mandrel you can mount each blank separately on a 60ΒΊ live center instead. Shaping each piece separately will be much harder for a beginner, however. Turn the pen on the lathe. Mount the mandrel onto your lathe. Shape the blank down to the diameter of the bushings, using gouges, skews, or any other lathe turning tools. Stop the lathe after the initial rough shaping, and loosen the mandrel nut and tailstock before you continue. These usually tighten during turning, which can lead to misshapen pens. Continue turning until you've achieved any shape you like. If you don't have a lathe, mount a sanding drum onto your drill press and hold the blank against it. You'll have much less control, but no one wants to buy a $300 lathe for a $2 pen. Sand off tool marks. Remove the pen from the lathe. Sand the blanks with dry, 220 grit sandpaper. Repeat with 320, 400, and 600 grit to get a progressively smoother surface. There are plenty of variations on this exact sanding process, so don't feel that you have to use these exact grits. High-quality pens may be sanded up to 1200 grit at this stage, using mesh abrasive cloths. Apply a finish and sand again. You can use any film finish, lacquer, or wood polish to give the pen a glossy, protective coating. Complete the blank by wetting it and sanding with finer grit sandpaper. Try polishing with 400 grit, 600, 800, 1200, 1500, 1800, 2400, 3200, 3600, and 4000 (using abrasive meshes for the highest grits). This can get a little tedious, but this is the bare minimum of sanding most pen-makers use. Some go as high as 12,000. Rub on paste wax for a shinier pen. Assemble the pen. Your pen kit should include instructions for which pen components attach to which blanks. Use a pen assembly press or a simple bench vise to press on each metal component. Once all parts are firmly pressed on, your pen is complete. Here's a typical process for a twisting pen: Press the pen cap into the upper brass tube. Press the twisting mechanism into the lower tube. Before you press, lay the mechanism next to the blank, and twist to extend the tip. Note how far you'll have to press it in order for the tip to just barely protrude. Press the pen clip and cap onto the upper blank. | Shape a pen with polymer clay. Use a piece of cane. Make a quill pen. Purchase a pen kit. Cut or purchase a pen blank. Saw the blank apart. Drill the pen blank. Sand and glue in the brass tubes. Square the ends with a pen mill. Mount blanks and bushings on a mandrel. Turn the pen on the lathe. Sand off tool marks. Apply a finish and sand again. Assemble the pen. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Refill-a-Perfume-Travel-Bottle | How to Refill a Perfume Travel Bottle | To refill a perfume travel bottle, first pull of the cap from your main bottle so you're left with the nozzle sticking out. Remove the outer metal casing from your travel bottle, which will make it easier to fill up. Then, place the travel bottle on top of the nozzle, taking care to line up the red dot with the nozzle. Once it's in place, lift up and down on the travel bottle to fill it up with perfume. Watch the side of the travel bottle to know when it's full. Once the bottle fills up, replace the metal covering and the cap on the main bottle. | Take off the cap and sprayer of your main perfume bottle. The cap is usually a plastic or glass attachment to protect the sprayer. The sprayer is the piece on the top that you press down to release perfume. To remove the cap from your main bottle, simply lift up on the cap and place the cap to the side. Then, gently pull off the sprayer with your fingers. The short, vertical nozzle will remain. This way, you can get the perfume from the main bottle into your travel bottle. Pull off the metal casing of your travel perfume bottle. Most metal perfume travel bottles come with an outside casing to protect the inside unit. Hold the bottom of the casing between your index finger and thumb, and slide it off. It is easier to fill up your travel bottle if you remove the outer casing. Once you remove the casing, you'll see a small plastic tank to house the perfume. Place the bottom of your travel bottle on top of the spray nozzle. At the bottom of the plastic unit is a small red dot. Align the red dot with the nozzle on your main perfume bottle. If you did not take the metal casing off, that's okay. Simply line up the bottom end of the travel perfume bottle with the nozzle on the main bottle. You can still fill the atomizer with the casing on. Lift up and down on the perfume travel bottle to pump it full of perfume. Once the red dot or bottom of the bottle is aligned with the nozzle, gently press down on the travel bottle. This releases perfume into the unit so you can pump the atomizer full of perfume. Continue lifting up and down several times until your travel perfume bottle is full. When you do this, you are essentially filling the travel bottle like how you usually press down on the sprayer to apply perfume. Look at the side of the bottle to easily watch the perfume fill up, whether or not you removed the metal casing. When full, the travel perfume bottle holds 50 full sprays or 0.13 ounces (3.9 mL). Replace the casing of the travel bottle and the sprayer and cap of the main bottle. Once the travel bottle is full, take the bottle off of the main perfume bottle, and put the metal casing back in place. Then, place the sprayer and cap back onto the main perfume bottle. When you put the sprayer back on, it will spray out a bit of perfume. Point the bottle toward a sink so it doesn't spray into your eyes. Remove the plastic cap and sprayer from your travel perfume bottle. If you have a plastic perfume atomizer, simply lift off the plastic cap from the outside. Then, unscrew the plastic sprayer from the top. Sit the lid and the sprayer to the side until you fill up the bottle. Hold the sprayer of the main bottle up to the top of the travel bottle. Uncap the perfume bottle, and hold the main perfume bottle directly above the travel bottle so it almost touches. This way, the perfume sprays directly into the plastic travel bottle. Press down on the sprayer repeatedly to fill up your travel bottle. Simply push down on the sprayer of the main perfume bottle multiple times until the travel bottle is filled up. Leave around β 4 Β in (0.64Β cm) of space at the top so you can easily replace the sprayer. Screw the sprayer into place. Once your travel bottle is full, put the plastic sprayer back on top. Twist it clockwise to tighten the sprayer into place. Then, put the cap onto the travel bottle. Additionally, replace the cap on the main perfume bottle. Remove the cap from the main bottle and the sprayer of the travel bottle. Both the main perfume and your travel bottle include a covering cap. Gently lift off the cap from both. Then, twist off the sprayer from the glass or plastic travel bottle. This way, you can easily refill from a splash bottle of perfume. Splash perfume is applied by pouring a small dab of perfume or cologne onto your neck or wrist, rather than spraying it into the air. If your travel bottle comes with a decorative, metal casing, simply slip it off so you can see how much perfume is in the travel bottle. This method does not work for metal perfume atomizers. Place a small funnel at the top of the travel bottle. Use a tiny craft funnel to easily pour in your perfume. The funnel easily fits into the top of your glass or plastic travel perfume bottle. The funnel catches every drop of your perfume so none of it is wasted upon transfer. Pour the perfume from your main bottle into the funnel. When refilling from a splash bottle, simply pour the perfume carefully into the funnel. Start slow so the funnel does not overflow. In addition, hold the base of the funnel at the lip of the bottle to keep it stable. Stop pouring the perfume when the bottle is about 3/4 of the way full. If using a spray perfume bottle, hold the applicator tip over the funnel, and simply push down on the sprayer repeatedly until the travel bottle is full. Replace the sprayer, casing, and cap on your travel bottle. Once the travel bottle is full, twist the sprayer back into place, and put the cap on top. Then, slide the travel bottle into the casing if it came with 1. In addition, replace the cap on your splash perfume bottle. | Take off the cap and sprayer of your main perfume bottle. Pull off the metal casing of your travel perfume bottle. Place the bottom of your travel bottle on top of the spray nozzle. Lift up and down on the perfume travel bottle to pump it full of perfume. Replace the casing of the travel bottle and the sprayer and cap of the main bottle. Remove the plastic cap and sprayer from your travel perfume bottle. Hold the sprayer of the main bottle up to the top of the travel bottle. Press down on the sprayer repeatedly to fill up your travel bottle. Screw the sprayer into place. Remove the cap from the main bottle and the sprayer of the travel bottle. Place a small funnel at the top of the travel bottle. Pour the perfume from your main bottle into the funnel. Replace the sprayer, casing, and cap on your travel bottle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Dog-Crate | How to Build a Dog Crate | To build a dog crate, start by measuring your dog's height and length. Then, get enough wooden planking to make the crate 1 foot longer and taller than your dog. Once you have your materials, start by making the top and bottom sections of the crate, supporting the top section with 4 planks, one in each corner. Next, install wood planks along the sides and back of the crate. Finally, attach a gridded metal door to the front of the crate using hinges. | Measure your dog. To start concretely planning the dimensions of your crate, you'll need to accommodate your dog's size. Measure your dog's height (from its feet to the top of its head) and length (nose tip to the tip of its tail). Decide on the dimensions of your crate. Once you've measured how big your dog is, you'll need to plan the size of your crate accordingly. Your dog will need enough room to stand, sit, and turn around in this crate. You'll want to give your dog room to move side-to-side, so avoid making the crate too narrow. For example, if your dog measures 3 feet from the tip of its nose to the tip of its tail, and 1 foot high, consider planning for a crate that is 4 feet long, 2 feet high, and 3.5 feet (1.1Β m) wide. Some dog owners may be looking for a relatively small dog crate, in which their dog can sleep. Smaller crates can also be used to contain your dog when guests are over, or if you need to be out of the house for several hours at a time. On the other hand, dog owners may want a larger crateβor even a primarily outdoor crateβthat can house the dog for longer periods of time. A large crate can also serve as a place for the dog to sleep. If you have the time, you could also visit nearby pet supply stores and look at the manufactured crates that the store offers. This will give you an idea of common crate sizes, and you can see which would work best for your own dog Choose the best material for your purposes. Most homemade crates are built either out of wood planking or chain link fence, since both of those materials are fairly cheap and can be found at local hardware stores. Both types of crates can be moved, but if you want a crate that you can relocate throughout your house, a wooden crate will better meet this need. Consider building your crate out of wood if you'd like for it to be located indoors, and if your dog will not be spending large amounts of time (over 8 hours) in the crate. You should not leave a dog unattended in an indoor crate for longer than 8 hours at a time. It can be unhealthy for the animal to go longer without access to food, water, and a place to go to the bathroom. Consider building your crate from chain link if you plan to keep it outdoors, and if your dog will be spending more substantial amounts of time in the crate. If your dog will be in the crate for over 8 hours, provide it with food and water. Although it is not technically a crate, some dog owners build their animals large outdoor enclosuresβfor example, 150 square feetβto give the animal plenty of space to move and use the bathroom. Buy your wooden planking. You will be making a wooden crate, so pick out what kind of wood you'd like to use. The simplest way to build a wooden crate is to have wooden planking on the top, bottom, and sides, with a door that allows for ventilation attached to the front. Pine is very common when it comes to animal cratesβit's a sturdy, common, and cheap wood. You will also need to purchase a tape measurer, nails and hinges, and a hammer. Unless you already have a door for the dog cage, or plan to build your own, you can buy a gridded metal cage door, which you can attach to the side of the crate. All of these materials should be available at a local hardware store. Make the top and bottom sections of your crate. Using a table saw, a circular saw, or a hand saw, cut the pieces of wood to the exact measurements that you decided upon earlier. Since the top and bottom of the crate will be the same size, you can mark both with the same measurements. When you measure the planking before making the cuts, trace a pencil along the lines where you need to cut. This will help you guide the saw while you are cutting and will ensure that your cut pieces of wood are the correct size. Make the sides and back. Cut out pieces of wood to the desired dimensions for the sides and back of the crate. As with the top and bottom, mark the dimensions on the planking before you cut the wood. Measure and cut two pieces that are the planned size for the two sides of the crate, and stand these pieces on their sides next to the bottom of the crate. Then, repeat the procedure, but with the dimensions planned for the back of the crate. Stand the three wooden side-pieces (two sides and the back) next to the base-piece of the crate. Align the pieces, and then nail the sides and back into the bottom plank. Put your top piece on top of the crate's sides. Make sure that the edges of the top align with the sides, and then nail the top in place. Attach the door to one of the crateβs sides. If you're using a gridded metal door that you've purchased, it should already have hinges attached. Mount the loose ends of the hinges on the dog's crate, using the method suggested by the door manufacturer. Finally, attach a latch to the other side of the door so that it can close properly. You may be able to attach the hinges to the side of the crate using gorilla glue or another extreme adhesive. If you must use screws or nails to attach the hinges, make sure to file down the screw or nail tips on the inside of the cage, so they do not stab your dog. If you don't have a file, use your hammer to bend the tips of the screws or nails so that they are parallel to the wood planking and can't scratch your dog. Make sure that the door can open freely. Choose and purchase your fencing materials. Chain link-fence will be the easiest and most convenient to use. You can select the height and length of fence you'd like to purchaseβbuy enough to match the size dimensions that you've decided on for the crate. You should be able to purchase readymade wall and door sections at your local hardware or home-center store; this will be easier to assemble than fencing material from a spool. Plan for the fencing to be at least 4 feet high, so that your dog will not leap out of the crate. You can also purchase a readymade top to affix to the top of the crateβthis should guarantee that the dog will not escape. Decide on the flooring material. Assuming that this dog crate will be installed outside, flagstone and pea gravel are popular options. Choose which you would like to use, and purchase the material at a hardware or gardening supply store. If you decide to bring a chain-link dog crate inside, you could affix the bottom of the fencing material to a large piece of plywood that has been cut to the dimensions of the crate. Assemble the crate. Depending on the type and amount of fencing material you purchased, you'll need to assemble the premade wall and door segments as directed by the manufacturer. Locate the crate in your backyard or other outdoor area near to your house. If you choose to locate the crate inside your house, set it on a surfaceβsuch as concrete or cementβthat will not be damaged by the steel wires. Chain-link crates are typically installed outside. Consequently, in order to prevent dogs from digging out under the chain link, you may need to dig down and bury the bottom edge of the crate fence about a foot deep. Consider adding shade or insulation. If the dog is going to be spending substantial amounts of time in its crate outsideβespecially if you live in a region with extreme high or low temperaturesβyou may want to install some material to protect your dog from the sun or inclement weather. Even setting plywood up against the edges of the crate will keep wind from coming in, and placing a couple sheets of plywood on the top of the crate will prevent sun and rain from hitting the dog. | Measure your dog. Decide on the dimensions of your crate. Choose the best material for your purposes. Buy your wooden planking. Make the top and bottom sections of your crate. Make the sides and back. Attach the door to one of the crateβs sides. Choose and purchase your fencing materials. Decide on the flooring material. Assemble the crate. Consider adding shade or insulation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Anemia-Naturally | How to Treat Anemia: Can Natural Remedies Help? | If you have anemia caused by an iron deficiency, the easiest way to treat it is by adding 2 to 3 servings of iron-rich foods like red meat, spinach, and tofu to your diet every day. In addition to adding iron to your diet, avoid foods like coffee, tea, or cocoa, because they can actually lower the amount of iron your body absorbs. If your anemia is caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, eat more eggs, yogurt, and salmon, as these foods are full of vitamin B12. Adjusting your diet might not be enough to treat your anemia, in which case you should talk to your doctor about taking a supplement or multivitamin with your meals. | Eat iron-rich foods to keep your hemoglobin up. Iron is the main component of hemoglobin, so design a diet around healthy, iron-rich foods. Men need about 8 mg daily, and women need about 18 mg. Animal sources for iron include red meat, seafood, and organ meats. Plant sources rich in iron include beans, broccoli, nuts, spinach, whole grain bread, and fortified cereals. You need a lot more iron if you're pregnant. Pregnant women should get around 30 mg each day. Get plenty of vitamin C to aid in iron absorption. Vitamin C doesn't directly treat anemia, but it helps your body absorb iron. Eat plenty of citrus fruits, berries, melon, leafy green vegetables, bell peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Add vitamin B12 to your diet to support hemoglobin production. A deficiency in vitamin B12 could also cause anemia, so be sure to include plenty of these sources in your diet. Eat seafood, red meats, dairy products, eggs, and poultry. Include folic acid-rich foods to build healthy cells. Folic acid helps your body produce hemoglobin, and a deficiency could trigger anemia. Good sources include leafy green vegetables, oranges, red meats, beans, peanuts, lentils, and peas. Many of the same foods that contain vitamin B12 also contain folic acid, so you can take care of both nutrients in single meals or servings. Take supplements for all of these nutrients if your doctor tells you to. If you have nutrient deficiencies, then it's possible that your regular diet won't treat the anemia sufficiently. In this case, your doctor will probably recommend that you take an iron or folic acid supplement, or multivitamin tablets to replace the nutrients. Don't start taking dietary supplements without talking to your doctor first. Stay hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water per day. Dehydration could trigger anemia or make it worse by preventing your body from absorbing nutrients. Make sure to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day so your body operates smoothly. This recommended amount is just a guideline. You might need more if you exercise or live in a hot climate. Drink caffeine in between meals instead of with the meal. Caffeine could inhibit your body from absorbing iron and other nutrients, so it's better to have caffeinated drinks before or after meals rather than with them. Wash your hands regularly to avoid getting sick. Anemia could leave you more susceptible to infections, and some diseases could even trigger the condition. Washing your hands often is the best way to avoid getting sick. Keeping your vitamin C and B12 intake up with also help you fight infections. Take antacids 2-4 hours before or after taking iron supplements. The calcium in antacids can also prevent your body from absorbing iron properly. Space out your doses and leave at least 2-4 hours between your iron supplements and antacids. Follow the same rule if you take calcium supplements, because they have a similar effect. Visit your doctor for an exam if your anemia symptoms worsen. The common anemia symptoms are fatigue and weakness, irregular heartbeat, headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If these symptoms get worse or appear suddenly, you should see your doctor to test for anemia. The doctor can confirm whether or not you're anemic with a simple blood test. Avoid taking dietary supplements without your doctorβs instructions. While supplements can be an important part of your treatment, you should only take them exactly as your doctor instructs you to so you know it's safe. Consult a dietitian if you donβt know which foods to eat. Making big dietary changes can be overwhelming. If you don't know where to start, then a dietitian can help design the perfect diet for to treat your condition. Follow your doctorβs instructions to treat chronic conditions. Anemia from a chronic condition won't necessarily respond to dietary changes until you treat the underlying issue. Follow the treatment regimen that your doctor prescribes for any health conditions you have to fight the anemia. In some cases, your doctor might order a blood transfusion to give you a boost of hemoglobin. For sickle cell anemia, you'll probably be given prescription medications to treat the condition. | Eat iron-rich foods to keep your hemoglobin up. Get plenty of vitamin C to aid in iron absorption. Add vitamin B12 to your diet to support hemoglobin production. Include folic acid-rich foods to build healthy cells. Take supplements for all of these nutrients if your doctor tells you to. Stay hydrated with 8-10 glasses of water per day. Drink caffeine in between meals instead of with the meal. Wash your hands regularly to avoid getting sick. Take antacids 2-4 hours before or after taking iron supplements. Visit your doctor for an exam if your anemia symptoms worsen. Avoid taking dietary supplements without your doctorβs instructions. Consult a dietitian if you donβt know which foods to eat. Follow your doctorβs instructions to treat chronic conditions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-Passover | How to Prepare for Passover | To prepare for Passover, first remove or "sell" anything in your home that includes chametz, like bread, pasta, and most types of alcohol. While some people will toss these things, donate them, or really try to sell them, many others will simply "sell" their chametz products to a friend before Passover, then buy them back afterward. You should also clean your home, paying special attention to the kitchen, and sterilize the utensils, serving dishes, and cookware you plan to use for Passover. If you are hosting Seder, you'll need table accessories like kiddush cups and festive candles, as well as wine, matzah, and chicken neck or lamb. | Clear your calendar. The first and last two days of Passover are considered holidays, and work is forbidden. The use of electronic devices, writing, and driving are also off-limits. Work related to preparation and/or attendance of the Passover and Seder is permitted. The principle idea behind this is that you relax, enjoy, honor, and celebrate the holiday. Consult your rabbi or a Hebrew calendar to find out when the Passover falls each year. The four days in the middle, called Chol Hamoed, are not official holidays and most work and activities are allowed. Remove or βsellβ chametz. One of the most important preparations you'll make is to throw out or otherwise dispose of any chametz, which is leavened grain product. Throughout Passover, no one in your family should consume or use any product with chametz, including bread, cereal, pasta, and most types of alcohol. This even includes pet food and other products that contain any trace of wheat, rye, barley, oats, or spelt. Some people βsellβ their chametz products to a non-Jewish friend or neighbor and buy them back after Passover. This can also be done on the internet! Alternatively, you could donate them to charity or try to use them up well before Passover begins. In the Ashkenazi community, it is also advised to avoid rice, millet, corn, mustard, and legumes. Clean your home. Pay special attention to the kitchen and any areas where food is consumed. It's customary to begin this process weeks in advance and expected that your refrigerator, microwave, toaster, and oven will be cleaned inside and out to destroy any leftover traces of chametz. Then follow up by searching every other room in your home and cleaning those top to bottom. Sterilize your utensils, serving dishes, and cookware. According to kosher-for-Passover guidelines, your utensils, dishes, cookware - basically anything that you'll be using to prepare or serve your Seder plate or Passover meals - need to be sterilized by putting them in boiling water or heating them up to a red hot glow. Certain kinds of dishes, like china, pottery, and enamel cannot be koshered at all. Some people believe your everyday utensils, serving dishes, and cookware should be put away and that you should use special Passover-only items instead. Shop for kosher-for-Passover foods. Fruits, vegetables, most dairy products, and kosher cuts of meat, poultry, and fish are approved for Passover as long as they have not touched chametz. Matzah and wine are staples of Seder and are often consumed throughout Passover. Some packaged foods may be available at the grocery store and marked kosher-for-Passover. Shop for Seder. If you are hosting Seder, you'll be preparing a symbolic plate with several ingredients. Purchase matzah, chicken neck, eggs, raw horseradish, romaine lettuce, apples, walnuts, wine, and onion. You'll also need enough wine for each person to have four glasses. Alternative recipes include pears in the charoset, and some people use beef or lamb bones instead of chicken necks. Rather than an onion, some folks use potato. Grape juice is a suitable alternative for wine. Purchase or print the Haggadah. You can download it for free online here: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/passover/pesach_cdo/aid/661624/jewish/English-Haggadah.htm , or purchase copies from a book store. Your synagogue may have copies you can have or borrow. However you acquire them, it's a great idea to have several copies. Shop for table accessories. Commonly used items include festive candles and candlesticks, kiddush cups, and a waterproof or washable tablecloth (just in case those glasses of wine end up somewhere other than the mouth). You may also want to purchase pillows or cushions for each person to sit on, and some games and prizes for the children attending the ceremony. Try legos, coloring supplies, or sculpting clay to keep them occupied. Set the Passover table. If you are hosting Seder, your dining table is the centerpiece of your service and meal. It's also an opportunity for you to be creative and start your own traditions. At a minimum, you'll want to include: Tablecloth and napkins Kosher-for-Passover dishes, flatware, and water glasses Kosher-for-Passover wine glasses Small kosher-for-Passover dishes of salt water for dipping A special kiddush cup for your Seder leader Two kiddush cups in the center, which symbolize the presence of Moses' sister, Miriam, and Elijah Festive candles Place cushions on each chair. This symbolizes the freedom earned by the Israelites and will help your guests stay comfortable during the service. Place a copy of the Haggadah at each table setting. Your guests will be able to follow along as the leader of the service recites the stories and rituals. Lay out the food for the Seder plate(s). The seder plate contains six symbolic foods. Some foods need to be cooked and others will just need to be placed on the plate. The foods are: Matzah - place three pieces, covered, on a separate plate. Zeroa (shankbone) - some folks use the forearm of a lamb or a roasted chicken neck. It is not eaten at the Seder and can be used again the next night. Hard-boiled egg - to be eaten during the Seder. Maror (bitter herbs) - to be eaten during the Seder. Raw, grated horseradish and romaine lettuce are most commonly used. Charoset (paste) - a mixture of pears, apples, wine, and nuts. This acts as a relish for the maror. Karpas (vegetable) - typically parsley, onion, or boiled potato. The vegetable is dipped in saltwater as a way to remember the tears of the Israelites. Place the Seder plate(s). The Seder plate should be placed in front of the leader of the service. It doesn't really matter what dish you use for the plate, so long as it's kosher-for-Passover. Many people use a special plate just for this purpose. If there are multiple tables, make and place multiple plates so that guests have easy access. Complete the search for chametz. Called bedikas chametz in Hebrew, searching for chametz is an important and fun way for families to ensure that no chametz has sneakily survived in the home. It's usually done the night before Passover begins, and sometimes by candlelight. A special blessing and recitation completes the ritual. Some folks choose to hide 10 pieces of chametz in the house and then find them during this ritual. As long as you remember where you put them, it can add extra fun for the kids! Learn the four questions. During Seder, four questions from the Haggadah are to be asked, usually by the youngest child. Although the questions are supposed to be spontaneous, they are also a required part of the service. Decide in advance who will ask the questions and who will respond with the answers. The four questions are: Why do we eat unleavened bread? Why do we eat bitter herbs? Why do we dip our food in liquid? Why do we eat in a reclining position? Hide the afikoman. Before the Passover Seder begins, hide the middle piece of matzah from the three pieces that are served with the Seder plate. You can also hide several pieces, if you have several children attending. Search for the afikoman dessert. Tell the children about the search, and explain that you'll be awarding prizes to whoever finds a piece. They will usually get a huge kick out of this and it will keep them entertained! This should be done before midnight, according to tradition. Once found, award the prizes and consume the afikoman as your dessert! | Clear your calendar. Remove or βsellβ chametz. Clean your home. Sterilize your utensils, serving dishes, and cookware. Shop for kosher-for-Passover foods. Shop for Seder. Purchase or print the Haggadah. Shop for table accessories. Set the Passover table. Place cushions on each chair. Place a copy of the Haggadah at each table setting. Lay out the food for the Seder plate(s). Place the Seder plate(s). Complete the search for chametz. Learn the four questions. Hide the afikoman. Search for the afikoman dessert. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Carne-Asada | How to Make Carne Asada | To make carne asada, start by mixing the ingredients for the marinade in a large non-metal bowl. Once the ingredients are thoroughly combined, coat the steak with the marinade and place it in the bowl. In order to keep bacteria from growing in the meat, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge. After 1 to 4 hours, grill the steak on the hottest part of your grill for 4 minutes on each side if you like your steak medium-rare. If you want a well-done steak, cook it for a few more minutes on each side. | Combine the marinade ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together all ingredients except for the steak. Make sure to use a bowl or baking dish made from a non-reactive material, like glass. The acid in the vinegar and lime juice can react with metals like aluminum, making them a poor choice. If you are unable to find fresh jalapeno peppers, you could also use a serrano chile, which is just about as hot as a jalapeno is. You could also use a canned jalapeno, which has slightly less kick, or 1 tsp (5 ml) of ground red pepper. If you do not have fresh minced garlic, you could also use 1/2 tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder. If you only have dried cilantro, use about 8 tsp (40 ml) instead of the 1/2 cup (125 ml) called for with fresh cilantro. Coat the steak. Add the steak to the marinade and turn the steak several times to coat all sides thoroughly. Flank steak is the most traditional option for carne asada, but other varieties of thin-sliced steak, like skirt steak, can also be used. Marinate for 1 to 4 hours. Cover the bowl or baking dish with plastic wrap and let it sit in the refrigerator. Generally, the longer you let the steak sit in the marinade, the more tender and more flavorful it will become. Letting it sit in the marinade too long can actually cause it to become tough, though. Four hours is the longest recommended time. After that, there will be relatively no difference in the flavor of the steak. You can, however, let it sit up to 24 hours before it starts becoming unpleasant. Do not marinate your steak on the kitchen counter. Doing so invites bacteria to grow in the meat. Only marinate the steak in the refrigerator. Scrub the grill grate. Use a wire brush to scrub the grill grate, removing any traces of burnt on food from previous grilling sessions. Even if you cleaned your grill after using it, it is still a wise idea to clean it again, especially if it has not been used for a while. Scrubbing the grill grate also helps to remove other debris that could have gathered on it in between uses. Coat the grill grate with canola oil. Pour a small amount of canola oil onto a clean paper towel and rub the paper towel over the grate. The oil creates a non-stick coating that will limit the amount of steak getting stuck to the grill as it cooks. In the absence of oil, you could also use aluminum foil. Cover the grill grate in aluminum and poke holes throughout the foil with the tines of a grilling fork. You must poke the holes in the foil so that enough heat can travel through. Preheat a charcoal grill. You should begin 20 minutes before cooking, and you need to prepare two areas of high heat and one cooler area. Set the grill grate aside temporarily. Use a chimney starter to ignite a moderate pile of charcoal briquettes. Let them burn until they are covered in white ash. Dump the hot coals into the bottom of the grill. Use tongs with a long handle to carefully spread the coals. You should have two or three layers in one-third of the fire bed, and one or two layers in another third. The remaining third should have no coals. Return the grill grate to the grill Alternatively, preheat a gas grill. As with the charcoal grill, begin 20 minutes before you plan on cooking. Turn all heat elements on as high as they will go. Check the grill before beginning. The grill must be very hot before you can add the steak. To check a charcoal grill, hold your hand roughly 4 inches (10 cm) above the tallest flames. You should only be able to count to 1 before needing to pull your hand away. If you can tolerate the heat longer, the grill is not hot enough yet. For a gas grill, the temperature gauge needs to reach 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius) before it is ready. Place the steak on the grill. Use tongs to remove the steak from the marinade and place it on the hottest portion of the grill. Hold the steak above the bowl of marinade so that excess marinade drips off. Discard the marinade. You can cover the grill after placing the steak on it, but it is not necessary. Cook for 8 minutes, turning at least once. After 4 minutes pass and the underside has browned, use tongs to turn the steak over onto the other side. Cook for another 4 minutes for a medium-rare steak. The moisture from the marinade should be enough to prevent a crust from forming on the bottom of the steak as it cooks. If you want cross-hatching on your steak, rotate the meat 90 degrees after cooking it for 2 minutes. To get cross-hatching on the other side, rotate it 90 degrees after 2 minutes pass on that side. You will need to cook the steak for several more minutes per side if you want it to be more well done. Check for doneness. Insert an instant-read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. The thermometer should read a minimum of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius). You could also cut into the center of the steak and check the color. At medium-rare, it should be deep pink. At medium, it should start turning brown. At medium-well, it should be mostly brown with a little hint of pink, and at well, it should be completely brown. Let the steak rest. Transfer the grilled steak to a carving board and let it rest for 3 to 5 minutes. By allowing the steak to rest, you give the juices a chance to redistribute themselves in the meat. You will end up with a more thoroughly juicy steak as a result. Carve the steak into 1/4-inch (6-mm) thick slices. Hold the steak steady with a meat fork and use your other hand to slice the meat with a carving knife. Use a carving knife with a thin blade. Turn the steak so that the long end faces you. The muscle fibers, or "grain," should run horizontally. Hold the knife at a 45 degree angle and cut the steak across the grain. Do not cut the steak alongside the grain, since doing so will result in tough, chewy meat. Serve immediately. Carne asada is best served hot. Cook the carne asada in a skillet. sautΓ© the steak in the skillet for about 8 minutes, flipping once in the middle of the cooking process. Pour 1 to 2 Tbsp (15 to 30 ml) canola oil in the bottom of the skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Let the oil heat for 1 or 2 minutes so that it becomes sufficiently hot. Add the steak to the pan. Cook it for 4 minutes on one side before flipping it over to the other side using tongs. Cook for an additional 4 minutes. This will produce a medium-rare steak. Add 1 or 2 minutes onto the cooking time for each additional degree of doneness desired. Slow-cook the steak. Cook the steak in a slow cooker for 10 to 12 hours on low. Add both the marinated steak and leftover marinade to the slow cooker. When cooked this way, the steak will be tender enough to shred with a fork. Finished. | Combine the marinade ingredients. Coat the steak. Marinate for 1 to 4 hours. Scrub the grill grate. Coat the grill grate with canola oil. Preheat a charcoal grill. Alternatively, preheat a gas grill. Check the grill before beginning. Place the steak on the grill. Cook for 8 minutes, turning at least once. Check for doneness. Let the steak rest. Carve the steak into 1/4-inch (6-mm) thick slices. Serve immediately. Cook the carne asada in a skillet. Slow-cook the steak. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Vegetable-Glycerin | How to Make Vegetable Glycerin | Vegetable glycerin is a versatile ingredient you can use to make a variety of cosmetic products, like soap, shampoo, and moisturizers. To make your own vegetable glycerin, you'll need 1 cup each of coconut oil, olive oil, and water, 2 tablespoons of lye, and Β½ cup of salt. Be careful not to get the lye on your skin, since this can burn. You'll need to heat the oils together over the stove, then mix in the combined lye and water, and heat it for about 20 minutes until it reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, turn your stove down and stir the ingredients until they're thick. After that, add the salt and leave it to cool. | Combine the coconut and olive oils in a saucepan. Add 1 cup (200 g) of coconut oil and 1 cup (240 ml) of olive oil to a large saucepan. Stir the two together briefly, though they won't blend completely until they are heated. You can substitute palm, vegetable, soybean, or jojoba oil for the coconut and olive oils. Heat the oils on high. Place the saucepan with the oils on your stovetop. Turn the heat to high, and allow the mixture to heat for 1 or 2 minutes or until the coconut oil begins to melt. Make sure to wear safety goggles or glasses, rubber gloves, and a face mask to protect yourself from the high temperature and the lye that you'll use in the next step. Wearing long pants and a long-sleeve top are also a good idea. Mix the lye and water together. While the oils are heating, add 2 tablespoons (30 g) of lye into 1 cup (240 ml) of water in a heat-safe glass container. Be sure to add the lye into the water and not the other way around, because adding water to lye can cause the lye to expand out of the container. Online retailers are usually the best place to purchase lye. It can be difficult to find in brick and mortar stores. When you're working with lye, adequate ventilation is important. Open some windows and/or turn on a fan. Stir the lye mixture into the oils. Once you've mixed the lye and water, carefully pour the mixture into the oils in the saucepan. Mix well to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined. Be careful as you mix the lye and water in so the mixture doesn't come into contact with your skin. If you get lye on your skin, flush your skin immediately with cold water and take off any clothing that it may have splashed on. Continue flushing the skin with water for 15 minutes, and then seek medical attention. Heat the mixture to the right temperature. After you've added the lye solution to the oils, attach a clip-on candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Continue heating the mixture on high until the temperature reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius), which should take approximately 20 minutes. Getting the mixture to the right temperature is very important when making vegetable glycerin so you must use a thermometer to make sure that the mixture is hot enough. Make sure to stir the mixture regularly so all of the ingredients are well blended. Lower the mixtureβs temperature. Once the mixture reaches 125 degrees Fahrenheit (52 degrees Celsius), turn down the heat to medium or medium-low. You want to bring the mixture's temperature down until it falls to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Stir the mixture until it thickens properly. After you've brought the mixture's temperature down to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius), continue stirring it for another 10 to 15 minutes over the heat. The mixture should thicken enough that the outline of the spoon's path remains visible for a few seconds after you trace it through. Don't cook the mixture too long, or it may become too thick to stir. Remove the pan from the heat and add the salt. Once the mixture has reached the proper consistency, take the pan off the heat. Mix in Β½ cup (150 g) of salt, and stir well so it is thoroughly incorporated. Make sure that the mixture is still hot when you add in the salt. Allow the mixture to cool. After you've mixed the salt into the lye and oil mixture, leave it to cool completely, which should take 20 to 30 minutes. As it cools, the soap and glycerin will gradually separate into different layers. The soap will solidify into a thick layer on the top of the mixture, while the glycerine will remain liquid-y on the bottom. Skim the top layer from the mixture. When the mixture has cooled completely, pour off the top soap layer from the top of the glycerin. You may find it easier to use a spoon to gently lift the soap off, though. If you want to use the soap, add it to a soap mold and put it in the freezer for 24 hours. Let the soap bars air dry for at least 2 to 3 weeks to finish curing them. If you don't want to make soap, you can discard the soap layer. Pour the glycerin into a glass bottle. Once you've removed the soap from the top of the mixture, transfer the liquid vegetable glycerine to a glass bottle. Seal the container tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. The vegetable glycerin should keep in the fridge for at least 3 to 4 weeks. You'll know that it has gone bad if it is no longer clear and instead appears cloudy. Glycerin that has gone bad may also develop a foul smell. | Combine the coconut and olive oils in a saucepan. Heat the oils on high. Mix the lye and water together. Stir the lye mixture into the oils. Heat the mixture to the right temperature. Lower the mixtureβs temperature. Stir the mixture until it thickens properly. Remove the pan from the heat and add the salt. Allow the mixture to cool. Skim the top layer from the mixture. Pour the glycerin into a glass bottle. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Esophagitis | How to Cure Esophagitis | To cure esophagitis caused by acid reflux, remove trigger foods like caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, and high fat foods from your diet for 2 weeks. Then, add them back one at a time every 3 days so you can see which ones cause symptoms and remove them permanently. Additionally, after eating a meal, remain upright for at least 30 minutes afterwards so your food can digest properly. If you're a smoker, consider quitting since smoking has been shown to contribute to esophagitis. | Know that acid reflux is the most common cause of esophagitis. This is when stomach acid flows upward into your esophagus causing irritation to the bottom of the esophagus. Common symptoms include: Pain with swallowing Difficulty swallowing, particularly solid foods Heartburn A cough Occasionally nausea or vomiting, a fever, or abdominal pain. Remove any trigger foods from your diet. Acid reflux is often brought on by foods that are causing your stomach and esophagus duress--these foods are also known as trigger foods. Try removing these foods from your diet to see if your reflux will benefit. If you want to try this method, don't remove only one food at a time; there is commonly more than one trigger food, and it will be hard to figure out which foods are harming you. Instead, remove all of the trigger foods for at least two weeks, then add back one food at a time every three days; any foods that cause reflux symptoms should be permanently removed from the diet, or greatly limited. Common trigger foods include caffeine, chocolate, alcohol, peppermint, tomatoes, oranges, spicy foods, and high-fat foods. It is also better to eat smaller more frequent meals rather than larger meals. This can help to diminish feelings of heartburn. Quit smoking. If you are a smoker, now may be the time to consider quitting or at least cutting back. Smoking has been shown to contribute to esophageal disease, including feelings of heartburn. Speak to your doctor if you would like support in quitting smoking (including the option for nicotine replacement and/or medications such as Wellbutrin that can diminish cravings). Lose weight. Being overweight or obese has also been correlated to increased heartburn, so now may be the time to get our for a walk each day and to begin an exercise program. Weight loss is not only helpful for your esophageal problems, but also benefits your overall health and wellbeing in many other ways. Speak to your physician if you would like support or guidance getting started on an exercise program, and always consult your doctor first if you are worried you may have any health restrictions that hold you back from exercise. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. When you have a big meal and then lie down, it makes digesting the food much more difficult. If your esophagus is damaged, there is also a much larger chance that acids from your stomach will leak back up to your esophagus when you lie down. If you find you have symptoms of heartburn at night, it can be helpful to raise the head of your bed of to sleep with more pillows. Elevating your head more while you sleep keeps you in a more upright position, which can significantly diminish feelings of heartburn. Take over-the-counter reflux medication. Tums is a good first choice, and if this doesn't work for you there are stronger options available over-the-counter as well. Another option is something called Zantac (Ranitidine), which is an "H2 anti-histamine." You can also try Prilosec (omeprazole), which is a "proton pump inhibitor" and helps to diminish the acid in your stomach so that any reflux becomes less irritating to the esophagus. Monitor how long you take these over-the-counter medications for. If you are taking any of these over-the-counter medications for two weeks or more, make sure to visit your doctor and tell him or her about the medication use. If your reflux is still occurring after changing your diet and using the over-the-counter medications, visit your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. At this point, your physician may offer you stronger prescription anti-reflux medications to help with your esophagitis. (examples) It is also key to establish the correct diagnosis, for different diagnoses require different forms of treatment. This is why it is key to see your doctor if you do not notice any improvement on over-the-counter medications. Drink a full glass of water when you take the medication. If you are suffering from esophagitis because of a medication you are taking, you may be able to combat the problem by drinking a full glass of water when taking the pill. Sometimes, βpill esophagitisβ is due to the medication remaining in the esophagus for a period of time and irritating it, rather than passing directly to the stomach. Another option is to opt for a liquid form of the medication you are taking, rather than pill form, if it is available in liquid form as well. This can help to reduce pill-related symptoms of esophagitis. It is also advised to sit or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking your pill. Lying down immediately after has been shown to increase symptoms of heartburn. Talk to your doctor about finding an alternative prescription. If drinking a glass of water with each pill does not work, you may need to stop taking this prescription and start on a different treatment plan. It is very important that you talk to your doctor before you stop taking your treatment. Many medical conditions are able to be treated with more than one type of medication; speak to your doctor if alternate treatments are available that are less irritating to the esophagus. Stop taking over-the-counter pain killers. If you are taking aspirin or NSAIDs on a regular basis and are suffering from esophagitis, you should stop taking these. Visit your physician first, to make a plan for stopping the medications gradually; stopping them suddenly may cause βreboundβ inflammation and pain, while slowly weaning off of them can avoid this situation. You should also discuss the symptoms that caused you to be taking these medications, so that a diagnosis and an alternate treatment plan can be devised. Over-the-counter pain killers have been reported to cause increased symptoms of heartburn in some patients, which is why it is important to be careful about taking these and to consult your doctor if you think they may be worsening your condition. Take "topical oral steroids" to treat eosinophilic esophagitis. Eosinophilic esophagitis is brought on by an allergic reaction to a food that you are allergic to. The allergic reaction causes your esophagus to become inflamed and damaged. Steroid medication helps to reduce or eliminate unnecessary immune reactions such as occurs with eosinophilic esophagitis. Similarly to how inhaled steroids are used to treat asthma, "topical oral steroids" are thought to coat the surface of your GI tract in a way that prevents irritation. The other advantage of "topical oral steroids" is that they are not absorbed into your bloodstream, so you avoid the typical side effects of steroid medications. Have your doctor do an allergy test to treat eosinophilic esophagitis. Oftentimes the culprit for eosinophilic esophagitis is an adverse allergic reaction to a particular food. In order to determine the "culprit food," it is recommended to remove suspicious foods from your diet (your doctor can tell you which foods are most likely to be culprits), and to add them back in slowly, monitoring for any reactions or signs of heartburn. It is important to add back only one food at a time, otherwise you will not be able to tell which one caused you symptoms of heartburn. Treat the organism causing infectious esophagitis. For infectious esophagitis, medications will be prescribed according to the organism causing the infection. If it is yeast Candida, the treatment is fluconazole or an echinocandin. The chosen medication depends on the strain of Candida and on the individual patient, including how ill he or she is, whether other illnesses are also present, allergies, and other factors. If the patient has a viral esophagitis, acyclovir, famciclovir, or valacyclovir will be prescribed. Again, the particular choice depends on the patient and on the virus. If it is caused by a bacteria, antibiotics will be prescribed. | Know that acid reflux is the most common cause of esophagitis. Remove any trigger foods from your diet. Quit smoking. Lose weight. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. Take over-the-counter reflux medication. Monitor how long you take these over-the-counter medications for. Drink a full glass of water when you take the medication. Talk to your doctor about finding an alternative prescription. Stop taking over-the-counter pain killers. Take "topical oral steroids" to treat eosinophilic esophagitis. Have your doctor do an allergy test to treat eosinophilic esophagitis. Treat the organism causing infectious esophagitis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Smooth-with-the-Ladies | How to Be Smooth with the Ladies | If you want to be smooth with the ladies, practice being cool and confident. Try to react to almost everything casually, as if it's completely natural. For example, even if you're nervous while talking to a girl, keep a straight face, which will make you seem confident. It's also important that you never appear desperate when you try to make a move. For instance, if you had a great first date don't ruin it by texting her multiple times afterward begging for a second date. Play it cool. If she's into you, she'll want to communicate with you. You can also use your body language to appear confident. Stand up straight with your shoulders pulled back so your chest is puffed out and your muscles look as good as possible. | Be playful. Experts agree: for many women, one of the most attractive traits a man can have is a sense of playfulness. It's not hard to see why β talking to people who are playful and enjoy the spirited back-and-forth "dance" of a feisty conversation is a lot more fun than talking to people who are earnest but uninteresting. Keep keep a sense of mischievousness when you talk to women. Look for opportunities to joke, gently tease her, and deliberately misunderstand the things she says. If she's in the mood for a little verbal back-and-forth, this can be absolutely irresistible. For instance, let's say that you're talking to a lady you're attracted to at a party. If she says that she's in from out of town and that she's going home soon, you might try saying something like "What, you're already sick of us?" with a smile on your face. When she starts to protest, pretend to get exaggeratedly offended, all while smiling to make you sarcasm clear. Many women react really well to this sort of gentle, playful teasing (which some call "flirting"). Stay effortlessly in control of the situation. There's a good reason why ladies' men are called "smooth operators": these types of people often have dominant personalities and know how to control (or "operate") social situations to their benefit. The smoothest, suavest players of all know how to lead conversations in the directions they want without even appearing to do so. This effortlessness is key β someone who insists on dominating a social interaction but is visibly agitated about the ordeal can give truly bizarre mixed signals. Think about it: If you were having a conversation with someone who was obviously trying to woo you and was obviously nervously about it, would you be attracted? Doubtful. Don't bother with "pick up artist" guides that encourage you to use carefully-planned routines of back-handed compliments and psychological tricks to attract women. Remember, if you're basically reciting from a script when you're talking to a woman, you're not really effortlessly in control of the situation, are you? Keep your reactions low-key. We've all seen it on TV and in the movies β the quiet yet dashing bad boy who says almost nothing but seems to get girls without even trying (e.g., "The name's Bond. James Bond."). While popular entertainment can sometimes create some unhealthy attitudes towards dating, there is a tiny kernel of truth here. Being cool and understated can make a man more attractive to women. Try to react to almost everything that happens around you casually, as if it's completely natural. Being at ease no matter what happens is a supreme show of confidence, and confidence is almost always sexy. To be clear, this doesn't mean you need to be tight-lipped about everything. It does mean, however, that if you see an opportunity to play coy and spark a little intrigue in your conversation, you should take it and see what happens. For instance, if a lovely lady casually asks where you live, you might respond with, "Oh, why? Were you planning on going there later?" It's a little cheesy, but with a response like this, you're revealing nothing about yourself and getting a playful dig at your female companion in at the same time. It's especially important to have a low-key reactions to being rejected. If you're trying to start conversations with lots of different ladies at a party, there's a chance that some (or even all) of them won't be interested in talking to you. This is OK. React to each rejection with no more hurt feelings than if you've just been told your shoes are untied. Casually initiate affection, but never be desperate. Let's be honest β if you're trying to "be smooth" with the ladies, you probably eventually want to engage in a little mutual affection with them, whether this is kissing, having sex, or just holding hands (hey, everyone starts somewhere). This is great β healthy, mutual displays of affection are wonderful things. Keep this in mind when you're in situations with ladies where you want to initiate affection. Truly smooth men aren't scared or ashamed of making their intentions known. However, they're also not needy or desperate. Not only is desperation tremendously unattractive to most people, but it also demonstrates low self-worth (and smooth guys always have high self-worth). For example, let's say that you've just wrapped up a great first date with a wonderful lady and you're walking out of the restaurant together. If you feel a strong attraction and want to hold her hand, casually grab hold of it as you move through a crowd of people as if it's perfectly natural. Don't make a big production out of the act β do it as if you haven't even thought about the implications. If she appears ill at ease or loosens her grip, you can easily follow her lead and let go without making the situation awkward, but if she reacts well, hold on tight! Note: Real smooth guys aren't creeps. Being casually affectionate is one thing, but harassing women or violating their personal space is another, so keep your hands to yourself or you may be wearing a palm print on your cheek for the next few days. Don't place any expectations on your social interactions. Genuinely smooth guys enjoy what they do. They like having playful, intriguing conversations with women. They don't do this just to get what they want. Any sort of romance or dating success that comes their way is a happy by-product of them doing what they love, not something that they agonize over and "fight" to get. When you're talking to a woman you're attracted to, don't have an endgame in sight. Just say and do what comes naturally. If your conversation naturally leads you to romance, great. If it doesn't, that's that β you had fun anyway! This is one reason why you may want to shy away from "pick up artist"-style seduction guides. These guides are often written with one goal in mind (sex, obviously), and while their routines may or may not work on some small subset of women, they'll never get you the genuine joy that comes from naturally, effortlessly connecting with another human being. Be funny. Everyone enjoys a good laugh. Humor makes everybody feel good, so if you can gain a reputation as a funny person, other people (including ladies) will naturally want to be around you. Try to look for opportunities to make light of the situation you're in or (gently) poke fun at the people around you. Most people have the natural ability to be funny when they're relaxed and around people they like, but if you really feel like you're having a hard time being funny, you might want to try researching the topic (our guide to being funny is a good place to start). Be careful with self-deprecating humor. While a few exceptional individuals can manage to be sexy while making fun of themselves (like the male leads in Woody Allen movies), it's a risky move for most ordinary people, who may unintentionally make themselves look self-conscious or insecure with this type of approach. Fake it until you make it. When you're stressing out about a high-pressure social situation you're in, it can be difficult to remember that everyone around you can't tell you're nervous unless you show or tell them you are. This means that if you have the right attitude and you control your behavior in the right ways, they never need to know! Simply acting confident is usually enough to fool people into thinking that you are. Best of all, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy β usually, acting confident can help make you feel confident, which will make it easier to look confident, and so on. For starters, try acting like everything you do is natural. Don't hesitate over any decision and don't agonize over how to perform small, unimportant actions. For instance, if you're at a party and you want to ask someone to dance, don't think about it β just do it! Go right over to the person you've set your eyes on and ask, "Hey, do you want to dance?" That's all you need to do. Use powerful body language. Always remember β look the part, be the part! If you look like you're confident and self-assured, you may as well be confident, because other people won't be able to tell the difference. If you're naturally shy or introverted and you're trying to be smooth, using confident and dominant (but relaxed) body language can immediately improve your prospects with the ladies. Below are just a few tips for the uninitiated: Stand up straight with your shoulders pulled gently back. Doing this makes you appear larger, puffs out your chest, and usually makes whatever muscles you've got look as good as possible. Hold your head high. Keeping your head up makes you appear proud, confident, and unafraid of your surroundings. However, don't look down your nose at others β this can appear snobby or condescending. Don't be afraid to take up space. Confident people aren't afraid to have a broad, relaxed stance. If you're sitting down, don't be afraid to sit back and spread your legs a little. If you're standing around other people in a crowded area, don't recoil from others if you accidentally brush against them. Don't cross your arms. This makes you appear closed-off and inaccessible. Don't stare at your phone. This makes you look busy and preoccupied and will discourage people from talking to you. Use appropriate eye contact. Confident people aren't afraid to look other people in the eye (especially if these other people are attractive, interesting women). There's a reason that looking someone in the eye is traditionally seen as a sign that someone is genuine. Doing this gives the impression that you're open, un-intimidated, and attentive. On the other hand, an unwillingness to look someone in the eye can make you seem like you're ashamed, nervous, or hiding something, even if you're not. Try to look people in the eye most of the time when you're talking to them, and when you're not talking to them, use a few seconds of steady eye contact to spark someone's interest from across the room. Don't stare or leer at women β too much eye contact can definitely be a bad thing! If you're talking to a woman, feel free to maintain fairly steady eye contact, but if you're not, looking her in the eyes for more than a few seconds at a time can put her seriously ill-at-ease. Relax! Quick, what's the hardest thing to do once you're commanded to do it? If you guessed "relax", you're right. Actively trying to relax is like swimming in quicksand β the harder you work, the less progress you make. If you find yourself stressing about difficult social situations, unfortunately, there is no single "right" way to get to the point where you can relax in the same situations. Everyone relaxes in different ways. However, many people see success with a few common methods, listed below: Mentally downplaying the importance of the situation or poking fun at it Exercising Getting lots of sleep Deep breathing exercises Meditating Get out and live a little. Picture this: you're chatting with a lady you're attracted to and you're playing things coy (as any smooth operator should), withholding information about yourself just enough to keep her intrigued. Let's say that things go well and you arrange a date for the weekend β when you eventually do start to tell her about yourself, would you prefer to present yourself as a complex, interesting person, or as someone without any dreams or ambitions who mainly just watches TV and browses the internet? The answer should be obvious. Truly smooth men back up their suave mystique with actual interesting lives. They spend time pursuing their passions and trying new things. Not only will making an effort to get out and experience the world make you appear more interesting β it'll also give you the confidence that only a wealth of life experiences can. If you're looking for new hobbies, start with something that interests you or that you naturally enjoy and try to become great at that thing. Do you like working with your hands? Start making your own furniture. Do you like music? Pick up a cheap instrument at a pawn shop and start practicing. Do you love video games? Even this can be a source of interesting experiences if, for instance, you participate in gaming tournaments or make a gaming channel on YouTube. Don't be ashamed of your interests. Ask the average person what a "smooth guy" is like and you'll probably get an answer along the lines of, "He's impeccably handsome, cool, confident, and well-dressed, with tons of masculine hobbies and interests." While the first four items in this list can certainly be a big help in the dating game, the last is hardly the end-all-be-all it's often made out to be. Don't feel a need to conceal or lie about the things you like to do. If you're geeky, be unabashedly geeky. If you like to do something really bizarre, like watch syrupy French romance films from the silent film era, don't hide this fact β it's super cool to like something unique! Being 100% honest about how you like to spend your time makes you seem genuine and confident and distinguishes you from everyone else around you. Look for women where you naturally hang out. Clubs, singles bars, and other traditional dating "hot spots" are great for people who are in their element when the music's blaring loud and everyone around them is drunk. For everyone else, it may be much easier to meet people elsewhere. For starters, try meeting women at places and events that you naturally enjoy attending. For instance, if you like exercise and the outdoors, you might want to try running in a popular park. By using this approach, you're more likely to meet women that you have things in common with than you would be simply visiting a local club. Have your own style. We've all heard it before: "Be yourself and you'll go far." This age-old advice is a little cheesy, but when it comes to smooth operators, it's completely true. Smooth guys don't follow others when it comes to defining themselves β they do what they want to do and present themselves how they want to be presented and let others judge them as they see fit. Having your own unique personal style makes you hugely more interesting and memorable than trying to be someone else's idea of "cool", so being yourself isn't only easier than being trendy, it's also smarter if you're trying to win people over. One way to immediately and visibly differentiate yourself from other people is to dress in a way that's not 100% ordinary (while obviously not completely absurd either). For instance, you might want to try buying your clothes at a second-hand store or a vintage shop for a worn-in, retro look or even making your own clothes and accessories by knitting or sewing them yourself. Be open and sincere. When it comes to pursuing women, honesty is the best policy. For the most part, everyone (ladies included) can tell a phony from a genuine person, so trying to act like someone you're not or conceal your true feelings will just lead to mutual feelings of awkwardness. Besides this, most women think sincerity is cute, so you have almost no reason not to be completely honest and open about your thoughts, opinions, and intentions. The absolute worst-case scenario that can occur from being honest is that you lose the opportunity to date someone, but if you would have had to lie about the way you feel to date this person, would you ever have been completely happy with them? Probably not. For instance, if you've got certain "dealbreakers" β things that you simply can't tolerate in your significant other, you'll definitely want to be open and honest about these with your partner (or potential partner). Think about it: would you rather spend a few weeks pretending to be into someone who smokes, belches, and listens to Limp Bizkit all day, or would you rather politely nip this relationship in the bud? Note that, however, there is such a thing as over-sharing. While you'll want to be sincere about your thoughts and feelings, you probably won't want to make things awkward by bringing up intensely personal information before you truly get to know someone. Love thyself before loving others. You can't love other people if you don't love yourself, so if you have a lousy opinion of yourself, steer clear of romance until you do. Ideally, romantic relationships should be the cherry on top of a happy, satisfied life β experiences that are truly wonderful to have, but not things that you need to be happy. Smooth men are always at ease partly because they know that, no matter what happens in their romantic life, they'll be more or less happy regardless. To have a happy foundation for the possibility of future relationships, below are just a few of the things you will probably want your life to contain: A reasonable amount of personal independence (like, for instance, being able to support yourself and spend your free time as you please). The opportunity (and motivation) to pursue hobbies and interests. Stable, satisfying non-romantic friendships. A satisfying level of professional and/or personal achievement (like performing well at your job, becoming an important member of your community, etc.) | Be playful. Stay effortlessly in control of the situation. Keep your reactions low-key. Casually initiate affection, but never be desperate. Don't place any expectations on your social interactions. Be funny. Fake it until you make it. Use powerful body language. Use appropriate eye contact. Relax! Get out and live a little. Don't be ashamed of your interests. Look for women where you naturally hang out. Have your own style. Be open and sincere. Love thyself before loving others. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-a-Christmas-Tree | How to Decorate a Christmas Tree | Before adding lights to your Christmas tree, test your lights to make sure they work. Then, starting from the top, wrap the lights around your tree. Next, wrap the bottom of the tree in plastic to catch any falling needles and cover the plastic with a festive skirt to brighten up the tree. When hanging your ornaments, put heavy ones further up the branch as the tree is stronger closer to the trunk. Add tinsel once you've hung the ornaments and finish by placing a star on top. | Test your Christmas lights before you hang them on your tree. Plug your Christmas lights into an outlet. Ensure that you don't have any burnt-out bulbs. Put lights on your tree. Make sure to do this before putting ornaments on your tree. LED lights are best for live trees as they do not heat up too quickly. The Around-and-Around Wrap: Wrap strands of lights around the top of the tree and work your way down to the base of the tree. For a 6-foot tall tree, you will need about 6 strands of lights with 100 bulbs each. Put your first light at the very top of the tree to begin. This light will shine on the star, angel, or snowflake that you will add later. Secure your light strands by weaving them in an out of the tree's branches. The Vertical Wrap: Divide your tree into 3 sections. Each section will have its own lights. Begin at the base of the tree and weave the lights up through the branches to the top of the tree and back down to the base. Repeat. Connect your light strands to an extension cord and plug it into a nearby outlet. Wrap the base of the tree in plastic. The plastic will collect any needles that fall off your tree. Cover the plastic with a festive Christmas tree skirt. These skirts add to the beauty of your tree and also keep the tree's needles from collecting on your floor. Hang your ornaments on the tree. Look for branches that are wider apart so that your ornaments won't rest on lower branches. Hang heavier ornaments further up on branches, closer to the trunk of the tree. The tree is strongest near the trunk and can bear more weight. Hang ornaments near lights to highlight certain ornaments. This works particularly well with shiny bulb, glass, or metal ornaments as these types are the most reflective. Spread ornaments evenly throughout the tree. Make sure not to hang too many ornaments on each branch. If a branch starts to get too weighed down, ornaments could fall off or the branch could break. Add additional decorations. These extras can include bows, strands of popcorn and cranberries, and candy canes. Add tinsel (optional). Tinsel makes your tree glitter. Hang tinsel near lights for the shiniest look possible. Be mindful with the amount of tinsel you place on your tree. Too much tinsel could take away from the beauty of your ornaments. For a more modern look, buy colored tinsel rather than the traditional gold and silver. Add the star (or decoration you wish to have at the top of your tree. ) Make sure that it is secure and not crooked. Turn off the lights in your house. Admire the festive tree you have created and be jolly. Create a traditional look with solid red, white, silver and gold orbs. The orbs can be glass or plastic. Add fake winterberries and silver bells to complete a traditional tree. Place silk flowers throughout your tree for a blooming theme. Hang white lights instead of colored lights to accent the flowers. Silk roses, magnolias, and hydrangeas are good options for a wintery feel. Add richly colored ribbons and little silver orbs or glittering glass ornaments for a twinkling, flowery look. Create a nature-inspired look with rustic metal or glass ornaments. Place pine cones throughout the tree. Mix bird ornaments in with fake leaves. White lights are best for this natural look. Hang red, white, and blue ornaments for a patriotic look. Mix glass and plastic ornaments alongside white lights for a tree that could rival the White House's own. To get even more patriotic, hang red, white, and blue lights on your tree. Hang large, brightly colored orbs for a more modern look. Mod colors include lime greens, purples, bright blues, and hot pink. Light strands with large light bulbs mixed with bright small and large ornaments will give your tree a contemporary, edgy feel. | Test your Christmas lights before you hang them on your tree. Put lights on your tree. Connect your light strands to an extension cord and plug it into a nearby outlet. Wrap the base of the tree in plastic. Hang your ornaments on the tree. Hang heavier ornaments further up on branches, closer to the trunk of the tree. Hang ornaments near lights to highlight certain ornaments. Spread ornaments evenly throughout the tree. Add additional decorations. Add tinsel (optional). Add the star (or decoration you wish to have at the top of your tree. Turn off the lights in your house. Create a traditional look with solid red, white, silver and gold orbs. Place silk flowers throughout your tree for a blooming theme. Create a nature-inspired look with rustic metal or glass ornaments. Hang red, white, and blue ornaments for a patriotic look. Hang large, brightly colored orbs for a more modern look. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Prevent-Upper-Back-Pain | How to Prevent Upper Back Pain | A good way to prevent upper back pain is to perform stretches targeted at your back. For instance, try hunching your shoulders up and then rolling them back down. If you primarily feel upper back pain when you're sleeping, aim to sleep on your back or side to reduce pressure. Alternatively, for instant relief, apply a heating pad to the area for no more than 15 to 20 minutes at a time or take an over-the-counter pain reliever. | Do shoulder rolls to relax your neck and shoulders. Also known as βshoulder shrugs,β shoulder rolls help release tension in your neck and shoulder area, which can help relieve upper back pain. Sit upright in a straight-backed chair with your feet flat on the floor. Bring your shoulders up to your ears, as if you were hunching, roll them back behind you, and then bring them down. Repeat this exercise in the opposite direction: up, forward, and down. Repeat this exercise two to four times, several times a day. Stretch your shoulders by moving your elbows. Begin by placing your hands, palms down, on your shoulders. Your left hand should go on your left shoulder and your right hand on your right shoulder. Hold this position for three deep breaths and then relax. Repeat the stretch several times throughout the day. Keep your hands on your shoulders as you pull your elbows together. You should feel a stretch in your upper back and shoulder area. Perform dart exercises to ease tension in your upper back. The dart back extension is a movement used in Pilates to target the upper back and neck region. Lie on your stomach with your arms at your sides and your legs straight. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and, keeping your neck straight, raise your head, arms, and chest off the ground. Hold the position for 2 seconds, then gently lower back down to the floor. Slowly lower your body to the ground with control and do 3 sets of 10 darts. Do a seated side stretch. Sit an armless chair or stool and cross your left leg over your right leg. Place your right elbow at the outside of your left knee and gently twist toward the left. Hold this stretch for 10 seconds, then repeat on the other side. Repeat this stretch 3-5 times a day on both sides to help reduce your upper back pain. If you feel any pain, stop stretching and don't stretch farther than is comfortable. Try shoulder squeezes to release tension. Shoulder squeeze exercises can help release tension in your upper back and shoulders, reducing your pain. Sit or stand with your arms at your sides and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for a few seconds, release the stretch, and then repeat it. Make sure you don't just arch your chest forward. Do arm stretches to loosen up your shoulders. Arm stretches will help your shoulders stay flexible and relieve tension, which can help reduce and prevent pain. Bring your right arm across your chest, reaching as far across your body as you can. Place your left hand on your arm near your elbow and gently pull on your right arm to deepen the stretch. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Repeat the stretch 3-5 times and then repeat the stretch with the other arm. If you feel any pain, stop the stretch. Try the prayer-cat-camel Pilates positions. Get down on all fours, take a deep breath, then lean back on your heels as you exhale. Lower your head, tuck your chin, and extend your arms in front of you into prayer pose. Inhale as you move back to all fours. Arch your back toward the ceiling, tucking your head and abs to get into cat pose. Exhale and lower your abs toward the floor. Arch your back down toward the floor and reach your chin toward the ceiling to get into camel pose. Return to prayer pose and repeat the sequence for 5 repetitions. This Pilates position will help increase your flexibility and will also help you stretch out tense muscles in your back and shoulders. This is also known as βchild's poseβ in yoga. Use segmental rotations to stretch your back. Lie on your back on the floor with your arms out to your sides. Bend your knees, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Tighten your stomach muscles and keep your shoulders flat on the floor as you lower your knees gently to one side. Your knees should move together toward the floor. Don't go farther than is comfortable. Hold this position for 3 good, deep breaths. Gently bring your knees back to the center position, then repeat the stretch on the other side. Do this several times a day. Segmental rotation is a good way to gently stretch your back while building core strength, which can add stability and reduce your back pain. Exercise your upper back with opposite arm and leg raises. Lie down on your stomach with your hands and legs straight and your arms stretched out in front of you. Gently raise your right arm and left leg, in addition to a slight raise of your head. Hold for a couple of seconds and then lower. Repeat with the left arm and right leg. Do the exercise 2-3 times a day to strengthen your upper back. Place a small pillow under your lower stomach area to make it more comfortable. Try a modified plank. The full plank can be difficult to do, especially if you have back pain or weaker core muscles. A modified plank will help you strengthen your core muscles safely, without putting too much strain on your back. Lie on the floor on your stomach. Use a yoga mat for cushioning. Raise yourself up so that your body is resting on your elbows and forearms and your knees and your elbows are directly beneath your shoulders. You can place your hands flat on the floor or keep them in loose fists. Straighten spine so your back, shoulders, and neck are aligned and you're looking at the floor, but not slumped toward it. Don't look toward the ceiling. Tighten your stomach muscles to help you hold the position. If you need to create extra resistance, you can use your abdominal muscles to press your elbows and knees towards each other. Hold this position as long as you can. Aim to hold it for at least 3 deep, even breaths. Gently lower your body to the floor and relax for a moment. Repeat the position several times throughout the day. Perform the βbridgeβ exercise. Doing the bridge exercise properly will help build core strength and relieve back pain. You'll also strengthen your glutes and hamstrings, which help with stability. Lie on your back on the floor. If you'd like, you can use a yoga mat to cushion your back. Bend your knees, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Keep your head and shoulders relaxed, not tense. Tighten your abdominal and gluteal (buttock) muscles. Using these muscles, push your hips toward the ceiling until your body forms a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Your hips should not sag or arch too much. Your buttocks and abs should hold you in place. Hold the position as long as you can. Inhale deeply through your nose and exhale through your mouth as you hold the position. Try to hold the position for at least three good breaths. Gently lower your hips back to the ground. Take a breather, then repeat the bridge four more times. Do single-leg abdominal presses to build your core muscles. This exercise will help strengthen your core without putting too much strain on your back. Stronger core muscles mean a healthier, less painful back. Lie on your back on the floor. You can use a yoga mat for cushioning. Bend your knees, keeping your feet flat on the floor. Make sure your back is in a βneutralβ position (you should be able to just slip a hand between the natural arch in your back and the floor). Tighten your stomach muscles. Bring your right leg up so that your knee forms a right angle to the floor. Place your right hand on your right knee. Keep your stomach muscles tightened to pull your knee toward your body as you push your right hand against your right knee. You should encounter some resistance as you push. Take deep, even breaths as you hold the position. Try to hold it for at least 3 good breaths. Gently lower your right leg to the floor. Repeat the exercise with your left leg and left hand. Do this five times on each side. Once this position becomes comfortable, you can increase the difficulty by placing your hand on your opposite knee (i.e., left hand on right knee, right hand on left knee). You can also increase the difficulty even more by placing your hand on the outside of your knee and pushing inward as you use your ab muscles to keep your leg upright. Perform the double-leg abdominal press. Once you've mastered the single-leg abdominal press, you can move up to the double-leg press. This exercise will strengthen your core even further. Lie flat on your back on the floor. Use a yoga mat if you would prefer. Make sure your back is in a neutral position. Tighten your abs. Raise both legs off the floor so that they are at a 90-degree angle to the floor. Rest your hands on top of each knee (left hand for left knee, right hand for right knee). Keeping your abs tight, push your hands against your knees as though you are pushing them toward the floor. Use your abs to keep your knees pulled up toward your body. Take deep even breaths while you perform this hold. Try to hold the position for at least three breaths. Gently lower your legs to the floor. Take a breather, then repeat the exercise for 5 times on each side. You can perform the same variations with the double-leg press as with the single-leg press. Perform a quadruped exercise. This exercise also helps strengthen your core muscles in a back-friendly way. Get down on all fours and align your spine so that your back, shoulders, and neck form a healthy line. Tighten your stomach muscles. Raise your right arm up off the floor and reach ahead of you with your palm facing up. Hold this position for 3 good breaths. Return your right arm to the floor and repeat this position with your left arm. Then, raise your right leg off the floor and stretch it behind you. Hold this position for three good breaths. Lower your right leg to the floor and repeat this position with your left leg. You can perform the exercise on a yoga mat if you would prefer. Make sure your hands are directly underneath your shoulders. If this is too easy for you, increase the difficulty by raising the opposite arm and leg (i.e., right leg and left arm, left leg and right arm) at the same time. Repeat with the opposite side. Maintain a good weight. Being overweight puts strain on your back muscles that can cause pain. Speak with your doctor if you are not sure whether you are at a healthy weight. Always consult with a doctor before beginning a weight-loss regimen. Crash diets and other unsafe techniques can seriously endanger your health. Get plenty of cardio. Regular aerobic exercise will help you increase your strength and endurance. Go for exercises that will not hurt your back, such as swimming or even brisk walking. Avoid things like running or jogging, which could cause painful jolts. Consult with your doctor to find out what exercises are most effective and safe for you. Although it may seem like a low-impact activity, golf is actually not good for people with back problems. Practice good posture. Poor posture is a common cause of upper back pain. Standing or sitting in unhealthy positions can put strain on your neck, shoulders, and back muscles, causing pain. Back against a wall and stand comfortably with your heels 2-4β away from the wall. Your buttocks, shoulder blades and head should all touch the wall, but the βsmallβ of your lower back should not. Remind yourself daily to walk with shoulder blades pulled slightly back, stomach tucked in and head upright. Keep your head even when standing or sitting. Try to avoid letting your head slump forward, as this puts a lot of strain on your neck, shoulders, and upper back. Your spine has natural curves, so standing with good posture will not produce a perfectly straight back. Set up an ergonomically correct workstation. Sitting for long periods of time can cause back pain, especially if you're using poor posture. Use ergonomically correct chairs at home and work, and make sure that your desk is at the proper height (or use a standing desk). An ergonomic office chair is an especially important tool to prevent upper back pain, by lining up your head, shoulders, hips and knees. This posture prevents strain on your neck and spine while looking at a computer screen. Keep your monitor just below eye level. Your elbows should be close to your body and supported. Sleep on your back or side to reduce pressure on your back. Sleeping on your stomach places extra pressure on your back and can cause neck and back pain. Place a small pillow under your knees if you sleep on your back, or between your knees if you sleep on your side to make it more comfortable and to help keep yourself from rolling onto your stomach while you sleep. A rolled-up towel instead of a pillow will also work. Reduce your stress to keep tension from developing into pain. Stress and anxiety lead to increased tension in your shoulder and neck muscles, which may result in upper back pain. Try to identify the stressors in your life so you can work to avoid them or be better prepared to handle them. Try yoga or tai chi. Their emphasis on gentle movement, meditation, and deep breathing will help relax you and increase your flexibility. Meditation can also help you relieve stress. You can also try a hobby. Active hobbies, such as gardening or nature walking, will also help you stay fit. Carry and lift objects properly to keep from injuring your back. Always lift with your legs, never your back. Begin with your knees bent slightly, but not in a squat. Keep the weight close to your body as you lift it, and let your legs push you up rather than pulling up with your back. Students often experience upper back pain thanks to overloaded, imbalanced backpacks. Wear a backpack over both shoulders and try to keep the load as light and balanced as possible. When carrying heavy things such as grocery bags, try to carry about the same weight in each hand. Apply heat to relax your back muscles. Applying heat to the area where you feel back pain can help relax tense muscles and provide temporary relief from pain. You can use a heating pad or hot water bottle to apply heat to your upper back. Do not use a heating pad while you are napping or sleeping. Apply heat for no more than 15-20 minutes at a time. You may also find a hot shower or bath helpful. If you have a massaging showerhead, directing the warm pulsing water at your sore areas may bring relief. Use ice to reduce pain and inflammation. Ice is usually reserved for acute injuries, such as an injury that has occurred within the last 48 to 72 hours. Ice may also be helpful to reduce pain and inflammation from arthritis. To make a cold pack, wet a hand towel or washcloth with water and wring it out so that it is just damp. Fold the towel and place it into a zip-top plastic bag. Freeze it for about 15 minutes. Apply the cold pack to the sore area for no more than 10 minutes at a time. There are also commercial cold packs made with gel or clay that you can purchase at most drug stores. Never place a cold pack directly on to your skin. Use a small thin towel in between the ice pack and the skin to avoid frostbite. You can even use a bag of frozen vegetables as an ice pack. Choose something small and uniform, like peas or corn. Don't eat vegetables that have been thawed and refrozen β keep this bag just for pain relief. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Try an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to help relieve pain and inflammation. Common NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. You can also take acetaminophen (Tylenol). If these medications do not work, talk to your doctor about stronger prescription-strength pain relievers. See your doctor if your back pain is persistent. If your back pain is chronic β meaning it lasts for a long time, develops gradually, or keeps coming back β you should see your physician. Chronic back pain may be related to a prior injury, for which you could need additional treatment. | Do shoulder rolls to relax your neck and shoulders. Stretch your shoulders by moving your elbows. Perform dart exercises to ease tension in your upper back. Do a seated side stretch. Try shoulder squeezes to release tension. Do arm stretches to loosen up your shoulders. Try the prayer-cat-camel Pilates positions. Use segmental rotations to stretch your back. Exercise your upper back with opposite arm and leg raises. Try a modified plank. Perform the βbridgeβ exercise. Do single-leg abdominal presses to build your core muscles. Perform the double-leg abdominal press. Perform a quadruped exercise. Maintain a good weight. Get plenty of cardio. Practice good posture. Set up an ergonomically correct workstation. Sleep on your back or side to reduce pressure on your back. Reduce your stress to keep tension from developing into pain. Carry and lift objects properly to keep from injuring your back. Apply heat to relax your back muscles. Use ice to reduce pain and inflammation. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. See your doctor if your back pain is persistent. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Look-Rich | How to Look Rich | If you want to look rich, make sure to have good hygiene by bathing daily, trimming your hair every 2-3 weeks, and taking good care of your nails. In addition to good grooming, consider buying a few quality pieces of clothes that fit and flatter your figure. To find the best deals on brand name or designer clothes, explore stores like Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx, which sell fashionable clothing at more affordable prices. Once you have the right clothes, dress up whenever you can, since a more polished look will make you seem richer than if you're wearing sweatpants, for example. You should also practice good etiquette and posture wherever you go, so you exude elegance and confidence. | Buy clothes that fit your body well. The most obvious sign of wealth isn't bling, specific brands, fabric, or a particular styleβit's tailored clothes. If you want to look rich, you need to make sure your clothes fit like they were made for your body. Clothes need to fit your form and flatter your figure, whether you're talking about casual or formal wear. Department store sizes are widely variable because of the way fabric is machine cut. Two pairs of pants that are labeled the same size might be fairly different. Try on at least three pairs at your size to find the best fit. Spend extra time shopping to make sure every item fits your body perfectly. Even if you like a shirt, skirt, or a pair of pants, don't buy it if it doesn't fit your body perfectly. Buy a few quality pieces but fill out your wardrobe with valuable items. If you're trying to save money on clothes but want to look like you're spending a lot, a little smart shopping will go a long way. You can spend big on a few name - brand or designer items, then spread them out with a variety of cheaper clothes to make different outfits that look rich. Save up for a couple of months if you want to splurge on a pair of Louboutins, but make sure you're outfitting yourself with cheap stuff from Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, and other stores that sell fashionable clothing on a budget. It's better to spend money on clothes rather than on accessories, which will look obnoxious if they're being worn with cheap clothes. It's also obviously a good idea to look for sales whenever possible. If you can get designer jeans for a discount, you can spend more on some valuable items to round out your wardrobe. Remove the tags from your clothes. Expensive designer clothes don't feature brands prominently. If you want to look like you've got a serious bank account, don't make yourself a walking billboard for brand names. Go for clean, sophisticated apparel. Even trendy brands like Coach, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, and others may have prominently-placed emblems or brands. Even though these might be pricey brands, this isn't a sign of wealth. It's better to have a big wardrobe of beautiful form-fitting items of mysterious origin than one expensive Coach bag that broke the bank. Dress up when you can. If you're just playing at looking wealthy, you want to look like you've got somewhere important to be. A board meeting? An exclusive dance club? A yacht club? A red carpet? Every day should be an excuse to dress up and look rich. Things like cardigans in pastel colors, pressed cotton shirts, form-fitting slacks, and slim-fitting jackets should be worn by men whenever possible. No shorts, under any circumstances. It's appropriate for women to wear skirts, dresses, and pumps, whenever possible, if you're going for that "old-money" look, but it's also good to rock a trendy pair of designer jeans, a scarf, and a printed tee in some cases to look movie-star-chic. Just avoid going out in sweatpants. Buy clothes with natural fabrics. Fabrics should be all-natural, whenever possible. Look at the tags when you buy clothes and pick out cotton, cashmere, silk, linen, and wool over any kind of synthetic blend. If you go with blended fabric, make sure that it's a blend of these natural fibers. Or better yet, buy a combination of expensive fabrics and make your own clothes! Make sure your clothes are always well-pressed and clean. It's important to have good clothes, but it's even more important to have clothes that look good and are well-kept. Wash your clothes according to the directions included, always, and air-dry them to retain the life of the items. Dry-clean fine fabrics and press your clothes before wearing them. The more you wash certain items, the more they'll age. Press your clothes and fold them neatly between wearings, so you won't need to wash them more frequently. Wool, velvet and silk need to be dry-cleaned. Cotton and cashmere can be washed fine at home. Be ready for the weather. Not only do you want to make sure that you're dressed smartly, but that you're dressed appropriately for the weather. Don't get caught out in the rain in inappropriate clothes, and always be prepared for abrupt changes in weather, given the season that you're dressing for. Pay attention to fashion magazines to find out about new seasonal fashions and trends as well, so you can be prepared for what's coming up next. The old money crowd loves to layer, so sweaters, overcoats, and similar garb are handy for cooler conditions. Spend money on shoes. The shoes make the outfit, and you can get a lot of use out of them, so it's one good place to spend a little extra when you're trying to get an outfit together. Acquire at least one pair of really decent well-made shoes and some other value options for heavier use. For men, some very conservative and understated oxfords or loafers are a good idea. Higher-ankle Beatle boots can also be stylish and appear expensive. Leather is key. For women, a conservative pump, like the classic Chanel would be a good choice. Keep your shoes very clean at all times. Take them off when you're indoors and polish them regularly to keep them looking out-of-the-box. Keep the box and store them inside it. Wear some discreet bling. Jewelry can be a trap. A little of it cries out "rich," but too much of it cries out "poseur." Think Jay-Z more so than Trinidad James, and Queen Elizabeth more than Snooki. A few pieces of stylish jewelry can give your look rich elegance. If you can't afford the real thing, keep it classic. In lieu of a genuine Cartier "Tank" watch, do what lots of the wealthy do and get the cheapest, simplest Timex with a basic black leather band, small and discreet. Fake pearls are difficult to identify, making them an excellent way to save a little if you can't afford a diamond necklace. Find trendy or unusual accessories. An authentic designer bag or wallet is nice but go for something a bit bland or obsolete. Something that is the "latest fashion" is by definition a trend, which is anathema to the old money crowd. It must be well made and leather even if not designer, go for simple designs. The LL Bean Boat & Tote or a classic black quilted Chanel are good options. Nothing avant-garde, and nothing that looks like the Balenciaga Lariat, or the Chloe Paddington. However, if you're impressing the nouveau riche, "trendy" is pretty much mandatory. Rent designer accessories from places like Le Tote, Leading Luxury, or Rent the Runway, to help yourself save some money and appear super-rich. Bathe yourself every day. Bathing regularly helps to communicate that you're well-taken-care-of and that you've got the time and resources to devote to your looks. Wash yourself thoroughly every day and take the time to get clean. Use a loofah to exfoliate while you're in the shower. Get rid of dead skin cells to deep clean your skin and keep it healthy. Bathe twice if you work out. Once in the morning and once after you finish on the squash court. Don't let the sweat stick. Use moisturizing lotion and soap your skin to keep it glowing and healthy after you take a shower. Cut your hair every 2-3 weeks at least. When you're strapped for cash, paying for a hair cut is one of the first things that goes out of the window. Get good-quality hair cuts from a beautician or barber you trust, about 1-2 times a month. Get rid of those split ends and keep your style current and flattering to your face. Men should have precise haircuts and well-shaven facial hair. Beards or mustaches should be trimmed extremely finely, and precisely, to a razor-like edge. Women should have tasteful and trendy cuts, color, and shine in their hair. Hair color should look natural and highlights and lowlights must be natural as if obtained on a visit to the beach house. Learn to cut your hair , if you want to save some expense. Use natural makeup colors. A wealthy woman's makeup should be natural, making use of neutral colors and gentle foundation. No over-the-top cat eye-liner, or false lashes. Keep it tasteful. Take good care of your skin. Perfect skin is a rich woman must. Natural skin color looks much better. No sunspots, so keep on sporting sunscreen, though everyone looks better with a healthy glow. Some makeup looks commonly worn by the upper class include red lipstick. It's always tasteful. Take care of your nails. Manicures don't have to cost a lot of money to make a big difference in your appearance. Clean your nails regularly and get manicures at inexpensive nail salons. Short tips can be classy and rich-looking, but longer nails tend to look a little cheaper and faker. Go for a basic French tip for the perfect look. Men should also invest in manicures regularly, to keep their nails and cuticles in good shape. Taking the time to trip nails and keep them strong and healthy is a sign of money. Learn to clean your nails yourself and trim your cuticles to save. Use whitening toothpaste. Dental care is expensive. The more you take care of your teeth on your own, the classier you'll look and the less you'll have to spend to achieve it. Floss every day, use non-alcoholic mouthwash to keep your breath fresh and brush daily using toothpaste with whitening properties. Make your smile look like a couple million bucks. White teeth aren't necessarily a sign of healthy teeth, but they always look better than stained or yellow ones. Avoid drinking too much coffee and tea, and tobacco products, to keep your teeth as white as possible. Smell like money. Men and women should wear a small amount of a subtle and sophisticated scent. Woodsy, floral scents are always classy, while sugary scents tend to scream out "young" or "bought at the mall." You don't usually have to break the bank to buy reasonable perfumes that smell expensive, although the high-end perfumes are quite pricey. Wait for deals at your favorite department stores and save up for something that smells good to you. Generally, you want to avoid super-new celebrity-endorsed fragrances. Men should wear cologne on the inner wrist and underneath the jawline. Women should wear perfumes on the inner wrist, inner elbows, and underneath the jawline or behind the ears. Go out and be seen. New restaurants, new clubs, and other hot spots around town should always be on your to-do list. The rich like to go out to the newest and trendiest places to be seen, just as much as to experience those places. If you want to give the impression that you're rich, try to stay on top of new openings and get your reservations ahead of time. Sign up for mailing lists for hot restaurants or follow them on social networking so you can stay ahead of the game on specialties and trends. Opening night should be your night. You want to make sure you get in when something is hot, not afterward when everybody else finds out about it. Be the first. Practice basic etiquette. Wealth comes with elegance. If you want to act like you've got money, you need to practice good manners at all times. Even if you're waiting in line at the DMV, you need to be elegant in your behavior. Eat more slowly and chew with your mouth closed. Take your time and enjoy your food instead of wolfing it down. Stay calm and avoid raising your voice when you're upset. Learn to speak calmly and evenly, even if someone is pushing your buttons. Stand up straight and hold your chin up. Excellent posture, both when sitting or standing, are signs of wealth. Learn about expensive brands. A knowledge of upscale brands can communicate that you're rich, even if you don't own any of the expensive gear that you're talking about. Rich people might have a lot of thoughts about the following brands: Clothing designers like Gucci, Dior, Burberry, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Coach, and Louis Vuitton. Car companies like Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Bugatti, Cadillac, Jaguar, Maserati, and Ferrari. Other local upscale brands, like restaurants and chefs, designers, artists, and architects. Rich people should be familiar with the notables in their area. Enunciate your words. Slow down your speech, and lower your voice volume to speak clearly and articulately about what you're talking about. Get some upper-class hobbies. The rich have their attendant hobbies. While some of these activities can be kind of expensive, if you want people to think you're rich without spending the money or participating, you can learn about the following upper-class hobbies with the following upper-class wikiHows, to sound like you're a pro: Golf Tennis Skiing Fine dining Sailing Travelling Riding horses Playing polo Get informed. Wealthy people frequently receive private schooling, so getting informed about the world around you is important. Brush up on general knowledge, but don't flaunt your education or claim to be an expert. Get informed by checking out the following periodicals of the wealthy: Forbes Barron's Wall Street Journal The Robb Report Affluent Traveler The New Yorker The Economist Travel. Wealth comes with the opportunity to spend money on travel. In general, the very wealthiest people are worldly and well-traveled, making the time to visit new and exotic locations as often as possible. If you want to act rich, act worldly and earn your frequent flyer miles. Try to travel to places off-the-beaten-path. Visiting Cabo is what tourists do. Visit Oaxaca instead. If going on holidays to European vistas isn't in your budget, fake it till you make it. Just search for exotic locations online and repost the pics. Even Kim Kardashian used Google image search instead of taking her own vacation pics not too long ago. . Act rich online Richness sometimes has a very particular presence online. Cruise around websites like "White Whine" for good examples of how the 1% conduct themselves on Facebook and Twitter. Secret: It's not always that great. Complain about the service regularly: "This restaurant is THE WORST. I mean, how hard is it to get a savory watermelon gazpacho right?" Embrace the humblebrag: "Today has been tough. The to-go cups at the new coffee place don't fit the cup holders in my BMW, so I had to drink my latte too fast." Put up pictures of exotic brands and locations, as if you were buying them or heading there on your next vacation, even if you're not. Don't flaunt it. Rich people, really rich people, don't feel the need to talk about how much they have. Rich people are probably the least interested in their wealth. If you want to give the impression that you're well-off, it's important to pull back a little and let other people guess. Don't push your "wealth" on people. If the topic of money comes up, brush it off. If you're pushed, you can say something like, "I don't like to talk about it," or "I'm pretty comfortable." | Buy clothes that fit your body well. Buy a few quality pieces but fill out your wardrobe with valuable items. Remove the tags from your clothes. Dress up when you can. Buy clothes with natural fabrics. Make sure your clothes are always well-pressed and clean. Be ready for the weather. Spend money on shoes. Wear some discreet bling. Find trendy or unusual accessories. Bathe yourself every day. Cut your hair every 2-3 weeks at least. Use natural makeup colors. Take care of your nails. Use whitening toothpaste. Smell like money. Go out and be seen. Practice basic etiquette. Learn about expensive brands. Get some upper-class hobbies. Get informed. Travel. . Don't flaunt it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Real-Estate-Brokerage | How to Open a Real Estate Brokerage | To open a real estate brokerage, start by estimating the capital you'll need to startup and run the business, including leasing an office, buying office equipment, and getting licensed. Next, decide if you can finance your business, if you'll need a partner, or if you want to apply for a bank or Small Business Administration loan. Once you have your licenses and office taken care of, open a broker trust account at your bank to deposit the money you'll receive from clients while brokering deals. You'll also need to purchase errors and omissions insurance. | Determine what type of real estate brokerage you want to open. There are brokers who specialize in residential real estate, commercial real estate, national real estate, international real estate or a combination. It's best to specialize in a particular real estate niche as opposed to trying to market your brokerage as a "one size fits all" business. Assess market demand for your services. Does the market in your community justify the existence of your business? How much of a demand is there in your area for the real estate services that you'll be providing? Is that demand expected to grow over the next several years? What are the overall prospects for the real estate market in your vicinity? Who are your competitors and how effective are they at market penetration? Determine whether your business could be profitable. How much money do you expect to make over the next five years with your real estate brokerage business? How can you justify those earnings? How much do you plan on growing each year over the next five years? Answering these questions may be difficult, but they are crucial in determining whether or not you can realistically expect to stay in business for long. Write a business plan. Your business plan is a summary of your business and its strategies that you can show to potential investors or lenders. It is intended to be used to show them that you have a solid plan for your business compiled from research and experience. Your business plan should: Include an executive summary. An executive summary will give prospective lenders and investors a quick overview of your business model and explain how you expect to make money. Don't forget to include a mission statement.For example: "Our goal is to make it easy for our clients to find their dream home." Provide an overall description of your company. Your business plan starts with a description of your real estate brokerage. It should explain the services that you're offering, the needs of the market that you're satisfying, and a description of your target market. Describe your organization and management. This is where you'll describe the legal structure of your business, such as whether you're organized as an LLC, a partnership, a C or S Corporation, or a sole proprietor. You'll also use this section to highlight management experience in the industry. Explain your marketing strategy. How are you going to promote your real estate services? What is it that differentiates your real estate brokerage from others in the area? Don't forget to specify your unique selling proposition (USP). That's the service you're offering that sets you apart from your competitors. Include financial projections. Be sure to forecast growth in both income and expenses. Estimate the capital you'll need to run the business. Before you even start out, you'll need money to run your real estate brokerage. Estimate your startup costs for leasing an office, buying office equipment, getting licensed, and for other expenses. You'll need startup capital as well as working capital. Startup capital is what you'll use to get your business off the ground. Working capital is what you'll use to pay for day-to-day operations. Finance your business yourself. The simplest way to start your business is to use your own savings to do so. This will free you from ceding control to another partner or paying interest to a lender. However, the amount required to start your business will likely be higher than you are able to afford using your savings alone. Bring on partners. If you don't want to take out a loan or don't qualify for one, you can bring on a partner to help you finance your startup costs. Your partner will come into the business by providing capital in exchange for an ownership share in the business. This will allow them to make business decisions (with you) and own a share of any profits. Partnerships must be structured using an official charter to effective and, in some states, legally recognized. You can also bring on a silent partner if you can find a willing investor. A silent partner contributes capital and owns part of the business, but does not make any business decisions or work. This would allow you to operate the business yourself using their money. Get a bank loan. You should put some of your own money into your business, but all of your capital doesn't need to come from your own pocket. Consider getting a loan from a local bank to help you get started. You will need good credit and an effective business plan to qualify for this type of loan. Obtain a Small Business Administration loan. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a great source of loans for small businesses. To qualify, you need to demonstrate an ability to repay the loan, either in assets or revenues. Your personal assets also count towards the potential collateral on your loan. The SBA may be more likely to lend to some businesses than banks are. Visit your local SBA branch or the SBA's website to get started. Obtain all required licenses. The requirements may vary, depending on where you live. In some states and countries, you can get your real estate agent's and broker's licenses at the same time, while elsewhere you may have to be a licensed agent for at least a year before applying for your broker's license. Choose a location for your office. You're into real estate, so you already know that location is important. Make sure that you select a great office space for your business that's easily accessible and offers plenty of parking. Equip your office. You're going to need computer equipment, office furniture, a fax machine, and the usual office supplies. Open broker trust accounts at your bank. All real estate brokers are legally required to use broker trust accounts to deposit the money they receive from clients while brokering a deal. Purchase errors and omissions insurance. There is some level of liability associated with a real estate brokerage. Be sure that you're properly covered with good quality insurance. Set up a website. Once you've established your business as a real estate brokerage, it's time to set up a website so that you can market the properties your listing to people who are browsing online for real estate. According to one report, 90% of home buyers start their search online. If you don't have a solid online presence, your real estate brokerage is going to lose market share. Contact a web development company that specializes in creating websites for real estate brokerages. That way, you can be sure that your site not only presents a professional image but is also able to display properties that are in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). Your website will need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in the real estate market. For example, you don't want people to browse your site and find a property for sale that's already under contract. Hire a search engine optimization company to optimize your website for local searches. That way, when people in your area search for a particular type of real estate listing, your page appears at or near the top of the results list. Prepare an independent contractor agreement. When you do get to the point where you need to hire additional agents, you'll need a legal agreement in place that spells out their responsibilities and describes your expectations of agent behavior. Make a list of your contacts in real estate that includes people and businesses that can alert you to sellers and buyers. A real estate business is essentially a sales business. It thrives on relationships. Build a list of contacts in your area and maintain a professional relationship with those people. Advertise your business. Advertising is one of the best ways to get the word out about your business. However, it can be expensive. Be sure to measure the effectiveness of your advertising campaigns by always asking prospective clients how they heard about your business. Build brand awareness about your brokerage. Sponsor a charitable event or a little league team in your area to keep the name of your business in people's minds. Generate buzz about your business. Good public relations (PR) is better than advertising because it's free and it carries more authenticity. Sign up for HelpAReporter.com (HARO). That way, when journalists need an expert on the real estate market in your area, they're more likely to contact you. They'll include your name and the name of your business in their reporting. That's free advertising. Distribute press releases with services that allow you to do so for free. Check out sites like Free Press Release. Make frequent use of social media to post news items relevant to your business. Also, post funny memes and show your human side with personal stories. Be careful about being too "salesy" with your social media accounts, though. Offer to be a speaker at real estate and business conferences. You especially want to be a speaker at events in your immediate area. Hire qualified agents who are local and can bring in more business. Keep in mind that, if you're just starting out in the real estate business, you might be a one-person shop. That's normal. However, as your business grows, you'll need to hire additional staff. | Determine what type of real estate brokerage you want to open. Assess market demand for your services. Determine whether your business could be profitable. Write a business plan. Estimate the capital you'll need to run the business. Finance your business yourself. Bring on partners. Get a bank loan. Obtain a Small Business Administration loan. Obtain all required licenses. Choose a location for your office. Equip your office. Open broker trust accounts at your bank. Purchase errors and omissions insurance. Set up a website. Prepare an independent contractor agreement. Make a list of your contacts in real estate that includes people and businesses that can alert you to sellers and buyers. Advertise your business. Build brand awareness about your brokerage. Generate buzz about your business. Hire qualified agents who are local and can bring in more business. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Put-Anchor-Screws-in-a-Wall | How to Put Anchor Screws in a Wall | Before you put an anchor screw in a wall, find out what the wall is made of and how heavy the item you plan to hang is so you know which type of anchor to use. Choose an expansion anchor if you have a plaster wall and want to hang something less than 20 pounds. To install the anchor, drill a hole in the wall that's deeper than the anchor is long, then slide the expansion anchor into the hole. Finish by screwing the support screw into the anchor, but remember to leave enough of the screw exposed to hang your picture frame on. | Determine what type of wall you will be installing the anchor on. What is it made out of? Different types of walls will require different types of anchors and may require a different installation process. Plaster walls begin as wooden frames that have been constructed from narrow strips of wood cut from a lathe. These frames are then coated with several layers of plaster until the desired density is achieved. Plaster wall was the standard during the early 1900s. Drywall is made from a plaster sheet that has been sandwiched between paper. Drywall became popular in the United States and Canada during the late 1950s as a lighter-weight replacement to plaster wall. Brick and mortar, and concrete walls are also common. Weigh the object. This is the second most important factor to consider when selecting the proper type of wall anchor. Cabinets, because of the way that they hang, put more stress on an anchor. It is therefore not recommended to hang a cabinet with an anchor. Depending on the size of the cabinet, you may find a smaller piece that will work with an anchor. Plan where you want to hang your picture frame or mirror. The angle that you will be installing the anchor and the weight of the object being hung will affect which type of anchor you should use. The amount of stress on an anchor affects how much it can support. Select the proper anchor screw. This can only be done if you know ahead of time what type of material the anchor will be screwed into, the approximate weight of the object being hung, and angle of the anchor (as in the case of a ceiling). Plaster wall: anything under 20-pounds can be hung with a plastic expansion anchor. Use a molly bolt for anything weighing more than 20-pounds. Drywall: use a threaded anchor screw for anything weighing less than 20-pounds. Anything weighing more should be anchored with a molly bolt. Hanging anything more than a few pounds--such as a smoke detector--is not recommended on drywall ceilings. Concrete or brick and mortar walls require expansion anchors. Be sure never to install any anchors in-between seams of concrete or brick. Anchors should only be installed in the brick or stone itself, ever in the grout. The amount of weight that the anchor can hold will be determined by the strength and condition of the wall itself (e.g., old brick and mortar walls that are in poor condition tend to be brittle and can crumble; this directly impacts how much weight an anchor can support). Determine exactly where you want your picture frame or mirror to hang. If your picture frame or mirror has a wire-hanger in the back, be sure to take into account the amount of slack when figuring-out where you want the picture or mirror to hang. Make a small pencil mark where the center of the screw will go. If the picture frame or mirror has multiple hooks on the back, be sure to measure the distance between them. Use a level to measure the spot for your second anchor. Make another small pencil mark where the second anchor will be installed. You can also apply a bit of grease or lipstick on the hooks of the item you will hang. Place the item where you want it on the wall and gently press it against the wall. The grease or lipstick will leave a mark to show you where to install your anchors. Drill a hole in the spot(s) you marked. Be sure that you hold the drill perpendicular to the wall so that the anchor will sit parallel to the ground: an anchor that is not installed straight will not be able to support as much weight. You should drill a hole that is approximately the same size as the anchor itself (the screw will force it to expand outward). Make sure the hole you drill is deeper than the anchor is long. Slide the expansion anchor into the hole. If the hole is too small, the anchor will collapse onto itself and may not install properly. Push it in until the anchor sits flush against the wall. Do not bang on the screw because it could bend or break. If needed, tap the anchor with a rubber mallet lightly to get it to sit flush against the surface of the wall. Screw the support screw into the anchor. Line up the screw and the anchor and, using either a philips or flat head screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise just until the base of the screw comes to rest against the base of the anchor. If the object you are hanging has a mounting bracket, you may need to slide the screw through the bracket before screwing it into the anchor. Back the screw out slightly by turning it counter-clockwise. Be sure to leave just-enough of the screw exposed to "catch" the hanger on the back of picture frame or mirror. A good rule of thumb is to leave about a 1/4" of screw exposed for hanging. Determine exactly where you want your picture frame or mirror to hang. If your picture frame or mirror has a wire-hanger in the back, be sure to take into account the amount of slack when figuring-out where you want the picture or mirror to hang. Threaded anchor screws are mostly used in drywall. Make a small pencil mark where the center of the screw will go. If the picture frame or mirror has multiple hooks on the back, be sure to measure the distance between them. Make another small pencil mark where the second-anchor will be installed (in-line with the previous mark, spaced the same distance as the hooks on the picture farm or mirror). Place the tip of the threaded anchor on the spot you marked. Because these anchors are self-threaded you do not need to pre-drill any holes. Although this is not absolutely necessary, you can use a nail to make a tiny indention on your mark. This indentations will hold the tip of the anchor as you begin screwing it into the wall. Screw the anchor in using a screwdriver. You will have to use a drill to install the anchor. Be sure to hold the screwdriver or drill perpendicular to the wall to ensure that the anchor is installed perfectly straight. Clockwise is "in." Make sure you are applying enough pressure to allow the threads to catch. Otherwise, the tip of the anchor will keep spinning in place. Screw the anchor in until it rests flush against the wall. Screw the support screw into the anchor. Line up the screw and the anchor and, using either a philips or flat head screwdriver, turn the screw clockwise just until the base of the screw comes to rest against the base of the anchor. If the object you are hanging has a mounting bracket, you may need to slide the screw through the bracket before screwing it into the anchor. Back the screw out slightly by turning it counter-clockwise. Be sure to leave just-enough of the screw exposed to "catch" the hanger on the back of picture frame or mirror. Determine exactly where you want your picture frame or mirror to hang. If your picture frame or mirror has a wire-hanger in the back, be sure to take into account the amount of slack when figuring-out where you want the picture or mirror to hang. Make a small pencil mark where the center of the screw will go. If the picture frame or mirror has multiple hooks on the back, be sure to measure the distance between them. Make another small pencil mark where the second-anchor will be installed (in-line with the previous mark, spaced the same distance as the hooks on the picture farm or mirror). Drill a hole in the spot(s) you marked. The hole should be slightly larger than the molly bolt. You can measure it by folding the wings and measuring its width. As the molly bolt is screwed in its wings will compress and create tension, filling any gap. Be sure that you hold the drill perpendicular to the wall so that the anchor is installed perfectly straight. All wall anchors should be installed parallel to the ground. Make sure you hole you drill is deeper than the anchor is long. Insert the screw into the bolt. Unlike the other two types of anchors, which require the anchor and the support screw to be installed separately, the molly bolt and screw are installed at the same time. Prepare the molly bolt by screwing the support screw into the winged-bolt. Screw the bolt in using a screwdriver. Be sure to hold the screwdriver perpendicular to the wall as you are turning it clockwise. This will help ensure that the anchor is installed perfectly straight. Since the hole you drilled earlier is larger than the molly bolt, you should not have to use a drill. Don't over tighten, the molly bolt will flare as you screw it into the wall. Just make sure that it is snug. | Determine what type of wall you will be installing the anchor on. Weigh the object. Plan where you want to hang your picture frame or mirror. Select the proper anchor screw. Determine exactly where you want your picture frame or mirror to hang. Make a small pencil mark where the center of the screw will go. Drill a hole in the spot(s) you marked. Slide the expansion anchor into the hole. Screw the support screw into the anchor. Back the screw out slightly by turning it counter-clockwise. Determine exactly where you want your picture frame or mirror to hang. Make a small pencil mark where the center of the screw will go. Place the tip of the threaded anchor on the spot you marked. Screw the anchor in using a screwdriver. Screw the support screw into the anchor. Back the screw out slightly by turning it counter-clockwise. Determine exactly where you want your picture frame or mirror to hang. Make a small pencil mark where the center of the screw will go. Drill a hole in the spot(s) you marked. Insert the screw into the bolt. Screw the bolt in using a screwdriver. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Someone-You-Don%27t-Like | How to Get Rid of Someone You Don't Like | It can be awkward to get rid of someone you don't like, but the most straightforward way is to confront the person. Plan what you're going to say before you have the conversation so that you communicate clearly and don't stumble over your words. For example, you could say, βI need to focus on my studies right now, so I don't have much time for friends.β Then, pick a time when you can talk uninterrupted to tell them that you're ending the friendship. As you tell the person, maintain eye contact so they know you're serious and keep the conversation short so they don't have much time to react. Alternatively, if you don't want to tell the person directly, you can try avoiding them. Ignore their attempts to contact you and avoid going to the places they go to until they get the idea. | Plan what to say. If you want to confront the person and tell him or her that you don't want to hang out anymore, you should plan what you say carefully. If you have a random outburst or don't choose your words wisely, the person may not think that you're being serious or that you really thought it through. You're going to tell that person that you don't want to hang out with him anymore, so you can think of the best way to explain why. If the person is just really annoying and you don't have the heart to say it, just say that you're not enjoying the friendship, that the friendship is harmful for you, or that you'd just like to spend some time apart from the person β permanently. If there's a more concrete reason, like the person makes you feel bad about yourself, the person always talks about himself and doesn't listen to anyone, or the person is even outright mean to you, then you can tell the person this. If you don't want to be honest, that's fine too, if you think it'll just cause major conflict. Tell the person you don't have time for friends, that you're going through a hard time and want to be alone, or that you just want to focus on your studies. Tell the person that you're ending the friendship. Pick a time and place where you can be relatively alone, and say what you have to say. Stand a bit far away from the person and cross your arms over your chest, showing that you're already retreating. Don't give the person an opening to try to win you over, promise to change, or even try to touch or hug you. Keep it short. Don't give the person a lot of time to react. Maintain eye contact. Show the person that you really mean it. Find the person another friend. If you want to be nice after confronting the person, you can steer the person toward a club, activity, or new location that can help the person make some new friends. This can not only be better for the person, but better for you. But you should only do this if you're feeling a bit sorry for kicking the person out of your life. If the person finds new friends, he'll forget about you in no time at all. Follow through. If you've decided to cut off contact with that person for good (after potentially steering him in a new direction), then make the decision final. Don't let the person grovel, randomly show up, or follow you into a coffee shop and force you to have coffee. No means no, no matter what. If the person continues to bug you, you shouldn't sound threatening, but be confident and decisive about your decision. Ignore the person's phone calls. No matter how often the person calls or texts you, don't respond, not even the calls or texts sound desperate. If the person follows you around, make it obvious that you respond to your calls and texts and are purposefully ignoring that person. If he says, "Did you get my call?" you should look vacant and confused, like you don't know what he's talking about. This might help drive the point home. Ignore the person on social media. No matter how often the person posts on your Facebook wall, comments on your photos, or retweets something you've written, do not acknowledge him. If the he commented on one of your statuses along with a lot of other people, you should "like" the comments of all of the other people but not his comments. Make it clear that you want nothing to do with that person β whether it's online or in person. Avoid places the person goes. If you know that the girl you're trying to avoid always hangs out at a certain coffee shop, always goes to a certain friend's party, or always goes to the movies on Friday nights, avoid those places. If you don't go where the person goes, you'll be less likely to run into that person. But if the person is always around you, this won't help you too much. Change your routine. Stop going to the same lunch spot, the same diner, or the same bar or club. If the person you're trying to avoid knows exactly where to find you, it'll be hard to get rid of him or her. Though you shouldn't change your life completely to avoid this person, making some changes to your daily routine can help improve your life and get the person out of it. If the person always sits near you at lunch, try moving all of your friends to a different lunch table far away from your usual spot, so the person has a hard time finding you. If you and your friends always go to the same place for dinner on Friday nights, pick a place across town and don't mention the change to the person. If the person always follows you around the halls, change your routine for getting to class. Find some new friends. If your friends really do like that person or are too nice to be honest with that person, then you may have to find a new friend or even an entirely new group of friends. The person will be less likely to bother you if you're hanging out with all new people, and if you have new friends, it's likely you'll be hanging out at new places and the person will be less likely to find you or follow you around. Cry β a lot. You should cry or just be visibly upset most of the time when you're around that person. Talk about how you're having an emotional breakdown and how everything in the world is so sad and unfair and how you just can't stop crying and being so, so sad. At first, the person may feel honored to be allowed to help you, but if you keep this up for a few weeks, he may walk away on his own. Talk about how great you are. Everyone loves a good narcissist. Spend all of your time talking about how hot you are, how many people love you, and how you're going to be rich and famous so, so soon. Look in the mirror constantly, reapply your makeup, mention how stunning you look all the time, and just spin around talking about how you're wearing the best outfit ever. Use the words "me" and "I" as often as possible, and cut the person off any time he mentions himself. When the person talks about himself, just look confused, like you can't possibly understand what it has to do with you. Be a flake. Flakes are the best kind of people. Make elaborate plans to meet up with that person, assuring him that you won't flake again. When the time comes, don't show up, and don't answer calls from that person. The next day, you can say, "I completely forgot!" You can also give a really bad excuse, like, "I had to wash my hair!" or "I just couldn't stop watching Hoarders!" This should make the person avoid you in no time at all. | Plan what to say. Tell the person that you're ending the friendship. Find the person another friend. Follow through. Ignore the person's phone calls. Ignore the person on social media. Avoid places the person goes. Change your routine. Find some new friends. Cry β a lot. Talk about how great you are. Be a flake. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Ludo | How to Play Ludo | Ludo is a strategy board game played with 2 to 4 players. The objective of the game is to be the first player to move all 4 of your tokens around the board and into the home base. To set the game up, each player places their 4 tokens on the 4 blank spaces inside the circle on their corner of the board. Each player rolls the die and the player with the highest roll goes first. Going clockwise, each player takes turns rolling the die once per turn until they roll a 6. Once a player rolls a 6, they may place one of their tokens on the starting position in the marked square on the leftmost column where their color starts. Once a piece is in play, that player must move their token according to the number rolled on each die roll they make. Pieces move clockwise around the board on the white spaces until they return to the player's starting column. Once a piece reaches the color-coded row at the end of their trip around the board, a player must roll a die with the exact number of spaces required to reach the home base in the middle. When a piece successfully reaches the home base, it is removed from play. If a player rolls a 6 and already has a token in play, they may elect to put a new token into play. If a 6 is rolled, that player makes an additional bonus roll. If a second 6 is rolled, that player takes a third roll. If a third 6 is rolled in a row, that player may not move and the turn ends. A player may not land on a square they already occupy, although there are variations of the game that allow a piece to be promoted to a βdouble piece.β However, if a player lands on an opposing player's token, that opposing player's token is returned to its original starting position in the corner of the board. The first player to get all 4 of their tokens to the home base wins, and play resumes to determine the second, third, and fourth place players. | Place all of your pieces onto the corresponding color pocket. A Ludo board is set up like a cross with 4 equal-sized arms. Each arm has 3 rows of squares and 1 of these rows will correspond to 1 set of 4 Ludo pawns. The object is to make a lap around the board going all the way around the outer row of squares and then traveling up the center of your row when you complete the lap. The pocket (circle or square next to your corresponding color row) is where your pieces stay until you get them onto the board. You can play Ludo with 2 to 4 players. Each player chooses 1 of the 4 colors represented on the board and on the pawns. All pieces in the pocket are not yet in play. The pieces must remain in the pocket until you bring them into play. Decide who goes first by rolling the die. Let each player roll the die. Whoever rolls the highest number goes first. The order of play will proceed clockwise from the player who goes first. If you prefer, you can also have the youngest player go first. Roll a 6 to bring your first pawn onto the board. To start moving a pawn across the board, each player must roll a 6 on their turn. If the starting person doesn't roll a 6, then the player to the left of them takes their turn. If you do roll a 6, bring a pawn onto the board and place it on the start space. Roll again to determine how many spaces to move your first pawn. After you roll a 6 and get a pawn onto the board, roll a second time to determine how many spaces that pawn may move. Move the pawn as many spaces as the number you roll. For example, if you roll a 2, then move the pawn 2 spaces. End your turn and pass the die to the next player after you move a pawn. You may only move 1 of the new pawns on the board during your turn. After you have moved a pawn, your turn is over. Hand the die to the next player and allow them to take their turn. Place another pawn on the board if you roll another 6. After a player rolls an initial 6 to activate a pawn into play, that player gets to roll a second time. If you roll a 6 on your second dice roll, then you get to place another pawn on the board. Then, roll again to determine how many spaces to move that pawn. Each time you roll a 6, you get another pawn on the board and another turn to roll. If you roll another 6, place a pawn on the start space and then roll again. Continue to roll at the beginning of each turn and move your pawns. Gameplay should move in a clockwise fashion. After one player takes their turn, the next player takes their turn, and so on all the way around the table. Each player should roll the die, and then move a pawn or add a new pawn to the board depending on the roll. For example, if the player rolls a 6, they can place a pawn on the board and then roll again to move it. If the player rolls a 1-5 and has a pawn on the board already, they can move that pawn. If a player rolls a 1-5 and does not have a pawn on the board, then they cannot move and it is the next player's turn. Capture an opponentβs pawn by landing on the same space. You can capture an opponent's pawn any time you land on the same space one of their pawns is on. If you land on another player's pawn space, that player must take the pawn off of the board. On their turn, they will need to roll a 6 again to get the pawn back onto the board. Get more than 1 of your pieces on the same space to make a block. A block forms when 1 or more pawns of the same color are on the same space. Blocks act as barriers against your opponents. When you have 2 pawns of the same color on a space, an opponent may not pass or land on that space. Land on the same space as an opponentβs pawn to move past it. If an opponent's pawn is blocking your pathway, you will need to land on the same space as the pawn to capture it. You cannot move past that pawn. If there is block 3 spaces away from your pawn and you roll a 4, you cannot move your pawn and you must pass your turn. Move your pawns around the board going towards your home stretch. To get your pawns on the home space, you'll need to make a lap all the way around the track of the board. Follow the arrows on the board if there are any or move your pawns around the edges of the board in a clockwise fashion. Once you've made a complete lap, your pawns will be moving into the home stretch area of the board. Avoid spaces with special markings on them. Some Ludo boards have additional markings on certain spaces, such as a circle or a crown, and these spaces are called patches. You'll want to avoid these spaces since landing on one of them will send your pawn back to the pocket. This means you will have to roll a 6 to get that pawn back onto the board again. Roll the exact number needed to get each pawn onto the home base. Note that you cannot jump over your pawns in Ludo once they are in the home stretch. If you have an empty space in your homerun, you're required to move the closest pawn into that space. Move the pawn according to the number you roll on the die. For example, if you have 1 space to move and you roll a 3 or a 2, you cannot move that pawn 1 space. You need to roll a 1 to be able to move the pawn. Reach the home space with all 4 of your pawns first to win the game. Getting 1 of your pawns onto the home base space will not win you the game. Continue rolling on your turn and moving your pawns onto the home base 1 at a time. The first player to get all of their pawns onto the home base has won the game. If 1 or more of your pawns was captured, you need to roll a 6 to get it onto the board again. If you don't roll a 6, then try again on your next turn. All 4 of your pawns must travel around the board and move into the home base space to win the game, so you cannot win until all of them have made a lap around the board and go into the home space. | Place all of your pieces onto the corresponding color pocket. Decide who goes first by rolling the die. Roll a 6 to bring your first pawn onto the board. Roll again to determine how many spaces to move your first pawn. End your turn and pass the die to the next player after you move a pawn. Place another pawn on the board if you roll another 6. Continue to roll at the beginning of each turn and move your pawns. Capture an opponentβs pawn by landing on the same space. Get more than 1 of your pieces on the same space to make a block. Land on the same space as an opponentβs pawn to move past it. Move your pawns around the board going towards your home stretch. Avoid spaces with special markings on them. Roll the exact number needed to get each pawn onto the home base. Reach the home space with all 4 of your pawns first to win the game. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-a-Girl-Is-Flirting-With-You | How to Tell if a Girl Is Flirting With You | To tell if a girl is flirting with you, check if she regularly glances at you in a group, then looks away when you notice her, which is a sign she's interested. You should also note if she touches your arm when she speaks to you or takes your hand, which are both signs of flirting. If she texts you with random questions or comments, you'll know she's flirting with you, since you're probably on her mind. When you're telling a story or just chatting, watch to see if she laughs or smiles, which suggests she likes you as a friend or something more. Remember that she could still be interested in you if she ends a conversation or doesn't immediately reply to your message, since this may just be a tactic to show that other people are interested in being around her. | Notice how frequently she looks at you. Do you catch her looking at you across the room? When you are in a group, does she seem to be glancing at you to see your reactions? If she quickly glances away when you catch her looking, then looks back, she's likely interested in you. Smiling, holding eye contact, or raising her eyebrows are all very flirtatious things she could do in the moment. Think about how often she teases you. It's not flirting if she's outright mean, but if she's being a little sassy, and smiling and laughing as she gently makes fun of something you said or did, she's likely flirting with you. Tease her back if you want to flirt, but just make sure you stay above the belt--don't say anything really hurtful. Pay attention to how often she touches you. Does she touch your arm while making a point or when she gets excited? Does she take your hand into hers? Does she rub your back while smiling at you? Does she come up behind you and tickle you where she knows you're sensitive? This is a playful way to get you laughing, touching, and flirting. Consider whether she texts you random, funny messages, or if she only messages you about practical things. If she texts you about something funny that happened in class, a silly picture, or a random question (like, "If you were a super hero, what would be your super power?"), it means you're on her mind. She's trying to initiate a conversation with you because she is interested in you. Figure out if she is the one to start conversation. If a girl initiates the conversation, this is a major sign that she is into you. Girls usually wait for the guy to come over to her, so this is a really good sign for you. Think about when and how often she is trying to reach you. Does she constantly try to get a hold of you online? Does she send you "good morning" or "goodnight" texts? These are clear signs that she's thinking about you. Pay attention to her use of emojis. Are her texts accompanied by a lot of smiley faces, blushing faces, or winks? If she sends you the emoji with hearts for eyes, you can be pretty confident she's into you. Try not to go crazy with the emojis yourself. Use them thoughtfully, and don't abbreviate too many of your words or you'll seem childish. Notice if she laughs when you tell a story. If she's constantly laughing and smiling at you (even if your story isn't that funny), it's because she likes you--either as a friend or something more. When a girl is into you, there is often something called a "halo effect" that makes you appear almost perfect in her eyes. She'll be the first to laugh at your jokes, no matter how silly or dumb they are. This may be her subtle way of complimenting you--she wants you to know she thinks you're funny and that you're a blast to be around. Pay attention to nicknames. This is a way to remind you of a joke or a moment you share (maybe she calls you "grape soda" because you once spilled an entire bottle in your lap), and to strengthen your connection. It might also be another way to gently tease you. If everyone calls you "Bear" and she does too, it probably doesn't mean anything. But if she makes up a nickname that only she uses, she's flirting. Don't worry if she ends the conversation first or doesn't immediately respond when texting. This could be a flirting tactic to keep you wanting more. She doesn't want to sound desperate by always responding to you right away. Texting that she's got somewhere else to be might be her way of showing you that other people desire her attention, too. Watch for her online updates about game playing. Games can be a nice segue into getting closer to you. Some of the following can suggest a flirty interest in you: Is she boasting about beating your score in an online game? She's probably teasing you and trying to entice you into a flirty competition. Is she telling you that she lost an online game? She might want you to feel sorry for her and respond (in a joking way) "Are you okay?". Is she inviting you to join a shared game online? This could be her way of finding a neutral territory to spend more time together. Recall if she makes up odd excuses just to talk to you. This might give you a chuckle if you recognize it, but it's something to be flattered by. If she is feeling bold, she'll enter into your space by starting a random conversation. Here are some ones girls (and guys) use all the time: "Hey, I forgot my notebook, do you remember what homework was?" She might have actually forgot her books, but she chose to ask you about homework. "Can you help me out with this problem? I have no idea what's going on here." This is especially significant if she is a good student. Why would a good student need homework help? "Can you hold my backpack/sit with my stuff for me? It's really heavy/a lot to carry!" Girls plan ahead on almost everything. Why would she bring too much stuff to school if she couldn't carry it? Pay attention to fidgeting. When she's around you, does she start fixing her clothes, twisting her rings, touching her mouth, or twirling her hair? If she does these things while maintaining eye contact, or making eye contact and then glancing down, it indicates she's nervous--in a good way. When flirting, a girl might touch or lick her lips or fidget with her necklace or the collar of her shirt as a slightly suggestive way to excite you. Look at the position of her feet. When she's sitting near you or if you are standing and talking, glance at her feet. If her feet are pointed directly at you, it means you have her attention and she's interested. Don't worry too much if her feet are pointing in another direction. If she begins to lean in while you're talking, she's signaling that she's interested. This is an especially good sign if you're in a group--she's singling you out. Tilting her head to one side is another sign that she's engaged with you and is interested. While her feet pointing at you might mean she's getting ready to flirt with you, feet pointed away doesn't necessarily mean that she doesn't like you. This is not an either/or scenario. Pay attention to her speech. If her voice starts to get higher or lower when you are around, it's a sign that she likes you. People involuntarily change the tone of their voices when they're near someone they're attracted to. Notice if she always seems to be looking for an out. Does she lean back away from you when you talk? Or is she constantly looking to the left or right? She might be looking for an escape route. See if she always tries to put a barrier between you. Sit down or stand near her when she has a bag or a purse and watch what she does with it. If she's clutching her bag tightly, using it to cover herself, or puts it between you when you're sitting near each other, it's a sign that she's not interested in flirting with you. Watch her reaction when you tell a story or joke. If she doesn't respond and rarely laughs at your jokes, it's not a great sign. She might just be having a bad day, but if she's constantly rolling her eyes when you speak, seems indifferent to the conversation, or is outright mean, then this is not the girl for you. What kind of tone does she use when talking to you? Does she always sound rushed or annoyed? Think about whether she treats you just like everyone else. Is she just a friendly person? Usually you can tell a girl is flirting with you because she treats you differently from others. So a really friendly girl might become shy around someone she likes. Another girl might pay more attention to her crush. But if she treats you just the same as all her other friends, there's little chance she's actually being flirtatious. Take a step back if she starts telling you about her crushes. If she just tells you a story about a random guy, or about someone hitting on her, that doesn't necessarily mean anything. She could even be trying to make you jealous. But if she's asking you for advice about how to get with her crush, or talks about hooking up with someone else, she's not thinking of you as a romantic prospect. | Notice how frequently she looks at you. Think about how often she teases you. Pay attention to how often she touches you. Consider whether she texts you random, funny messages, or if she only messages you about practical things. Figure out if she is the one to start conversation. Think about when and how often she is trying to reach you. Pay attention to her use of emojis. Notice if she laughs when you tell a story. Pay attention to nicknames. Don't worry if she ends the conversation first or doesn't immediately respond when texting. Watch for her online updates about game playing. Recall if she makes up odd excuses just to talk to you. Pay attention to fidgeting. Look at the position of her feet. Pay attention to her speech. Notice if she always seems to be looking for an out. See if she always tries to put a barrier between you. Watch her reaction when you tell a story or joke. Think about whether she treats you just like everyone else. Take a step back if she starts telling you about her crushes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Salt-Eggplant | How to Salt Eggplant | To salt eggplant, start by cutting them into slices or cubes, then add Β½ tablespoon of salt per 1 whole eggplant. Toss the cubes or slices with the salt, and let them rest for 30 minutes, or until you see moisture beading up on the surface. Then, rinse off the salt under running water for 1 minute, and press the eggplant dry between 2 paper towels. Alternatively, soak the eggplant in a bowl of saltwater for 30 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels. | Wash and cut the eggplant. Rinse off the outside of the eggplant. You can peel the eggplant if you prefer, but you can also leave the skin on. Cut the eggplant to the shape you need for your recipe, such as slices or cubes. Add salt. You'll need a lot of salt for this process, so use more than you think you need, about 1/2 tablespoon for each (medium) eggplant. You can use regular table salt, kosher salt, or whatever you have on hand. Sprinkle the salt on, or toss the cubes in the salt. Spread the cubes out in a colander or over a cooling rack, as water will drip off them. A medium eggplant is about a pound by weight. If you're eggplant is larger or smaller, adjust the amount of salt in the same ratio. For instance, if you have an eggplant that is 1 1/2 pounds, add 3/4 tablespoon of salt for each eggplant. Let the cubes rest. This process takes time, as the salt is drawing moisture out of the eggplant. You'll need 30 minutes at the minimum, but you can leave them up to an hour and a half. Watch for moisture beading up on the eggplant, which is what you want. Rinse the salt off. Run the eggplant under water for a minute or two, making sure you get most of the salt off. Leaving too much salt on will make the final dish too salty. Press the eggplant dry. For most applications, you want to dry the eggplant off as much as possible. Place the eggplant between two paper towels, and press it down on a hard surface with your hand, which will remove much of the water. Use immediately. Cut the eggplant. If you're using small eggplants (such as Japanese eggplants, which are about the size of a small apple), you can simply peel some of the skin off (about half of it in stripes), or poke holes in it with a fork. For larger eggplants (such as the typical American ones that weigh in at a pound), cut it into cubes or slices, whatever you need for the final dish. Create your saltwater. Get a bowl big enough for the eggplant to soak in. Add room-temperature tap water to it, leaving room for the eggplant. Pour in salt. You'll need about a tablespoon per cup or two of water. Mix it up to dissolve the salt. Soak the eggplant. Place the eggplants in the bowl. Mix the water and eggplant around to get the process started. Leave the eggplants to soak in the water. You'll want them to soak for about 30 minutes or so. Drain the water off at the end, but you don't need to rinse the eggplant off with this method. Pat dry. Before cooking, you should pat the eggplant dry between paper towels. It can help to press down slightly on it to release a bit of the water. Use the eggplant immediately. This method works especially well before frying. | Wash and cut the eggplant. Add salt. Let the cubes rest. Rinse the salt off. Press the eggplant dry. Cut the eggplant. Create your saltwater. Soak the eggplant. Pat dry. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Soft-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies | How to Make Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies | To make soft chocolate chip cookies, start by warming 2 sticks of margarine in the microwave until they're soft. Then, add brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and baking powder. Afterwards, slowly mix in 2 cups of flour and the chocolate chips. Next, place spoonfuls of dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Finish by baking the cookies at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes. | Place the margarine in the large bowl. Warm the margarine in a microwave. Use the beater to mix the margarine until it is smooth. Add the cup brown sugar to the same bowl as the margarine (all the ingredients go in the same bowl as the margarine). Also add the white sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt and baking powder. Fold in the 2 cups of flour, gradually. Add the chocolate chips last. Refrigerate, if desired. Preheat the oven to 375ΒΊF. Set out the cookie sheet. Transfer the cookie dough to the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet into the oven. Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove the cookies from the oven once bakes. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before eating. Serve. Enjoy great tasting cookies! | Place the margarine in the large bowl. Use the beater to mix the margarine until it is smooth. Add the cup brown sugar to the same bowl as the margarine (all the ingredients go in the same bowl as the margarine). Fold in the 2 cups of flour, gradually. Add the chocolate chips last. Refrigerate, if desired. Preheat the oven to 375ΒΊF. Set out the cookie sheet. Transfer the cookie dough to the cookie sheet. Place the cookie sheet into the oven. Remove the cookies from the oven once bakes. Allow to cool for 5 to 10 minutes before eating. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Glass-Water-Bong | How to Make a Glass Water Bong | To make a glass water bong, you'll need a glass bottle, a drill with a diamond drill bit, a downstem, a bowl, and a grommet. First, place the glass bottle in a sink and run cold water over it. The running cold water will prevent the glass from shattering when you drill into it. Then, drill a hole through the body of the bottle. Insert the grommet into the hole, then slide the downstem into the grommet. Finally, attach the bowl to the downstem, and you're done! | Pick your bottle. While any glass bottle can be turned into a water bong, some bottles are better than others. Bottles with a long neck and a wide base work best. Getting a clean, perfectly sized hole for the stem is easiest with a bottle that has little curve on the upper slope where the base connects into the stem. Get the proper drill bit. You'll need a 3/4" diamond drill bit to drill through the glass. Despite having the word "diamond" in the name, these usually only run for about eight to twelve dollars. You might have to order the bit online so make sure you don't leave this step for last. Acquire a downstem, bowl, and grommet. You'll want a 14mm glass bowl and downstem. Choosing the proper length for your downstem is important. Measure the distance from the upper curve of the body of your bottle to the opposite side of the base. Acquire a downstem approximately the same length, and definitely no longer. Glass downstems and bowls can be found at local head shops or ordered online. You'll need a rubber grommet with the following measurements: an outside diameter of 31/32", an inner diameter of 1/2", and a 3/4" groove. These can be found at supply stores like Home Depot, or can be found online. Clean the bottle. Empty the bottle and wash it out with warm water. Warm water helps the drilling go smoothly. You're going to be drilling in the sink, so make sure that area is clear. Mark a spot to drill. Remove any plastic that might be on the bottle. Find a spot on the bottle where the surface is relatively flat, somewhere on the upper curve of the body. Place the gasket there and use it to trace a circle with a sharpie. Prepare your tools. Attach the diamond drill bit to your drill. Be sure to use a battery powered drill, as you will be running water over the drilling area. Since there will be drilling and glass involved, it's a good idea to put on safety googles. Get a steady stream of water over the drill spot. To keep the glass cool and prevent it from breaking, turn on the faucet. You want more than just a trickle but not such a heavy stream that you can't see what you're doing. Hold the bottle so the water runs over the spot you marked. Start drilling slowly. Set your drill to 3/4 of its max speed and gently push it against the marked spot. To get a steady drill, first angle the drill bit so it just touches the top of the spot. Slowly angle the drill bit until it's going into the glass at a 90 degree angle, using the carved out edge as a pivot. Once you're nearly through the glass, ease up on the pressure a bit to avoid cracking or breaking the bottle. Grind away sharp edges and clean out the glass. Use the drill to smooth the edges of the hole. Pour out the water and rinse the bottle several times to clean out the bits of glass. The last thing you want is to inhale glass powder, so don't rush this step. Put in the grommet, stem, and bowl. Take your 3/4" grommet and work it into the hole. Then run some water over your downstem and slide it into the grommet, carefully, so you don't push the grommet into the bottle. Insert the bowl into the stem, and you've finished! | Pick your bottle. Get the proper drill bit. Acquire a downstem, bowl, and grommet. Clean the bottle. Mark a spot to drill. Prepare your tools. Get a steady stream of water over the drill spot. Start drilling slowly. Grind away sharp edges and clean out the glass. Put in the grommet, stem, and bowl. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Acting-Desperate-During-a-Job-Interview | How to Avoid Acting Desperate During a Job Interview | To avoid appearing desperate during a job interview, arrive on time with wrinkle-free clothing and dry hair, so you appear as prepared as possible. Then, during the interview itself, avoid desperate-sounding language, like how you'd βdo anythingβ to land the job. Additionally, make sure you've thought about a few of your strengths beforehand, so you'll know what to say if they ask! Finally, practice giving mock answers in the mirror to make sure your body language projects confidence. | Be balanced. When summing up your work experience for the interviewer and your skills, take an approach that shows you have learned from your experience and still retain optimism for the future. Avoid using terms that describe current and previous experiences as totally dire or terrifically amazing, because both extremes will be discounted by an interviewer as unrealistic and unbalanced. Find the middle way to describe your experience and you won't sound desperate to convey exaggerated viewpoints. Present well from the moment you enter the interview room. Dress well, even if the potential workplace consists of people who don jeans every day. Contrary to a desire to "be yourself" through appearing "casual as" or devil-may-care, you can't afford to give any impression of sloppiness, as it imprints "desperate" across your forehead. Be sure that your clothing is neat, ironed if appropriate for the fabric, adjusted to the standard of the workplace you're hoping to join, tucked in where needed (and nothing hanging out that shouldn't be) and that your hair is one hundred percent dry (wet hair suggests you only just made it out the door). Have a firm handshake. Not too strong, not too weakββa handshake speaks volumes about your self-confidence. In particular, a floppy handshake will cause the interviewer to feel that you aren't really into this interview from the start. Never make excuses for any inadequacies. If you have a few hiccups in your resume, a long stretch of time out of work, or questionable happenings that may not be in writing but are likely to be known in the industry, don't excuse them with self-effacing excuses. Interviews are a moment of self sales pitching, and making comments about your lack of skills, lack of confidence and not feeling worthy will scare the employer offββremember that they have a wide choice of people and understanding your personal issues isn't their top priority. See a recruitment counselor, coach or therapist if the job seeking is bringing you down. It is important to get your anger, frustration, shyness, etc. dealt with away from the interview situation and the professionals in these fields are there to do just that. They can make a difference, especially if you start ruminating too much and begin to see the whole search as hopeless. Never point fingers. Things go wrong at work for everyone at times. Sometimes, they are wrong enough to cause you to want to leave a job or to end up in being fired. Yet, a potential employer isn't going to feel reassured if you explain that the reason for no longer being in your old job is because "X did such and such to me". Once you start placing blame or making excuses, you're going to look weak, lacking in the ability to be either a team player or to lead/manage, and you'll most likely come across as desperate. Avoid placing blame on someone else. Regardless of the situation, never tell your interviewer that you lost your job or a project fell apart due to the incompetence of another person. Instead, be confident when you state the facts and explain what it would take to create a successful situation (if you were able to do it over again). Don't just blame the economy or the job market. Once again, blame is typically frowned upon during an interview as it's an indicator of a wider tendency to place blame rather than accept responsibilityββsomething few employers want to see in their employees. Your interviewer knows that the economy is down in the dumps and that jobs in various industries are scarce, so pointing out this obvious fact, or making it the reason you're unemployed, will only have a negative effect on your interview. Never badmouth another person or previous employer in order to lay blame for a mistake. Employ the cardinal rule of βnever burning your bridgesβ, no matter how much another person tormented you or perhaps even sabotaged your life. If you badmouth another, you may end up looking like a whiner, bad guy or worse... a victim. Be calm and confident during your discussion. The best way to approach feeling nervous, being asked challenging questions and worrying about your general prospects, is to remain calm and cool during your interview. Don't dwell on problems in the past. Instead, punctuate your strengths and play up what you can bring to the potential employer's company now and for the future. In preparation for an interview , write out your strengths on paper. This will help you to identify them, as well as giving you the chance to focus on those that truly stand out for you in relation to the particular job you're interviewing for. Read through these strengths many times and elaborate on them out loud, as if talking to the interviewer. The more that you know this aspect of yourself inside out, the easier it will flow for you during the interview. Do the same preparation for common interview questions. Write them down and write down answers. Then role play scenarios in the lead-up to the interview so that when you're actually asked the questions, they are already familiar to you and you feel calm in answering them. There will always be questions that differ from those you've prepared for, but you will have enough basic material well ordered in your head to work from that these shouldn't throw you. Do plenty of background research into the company you're applying for. If they ask you what their last year's sales figures were, what their corporate logo means, who started the company and why, what the corporate philosophy is, etc., you'll know if you've read their website and annual report or equivalent, inside out. While researching, never hesitate to call the company with factual questions that need clarification. It is better to have shown the initiative to find out than to panic and go blank. Avoid using βdesperateβ language during the interview. There are certain phrases and language that are definitely off limits if you don't want to look desperate. These include: Stop yourself from saying that you'll β do anything β to land the job. As opposed to having the right experience or education to handle the job, telling the employer you'll literally do anything to land it may turn him or her off. It suggests that you no longer have credible skills or value yourself enough. On the other hand, don't oversell yourself. Identify your strengths, but be humble when talking about your accomplishments. If you come on too strong you'll look desperately aggressiveββand possibly a little scary. Nobody wants to hear a narcissistic rant about how brilliant you are or how you single-handedly saved the company; keep it realistic and always remember that it takes a village as far as the interviewer is concerned. Monitor how many times you communicate that you are the right person for the job. It's okay to let the prospective employer know that you're the ideal fit for the job (after you've discussed the dimensions of the job as compared to your qualifications), but it will look like you are laying it on too thick if you keep telling him or her that you're the best person for the job after each statement or comment. Spread it thinlyββthey hear you. Be careful with throwaway comments. Sometimes desperation shows in the little things you after a perfectly well presented answerββthings best left unsaid. For example, you might have just explained why you want the job to the interviewers and really impressed them. And then, you add a final comment like "because my current job is just crazy and I don't really know why I'm still doing it." You've just undone all the good that came from what you said! Throwaway comments, even if a poor attempt at humor, are nervousness creeping in. Consciously avoid this nervous tic, as it's what the interviewer will remember. Don't try to turn the interviewer into your co-conspirator. It may feel tempting to try to get the interviewer "on side" but the fact you've got an interview should already reassure you that they're interested enough. By saying things like "you know what I mean", or "I'm sure you know the kind of thing I'm talking about" or "I bet you've had a similar experience", etc., you cross a line from formal discussion into informal and rather invasive presumptions about the interviewer. You're not there to know their mind; rather, they're there to get to know yours. Doing this won't win you a friend and it may lose you the job. Watch your body language and tone. Body language (demeanor) and the manner in which you speak can be a dead giveaway that you're feeling βdesperate.β Practice a role play interview in front of the mirror, seated. Notice how you're coming across when you say certain things, such as describing why you want the job, talking about the company's background and answering standard (or not-so-standard) interview questions. You might even video yourself using your computer. Whatever method you use, look for body and demeanor tell-tale signs of confidence or desperation. For example, a confident interviewee will sit tall but not rigidly, will lean slightly in toward the interviewers and will smile more often than not. A desperate interviewee might fidget, look down, push the chair back a little and make poor eye contact. Breathe regularly and slow down while you're talking. One of the telltale signs of desperation and anxiety is talking too fast and/or sounding like you're trying to get as much information out as fast as possible (so that you don't forget what you wanted to say). Without being overly obvious, take a breath before you speak and consciously try to control the speed in which the words leave your mouth. It is okay to ask for a moment to restore your composure if you feel blank or overly nervous. Never interrupt and never talk over the interviewer or answer questions too quickly. You may be overly enthusiastic about making sure the interviewer knows you're qualified, which may prompt you to talk over what he or she is saying. Or, your might try to jump in and answer questions before the interviewer finishes asking them. This will worry the interviewer that you're impatient, incapable of listening or just plain rude. Slow down, you will still get across everything in the time given. Gently place your hands in your lap and relax. The idea is that if you appear relaxed but confident, your interviewer will see you as a viable candidate that could be an asset to the company. Relaxed people reassure others, so above all, work on looking confidently relaxed. Sit tall, but avoid looking too stiff. Posture is an important subconscious indicator of a person's sense of self-worth. Don't lean too far forward or slouchββeither position will give off the wrong signal that you're desperate or have simply given up. Donβt act too available. Once again, the rules of dating apply. Without stating that you're interviewing with other firms, give your prospective employer the impression that other companiesββpossibly competitors, are pursuing you (even if they aren't). Bring your planner to the interview (that should be filled with βappointmentsβ) to make sure your interviewer doesn't think your dance card isn't filled. If the interviewer calls you back, don't jump to answer the phone on the first ring. In fact, let the first call go to voicemail, listen to what the interviewer has to say and then call back within a few hours. If you do answer the phone, always ask for time to consider their offer. Give the impression that you're fielding offers. Listen intently to what the interview has to offer and say. If he or she makes you an offer, thank the interviewer and ask if you can call him or her back later that day. Don't wait too long or else the employer may think you aren't interested, however don't just jump with an answer of βyesβ the minute the interviewer presents the offer. You still want to obtain the best scenario for you. Follow up with your interviewer, but within reason. Calling your interviewer from your car five minutes following your discussion will most certainly make you look desperate. When it comes to follow up, apply a few rules typically reserved for dating: Contact your interviewer after 48 hours of your interview with a thank you phone call and brief card. Don't jump on the horn immediately but don't drag your feet with follow up. A two business day wait time will make you still appear interested in the job but not desperate. Also, the two-pronged follow-up allows you to verbally touch base and answer any questions the interviewer may have, and the card keeps you front and center on paper. Avoid re-stating why you should have the job. Instead focus on why you enjoyed meeting the interviewer. Your interviewer most likely knows the reasons why you want the job (based on your interview), so re-stating those reasons during your follow up may lend you toward appearing desperate. Instead, just re-iterate that you enjoyed meeting him/her and mention that you are open to any questions not covered during the interview. Only follow up once, but make sure your follow-up left a positive (and not desperate) impression. If you follow up two days later but don't hear anything a day or two later, leave it alone. At this point the interviewer knows you're very interested in the job and if you keep calling and/or following up, he or she may get annoyed with you. Also, when you make that follow up call, be upbeat and to the point. Tell the interviewer you were touching base in case he or she had any additional questions, and then mention something about the positive exchange you had. | Be balanced. Present well from the moment you enter the interview room. Never make excuses for any inadequacies. Never point fingers. Be calm and confident during your discussion. Avoid using βdesperateβ language during the interview. Be careful with throwaway comments. Watch your body language and tone. Donβt act too available. Follow up with your interviewer, but within reason. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Leaky-Shower-Faucet | How to Fix a Leaky Shower Faucet | To fix a leaky single-handle faucet in your shower, start by turning off the water supply to your bathroom. Then, use a screwdriver to take the shower handle off. Once that's off, unscrew the faceplate, which should be located right behind where the handle was. Next, pull off the metal sleeve of the shower valve that's behind the faceplate, and use pliers to remove the locking clip that's on top of the valve. After you take that off, use a socket wrench and needle nose pliers to remove the valve cartridge. Finally, install a new cartridge into the valve, and reassemble everything before turning the water back on. | Turn off your water valve before beginning. Your water valve controls the flow of water to your shower. It may be located in your bathroom or your basement. In some cases, it's behind a panel near your shower. Once you locate the valve, turn the knob clockwise to turn off the water. You may find the panel that houses your water valve in the room next to your bathroom. It may even be in a closet. Remove your shower handle using a screwdriver. The screw will be in the center of a knob handle or on the side of a curved handle. Choose a screwdriver that fits into the screw head. Then, carefully turn the screwdriver counter-clockwise to loosen it. Pull out the screw and set it aside to reuse when you replace the shower handle. Your handle could have more than 1 screw, so make sure you remove all of them. If your handle won't come off, try heating it with a hair dryer. Set the heat to high, then blow the hot air onto your handle for 1 minute. Drape a towel over the handle to protect your hand from the heat. Then, try to pull off the handle. Use your screwdriver to remove the faceplate. The faceplate is the metal piece that's behind your handle. Fit the screwdriver tip into the screws on the faceplate. Next, turn it counter-clockwise to loosen the screws. Set the screws aside for later, then carefully pull off the faceplate and set it aside. The faceplate may stick to the tile or shower wall. If this happens, gently wiggle it until it comes free. Pull the metal sleeve off of the shower valve thatβs behind the faceplate. The shower valve looks like part of a metal pipe that connects to your shower handle. It will have a metal sleeve that covers the end of the valve. Use your hands to carefully remove this sleeve, then set it aside for later. This sleeve is called an escutcheon. If you look for one at the hardware store, this is what you'll need to ask for. Use pliers to remove the locking clip if your valve has one. Look for the locking clip on the top of your valve. It will look like a metal rod, and the end should stick out of the top. If you see one, use a pair of needle-nose pliers to carefully pull it out. Set it to the side so you can replace it when you're finished installing the new cartridge. The locking clip should be visible on the top of the valve. They aren't present on all valves, so don't worry if you don't see one. You may need to use a screwdriver or awl to pry up the clip. Fit a deep well socket wrench over the valve cartridge. The cartridge looks like a long cylinder with a metal rod sticking out of the top. Choose a deep well socket wrench that's the right size for your cartridge, then slide it over the cartridge inside the valve. Turn it counter-clockwise to make sure it grips the cartridge. If the socket is too loose, choose the next size down. A deep well socket wrench is a wrench that has a long metal tube fitted onto the end so you can remove nuts or screws that are embedded inside a hole. If you don't have a deep well socket wrench, you can pick one up at your local hardware store or online. Most deep well socket wrenches come with a range of sockets in different sizes so you can find the 1 that fits your nut. You can also find tools that are called βcartridge pullers.β These will also remove your cartridge. However, make sure you get the cartridge puller made for your brand of faucet. The cartridge is the part of the valve that controls the flow and temperature of the water. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the cartridge. Use the handle to slowly turn the wrench, which will loosen the cartridge. Keep turning until the cartridge feels like it's free. The cartridge may come out in the deep well socket wrench. However, it's normal for it to remain in the valve after you pull out the wrench. That's okay because you can remove it by hand. Use your needle-nose pliers to pull out the cartridge. Latch onto the end of the cartridge using your needle-nose pliers. Then, carefully pull the cartridge from inside the valve. If you don't have your replacement cartridge yet, take the old cartridge to your local hardware store to find a match. For an easy option, show it to an experienced store associate and let them find the match for you. Install a new cartridge into the valve by turning it clockwise. Slide the new cartridge into the empty valve. Then, put your deep well socket wrench over the cartridge and turn it clockwise. Stop when the cartridge feels like it's tight. Replace your valve sleeve, faceplate, and shower handle. Slide the valve sleeve (escutcheon) back over the valve, then put the faceplate back into place. Use your screwdriver to secure the faceplate against the shower wall. Finally, screw your shower handle back into place. If your valve had a locking clip, don't forget to put it back on before you replace the valve sleeve. Turn your water valve back on and test your shower. Turn the knob on your water valve counter-clockwise so the water will come back on. Then, turn on the shower faucet to see if it works correctly. Finally, turn off the shower and make sure the leak is gone. If your shower is still leaking, you'll need to call a professional plumber to fix it. Switch off the water valve before you get started. The water valve controls the flow of water to your shower faucet, and it's often located in your bathroom or basement. You may find it behind a panel that's located on the other side of your shower. Turn the knob on your shower valve clockwise to shut off the water. If you're having trouble finding your shower valve, look in the room next to your shower. You may find the panel there. Feel the water coming from the faucet to see if itβs hot or cold. Put your hand under the leak to check the temperature of the water. If it's cold, then it's likely the cold faucet that's leaking. On the other hand, hot water means the hot side is likely leaking. It's possible that both sides are leaking. If this is the case, you can replace the washer on the second side if the leak doesn't go away after you replace the first washer. Use a screwdriver to remove the shower handle on the leaky side. Look for the screw in the center of the shower handle. Fit your screwdriver into the screw that holds the shower handle in place. Then, turn your screwdriver counter-clockwise to loose the screw and remove it. Finally, set the screw and the handle aside for later. Remove the metal faceplate that attaches to the shower wall. This is the metal piece that goes under the handle. Look inside the faceplate to see if it has threads, which it likely will. Gently unscrew the metal plate by turning it counter-clockwise. When it comes off, set it aside until you're ready to put it back on. This is also called an escutcheon. Slide a deep well socket wrench over the metal stem and onto the nut. The nut will be located deep inside your wall, so you'll need a deep well socket wrench to reach it. Choose the size that looks right, then slide it over the metal stem. Secure the end of the wrench over the valve nut that's at the base of the stem. A deep well socket wrench is a wrench with a long metal tube on the end. It allows you to reach nuts that are embedded inside a structure. You can find a deep well socket wrench at a local hardware store or online. They're often sold in sets so you can choose the right size socket for your needs. To make sure it's the right size, turn the wrench counter-clockwise to make sure it's gripping the nut. Unscrew the valve nut and set it aside. Turn the wrench counter-clockwise until the nut comes free. Then, remove the wrench and the nut from the valve. Set the nut aside so you can put it back on later. Your nut should stick in the wrench when you pull it out. Pull the metal stem out of the wall and put it aside. The metal stem is the part of your faucet that the handle turns. Use your fingers to carefully remove the metal stem. It should slide out easily now that the nut isn't holding it in place. Set the metal stem to the side so you can reuse it. Remove the old rubber washer and install a new rubber washer. Use a pair of needle-nose pliers to pull the old rubber o-ring washer from around the valve. It should easily come off because it's just pressed onto the valve. Discard the old washer, then press a new rubber o-ring washer over the valve. Line it up in the exact place as the old one. Make sure your replacement rubber washer is the same size as the 1 that's already there. This will ensure a proper fit. Coat the new washer in heat-proof faucet grease to improve the seal. Replace your metal stem, faceplate, and shower handle. Slide the metal stem back into place. Then, put the nut into your deep well socket wrench. Slide the wrench over the metal stem and replace the nut by turning it clockwise. Next, put the faceplate against the wall and turn it to secure it in place. Finally, screw the shower handle back onto the metal stem. Turn on your water valve and test the faucet. Turn the knob on your water valve counter-clockwise so the water will come back on. Next, turn on your shower faucet to make sure that the water is running correctly. Finally, turn off the faucet and check that the leak is fixed. If the leak isn't fixed, try replacing the washer on the other side. If this doesn't work, you'll need to call in a professional plumber. | Turn off your water valve before beginning. Remove your shower handle using a screwdriver. Use your screwdriver to remove the faceplate. Pull the metal sleeve off of the shower valve thatβs behind the faceplate. Use pliers to remove the locking clip if your valve has one. Fit a deep well socket wrench over the valve cartridge. Turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the cartridge. Use your needle-nose pliers to pull out the cartridge. Install a new cartridge into the valve by turning it clockwise. Replace your valve sleeve, faceplate, and shower handle. Turn your water valve back on and test your shower. Switch off the water valve before you get started. Feel the water coming from the faucet to see if itβs hot or cold. Use a screwdriver to remove the shower handle on the leaky side. Remove the metal faceplate that attaches to the shower wall. Slide a deep well socket wrench over the metal stem and onto the nut. Unscrew the valve nut and set it aside. Pull the metal stem out of the wall and put it aside. Remove the old rubber washer and install a new rubber washer. Replace your metal stem, faceplate, and shower handle. Turn on your water valve and test the faucet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Baby-Soft-Face | How to Have a Baby Soft Face | Skin naturally tends to get rougher and less smooth over time, but washing, exfoliating, and shaving regularly can help. Wash your face twice a day with a gentle facial cleanser, once in the morning and once before bed. Washing your face daily will keep your skin smooth by preventing breakouts. You should also exfoliate your skin with a face scrub or exfoliating tool twice a week. Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and reveals smooth, soft skin underneath. Shaving can also help your skin to feel silky smooth. Use a generous amount of shaving cream and rinse your face with cold water once you're done to prevent skin irritation. | Protect your skin from sun damage. Wear sunscreen, moisturizer, or makeup with an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent premature aging. Contrary to popular belief, darker skin is also vulnerable to sun damage even if it doesn't burn as quickly as lighter skin. Always exercise caution no matter your skin tone. Stay hydrated. Hydration keeps your skin supple and smooth. Women should drink at least 9 cups of water each day. Men should consume a little more at 13 cups daily. Avoid coffee and alcohol, which have dehydrating effects. If you do partake, drink at least an extra cup of water for every cup of coffee or drink of alcohol. Eat a balanced diet. Your skin is your body's biggest organ and needs the right nutrients to stay soft and healthy. A diet rich in "good fats" like omega-3 fatty acids will help your skin to produce hydrating natural oils and prevent inflammation. The foods richest in omega-3s include fish, eggs, nuts, dairy, and brussel sprouts. If your skin is prone to roughness and breakouts, you may have a minor food allergy. Improve your air quality. Skin is constantly exposed to the outside air. Smoke damages and dries out your skin. Because you breathe through your mouth and nose, these effects are magnified on your facial skin. Avoid working and living in smoke-filled environments. If you smoke tobacco, quitting will have an almost immediate effect on your skin's softness and will prevent premature aging. Consider adding a humidifier to your bedroom during the winter or if you live in a dry climate. Dry air will sap your skin of moisture and softness. Find the right facial skin cleanser. Bar soap may do in a pinch, but many soaps can dry out your skin. Your face is more sensitive than the rest of your body and may need a special product to keep it soft and healthy. Pick a moisturizing cleanser if your skin is especially prone to dryness. If your skin is oily, choose a cleanser designed for oily skin. Use a makeup remover when washing off makeup. Wash your hands before you begin. Your fingers are likely much dirtier than your face. Keep grime and bacteria away by quickly washing your hands with soap and water. If your skin is especially sensitive, you can use a little bit of your facial cleanser instead. Apply the cleanser with your fingers. Place a dime-sized dollop of facial cleanser on your fingertips. Massage the cleanser onto your face with small, circular motions. Focus on the T-zone of your face, which includes your forehead, nose, and chin. Follow the directions on the package if they differ. Rinse with warm water. Splash lukewarm water on your face a few times to remove the cleanser. Cold water will not clean your face effectively. Hot water will dry your face out, reducing softness. Pat dry with a towel. Use gentle up-and-down dabbing motions. Rubbing can potentially irritate your skin. It can also remove rejuvenating components of your cleanser that are meant to soak into your skin. Massage in some moisturizer. Moisturizer is crucial for soft skin if yours is prone to dryness. As with your cleanser, massage a dime-sized dollop of product onto your face. Focus the lotion onto the driest areas of your face. Wash your face twice daily. Cleanse your face both after waking up and before going to bed. If you wear makeup, be sure to never sleep with it on. Washing too often can irritate your skin and strip it of its natural hydrating oils. Add an extra face wash every time you swim or work up a sweat. Find the exfoliating product that is right for your skin. As with cleansers, there are many different products on the market available for different skin types. You will likely need to find yours through trial and error. In general, if your skin is oily, look for exfoliating products that promise a "deep cleanse." If your skin is dry, find one that is gentle and moisturizing. Massage the product onto your skin with your fingers. Work up your face slowly, moving your fingertips in small circular motions. Gentle scrubbing microfiber towels are an alternative to massaging in by hand. Many beauty shops even sell gloves made of this material to make your routine easier. Electric-powered exfoliating tools are also popular. Inexpensive versions of these gadgets can be found at most supermarkets. Rinse the product off and pat your face dry. Use warm water. Avoid rubbing your skin with a towel, as this can irritate and damage your skin. Your skin may be more sensitive after exfoliating. Moisturize your face. Moisturizing is especially important after exfoliating, as natural hydrating oils are often stripped away in the process. Exfoliating also removes your skin's first layer of protection. While dead, dry skin may make your skin feel rough, it does serve as a barrier over more sensitive skin underneath. Repeat twice a week before bed. Regular exfoliating helps to keep your skin soft and blemish-free. You can reduce frequency if the humidity goes up or your skin is less prone to flaking. If your skin is very sensitive, exfoliating may be too irritating and worsen dryness. Find the right balance that works for you. Make sure your razor is sharp before you begin. Shaving with a dull blade irritates your skin, causing bumps. Even women without obvious facial hair can benefit from the smoothing effects of shaving. Don't worry about your peach fuzz growing back thicker and darker; that's an old wives' tale. Dermaplaning is a popular type of exfoliation where the upper layer of dead skin is removed from the face with a sharp blade. Apply a generous amount of shaving preparation. Make sure to massage it into your skin for the closest shave possible. There are five major types of shaving preparations: Shaving creams must be lathered with fingers or a shaving brush. These are considered to be the most popular among professional barbers. Shaving gels are similar to shaving creams but are a little easier to apply. Shaving foams are what most people think of as "shaving creams." They come out of the can ready to use with no need to lather. Shaving soaps are solid soaps that must be whipped into a lather with a shaving brush. Shaving oils can be used alone or underneath shaving cream. Oils are best for those with sensitive, dry skin. Rinse your razor after each stroke. When your razor is clogged with hair, it becomes effectively dulled. The clogged razor will not be as effective and may cause razor bumps. Heat can also cause a blade to dull more quickly. Rinse your face with cold water. Cold water prevents skin irritation. The cold will close your skin's pores, protecting them from any negative effects of your aftershave. It also tightens the skin, keeping ingrown hairs from occurring. Dab on alcohol-free aftershave. Use your fingertips to apply the aftershave to freshly shaved skin. Aftershave lotions and gels work as moisturizers to rehydrate your skin and keep it soft. Some lotions also contain ingredients that soothe irritated skin. Traditional alcohol-based aftershaves dry out your skin, potentially leaving you with a rough face. | Protect your skin from sun damage. Stay hydrated. Eat a balanced diet. Improve your air quality. Find the right facial skin cleanser. Wash your hands before you begin. Apply the cleanser with your fingers. Rinse with warm water. Pat dry with a towel. Massage in some moisturizer. Wash your face twice daily. Find the exfoliating product that is right for your skin. Massage the product onto your skin with your fingers. Rinse the product off and pat your face dry. Moisturize your face. Repeat twice a week before bed. Make sure your razor is sharp before you begin. Apply a generous amount of shaving preparation. Rinse your razor after each stroke. Rinse your face with cold water. Dab on alcohol-free aftershave. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Tan-in-the-Sun | How to Tan in the Sun | To tan safely in the sun, apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15-30 about 20 minutes before you head outside. However, avoid quick-tan lotions, as these increase your risk of getting a serious sunburn. After you apply your sunscreen, dress in clothing that exposes your skin, such as a bathing suit or a tank top and shorts. Lie in direct sunlight for 20-30 minutes, but avoid doing so around lunchtime and the early afternoon when the sun's rays are the strongest. After about 20 minutes, reapply your sunscreen and flip over to tan your other side. | Change into clothes that expose your skin to the sun. The most common clothes to wear for tanning is a bathing suit, but you can wear shorts, tank tops, or nothing at all if you are somewhere amenable to nude sunbathing. Any exposed skin, left out under direct sunlight, will tan. Tan before 10 AM or after 4 PM for the safest results. This avoids the scorching peak hours and is recommended by the American Cancer Society for the safest tanning. This is especially important if you have fair skin or are just starting to tan. It takes a bit longer to tan in these hours, but it is much safer, and the extra time outside will be worth it. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15-30 at least 20 minutes before heading out. A sunscreen's Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is a measure of how much UV light the lotion blocks. SPF doesn't stop you from getting a tan, but it prevents you from burning and blocks some of the dangerous UV. This makes it an essential part of your tanning regimen. SPF 30 sunscreen blocks around 97% of UVB rays. Sunscreens above SPF 30 (such as SPF 100) have a negligible effect on UV absorption. Most dermatologists believe that SPF 30 is more than enough. Wear UV-protecting sunglasses. Your eyes can be easily damaged by the sun if you are not careful. Protect your vision with sunglasses that offer UV protection. This should be advertised with a sticker on the front of the lenses. Do not use "accelerating lotions" or other quick-tan methods. All these do is greatly increase the chance that you will burn, which in turn increases the risks of skin cancer. A gentle, slowly built bronzing is the safest way to get a good suntan. Tanning pills, which contain beta-carotin, are known to be dangerous to your liver and eye-sight and are not FDA approved. Understand how tanning works. When skin is exposed to sunlight, melanin is created by special skin cells. Melanin is a dark colored pigment that absorbs UV light to protect your skin from damage by the sun. This is why pale skin burns more easilyβtheir skin has less melanin to absorb the UV. UV light still passes through clouds, meaning you can still get burned on overcast days, especially if you are fair skinned and out for long periods of time. Lie in direct sunlight for 20-30 minutes. Once you've applied sunscreen, step out into the sun and start tanning. Know, however, that sunscreen usually loses its potency after 30 minutes and will need to be reapplied. You need to think about gradual tanning, not immediate gains, to stay safe. Note that the sun is extra strong around 12 o'clock PM because the rays hit the earth at a 90Β° angle. You should not stay out as long during the midday sun or you'll risk burning. Reapply sunscreen and flip over to get an even tan. After 20 minutes or so, put on a new layer of sunscreen and flip to your other side to tan your whole body. For example, if you are lying on your back at first, roll to your stomach after a short period of tanning. Reapply sunscreen after getting wet, sweaty, or after 30 minutes have passed. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied frequently in order to be effective. Even waterproof lotions will lose some potency after a swim, so dry off and reapply the sunscreen to prevent burning and skin damage. Rememberβsunscreen just protects your skin; it does not prevent you from getting tanned. Hydrate while you tan. Always bring a full water bottle with you while you tan, and drink constantly. Water keeps your skin cells healthy, which can prevent damage done by the sun. Do not tan for more than 1 hour at a time, even with sunscreen. As your skin darkens, you can potentially tan more often, but serious diseases like melanoma are not worth the temporary-tanned look. If you have naturally pale skin, you may not want to tan for more than 30-40 minutes taking breaks halfway through. Start tanning for 15-20 minutes, increasing your time in the sun by 5-10 minutes as your skin darkens. You can generally increase the amount of time you're tanning every 1-2 weeks. Stop tanning if you feel pain or your skin becomes red. These are the first signs of a burn. While there is a myth that you will appear tan after the burn disappears, in reality the skin will peel off painfully and leave you red, not tan. If you feel pain, get inside or find shade immediately. Apply a moisturizing lotion when you get to the shade. This will help keep your skin healthy and prevent some of the damage of the burn. Gels with aloe are particularly popular. Supplement your tan with bronzing cream. While many people prefer the look of a natural tan, you can protect your skin by supplementing time in the sun with a gentle bronzer. This way, you get the shade you want while still protecting your skin. In general, the safest way to get a deep tan is to supplement your outdoor work with a moisturizing bronzer. Tan extenders are generally considered safe, but only those containing dihydroxyacetone (DHA) have been FDA approved. Adjust the time in the sun based on skin type. If you are fair-skinned and freckled, you cannot get a deep tan safely. This is just the unfortunate reality of pale skin types. If your skin is light, you burn easily, or just can't seem to get tan, you should learn to love the skin you have instead of risking your health. Fair skin is just as beautiful as tanned, and you should take care of yourself before running out into the dangerous UV rays. Know that you do not need to burn in order to get a deep tan. This is one of the most dangerous, baseless myths of suntanning. You do not need to burn to "kickstart" your tan. In fact, all burning does is damage your skin, making it leathery and potentially leading to skin cancer. Getting burned five or more time doubles your risk of developing melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Use gentle moisturizing lotions, like aloe, to treat burns. This will help your skin stay healthy and promote even flaking of the dead, burned skin. Apply it 3-5 times a day, or whenever you face extreme discomfort. Creams with vitamins E and C may help prevent some skin damage. Drink a lot of water. Staying hydrated will help your body whisk away the waste and by-products of dead skin cells. Make sure you are constantly sipping on some cool water to help yourself heal. Take some ibuprofen. Ibuprofen, found in Advil, will decrease pain and swelling, which can actually prevent some of the long-term damage of a burn. Try and get ahead of the pain -- if you notice some painful pink at the beach, pop a few as soon as you can with a big glass of cold water. Place a cool, damp towel on your skin. Repeat every 10-15 minutes. This can help keep the dead skin wet, which will prevent it from drying and cracking off painfully. Do not pick off skin or pop blisters. Your skin will slough off naturally, and blisters contain healthy oils and liquids needed for your skin to heal. Keep moisturizing, drinking water, and taking care of the pain with ibuprofen and the dead skin and blisters will heal themselves. Check your skin head to toe each month. The best way to fight skin cancer is to be proactive. You want to look out for any dark new splotches or blemishes, often when in the shower or in the mirror. Check your moles as well -- are they growing? Are they changing color or shape? If you have any of the following symptoms or any large black spots, see a doctor or dermatologist immediately. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early on. Always err on the side of caution when if you see something worrisome. | Change into clothes that expose your skin to the sun. Tan before 10 AM or after 4 PM for the safest results. Apply sunscreen with SPF 15-30 at least 20 minutes before heading out. Wear UV-protecting sunglasses. Do not use "accelerating lotions" or other quick-tan methods. Understand how tanning works. Lie in direct sunlight for 20-30 minutes. Reapply sunscreen and flip over to get an even tan. Reapply sunscreen after getting wet, sweaty, or after 30 minutes have passed. Hydrate while you tan. Do not tan for more than 1 hour at a time, even with sunscreen. Stop tanning if you feel pain or your skin becomes red. Supplement your tan with bronzing cream. Adjust the time in the sun based on skin type. Know that you do not need to burn in order to get a deep tan. Use gentle moisturizing lotions, like aloe, to treat burns. Drink a lot of water. Take some ibuprofen. Place a cool, damp towel on your skin. Do not pick off skin or pop blisters. Check your skin head to toe each month. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Address-the-President | How to Address the President | To address the President in person, call them either "Mr. President" or "Madam President". When writing a letter to the President, always address the envelope to βThe Presidentβ, rather than using the President's name. Begin the letter with βDear Mr. President or Dear Madam Presidentβ. Never use the President's name in the letter. | Rise when the president enters the room. All seated persons will be expected to rise when the president enters the room, as a sign of respect. The president will then indicate when those who have risen may return to their seats. Address the president as βMr Presidentβ or βMadam President. β Should you have the opportunity to speak directly with the president, do not call them by their first or last name. The title of βMr.β or βMadamβ will show your respect for the office while you carry on a conversation with the president. Introduce a third party to the president. Use the phrase βMr./Madam president, may I present.β In the United States, the president should not be introduced to someone, as this would seem disrespectful. Always introduce the third person to the president. For example, be sure to say, βMr./Madam President, may I present my son Billy.β Do not say, βBilly, I want you to meet the president.β Announce the president using his or her title. If you are given an opportunity to announce the presidentβfor example, before they deliver a speechβannounce the president to onlookers as βthe president of the United States.β So, if you're announcing the current president, you could say: βLet me announce the president of the United States, Donald Trump. Address the envelope to βThe President. β In written correspondence, the president's first and last names should never appear. The address should read: The President The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC 20500. Begin your letter: βDear Mr./Madam President.β This is the polite and expected salutation with which all written addresses to the president should begin. Do not use the president's name in your correspondence. Continue to refer to them as Mr. or Madam President. Conclude your letter, βMost respectfully. β This complimentary close will indicate that the body of your letter has concluded. Sign and print your name at the end of the letter. Make your envelope out to βThe Honorableβ former president. Former presidents do not keep the title of βpresidentβ once they leave office (contrary to how they're often referred to in the media). If you're writing a letter to a former president, the envelope should be addressed to: βThe Honorable [first and last name].β For example, you could address a letter to βThe Honorable Jimmy Carterβ or βThe Honorable George Bush.β Address written correspondence to βDear Mrβ and their surname. A letter to a former president is slightly less formal than correspondence to a sitting president, since the recipient no longer holds the office of president. Do not use the term βhonorableβ in the introduction or body of your correspondenceββhonorableβ should be used on the envelope only. So, your letter would begin: βDear Mr. Carterβ or βDear Mr. Bush.β Address a former president as βMr. β and their surname in person. An in-person address will also be less formal for a former president than it would for a sitting president. For example, you would address Barack Obama as βMr. Obama,β not as βMr. President.β The rules about introductions are similarly less formal. As a general sign of respect, though, it's still probably best to introduce a third party to the former president. | Rise when the president enters the room. Address the president as βMr Presidentβ or βMadam President. Introduce a third party to the president. Announce the president using his or her title. Address the envelope to βThe President. Begin your letter: Conclude your letter, βMost respectfully. Make your envelope out to βThe Honorableβ former president. Address written correspondence to βDear Mrβ and their surname. Address a former president as βMr. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Cupcake-Frosting | How to Make Cupcake Frosting | To make buttercream cupcake frosting, start by creaming 3 cups of powdered sugar and 1 cup of butter. Then, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream and beat the mixture for 3 minutes. If your frosting is too thick, add another tablespoon of cream, and if it's too thin, add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar. | Cream the butter and sugar. Place them in a medium bowl and use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl every once in a while to make sure all the butter and sugar get mixed in. If you want to make chocolate buttercream , add the cocoa powder to the bowl and cream it with the butter and sugar. Make sure the cocoa gets completely mixed in, and beat until the mixture is light brown and fluffy. Mix in the vanilla and cream. Add the vanilla and cream to the bowl and mix them in thoroughly with your electric mixer. Beat the mixture for three minutes. This will help you achieve the right light, fluffy, spreadable texture you want for your cupcake frosting. Keep beating until the frosting is slightly stiff. Add the food coloring if you're making colored frosting. If the frosting seems too thick, add another tablespoon of cream and keep beating. If it seems too runny, add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and keep beating. Frost your cupcakes. Buttercream frosting pairs wonderfully with any type of cake flavor. You can spread it on with a knife or pipe it on in swirls, and it will hold its shape until you're ready to eat the cupcakes. Make sure you wait until the cupcakes are completely cool before you frost them; otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off. Store extra frosting in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar. Place them in a medium bowl and use a mixer to cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl every once in a while to make sure everything gets mixed in. Mix in the vanilla extract. Add the vanilla to the bowl and mix it in thoroughly with your electric mixer. Taste the frosting and add a little more vanilla if you'd like. Beat the mixture for three minutes. This will help you achieve the right light, fluffy, spreadable texture you want for your cupcake frosting. Keep beating until the frosting is slightly stiff. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon of heavy cream and keep beating. If it seems too runny, add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and keep beating. Frost your cupcakes. Cream cheese is classically paired with red velvet , chocolate or spice cupcakes. You can spread it on with a knife or pipe it on in swirls, and it will hold its shape until you're ready to eat the cupcakes. Make sure you wait until the cupcakes are completely cool before you frost them; otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off. Store extra frosting in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar. Place them in a medium bowl and use a mixer to cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl every once in a while to make sure everything gets mixed in. Mix in the vanilla and cream. Add the vanilla and cream to the bowl and mix them in thoroughly with your electric mixer. Beat the mixture for three minutes. This will help you achieve the right light, fluffy, spreadable texture you want for your cupcake frosting. Keep beating until the frosting is slightly stiff. If the frosting seems too thick, add another tablespoon of cream and keep beating. If it seems too runny, add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and keep beating. Frost your cupcakes. Peanut butter frosting is classically paired with peanut butter, chocolate or vanilla cupcakes. You can spread it on with a knife or pipe it on in swirls, and it will hold its shape until you're ready to eat the cupcakes. Make sure you wait until the cupcakes are completely cool before you frost them; otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off. Store extra frosting in the refrigerator for up to three days. Cream the butter and sugar. Place them in a medium bowl and use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about two minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl every once in a while to make sure all the butter and sugar get mixed in. Mix in the vanilla, cream and jam. Add the vanilla, cream and jam to the bowl and mix them in thoroughly with your electric mixer. Beat the mixture for three minutes. This will help you achieve the right light, fluffy, spreadable texture you want for your cupcake frosting. Keep beating until the frosting is slightly stiff. If the frosting seems too thick, add another tablespoon of cream and keep beating. If it seems too runny, add another 1/4 cup of powdered sugar and keep beating. Taste the mixture to determine if the berry flavor is strong enough. You can add up to another tablespoon if desired. Frost your cupcakes. Berry frosting pairs wonderfully with vanilla or strawberry cupcakes. You can spread it on with a knife or pipe it on in swirls, and it will hold its shape until you're ready to eat the cupcakes. Make sure you wait until the cupcakes are completely cool before you frost them; otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off. Store extra frosting in the refrigerator for up to three days. | Cream the butter and sugar. Mix in the vanilla and cream. Beat the mixture for three minutes. Frost your cupcakes. Cream the butter, cream cheese and sugar. Mix in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture for three minutes. Frost your cupcakes. Cream the butter, peanut butter and sugar. Mix in the vanilla and cream. Beat the mixture for three minutes. Frost your cupcakes. Cream the butter and sugar. Mix in the vanilla, cream and jam. Beat the mixture for three minutes. Frost your cupcakes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-for-STDs-at-Home | How to Test for STDs at Home | If you want to test for STDs at home, purchase an at home test kit online from organizations like Planned Parenthood or STD Check. Once you receive the kit, follow the instructions exactly to provide your sample to be sent to the lab, which may involve you giving a urine sample. Then, send the sample off as soon as possible for testing. If you test positive, get tested by your doctor to confirm the result, since home testing kits are not as accurate as a test done by a medical professional. Even if your test comes back negative, see your doctor if you're experiencing STD symptoms, like pain in your genitals, swelling, or discharge from your genitals. | Buy an at-home, FDA-approved STD test kit. There are a growing number of at-home STD tests available that allow you to gather a sample from yourself and send it to the lab. At-home STD tests are available for many common STDs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. You can order a test for a specific STD or order a test that checks for multiple STDs at one time. If you live in California, Idaho, Minnesota, or Washington state, you can get a confidential online STI test kit that allows you to test yourself and send your results to one of the Planned Parenthood labs. The kit comes with good instructions and a pre-paid envelope. Purchase the myLAB Box for HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis, and other genital issues. You can order a specific test for 1 STD or a combo pack, which tests for multiple types of STDs. For users that test positive, myLAB Box will set up a complimentary telemedicine appointment with a local doctor for a prescription. Fill the container with urine and seal it up. If your lab kit requires urine, it will have a small plastic cup with a lid on it. Open up the plastic cup and fill it up to the fill line with urine, being careful not to spill any. Seal up the container right away to avoid any leaks. If your lab kit has any instructions on waiting until a certain time of day to take your sample, make sure you follow that timeline. Mail your urine sample to a lab for analysis. Package up the urine sample in the box that is provided and send it back to the lab that you got the kit from. Depending on the company, you will either get your results in an email or by mail. The sooner you send out your sample, the more accurate your results will be. Interpret your results based on the instructions in your test kit. If you get your results in the mail or by email, they will most likely tell you if you are positive or negative for each STD that you tested for. Be sure to contact your doctor if you have any questions. Buy an FDA-approved blood sample kit. Although blood kits aren't as common for at-home STD tests, you can still find ones available that will let you send in your own blood sample. Look for ones with βFDA-approvedβ on the label to make sure they are testing with accurate scientific practices. The myLAB box comes with the option of a blood, urine, or saliva test, so you can choose whichever one you feel comfortable with. Wash your hands and clean your finger with an alcohol swab. Use hand soap to make sure your hands are entirely clean before you start your test. Clean off the finger that you plan to prick with the provided alcohol swab that came in your lab kit. If your finger isn't sterile, it could skew the results of your STD test. Prick your finger with the lancet, then drip blood into the provided container. Squeeze your finger gently to get more blood to come out. Fill up the container with as much blood as the lab kit specifies so that they have enough to test. Only use 1 finger to give the sample so you don't skew the results. Seal the sample and mail it back to the lab. Make sure the container is secure and that the box you ship it in is packed tightly. Wait for your results to come back by email or in the mail. Read your results with the help of the professionals from the lab. Depending on what company you ordered your kit from, you may get your results with a clearly spelled out positive or negative diagnosis of each STD. If you have any questions, call the number on the test kit to speak with a professional or talk to your doctor. Purchase an FDA-approved saliva test kit. There are a few FDA-approved saliva test kits on the market. Make sure the label on the box says βFDA-approvedβ so you know the labs are testing with scientifically accurate information. Use the OraQuick kit for an accurate HIV test. MyLAB Box gives you the option of a blood test, urine test, or saliva swab. Rinse out your mouth with water before you do the test. Make sure you don't have any leftover food particles inside your mouth before you do your test. Don't use toothpaste or mouthwash, or it could skew the results. If something other than saliva gets into the sample, it could come out inconclusive. Swab the inside of your cheek with the provided cotton swab. Make sure to collect a lot of your saliva on the cotton swab for more accurate results. Swipe along the inside of your cheek and over your gums. Seal your sample and mail it back to the lab. Place the cotton swab into the sealed container that's provided with the lab kit. Make sure your package is sealed securely and then send it back to the lab to wait for your results. You may get your results by email or in the mail, depending on the company. Interpret your results based on the instructions in the kit. When you get your results, they will tell you whether you've tested positive or negative for the STDs you were checked for. If you have any questions, call the number provided on the kit or talk to your doctor. Check for symptoms of chlamydia. A common STD is chlamydia, which involves a bacterial infection of the genital tract. In the early stages, you may not notice any symptoms. After 1 to 2 weeks, you may experience some of the following symptoms: Pain during urination. Pain in your lower abdomen. Vaginal discharge. Discharge from the penis. Pain experienced during vaginal intercourse. Bleeding between your periods. Pain in your testicles. Look for any symptoms of gonorrhea. Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that affects your anus, throat, mouth, or eyes. Although symptoms may appear after 10 days of exposure, it is also possible to be infected for months before any symptoms emerge. Symptoms of gonorrhea include: Thick, bloody, or murky discharge from your genitals. Pain during urination. Bleeding between periods or heavy menstrual bleeding. Painful or swollen testicles. Painful bowel movements. An irritated anus. Look into symptoms of trichomoniasis. This small, one-celled parasite can be spread during sexual intercourse. It can infect either the vagina or the urinary tract, depending on your genitalia. After anywhere from 5 to 28 days of being exposed, you may experience any of the following symptoms: A vaginal discharge that looks clear, white, yellowish or greenish in color. Discharge from your penis. A very strong odor from your vagina. Some itching or irritation of your vagina. Any kind of pain during intercourse. Painful urination. See if you have any symptoms of HIV infection. Symptoms will sometimes emerge after 2 to 6 weeks and may feel a bit like the common flu, so the only way to know for sure is to get tested. You may have HIV if you are experiencing: A fever. Headaches. A sore throat. Swollen lymph glands. Rashes. Feelings of fatigue. More severe symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, fever, coughing, and swollen lymph nodes. Persistent fatigue, night sweats, chills, chronic diarrhea, lots of headaches, and strange infections (if you have late-stage HIV). See your doctor if your test results are positive. Your doctor will do another STD test to confirm your positive results. They'll take a sterile sample to make sure it's properly tested. After the test, discuss your results with your doctor. You may be able to get free STD testing at your local health clinic or Planned Parenthood. If you have insurance, it may cover your STD test. Get medical treatment from your doctor if you have an STD. If your results are positive, you'll need to treat your infection. Many STDs are completely curable, but diseases like HIV and herpes will need lifelong management. Talk to your doctor about the treatment you need, then take your medication as directed. You'll likely receive an oral medication, but you might also receive a cream. If you have questions about your treatment, talk to your doctor. Try not to panic if you have an STD. Treatment will help you recover or live a normal life. Talk to your doctor if you have STD symptoms but test negative. Sometimes an STD test can produce a false-negative result, so it's best to see your doctor if you're having symptoms. They'll do a different STD test under sterile circumstances to find out if you have an STD. This will help you get a more definitive result. Tell your doctor that you're concerned that you have an STD. Even if your results come back negative, you may have a different medical condition. Do an STD test annually if you're having sex with multiple partners. If you're at risk for STDs, it's best to get tested often. At a minimum, take an STD test at least once a year to make sure you're healthy. If you notice symptoms, get tested sooner. You should also get tested regularly if you're sharing needles. | Buy an at-home, FDA-approved STD test kit. Fill the container with urine and seal it up. Mail your urine sample to a lab for analysis. Interpret your results based on the instructions in your test kit. Buy an FDA-approved blood sample kit. Wash your hands and clean your finger with an alcohol swab. Prick your finger with the lancet, then drip blood into the provided container. Seal the sample and mail it back to the lab. Read your results with the help of the professionals from the lab. Purchase an FDA-approved saliva test kit. Rinse out your mouth with water before you do the test. Swab the inside of your cheek with the provided cotton swab. Seal your sample and mail it back to the lab. Interpret your results based on the instructions in the kit. Check for symptoms of chlamydia. Look for any symptoms of gonorrhea. Look into symptoms of trichomoniasis. See if you have any symptoms of HIV infection. See your doctor if your test results are positive. Get medical treatment from your doctor if you have an STD. Talk to your doctor if you have STD symptoms but test negative. Do an STD test annually if you're having sex with multiple partners. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Bank-Manager | How to Become a Bank Manager | To become a bank manager, get a college degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. An MBA in finance or accounting may also be required. Look for a job working as a loan officer for a bank or in accounting, which will help you get the experience you need to become a bank manager. You can also join a manager training program to better your chances of getting a job in management. | Know what a bank manager does. The main tasks of a manager are: 1) to promote the bank in the community in order to attract business; 2) to hire and train personnel; 3) to set sales and lending goals; 4) to pass on information from higher ups (regional managers or vice presidents) such as lending standards or particular products to be marketed; and 5) to report the branch's performance to higher ups. CVTips offers this as a typical daily schedule for a bank manager: 8AM: Daily staff and management meeting. 8:30AM: Office correspondence and administration. 9AM Meeting with local business regarding loan. 9:12AM: IT systems problems. 10AM: Customer complaint meeting with clients. 10:30AM: Office correspondence and administration. 10:45AM: Mortgage rescheduling meeting. 11:30AM: Auditors committee meeting regarding major delinquent accounts. 1PM: Lunch. 1:10PM Client demands to see the manager. 2PM Meeting with debt collection agency manager. 3-5PM: Loans approvals with six clients. 5-6PM: Office correspondence and administration. Consider if you have the personality to be an effective bank manager. To be a good bank manager, you will need to be adept with numbers and finance, but even more importantly a βpeople personβ, since the main job of a manager is to promote and sustain positive relationships with customers and staff. Be aware of the career path for bank managers. The average bank manager make about $50,000 a year, with beginning managers making closer to $40,000, though these number do vary by region. The next career step is to become a vice president and branch manager, then a regional manager. A vice president and bank manager makes an average of $67,000 annually. Regional managers make $106,000 per year on average. Regional presidents, in charge of all branches in a given area, make an average of $176,000 annually. Get a college degree. A degree in finance, accounting, business administration or a related field is required at almost all banks. While in college, you will want to complete courses in business, finance, economics, accounting, marketing, and communications in order to best position yourself for the job. Attractive candidates will also have an MBA in finance or accounting; indeed, some banks require them. Complete extra course work. Doing specialized course work covering various regulations or aspects of banking can improve your chances of being hired as a manager and lead to faster promotion. You can complete coursework through professional banking associations: The Banking Administration Institute offers online courses covering particular regulations, as well as certificates in auditing, risk assessment (reviewing and approving loans), and anti-money laundering. The Mortgage Bankers Association offers classroom and online courses covering all aspects of residential and commercial mortgage lending, as well as certificates in residential underwriting, loan origination and servicing, and commercial servicing, and the prestigious Certified Mortgage Banker designation. The American Bankers Association, which caters in particular to small hometown banks, offers online courses leading to a branch manager certificate. Work in a bank. To become a manager, you will typically need at least 2 years of experience, and preferably 5. You can start in college with internships or part-time jobs to gain experience. Many future managers begin working as loan officers or in accounting before moving up to assistant manager, then manager. Acquire the necessary skills. Because bank managers are in charge of all aspects of a bank, they will need a broad set of skill and knowledge. Detailed knowledge of the financial and banking sector, particularly in the areas of personal loans, commercial loans, and mortgages. Knowledge of the latest rules and laws governing the banking sector. An understanding of marketing and sales techniques. The interpersonal skills needed to hire, train, and manage employees. The ability to deal with customers with tact and confidentiality. Work your way up through the ranks. Bank manager is not an entry-level job. One of the most common paths is to work your way up through multiple jobs at a branch, giving you a feel for how the bank operates. Any position within a bank can eventually lead to your becoming a manager, though being a leader in loan generation will put you in a particularly good place to apply for the job. Enter a manager training program. Many banks have training programs for students just out of college or for people transitioning from another career. These programs typically provide training and place you in a given track within the bank, such as finance and accounting, corporate banking, retail banking, or mortgage banking. Continuing education is provided and after a few years, you can apply for a management position. Network with other bankers. If you don't want to wait until the manager of your bank retires, you'll want to network with other bankers in your area, particularly those in our same company if you work for a large bank. That way, when a position comes up, the people doing the hiring will think of you. Join a professional network like the Career Banker Association or the Bank Administration Institute. Use career development courses to learn, but also to make contacts. Attend civic events like the opera, speeches, or balls. Tap into your alumni network and attend alumni events. Choose an important local non-profit to get involved with and use it as a means to connect with both the community and possible contacts. Get the most out of your network. Simply handing out and gathering up business cards at these functions isn't enough. To get the most out of your contacts, you'll have to cultivate them: Keep a list. Make a spreadsheet with the contact info of people you respect and would want to work with professionally in the future. Depth is more important than breadth. Save these spots for people who want to help you as much as you want to help them. Schedule follow-up. Put entries in your calendar reminding you to follow up with contacts every two or three months. Ask them how they are doing, and if you can help out in any way. Being helpful is the best way to cultivate contacts. Stay in touch in other ways. Pass along blogs or news stories you think your contacts would like. Connect to them on LinkedIn and keep track of their status. If they are promoted, congratulate them. If they are laid off, offer support. If you have a recreational activity in common, send them articles about it. Thank them if you take their advice and it helps. Keep an eye on the job banks. Ideally, your network will alert you of any jobs opening up, but to make sure you have all your bases covered, you should also check the job banks regularly or set up an alert to notify you when jobs of interest come up. The best job banks can be found on sites that cater specifically to the banking industry, like American Bankers Association or the Bank Administration Institute. | Know what a bank manager does. Consider if you have the personality to be an effective bank manager. Be aware of the career path for bank managers. Get a college degree. Complete extra course work. Work in a bank. Acquire the necessary skills. Work your way up through the ranks. Enter a manager training program. Network with other bankers. Get the most out of your network. Keep an eye on the job banks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prepare-for-Breed-Specific-Health-Problems-in-Dogs | How to Prepare for Breed Specific Health Problems in Dogs | To prepare for breed specific health problems in dogs, start by knowing what conditions are most likely to affect your dog by researching the breed online or asking your vet. Then, actively monitor your dog's health by taking it for an annual checkup at the vet, paying attention to any abnormal changes in its behavior or appearance, and making sure you're feeding your dog a healthy diet and giving it enough exercise. | Monitor your dog's health actively. You likely already know that you should take your dog to the veterinarian for an annual checkup, even if they seem to be entirely healthy. This will help your veterinarian spot any symptoms that you don't notice and address potential issues before they are more dangerous. Further, whenever your dog's behavior changes unexpectedly, they become easily bothered, or seem to be in pain, don't hesitate to bring them in for a check up. Meanwhile, make sure you're providing your dog with a healthy lifestyle - including a consistent diet and lots of exercise. Familiarize yourself with the health problems that may affect your dog. Many breed-specific conditions and risks exist. In order to help your dog stay as healthy as possible, ask your veterinarian what you should watch out for. For even more in depth information, consult a publication by a trusted veterinary organization regarding the risks your dog may face. Look online for breed-specific associations. If one of these associations exists for your dog's breed, contact them or check their website for information about health issues that your dog may be likely to face. Have a veterinarian check on any eye issues. Some dogs, such as Siberian Huskies, are genetically predisposed to progressive eye diseases. If any symptoms emerge that affect your dog's eyes, especially when they are young, notify your veterinarian immediately. Surgery may be able to prevent blindness. Note that Huskies are prone to many genetic diseases, including autoimmune diseases and some skin conditions. Watch for signs of epilepsy in young Beagles. Any dog can have epilepsy, but Beagles are especially prone. This brain disorder usually begins to cause seizures between 6 months and three years of age. Though epilepsy cannot be cured, medicine can help minimize the number and dangers of seizures. Note that Boxers are also prone to epilepsy. Beagles are also prone to hypothyroidism, ear infections, diabetes, obesity, and eye problems. Signs of hypothyroidism include lethargy, skin abnormalities, and a slow heart rate. Closely monitor Great Danes for developmental issues. Technically classified as a βgiantβ breed, the health complications that accompany Great Danes' immense size have led to the nickname of the βHeartbreak Breed.β Most prevalent are musculoskeletal and heart issues. Because of their rapid growth, Great Danes are also prone to Wobbler's disease. If your Great Dane seems to have weakness in their legs, take them to the veterinarian. Watch out for excessive bleeding. Von Willebrand is an inherited disease that results in excessive bleeding, even after minor injuries. The most common sign of the disease is frequent nosebleeds. Since the dog's blood has trouble clotting, they are at risk of losing large amounts of blood quickly, and will likely need blood transfusions following surgery or significant injury. Breeds that are likely to suffer from this disease include German Shepherds and Dobermans. Be careful exercising with flat-faced dogs. Bulldogs are one of the breeds most likely to develop health problems. This is part because of the shape of their faces. More specifically, flat-faced dogs such as bulldogs are especially prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome. In lay terms, these dogs' narrow upper airways make it difficult for them to breathe normally, and they are likely to develop potentially serious breathing complications. Other types of brachycephalic dogs include Boston Terriers, other types of bulldogs, Boxers, and Pugs. Stop frequently on jogs and walks with a brachycephalic dog, and make sure you bring plenty of water and choose routes with lots of shaded spots to rest. One sign of potential breathing issues is loud snoring. If your dog breathes especially loudly at night, let your veterinarian know. Keep brachycephalic dogs indoors during hot weather. Pugs are another flat-faced breed that are likely to develop breathing conditions. Aside from narrow airways, they also have small nostrils and large palates, making even normal breathing challenging. They are also especially prone to heatstroke. Avoid strenuous exercise with your Pug as well, as it may further complicate their ability to breathe. These same rules apply to French Bulldogs , who also have the disadvantage of narrow tracheae. Note that Pugs are also likely to suffer from eye and skin conditions, and that French Bulldogs are likely to suffer from orthopedic problems. In fact, the health complications associated with small, commonly inbred brachycephalic dogs such as these have led many veterinarians to recommend against owning these breeds. Do not feed your dog in immediate proximity to exercising. Some dog breeds, such a German Short-haired Pointers, are especially prone to bloat. Bloat is not only uncomfortable, it is also especially dangerous for dogs, as it can restrict blood flow to vital organs. Feed dogs that eat quickly, including pointers, small meals. Further, make sure to never feed your dog within the 30 minutes preceding or following strenuous exercise. Note that German Short-hairs are generally quite healthy, but can also be susceptible to heart issues, skin disorders, and eye problems. Talk to your veterinarian about how to postpone arthritis. Many large-breed dogs, such as German Shepherds, are especially prone to musculoskeletal disorders such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These conditions can lead to pain, arthritis, and potentially lameness. Medication can help postpone arthritis, but should only be provided with the consent of your veterinarian. In serious cases, surgery is often necessary to repair the musculoskeletal issues that large dog breeds are likely to develop. Treat musculoskeletal issues in small dogs immediately. Small dogs, such as Shih Tzus, Yorkshire Terriers, and Dachshunds, may be at greater risk of specific musculoskeletal problems, such as inter-vertebral disc disease, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation. Note that these dogs' risk for injury from jumping, climbing stairs, or vigorous exercise is greater than in other breeds. Patellar luxation, or βwobbly kneecaps,β may cause the dog to hobble, skip, or limp. If these symptoms develop, or if your dog seems be experiencing a loss of coordination or a loss of sensation, take your dog to the veterinarian. Note that roughly ΒΌ of Dachshunds suffer from inter-vertebral disk disease or other musculoskeletal problems. Shih Tzus are also prone to eye problems and the airway obstructions common in short or flat-nosed breeds. Dachshunds and Yorkshire Terriers are also especially likely to suffer from eye conditions. Keep big dogs active. Labrador Retrievers are not only one of the most popular breeds of dogs, they are also among the healthiest. However, they are liable to become obese if they do not got enough exercise, and/or are overfed. In turn, obesity will greatly complicate your Lab's health, increasing the risk of musculoskeletal issues, joint issues, and diabetes. Make sure that your dog gets at least ten to twenty minutes of moderate exercise twice a day. Follow your veterinarian's specific instructions regarding feeding. Be sure to notify them if your dog gains weight rapidly. Rottweilers are also prone to obesity, as well as potential joint issues. | Monitor your dog's health actively. Familiarize yourself with the health problems that may affect your dog. Have a veterinarian check on any eye issues. Watch for signs of epilepsy in young Beagles. Closely monitor Great Danes for developmental issues. Watch out for excessive bleeding. Be careful exercising with flat-faced dogs. Keep brachycephalic dogs indoors during hot weather. Do not feed your dog in immediate proximity to exercising. Talk to your veterinarian about how to postpone arthritis. Treat musculoskeletal issues in small dogs immediately. Keep big dogs active. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Program-in-C-Sharp | How to Create a Program in C Sharp | 1 Download Visual Studio from https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/free-developer-offers/. 2. Install Visual Studio with the ".Net desktop development" workload. 3. Select " Visual C# " as the development settings. 4. Open a new project in Visual Studio. 5. Review the placeholder code. 6. Replace the code with new code of your own design. 7. Click the green 'Play' icon at the top to build the program and run it. | Go to https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/free-developer-offers/ in a web browser. This is the website for Visual Studio Express. You can download your free copy of Visual C# Community Edition. Hover over "Download Visual Studio" and click Download Community 2019. It's the purple button on the left side of the page. Placing the mouse cursor over this displays a drop-down menu with three versions of Visual Studio. Visual Studio Community 2019 is the free version. If the file doesn't download automatically, click the blue text that says Click here to retry at the top to download it again. Run the downloaded executable. The downloaded executable is called "vs_community__[version number].exe". By default you can find downloaded files in your Download folder or in your web browser. Click Yes. This gives VS_Community permission to make changes to your Windows system. Click Continue. It's in the lower-right corner. This begins the process of installing Visual Studio Express. Click the checkbox next to .Net desktop development. It has a icon that resembles a computer screen with a purple square that says ".Net". This contains the components for C#. You can also check " Universal Windows Platform development " for additional components related Windows development. Look at all the other workloads and check any additional workloads you want to add. There are workloads related to other languages, like Python and C++, game development, mobile development and more. Click Install. This installs Visual Studio with the workloads you selected. It may take a while for Visual Studio to download. Open Visual Studio. Visual Studio has an icon that resembles a purple ribbon. Click the icon in Windows Start menu to open Visual Studio. Sign in to your Microsoft account. If you don't have a Microsoft account, click Create One and fill out the form to create a new Microsoft account. You can also click Not now, maybe later to skip this step for now. Use the following steps to sign in to your Microsoft account: Click Sign In Enter the email address associated with your Microsoft account. Click Next. Enter the password associated with your Microsoft account. Click Sign In. Select "Visual C#" as the Development Settings. Use the drop-down menu next to "Development Settings" to select "Visual C#". Select a color theme. Click the radio option next to the color scheme you want to use in Visual Studio. You can use any color theme you want. Click Start Visual Studio. This will start Visual Studio. Open Visual C#. Visual Studio has an icon that resembles a purple ribbon. Click the icon in Windows Start menu to open Visual Studio. Click Create a new project. It's the last option on the title page. Select Console App (.NET Core) for C# and click Next. It's the first option at the top of the page. It has a green "C#" icon in the upper-right corner. Type a name for your project and click Create. Enter whatever name you want to name your project under "Project Name". You can name it "Hello World", leave the default name or pick a different name. Click Create to start your project. You should see some placeholder code that looks like this: using System ; namespace Adding { class Program { static void Main ( string [] args ) { Console. WriteLine ( "Hello World!" ); } } } Remove the line "Console.WriteLine("Hello World!");". It's right under the line that reads "static void Main(string[] args)". Write int Number1, Number2; in it's place. This goes write after the curly bracket below " static void Main(string[] args)". This line of code declares two new integers (which are numbers) and gives them the label "Number1" and "Number2". Write Console.WriteLine("Please enter the first number and press Enter: "); in the next line. This goes in the next line after the line that declares two new integers. This line of code instructs the user to enter the first number and press enter. Write Number1 = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine()); in the next line. This goes after the line that instructs the user to enter a number. This line of code takes the number the user enters and stores it as a 32-bit floating signed integer and assigns the value to the label "Number1". Write Console.WriteLine("Please enter the second number and press Enter: "); in the next line. This goes in the next line after the line that converts the first number to an integer. This line of code instructs the user to enter the second number and press Enter. Write Number2 = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine()); in the next line. This goes after the line that instructs the user to enter a number. This line of code takes the number the user enters and stores it as a 32-bit floating signed integer and assigns the value to "Number2". Write int Result; in the next line. This goes after the line that converts the second number to an integer. This line of code declares a new integer with the label "Result". Write Console.WriteLine("The sum of the two numbers is " + Result.ToString()); in the next line. This goes after the line that declares the Result integer. This line of code adds Number1 and Number2 and stores the sum under the integer label "Result". It then displays that number as a string (text) and displays the result along with a line explaining to the user that this is the sum of the numbers they entered. Write Console.WriteLine("Press Enter to end program"); in the next line. This goes after the line of code that displays the sum of the two numbers the user entered. This line of code informs the user to press the Enter key to return to the console. Write Console.ReadLine();. This goes after the line of code that instructs the user to press the Enter key. This returns the user to the command console. Proof read your code. Go over each line and make sure the spelling and syntax is correct for each line. If it is not, you will get an error message. Also make sure that all open curly brackets "{" have a corresponding closing bracket "}". Your entire page of code should look something like this: using System ; namespace Adding { class Program { static void Main ( string [] args ) { int Number1 , Number2 ; Console. WriteLine ( "Please enter the first number and press Enter:" ); Number1 = Convert. ToInt32 ( Console. ReadLine ()); Console. WriteLine ( "Please enter the second number and press Enter:" ); Number2 = Convert. ToInt32 ( Console. ReadLine ()); int Result ; Result = Number1 + Number2 ; Console. WriteLine ( "The sum of the two numbers is " + Result. ToString ()); Console. WriteLine ( "Press Enter to end program." ); Console. ReadLine (); } } } Click the Run βΊ button on the toolbar. It's the green play button at the top of Visual Studio. If everything was entered correctly, this will build the program and run it. The command console will appear. It will tell you to enter a number and press Enter. Then it will tell you to enter another number and press Enter. It will then displays the sum of both those numbers. Congratulations, you just made your first program in C# | Go to https://visualstudio.microsoft.com/free-developer-offers/ in a web browser. Hover over "Download Visual Studio" and click Download Community 2019. Run the downloaded executable. Click Yes. Click Continue. Click the checkbox next to .Net desktop development. Click Install. Open Visual Studio. Sign in to your Microsoft account. Select "Visual C#" as the Development Settings. Select a color theme. Click Start Visual Studio. Open Visual C#. Click Create a new project. Select Console App (.NET Core) for C# and click Next. Type a name for your project and click Create. Remove the line "Console.WriteLine("Hello World!");". Write int Number1, Number2; in it's place. Write Console.WriteLine("Please enter the first number and press Enter: Write Number1 = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine()); in the next line. Write Console.WriteLine("Please enter the second number and press Enter: Write Number2 = Convert.ToInt32(Console.ReadLine()); in the next line. Write int Result; in the next line. Write Console.WriteLine("The sum of the two numbers is " + Result.ToString()); in the next line. Write Console.WriteLine("Press Enter to end program"); in the next line. Write Console.ReadLine();. Proof read your code. Click the Run βΊ button on the toolbar. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Help-Stray-Cats | How to Help Stray Cats | Before you help a stray cat, make sure that it's really a stray by asking your neighbors or putting up signs with the cat's picture on them.While you wait for a response, gain the cat's trust by setting out some wet food and fresh water every day, and crouching several feet away from the cat while it eats to get it used to your presence. If no one claims the cat after a few days, take it to the vet for an examination and vaccines. Then, decide whether you want to keep the cat or bring it to a shelter where they will try to re-home it. | Determine if the cat is a stray or not. Before you decide to help, you need to determine if the cat is a stray or not. Try to find out if the cat belongs to one of your neighbors. Ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone is missing a cat. Cats escape from homes sometimes and may roam far from their yards. Call your local veterinarian and animal shelter to ask if someone has lost a cat similar to the one you think might be a stray. Snap a photo with your phone camera and post online on missing pet forums on social media. You could even make up fliers with the photo and post in local stores. Care for the stray while you wait for a response. Be cautious. Stray cats can be wild and unpredictable in their behavior. Approach the stray cat keeping in mind that it may spread disease to both you and any cats you already own. Your first responsibility is to protect yourself. Cat bites often become infected and sometimes with serious consequences. Wear long sleeves, gloves and pants when you are around an unfamiliar cat. In addition to infections, cat bites can spread rabies. Keep in mind that a cat's sharp teeth can still penetrate gloves and clothing. Be aware of the rabies risk. It's uncommon for even stray cats to carry rabies, but it is a possibility. If you live in an area with wild animals that are known rabies carriers, such as raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, you should exercise extra caution. Look for aggression, restlessness, and lethargy. It could be difficult to tell the difference between the stray cat's "normal" behavior and unusual behavior. Listen for increased vocalization. When cats are suffering from rabies, they may meow or howl more frequently. Look for signs of disorientation, paralysis, or seizures. You should not attempt to handle or capture a cat who is acting strangely. Instead, report the animal to local animal control officers as soon as you can. There is no test to diagnose rabies in live cats. Thus, it is important to exercise caution when interacting with the cat. If you are bitten, clean the wound well with soap and water and see your doctor immediately. Keep stray cats away from your cats. To protect your own cats from any diseases or parasites the stray may be carrying, you should keep strays away from your cats until the strays have been examined by a veterinarian. Stray cats can transmit diseases such as feline leukemia, distemper, rabies, and parasites such as fleas. If the cat acts lethargic, has a runny nose and eyes, breathes heavily or acts strange don't approach the cat. These are all signs of disease. If you encounter an unhealthy looking cat, call animal control to have the cat caught by professionals. Gain the stray cat's trust. Gaining a cat's trust can sometimes be difficult. Setting food out for a stray cat is a good way to start gaining its trust. Try placing wet food and a bowl of fresh water in a protected spot that is not accessible to dogs or other animals like raccoons. Stand or crouch several feet away from the food to let the cat to get him used to your presence. If the cat is timid keep leaving the food out for three or more days until it becomes comfortable with you standing or crouching near the feeding spot. During this time look for signs of disease and pay attention to the cat's behavior. Does it growl or hiss at you? Does it watch you when you are around? Does it approach you? If the cat seems comfortable in your presence, try offering it a little wet food on the tip of a spoon. If it eats off of it, then that means that the cat may be ready to make friends with you. Offer it more food on the spoon and slowly reach your hand towards it. See if the cat will let you touch it under the chin. Once the cat allows you to stroke its chin, try stroking other parts of its head. Do not attempt to pet or hold a cat that looks aggressive or sick. Schedule a veterinary visit. After a cat starts to trust you, you will need to take the stray for a checkup with your veterinarian. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for as soon as possible. To take the cat to the veterinarian, place him in a cat carrier. This will help to keep the cat safe and secure. Make sure that you inform the veterinarian that the cat is a stray. Also, tell the veterinarian if you've noticed any injuries, parasites, or any other health concerns. The veterinarian will examine the cat and treat it for any internal or external parasites. The veterinarian will also perform a feline leukemia test by drawing a small amount of blood from the cat's vein. If the test is negative, the veterinarian will administer some vaccines (rabies and distemper) and ask you to schedule the cat to be spayed and neutered. If the cat has feline leukemia, you will be given some options. These may include surrendering the cat to a human society for care and adoption, keeping the cat yourself under feline leukemia precautions, or euthanasia. The veterinarian will help you decide which option is best for you. Decide if you will take ownership of the stray or try to find him a home. Helping stray cats is more than just providing them with some food. Stray cats need help finding homes so that they can lead the best life possible. Sometimes that home is with you; other times the best help you can give a stray cat is to find someone else who can provide for the cat. Consider joining a trap-neuter-release organization. There are trap-neuter-release (TNR) organizations that will trap stray cats; take them to be neutered or spayed; and then release them back near where they were found. These programs help to keep the cat population under control and it is often a good option for cats that would not make good pets due to being too wild or feral. Your veterinarian, local humane society or animal control should be able to tell you if such organizations exist in your area and how to contact them. | Determine if the cat is a stray or not. Be cautious. Be aware of the rabies risk. Keep stray cats away from your cats. Gain the stray cat's trust. Schedule a veterinary visit. Decide if you will take ownership of the stray or try to find him a home. Consider joining a trap-neuter-release organization. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Basketball | How to Draw a Basketball | To draw a realistic basketball, start by sketching a circle and drawing a vertical and a horizontal line down the middle. Next, draw 2 curved lines at the top and bottom halves of the ball. Then, color in the ball with a basic orange, use a lighter orange on areas where light is being reflected, and blend the colors together. Finally, add darker shades to create shadows and make the ball look like a sphere. | Draw a perfect circle. You can use a protractor or a compass to guide you in drawing a perfect circle. Sketch a circle using a pencil first, and then trace the line using a marker. Draw a straight vertical line. Draw two curved vertical lines. Color the draft. Begin with a sketch of a perfect circle outline. Use your pencil to lightly sketch a perfect circle. Add lines to show the actual shape of the ball. You can show a sphere by adding the perspective. Start coloring the draft. Choose the basic color in beginning the coloring. Continue coloring. Choose a color that is lighter than the basic color. Put it where the brighter areas should be shown which means that is where the light is being reflected. Blend the colors. Add the darker shades. To show a more realistic approach to the drawing, add the shades and shadow. This way, the basketball will appear like a sphere. Draw four lines on the ball. Two lines which are a vertical and a horizontal line in the middle simply follow the shape of the ball. The other two lines are curved lines conforming to the shape of the ball. Color the background. | Draw a perfect circle. Draw a straight vertical line. Draw two curved vertical lines. Color the draft. Begin with a sketch of a perfect circle outline. Add lines to show the actual shape of the ball. Start coloring the draft. Continue coloring. Blend the colors. Add the darker shades. Draw four lines on the ball. Color the background. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Surrender-to-God | How to Surrender to God | To surrender to God, nurture your spiritual life by attending worship regularly. It's completely normal if you have to check out a few different places of worship first before you find one that feels inspiring and fulfilling. You may also want to consider attending a small community group or bible study to stay active in your spiritual practice. Along with joining a religious community, you should pray and meditate so you can open your mind and heart to God's direction. Since performing acts of service can help you feel more connected spiritually, seek out volunteer opportunities like working at your local food pantry. If you want more help growing your faith, reach out to your pastor or the spiritual leader of your faith so they can support you. | Decide what your attitude toward God or your spiritual life is. There are different attitudes people have toward their spiritual life. Determining what your personal relationship toward a spiritual life is can help you determine the best way to cultivate that spiritual life. For example, research shows that there are two types of attitudes towards religious commitment.: intrinsic and extrinsic. There is also a third dimension of religiosity called the βquest dimensionβ. Depending on which attitude or dimension that you have, you will approach your spiritual life in different ways. Intrinsic commitment: Having an intrinsic religious or spiritual attitude means that you believe in the religion or the spiritual world as absolute truth. You hold your belief in your religious or spiritual beliefs above all other beliefs. Extrinsic commitment: Having an extrinsic attitude means you see your religious or spiritual beliefs as a means for you to live a fuller life, but do not regard religion above other beliefs you have. For example, you may use prayer as a means to gain relief from a stressful experience. For some people, having an extrinsic commitment to religion helps then fulfill social responsibilities or advancement. Quest: The quest dimension describes a kind of person who does not need to believe in a reality where God or any spiritual figure must exist. Instead, you believe that the complexity of religion or spiritual matters is important to grapple with, but you also work to cultivate doubt and skepticism alongside your faith. In other words, you expect your faith to change and grow with you. Write about what God or spirituality was for you in the past. To decide what spirituality or God means to you, you should write about your feelings and thoughts to help clarify where you want spirituality or God to go in your life. The past is a very important part of you and should be used to decide what spirituality or God means to you now. Memory can be a rich source of knowledge that guides your decision making. Write about important experiences that involved spiritual enlightenment or God's presence. For example, write about a time you felt profound peace when there was turmoil in your life. Write about important relationships that taught you about spiritual growth or God, or write about relationships that hurt your spiritual life or relationship to God. For example, a relationship with a parent or guardian might have helped you grow closer to God. Write about the current state of your relationship to your spiritual life or God. What do you believe about the spiritual or God now? What has changed in your beliefs or values? Write about these experiences, relationships or ideas that have shaped your most current relationship to your spiritual life or God. For example, a recent change in a relationship like a divorce, having kids, or starting a new bond could have helped move you towards the idea of seeking a more spiritual life. Write down the big questions you have about your relationship to God or the spiritual. Write down what you want your spiritual life or relationship to God to look like in the future. Setting goals, even with your spiritual life, will help you to create the spiritual life that you desire. These goals can be spiritual goals such as finding time to talk to God, pray, or read religious texts. They can also be goals that help others with their spiritual needs, like giving to charities, volunteering, or praying for someone. Read sacred books, spiritual books, theological books, and other spiritual or religious texts. Reading books about the spiritual and religious experiences and ideas of others will help keep you excited and inspired about your own spiritual life. Remember to write about what you are reading in a journal and reflect on what you've learned. A famous example of theological book about Christianity is C.S. Lewis', Mere Christianity. A famous book about the history, meaning and practice of Zen Buddhism is The Way of Zen by Alan Watts. There are religious bookstores or stores with sections on religion to help aid you in finding texts to read. The internet also has an abundance of information and forums to help you. Consider joining a book club that is reading theological or spiritual books. Talk to your pastor or a spiritual leader about your faith. Follow up with them about how things are going for you in your spiritual life. Pastors and spiritual leaders hope to see individuals grow in their faith and are also prepared to support you when you go through hard times. Establishing contacts with members of your church, mosque, temple, or place of worship, will help you feel connected to the spiritual community. Talking to another person who is knowledgeable about your faith can also help you make sense of your own spiritual life. Ask for advice or help from people within your religious or spiritual community. In some instances, the aid given to you by religious or spiritual people will differ from the advice given by people who are outside of this community. You may be challenged to think outside of a self-centred mentality and that might mean being nice or doing good for the people or situations where you have been wronged. Attend a small community group, bible study or spiritual wellness group. Getting to know a small group of people will help you establish more meaningful relationships with people who are interested in growing in their spiritual life. Going to a spiritual small group will help you stay active in your spiritual community. These groups great places to learn about spiritual life, share food, grow, practice spiritual practices together and share the struggles and joys of life together. These groups will help you with a sense of belonging and bring you closer to individuals who share your spiritual journey. Go to church, mosque, temple, or a place of worship regularly. If a spiritual community is a good fit for you, they will nurture you in your spiritual life. Often it takes some time to find a really good spiritual community, so check out multiple spiritual communities. Tell people that you are looking for a good spiritual community. Generally, the best way to find a spiritual community is through word of mouth. One way that you can tell a good spiritual community is by whether the people there seem to have full spiritual lives. If the people who attend the spiritual community seem to be genuinely joyful and excited about their faith or spiritual life, you may want to stick around. Get involved in your spiritual community. Go to activities and events and establish yourself as a part of the community. It is a good idea to do this as soon as you start attending a spiritual community that you like. The longer you wait to become involved the more difficult it will be to reach out. Avoid spiritual communities that make you feel uncomfortable about showing your true self. If you feel stifled by the belief at a particular spiritual community, you may want to keep searching at other communities. Avoid communities that may seem clique-y or are hard to socialize with. For example, a community with an extrinsic commitment to religion may put more value in religious traditions and appearance over spiritual growth and community. Do service for others. All societies, cultures, and spiritual communities promote this prosocial behaviour. When you do work for others you will often feel more connected to your spiritual life. Service will often help you to grow and change because you will work in places and with people you might not normally come into contact with. You can find ways to volunteer through your spiritual community or a community organization. Talk to your spiritual leader or a community official about how to get involved volunteering regularly. For example, if you have free Saturday mornings you can volunteer at the local food pantry or kitchen that provides meal services for people in need. Practice prayer and/or meditation. Prayer and meditation help you to intentionally cultivate your spiritual life. These practices also help you develop both your own discipline and focus. Try to get used to stillness wherein you are not visualizing or communicating with anyone else mentally. Wait till you reach a better state of mind that God has a way to guide and direct you to a path. Research shows that meditation has many health benefits, including decreasing depression, helping with eating disorders, boosting endorphins and decreasing aggression and hostility in individuals. Many people pray with other people regularly in prayer groups. Praying with others will help you build relationships with people as you cultivate a healthy prayer life. Keep a journal daily, for at least twenty minutes. Start keeping a journal about your spiritual journey. Journaling helps you keep your priorities straight and adds clarity to your understanding of what is going on in your spiritual life. Write down important or inspirational quotes proverbs from texts to keep you connected and motivated in your spiritual growth. | Decide what your attitude toward God or your spiritual life is. Write about what God or spirituality was for you in the past. Write about the current state of your relationship to your spiritual life or God. Write down what you want your spiritual life or relationship to God to look like in the future. Read sacred books, spiritual books, theological books, and other spiritual or religious texts. Talk to your pastor or a spiritual leader about your faith. Attend a small community group, bible study or spiritual wellness group. Go to church, mosque, temple, or a place of worship regularly. Get involved in your spiritual community. Do service for others. Practice prayer and/or meditation. Keep a journal daily, for at least twenty minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-Amperage-of-Circuit-Breaker | How to Determine Amperage of Circuit Breaker | To quickly determine the amperage of a circuit breaker, find the amperage marked on the handle of the circuit breaker. Then, multiply the amperage by 0.8 to find 80% of the rated amperage. For double-pole breakers, don't add the amperage of the two breakers together because they will still operate on the individual amperage labeled on the handles. For any circuit, operating above 80% for a long period of time can cause the breaker to trip. | Examine the electric panel. Each circuit breaker should have its amperage marked on the handle. This is the maximum amperage that the circuit can take before the circuit breaker trips. In the United States, standard household circuits are rated for 15 or 20 amps. Specific appliances may need dedicated, high-load circuits for 30 or 50 amps. If you're not sure where your circuit breaker is, check your basement, if you have one. You might also look in your utility room, garage, or around the outside of your house. Multiply the amperage by 0.8. For everyday use, it's a good idea to expose the breaker to a maximum of 80% of the rated amperage. It's fine to exceed this for short periods of time, but continuous current above this amount could cause enough heat to trip the breaker. Breakers should be sized at 125% for a continuous load and 100% for a non-continuous load, which comes out the same when you multiply the breaker size by 0.8. Understand double-pole breakers. Some high-voltage devices may be wired to a double-pole circuit breaker β two standard circuit breakers sharing a handle. Do not add together the amperage of the two breakers. Both circuits will be tripped simultaneously by the amperage displayed on one circuit breaker handle. For example, a two-pole breaker at 15 amps on each pole (breaker handle) would supply 240 volts to the appliance on that branch at up to 15 amps, not 30. A single breaker normally has 120V. However, a double pole breaker is essentially two breakers tied together with a handle tie, so it can deliver 240V. Compare this to the current on the circuit. Now you know how much amperage your wiring and circuit breaker can handle. To find out whether your circuit exceeds this amperage, continue to the next method. Find the wattage of a device. Pick any device attached to the circuit you're investigating. Find the wattage (W) listed on the data plate β usually on the back or underside of the device or near where the power cord is connected. This is the maximum power rating of the device, which can be used to calculate amperage. Some devices will list the amperage directly, often labeled FLA, meaning "Full Load Amps". If it does, skip down to the next section to interpret that rating. Check the voltage on the circuit. For household circuits, you can usually assume your house follows the voltage standards of your country. (For example, 120V in North America and Central America, or around 220V to 230V for most other countries. ) If you think you are working with an exception, measure the voltage using a multimeter. If you use one, be sure your multimeter is set correctly to AC or DC. The electricity coming from the outlets in your house will be AC, but if you're measuring a device that uses a transformer to convert the power to DC, you'll need to set the multimeter accordingly. Whether the device is AC or DC will be listed with the voltage on the label. Divide the wattage by the voltage. The answer will be the amperage the device draws on your circuit. For example, a 150-watt device on a 120-volt circuit will draw 150 Γ· 120 = 1.25 amps. Repeat for each device on the circuit. Perform the same calculation for each other device on the circuit, or at least the ones with the highest wattage. Write down each answer next to the name of the device. Add the amperages of devices that are always running. Take the continuously running devices, or the devices that are expected to use the maximum current for 3 hours or more at a time. Add their amperages together. If the result is more than 80% of your circuit breaker's rated amperage, plug one of the devices into an outlet on a different circuit. Add additional amperages. On top of the continuous amperage, add the amperage of other devices that might be on at the same time. If any combination gets above 100% of the circuit breaker's rating, it will trip the circuit. You can solve this by moving a device to a different circuit, or by remembering not to use high-power devices at the same time. Electrical circuits never operate perfectly. Some of the energy is lost to heat, and devices may draw more current to make up for this. Waste is low in most household circuits (below 10%), but it is still possible to trip the breaker if the total calculated amperage on paper is slightly below the breaker rating. Measure amperage directly with a clamp multimeter (optional). A clamp multimeter (or clamp ammeter) has a pair of "jaws" at the top that close shut to encircle a wire. When set to measure amps, the device will display the number of amps running through that wire. To test a circuit, expose the wire leading to the load side of a circuit breaker. With the clamp multimeter set up as described, have a friend turn on other devices in the house. If the device is on the same circuit, you will see the amperage display increase. Do not attempt this unless you have electrician's gloves and a basic understanding of electrical safety. These wires are live and removing the front panel of a breaker panel will expose you to dangerous voltages, so use extreme caution. Look for the data plate. All appliances should have a data plate with electrical information. Look on the back or underside of the device, where the cord enters, or check the product manual. The information on this plate will help you determine how many amperes the device draws, and therefore the rating you will need for the circuit breaker. This section covers devices that list the amperage directly on the data plate, which should include all appliances with a motor. If your device only lists wattage (W), calculate the amperage from that value. This is not an appropriate method to determine safety features to protect the motor itself. The circuit breaker protects the wiring of the electrical supply. High-power devices such as air conditioning units and ovens are best installed by a trained electrician. Check the device's voltage rating. The amperage drawn depends on the voltage of your electrical circuit. The intended voltage (V) of the device should be listed so you can confirm that it matches your electrical system. If the device can run at two different voltages, it will usually list two values like this: 110V/240V. In this example, if you were running the device on a 110 volt supply, you would only refer to the first number listed on each line. Most electrical codes allow a Β± 5% tolerance for the voltage (or slightly more). Do not run a device on a voltage supply outside this range. Household outlets in North America and some other countries are on a 120V standard. Most of the world uses 220β240V. Many homes have 30-A or 50-A breakers dedicated to larger appliances such as water heaters, baseboard heaters, ovens, stoves, and heavy-duty power tools. The wiring and breakers for these circuits are required to be designed at 125% of the continuous load and 100% of a non-continuous load. Look for the FLA, or "full load amps". This is the number of amps the motor will draw at the rated horsepower. In the United States, if this device will be left on for more than three hours, the circuit breaker should be rated at 125% of this value. (Multiply the FLA by 1.25.) This allows for additional load due to other factors, mainly heat. This value may also be listed as full load amperage, running amps, rated amp, or just amps. Circuit breakers are rated to 100% of the listed amperage, meaning you can skip the 125% calculation. This information will be clearly listed on the circuit breaker electrical panel if you have this type of breaker. Check the LRA. The LRA, or locked rotor amps, is the amount of current drawn when the motor is not turning. This is required to start the motor and can be much higher than the FLA. Modern circuit breakers are designed to allow this brief surge of current. If your circuit breaker is rated high enough for the FLA but still trips when the device is plugged in, it could be a faulty breaker, another device plugged into the circuit that causes an overload, or just an old model. Move the device with high LRA to another circuit or have an electrician inspect your wiring. Do not confuse this with the RLA, a specially derived value of internal forces, listed on air conditioner units. You can oversize a breaker to 125% to help prevent your breaker from tripping if the circuit is designed strictly for motors. Take other devices into account. According to the NEC, branch circuits are sized at 125% of the continuous load plus 100% of the non-continuous load. If multiple devices are running on the same circuit, add them together as follows: If your circuit breaker is rated at 100%, just add all of the amperages together. If your circuit breaker is rated for continuous loads at 80% or you do not know its rating, add the amperages of all devices running for more than three hours at a time and multiply by 1.25. Add to the result the amperage of all devices running for shorter periods of time. In either case, if the answer exceeds the circuit breaker amperage, move a device to another circuit. Use the MCA and MOP ratings for an air conditioning unit. These values are rarely listed except in North American air conditioning units or other appliances with large motors or compressors. The Minimum Circuit Ampacity tells you the minimum wire size necessary for safety. The Maximum Overcurrent Protection is the highest circuit breaker amperage allowable. When in doubt, use the MOP value when choosing a circuit breaker to avoid unnecessary breaker tripping. These values are often surprising if you do not have HVAC experience, and are further complicated by new technologies that allow for lower amperage than MOP implies. Consider hiring a professional if you are not experienced in the area. | Examine the electric panel. Multiply the amperage by 0.8. Understand double-pole breakers. Compare this to the current on the circuit. Find the wattage of a device. Check the voltage on the circuit. Divide the wattage by the voltage. Repeat for each device on the circuit. Add the amperages of devices that are always running. Add additional amperages. Measure amperage directly with a clamp multimeter (optional). Look for the data plate. Check the device's voltage rating. Look for the FLA, or "full load amps". Check the LRA. Take other devices into account. Use the MCA and MOP ratings for an air conditioning unit. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Cuticle-Oil | How to Apply Cuticle Oil | Applying cuticle oil is a great way to keep your nails looking clean and healthy. To apply cuticle oil, hold the dropper a couple of inches above your nails and squeeze 1 drop onto each nail. Massage the oil into your cuticles, the sides of your nails, and the skin surrounding each nail. It takes 2-3 hours for your cuticles to completely absorb the oil, so don't get your hands wet after you apply the oil or it will wash off. Apply cuticle oil twice a day. | Hold the dropper 2 inches (5 cm) from your nail. Do this if your cuticle oil uses a dropper to dispense the oil. Other cuticle oil products may use a brush (like nail polish) or a roller to dispense the oil. Apply the oil to each nail. Focusing on one hand at a time, squeeze a drop of oil onto each nail. A little oil goes a long way, but don't be afraid to apply liberally and often. Alternatively, use the brush or the roller to dot each nail with oil. Massage the oil into your cuticles. Make sure to massage it into the sides of your nail, as well as the skin surrounding your nail. Take a minute to massage the oil into your nails to induce blood circulation. Repeat steps one through three on your other hand. Re-apply every two to three hours. It takes around two to three hours for the oil to completely absorb and dry. Or, reapply as often as you need to. Use the oil after a manicure. Cuticle oil is a great way to rehydrate your cuticles after a manicure. The oil will not harm or remove the nail polish. Additionally, cuticle oil is a great way to revamp an old manicure. Just massage the oil over your cuticles and nails to give them a fresh shine. Do not use it before a manicure. The oil will prevent the nail polish from adhering to your nail. If you do decide to use it before a manicure, then make sure to wipe your nails clean with nail polish remover or alcohol. Apply the oil after you have pushed back your cuticles. First soften your cuticles by soaking them in water for 10 minutes. Once they are soft, use an orangewood stick or a metal cuticle pusher to push them back. Then massage the cuticle oil into your cuticles. It is recommended that you do not trim, cut, or remove your cuticles. Put it on whenever you have free time. Apply the oil whenever you are riding the bus or sitting in a taxicab, at your work desk, or on the couch while watching TV, for example. Basically, whenever you have some downtime. Apply cuticle oil twice a day, or more if you need to. Apply the oil before bedtime. This is a great way to ensure that your cuticles stay hydrated and nourished for the coming day. Just remember to be persistent and consistent to keep your cuticles looking healthy. | Hold the dropper 2 inches (5 cm) from your nail. Apply the oil to each nail. Massage the oil into your cuticles. Re-apply every two to three hours. Use the oil after a manicure. Apply the oil after you have pushed back your cuticles. Put it on whenever you have free time. Apply the oil before bedtime. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-the-Best-Student-in-Your-Class | How to Be the Best Student in Your Class | To be the best student in your class, always pay attention and take thorough notes, which will help you do better on your tests and assignments. You should also make sure you're doing your homework every night and turning it on time. When you're in class, you can impress your teacher by asking thoughtful questions about the material and treating the other students with respect and kindness. Additionally, help other students if you see them struggling. Finally, no matter what happens, try to stay positive and upbeat to make things more fun for the entire class. | Get your brain and body ready to learn. You will learn best and have the easiest time in school if your body is ready to learn! There are lots of things that you can do to get your body ready. Try: Get lots of sleep. You'll need to get the right amount of sleep for your body if you want your brain to work at its best. You should feel alert through most of the day. If you find yourself needing to shut your eyes by lunch, you're not sleeping enough. For most people, you'll need about 8 hours of sleep. Your body can't work right if all you eat is junk like chips, candy, and hamburgers. If you want to be the best student you can be, eat your vegetables (like broccoli), some fruit, and lean proteins (like chicken and fish). Drink plenty of water. Your brain needs water in order to work right. In fact, your whole body needs water in order to work right. Drink several glasses of water a day but keep in mind that some people need more water than others. Learn in a way that works for you. Everyone learns best in different ways; this is called a learning style. Find a way that works for you and try to learn that way as much as you can. You'll have more control over this when you study at home, but you can also talk to your teacher about adjusting how the lessons are taught to include more variety for different style learners. For example, have you noticed that it's really easy for you to remember charts or pictures? This means you might be a visual learner, which means you should use more images and pictures in order to learn. An example of this would be if you drew yourself a chart to memorize the parts of speech. Maybe you've noticed that you have an easier time studying when you listen to music quietly or that you can't remember what your teacher wrote on the board but you can "hear" what they said in your head as if they were in the room now. This means you might be an auditory learner, which means you learn better with sound. An example of this would be if you record your teacher when they're talking so that you can listen to it while you do your homework or study. Maybe you've noticed that, during a lesson, you feel like you still want to pay attention but you really need to stand up or move around. Maybe you pace around your room while you study. This might mean that you are a kinesthetic learner, which means you learn better when you're doing things with your body. Try playing with a piece of clay in your hand while your teacher talks. Pay attention. The best thing that you can do to become the best student in any class is to pay attention to when your teacher is talking. If you get distracted you might miss important information and you'll have a harder time understanding what to do or when you have to study later. If you're having trouble staying focused when your teacher is talking, try sitting in the front and participating more in the class. Raise your hand and ask questions when you don't understand something or when your teacher says something interesting and you want to know more about it. Learn how to take notes. Taking notes effectively can be tricky, but it will make it much easier for you to learn and study, which means your grades will get better and your test scores will improve so you're the best student in your class. Just remember, you don't have to write down everything your teacher says. Just write down the most important things and the things you know you'll have a hard time remembering. Do your homework on time and well. Even if you don't get very good grades on your homework, just doing it on time will help keep your grade up as much as possible. You should aim to make your homework marks the highest in the class or you're not really trying to be the best in your class. Beyond that, do as well on your homework as you can. When you don't understand it, ask someone for help! Your teacher might be able to set you up with a tutor or even help you themselves. Schedule enough time to actually get your homework done. This might mean watching less TV or spending less time with your friends but it will be worth it in the end. Getting a good environment to do homework will really help you to get it done. Go somewhere quiet where you don't have any distractions. If you can go to a library, that's a good spot. If you can't leave your house and the people you live with are noisy, try your bedroom. Look for extra ways to learn. Learning stuff that isn't included in your classes can help you understand the information you do cover a lot better and it can also really impress your teacher. Pursuing information in a way that follows your interests can also help you stay focused in class. Look for more ways to learn about all of the subjects you study and you'll find that all of the school is more interesting and that you're more and more successful. For example, if you're studying American history, you can watch documentaries online to learn even more about the era you're learning about. You can learn by studying books from your local library and you can also learn a lot online. While Wikipedia isn't always accurate, it's usually pretty good. You can also find documentaries and educational videos on YouTube, like the popular shows Crash Course and TedTalks. These have a lot of information that your teacher or professor didn't explain it well enough for you. Learn when school is out of session too. Keep learning during the summer, on the weekends, and start preparing for your next year of school as early as you can by finding out what kind of stuff you'll study. As for the summers, just reviewing the information you already learned for just two or three hours three or four times over the course of the whole summer can help make sure that you're ready when the school year starts. Study earlier. When you see the number of portions just before a test, you may get scared. One of the most effective ways to get better scores on tests is to start studying and preparing for the test as early as possible. Definitely don't leave it until the night before. Write down the possible questions that can come on the test and start jotting down key points. Try waking up a little early the morning of the test and skim through notes you made while you were studying. It can really help you grasp last-minute details, by review those notes one last time. The harder the test will be, the earlier you should start studying. Two or three weeks is usually a good starting point. Make people feel good, not bad. Being the best student in a class is about more than just getting good grades. You should also work on being a good person. You don't want to be a bully or a class clown; that will not make you the best student in the class. Focus on making people feel good by giving them compliments and telling them when they do a good job. Don't be mean to people and tease them or say hurtful things. Be helpful to everyone. Be a good person by helping people when you can. If you know how to do something or you have an easier way of doing it, show them how. Don't make yourself seem smarter or better, just be nice and friendly. You can also do small nice things, like holding a door open for them or helping them carry something heavy. For example, if someone was gone for a few days, offer to help them get caught up and share your notes with them. Be respectful to people, even when they're being mean. Even when people are mean to you, you should still be respectful. Don't shout at them or physically hurt them. Don't call them names or cut in front of them in line, just to spite them. Simply ignore them and treat them like you would treat anyone else. Be respectful to people by not talking over them and definitely giving them a chance to talk if they want to. Respect their opinions and don't worry if they think a little bit differently than you. You should also let people be themselves and don't make them feel bad for being unique or different. Stay calm. When you're in class, stay as calm as you can. Don't run around and disrupt people. You should also try not to get stressed when school gets tough. This is bad for you and it might also cause you to lash out at other people. Help yourself calm down by breathing slowly. Remind yourself that everything will be okay. You're strong enough to do this! Avoid worrying about perfect grades. Perfect grades really only matter your last year and a half of high school and then when you're in college (if you plan on going to graduate school later). Otherwise, just focus on learning the material as well as you can and don't worry about the numbers or letters that your teacher assigns. Knowing the material is more important than getting a grade. Make things fun for everyone. Try to help everyone have fun. Be enthusiastic and positive when you're in class. This excitement to learn will make everyone feel more okay about learning. It might even get some people to show excitement when they wouldn't normally let other people see that they care. For example, you might start learning about the planets in your science class. Find a cool picture of your favorite planet and show it to other people, then challenge them to find a cool picture of their favorite planet. Be yourself! Most importantly, be yourself. You can't be the best person you can possibly be if you're pretending to be someone else. Do the things that make you happy. Share the things that you love. Be friends with the people that get you and make you feel good about yourself. Don't worry about what other people think. The truth is that years from now, you won't even remember half of their names. If they don't think you're the coolest person now, you're not going to care in five or six years. What you will care about is how unhappy you are that you didn't do things that made you happy. Be respectful. If you want to make your teacher happy, being respectful is really the best way to start. Especially if other students are disrespectful, you'll stand out and quickly become their favorite. You can do things like: Don't be disruptive. Don't pass notes, talk to your friends, make jokes, or move around too much while your teacher is talking. Although it's fine to joke around with your teacher if they like it. Just don't do it too much or your teacher might get frustrated. Be punctual (on time or even early) and definitely don't skip their class. When you're talking to them, be polite. Address them as Ma'am or Sir and use words like please and thank you. Be serious when you use the words and don't let them feel like you're making fun of them by talking like this. If they don't like it, you should stop. Ask questions. Teachers like it when students ask questions. There are a few reasons for this. First of all, it tells them that you're paying attention. Second, it shows them that you think they're interesting and that you're enjoying the subject (even if you're not). Third, it makes them feel smart and helpful. Everyone likes to feel smart and helpful. Ask questions when you have them and you'll find your teacher liking you more and more. For example, if your teacher is talking about chemistry and Avogadro's number, ask them how they memorize the number. As a warning, however, try not to ask pointless questions. You don't want to ask a question just so you have a question to ask. Eventually, this will annoy your teacher and they'll think that you're doing it just for the attention. Do not ask personal questions or something that is important only to you. You can ask about homework, pop quiz dates or something that does not bother you alone or if you don't understand. "What pages do we have to read for tomorrow?" and "Ma'am, is there a better method to memorize this?" will be appropriate. "Why did I get a D?" and " Ma'am, which boy band is the hottest according to you?" are definite nos. "Ma'am, do you have a boyfriend?" type of questions that are related to personal relationships of teachers are not to be asked at any cost. Teachers get ticked due to this and can get you suspended. Ask for help. You might think that asking your teacher for help will make them mad because it makes you look stupid. This couldn't be further from the truth. Asking for help actually makes you look smart and it will make your teacher happy. When you ask questions, your teacher knows that you'll work hard and understand what they're teaching much better. They'll be proud of you for taking the initiative to get the help you know you need. For example, if there's a math test coming up in a few weeks, and you know that you didn't fully understand how to divide fractions , then ask your teacher if they can go over the instructions with you one more time and do two or three problems with you until you understand it. Say something like, "Mr. Green, I'm having a hard time with the homework. For some reason, the genitive case is just really hard for me to get. Can we maybe meet after school or during lunch, so you can try explaining it in a different way?" Be a helpful student. Be a student that not only keeps out of trouble but also makes the classroom a kinder place. This is about more than just starting fights and arguments (although you shouldn't do those things either). This is also about being a person that helps solves problems when they come up. For instance: You remind others (without being bossy or rude) to keep to classroom rules. If a fight breaks out, you immediately get the nearest teacher, or diffuse the fight, or whatever is appropriate to the situation. You help the teacher with tasks such as handing out papers, materials, making copies, helping a student with a question, or whatever is appropriate. You help classmates who are having problems. If a peer is clearly upset, you try to help him. You open the door for a teacher wheeling the AV cart. You do not pass on ugly rumors, even if it is juicy gossip. Stay on top of your work. Do your homework on time. Get study guides and ask for help at least two weeks before a test, and not two or three days before. Take notes. When your teacher sees you working hard, even if you're not the smartest and even if you don't get the best test scores, they'll still like you best. | Get your brain and body ready to learn. Learn in a way that works for you. Pay attention. Learn how to take notes. Do your homework on time and well. Look for extra ways to learn. Study earlier. Make people feel good, not bad. Be helpful to everyone. Be respectful to people, even when they're being mean. Stay calm. Make things fun for everyone. Be yourself! Be respectful. Ask questions. Ask for help. Be a helpful student. Stay on top of your work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sex-a-Hamster | How to Sex a Hamster | To find out the sex of a hamster, pick up the hamster in one hand while supporting its body with the other hand. Then, turn your hamster over and examine it's rear end. If it's a male, the hamster will have protruding testicles and an almond shaped rear end. Alternatively, you will see a blunt rear end without testicles if it's a female. You should also check your pet's abdomen for nipples as this will tell you it's a female. | Wait for the right time to inspect the hamster. To determine sex, you are going to have to look at your hamster's hind end and underside. Your best bet is to wait until the hamster is alert and relaxed to examine it. Grabbing a sleeping or stressed hamster is a good way to get bitten. Try giving your hamster a treat and some attention. Hamsters don't like being turned upside down (which is exactly what you're going to do) so petting your hamster and making him or her feel at ease will help this process go smoothly. Consider working over a large bowl or box lined with a towel. This will give the hamster a soft place to land if it squirms away from you. It will also keep your hamster contained at the same time, making sure that it doesn't fall and then run away. Scruff the hamster. To safely restrain the pet, approach the hamster calmly, and do not startle it. Place the palm of one hand over the hamster with your thumb and forefinger resting right above the shoulder blades. Gently grasp the loose skin just above the shoulders between your thumb and forefinger to control the head and keep the hamster from biting you. Do not pull on the skin or attempt to lift the animal by the scruff alone. Do not grip the scruff too tightly, either, as this can pull back the eyelids and causes the eyeballs to pop out of the sockets. Pick up and turn over the hamster. Use the rest of the hand to support the animal's body. Using your free hand to support the weight of the hamster, lift the hamster and turn it over so that its body is resting in the palm of the hand you are using to scuff it. Its entire body should be supported at this point. Assess the size of the hamster. Males are generally larger than females. If you don't have another hamster to compare with, this may not help you determine the sex of your hamster. However, if you have other hamsters, you can compare their sizes. While this is not a definitive test, it will give you a good idea whether your hamster is male or female. When you look at an older male hamster from above, you may notice that his back end is more pointed and hiked-up, whereas female hamsters have a rounded bottom. Look at the hamster's underside, near where the tail is located. Hamsters usually reach sexual maturity by around 35 days of age, and in adult hamsters, sex differences are often fairly easy to see. Males have prominent testicles that make their rumps bulge and take on an almond shape, while females have fairly blunt rear ends. Examine your pet's abdomen for nipples, and assess the area just under the tail. If you see testicles, it is male. If you do not see testicles and can see prominent nipples, it is female. Females have six prominent pairs of nipples. In dwarf hamster species, the male also has a very prominent scent gland. In the mature male, this gland usually has a noticeable yellow color and is located in the umbilical area. This area is in the middle of the abdomen about where you would expect a belly button to be. If you cannot tell whether you have a male or female hamster, the animal may not be sexually mature yet. Locate the two openings on the underside of the hamster. These usually look like small pink circles and may appear slightly raised around the edges. The anus is just under the tail, and the urogenital opening, the location of the urinary and genital organs, is above the anus toward the center of the abdomen. Assess the distance between the anus and the urogenital opening. Sex differences are more difficult to spot in very young pups, but it is possible to sex a pup by looking at the distance between its anus and its urogenital opening. In females, the openings are very close together. You may actually have trouble telling them apart so that the urogenital opening, which in this case is the vulva, and the anus almost seem to be a single opening or structure. In males, the openings are farther apart, so there is very clear separation between the anus and the urogenital opening. You may also see small swellings in the groin area if you have a male. These are the growing testicles. Recheck the hamster at another time if you are still not sure. If you can only find one opening, especially if it seems rather large, you should suspect you are dealing with a female, but recheck the animal often or consult an experienced exotics veterinarian just in case you missed the second opening. This opening can be subtle in a very young male, especially if the animal you are working with is a tiny dwarf hamster. The most common pet hamsters, Syrian hamsters, are solitary and need to be kept in individual cages, so early sexing is not very important. Dwarf hamsters, on the other hand, are kept in single-sex groups. If you have pups in a single-sex group, you need to recheck them often until sex is obvious. This will help you avoid accidental pregnancies in your group. | Wait for the right time to inspect the hamster. Consider working over a large bowl or box lined with a towel. Scruff the hamster. Pick up and turn over the hamster. Assess the size of the hamster. Look at the hamster's underside, near where the tail is located. Examine your pet's abdomen for nipples, and assess the area just under the tail. Locate the two openings on the underside of the hamster. Assess the distance between the anus and the urogenital opening. Recheck the hamster at another time if you are still not sure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Homemade-Drum | How to Make a Homemade Drum | To make a homemade drum, you'll need an empty can, masking tape, construction paper, crayons, 2 pencils, and some tissue. Start by criss-crossing tape over the top of the can until it's completely covered to create the head of your drum. Then, cut the construction paper to the height of your can and wrap it around the container snugly. Tape the paper in place then use your crayons or markers to decorate it however you like! To make drumsticks for your drum, crumple up 2 pieces of tissue paper and tape them to the ends of 2 pencils. | Gather your materials. For this method of making a drum , you will need an empty cylindrical container, electrical tape or masking tape, construction paper, crayons or colored pencils (optional), two pencils (optional), and tissue paper (optional). For the container, you can use a coffee container, a popcorn tin, or an aluminum can. This is going to be the base of the drum, so look for a container that is clean and in good condition. Criss-cross strips of tape over the top of the container until it is completely covered. This is going to form the top of the drum, which needs to be sturdy and firm. Try to put at least one to three layers of tape on the top of the can and criss-cross the tape tightly to make the drum more durable. the paper by wrapping it around the can. Measure Then, cut the construction paper so it will fit around the container snugly. Tape the paper in place and trim away the excess paper. Decorate the drum. Or, let your little one decorate the drum using markers, crayons, or paint. You can also cut out shapes from other construction paper and attach them onto the side of the drum. Make a pair of drumsticks. Crumple up a piece of tissue paper on the end of a pencil. Wrap masking tape or electrical tape around the tissue ball so it is secured to the pencil. Repeat this method on another pencil. Test the drum. Now it is time to have some fun with your drum or let your toddler play with it to make sure it will withstand a drumming session. Gather your materials. For this method, you will need a clean round container like a coffee can or formula can, balloons, electrical tape or masking tape, and rubber bands (optional). Stretch the balloon around the can. Use your fingers to open the balloon up and expand it so it fits over the top of the can. Lay another balloon flat on a hard surface. Do not blow it up, you want to use a limp balloon. Using the scissors, cut small holes into the balloon. They do not need to be uniform or perfect, as they are more for decoration. Stretch the cut up balloon on top of the balloon on the can. Double layering the balloons will make the drum more durable, and the holes in top layer will add a fun decorative effect. Wrap tape around the can to secure the balloons. You can also use rubber bands and simply place them around the can to keep the balloons attached. Try out the drums. Or hand them to your little one and let them test them for you. If you'd like to add more weight to the drums, you can fill the container up with a handful of rice or dry lentils before you stretch the balloon on the top of the container. Make drum sticks out of pencils and tissue paper or simply use your hands to drum along to your favorite song. Gather your materials. For this method, you will need a round tin container or can, a roll of faux leather, a roll of thin rope, a marker, and scissors. Place the can on the back side of the leather. Using a marker, draw around the can. Then, move the can over and draw around the can again. These circles are going to be the top and bottom parts of the drum. Cut out the circles, leaving 2 inches (5.1Β cm) of space between the drawn line and your cut. This will give you extra leather to thread with rope. Use the scissors to make small snips around the outside of both pieces of leather. These snips will be used to thread the rope around the drum. Thread the rope through the holes. Once you have thread the rope through the holes on the top piece and the bottom piece of leather, tie it off with a small knot and cut away the excess rope. Place the leather pieces on either end of the can. Then, thread the rope from top to bottom using the threaded rope on the leather pieces, tightening as you go. Test out the drum. The drum should not only look good, it should sound good too. If you want to make a more durable drum, use eyelet pliers to make holes in the leather to then thread the rope through, as this will make the drum stronger and likely last longer. | Gather your materials. Criss-cross strips of tape over the top of the container until it is completely covered. the paper by wrapping it around the can. Decorate the drum. Make a pair of drumsticks. Test the drum. Gather your materials. Stretch the balloon around the can. Lay another balloon flat on a hard surface. Stretch the cut up balloon on top of the balloon on the can. Wrap tape around the can to secure the balloons. Try out the drums. Gather your materials. Place the can on the back side of the leather. Cut out the circles, leaving 2 inches (5.1Β cm) of space between the drawn line and your cut. Use the scissors to make small snips around the outside of both pieces of leather. Thread the rope through the holes. Place the leather pieces on either end of the can. Test out the drum. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Bike-Tube | How to Replace a Bike Tube | To replace a bike tube, you'll need a wrench, bike pump, and new inner tube. Start by shifting down to the most outside gear before turning the bike upside down. Loosen the nuts that attach the wheel axle to the bike, then pull the wheel clear of the bike frame. Deflate the tire fully while it's still on the removed wheel. Pry out the section of the outer tire with a plastic tire lever so you can pull the tube out from between the outer tire and the wheel rim. Pump up the new tube until it has a basic circular shape and feed it between the outer tire and the wheel rim. Work the tire back onto the inner rim of the wheel frame, then fill the new tube with air to the recommended tire pressure before reattaching the wheel. | Shift down and hang the bike from a tree or work stand to work on it. Make sure that you shift down to the most outside gear before turning the bike upside down. If you have access to one, use a bike stand that holds the bicycle upright. If not, turn the bike upside down. Don't turn the bike on its side since this will force you to work against gravity and make your job harder. Disengage the brakes if they get in the way of removing the wheel. Different brake types have different brake release mechanisms, so refer to your instruction manual or the website of the bike or brake manufacturer. In many cases, you'll simply have to unlatch a quick release located on either the brake calipers or the brake lever on the handlebars. Or, you may need to squeeze the brake calipers together in order to detach the brake cable from them. You won't need to disengage the brakes if they are disc brakes. If the bike has hydraulic disc brakes, do not squeeze the lever while the wheel is out. Loosen the nuts that attach the wheel axle to the bike. You don't need to remove the nuts completely, just loosen them enough that the wheel can (a few steps from now) be pulled free. If the nuts don't want to budge when you use a wrench on them, apply a lubricant like silicone spray or even cooking spray. If you have a modern bike with quick-release wheel latches, taking the wheel off will be even easier β just open the latch and loosen the nut by turning it a few times so it can clear the frame. Don't remove the wheel yet. Pull the chain clear of the gear discs if youβre removing the rear wheel. With enough practice you won't have to move the chain to do this, but you may need to at first. Shift gears so that the chain is on the outermost gear on the rear wheel and the innermost gear on the pedal spindle β this gives the chain more slack to work with. Pull back on the rear derailleur (the mechanism that guides the chain into place when shifting) so that the chain pulls clear of the cogs of the gear discs. In a pinch, you can patch a punctured bike tube without removing the entire wheel β although it makes the actual patching job more difficult β but you have to remove the wheel to replace the tube. Pull the wheel clear of the bike frame. For the front wheel, you simply have to guide the wheel axle β now that the nuts or quick-release are loose β out of the fork that holds it to the bike frame. You do the same for the rear wheel, but you need to more carefully guide the wheel down and forward (if the bike is upright) past the chain and other obstructions. Keep pulling back on the rear derailleur to help move the chain out of the way. Deflate the tire fully while itβs still on the removed wheel. For a Schrader (American) style valve, use a small tool (like a thin Allen wrench) to depress the plunger inside the threaded cylinder. For a Presta valve, unscrew the top part of the stem to release the air. With a Dunlop valve, loosen the cap a few turns and then pull on the valve tip. Schrader valves are the same type found on car tires. Presta valves are thinner and longer than Schraders, and have a locknut at the tip. Dunlop valves are thinner than Schraders and thicker than Prestas, and threaded only near the top. If your wheel has a lock ring that screws onto the valve stem to hold it to the bike rim, remove it after deflating the tube β but don't lose it! Pry out a section of the outer tire with two simple levers. If possible, avoid metal tools and use a plastic tire lever instead. Feed one lever between the outer tire and wheel rim, and pop out a section of tire β instead of sitting in a channel on the inside of the rim, it should now be off the rim in this spot. Leave this tire lever in place. To reduce the risk of damage to your wheel frame, buy a set of inexpensive bike tire levers for the job β you can get them at any bike shop or online. A pair of spoon handles or flathead screwdrivers will work as levers, but you have to insert and pry with them carefully so you don't scratch up or bend your wheel frame. Pop out the rest of the tire from the wheel rim. Stick the other tire lever into the gap between the rim and tire created by the first lever (which should still be in place). Slide this second lever all the way around the rim, and the outer tire should pop out of the channel as if you're unzipping your coat. Pull the tube out from between the outer tire and wheel rim. Reach into the opening you've created with the levers and grab onto the rubber tube inside. Work your way around the wheel and pull it out completely. When you get to the valve stem, push it down through the rim and pull it free with the tube. Pump up the replacement tube just until it has a basic circular shape. Adding too much air now will make it harder to reinstall. Adding too little will make it more likely to get pinched (and eventually punctured) by the outer tire when you reinstall it. If you're replacing the old tube due to a puncture, check the inside of the outer tire for sharp objects and holes larger than 0.25Β in (0.64Β cm), which will mean you need to replace the whole tire. Use a flashlight for a visual inspection, and/or run a thick cloth around the entire inside. Carefully remove anything you find. Do this before you move on to installing the new tube, or you may just end up with another flat tire! Feed the new tube between the outer tire and wheel rim. Start at the valve stem and feed it through the hole in the rim. If the valve stem has a lock ring, tighten it by hand to secure the stem in place. Then, methodically push the new tube into the gap all the away around the wheel. Take your time to make sure the tube is not twisted or sticking out anywhere. Work the tire back onto the inner rim of the wheel frame. Once the new tube is in place, use your hands to push one section of the tire at a time back into the channel on the inside of the wheel rim. Tug on the tire with one hand while pushing with the other if necessary. You may also use a set of plastic tire levers for this part if you are unable to do it by hand. However, be careful not to puncture the tube with the levers. Fill the new tube with air to the recommended tire pressure. Look on the outer tire for the recommended pressure in psi (pounds per square inch), bars, or kilopascals. Use a pressure gauge to check your work. An improperly inflated tire is more likely to puncture. Follow the same procedure you used to remove the wheel, only in reverse. If you can remove a bike wheel successfully, you can attach one just as easily. Guide the wheel onto the fork on the bike frame. This is very simple for the front wheel. If you're putting the back wheel on, pull back on the derailleur to clear the chain from the gear discs. Then, while continuing to pull on the derailleur, carefully guide the wheel into place. Re-engage the brakes. Close the latch on the brake calipers or the brake handle, if your brakes have a quick release. Or, squeeze the calipers together and feed the brake cable back into place. Refer to your instruction manual or the manufacturer's website for specific guidance for your brand. Tighten the nuts to secure the wheel in place. Use a wrench to make sure the nuts are snug and secure. Don't try to tighten them so much that you βround offβ the nuts, however, or they will be difficult to remove in the future. If your bike has a quick release mechanism for the wheels, just close the latch to secure your wheel. Now you're ready to go for a ride! | Shift down and hang the bike from a tree or work stand to work on it. Disengage the brakes if they get in the way of removing the wheel. Loosen the nuts that attach the wheel axle to the bike. Pull the chain clear of the gear discs if youβre removing the rear wheel. Pull the wheel clear of the bike frame. Deflate the tire fully while itβs still on the removed wheel. Pry out a section of the outer tire with two simple levers. Pop out the rest of the tire from the wheel rim. Pull the tube out from between the outer tire and wheel rim. Pump up the replacement tube just until it has a basic circular shape. Feed the new tube between the outer tire and wheel rim. Work the tire back onto the inner rim of the wheel frame. Fill the new tube with air to the recommended tire pressure. Follow the same procedure you used to remove the wheel, only in reverse. Guide the wheel onto the fork on the bike frame. Re-engage the brakes. Tighten the nuts to secure the wheel in place. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Period-Kit-for-School | How to Make a Period Kit for School | If you're concerned about having your period while at school, try getting a non-transparent pencil bag and filling it with all the useful supplies you may need, including pads, tampons, baby wipes, or feminine wipes. Make sure this pencil bag can fit in your binder. That way, if you need to, you can simply grab the whole thing and take it with you to the bathroom without attracting attention. Make sure to keep enough supplies in your bag to handle a single day, since you can always restock once you get home. | Grab a small, non-transparent pencil bag with grommets to latch into your binder. It should have a zipper or some other way to seal it. This kit, which fits inside your school binder, is ideal if you're looking to have supplies on hand during every class. You can find a pencil bag at most office supply or big box stores. Choose your desired supplies. Decide if you want pads or tampons, and how many you'll need throughout the day. Figure out how much will fit without bulging. You want enough to get you through a whole day. You can always restock when you are getting low, since you should be taking your binder home, or you could restock periodically from your locker. Add something to freshen you up. Look for individual wipe packets. Add those baby wipes or feminine wipes to the bag. Have body mist or a spray fragrance of some type if you are worried about smells. Place the bag in your binder. When you need it, you can grab the whole thing and take it with you to the bathroom so you don't need to walk around holding a pad or tampon. Find a zippered bag. Don't use one that's see-through β it needs to be colored so that you have your privacy. Look for one that is medium-sized and will fit in one of the front areas of your backpack. You won't be able to pack lots of supplies, but should have enough for a few days before you will need to restock. Bring underwear and pants (if they can fit). Put in an extra pair or two. If you've had an accident, it's important to be able to change and get comfortable. Choose some pairs that you don't mind getting dirty. Add a plastic bag or wet bag. If you need to change, you'll need a place to put your used underwear and/or pants. Using a watertight bag can keep it separate from the rest of the contents of your kit and backpack. Get some small plastic bags that can be thrown away. Sometimes you have to throw away your products outside of the stall, and it can be messy. Pack some bags to make it cleaner and easier to get rid of your used sanitary products. Pack hand wipes or hand sanitizer. Sometimes you'll be in a place where it's difficult to clean up, and having a way to sanitize your hands is essential. If you're having to change your underwear or pants, it can be really useful to have in the stall with you. Use travel size packs that fit easily into your kit. Choose a large zippered bag, small backpack, or even a box. If you have the room, a box might be the best choice. If you're really embarrassed, you could put the kit into a box advertising something else β granola bars, cereal β so that people think you're keeping a snack in your locker. If you choose a bag, it should be one you're willing to keep in your locker at all times and only take home to restock in between your periods. Add your supplies. Put in 10+ pads or tampons. Include some extra containers of wipes or other cleaning supplies. Keep track when you're getting low so you can restock. Stash some clothing. Because a locker is larger than a binder or backpack, you will have some more room. Use this to cover the big possible emergencies: Add a few pairs of underwear. Find some other clothing to leave in your locker in case your pants or skirt get dirty. Black leggings are a good choice, since they roll up small and can be stored easily. Hopefully you won't need them, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Try a menstrual cup. Made of rubber, it can stay in your body for 12 β 14 hours at a time (so you won't have to take it out at school) and can provide you with the ultimate in privacy. With a menstrual cup, no one at school would know you're having your period. Keep in mind that they are uncomfortable for some people β the only way you know if it will work for you is to try it out. Keep a pad or tampon in a zippered pocket. Look for a sweatshirt or jacket with an inner zippered pocket. Place your smallest pad or tampon inside so you don't have to take anything different with you into the bathroom. This can help you keep your privacy. Stash a pad or tampon in a tissue container. This could work in either your backpack or your locker. Keep tissues in the container as well, but hide your supplies inside. You can wrap a tissue around the pad or tampon and take it with you from class to the bathroom. Keep some tampons in a pill bottle (like Aspirin). If you can't see through the bottle, people won't know that it contains your supplies, and you can easily take it with you to the bathroom. Make sure that you're allowed to have pain relievers at your school and that your bottle wouldn't be confiscated. | Grab a small, non-transparent pencil bag with grommets to latch into your binder. Choose your desired supplies. Add something to freshen you up. Place the bag in your binder. Find a zippered bag. Bring underwear and pants (if they can fit). Add a plastic bag or wet bag. Get some small plastic bags that can be thrown away. Pack hand wipes or hand sanitizer. Choose a large zippered bag, small backpack, or even a box. Add your supplies. Stash some clothing. Try a menstrual cup. Keep a pad or tampon in a zippered pocket. Stash a pad or tampon in a tissue container. Keep some tampons in a pill bottle (like Aspirin). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Email-Asking-for-Donations | How to Write an Email Asking for Donations | To write an email asking for donations, start with a strong headline, like βNew York City Challenges State Natural Gas Regulations in Court,β so people will be compelled to open the email. Then, in the first paragraph, briefly describe your organization, ask for a donation, and explain how their money will help. After this first paragraph, you may want to include a short, emotionally-charged story to persuade readers that this cause is worth it. Don't forget to include a link to your website so readers can donate and learn more about your organization. | Write a strong headline. A headline is the first line of an email and functions like a title. Only about 15% of emails are ever opened, so writing a great headline is extremely important for keeping the attention of that 15% and compelling them to keep reading. In fact, in most email accounts, you can read the first line of an email in the field next to the subject, so headlines are not only a reason to keep reading an email, they are a reason to open one in the first place. Use active verbs and nouns to grab attention, as well as bolding, centering, and a larger font. Make the headline short and to the point, making the purpose of your email clear from the get-go. Compel the reader to think that reading this email will be useful, timely, and very relevant to their lives. Answer the question the reader wants to know: What's in it for me? Your subject line can tease the reader, be a call to action, be a current events subject, or be about a local place or event if your organization is strictly community-based. A good headline example is, βNew York City Challenges State Natural Gas Regulations in Courtβ Tell everything in the first paragraph. Get to the point right off the bat. Readers don't want to be wondering what your email is about halfway through, which is a reason they might delete the email without making any donation. Be very clear in this paragraph what you want the reader to do and why you are sending this email. In this first paragraph, you should ask the reader for their donation. Although in person you might want to break it to them gently that you want money, emails demand your βaskβ right at the beginning. Make this request easy to see, such as in bold or larger font. In your βask,β tell readers what their money will do. If a small amount will do something if not everything, tell them. For example, if $50 will feed 100 children, you might get more responses than saying that you need $1,000 to build a hut. Tell them it's ok to say no. Statistics shows that more people give when they feel freedom to make the choice about giving, rather than feeling pressured to do so. Explain and describe your cause in this first paragraph so that it's clear that you want the money in order to do something, not just get money for the sake of having money. Use your microcontent wisely. Microcontent is all the short phrases and subheadings that decorate an email. You want to use your microcontent to highlight your main points so that readers who like to scan through the email before reading feel compelled to read the text. Microcontent includes headings, subheadings, the subject line, and links and buttons. Use active verbs, descriptive adverbs, and nouns. Your goal is to get them to read the actual text. A good heading might look like this: βDonate $50 to Save a Dolphinβ Make them bold or larger text so that they stand out. They tend to appear at the beginning of paragraphs or new sections. Write simple subheadings. You may or may not have subheadings, but they are useful to include when you feel that a heading is too short. Follow the same principlesβshort, actionable, bold. Tell a story. Telling a story with your email is more engaging to readers. The body of your email will contain this story. Remember that stories have a beginning, middle, and end. You may want to use an emotionally charged story to compel readers to join your cause financially, one that has actually happened within your organization or as a result of your activity. Write short body paragraphs. Craft the body of your email in short, to-the-point paragraphs. This is because readers are worn down by the sheer amount of emails they receive. Limiting the length of your email makes you stand out. Bring in only one or two main points. Be very concise, no matter how many edits and revisions the email needs to go through in order to achieve this. Don't include the history of why you're asking for money. The uses that you give in the opening paragraph and your story in the body paragraphs are sufficient to explain why you need money. Provide links and buttons β but stay on-message. It may be tempting to add tons of links to your email, but this can become a distraction and easily derail the reader from your main message β to get a donation. An easy way to provide the curious reader with information without adding many distracting links is to have all relevant information on your website, then include a link to your website only. For instance, if there is research proving your statements are true, instead of linking directly to a long, complicated study for the reader to get lost in, have a link to that study on your website (and make sure the option to donate is prominent on your website). Add images carefully. You may want to add one or two images to emphasize your point, but this is not necessary. In fact, colors and images can make emails feel like spam. Try to insert images only at the top or bottom, and restrict their use to when you feel an image is absolutely necessary for communicating your point or eliciting sympathy. A useful image might be a subject of your charity experiencing the effects of donations, like an impoverished little girl receiving new clothes for the first time. Inserting your logo in an unobtrusive location, like a bottom corner, can be an exception to this rule, as it provides instant reader recognition. Write a direct next step/call to action. The final portion of an email is the call to action, and making it stand out allows readers to scan it before they read all the reasons why they should donate. This serves to inform readers why you're emailing them so that they stay engaged. Be clear about how to make the donation. If a reader doesn't know why they're reading an email, they are much more likely to discard an email. Make sure this final βaskβ stands out from the rest of the email, and be very clear about what you are asking for. Make it have its own paragraph, be in bold or larger/different font, and contain a brightly-colored link or donate button. If readers have to click the button or link, tell them to do so. If they have to reply to the email for further instructions, tell them to do this is no uncertain terms: βClick the button to save a monkey right now!β or βHit your reply button this very instant and type the phrase 'donation information' into the body.β It makes more sense to readers to be able to click a link right then, and you will likely get more donations this way, so try to provide a link or button to your organization. Set up a website or online donation page so that readers can contribute online. This is what readers expect from a donation email anyway. Keep it short. If your email is long, it's not easy to scan. Keeping paragraphs and headings short will ensure that your email gets a proper scan before the reader decides to continue reading or not. Keep the tone more casual than a letter. A formal letter sent in the mail from an organization to an individual is often formal and distant because of the mode of communication. However, an email, like a blog, is less formal in its tone. Use second person βyouβ when addressing the reader. Use familiar expressions to help the reader relate to you, like βIt cost an arm and a leg,β or βHe was knee-high to a grasshopper.β Use direct, honest, open language when addressing the reader so that they feel connected and see you as authentic. Make words easy to read. Use basic fonts and streamline the visual appeal of the email. Don't try to use a fancy, cursive fontβjust a basic serif font will do. And don't use two different fonts for the headings and text. Simply bolding or making some text larger than others will emphasize points just fine. Your email should also be easy to read from a language standpoint β your writing should be at an 8th-grade reading level. Don't get too wordy or complicated. Your writing should be clear, mistake-free (no grammar or spelling mistakes), and easy to read. Sign up for an email service. If you want to make sure that your emails are being opened, or determine what kind of people read your emails more than others, you don't have to wait for replies or donations. If you sign up for an email service like MailChimp, you can measure a whole list of different metrics each time you send an email in order to tailor your emails to your actual readers. You can review metrics like click-through rates, open rates, and read reports. Open rates are especially helpful for determining what subject lines are popular, increasing how many people read your emails. Another reason an email service is helpful is if you regularly send mass emails asking for donations, your email provider may become suspicious, even cutting you off as a suspected spammer. It also takes a lot of time to compile lists, break down your send-to list to fit the requirements of your email account (most email providers set a limit of around 50 recipients per email), responding to individuals, and dealing with emails that come back from inactive email addresses. Make sure your list cares about your cause. Regularly review your email list to make sure you are sending it to people who are more likely to read it, especially ensuring that people who have expressed interest are on it. Your metrics will improve this way, and you will waste less time. Personalize by segmenting. Use a different tone with different groups of donors. For example, if you have a group of people who regularly respond to your emails, send them an email with a personal tone. Compile another list of readers you know don't usually open your emails with a less formal tone. And have an email with an explanatory tone for first-time emails. With an email service provider, you can also customize individual emails with the names of your addressees, like βDear Henry.β Include data that supports your fundraising. To keep your audience engaged, you may want to provide them with encouraging data showing them how their money worked or is going to work. This information can go in the opening paragraph or the call to action, or both. People like to give when they know they are already doing good things. Say thank you after receiving a donation. Don't forget to send personal thank-yous to donors after you receive a donation. This is a simple act that can guarantee a repeat donation in the future. You want to send this email as promptly as possible; look at it as a type of receipt. If you get a large amount of donors each month, you may want to consider creating a template so that you can paste it into an email draft and quickly customize it. Don't buy an email list. Selling and buying a list of email addresses of potential donors is illegal according to the CAN SPAM Act of 2003. There are companies that will allow you to "rent" a list for one-time use, but this can be very expensive, as you will likely have to buy thousands of email addresses to see even small returns. It is probably better to put that money toward something else and look for more solid ways to build your email list. Collect names at events. Any time your nonprofit hosts or is involved in an event, make sure you provide a way for people to sign up for your email list. Put out a pen, a clipboard, and a few sheets of paper with space for interested parties to write their name and email address. Make sure the paper states that they are signing up for your email list. Try a raffle or contest to get more names. At the event, try hosting a raffle or contest for those who sign up to your email list. Use social networking. Make sure your nonprofit has a strong presence in social media β from Twitter to Facebook to Instagram. It is easy to reach people through social media, and if you have compelling content, people may begin sharing your posts or calls for donations. Ask your followers to sign up for your email list so they never miss an important announcement. Make it easy. Your website should give visitors the opportunity to sign up for your email list. It doesn't need to be flashy, but it should be easy to find and sign up. | Write a strong headline. Tell everything in the first paragraph. Use your microcontent wisely. Tell a story. Write short body paragraphs. Provide links and buttons β but stay on-message. Add images carefully. Write a direct next step/call to action. Keep it short. Keep the tone more casual than a letter. Make words easy to read. Sign up for an email service. Make sure your list cares about your cause. Personalize by segmenting. Include data that supports your fundraising. Say thank you after receiving a donation. Don't buy an email list. Collect names at events. Use social networking. Make it easy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Earnings-Per-Share | How to Calculate Earnings Per Share | To calculate basic earnings per share, find out how much money the company made last year by looking at their website. Then, find out how many shares they have on the stock exchange by going to a financial website and looking up their information. Finally, divide the net income by the outstanding shares to find the basic earnings per share. For example, if a company made 1,000 dollars last year and has 100 stocks, it would have an EPS of 10. | Locate the company's net earning or net income from the previous year. This information can be found on most financial webpages, or on the company's website. Using the company's net earnings or income as the primary number in the calculation is the most basic way of determining EPS. For example, say you want to calculate the EPS of Microsoft based on its net income. A quick browse of Microsoft's website tells you that in 2012, the company's net income was almost $17 billion. Be careful not to mistake a company's quarterly net income with their annual net income. Quarterly profit is calculated every three months, whereas annual profit is calculated every 12 months. Mistaking a company's quarterly net income for their annual net income will cause your calculation to be roughly four times smaller. Figure out how many shares are outstanding. How many total shares does a company have on the stock exchange? This information can be collected by visiting a financial website and locating the company's information. Again, let's continue with the example of Microsoft. As of the time of writing, Microsoft has 8.33 billion shares outstanding. Divide the net income by the number of shares outstanding. Taking Microsoft's vitals as our example, we'd divide $17 billion by 8.33 billion and come away with a basic EPS of 2. Take another basic example. Let's say a bocce ball company has a net income of $4 million and 575,000 shares outstanding. We divide $4 million by 575,000 and come up with an EPS of 6.95. Modify the basic EPS calculation slightly to arrive at the weighted earning per share calculation. Weighted EPS is a more accurate calculation because it takes into account any dividends that the company issues to shareholders. However, this formula is more complex than the basic earnings per share calculation or the reporting term, so it is not used quite as often even though it is more accurate. Locate the company's dividends on preferred stocks. A dividend is an amount of money paid out to stockholders β often quarterly β from the company's profit. For the sake of example, let's take Apple as the company we're trying to arrive at a calculation for. In 2012, Apple announced that it would pay a $2.5 billion dividend quarterly, starting in Q3. That amounts to roughly $5 billion in dividends over the course of the year. Take the company's net income and subtract the dividends on preferred stock number. Using Apple as an example, a quick search reveals that in 2012, Apple recorded $41.73 billion in net income. Subtract $5 billion from 41.73 to arrive at $36.73 billion. Divide the difference by the average number of outstanding shares. Apple's net income minus their dividend in 2012 was $36.73 billion. Divide this amount by the amount of shares outstanding, 934.82 million, to arrive at a weighted EPS of roughly 39.29. Use EPS as a barometer for a company's profitability. EPS clues investors and potential investors in to a company's profitability. A higher EPS generally signals a more robust company, profit-wise. Like most numbers, however, EPS should not be looked at in isolation. There's no fixed EPS number above which a company's stock should be bought and below which its stock should be sold. It's important to look at a company's EPS in relation to other companies. Know that more than other calculations, EPS is probably the single most important factor in driving a company's stock price. Looking at a company's EPS is more valuable than looking at their profit because EPS puts a company's profit into perspective. (A huge company generating $1M net income isn't very impressive; a tiny company generating $1M net income is.) EPS is also integral in evaluating a company's Price to Earnings ratio, or P/E. Know that calculating EPS is not enough to make an informed decision about whether to invest. EPS will tell you how one company is doing compared to another, or how one company is doing in relation to the industry as a whole, but it won't tell you at a glance whether it's a steal to invest in a company or whether that company is overvalued. In order to make an informed decision about whether to invest in a company's stock, you'll also need to consider the following, at the very least: Market capitalization Share price Dividends/buybacks Long-term financial outlook Sufficient liquidity | Locate the company's net earning or net income from the previous year. Figure out how many shares are outstanding. Divide the net income by the number of shares outstanding. Modify the basic EPS calculation slightly to arrive at the weighted earning per share calculation. Locate the company's dividends on preferred stocks. Take the company's net income and subtract the dividends on preferred stock number. Divide the difference by the average number of outstanding shares. Use EPS as a barometer for a company's profitability. Know that more than other calculations, EPS is probably the single most important factor in driving a company's stock price. Know that calculating EPS is not enough to make an informed decision about whether to invest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reduce-Stress-in-Cats | How to Reduce Stress in Cats | To reduce stress in your cat, keep radios, televisions, and voices in your home at a reasonable level, since loud noises can be stressful and harmful to its ears. Additionally, provide calm, safe spaces where your cat can go when it feels stressed, like a scratching post or a cardboard box. You should also give it lots of chances to play and hunt, which helps burn nervous energy. For example, hide treats around the house and let it hunt for them, or toss a toy mouse around so your cat can chase and pounce on it. | Observe changes in urination. Urinary discomfort is a common result of stress in cats. The stress hormones cause the bladder lining to become inflamed, which results in physical symptoms. Keep track of how often your cat visits the tray. Signs of a problem include more frequent urination, discomfort while urinating, and possible blood in the urine. These signs should never be ignored; always get the cat checked by a vet. This is because bladder inflammation can lead to a blockage, which is a serious, and potentially life-threatening, problem if untreated. Notice if your cat is over-grooming. Stressed cats tend to over-groom, indeed they can wash so much that they lick bald patches in their coat. Favorite spots to over-groom include the tummy, inner thighs, and front legs. The action of licking releases natural morphine-like substances which help to comfort the cat and make her feel more secure. Again, get your cat checked by the vet before concluding this is stress-related (allergies and parasites can also cause over-grooming). Look out for diarrhea. Some cats become so distressed that it upsets their stomachs and they develop diarrhea. Regardless of the causes (stress or an infection), get your cat checked by a veterinarian, because medication may be needed to settle the upset stomach. Notice if your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box. This is a telltale sign that your cat isn't happy. The cat may do this either because she feels too stressed to visit the tray, or in order to spread her scent around the house, which makes her feel more secure. However, other problems such as arthritis, bladder infections, or stomach upsets can mimic this, so always get your cat's health checked by the vet. Decide if your cat is meowing or verbalizing excessively. Some cats become very clingy to their owner and try to attract their attention by talking. Be aware that restlessness is also a sign of stress. A stressed cat may not be able to settle and may pace restlessly, patrolling her territory on the watch for a perceived threat. Note if and when your cat withdraws from company. A stressed cat may hide away under a bed or in a dark corner. She is literally hiding, hoping to avoid the attention of what is stressing her. Keep track of any changes of appetite. Some stressed cats lose their appetite. Others start to eat strange things, like chewing on a towel. Determine the cause of your cat's stress. Try to pinpoint when the symptoms started and why. This can help you take action to reduce the source of stress, whether it is physical, environmental, or psychological. Your vet will also want to know when you first noticed the symptoms. Take your cat to a veterinarian to see if health troubles exist. Many stress symptoms can also be symptoms of physical illness. You need to know if you're dealing with a sick cat or a stressed cat (in some cases the former may cause the latter). Trim claws that have grown painfully long. Sometimes the cause of physical stress is simple to resolve, such as overgrown claws digging into her pads. Eradicate a flea infestation. Fleas bite the skin and irritate your cat; what's worse, if ingested they can lead to a tapeworm parasite infection. If your cat is scratching frequently and persistently, perform a simple spot check. Buy a fine-tooth comb and run it through her fur around the base of the neck and tail: if you see small, brown shapes about the size of a pin-head, your cat has fleas. Also look for white or black spots between the teeth of the comb: these are flea eggs and dried blood excreted by the fleas, respectively. If you find fleas, you'll need to get rid of them on your cat , and in your home. To eliminate fleas on your cat, consult your veterinarian for recommendations on a flea-control program that's right for her. At home, you'll need to take measures that include: rigorous vacuuming of all your cat's favorite places, rugs, and upholstery; washing your cat's bedding weekly; and possibly using a spray, fogger, or powder that is safe (follow product directions carefully and make sure the cat is not in the area if that is specified in the instructions). Turn down loud music. Cats have sensitive ears that can be hurt by loud music, loud television, or other sources of noise. Comfort a cat that's frightened by loud noises outside the house, particularly fireworks or thunderstorms. Take her into an interior room or close the curtains, put the TV or radio on low, and make sure the cat has a "bolt hole" where she can hide until the ordeal is over. Know when to comfort your cat. Some cats who are bonded to their owner will benefit from companionship and reassurance (such as the cat who bolts under the comforter during a thunderstorm: she gets comfort from the owner's scent on the bedsheets). However, a truly terrified cat will be too traumatized to accept comfort and will consider human interference a further threat. As a rule of thumb, if the cat backs away from you, growls, hisses, or swishes her tail, leave her alone. In fact, look for a way to make her bolt hole more secure, such as putting a towel over the box she is hiding in so that the front is screened and she can't be seen. Give your cat plenty of safe places in the home. A lack of safe places can also stress a cat. If she feels exposed because there are no high perches where she can safely watch the comings and goings, or no dark cupboards to hide in, this in itself is a stress. All it takes to correct this is the simple provision of a cardboard box in a quiet corner, or a tall tower or scratching post. Try to maintain a peaceful, stable atmosphere at home. Cats are very sensitive to changes to their environment. While some situations are hard to avoid (like moving apartments), try to provide as calm an atmosphere as you can. Arguing and yelling not only stresses you out, but your cat as well. If you're going through transitions at home, be sure to tune in to your cat and take all the measures you can to make it as smooth as possible for her. Always provide a safe place where she can hide. Don't yell at your cat. Cats can't understand the connection between yelling or hitting and something the cat is doing wrong, so trying to discipline a cat this way only makes the cat anxious and afraid. Instead, use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior in your cat. Every time she does something "good," such as using the scratching post, give her a few treats and praise her verbally. The trick to doing this is that the reward must be immediate: cats have short attention spans, so if the reward comes even a few seconds too late, your cat may not understand what it's for. Give your cat a sufficient amount of "challenging play. " Provide your cat with as many opportunities as possible to burn energy doing cat-like things such as hunting or playing. This is especially important for indoor cats, who may lack the mental stimulation that outdoor prowling provides. Getting the cat moderately tired out also helps to use up her nervous energy and to vent stress hormones in physical activity rather than over-grooming. Hide treats or dry food around the house and let her hunt for them. Have at least three 10-minutes sessions of one-on-one play with your cat. Dangle something enticing for it to chase or toss toys across the room. Cats love to chase and pounce. If you own more than one cat, make sure you play with each cat alone every day in addition to group playtime. Leave toys out your cat. Acquire a wide variety of toys, but only put a couple within reach of the cat at one time. Every few days pick up the toys you've made available to the cat and put down a couple of new ones. Provide other entertainment options. Consider locating a bird feeder outside a window for your cat's entertainment, or get an aquarium so your cat can watch the fish swimming. Reduce competition in households with multiple cats. If you have more than one cat, they may be vying for food, water, toilet space, and attention. The pressure for resources can leave some cats feeling bullied. To make this less stressful, ensure that each cat has its needs provided for. There should be one litter box per cat, plus one spare, to decrease competition for toilet facilities. Be sure to keep the litter boxes clean, removing solid waste daily and regularly cleaning the box out with mild dish soap or a solution of bleach in water (1:30 ratio). Place multiple food bowls around the house, so that no one cat can monopolize the food at all times. Discourage stray visitors. A stray in your garden, or even your home (they can enter by cat door!) can make your cat feel psychologically threatened. Discourage visits from a stray by removing any food that might be attracting him. If your cat goes outside, consider installing a microchip-activated cat flap so the stray cannot come indoors. If the stressed cat can see the stray in the garden, it may help to block the lower part of the window to obscure that view (the cat equivalent of hiding your head in the sand, but it works). Consider using feline pheromones to help your cat feel happy. A nursing queen (female cat) gives off pheromones (chemical messengers) which makes her kittens feel safe and content. A synthetic version of these pheromones has been manufactured and sold as Feliway. Use the spray Feliway by spritzing bedding, or entrance and exit points so as to amplify ownership by the resident cat. Alternatively, buy a Feliway diffuser. The diffuser plugs into an electrical socket and gives off a low level of the pheromone into the air (it is not detectable by humans!). Ideally, plug the diffuser into an electrical socket in the room your stressed cat spends the most time. The effect builds up gradually, so don't expect immediate results, but after a couple of weeks the cat should feel safer and more reassured. (Each diffuser lasts for approximately four weeks and refills are available.) Try giving your cat Zylkene. Zylkene is a nutraceutical, which is a food supplement that has a pharmaceutical-like action on the body. Because nutraceuticals are not drugs, they are much safer and rarely have side effects. The active ingredient in Zylkene is derived from milk protein and it acts on the same part of the brain as diazepam. This calms the cat and removes some of her anxiety. Zylkene is available without prescription and comes in 75 mg capsules. The dose for a cat is a 75 mg capsule once a day, given with or after food. It can take a couple of days to take effect, but if there is no noticeable difference after seven days, it is unlikely to help your cat. Talk to your vet about medicine that can help manage stress. If your cat is so stressed that she is becoming ill, then your vet might prescribe a medication to help her over this rough patch. Different pharmaceuticals are available; the most commonly used are diazepam, amitriptyline, and fluoxetine. None of these drugs are licensed for use in the cat because the manufacturer has not paid to put them through efficacy trials. However, there are considerable banks of data about their safe use in cats, which your veterinarian will discuss with you if she considers this the best course of treatment. | Observe changes in urination. Notice if your cat is over-grooming. Look out for diarrhea. Notice if your cat is urinating or defecating outside the litter box. Decide if your cat is meowing or verbalizing excessively. Be aware that restlessness is also a sign of stress. Note if and when your cat withdraws from company. Keep track of any changes of appetite. Determine the cause of your cat's stress. Take your cat to a veterinarian to see if health troubles exist. Trim claws that have grown painfully long. Eradicate a flea infestation. Turn down loud music. Know when to comfort your cat. Give your cat plenty of safe places in the home. Try to maintain a peaceful, stable atmosphere at home. Don't yell at your cat. Give your cat a sufficient amount of "challenging play. Provide other entertainment options. Reduce competition in households with multiple cats. Discourage stray visitors. Consider using feline pheromones to help your cat feel happy. Try giving your cat Zylkene. Talk to your vet about medicine that can help manage stress. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Olives | How to Grow Olives | To grow olives, start in the spring by finding an area with well-draining soil that gets at least 6 hours of full sunlight a day. Then, buy potted olive trees that are 4 to 5 feet high, with branches that start around 3 feet. Next, remove the trees from their containers, and place them in holes that are slightly larger than their root balls. After that, add an inch of topsoil and cover the rest of the root balls with dirt. Finally, water the trees and mulch them with straw. | Determine whether growing olives in your area is possible. Olive crops thrives best in climates with mild winters and long, dry summers. Suitable geographic areas, for example, include Europe's Mediterranean region and coastal valleys in the state of California. It is difficult, if not impossible, to grow olives in tropical climates. Frost will kill many olive trees if care is not taken. Temperatures that hit 22Β Β°F (β6Β Β°C) can harm small branches, while large branches and even whole trees can be killed if the temperature dips below 15Β Β°F (β9Β Β°C).Even if branches and trees survive the cold, the flavor of the olives and the resultant oil can be compromised by cold streaks. Avoid growing olives if you live in an area prone to these temperature dips. Olive trees do need a certain amount of cold, however. Proper flower development depends on the climate dipping to 45Β Β°F (7Β Β°C) or below, although this number alternates with olive tree varieties. This is why cultivation is extremely difficult in the tropics or very warm areas. Make sure that bloom season is fairly dry and moderate. Bloom season (April to June) should be fairly dry and not excessively warm. Olives are wind-pollinated, so wet conditions can hamper a tree's fruit set. Check the pH of your soil and adjust it if necessary. The soil should be moderately acidic or moderately basic, with a pH greater than 5 and less than 8.5. Many farmers believe 6.5 to be ideal. Get your soil tested at the Department of Agriculture or use a home testing kit from a department store. If the pH isn't in the right range, adjust it as necessary. Limestone is used to raise a soil's pH level, while sulfur is used to lower it. You can buy sulfur and limestone powder or pellet form, online or at a local greenhouse or hardware store. You adjust pH by spreading sulfur or limestone over your soil. The precise amount varies based on how much you need to adjust. You can read the instructions on your package. It may take a few days for limestone or sulfur to be adequately absorbed. For a more natural way of altering the soil's pH level, use sphagnum moss to raise pH and pine needles to lower it. Once your pH level is at the right level, keep monitoring it throughout the growing process, especially after using fertilizers which can affect pH level. You may have to adjust pH levels periodically as you grow your olive trees. Look for areas with good drainage. Watch how water affects soil in the area you want to grow. Olive trees thrive in areas that have good drainage. After rain, check the soil. Do not plant in an area where the soil stands above ground during rainy periods. Also, dig a hole that's two feet deep and add water. If water steeps, opt for a different area. Planting your olive trees on a gentle slope can solve a lot of drainage problems. There tends to be better drainage on inclines. Seek out places that have previously grown olive trees. The best indicator that an area will grow olive trees successfully is if an area has grown trees in the past. If you know olive trees have previously grown somewhere, grow your trees there. You can also grow your trees near existing olive trees. If you know other farmers or gardeners in your area, try asking them where olive trees have previously grown. Find an area that gets direct sunlight. Full sun, without any shade blocking your trees, is ideal. Any area you choose should at least get some direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. Very shady areas are not recommended for growing olives. Plant your trees in the spring. Frost can be a major danger for young olive oil trees. In general, opt to plant in spring after temperatures have been consistently warm and there has been no recent frost. Most people plant trees during April or May, but adjust for your region. The more time trees have to grow before winter, the better. Plant your trees as soon as possible after the last expected frost date of the season. Start with potted trees. Purchase potted olive trees online or at a local greenhouse. Seeds on their own are fragile and difficult to cultivate. You should plant trees that are 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5Β m) high and whose branches start at three feet. Dig a hole about the same size as the tree's planting container. Measure the trees pot, including its circumference and height. Dig a hole about that deep and wide. You do not have to get the hole the exact number of inches and measure, but the hole should be roughly the same size so that the tree fits comfortably in the soil. Take the tree out of its container and check the roots. Remove the tree from the container, including all the roots. Cut or untwist any circling roots as best you can, but stay away from the root ball. Cutting into this can damage your plants. Fill the hole. Use the previously dug soil and surrounding soil to fill in the rest of the hole. Put an inch of topsoil over the root ball. At this time, things like fertilizer and compost should not be added near your tree. The tree should grow out of the native soil initially. Install dip emitters near the tree trunk. Dip emitters are irrigation systems that keep your olive trees properly hydrated. For the first year, they should be placed right next to each tree trunk. The following year, they should be moved 24 inches away from the trunks. A second emitter should be added, also 24 inches away from the trunk. Installing dip emitter is complicated. While you can purchase them at a hardware store, installation is tricky unless you have extensive gardening experience. It is best to hire professionals to install your emitters. Usually, emitters are hooked up to a water source such as an outside faucet. You then run the tubing across your garden or yard until it gets to the base of your trees. You will then poke holes in the tubing and install a watering device to help irrigate your olive trees. Water and mulch the area with straw. When using dip irrigators, you should water your trees Other mulches can be used instead of coarse straw. Lucerne, soya bean, and pea hay, to name a few, are excellent mulches high in nitrogen and other nutrients to feed the tree. Water and irrigate your olive tree modestly or as necessary. With drip irrigation, trees need watering each day during the summer. Water your trees for an hour. Keeping mini-sprinklers, which wet the ground down at least two feet, can also help trees stayed watered. Look for sprinklers that.1 to.2 inches of water per hour and install these between the trunks of your trees. How often you water your tree may be dictated by whether you want to cultivate fruit or oil. If cultivating fruit, water your trees more often β anywhere from every week to every two or three weeks. If cultivating oil, water your trees less often. This will help concentrate the flavor of the oil. Prune your trees regularly. Do not prune young trees often. During the first four years, only remove side branches growing below three feet. As the trees mature, they will become to take on their full form and you can remove weak or unwanted branches. Early pruning, however, should be as minimal as possible to avoid stunting a tree's growth. Address issues with pests and other diseases. Like most plants, the olive tree is sometimes susceptible to attack, particularly from black scale, or Saissetia oleae. As a farmer, you want to strike a fine balance between letting your trees grow organically and protecting them from infestation and disease. In some cases, an insecticide is required to treat pest issues. Talk this over with a professional for the best results. Black scales are small black scales on the surface of the bark which can get out of hand fast as they produce eggs quickly. Although black scales primarily infest already diseased olive trees, healthy trees are not immune from attack. If discovered, treat black scale with the appropriate insecticide. Verticillium wilt may also affect olive trees, causing leaves and branches to unexpectedly wilt. Although certain cultivars of olives come equipped with resistance, there is yet no treatment for this fungal disease. If afflicted branches aren't cut off, wilt can affect the whole tree. In this case, you may have to prune branches even from very young trees. If you've had a problem with wilt in your soil before, avoid planting in that area. Use a mild amount of fertilizer. Olive trees will thrive well enough with correct planting and watering. A mild amount of fertilizer, however, can help trees grow. Choose a mild fertilizer and apply light layers during growing season. The fertilizer's package should indicate appropriate amounts and where/how to apply the fertilizer, which is often sprinkles over the top soil. Err towards the lowest amounts possible. Fertilizer containers have ratios written on them, indicating the amount of things like nitrogen. Olive trees thrive with fertilizers with a 10-10-10 ratio or 13-13-13 ratio. Wait several years for your trees to start bearing fruit. Well-watered trees will start bearing fruit two or three times faster than dry-farmed trees. While some cultivars begin bearing fruit as soon as two or three years if properly maintained, many trees won't start bearing until 10 years old. When growing olives, remember this is a long term project. Start watching for fruit after the first two years, but keep in mind it may take much longer for an olive tree to yield fruit. Decide when to harvest. Olives start out green and eventually all turn black as they ripen. Olives that are harvested when they are still green have a peppery, grassy, or more herbaceous flavor, while olives that are harvested when they turn taker have a milder, buttery flavor. Many oils are a mix between green and ripe olives, harvested right when they are turning color. Decide on the type of olive you want and wait until your olives turn that color to harvest. Keep in mind, you cannot eat olives directly off a tree. Most have to be brined, meaning they are soaked in salt water, before they can be consumed. | Determine whether growing olives in your area is possible. Check the pH of your soil and adjust it if necessary. Look for areas with good drainage. Seek out places that have previously grown olive trees. Find an area that gets direct sunlight. Plant your trees in the spring. Start with potted trees. Dig a hole about the same size as the tree's planting container. Take the tree out of its container and check the roots. Fill the hole. Install dip emitters near the tree trunk. Water and mulch the area with straw. Water and irrigate your olive tree modestly or as necessary. Prune your trees regularly. Address issues with pests and other diseases. Use a mild amount of fertilizer. Wait several years for your trees to start bearing fruit. Decide when to harvest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Flatten-a-Rolled-Map-or-Poster | How to Flatten a Rolled Map or Poster | To flatten a rolled map or poster, start by unrolling it facedown on a flat surface and placing a cardboard tube at 1 end of it. Next, roll your map or poster around the tube with the image facing out. Once the item is wrapped around the tube, image facing out, place rubber bands around it so it won't unravel. After 1 hour, remove the rubber bands and unroll the item. If it's still rolling up on the ends, lay it flat and weigh down the corners with books or other heavy objects for a few hours. | Clear off a flat surface. A table, desk, or even a bed can be used to flatten the map or poster. Provide enough space for the item to lay flat when unrolled. Sweep off any debris before you begin. You wouldn't want to fix a poster of your favorite musician only to see a crumb lodged in their face! Unroll the map or poster. Slide the item out of any wrapper or container. Set the roll on one side of the flat surface. Feel for the end of the map or poster on the outside of the roll. Don't pinch the the outside border or else you'll crease it. Roll out the item until it is spread out on the table. Usually you will need to place the item facedown. Posters for example are rolled up so the image is on the inside. You will have to unroll it and place the image side down. If your item ever feels resistant to opening, don't force it. Instead, try humidifying it. Place a cardboard tube at one end of the item. Posters are shipped through the mail in tubes that can also be used for flattening. Toilet paper rolls are smaller but still work very well. Paper towel or wrapping paper rolls also work. Align the tube in the center of one end of your item. It's possible to try flattening without using a tube. Simply roll up the map or poster as tight as you can and bind it with rubber bands. It's best though to use a tube so the item doesn't get dented. Keep in mind that you need to roll your item in the direction opposite the curl. Flip your map or poster to the correct side before placing the tube. Roll your map or poster opposite from the way it curls. Hold the end of the item tight to the tube as you begin to roll it towards the opposite side. Work slowly and gently. Start loose and tighten the roll as you go to avoid creases. Sometimes this will be enough to flatten a map or poster. Wrap rubber bands around the roll to keep it in place. Rubber bands are a good binder since they're not likely to cause damage to your map or poster. Place one around each end of the roll. Tape can work, such as the tape often used to roll a new poster, but some tapes can lead to ugly rips. If you're worried about the rubber bands or tape damaging your item, lay the map or poster flat and cover it with heavy objects. Leave the roll alone for an hour. A new poster will need to stay in this rolled up position for about an hour. More curled items may need longer. Don't overdo it though. You don't want your item to curl in the opposite direction! Remove the rubber bands and unroll the map or poster. Take off the rubber bands, being careful not to squeeze the edges of your item. Lay the unrolled map or poster flat. Adjust it so that the side it curls towards is facing up. Your item should be in better shape. If it still curls too much, roll it up again or try flattening it with weight. Lay the map or poster flat. Find a spacious, out of the way area and clean it off first. Lay your item flat. Keep the curling side facedown. Typically maps and posters are rolled so they curl inwards and over the image. That's the side that should be facedown. Weigh down the map or poster to flatten it further. Any heavy object you have around your home is useful here. Books are always a good choice since they distribute weight evenly over a decent amount of space. Get as many as you can to cover the map or poster. Remember to make sure the objects are clean before you place them. Leave the weights alone for a couple of hours. It'll take some time for the weight to be effective. Curling can take a day or more to correct. You'll have to keep your map or poster in a safe spot as you weight. If you tried rolling the item previously, the curling may be fixed within a couple of hours. Remove the weights and check your map or poster. With any luck, the item won't try to wrap itself into a tube again. You can safely hang your favorite heartthrob on your wall. Some maps and poster will need longer, so repeat treatment as much as needed. Sweep debris off the map or poster with a brush. It's important to clean off the map or poster before humidifying. Newer items won't have much debris and you can wipe off spots with your finger or a soft, dry cloth. Dirtier items should be treated with a soft, natural brush like those made of animal hair or feathers. Any dirt left on the item during humidification can lead to stains. Avoid using synthetic fiber brushes like nylon scrub brushes. These are too harsh to be used on delicate items. If your item is very dirty, you may be able to have someone restore it. For example, a paper conservator may save your paper map. Remove fasteners and roll up your item. The map or poster must not be rolled up with rubber bands. Any other fastening objects, including staples and clips, should be set aside. If your item is not completely rolled, roll it up in the direction of the curl. Fill a plastic container with a small amount of water. Add about two inches (5.08 cm) of room temperature water to a large plastic tub. Make sure the container is big enough to hold a second container. A plastic storage tub or large trash can are common choices. More water will provide more moisture, which speeds up humidification. This can be risky if you don't monitor your map or poster carefully. Misting near the map or poster with a spray bottle is an alternative treatment that can uncurl your item quickly. However, it is very difficult to get the perfect amount of water exposure. Set a wire rack inside the container. The rack needs to lay flat and stay above the water. Instead of a wire rack, you may set a smaller plastic container or trash can in the water. Make sure the rack or container is secure enough to stay in place. Place your map or poster on the rack. Lay the item out on the rack or inside the smaller container. Double-check that you used room temperature water before sealing the container. Warm water can condense on the container lid and drip onto your map or poster. Keep the humidification system in a temperature-controlled room where it won't be disturbed. Check on the container in an hour. Once the lid has been sealed on the plastic container, you must let the map or poster absorb moisture. This takes about four to six hours. Come back after one hour to check on the system. Make sure water isn't dripping from the lid. Check back again after four or five hours to see how your item has changed. It should feel softer and more relaxed. Uncurl your map or poster. Remove your item from the humidifier. Gently try to unroll it. It should not curl up at all. In case the item feels resistant and ready to tear, leave it alone. Place it back in the humidifier and let it absorb more moisture. Dry the item in cotton. Cotton archival paper can be ordered online or at craft stores. You may also use cotton towels or blankets. Lay one piece of cotton flat on a table. Place the uncurled map or poster on top of it. Cover it with the second piece of cotton. Now weigh down your item so it stays flat. Try setting a wood cutting board over the cotton and topping it with a couple of heavy books. The weight can help prevent the item from curling again. Leave your item to dry for a few days. The cotton should be left in place overnight. If your paper feels dry by then, great! Often it takes a few days. Continue to check on your map or poster from time to time. Whenever the cotton feels damp, replace it. Take valuable or stubborn items to a paper conservator. Humidification is best done with maps and posters you are willing to risk. Valuable or brittle items should be taken to a professional. Search in your area for paper conservators. Museums in your area may also be able to refer you to a conservator they trust. | Clear off a flat surface. Unroll the map or poster. Place a cardboard tube at one end of the item. Roll your map or poster opposite from the way it curls. Wrap rubber bands around the roll to keep it in place. Leave the roll alone for an hour. Remove the rubber bands and unroll the map or poster. Lay the map or poster flat. Weigh down the map or poster to flatten it further. Leave the weights alone for a couple of hours. Remove the weights and check your map or poster. Sweep debris off the map or poster with a brush. Remove fasteners and roll up your item. Fill a plastic container with a small amount of water. Set a wire rack inside the container. Place your map or poster on the rack. Check on the container in an hour. Uncurl your map or poster. Dry the item in cotton. Leave your item to dry for a few days. Take valuable or stubborn items to a paper conservator. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Title-Company | How to Start a Title Company | Starting your own title company is a great move if you have real estate or legal experience, and to start one you'll need to get trained and licensed. Check the requirements in your state. Getting licensed usually involves taking some classes and passing a licensing exam. Once you're licensed, you'll need to get insurance, a surety bond, and a fidelity bond to protect you from fraud and financial losses. You'll also need to register your company with the secretary of state and apply for a state business license. Then, you can hire licensed staff and start operating. | Evaluate your experience. You will have an easier time starting a title company if you have a law degree and/or many years of experience in real estate. If you are new to the real estate field, you would be better off working for a title company for a few years before starting your own. Working for a related business, such as an escrow company or a lender, may also provide valuable guidance. Learn the requirements in your state. Each state has its own requirements for licensing a title company. Look on your state's department of insurance website. Look as well on the website of your state's land title association. Check the website of ALTA, the American Land Title Association for a comprehensive list of title associations. Your state will probably require you to take certain classes before you can take your licensing exam. Take a class. You may be able to take a pre-licensing course in person, or you may have to take classes online. Consult your state guidelines, which you may find at your state department of insurance website or your state's department of financial services website. Find the list of approved educational entities there, and sign up for your prelicensing class or classes online or in person. Your prelicensing course will prepare you for the prelicensing exam. You will study the content of the exam, and take quizzes to prepare you for the exam format. If you are an attorney, and you are licensed in your state, you may be able to waive this requirement. If you have a title company license in another state, you may be able to waive this requirement. Take the licensing exam. Sign up for a licensing exam through one of your state's testing agencies. You will be tested on insurance regulation, general insurance concepts, title insurance principles, title exceptions, procedures for clearing a title, and real estate transactions. Testing will vary by state, but you are likely to be required to pass with a grade of 70% or higher. Get professional liability insurance. Most states require you to have professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions insurance. Much like malpractice insurance, it will protect you if you are faced with a negligence claim. Even if your state doesn't require this insurance, consider getting it to cover any beginner mistakes you may make in your first few years. Look up different insurance companies and compare rates. Get a a surety bond. This will ensure that your company can fulfill its obligations to its customers, and that the customers will have the opportunity to get funds back if something should happen to the company. The amount for the surety bond is usually 10 to 25 percent of your company's net worth. Contact a surety company that specializes in new companies of your size, or get in touch with a surety broker who can negotiate a bond for you. Get a fidelity bond. A fidelity bond is insurance that protects you from losses that result from any employee misconduct. If any in your company commits fraud or embezzlement, this bond will protect you from resulting losses. Contact your state's bond center and ask about getting bonded. Consult your lawyer. Consult a lawyer about the formation of your company. Ask advice on your organization: should you be a limited liability company, or a corporation? Ask your lawyer to draft your articles of organization or articles of incorporation. Your lawyer will also help you navigate state laws about naming and registering your company. State law varies widely on naming. For instance, some states require your company's name to include the phrase "Title Company," while others prohibit use of the word "company" in a title insurance company's name. Register your company. File your articles of organization or articles of incorporation with the secretary of state. Register your title agency's name with the secretary of state or the county clerk. Register as a corporation or limited liability company. Find office space. Before going to apply for your business license, you should have a business address that can be verified. Look for a professional office space in an office building. Try to find something located near other offices you will work with, such as banks, real estate offices, and mortgage companies. Apply for your state business license. Contact your local government agencies that work with insurance companies. Fill out all the necessary paperwork. You will be asked to provide a business Federal ID Number and addresses for your home and business. Apply for an EIN. Get your federal business identification, or your Employer Identification Number, at the irs website. Search "EIN irs," fill out the application, and receive your free federal identification instantly. Hire additional staff. Hire searchers, agents, compliance officers, and office managers. Recruit employees with insurance experience. Other than your administrative staff, your employees will need to have a state insurance license to work for you. If you hire an unlicensed employee, they will have a window of a few weeks or months to get insured. This varies by state. Acquire clients. Once you have your business set up, start networking. Talk to colleagues and ask for referrals. Advertise in local real estate periodicals and magazines. Create a company website, and generate traffic with advertisements on websites trafficked by locals. | Evaluate your experience. Learn the requirements in your state. Take a class. Take the licensing exam. Get professional liability insurance. Get a a surety bond. Get a fidelity bond. Consult your lawyer. Register your company. Find office space. Apply for your state business license. Apply for an EIN. Hire additional staff. Acquire clients. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Renew-a-Work-Permit | How to Renew a Work Permit | To renew a work permit, talk with your employer about getting an extension 4 months before it expires, since they will need enough time to file the paperwork. Then, provide them with your I-94 form, Arrival-Departure Record, and admission number so they can file the appropriate forms with the government. Next, make sure your employer files Form I-129 along with a duplicate of the form and the processing fee. Finally, expect to wait up to 45 days to receive your renewal. | Check what type of permit you are applying for. There are two basic types of work permit: work visas and employment authorization documents (EADs). Work Visas β Work visas are acquired with the assistance of a U.S. employer who wants to temporarily bring an immigrant to the United States for work. If you hold a work visa, your I-94 Arrival-Departure Record is proof of your right to work EADs β Employment authorization documents are filed for a specific length of time depending on immigration status and prove the right to work for certain immigrants who are not here with work visas, including: Students with F-1 or M-1 visas Family of a visa holder FiancΓ©(e), spouse, or children of a U.S. citizen Spouse of an H-1, L-1, or E1/2/3 visa holder. Asylees Refugees Domestic servants Know when to apply. You are not allowed to apply for a new EAD more than 120 days before the current one expires, but you should be sure to apply at least 45 days in advance of expiration. You should also apply for a renewed work visa at least 45 days in advance, and preferably sooner. Check your visa to see when it expires. You can find information on all the visas at the site of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here are some of the more common work visas and their expiration dates: H-1B β Specialty Occupations and Fashion Models β Up to 3 years, with a 3-year extension possible. Workers with these visas may also apply for a Green Card for permanent residence. H-2B β Non-Agricultural Workers β Up to 1 year, with two 1 year extensions possible. L-1A β Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager β Up to 3 years, with two 2 year extensions possible. L-1B β Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge β Up to 3 years, with a 2-year extension possible. TN β NAFTA Professionals β 3 years, with unlimited renewals of 3 years. Workers can apply to renew without leaving the states, or they can leave and return with their same initial documentation. E-1/2/3 β Treaty Traders / Investors; Specialty Occupations from Australia β Up to 2 years, with unlimited 2 year extensions possible. Consider changing your visa status if your current visa cannot be extended. Most work visa types will allow you to reapply for a different type of work visa when you reach the extension limit of your current visa. See the Form I-129 Instructions to see if you are eligible to change visa status. Talk about an extension with your employer. An application for extension of a work visa will usually need to be made by your employer. You should talk to them at least four months before your current visa expires about an extension. Make sure you have your Form I-94. The employer will take care of most of the paperwork, but the employee will need to provide his or her Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, with the admission number (aka Departure Number) and the date of expiration of his or her stay. If the employee was issued an electronic Form I-94, he or she may obtain a paper version for free at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website. If the employee has lost his or her Form I-94, he or she can obtain a free replacement at the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website by filing Form I-102. Form I-102 may be filed alongside the application for extension (Form I-129). Hire a translator if necessary. All foreign language documents submitted to USCIS must be accompanied by an English translation certified to be complete and accurate by the translator. File a Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Your employer should file this form at least 45 days before the expiration date on your Form I-94 to ensure your application is processed before your current visa expires. There is a $460 filing fee, with possible additional fees depending on your visa classification. Be sure to file the appropriate supporting documents. The documents generally include things such as a copy of the contract between the employer and employee, description of the employee's job duties, and proof of the employee's academic credentials. The various other documents required will depend on the visa classification being extended. You can find the requirements for your visa on the Instructions. Use Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to extend the stay of a spouse or unmarried children under 21 years of age. You can use one Form I-539 for your entire family. It should be filed at the same time as your Form I-129, so that the two forms can be examined together. Your family will need their Form I-94 and valid passports. The fee is $370. For more information, see the Form I-539 Instructions. Submit a duplicate copy of the petition and all supporting forms. If you fail to send in a duplicate, the processing of the application may be delayed. Include a Form I-907 for quicker processing. This Request for Premium Processing Services costs $1225 and ensures that your application will be processed with 15 days of the date that USCIS receives it. Go to any required appointments for biometric services. For some renewals, you will need to have fingerprints taken. The USCIS will inform you in writing when to go to you local Application Support Center for a biometrics services appointment. Failure to go to this appointment may result in a denial of your application. Send requested supplemental information and attend any required interviews. The USCIS may request to interview an applicant as part of the review process. They may also request originals of copied documents or additional information. Failure to provide the necessary information or to appear for an interview will likely result in a denial of your application. Track your application. When your application is received by the USCIS, they will mail you a receipt with a number that you can use to check the status of your case or to register for automatic case status updates. If USCIS approves your employer's petition, they will be sent a Notice of Action, Form I-797 indicating the approval. You will need the receipt number form this form to apply for your visa. Apply for your visa with form DS-160 once your petition has been approved. There is no way to renew a US visa. You will have to apply for a new one. You will need to upload a photo with the correct format as part of the application process. You can check to see if you must submit an application fee here. Your family can apply at the same time under the same visa category. Determine if you are eligible to skip the interview and fingerprinting process. If you are renewing your work permit, you will probably be able to skip the interview and fingerprinting process. You qualify if: You are applying for an H1, L, E1, or E2 classification visa. You are renewing an unexpired visa in the same classification as before. Your name has not changed. H2, E3, and T visa classifications require interviews for renewals, as do L blanket applications (when an employer applies for general permission to transfer employees). These applicants will need to schedule an interview appointment. Include the necessary documentation in your drop-box application, if eligible to skip the interview. You will submit the following to the appropriate consulate or embassy: A completed βdrop-boxβ letter, generated with your DS-160 application. Your current passport, valid at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States. Form DS-160 confirmation page. Application fee payment receipt, if applicable. Your previous visa. Two correctly formatted photographs taken in the last 6 months. A copy of your I-797. Bring the necessary documentation if you must attend an interview. You will need: Your current passport, valid at least 6 months beyond your period of stay in the United States. Form DS-160 confirmation page. Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before the interview. Your previous visa. One correctly formatted photograph taken in the last 6 months. The receipt number from you approved I-129 petition or I-797 notice of action. If you are included in an L blanket petition, you must bring Form I-129S to your interview. Additional information as required, including proof of intent to return to your home country at the end of your stay. Wait until your application for work visa renewal has been adjudicated. Once the decision has been made, you will be notified as soon as possible. File an online or paper Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. The filing fee is $410. Because you will have to supply additional paper documents by mail, there is little or no difference in processing time whether you apply online or by mail. Include the required documents. The documents required will vary depending on your application status. You can find a complete list of statuses and the necessary documentation they require in the Form I-765 Instructions. All applications require: The filing fee of $410 paid by check or money order. A copy of form I-94. A copy of your previous EAD, front and back. Two identical photographs taken within the last 30 days, that fulfill the requirements in the Form I-765 Instructions. Comply with any USCIS requests. You may be required to go to an application support center for an interview or to be fingerprinted. The USCIS may also ask you for additional information. Comply with all requests or your application will be denied. Wait for your case to be adjudicated. You will be informed by mail whether or not your application is successful. Your EAD card will either be sent to you in the mail or you may be required to go to an application support center to pick it up. Get a social security number. If you do not already have one, you will need a social security number along with your EAD in order to work in the United States. Fill out the application and mail it or take it to a social security office. In addition to the application, you will need: Your I-94 Your EAD Your I-20 if an F-1 or M-1 student Your DS-2019 if a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor | Check what type of permit you are applying for. Know when to apply. Consider changing your visa status if your current visa cannot be extended. Talk about an extension with your employer. Make sure you have your Form I-94. Hire a translator if necessary. File a Form I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. Be sure to file the appropriate supporting documents. Use Form I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status to extend the stay of a spouse or unmarried children under 21 years of age. Submit a duplicate copy of the petition and all supporting forms. Include a Form I-907 for quicker processing. Go to any required appointments for biometric services. Send requested supplemental information and attend any required interviews. Track your application. Apply for your visa with form DS-160 once your petition has been approved. Determine if you are eligible to skip the interview and fingerprinting process. Include the necessary documentation in your drop-box application, if eligible to skip the interview. Bring the necessary documentation if you must attend an interview. Wait until your application for work visa renewal has been adjudicated. File an online or paper Form I-765 Application for Employment Authorization. Include the required documents. Comply with any USCIS requests. Wait for your case to be adjudicated. Get a social security number. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bend-a-Note-on-Harmonica | How to Bend a Note on Harmonica | Bending a note on a harmonica is an advanced technique that makes a wobbling sound with each note you play. To bend notes 1 through 6, you'll need to narrow your mouth or block off the other holes with your tongue so you only play 1 note at a time. Then, create a tight seal with your lips and alternate between the sounds βeeβ and βooβ while inhaling. For notes 8 through 10, do the same thing, except exhale instead of inhaling. | Hold your harmonica correctly. You should hold your harmonica nestled in your left hand, with your thumb supporting the bottom of the instrument and your other fingers along the top. The harmonica should be oriented so that the numbers printed on its holes are facing upwards. Take your hand and form an open C-shape with your fingers and thumb. Your harmonica should be positioned deeply into the C-shape, tucked into the area where your thumb joins your hand. Form a seal with your harmonica and mouth. You should not pucker your lips as you would for a kiss or play the harmonica with only the outer portion of your lips. The case of the harmonica will need to be in contact with the inner part of your mouth to give you proper control while playing. Your lips should touch the casing and the wood/plastic body should be inside your mouth. For the best control and quality of tone, you should try to keep your jaw as relaxed as possible while playing. Your jaw should be slightly lowered when playing your harmonica. This will create more space in your mouth and give your playing a richer tone. While getting used to forming a proper mouth seal with your harmonica, it can be difficult holding the instrument in position while keeping your jaw relaxed. Take your time, and practice until this becomes second nature. Practice blocking notes. Blocking is a harmonica technique that closes off other holes so you can play a single note. This is especially important for bending, as you can only bend a single note at a time on the harmonica. There are two different kinds of blocking: Lip blocking is best for bending notes in blues and melody. Use your lips to block all other holes of your harmonica by narrowing the opening of your mouth to about the width of a pencil. Tongue blocking closes off other notes that are open to your mouth by covering them with your tongue, leaving a single free hole to either side of your mouth. You won't need to narrow your mouth as much doing this as you would with lip blocking. Control your breathing. When you play a note by exhaling it's called "blowing." Oppositely, playing a note by inhaling is called "drawing." For the best sound quality when playing, you shouldn't puff on your harmonica, but breathe through it with well supported breath. You won't need to blast your harmonica with strong streams of air. You can get a full, rich sound from your harmonica with moderate amounts of sustained breathing. As you become more skillful at playing the harmonica, you may find that you can breathe somewhat through the instrument to reduce the amount of full breaths you take. This can help you sustain long melodic phrases without a break in the sound. Familiarize yourself with holes you can bend on the draw. Not all notes can be bent on the harmonica. Only holes one through six can be bent when drawing air through the instrument. You may find that you have better luck with one hole over another, but with enough practice, you should be able to bend notes freely. Some holes bend more than others. If you aren't able to bend some notes as much as others, don't worry. This is natural. The numbers on your harmonica should be on its mouthpiece, above each hole. Practice playing a single hole on the draw. Since you can only bend a single note at a time when playing the harmonica, you'll have to practice your lip or tongue blocking until you can consistently sound a single note. You should do this by drawing air into the instrument, and not blowing. Vocalize on a single note draw. As you inhale to play your single note on the harmonica, you should alternate between the sounds "Eee" (like the vowel in bee) and "Ooo," (like the vowel in shoe) without breaking or pausing between those vowel sounds. This trick can oftentimes help beginners get a feel for bending notes. Your jaw should lower when you transition from the "Eee" to the "Ooo" sound. Another vocalizing technique that might help you uses the sounds "Tee" and "Two." Create these by striking the roof of your mouth close to your teeth when transitioning between the hard "Eee" and "Ooo" vowels. You can also use this inner mouth T-strike to give punch to your harmonica playing. Practice draw bending notes. Bending is largely intuitive. Once you learn how to bend notes on the harmonica, you'll likely develop an instinct for this technique that will help you master the other draw bends more quickly. Remember to be patient with yourself as you learn. After all, bending notes is an advanced technique. Determine the correct holes for blow bending. You can only bend a note on the blow (exhale) with holes eight through ten on your harmonica. Some of these notes will bend more than others, and you may find that some holes are easier for you to bend than others. You should experiment bending the notes of these blow bend holes to find which feels most comfortable to you. You'll likely find that blow bending is a little more difficult than draw bending, although the two are similar in many ways. For this reason, it's recommended you first learn draw bending. Isolate a single note on the blow. Same as with draw bending, you'll need to narrow your mouth or block off other holes with your tongue so that you're only playing a single note while blow bending. Practice this until you can do so consistently with a full and rich tone. Be sure you are only practicing this note on the blow. You will not be able to bend holes eight through ten on the draw. Vocalize on the single note blow. Opposite of blow bending, you'll need to start first with an "Ooo" sound (as in shoe) and transition to an "Eee" sound (as in bee). Your jaw should begin in a lower position for the "Ooo" and raise on the "Eee." You may find it easier to punctuate your transition between vowel sounds with a T. Similar to draw bending, strike the roof of your mouth near the back of your front teeth when transitioning to between "Two" and "Tee" sounds. Practice blow bending notes. It may take you quite some time before you learn to blow bend naturally. If you're having difficulty, try adding variations to the intensity of your blow. You may also find that by altering your mouth shape, like dropping your draw extra low on the first vowel sound, helps you achieve your bend. | Hold your harmonica correctly. Form a seal with your harmonica and mouth. Practice blocking notes. Control your breathing. Familiarize yourself with holes you can bend on the draw. Practice playing a single hole on the draw. Vocalize on a single note draw. Practice draw bending notes. Determine the correct holes for blow bending. Isolate a single note on the blow. Vocalize on the single note blow. Practice blow bending notes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Feel-Confident | How to Feel Confident | The best way to start feeling confident is to stand with your shoulders back and chin up. Dress in clothes that make you feel good, and wear colorful clothing to improve your mood. Banish negative thoughts from your mind by using visualizations and positive affirmations. Do something you're good at to boost your self-esteem and set yourself up for success. | Think positively. When it comes down to it, reality is perception. If you feel confident, you are. If life is falling apart around you but you don't notice, it's not really falling apart, now is it? So get on thinking those happier thoughts! You're not deluding yourself one way or another -- don't worry that you're being silly for thinking positively -- you're just taking control. When you catch yourself thinking negative thoughts about yourself, tell yourself to stop. It has been shown that simply telling yourself to stop can help break negative thought cycles. You can also try to reframe your thoughts. For example, if you think that you are fat, reframe it in a less negative way such as "I'm unhappy with my weight. What am I doing about it?" It doesn't have to be all sunshine and rainbows; you just have to be less hard on yourself. Positive thinking leads to a positive, more confident disposition. When you think negatively about yourself it becomes habit and all of a sudden you're thinking negatively about everything. You become gossip-y and complain-y and one of those people that is always putting something else down. Allow yourself to be excited about who you are, undeterred by the limits your parents, community, or job may place on you. Be grateful. Alright, so you've read the How to Think Positively article, too, and you're still at a loss? Then just start with being grateful. The more things you realize you have going for you the more you can sit back and go, "Huh. I guess life is pretty darn okay." The only sad part is it isn't! Seriously. You probably have clothes on your back, talents, people who love you, and a future, just for starters. That's the stuff most people have -- what else do you have that's unique to you? Smile. There's a ton of arguments on thought and behavior and what comes first. Turns out your mind actually takes cues from your body. So get to tricking your mind and smiling! Smiling releases endorphins and serotonin. If you force a smile, you will literally be happier. Not look happier, not seem happier, be happier. Smiling reduces stress, lowers your blood pressure, and improves your immune system. Smiling makes us more attractive to others. Happier people are, generally, more confident. That's the idea here. No room for worry when it's all good! Switch up your environment. Think about the person you are at home, the person you are at school, the person you are at work, the person you are at your favorite cafe, etc. You probably don't act the same in all environments. Odds are that there's an environment or two where you feel more comfortable and more confident. So if you're in a place where you don't feel confident, get up and move! If you can't move to an environment where you feel more confident, simply recognizing that you feel less confident because of the environment can improve your outlook. Use visualization and deep breathing. This is something you can do at anytime. Visualize yourself doing awesome and it all going well. When you expect success, you might just get it. But when you expect to fail, you will. Take a deep breath. When we breathe too quickly, our heart rates go up and our brains can enter "fight or flight" mode. You're just making yourself more nervous. Because you are not facing a physical threat, there is no need for this. Self-talk. Look yourself in the mirror and persuade yourself that you are you and that you are brilliant. Convince yourself that there is nothing for you to hide from except yourself. Make fierce and confident poses in the mirror, this will help you think positive! Dress sharp. How would you feel if you walked into a fancy restaurant in your penguin pajamas? You would probably feel pretty self-conscious and awkward. Now how would you feel if you walked into the same place dressed in your Sunday best? Though the clothes don't make the (wo)man, they can make him/her feel like a million bucks. It's a lot easier to feel good about ourselves when we think we look good. So take a shower, do your hair, wear clean clothes, and wear deodorant. Don't feel the need to bust out the prom attire, but do put a little effort in to feel put together. Be aware of your posture. Find a room or an area full of people. You can probably spot the unconfident people based their posture. Less confident people are likely a little slouched over or looking down. In fact, just mimicking them can put you in a more unconfident mood. So don't do it! Keep your chin up, your shoulders back, and walk like you own the place. Work out. When we work out, we look better. When we look better, we feel better. But then there's also that working out releases endorphins, makes us feel productive, gives us energy, and basically just puts a pep in our step. You don't have to be a marathon runner to reap the benefits of exercise. 30 minutes a day (even broken up into smaller chunks) is all you need to hop on the health train. Wear color. There's a reason we wear black when we mourn: it reflects our mood. Humans associate color with mood. If you're feeling a little down, throw on something bright. The little spike in pizzazz could be all your confidence needs. Do something you're good at. When we do things we're good at, we feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. Confidence stems from there. And not only do it, but do it often. It'll remind you how awesome you are. Being good at something, mastering a skill, gives us personality, gives us something to talk about, and makes us interesting in addition to giving us a sense of fulfillment. Make sure to try things that are new to you as well. Trying new things helps you to build new skills and discover more about who you are. This will help to build your confidence. Talk to everyone. Part of lacking confidence comes from not really understanding people. To get around this, talk to everyone. Even if it's just small talk, talk to everyone. Here's what you'll probably learn: Most people are friendly enough. They're not out to get you or to judge you. In fact, they'll probably enjoy talking to you and you to them. Most people don't like initiating either. They'll open up if you make the first move. They're just as nervous as you are to put yourself out there. People get cliquey. They stick to what they know and they don't like to deviate much. This is boring. Don't do it. You'll learn so much more from people who are different than you. Keep talking to everyone. The more you talk to people the less scary it gets, the less you're concerned with what they think of you, the less you'll think about how great everyone is and the more you'll realize that most people are completely average. When no one else is a big deal, you have no reason to care so much about how you come off. And the more you talk to people, the more you'll get down this socializing thing. It can be pretty intimidating, but won't be after 100 times of the exact same small talk you find over and over. If you don't know how or where to start, you can read How to Be Extroverted , How to Be a Social Butterfly and How to Be Outgoing. Compliment others. Remember that positivity thing we talked about a while back? Turns out people like that. Let them know you're pretty good at it by complimenting them. It's sort of like "giving is better than receiving." It feels great to have someone make you feel good, but it feels even better knowing you helped someone else feel good about themselves. Accept compliments graciously. A simple "thank you" is the best way to do this. Don't hem and haw or make excuses when someone is nice to you. That's modest, sure, but it's not really kind to the other person. Imagine if they gave you a gift and you were all, "No, no, I don't deserve this; take it back." That being said, keep your compliments genuine. Don't say it if you don't mean it. Observe yourself and everyone around you. This is true for two reasons: Observe yourself and others instead of judging. When you stop judging, the negativity stops. Your mind opens up and you can learn. Observe yourself and others so you can learn. What makes others seem so confident? What makes you feel confident and not feel confident? What are your triggers and patterns? One fun exercise is to use a platform like Pinterest to collect photos of things you enjoy looking at. Over time, you may notice trends in those images that reveal the details of the sorts of characteristics your subconscious appreciates. Find real role models. Having someone to inspire you and your confidence can be a great boost. Just make sure the person is real -- aiming to be like Kim Kardashian is not a good idea. You want a source of positivity you can tap into when you need it. Along with a real role model or mentor , keep a positive crowd of people around you. Being with people who try to bring you down (inadvertently or not) or force you to be someone you're not will never make you happy and isn't worth it, regardless of how pretty or rich or smart or whatever they are. Be true to you. It's really hard to be confident when we're trying to be someone we're not. Not only do we have to remember to come off confident, but we have to remember who we're trying to be. Talk about exhausting. So cut out the middleman and just be you. So much easier. You can't really be happy being something or someone you're not. You may see initial positivity from others around you (wearing clothes that make you fit in, etc.), but eventually that'll stop and you'll be left with what you think of you. So if there's a voice in you that's saying, "No thanks," listen to it. That's trust in yourself, that's doing your own thing -- that's confidence! It's better to have a few people who are super fans of who you truly are, than a lot of folks who feel lukewarm about who you're not. You don't want to please everyone, you want to please the right people! | Think positively. Be grateful. Smile. Switch up your environment. Use visualization and deep breathing. Self-talk. Dress sharp. Be aware of your posture. Work out. Wear color. Do something you're good at. Talk to everyone. Keep talking to everyone. Compliment others. Observe yourself and everyone around you. Find real role models. Be true to you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Guy-Not-Like-You | How to Make a Guy Not Like You | If you're trying to get a guy to leave you alone, tell him in a straightforward way that you aren't interested. Use clear language that leaves no room for interpretation, like βNo, thank you.β You can also give logical reasons for your lack of enthusiasm, like living on the other side of town or that you're already in a relationship. But when practical reasons aren't enough, don't be afraid to bend the truth with a statement like βI'm not interested in guys.β | Be straight with him. If a guy tells you he likes you, tell him the straight, honest truth: you don't like him back. You can say it in a nice way like, βThat's really sweet, but I just don't have feelings for you like that,β or βI think you're really cool and funny, but I don't like you in the same way." Most guys will take the hint and stop pursuing you. Make sure to talk to him right away. Waiting to act will only confuse him or allow him to keep thinking that he has a chance with you. Say a clear βno. β Say no to reject a guy who asks you to do something you don't want to do, and he will get the message and likely change his feelings. Know that his feelings might be hurt, but it's your right to draw a boundary for what you want and are comfortable with. Stick with your rejection. Use clear language like βNo, thank youβ and βNo, I'm not interestedβ rather than βNo, maybe some other timeβ or βNo, not really.β Don't leave room for the possibility that you'd be interested later, or he might get the idea that he has time to change your mind. Give him logical reasons. Tell him any good practical reasons why it wouldn't make sense for him to date you. He might respond better to reason. If you already have a boyfriend or someone you're interested, that's an easy reason to give him! If you live on the opposite side of town and wouldn't be able to easily see him outside of school or work, tell him: βWe live so far away, we wouldn't get to see each other.β If you're going to a different middle school, high school, or college than him next year, point out to him that this wouldn't work well. Use an excuse if you have to. It's okay to tell a little white lie to make your point if he won't leave you alone: βI'm interested in someone else,β βI'm already dating someone,β or βI'm not interested in guysβ are all reasonable excuses to get him off your tail, whether true or not. Offer to set him up with someone else. Ask a friend or think of someone else who's interested in him, and then explain to him why that person might be a better match. Make sure you have permission from whoever you're setting him up with. Avoid him. Simply avoiding places where he goes or hangs out, if possible, will send him a message. If he never sees you, he will likely stop thinking about you or trying to pursue you as much. Block him on social networks. Get on your social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, and block him from seeing your posts and photos and interacting with you. All of the major social network sites and apps have easy ways of un-friending and blocking any user you want. Find out what he dislikes and start doing it. Try asking his friends or using what you already know about what he doesn't like to make yourself less desirable to him. If he hates a certain sports team, start talking to him about only that team. If the sound of chewing gum or humming drives him nuts, start doing those things around him. Use reverse psychology. An out-there move to try is acting the complete opposite and give him a lot of attention. Be completely overbearing and demanding of his attention, even acting like you're already in a relationship. Take it to a ridiculous level if you need to. It may be that he just wanted the attention from you and will leave you alone once he gets it, or he will be so turned off by your over-attentiveness that he'll back off. Talk to a friend. Ask one of your friends or a friend of the guy who likes you to try talking to him about how you're not interested and he should give it up. He might listen better when it comes from someone else. Also ask your friends or his friends to stop making jokes about the two of you getting together, or any other encouragement they try to give him. The guy that likes you might just want the attention or be pursuing you because his friends egg him on. Talk to your parents or trusted adults. If you feel really annoyed or threatened by him, it's a good time to talk to a parent or other adult for more help. Just tell them that there's a guy who likes you and won't leave you alone. The adult can offer you more advice, or talk to the guy or his parents. If you feel uncomfortable talking to a parent or other adult, try writing down what you want to say first before you say it. Also decide what you want from the adult beforehand so you can ask them. Say, βI just want you to help me figure out what to do about something,β or, βI need you to talk to someone's parents for me.β Talk to the police if things get bad. If a guy still persists with unwanted attention in any way after you've made it clear with your speech and actions that you aren't interested, talks or sends messages in a way that is threatening, or shows up at your house or somewhere to see you uninvited, speak up and tell the police. | Be straight with him. Say a clear βno. Give him logical reasons. Use an excuse if you have to. Offer to set him up with someone else. Avoid him. Block him on social networks. Find out what he dislikes and start doing it. Use reverse psychology. Talk to a friend. Talk to your parents or trusted adults. Talk to the police if things get bad. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sing-In-Church-Without-Feeling-Embarrassed | How to Sing In Church Without Feeling Embarrassed | If you want to sing in church without feeling embarrassed, the most important thing to remember is that it's about the fellowship and worship, not about how perfect you sound. Since there's no right or wrong voice to have, you should embrace your unique sound. Plus, your voice will blend in with the rest of the congregation anyways! If you want to improve your singing to boost your confidence, you can practice 20 minutes a day and record yourself to assess your pitch afterwards. | Let go of past embarrassment. What has already happened is over; you've survived. Don't drag yourself down by dwelling on old events. Think about why you felt or still feel embarrassed. Making mistakes is part of being human. If your anxiety stems from having unreasonable expectations, remember that you aren't perfect. Laugh at yourself. We may be in the age of humiliation , but it only matters if you internalize it. Assess your strengths, weaknesses, and limitations. Being humble about your abilities will help you feel confident about what you can accomplish. Be responsible for your errors. If your embarrassment stems from a simple mistake, owning up to it is the first step towards being getting over it and being confident. Embrace your unique voice. There are many types of voices, and just because yours is different doesn't necessarily mean that it's bad Don't apologize for your singing voice. There is no true right or wrong voice. Singing, especially in church, is about the happiness and meaning the act brings you, not necessarily about how you sound. Concentrate on group singing. Your voice may blend better when singing with the congregation or the choir. Remain hopeful no matter how you sound. Use positive reinforcement and convince yourself you sound fine. Tell yourself, "It doesn't matter what happens. I will persevere and sing with my heart." Find out why singing is meaningful to you. The act of singing in church is considered a form of prayer. Focus on the fellowship. It is referenced within the Bible as being a way to praise God: "Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord," Ephesians 5:19. What makes singing powerful is the positive feelings it can bring. "Come let us sing for joy to the Lord," Psalms 95:1. Remember that you are singing for a community, which can be both comforting and empowering. There is nothing but love and support in the congregation. Search for a song that conveys your feelings of love, worship, and faith. There are even some contemporary songs that have deep religious meanings. Work on your singing technique. Improve your posture, breathe correctly with your diaphragm, and use the appropriate throat technique. Having the right technique can make a significant difference in how you sound. Always do a proper warm-up before singing. It will help your voice to sound its best and will prevent potential injuries. An easy fix to performance anxiety while singing is to slow your breathing down. Getting embarrassed can cause your breathing to become rapid and shallow, which can affect your voice. Improve your voice without lessons by working on scales. The melodic start of "Do Re Mi" is familiar to us all, and helps train ears to hear correct sounds regardless of the key. Practice! Your voice is formed by several muscles, which require diligent exercise. Training your singing voice to sound differently takes practice everyday. Sing as often as you can; sing in the shower, sing in the car, sing around the house. Practice anything from humming your favorite commercial ditty to singing church hymns. Record and listen to yourself singing to gauge your pitch, technique, and overall sound. It can help you recognize the improvements you've made. Also, hearing your voice repeatedly played back can help you become more comfortable with how you sound. Restrict your singing time. Focus on practice sessions of 20 minutes per day. Practicing too long can cause undue stress on the vocal muscles and put you out of commission for an extended period. Join a choir. Participating in choir is not only a great opportunity to boost your community involvement, but it's a perfect learning opportunity to improve your singing technique and bolster your confidence. By singing in a group, you may feel less isolated and self-conscious than in singing individually. There is evidence that regular participation in group choral activity can greatly improve physical and mental health. Try harmonizing. Your singing voice may not currently be strong enough individually, but as a complement to the primary melody your voice may resonate beautifully. Take private singing lessons. The assistance of a professional voice coach can help you improve on your vocal range, singing technique, and confidence. Lessons can range in cost from $10-$75 for a half-hour, depending on the area and the voice coach's expertise and reputation. Be sure your vocal coach diagnoses your vocal status. Not only do you both need to know your current abilities, but there also needs to be an expectation of the desired outcome. Do your research on voice coaches in your area to decide which option is best for you. There are even online vocal coaches if you can't find someone perfect in your area. A voice coach can help, over time, make your voice sound the best it can be. They can't make you sound like someone else or make you immediately sound amazing. Be patient and reasonable. Solicit your friends. Close acquaintances and friends will be more likely to critically evaluate your voice. Sing for few friends to gauge their collective opinion of your abilities. Ask the choir for assistance. In most choirs there are bound to be countless years of experience and several strong voices. Seek opinions of those whom you admire, and follow their advice or guidance. They may even be willing to train you. Pick the music director's brain. Someone with years of musical experience may likely know how to help. He/she may suggest one of the following ideas: There may be methods to accentuate the positives in your voice. Perhaps longer stretches of low notes or a specifically timed vibrato would work well. Your voice might be better suited to specific songs. A specific hymn that fits your range could really display your natural abilities. Simple voice control could be achieved more effectively via proper volume, chin position, and jaw angle. Consult with a doctor about social phobia. There may be much more to your embarrassment than just your singing voice. Millions of people are affected by social phobias that often extend to anxiety and depression. The doctor may be able to help you if you are extremely self-conscious or worry excessively before singing. Treatment can potentially be psychotherapy, medication, or both. Social phobias may extend simply beyond your singing. Don't let issue extend into other parts of your life. | Let go of past embarrassment. Embrace your unique voice. Find out why singing is meaningful to you. Work on your singing technique. Practice! Join a choir. Take private singing lessons. Solicit your friends. Ask the choir for assistance. Pick the music director's brain. Consult with a doctor about social phobia. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smoke | How to Smoke | To smoke a cigarette, start by holding the cigarette between your index and middle fingers so that the filter sits between the first knuckles on each finger. Light the cigarette with a match or lighter, and inhale deeply 2-3 times until you're sure it's completely lit. As you inhale, suck the smoke into your lungs rather than your mouth, then exhale through your mouth. Finally, be sure to ash your cigarette as it burns down by tapping the top to jar the ash loose from the end and into an ashtray. | Buy a pack of cigarettes. In the United States, you must be 21 years old in all states in order to purchase a pack of cigarettes. Always present government issued ID when buying a pack. There are many different kinds of cigarettes, so choose which kind you want carefully. The two most widely available types of flavored cigarettes are mentholated cigarettes, which have a minty flavor, and clove cigarettes, which are flavored with, unsurprisingly, cloves. In specialty shops, you can find cigarettes with a wider variety of flavors, from chocolate to cherry. Filtered cigarettes have a filter that reduces the amount of nicotine and tar delivered to the lungs with each inhalation, making them safer to smoke than unfiltered cigarettes. Unfiltered cigarettes are easier to inhale because you don't have to pull through the filter, but if you are new to smoking, you should not start on them, as they might make your throat burn. Unfiltered cigarettes are also more harmful to health than filtered cigarettes, though all cigarettes are dangerous. Light and ultra-light cigarettes are deceptively named. Some people believe them to be safer than regular cigarettes, but this is not the case. The main difference between full flavor, light, and ultra-light cigarettes will be taste. If you are new to smoking, you might start on ultra-lights and work your way up to a fuller flavor. Pack your cigarettes. Packing your cigarettes condenses the tobacco in each cigarette, making it burn slower and intensifying the flavor. You may have to inhale slightly harder if you pack your cigarettes, so you might skip this step if you have trouble inhaling without coughing. Turn the pack upside down so the opening from which you remove the cigarettes is facing downward. Extend your free hand palm up. Rap the top of the pack down on the fleshy, flat part of your palm three times, hard. Rotate the pack (still upside down) by 180 degrees. Repeat the process to make sure cigarettes on both sides of the box are equally packed. Open the pack. Cigarettes come with a plastic cover that will have a small pull tab around where the lid flips open. Pull that tab to break the plastic seal. Remove the foil that covers the cigarettes. In the boxes for some brands, such as Camels, both foil tabs pull away, and in other brands, such as Marlboros, only the front tab pulls away. Flip your lucky. This is an optional step, but many smokers flip a single cigarette in the box upside down and designate it as their "lucky" cigarette. This is the last cigarette they smoke in the pack. Although there is no rule as to which cigarette should be the lucky, most people who flip a lucky always choose the same cigarette position β for example, the second cigarette from the left in the back row. Although the cigarette is called a "lucky," in practice, it's an excuse to not give away your last cigarette to friends trying to bum a smoke. Just say "sorry, this one's my lucky." Hold the cigarette with the filter pointing back toward your body. There are a couple different way to hold a cigarette, so experiment with it until you find a style that feels comfortable and natural for you. The most common method is to hold the cigarette stable between your index and middle finger. The filter should be between the first knuckles on each finger. Many people simply hold the cigarette between their thumb and forefinger as though it were a pencil. In this case, the filter should be against the pads of your fingers. Use matches or a lighter to light the cigarette. With the filtered end of the cigarette between your lips, put a flame to the exposed end while inhaling. Inhale deeply two or three times while the flame is touching the exposed end to ensure the cigarette has been properly lit. After lighting the cigarette, look down at the lit end to make sure the entire end has been lit. If one corner remains unlit, repeat the process. If the wind blows out your flame, create a shelter with your free hand around the cigarette. If the wind is so strong that your hand cannot block the wind, turn so that your back is to the wind. Allow your head to block the wind, while keeping your free hand around the flame. People with long hair should be careful, because the wind can blow your hair into the flame. Because a lighter has a more stable flame, start with a lighter if you're a new smoker. Matches burn down quickly and might burn your hands if you take too long. Inhale and exhale your cigarette. At first, you'll want to take shallow inhalations, because deep inhalations might result in burning coughing fits. As you get used to smoking, you'll be able to take deeper drags. You should be sucking the smoke into your lungs, not holding it in your mouth. Exhale through your mouth β or your nose if you're feeling fancy. A good way to tell if you're drawing the breath into your lungs or mouth is to try to exhale through your nose. If no smoke comes out your nose, you're holding the smoke in your mouth. Don't hold the smoke in your lungs for longer than feels comfortable. This is supposed to be a pleasurable process. It's fine to smoke your cigarette all the way down to the filter, but don't let the fire actually touch the filter. It smells and tastes awful. Remember to ash your cigarette. As the cigarette begins to burn down, it will turn to ash. Tap on the top of the cigarette with your index finger to jar the ash loose from the end of the cigarette and drop it into an ashtray. If you don't remember to ash from time to time, the ash might fall on your clothes or into your food or drink. You can also tap the end of the cigarette against an object β like an ashtray β to remove the ash. Cigarette ashes can temporarily smear on your clothes. Put out your cigarette's flame. When you've finished smoking, make sure you extinguish the flame from the cigarette. In dryer parts of the world, fires could easily be started by lit cigarettes that have been improperly disposed of. There are several methods for putting out a cigarette. Stubbing out a cigarette means to press it into a flat surface until it stops burning. You can just tamp it multiple times into the ashtray until it stops glowing. You can also drop it to the ground and grind the flame out with your shoe. Note that this will leave a black charred mark on the ground. Pick up the cigarette and throw it away in a trash can. If you don't have an ashtray, but don't want to create a large black smear by grinding the cigarette out with your shoe, you can pop the cherry. This means to flick the cigarette until the flaming part at its tip dislodges and fall out of the cigarette. You can grind the cherry out with less smearing this way. Dispose of the cigarette in a trash can. Buy a cigar. Just like cigarettes and all other nicotine products, you must be 21 in all states in the United States to purchase cigars, so bring your ID with you. There are many different types cigars, and varying quality, so do your research before buying one. Most cigars are corona cigars, which are usually from South America. They're 5.5 to 6 inches long, and have a ring gauge (diameter measured in units of 1/64th of an inch) between 42 and 45. Panatela cigars are longer and thinner than coronas, and are more popular with women because of their feminine shape. Lonsdale cigars are 6 to 7 inches long with a ring gauge of 42 to 47. They're a good beginners' cigar. Churchill cigars (also known as Julie tas) are long and thick, with a length of 7 inches and a ring gauge of 47. These are recommended for more experienced cigar smokers. Robusto cigars are Cuban, with a length of 5 inches and a ring gauge of 50, and are known for their strength and flavor. Torpedo cigars are shaped like a torpedo, coming to a point at the end. These cigars take at least an hour to smoke, so should be enjoyed while relaxing for a long period of time. The shorter and wider a cigar is, the more intense it will be, so beginners should choose a longer, thinner variety to avoid coughing fits. Check the cigar for consistent packing. Before purchasing the cigar, lightly squeeze it all along its length to make sure there are no particularly hard or soft spots. That would suggest the tobacco has been unevenly packed, and that the cigar would be difficult to smoke. Also check for any discolorations you might find. Cut the cigar. To keep the tobacco from drying out, cigars have a cap on the end that must be removed before you can smoke them. If you have a cigar cutter, place the tip of the cap-end of the cigar into the cutting hole. Cut it off with one strong, swift chop. If you don't have a cigar cutter, use sharp scissors or a knife to remove the cap. Don't use dull blades or apply weak pressure, because that will squeeze down on the cigar and change its shape. This will make it harder and less pleasant to smoke. Be very careful not to cut yourself when working with any of these sharp-bladed tools. Warm the cigar before lighting it. Hold the end that will be lit over an open flame for a few seconds, rotating it to make sure that the heat is evenly applied to the cigar. Warming up the cigar in this way will make it easier to light. Light the cigar. Hold the flame to the tip of the cigar while sucking through the unlit end. Don't inhale the smoke, just draw it into your mouth. Make sure the cigar is fully lit before putting our lighter away. Blow on the lit end of the cigar to make sure it is fully lit. The air from your breath will make the lit parts glow brighter, and you'll be able to see if there are any unlit spots. Inhale and exhale the cigar. Unlike cigarettes, you do not inhale cigar smoke into your lungs. You simply pull the smoke into your mouth, where you hold it for a few seconds to enjoy the taste. Remember that cigars can take an hour or more to smoke, so don't try to speed-smoke it! Set aside a good portion of time to savor the experience. If you get distracted and don't puff on the cigar from time to time, to risk letting it go out. Make sure to puff every thirty seconds or so to keep it lit. When you're finished smoking, put out the cigar. Stub the cigar out in an ashtray or on the ground, though note that it will leave a black smudge wherever it is extinguished. If you didn't smoke much of it and wish to save it for later, don't stub it out. A cigar that's been re-lit after being stubbed out will taste awful. Cut the lit end off with the cigar cutter and let that flame die. The remaining cigar will still have a burnt taste when re-lit, but not nearly as bad as a stubbed out cigar. Buy a pipe and pipe tamper. Both of these products can be bought at a tobacconist or online. A tamper is used to pack the tobacco down into the bowl. There are a few things you should consider when making your pipe purchase: Make sure you like the way your pipe looks. Browse through all the options at the tobacconist or online and make sure you buy a product you'll want to use time and again. Choose a pipe that has a smooth airway from the mouthpiece into the hole, to ensure a smooth smoking experience. Avoid metal filters in the pipe, as they cause condensation that affects the flavor of the tobacco Buy the right tobacco. There are many different types of tobacco, and you might get overwhelmed trying to make a decision if you're not familiar with all your options. The best thing you can do is ask a tobacconist for a recommendation β they'll be able to talk you through the process and match you with a tobacco that best suits your tastes. In general though, here are some types of tobacco you might find at a tobacconist: English and Scottish-style cake tobaccos tend to be spicy and full flavored American-style flavored tobacco are sometimes flavored with sugars or syrups to change the taste. Cavendish is a cured tobacco flavored with licorice and vanilla. Your best bet is to ask a store employee for recommendations, just like you would ask for sommelier for wine recommendations. Pack your pipe. Pour your tobacco into the bowl of the pipe until it is full, then use your tamper to lightly pack it down until it only half-fills the bowl. Repeat that process of filling and tamping until the bowl has been filled with tightly packed tobacco. Make sure you don't pack it too tightly, or else it will be difficult to draw air through to smoke the pipe. The tobacco should be slightly springy when you press down on it. Light the pipe. Using a match or lighter, hold the flame over the bowl while gently inhaling through the mouthpiece. Move the flame over the bowl to evenly distribute the heat throughout the tobacco. After your initial lighting, gently tamp the tobacco again, then repeat the process. Inhale and exhale. Like with cigars, pipe smoke is not meant to be inhaled into the lungs, but held in the mouth to enjoy the flavor. Tamp the tobacco down from time to time to make sure it stayed densely packed in the bowl. If you feel moisture being sucked back into your mouth through the mouthpiece, insert a pipecleaner for a few moments to dry out the passageway. If your pipe grows too hot, let it go out and cool down. You can always relight the tobacco. Put out your pipe. When you've finished smoking, you can either put out the smoke by pressing your tamper into the bowl until it is extinguished, or by simply letting the pipe sit unsmoked until it dies on its own. | Buy a pack of cigarettes. Pack your cigarettes. Open the pack. Flip your lucky. Hold the cigarette with the filter pointing back toward your body. Use matches or a lighter to light the cigarette. Inhale and exhale your cigarette. Remember to ash your cigarette. Buy a cigar. Check the cigar for consistent packing. Cut the cigar. Warm the cigar before lighting it. Light the cigar. Inhale and exhale the cigar. When you're finished smoking, put out the cigar. Buy a pipe and pipe tamper. Buy the right tobacco. Pack your pipe. Light the pipe. Inhale and exhale. Put out your pipe. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Cool-Fire-Dragon-in-Dragon-City | How to Make a Cool Fire Dragon in Dragon City | To make a Cool Fire Dragon in Dragon City, start by opening the app and tapping βBreeding Mountain.β Tap the βBreedβ icon, which is a red heart on the lower right hand side of the screen. Then, tap one dragon on the left side of the screen and another on the right side of the screen to have them mate. Combos that will result in a Cool Fire dragon include a Pearl and Flaming Rock dragon, a Firebird and Ice dragon, and a Lava and Alpine dragon. Then, wait for the breeding time to finish. After that, tap on the hatchery and click on βHatchβ to hatch your egg. | Open the Dragon City app. Find it on your tablet or phone and tap to open. If you're playing the game through Facebook navigate to the apps tab in the side menu. Tap the "Breeding Mountain". This is where you can breed your dragons to make more varying types of dragons. Tap the "Breed" icon. You'll find it on the lower right hand side of the screen. Select the two dragons that you want to mate. Tap one dragon on the left side and another on the right side of the screen. To make a Cool Fire dragon, you need to choose any of the following combinations: Pearl dragon and Flaming Rock dragon Laser dragon and Dandelion dragon Firebird dragon and Ice dragon Lava dragon and Alpine dragon Flame dragon and Ice dragon Soccer dragon and Soccer dragon Breed the dragon. Tap on "Start breeding!" Wait for the breeding time to finish. Breeding time will depend on the rarity of the dragon. You can also speed up the process by using gems. Tap on the Hatchery. You will see an egg there; wait for it to be ready to hatch. Tap on "Hatch" when it is ready. You now have a Cool Fire dragon. When asked βWhat would you like to do with your new Cool Fire dragon?β tap on "Place." If your update is different you can try the same combination and if you can't get the cool fire dragon with these combinations then try a new combination and let us know what combination worked or if these combinations worked | Open the Dragon City app. Tap the "Breeding Mountain". Tap the "Breed" icon. Select the two dragons that you want to mate. Breed the dragon. Wait for the breeding time to finish. Tap on the Hatchery. Tap on "Hatch" when it is ready. If your update is different you can try the same combination and if you can't get the cool fire dragon with these combinations then try a new combination and let us know what combination worked or if these combinations worked |
https://www.wikihow.com/Comfort-Someone-Who-Has-Lost-a-Sibling | How to Comfort Someone Who Has Lost a Sibling | If you don't know how to comfort someone who has lost a sibling, the best thing you can do is ask them how you can help. Tell them you are available to listen and remember to avoid interjecting too often with your own experiences when doing so. Acknowledge their loss with a simple statement, such as βI heard about the loss of your brother. I'm so sorry.β Additionally, because grieving siblings are sometimes overshadowed by suffering parents, speak with the sibling's loved-ones about providing them with more support. | Offer to run errands. Unfortunately, the bustle of everyday life doesn't go away when you lose someone close to you. Help out by taking care of some of these daily needs. Ask him or her if you can help with groceries, flowers for the funeral, or anything else. Simple gestures like these will go a long way to comforting and supporting someone during this hard time. Prepare meals. Bringing frozen meals over is a safe bet for someone who is grieving. This will show that you care and want to ease the pain of the grieving process by letting him or her focus energy on the family rather than figuring out what to make for dinner. Help with arrangements. If there are any responsibilities that have to do with the funeral, housing relatives, or providing transport for people, lend a hand with these tasks. These responsibilities can be a heavy burden when trying to deal with the weight of loss. You may not be able to do all of them for this person, such as talking to a funeral home director or providing a place to stay for visiting family, but any help you can manage will lighten the load. Take his or her mind off things. He or she may occasionally need a break from thinking about what's happened with a sibling. Take him or her to see a movie, pack a picnic, or do something else together that could be enjoyable. It doesn't need to be anything expensive or elaborate; the gesture and the company count the most. Keep your availability open. It's true that your friend or loved one may need concentrated support right after the death, but grief requires a lot of time and effort to process. If you want to provide comfort to the best of your abilities, understand that it may take months or even years to deal with the loss. Offer support at the beginning, but keep him or her in mind later as well. Many people's support will fall off after a while. If you truly want to help, be sensitive to the needs and the pain for as long as it takes. Ask how you can help. Avoid presuming that you know what will make him or her feel better. They may know of specific things you can do to be supportive and there's nothing wrong with asking. It shows your willingness to stand by his or her side while through the journey of grieving a lost sibling. For example, you can say "I'm so sorry for your loss. Is there anything I can do to help you right now?" Listen. Let him or her know that you are there if he or she needs someone to speak with. Talking about feelings can help process the death of a sibling. Be a sympathetic ear, to the extent that you can, if he or she needs to express the painful set of emotions. He or she may want to talk about his or her relationship with the sibling while still alive. This can be a good way to memorialize the sibling. Avoid interjecting too much of your own feelings and experiences. You may have had a similar loss, but be mindful of being a burden with your own past. Your friend may need emotional space. Acknowledge the loss. You don't need to go into a lot of detail, especially if she hasn't offered the information freely, but by validating the event you can show her your willingness to engage with her in this difficult time. For example, you can say "I heard about the loss of your sibling. I'm so sorry." Don't put too much pressure on yourself to come up with exactly the right thing to say. In most cases, it's enough just to be present with the person so they know you're there for them. You might also look for ways to celebrate the life of the person who passed, like doing an activity they really loved or creating a memorial in their honor. Help him or her understand that his or her pain makes sense. Losing a sibling can be a powerful experience. A response of intense sadness and grief is often totally appropriate. Helping him or her understand that a strong emotional reaction is both "normal" and "understandable" is a good way of showing support. For example, you can say "It's okay for you to be sad right now. I understand. I would feel the same way." You can also tell him or her that it's understandable if they have specific painful feelings related to being siblings (like guilt). These emotions are understandable to experience, even if they are ultimately misguided. Talk to his or her family and friends about supporting him or her. Unfortunately, sometimes the loss of a sibling can be overshadowed by the loss of a child. Parents can sometimes "take the spotlight" in the aftermath of these events. Surviving siblings are often referred to as "forgotten grievers." If you think your friend or loved one may be getting overlooked, talk to other siblings, parents, or friends about providing support. For example, you can say "I'm worried about [name]. I think [he or she] is taking the loss really hard and needs support." Be mindful of other people's suffering. Avoid bringing this up to suffering family members if you're an outsider to the family. Talking to her other close friends may be a safer bet. Gently recommend counseling if it seems appropriate. Grief is normal, but sometimes this kind of loss can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, if the loss involved trauma. If he or she appears to be having a really difficult time coping with the loss, suggest that it could be helpful to speak with a professional mental health worker. For example, you can say "You must have been really close to your sibling. Have you thought about talking to a professional who can help you understand what you're going through?" You might also suggest that the person attend a local support group for people who've lost a loved one. Avoid well-meaning but unhelpful statements. In an effort to comfort someone without really knowing how, you may reach for the most familiar thing to say. However well-intentioned, offering up "stock" or "stereotypical" platitudes can simply make her feel worse. Rather than comforting, these statements can gloss over the pain of the moment and try to usher in a level of acceptance that isn't appropriate. For example, here are some phrases you probably want to avoid: "You'll feel better soon." "Time heals all wounds." "At least you still have your other family members." "Everything happens for a reason." Look for the five stages of grief. There are five different stages of grief that people go through following this kind of loss. Memorize these steps so that you can figure out where your friend is at in the process and try to help with each specific step. Remember that people are different and some do not go through the stages in order and can revisit past stages before reaching acceptance. Denial is first. Denial of the reality of the loss is a normal reaction. It may seem like he or she doesn't realize the death of her sibling. It may not have set in yet. Anger comes next. Once the reality of the loss does set in, it's normal to experience anger over the loss. He or she may be angry at the sibling, at herself, or at someone else. Bargaining is third. This shows up as a desire to change the situation, such as wishing that he or she had done something differently. Depression is the fourth step. This is the stage where people mourn the loss and bid the person farewell. It's an essential step in the process of grieving. Acceptance is the final stage. After all of the stages of resistance to loss, acceptance is the stage where people finally come to terms. It's not happiness, but it is calm compared to the stages before it. Pay attention to specific issues with losing a sibling. The grief of losing a loved one is bad enough, but losing a sibling often creates specific painful responses. For example, someone may feel bad about how he or she treated her sibling in the past. A person may feel "survivor's guilt" over being left alive. When talking to your friend or loved one and doing things for him or her, be aware of these difficult issues associated with the loss of a sibling. If you notice that he or she is feeling these things, try to reassure him or her that it was not his or her fault. Give him or her plenty of time. Grief does not always have a timeline and time does not necessarily heal all wounds. You can expect him or her to get better as time passes, but they may never make a full recovery. People respond differently to loss. Avoid pushing someone to move on. Allow the person to grieve and recover at his or her own pace. If you feel yourself getting impatient, it's better to back off and let someone else offer support than to pass those feelings on to her. Be aware that this person may need space. It's perfectly okay for him or her to spend some time alone. He or she may want to dedicate time and energy to thinking about his or her sibling and processing all of the emotions that come up. If your friend or loved one says that he or she needs space, try to be understanding. Tell him or her that you're here if he or she does need someone to talk to or be around. | Offer to run errands. Prepare meals. Help with arrangements. Take his or her mind off things. Keep your availability open. Ask how you can help. Listen. Acknowledge the loss. Help him or her understand that his or her pain makes sense. Talk to his or her family and friends about supporting him or her. Gently recommend counseling if it seems appropriate. Avoid well-meaning but unhelpful statements. Look for the five stages of grief. Pay attention to specific issues with losing a sibling. Give him or her plenty of time. Be aware that this person may need space. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Comfortable-on-a-Long-Airplane-Trip | How to Be Comfortable on a Long Airplane Trip | With the right preparation, you can make yourself as comfortable as possible and have a pleasant airplane trip. Wear loose, comfy clothes for your flight, like joggers and a sweater. Don't forget to bring a travel pillow and eye mask so you can nap and kill some time. Sleeping on a plane is always going to be a challenge, but try leaning against the wall or window with your pillow or sweater. If you don't have a window seat, recline your seat instead. Do some light stretches every hour so you don't get too stiff. Stretch your arms across your body, move your ankles in small circles, or walk to the restroom. | Reserve a good seat if you can. Check ahead with your airline to see if you can snag a comfortable seat on the flight. Even within the same class and fare, some seats are far superior to others. Consider an aisle or exit row seat for added legroom, or a window if you want to lean against the wall and sleep. Try to avoid seats near the toilets/lavatories, as other passengers will be accessing these regularly. Bulkhead seats are also a good option if you need extra legroom. These are seats positioned behind dividing walls, screens, or curtains, with no other seats directly in front of them. Remember to never choose an exit row seat if you will have an infant or small child with you, since this could make it more difficult for you to open the exit door in case of an emergency. Some airlines allow you to pay a little extra to get a better seat, even if you aren't going first class or business class. These options may have names like βEconomy Plusβ or βEven More Space.β Minimize your carry-on luggage. If you're overwhelmed with luggage, getting comfortable on the plane may be difficult. Check with your airline ahead of time to find out about their check-through and carry-on policies, and bring only the absolute essentials onto the plane with you. One backpack is fine for the plane, and it is easier to find a place in the overhead bins or under the seat for a small backpack than for a larger roller bag. Many airlines will allow you to bring one carry-on bag per passenger, plus a βpersonal itemβ such as a purse or diaper bag. Check with your airline to make sure your carry-on luggage meets their size and weight requirements. Dress comfortably for the flight. Wearing tight or uncomfortable clothing can make a long flight miserable. Dress in loose, cozy clothes and comfortable shoes, and make sure to bring at least one layer (like a sweater or zip-up hoodie) in case it gets cold on the plane. Compression socks or stockings can help improve circulation in your legs and prevent inflammation and blood clots when you have to sit in one position for hours at a time. Bring a pillow if you plan to sleep. Trying to sleep in an airplane seat without extra head support can result in lots of frustration and neck pain. Take a travel pillow or head restraint, and try to avoid using the inflatable ones unless you know you will be comfortable. If you don't already have a travel pillow, you can purchase one at a shop in most airports. Some airlines offer their own pillows for long flights, but they may charge extra for them. Check ahead of time to find out if your airline provides in-flight pillows and blankets. Since planes can get cold, you may also wish to bring a small throw or travel blanket. Have a few hygiene essentials on hand. Take a hairbrush, toothbrush, lip balm, and anything else that you need to help you freshen up before you land. Facial wipes are also a great for helping you feel clean and refreshed. Be courteous to your fellow passengers by stepping into the bathroom before you brush your teeth or freshen up your deodorant! Check airport security regulations before packing any liquids or gels in your carry-on luggage. You can safely travel with most liquid or gel products if they are in containers no larger than 3.4 fluid ounces (100Β mL). Move around as much as possible during the flight. This is especially important on longer flights to prevent aches, poor circulation, and potentially dangerous conditions like deep vein thrombosis. Some airlines provide guidance on in-seat exercises you can do (such as ankle circles or arm stretches). The long mid-flight stretch on overnight flights is an excellent time to take a stroll up and down the aisle a few times. There may be room to do stretches at the back of some airplane cabins. Before getting up and walking around, wait until your flight crew tells you it is safe to do so. Participate in the in-flight exercise video, should your flight provide one. These are designed to help improve circulation and reduce fatigue. Go with an airline that offers in-flight entertainment. Many airlines show in-flight movies or have a variety of radio stations that you can listen to by plugging headphones into the jack on your seat. Some flights have TV screens built into the back of each seat that display movies, TV shows, and flight information. These can be very useful for helping the time pass quickly. Check ahead with your airline to find out what in-flight entertainment options they offer. If your airline offers A.V.O.D. (Audio Video on Demand), you can pay extra to watch premium content or play games on your screen during the flight. But be carefulβthis can get expensive! Take something to entertain yourself. Usually, in-flight movies don't start for some time, and the built-in music/movie selections can be quite poor. Bring a device, such as a tablet, computer, or portable DVD or Blu-ray player, with some of your favorite movies, music, podcasts, or e-books on it. You could also take a new book that you like or portable game. Make sure to charge all your electronic devices before getting on the plane. Some airlines offer free wi-fi so that you can browse the internet on your devices during the flight. Always have a couple of recent magazines with you. Pick out some magazines at the airport before you leave. That way, you won't be stuck reading the in-flight magazines! Other good entertainment options include crossword puzzles, sudoku, or adult coloring books. If you're crafty or artistic, you might bring a sketch pad or a knitting project. Pack your own headphones. The headphones typically available on the plane (whether for purchase or for free) are usually of poor quality. Noise-canceling headphones and in-ear headphones are great if you have them, and can help block out engine noise and chatter from other passengers. If you're just looking to block out noise, some simple earplugs are also a good option. Resist the urge to watch the time during the flight. You can't do anything about how long the flight is taking, and it will feel even longer if you keep looking at the time. Don't check your watch regularly, and avoid looking at the in-flight map showing the current position of the plane. If you feel the urge to check the time, try distracting yourself with an entertaining activity instead. Do relaxation exercises if you feel tense. If you feel nervous, irritable, or claustrophobic, try using some relaxation techniques to put you at ease. Do some deep breathing, meditation, or a few simple yoga poses you can do in your seat. Do an online search for βin-flight yoga posesβ to find stretches you can do in a confined space. Listening to peaceful music, reading, or doing a little doodling or coloring can also help. If you get extremely tense or scared on flights, talk to your doctor or a counselor. They may be able to recommend coping strategies or even prescribe medications that can help. Try to find a comfortable sleeping position. If you brought a pillow, put it on the tray in front of you and rest on that. If you have a window seat, leaning against the wall or window can be much more comfortable than leaning back. If leaning on the wall isn't an option, recline your seat as far as possible to make leaning back more comfortable. Use caution and courtesy when leaning your seat back. Ask the passenger behind you if you can safely lean back so that they don't end up with crushed knees or a lap full of coffee. If you are traveling with friends, parents, or other family members, you can lean on them to sleep. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages on the flight. These can not only make sleep more difficult, but may also have you scrambling for the bathroom multiple times during your flight. Bring an eye mask so that you can block out excess light while you're trying to sleep. Check into your meal options ahead of time. While most domestic flights in the U.S. no longer offer free meals, some airlines do provide free snacks. Some also offer a menu with a variety of foods and beverages you can purchase in-flight. Contact your airline in advance to find out what kinds of in-flight meals and snacks they offer. If you are taking an international flight or flying outside the U.S., you may have a choice of complementary in-flight meals and snacks. Many airlines offer vegetarian, Kosher, Halal and other "special" meals if you order up to 2 or 3 days in advance. Because the airlines have to specially prepare your meal, it is usually better than the standard food fare. Plus, passengers with special meal requests are almost always served first. Take some sweets or other snacks with you. Many airlines don't provide enough food during long flights, and the food that's available may be unhealthy, unpleasant, or expensive. If you've checked ahead and aren't crazy about your in-flight options, bring along a few snacks, like some granola bars or pieces of fruit. Protein bars are particularly helpful if you are on a long flight. Most airline meals tend to be low in protein and high in carbohydrates. Before your flight, check some travel websites, such as TripAdvisor, and look through the reviews to help you decide if you should bring your own food. Stay hydrated during the flight. It's easy to get dehydrated during a long flight, and the dry air on the plane can contribute to your discomfort. Although you can request water from your flight attendants, it is a good idea to take plenty of water on board with you. You can either purchase bottled water once you pass through security or bring an empty bottle with you to fill from a water fountain. Remember that you should never drink the water from airplane bathrooms. This water isn't of drinking quality. Use eye drops whenever your eyes feel dry. You can purchase eye drops from an airline shop or bring in a bottle small enough to meet airline security requirements. Bring an airline security-approved bottle of saline nasal gel or spray to keep your nasal passages from becoming dry during the flight. This can also help decongest you and prevent sinus and ear pain during takeoff and landing. Take lip balm in a 3 fluid ounces (89Β mL) or smaller container and use it to protect your lips from becoming painfully dry. Bring a small container of hand lotion or cocoa butter if your skin dries easily. | Reserve a good seat if you can. Minimize your carry-on luggage. Dress comfortably for the flight. Bring a pillow if you plan to sleep. Have a few hygiene essentials on hand. Move around as much as possible during the flight. Go with an airline that offers in-flight entertainment. Take something to entertain yourself. Pack your own headphones. Resist the urge to watch the time during the flight. Do relaxation exercises if you feel tense. Try to find a comfortable sleeping position. Check into your meal options ahead of time. Take some sweets or other snacks with you. Stay hydrated during the flight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-a-Living-Room | How to Clean a Living Room | To clean a living room quickly, start by putting on some upbeat music to make the task more enjoyable. Next, pick up trash, such as wrappers and old mail, and wipe down all of the surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to get rid of dust. Then, tidy up the sofa, straighten up stacks of books and magazines, and reposition any rugs that have shifted out of place. Use an attachment to vacuum the ceiling fans, light fixtures, and blinds, then vacuum the carpets last. | Pick up any trash. Bring a bag with you to eliminate countless trips to the trash bin. Throw away all obvious trash, such as wrappers and old mail, and if you have a little extra time, assess your space for usefulness. Are there objects that don't get much use or don't suit your tastes anymore? Now may be a good time to get rid of the excess. De-clutter your space daily. Having a large amount of clutter in the area can make starting more intimidating. Gather anything that's out of place, such as toys, video games, books, papers, etc., and put in a pile in the middle of the room. Once you've gathered all the clutter, start putting each piece back where it belongs. To keep the pile contained, use a laundry basket to hold all the clutter as you collect it. Making this pile first will help you focus on that one main task and makes the room look cleaner faster--seeing visible progress can be encouraging and motivating ! Completing this task daily will keep clutter from piling up and becoming overwhelming the next time you clean. If you're in a hurry to clean up for company and you run out of time, the basket can be put out of sight and organized later. However, if you have time, it is best to take a few minutes and put things back in their places right away. Straighten up the sofa. If you only have time for a basic cleaning, it's important to make sure the focal points of the room like the sofa get the most attention. This way, you can maximize your time and effort and make the room look visibly cleaner. Fluff pillows, straighten seat cushions, and fold any blankets to tidy up this area. Use a handheld vacuum or a vacuum wand extension to pick up any crumbs, hair, or lint on the upholstery. Dust surfaces. Run a slightly damp cloth over main surfaces such as the coffee table, TV, and shelves to pick up dust and spot-clean any fingerprints. Microfiber cloths are perfect for this step. Dust from top to bottom, as dust falls and settles. This way you won't have to go back over areas that you've already cleaned. Start with the highest objects and work your way down. Straighten and stack any books or magazines on the coffee table. If there are too many objects on the table it'll look cluttered, but a few stacked print items can add a nice touch. Reposition any floor or throw rugs that may have shifted out of place. This way, they'll look tidy and won't be distracting to the eye. Clean the ceiling fan and light fixtures. Use a vacuum on the lowest setting and a brush attachment to quickly remove cobwebs, hair, and dust. As with dusting, it's best to vacuum from top to bottom for efficiency. When cleaning the light fixture, turn on the lights so you can see all of the cobwebs and dust more easily. For more detailed cleaning, use a long, extending duster to work your way around the fixture. Make sure to cover the chain and bulb as well as the outside of the fixture to get rid of any cobwebs hiding on the inside. Vacuum the drapes and blinds. As with the ceiling fan and light fixtures, be sure to use low setting and a brush attachment to gently clean this area. Vacuum the floor last. Moving objects around shakes dust and debris onto the floor, so be sure to save this for the last step. This should be done once a week to keep the area clean and tidy. Start in the farthest corner and vacuum your way out of the room, as you would with mopping. Sprinkle carpets with a little baking soda before you start vacuuming to take care of any unpleasant odors. Don't forget to vacuum the tops of the baseboard--this area can collect a lot of dust. Wash the windows. Getting rid of grime and streaks on the windowpanes once in a while will instantly liven up your space. For an easy, affordable cleaning solution, mix one or two teaspoons of dish detergent into a bucket of warm of water. Scrub down the window and squeegee off the suds horizontally. This solution also works well on mirrors. Polish your furniture. Taking care of your wooden furniture can make a huge difference in the cleanliness of your home. First, make sure you've dusted the furniture with a slightly damp cloth or vacuum with a dusting brush attachment, then apply polish to the furniture with a soft cloth. You can either buy furniture polish or make your own as a cheaper alternative. Remember to buy or make the correct polish for the material and finish of your furniture. Try out a patch test before polishing the entire piece. For wooden furniture, mix four parts olive oil and one part white vinegar. Put the solution in a spray bottle and make sure to test it first on your wooden furniture to see if it achieves the desired effect. Spray the solution onto the furniture and work it in until the wood shines. The vinegar also acts as a cleaning agent so you can clean and polish your furniture at the same time. Shampoo your carpets and rugs. You can either rent a machine or hire a professional service to shampoo and deep-clean your carpets. If the carpet is especially soiled, a professional service is probably best, but if it just needs some spot-treating, you can easily do that yourself. Shampooing your carpet will make it last longer and keep it in good condition. If you choose to rent a machine and do it yourself, remember to vacuum the carpet extremely well beforehand. Work with the machine as you would with a vacuum. Divide the carpet into sections and clean each one slowly and carefully with a side-to-side pattern, overlapping your strokes a bit. Don't work in circles or at random, otherwise you will lose your place and end up stepping on areas you already cleaned. After the carpets are finished, lay down towels in areas that get a lot of traffic. This will help them dry faster and keep them clean longer. Consider new storage techniques. If you find that clutter keeps piling up in one area, or certain objects always end up where they shouldn't be, such as books, electronic chargers, or mail, try using some new storage techniques. Install shelves or use a basket to hold extra books. Store chargers in a basket to keep them collected in one place. Set up a mail station with labeled cubbies or two trays for ingoing and outgoing. Keep all of your remotes in place. Choose somewhere accessible that you will easily remember. Use a basket, drawer, or tray to keep them contained if need be. Invest in some βdouble-duty furniture. β To maximize your space, find pieces that offer hidden storage such as benches and ottomans with inner storage areas or a chest for a coffee table. You could also look into solutions like cupboards and media storage to keep your things organized, easily accessible, and out of the way. Listen to music. Find an upbeat playlist to play while you work. Music is proven to lift your mood and help you complete tasks more quickly, so listening will both add some fun to your cleaning process and improve your efficiency. Let some light in. Open the curtains and shake off the dust. The natural light will brighten and open up your space. You could also open the windows for some fresh air, which will help dispel any unpleasant odors and chemicals you may be using to clean. Set a timer. Choose a manageable amount of time, such as 15 or 20 minutes, to really focus on cleaning without any distractions. Tell yourself that you can be done after those 15-20 minutes are up if you focus and keep cleaning the whole time. Combine this step with music--make yourself a 15- or 20-minute playlist and focus on cleaning until the music is done. | Pick up any trash. De-clutter your space daily. Straighten up the sofa. Dust surfaces. Straighten and stack any books or magazines on the coffee table. Reposition any floor or throw rugs that may have shifted out of place. Clean the ceiling fan and light fixtures. Vacuum the drapes and blinds. Vacuum the floor last. Wash the windows. Polish your furniture. Shampoo your carpets and rugs. Consider new storage techniques. Keep all of your remotes in place. Invest in some βdouble-duty furniture. Listen to music. Let some light in. Set a timer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Frozen-Margarita | How to Make a Frozen Margarita | To make a frozen margarita, start by blending 1 cup of ice, 1/4 cup of tequila, 1/8 cup of lime juice, and 1 1/2 tablespoons of orange liqueur. Once everything is smooth, pour your margarita into a margarita glass with a salted rim. If you want to make a frozen strawberry margarita, use pureed strawberries instead of lime juice. You can also use orange juice and sparkling water in place of the tequila and orange liqueur for a virgin frozen margarita. | Pick a blender that is able to crush ice. Using a blender that can't crush ice could damage or even ruin the blades. Look for one that is high-powered, with at least 300 watts of blending power, and that has stainless steel blades. If you already have a blender but aren't sure if it's safe to use with ice, check the owner manual first. Add ice, tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur to the blender. Pour in 1 cup (217 g) of ice cubes, β 4 cup (59Β ml) of tequila, β 8 cup (30Β ml) of lime juice, and 1.5 tablespoons (22Β ml) of orange liqueur. You can use any type of orange liqueur, like triple sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier. Choose whatever type or brand of tequila you prefer, too. If you don't have lime juice, you can substitute frozen limeade concentrate for it. Blend the ingredients together until smooth. Use your blender's highest setting, which is usually labeled βsmoothie,β to puree the mixture. Stop every 30 seconds and stir it with a spoon to make sure the ice isn't getting stuck in the blades. Continue blending for 2 to 3 minutes until there are no chunks left in the mixture. You can also use the βcrushβ or βliquefyβ setting on your blender. Don't over-blend the margarita mix to the point where it's completely liquid. Stop before it gets to that point so you keep the crunchy, icy texture. Wet the rim of a margarita glass with a lime slice, then dip the rim in salt. Take the cut side of a fresh lime wedge and run it around the rim of the glass, slightly squeezing the lime while you do so to. Sprinkle some margarita or kosher salt onto a plate and set the glass, with the rim facing down, into the salt. Lightly tap off any excess before flipping the glass rightside up. Use enough pressure when rubbing with the lime so that the rim is moist, but not dripping. Pour the margarita mixture into the glass and garnish it with a lime slice. After you've salted the rim, fill the glass with your mixture, pouring it carefully into the center so you don't mess up the salt. Add a fresh lime wedge onto the rim before drinking the margarita. To cut a lime wedge, first cut the lime in half lengthwise. Take one half and place the flat side down, then cut the lime at an angle to form a wedge. Swap pureed strawberries for lime juice to make a strawberry frozen margarita. Instead of lime juice, use β 8 cup (30Β ml) of fresh or frozen strawberry puree. Blend it with 1 cup (217 g) of ice cubes, β 4 cup (59Β ml) of tequila, and 1.5 tablespoons (22Β ml) of orange liqueur. Make strawberry puree by placing strawberries in a food processor and processing them until smooth. Opt for sparkling water and orange juice if you want a virgin frozen margarita. For kids or adults who don't want an alcoholic beverage, substitute plain sparkling water for the tequila. Then, instead of orange liqueur, pour in orange juice. Blend it all together with ice and frozen limeade concentrate. Keep in mind that without alcohol, the frozen margarita will melt faster. Use pre-made margarita mix if you want an easier option. Store bought mixes come in all different flavors, from mango to pineapple, and usually only require you to add tequila and ice. Follow the instructions on the back of the bottle for making frozen margaritas with that specific type and brand. You can find pre-made margarita mixes at a liquor store, grocery store, or online retailer. Layer different flavored margaritas in a glass for a pretty party drink. Blend 2 to 3 different types of frozen margaritas, like strawberry, lime, and mango, for example. Then, fill a margarita glass 1/3 of the way with 1 flavor, like strawberry, then another 1/3 of the way with the second flavor, like lime. Top the final 1/3 off with the last flavor, like mango. The result is a colorful cocktail that looks as good as it tastes! Try to pick flavors with different colors so the layers stand out. For example, lime is a pale neon green, strawberry is red, and mango is bright orange. Be careful not to stir the margarita after you pour it. Drink it immediately, too, because the colors will start to blend once it begins melting. | Pick a blender that is able to crush ice. Add ice, tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur to the blender. Blend the ingredients together until smooth. Wet the rim of a margarita glass with a lime slice, then dip the rim in salt. Pour the margarita mixture into the glass and garnish it with a lime slice. Swap pureed strawberries for lime juice to make a strawberry frozen margarita. Opt for sparkling water and orange juice if you want a virgin frozen margarita. Use pre-made margarita mix if you want an easier option. Layer different flavored margaritas in a glass for a pretty party drink. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sue-a-Homeowners-Association | How to Sue a Homeowners Association | If your Homeowners' Association have been neglecting their responsibilities or you've been injured in one of their common areas, you may be able to sue them. You'll need to hire an attorney to help you decide if you have a case and file with the court. Collect any evidence you have of the Association's neglect, such as photos, records you've kept of ongoing issues, and emails. If you were badly injured, you'll also need your medical records and bills. Your attorney may try to settle with the Homeowners' Association board. However, if they won't compromise, you'll need to file a complaint form with the court. File either for damages or for an injunction to compel them to resolve a problem in your home. | Read the governing documents. Your homeowners' association (HOA) is governed by a set of documents. These are typically called your Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). You should take out your copy and read them. You can sue to enforce any βcovenantβ in the CC&Rs. A covenant is a promise made by the HOA to do something. There are probably many covenants in your governing documents. For example, your HOA might agree to mow the lawn once every two weeks or to maintain the exercise equipment in the gym. Read your governing documents closely. If no agreement says the HOA must do something, then it will be difficult to argue that they have violated their agreement. Some CC&Rs may include an arbitration provision. If it does, you may not be able to sue the HOA in court. Instead, you may have to take them to binding arbitration. Meet with an attorney. You should meet with a lawyer before filing the lawsuit. An experienced attorney can advise you about your rights. For example, many states have laws specifically related to HOAs. The lawyer can tell you about these rights so that you can bring your strongest case possible. It is important that you find an attorney with experience suing HOAs. CC&Rs can be very confusing and complicated and you do not want to pay an attorney to learn a new area of the law. To find a lawyer, you can contact your local or state bar association and ask for a referral. You should also ask other people who live in your HOA if they have ever sued the HOA and whether they would recommend their lawyer. Always ask the attorney you speak with about their expertise in this particular area of the law. Ask how many years they have been practicing, how many cases they have tried, and what their success rate is. In addition, ask specific questions about your case and gauge their knowledge based on how they answer. They should not waiver or be unsure of themselves. They should be able to give you concrete information regarding your case. You might not have the money to hire a lawyer. However, you can still meet with an attorney for a half-hour consultation. During the consultation, you can ask the lawyer questions which will better prepare you to represent yourself. Ask to see the HOAβs books. You should be able to inspect the financial records for the HOA. You should look to see how money is being spent and whether the HOA maintains proper records of how it spends money. The HOA has a βfiduciary dutyβ to its members. This means the HOA must fulfill its obligations under the CC&Rs using βordinary careβ and in a good faith and reasonable manner. If your HOA is careless with the dues it collects, then it is probably violating its fiduciary duty. Judge the seriousness of any physical injury. You might have been physically injured in the common areas. For example, you could have slipped in an icy parking lot or fallen in the common break room. The HOA has a duty to act in a reasonably prudent manner when maintaining common areas. The HOA is "negligent" when it fails to act in this prudent manner. It also owes this duty of reasonable care to visitors. If you are visiting a friend or relative and are injured in a common area, then you can sue if the HOA was negligent in how it maintained those areas. If you had to see a doctor for an injury, then it is usually worth suing. However, if the HOA's negligence did not result in any injury, then you might not want to sue. Consider the costs of a lawsuit. Lawsuits can be expensive and time-consuming. You certainly have the right to sue the HOA for not fulfilling its obligations. Nevertheless, you should weigh the seriousness of the violation against the time and money necessary to properly sue the HOA. Be aware that most CC&Rs include fee shifting agreements, which require the losing party to pay the legal fees of the successful party. Therefore, if you are confident about the strength of your case, you may have a good chance at having your legal fees covered by the HOA. However, if you lose, you may quickly double or triple your costs. Suing an HOA can be an incredibly risky tactic and should only be undertaken if you have no other options. You can reduce costs by suing as a group. For example, you can get four other members of the association to join you as plaintiffs. This way, you can split the costs of a lawyer five different ways. In some states, you can also sue in small claims court. Small claims court is designed so that you do not need a lawyer. Also, many small claims courts hold non-traditional hours in the evening or on weekends, so bringing a lawsuit might be more convenient. Decide who to sue. You can sue either the entire HOA board or an individual member. You might not know who to sue because you can't identify which individual board member is responsible for the problem you want to sue over. For example, if the elevator has been broken for four months, you might not know which HOA member is responsible for fixing it. You can always sue all members of the board. During the lawsuit, each named defendant can argue that they are not responsible and get dismissed from the lawsuit if the judge agrees. Document the violation. In order to make a strong court case, you will need evidence of the violation. You can document the violation in several ways: Take pictures of the property. If the common areas or lawn is not being properly maintained, then you should get evidence. Take photographs or video of any area that is not properly maintained. If you videotape something, make sure that the date appears accurately on the video. Also make sure the date appears accurately on your color photographs. You don't have to rely only on photographs and video. You can also sit down and write out a description of when you first discovered the problem. For example, if the elevator is broken, then keep a running track of the dates that it is down. Get supporting records. If you slipped and fell in a common area or were otherwise injured, then you should get evidence of your injuries. You can be compensated for any harm suffered as a result of the HOA's actions. You should gather the following: Medical records. These are helpful at proving the extent of any physical injury. Contact your hospital or doctor and request a copy. Medical bills. These show how much you spent to treat the injury caused by the HOA. You can be compensated for all medical bills and rehabilitation bills. Pay stubs. If you missed work because of the injury, you can be compensated for lost wages. You will need proof of how much money you make. Get a copy of your recent pay stubs or your W-2 form. Schedule a meeting with the board. Before suing, you should probably schedule a meeting with the HOA board. The purpose of the meeting is to find out why the HOA is not fulfilling its duties. You should take your HOA documents and your photographs to the meeting. Be civil. You are still at the information gathering stage right now. There might be a valid reason why the HOA hasn't fixed a problem. For example, the board members might not be aware of the problem. If so, they could be willing to correct it immediately. After the meeting, you should summarize the conversation in a letter, which you can mail to the HOA. The purpose of the letter is to document the substance of your conversation. It is better to write a letter than to secretly record or videotape the conversation, which is illegal in several states. You don't have to wait forever for the board to fix a problem. If more than a week or two passes without the problem being fixed, then you should consider a lawsuit. Get a complaint form. When you decide to sue, you start the lawsuit by filing a complaint in court. The complaint identifies the parties and explains the dispute. You also tell the judge what you want. Many courts now have printed βfill in the blankβ complaint forms for you to use. Ask the court clerk if one is available. If no form is available, then you will need to draft your own complaint. You can find sample complaints on the Internet. You could also buy a book or compact disk which contains legal forms for you to use. Many online retailers sell these books and CDs. Identify what you want the judge to do. In the complaint, you must ask the judge to give you something. Typically, there are two remedies, which you can ask the judge for: An injunction. This is a legal command to do something or to not do something. You can get an injunction against the HOA to repair dangerous common areas or to maintain the property. Damages. This is money that you get as compensation for your injury. You should seek money damages when you have been physically or financially harmed by the HOA's action or inaction. Complete the complaint form. You should print neatly, using black ink. You could also use a typewriter. Each form is different, but generally you must provide the following information: your name and address the HOA's name and address what happened that gave rise to the lawsuit the legal basis for your lawsuit (the CC&Rs or the HOA's negligence) what you want the judge to do (give you an injunction, award you damages, or both) File the complaint. Make several copies of the completed complaint and take them to the court clerk's office. Tell the clerk you would like to file the original. He or she should stamp your copies with the date. Serve a copy on the HOA board. You will need to send the HOA a copy of your complaint. You will also need to serve a βsummons,β which you can get from the court clerk. Ask the clerk what are acceptable methods of service. Generally, you will be able to make service in the following manner: Have someone 18 or older hand-deliver the complaint and summons. This person should not be someone who is part of the lawsuit. Hire a process server to make hand delivery. You can find a process server in your phone book or on the Internet. Process servers will make service for a small fee, usually $45-75. Pay the sheriff to serve copies. In some counties, the sheriff will make service for a small fee. Sheriffs generally charge about the same amount as process servers. Mail it. In some situations, you can mail the complaint and summons using certified mail, return receipt requested. You should ask the court clerk if mailing the documents is allowed. File your proof of service. Whoever makes service will probably need to fill out a proof of service or affidavit of service. They will then either return it to you or send it to the court. If it is returned to you, then you must file it with the court. Keep a copy for your records. Participate in discovery. As soon as the other party responds to your lawsuit, a period of discovery will begin. During discovery, you and the other party will be able to collect and exchange information about the case. Discovery often takes a lot of time and can be very expensive. During discovery you will want to gather facts, get witness statements, find out what the other party plans on saying, see how good the other party's case is, and see how good your own case is. During discovery you will be able to gather information using the following methods: Informal discovery. This will include conducting interviews, gathering public documents, and taking pictures. Depositions. These are formal in-person interviews with someone directly involved in the case. Depositions are taken under oath and will often be videotaped and/or transcribed. Requests for documents. You will be able to request almost any set of documents you believe are relevant to the case. They might include receipts, private emails, text messages, or other documents not readily available to the public. Subpoenas. You can ask the court to require the other party, or third-party, to answer questions or provide documents. Defend against a motion for summary judgment. After discovery but before trial, opposing counsel may want to file a motion for summary judgment trying to dispose of the case before it goes any further. When this happens, they are required to show the judge that there are no disputed issues of material fact and that they are entitled to judgment as a matter of law. In addition to filing the motion, their attorney will also have to file affidavits and other supporting evidence tending to prove the assertions being made. The judge will only grant their motion if they can prove that all of the facts of the case, and the law, are on their side. To oppose the motion, you will file affidavits and evidence showing there are disputed issues of fact and law. The court will make every assumption your favor when they make these determinations. So long as you can show a genuine dispute, you will overcome the motion for summary judgment. Attempt to settle. Before expending a large amount of money and time preparing and going to trial, you should attempt to settle with your HOA. The stronger your case is, the more likely it is that the HOA will meet your settlement demands. During settlement negotiations, you should ask for an amount of money that will satisfy your dispute. However, you need to be prepared to provide evidence and facts that show why you are asking for what you are. For example, if you have fallen in a common area that is required to be maintained by the HOA, you might ask that the HOA pay for your medical bills as well as missed pay. Be prepared to submit your bills as well as past pay stubs that can provide the HOA with proof of your claims. Prepare for trial. Each one of your pre-trial moves should be made with a trial in mind. While most cases never get to trial, if yours does, you will need to use everything you have gathered and created up to this point. For example, when you file your complaint, you need to assert certain defenses or else they may be barred when you get to trial. In addition, the evidence you ask for during discovery should all play an integral role in what you need to prove at trial. In other words, trial preparation starts as soon as you hire your attorney. Make an opening statement. The trial will begin with each side making an opening statement. Because you are bringing the lawsuit, you will go first. If you have a lawyer, then he or she will handle the opening statement, along with the rest of the trial. You should keep your opening statement brief. Simply tell the judge what evidence you will introduce. The opening statement is your road map: you tell the judge what evidence you will present and in what order. A good strategy in opening statements is to defuse any βbad factsβ in your opening statement. For example, you might have slipped and fallen in the common area. However, you also might have ignored a sign that said βCaution. Floor is wet.β You should admit that the sign was up in your opening statement. This helps take the sting out of the bad fact. Present your evidence. You also will present your evidence first. Your evidence will probably consist of documents (like the CC&Rs) as well as witness testimony. If you need witnesses to testify on your behalf, then you should notify them ahead of time and let them know when the trial is being held. Be sure not to ask your witnesses leading questions. A leading question is any question that contains or suggests its own answer. Leading questions can usually be answered βyesβ or βno.β Instead, ask open-ended questions. For example, if you have a neighbor testifying, you can ask the following: βWhere do you live?β βHow long have you lived there?β βHas the lawn always been kept neat?β βWhen did the lawn stop getting mowed?β Testify on your behalf. You might also testify at trial. If you are suing because of personal injuries suffered, then you most certainly will testify as to what happened and how much pain you are in. Your attorney will ask you questions. If you don't have a lawyer, then you will probably deliver the testimony in the form of a speech. The HOA's lawyer will then be able to cross-examine you. To be an effective witness, remember the following tips: Understand a question before answering it. If you don't know the answer, then say, βI don't know.β Also ask for clarifications for questions you don't understand. Sit up straight. Look at the lawyer who is asking you a question. Always tell the truth and don't stall. Always answer in words. Don't gesture or make sounds like βuh huh.β The court reporter can only take down actual words. Deliver your closing argument. After all evidence has been presented, each side gets to make a closing argument. You will go first. You want to put the evidence in the most favorable light to your case. Also try to explain away bad evidence. For example, the HOA might have put up a βCaution. Floor is wet.β sign. You can argue that witnesses testified that the sign was not visible from the doorway because it was obscured by a potted plant. Therefore, you can argue that the HOA was still responsible for your fall. Wait for the judgeβs decision. After you have given closing arguments, the judge should deliver a ruling. Judgment will be entered and become final at a later date. You should receive a copy of the final judgment in the mail. If you don't, then visit the court clerk and ask how to get a copy. Enforce the injunction. You might have won an injunction against the HOA to fix up the common area. If the common area remains in disarray, even after the judge has ordered the HOA to fix it, then you need to have the injunction enforced. You can do so by filing a Motion for Contempt. Return to the court clerk's office and get a form for filing a contempt motion. If the HOA has refused to make necessary repairs, you also might want to hire an attorney. | Read the governing documents. Meet with an attorney. Ask to see the HOAβs books. Judge the seriousness of any physical injury. Consider the costs of a lawsuit. Decide who to sue. Document the violation. Get supporting records. Schedule a meeting with the board. Get a complaint form. Identify what you want the judge to do. Complete the complaint form. File the complaint. Serve a copy on the HOA board. File your proof of service. Participate in discovery. Defend against a motion for summary judgment. Attempt to settle. Prepare for trial. Make an opening statement. Present your evidence. Testify on your behalf. Deliver your closing argument. Wait for the judgeβs decision. Enforce the injunction. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Identify-Original-Tiger%27s-Eye-Stone | How to Identify Original Tiger's Eye Stone | Tiger's Eye stone has golden brown stripes throughout the rock, with some of the browns almost appearing black. If you're struggling to see the colors, try shining a light on the stone to see if it's real. If you have a scrap piece of glass, try rubbing the stone against it to see if it leaves a scratch mark. Tiger's Eye is a very hard type of stone, so it will leave a scratch on glass. Tiger's Eye is also shiny, since it's made from quartz, which has a glass-like appearance. | Notice golden brown stripes. This stone's main colors are golds, yellows, and browns. You'll see these colors in striations throughout the rock. Striations are just linear bands of rock that form colors. Some of the browns are fairly dark, almost black. It can also have reddish-brown bands, though that's sometimes referred to as ox's eye. In some tiger's eye, you may notice a few stripes of blue. Hawk's eye is a purely blue form of this rock. Examine the stone for a glass-like luster. Tiger's eye is formed from quartz, and quartz has this type of shine. Therefore, when you're looking at tiger's eye, it should look somewhat like glass when you hold up to the light. You might also see a silver-toned hue in the luster when you hold it under a light. Check to see if it will scratch glass. Since tiger's eye is formed from quartz, it rates a 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. That means that it should be able to scratch glass, which is a softer material on the Mohs scale. Scrape the edge of the rock against a scrap piece of glass. If it scratches the glass, then it registers higher on the Mohs scale than glass. All the scale measures is how well the material resists scratching. A "harder" material will scratch a "softer" material. Hold the stone under a light. You need the light to check for the optical effect known as chatoyancy. This word means "cat eye" in French and it's used to describe tiger's eye because of the way it changes color under light. You will be able to see the effect better in a polished rock. Shine a bright lamp or flashlight on the stone. Move the stone back and forth. Hold the stone between your index finger and your thumb. Tip it forward and back in the light. Do it slowly, so you can observe what's going on in the stone. You don't want to move too fast, as it will be harder to see the cat-eye effect. Look for the changing bands of color. As you move the rock up and down, look for "movement" in the rock. The rock isn't actually moving, but the light will make it look like the bands of color are changing size and shape. This movement is known as the cat-eye effect because it resembles the way a cat eye looks when light strikes it. | Notice golden brown stripes. Examine the stone for a glass-like luster. Check to see if it will scratch glass. Hold the stone under a light. Move the stone back and forth. Look for the changing bands of color. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Call-London | How to Call London | To call London, start by dialing the exit code for the country you're currently in, which is typically 2-3 digits. For example, the exit code for the United States is "011." Next, dial "44," which is the country code for the United Kingdom. Then, if you're dialing a mobile phone, enter the phone number and place your call. If you're dialing a landline, you'll need to enter "20" after the country code before you dial the number. | Dial the exit code for the country you are currently in. The exit code, or the international call prefix, is a 2-3 digit number that enables you to call outside of your country. There are many different exit codes for different nations. For example, the exit code for the United States is 011, for India, it's 00, and for Nigeria, it's 009. Perform a simple internet search to determine the correct exit code for your country. Type in the name of the country and then add βexit code.β A few country, such as Brazil, have more than one exit code. These codes correspond to different phone providers so dial the code that is connected to your phone company. Do not enter the exit code if you are calling London from within the UK. An exit code is only necessary for international calls. Enter 44 to place a call to London. 44 is the country code assigned to the United Kingdom. A unique country code is assigned to each nation; these codes identify the nation you are phoning. Skip the country code if you are dialing London from within the United Kingdom. Like the exit code, the country code is only used for international calls. Figure out if you are dialing a mobile phone or landline number. British mobile phone numbers generally begin with 07 and have 11 digits (excluding the exit or country codes). British mobile numbers do not use area codes; this is why it is essential to determine if the number is for a landline or mobile phone. Drop the leading 0 if you are calling a mobile number from outside the United Kingdom. For an international call, the mobile number would only have 10 digits. Instead of dialing 07XXX XXX XXX you would dial 7XXX XXX XXX (plus the appropriate exit and country codes). Enter the phone number to dial a mobile phone. Enter 011-44-7XXX XXX XXX to place a phone call from the United States to London. 7XXX XXX XXX is the mobile phone number, 44 the country code for the United Kingdom, and 011 is the exit code for the United States. Dial 20 after the country code if you are phoning a landline. 020 is the area code for most of Greater London. British area codes are 2-5 digits long (not including the first 0) and are assigned by geographic area. These codes always begin with a 0, but this 0 is not used if you are calling from outside the United Kingdom. Dial 020 if you are calling a London landline from within the United Kingdom. Enter the phone number after the area code to dial a landline. A phone call from the United States to a London landline would look like: 011-44-20-XXXX-XXXX. XXXX-XXXX is the landline number, 20 the area code for Greater London, 44 the United Kingdom's country code, and 011 is the exit code for the United States. Know the local time in London before placing your call. London is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) in the winter months, and British Summer Time (BST) in the summer months. Be sure to verify the local time before you make your phone call to ensure you are not calling too early or too late. The United Kingdom uses daylight saving time so clocks are set forward one hour on the last Sunday in March, and set back one hour on the last Sunday in October. There are many websites that will tell you the current London time. These make it easy to ensure that you're phoning at a reasonable time of the day. Decide if you want to buy an international phone card. Phone cards frequently offer a cheaper rate than many phone providers. They are also prepaid which will prevent any surprisingly expensive phone bills. These phone cards can be bought at many convenience or grocery stores, or they can be ordered online. Connect your device to Wi-Fi. Laptops, mobile phones, and tablets can all be used to phone London using Wi-Fi. There are many apps that will work on these devices; often these apps are cheaper than traditional phones. Wi-Fi hotspots are available at many cafes, libraries, or restaurants. If you don't have access to Wi-Fi at your home, look for one of these hotspots to connect to Wi-Fi. Use WhatsApp to call London. You will need to add the phone number to your contacts. Open your address book and enter a plus sign (+) followed by the phone number; the plus sign indicates that the entry is an international number. Remove any leading zeroes, and do not include the exit code. Include the country code of 44. You should also include the area code if dialing a landline. A phonebook entry for a London landline should look like this: +44 20 XXXX XXXX. A London mobile number will not include the area code and will look like: +44 7XXX XXX XXX. To place the call using WhatsApp, you open the app and then open a chat with the person you want to call. Then, select the phone button on the top of the screen to make the call. Phone London with FaceTime. FaceTime is included on almost all Apple devices. To place a call, open the app and use your Apple ID to login. iPhone users will automatically be logged in. Type in the email address or phone number of the person you want to contact. Next, select either the audio or video icon to place the call. The video icon will allow you to video chat, while the audio icon will have sound but no picture. Make sure the person you are calling also has FaceTime. FaceTime can only be used to make calls if both parties have the app. Call London using Skype. After logging into Skype, select the call phones icon. The dialing pad will then appear on the screen. The current calling rates, based on the selected country, will also appear. Select the United Kingdom from the drop-down menu. This menu is located above the dial pad. Once you select the UK, the correct country code will be automatically entered. Type in the phone number you want to call. Remember that if you want to phone a landline, you will need to dial the area code before the phone number. Press the blue call button to make your phone call. After you have entered the numbers, all you need to do is to press the call button, and your call will be placed. | Dial the exit code for the country you are currently in. Enter 44 to place a call to London. Figure out if you are dialing a mobile phone or landline number. Enter the phone number to dial a mobile phone. Dial 20 after the country code if you are phoning a landline. Enter the phone number after the area code to dial a landline. Know the local time in London before placing your call. Decide if you want to buy an international phone card. Connect your device to Wi-Fi. Use WhatsApp to call London. Phone London with FaceTime. Call London using Skype. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Roasted-Chickpeas | How to Make Roasted Chickpeas | To make roasted chickpeas, start by rinsing some chickpeas with water and then drying them with paper towels. Then, heat some oil in a pan over medium heat and add the chickpeas to the pan. Once you've added the chickpeas, stir them until they're all coated with oil. Finally, turn the heat down to medium-low and cook the chickpeas for 15-20 minutes, stirring them every 5 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're brown and crispy. | Rinse the chickpeas. If you're using canned chickpeas, open the cans, drain the chickpeas and then rinse them well. Rinsing the chickpeas will wash away the flavor of the canning water, freshening up and improving the taste of your final dish. The easiest way to rinse them is to pour them into a colander and run them under cold water until they stop foaming. If you're cooking your own chickpeas from scratch, you'll need soak the chickpeas overnight to get them soft enough to cook. After soaking, drain the water, add fresh water and cook the chickpeas at a simmer until they're fork tender. Drain the water and rinse the chickpeas - now they're ready to use. Dry the chickpeas. Use paper towels to dry the chickpeas thoroughly to get them ready to cook. This will ensure the chickpeas get nice and crunchy when you roast them, rather than staying soft. Heat the oil. Put the coconut or olive oil in a frying pan and place it over medium heat. Heat it thoroughly. Add the chickpeas. Pour the chickpeas into the frying pan with the oil. Use a wooden spoon to stir them until they're all coated in oil. Incorporate the spices. Mix the turmeric, cumin, and paprika in a bowl until they're thoroughly combined, then pour the spice mixture over the chickpeas. Toss the chickpeas until they're coated in spices. Reduce the heat and brown the chickpeas. Turn it down to medium low and let the chickpeas cook slowly on one side. After 5 minutes, stir the chickpeas so they can keep cooking. Continue stirring the chickpeas every 5 minutes until they're completely brown and crispy. It should take 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour the chickpeas into a bowl and season them with salt and pepper to taste. Serve this quick, tasty treat to your friends or add it to a salad. Preheat the oven to 375Β Β°F (191Β Β°C). Cover a medium-sized baking tray with foil. Rinse the chickpeas. If you're using canned chickpeas, open the cans, drain the chickpeas and then rinse them well in a colander. Rinsing the chickpeas will wash away the flavor of the canning water, freshening up and improving the taste of your final dish. If you're cooking dry chickpeas, soak the chickpeas overnight to soften them. After soaking, drain the water, cover with fresh water and cook the chickpeas at a simmer until they're soft. Drain the water and rinse the chickpeas - now they're ready to use. Dry the chickpeas. Use paper towels to dry the chickpeas thoroughly to get them ready to cook. This will ensure the chickpeas get nice and crunchy when you roast them, rather than staying soft. Coat the beans in oil and spices. Place the chickpeas in a bowl with the oil, turmeric, cumin and smoked paprika. (If you're using coconut oil, melt it first). Use a spoon to toss the ingredients together until the chickpeas are completely coated in spices. Spread the beans on the baking tray. Make sure they're all in one single layer, so they cook evenly. Roast the chickpeas for 30 minutes. After 15 minutes, stir the chickpeas so they cook on all sides. Check to make sure they're not getting too brown; if they are, reduce the heat to 325Β Β°F (163Β Β°C). Season the chickpeas with salt and pepper. When they're brown and crunchy, remove them from the oven and pour them into a bowl. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. This delicious snack is now ready to serve. Roasted chickpeas taste great warm or cooled. | Rinse the chickpeas. Dry the chickpeas. Heat the oil. Add the chickpeas. Incorporate the spices. Reduce the heat and brown the chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper. Preheat the oven to 375Β Β°F (191Β Β°C). Cover a medium-sized baking tray with foil. Rinse the chickpeas. Dry the chickpeas. Coat the beans in oil and spices. Spread the beans on the baking tray. Roast the chickpeas for 30 minutes. Season the chickpeas with salt and pepper. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Third-Degree-Burns | How to Treat Third Degree Burns | To treat third-degree burns, call emergency services immediately, even if you're unsure about the severity of the burn. Third-degree burns generally look white and waxy, brown and charred, or raised and leathery. If there are any flames nearby or leaking fuel or gas, get the victim to a safe area. While you're waiting for an ambulance, help the person lie down with the wound elevated to prevent shock. You can also lightly cover the wound with a clean cloth, like a cotton sheet, to protect it from dirt and debris. Do not pour water or hold ice on the burn, since this can damage their skin further. Once the victim arrives at the hospital, their burns will be treated with skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. | Call emergency services right away. Don't waste time trying to figure out if it's a third degree burn. Especially if it looks waxy white or charred brown, produces little or no pain, or covers a large area, assume the worst. Call 911 in the U.S., or the emergency number where you live. If you're the burn victim and are alone, you may go into shock soon after. Call for help right away and β if possible β lie down with your feet and the wound elevated. Move the burn victim to safety when possible. If you see someone being actively burned, or in close proximity to the burn source, pull them away from it if it is safe for you to do so. Smother flames on their clothing or body with a damp (if possible) or dry blanket, or a heavy coat. If they are unconscious or you suspect a head or neck injury is possible, move them only if you must and only as far as you must. Be particularly careful around burns caused by electricity, such as downed power lines. Also be aware of leaking fuel or explosive gas in the area, such as after a car accident. Lightly cover the wound and do nothing else to it. Do not pour water or place ice on a severe burn. If there is clothing burned into the wound, leave it alone. You'll only do further skin tissue damage. Loosely place a clean, lint-free cloth, such as a cotton sheet, over the wound. Try not to let the covering stick to the wound, and don't remove it after applying it. Manage signs of shock until help arrives. Shock, which can be caused by inadequate blood circulation, is a life-threatening concern for severe burn victims. If the person loses consciousness, appears weak or confused, has a rapid but weak pulse, or otherwise seems to be struggling in ways unrelated to the burn itself, assume they're going into shock. Lay the burn victim on their back, if it is safe to move them. Elevate their feet about 12 inches (30 cm), if possible. Also, if you can, elevate the burn area above their heart. Cover them loosely with a blanket or other covering if they are shaking. Try not to let the covering stick to the burn. If the person is not breathing or doesn't have a pulse, begin CPR if you are able. Get critical care for any life-threatening conditions. If the burn has damaged vital organs, caused major blood loss, or led to shock, your life could be at risk. While addressing the actual burn injury as soon as possible greatly improves the recovery outlook, the medical team may need to stabilize your vital signs first. Let the emergency room and critical care team to their job. Once they've stabilized you, they'll attend to the burn wounds. Stabilizing a victim of third degree burns might include using IV's, providing oxygen, intubating or ventilating an unconscious victim, performing CPR or using and AED defibrillator.. Undergo cleaning and debriding of the wound. Debris like scorched clothing, along with dead tissue, must be removed from the wound as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of serious infections or other complications. Based on the nature of your burn, you might be placed in a special tub for cleaning and debriding, or surgical procedures may be required. Receive intravenous (IV) fluids. Third degree burns cause fluid to leak from the blood vessels, stopping organs from getting the nutrients they need. IV fluids counteract this, giving the body nutrients and energy that it needs to heal. Third degree burns can also dehydrate you, which IV fluids with electrolytes can help to combat. Expect to receive ECMO treatment. In ECMO, or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, doctors will draw your blood in a plastic tube. Carbon dioxide is removed from the blood, oxygen is added, and the blood is returned to the body. This treatment, along with a low-level ventilator to keep your lungs moving, will ease the workload on your lungs as they heal. Recover in a warm, humid environment. Keeping the burn area warm and moist can aid in the healing process. This might be provided through specially equipped room heaters and humidifiers, fluidized mattresses, and other equipment utilized in the hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). Talk to your doctor about any environmental adjustments -- such as turning up the thermostat or adding a humidifier -- you should make at home once you are discharged. Take pain medications. While third degree burns are sometimes painless at first due to nerve damage, you will likely experience significant pain eventually. The medical team will develop a pain management regimen suited to the specifics of your condition. You may need to be on pain medications long-term. Expect skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Tissue that is destroyed by a third degree burn will not recover, meaning that your wound may need to be covered by a skin graft β healthy tissue harvested from elsewhere on your body. The donor site will look like a scraped knee afterward, and will require fairly simple aftercare. Depending on the nature of your burn, several rounds of skin graft procedures may be necessary. You might also need to undergo one or several rounds of cosmetic reconstructive surgery. Don't be put off by the term βcosmeticβ β this type of surgery can aid in your physical and emotional healing processes. Ask about using virtual reality glasses during dressing changes. Wearing virtual reality glasses can help ease a burn patient's anxiety as their dressings are changed. If your hospital offers this, you'll wear glasses that put you in βSnow World,β where you'll get to throw snowballs and enjoy a wintry, arctic world. This will help distract and relax you as your dressings are being changed. Follow your recommended pain management plan. The combination of burn damage, skin grafting, and/or surgery can leave you in a great deal of pain. Depending on the nature of your wound, you may be prescribed topical, oral, or injectable pain medications. Powerful pain medications can also lead to dependency β such as opioid addiction β so follow your dosing plan to the letter and report any problems to your doctor. Signs of addiction to pain medications can include changes in sleep patterns and daily habits; drowsiness or lethargy; reduced concern for basic hygiene; personality changes; weight loss and reduced appetite; and persistent flu-like symptoms. Apply hydrocolloid or hydrogel dressings as prescribed. Both of these dressings help hydrate and protect burn wounds, and are frequently prescribed for a wide range of burn injuries. If your doctor prescribes one of them as part of your wound care regimen, make sure you fully understand how to apply and change them. Hydrocolloid dressings are simple, one-piece, sticky patches that provide a water-resistant barrier and a gel coating for the wound. Each patch can last for 3-5 days. These are more common for mild or moderate burns. Hydrogel dressings contain a hydrating polymer that must be wrapped loosely with a gauze bandage to remain in place. A single dressing can last for up to 4 days. They are more commonly prescribed for blistering wounds. Eat a high protein diet and increase nutrient intake. It takes a lot of energy for your body to heal itself, so you need to provide it with additional healthy fuel while you recover. Protein is a great fuel for healing, so increase your intake of lean meats, nuts, beans, yogurt, eggs, tofu, and soy products. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and zinc can also help with wound healing. Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables β especially citrus for vitamin C and dark leafy greens for vitamin A β and add seafood, fortified grains, and red meats for zinc. Your doctor may also recommend a multivitamin or similar nutritional supplement. Consult a registered dietician for help in crafting the best wound healing diet for you. Seek therapy for your physical and emotional needs. As you heal from your burn, you may find that your mobility and coordination are impaired by tissue damage, nerve damage, scar tissue, and chronic pain. Regular sessions of physical therapy can help improve your quality of life as you recover. A burn to your palm, for instance, can cause permanent damage that requires extensive physical therapy and training to use your hand again. Also, even as your physical scars slowly begin to fade, the emotional scars of a traumatic burn injury can last for a long time. You may benefit from psychological therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional, or perhaps by joining a support group for burn victims. | Call emergency services right away. Move the burn victim to safety when possible. Lightly cover the wound and do nothing else to it. Manage signs of shock until help arrives. Get critical care for any life-threatening conditions. Undergo cleaning and debriding of the wound. Receive intravenous (IV) fluids. Expect to receive ECMO treatment. Recover in a warm, humid environment. Take pain medications. Expect skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Ask about using virtual reality glasses during dressing changes. Follow your recommended pain management plan. Apply hydrocolloid or hydrogel dressings as prescribed. Eat a high protein diet and increase nutrient intake. Seek therapy for your physical and emotional needs. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sublet-an-Apartment | How to Sublet an Apartment | Before you sublet your apartment, check with your landlord to make sure it's allowed. If it is, start advertising for a tenant by placing ads in newspapers and on popular social media sites. Once you have a prospective subletter, ask for references and run a credit check to make sure they'll be a responsible tenant. If everything looks good, collect a security deposit in case anything gets damaged, decide how rent and bills will be paid, and draw up a contract that lays out the terms and conditions in detail. | Discuss your interest in subletting with your landlord. Depending upon the laws where you live, your landlord can almost certainly veto your chosen subtenant (with reasonable cause). He/she may also be able to make additional restrictions or perhaps deny your request altogether. Your best bet for making it an agreeable process for all is to inform and even involve your landlord from the start. Explain why you want to sublet, for how long, and what you will look for in a sublessee. You may even want to consult your landlord for advice on picking a good tenant, or ask if he/she knows of any good prospects. If your landlord is not on board with the idea, be prepared by brushing up on your tenant rights in your jurisdiction. Take the process of selecting a subtenant seriously. You may be itching to get things taken care of so you can head out knowing you won't be paying full rent for an empty apartment. But this is a situation where it pays to do things right, and could easily cost you a good deal if you don't. Think of yourself as a landlord (or βsublandlordβ). Your money is on the line based upon the person you choose to occupy the apartment, so do your due diligence in the selection process. Advertise your sublease. Unless you have a subtenant lined up ahead of time, you'll need to spread the word. Choosing the right channels can help ensure that you find the right candidate. Placing ads in the local newspaper may seem old-fashioned but can still be a viable option, especially when combined with a presence on the paper's website. Popular social media, peer-to-peer transaction, and sublease-specific sites can be effective avenues, especially when seeking a younger clientele. Refer to this linked wikiHow article for some location-specific yet generally-useful tips. In college towns, the school's housing office may be able to provide information and assistance. Putting up fliers in strategic spots around campus can still work as well. Involve any roommates in the process. As long as you're on the lease, a roommate cannot really prevent you from subletting your share of the apartment, but he or she can sure make it a miserable and possibly costly process. If you don't want to go as far as letting them approve of the sublet or the candidate, at least make them feel heard and involved in the process. They may have good leads on prospective candidates as well, so ask. Vet your prospective subletters carefully. Don't be over-anxious and blindly accept the first person who shows interest. Think about the apartment as your place, which it is to a certain limited extent, and consider whether this is the type of person you want to live in your place. Your landlord likely required some combination of a credit check, questionnaire on your finances, references, and perhaps even a full background check. It may seem like overkill to take these steps for a sublet, but they certainly can help weed out problematic prospects. Even if the potential sublessee is an acquaintance, risk a bit of awkwardness and request important background information as you would a stranger. Akin to borrowing money from friends or family , keeping the process at a βstrictly businessβ level will probably pay off. If you want to have a full background check done, you should probably offer to pay for it. You might want to ask your landlord for advice on the process as well, as he/she likely has ample experience. Conduct an interview and walk-through. Reading reports and questionnaires is no substitute for meeting someone in person and judging his/her suitability as a sublessee. Doing so in combination with a walk-through of the apartment is a sensible way to make sure that tenant, subtenant, and apartment are all a good fit. You can keep the interview more informal if desired, but still find ways to ask questions like: Why are you seeking a temporary living space? What kind of job do you have, and how much income do you take in? Do you have a significant other, kids, or pets that would be in the apartment regularly? Do you like to host parties or other gatherings? During the walk-through, be specific on the condition of the apartment, and especially possible problem areas. As a lessee, you will be ultimately responsible for damage done by your sublessee, so take pictures and be clear that you expect the apartment to remain in the same condition as you will leave it. Determine your subleasing rights. Depending upon where you live, details such as your landlord's ability to veto a sublet and the amount you are permitted to charge can vary. Consult the legal particulars in your jurisdiction before moving forward. Generally speaking, in the U.S. your landlord cannot deny you the ability to sublet, but can reject a sublessee for reasonable cause. For instance, joblessness would be a reasonable criteria, while skin color would be unreasonable. Regardless of where you live, it is safe to assume that you will need your landlord's written consent in order to legally sublet your apartment. Skipping this step may put you at risk for eviction. Please note: the steps in this section build off of How to Write a Sublease Contract , which is highly recommended for both legal and practical advice. Consider a security deposit. Your landlord almost certainly had you provide one when you signed the lease for the apartment, in order to cover the cost of any damage or unpaid rent you might leave behind. Think about doing the same as a βsublandlord.β Remember that, as the lessee, you will be ultimately responsible for damages or unpaid rent by your sublessee, so requiring a security deposit provides you with some insurance. Your ability to collect a security deposit from a sublessee can vary depending upon where you live, as can the amount you can require and whether you or the landlord can hold the money. Again, it is wise to consult the laws for renters in your jurisdiction. Figure out how rent and other bills will be paid. Ideally, you will be able to find someone who will pay you the same amount you pay in rent. (Be warned that charging a subletter more than the rent you pay is usually illegal, depending on where you live.) In reality, you can probably hope for 75%-80% of what you pay if the apartment is unfurnished, a bit more if furnished. The monthly rent to be paid is a negotiation between you and the sublessee, just as the rent you pay was a negotiation between you and the landlord. You will have to decide whether you want the subtenant to pay you directly while you continue to pay the full monthly rent to the landlord, or have the subtenant pay the landlord directly while you cover any remaining amount (if the subtenant is paying below 100%). Remember that you are ultimately responsible for unpaid rents to the landlord, so consider your options carefully. Don't forget about utilities as well. For a short-term sublease, you probably won't go through the trouble of switching over the utilities to the subtenant's name, so the responsibility for paying utilities (if not included in your rent) will remain yours. You can and should factor in your payment of these charges when you determine how much the subtenant pays in rent each month. Be clear on acceptable behavior. If you are not allowed to smoke or have a dog in the apartment, then your sublessee must abide by those same rules or you will be in violation of your lease. You can add more restrictions than are in your own lease agreement (for instance, prohibiting a dog even though you can have one), but you cannot negate those that are in it. Here, as elsewhere, you want to be sure to put the specifics in writing, in a legally-binding contract. See the next section for more on that part of the process. Write a sublease agreement that is legally binding in your jurisdiction. You can find a template for a lease agreement valid in each U.S. state online. Use the general template described in this section as a guide only. To be safe, you may want to have an attorney look over your contract before signing. This will cost some money, but will be cheaper than having an attorney draw up the document (and much cheaper than getting tied up in a legal mess due to a faulty contract). For more detailed information, see How to Write a Sublease Contract. Lay out the terms and conditions in detail. Bring out your inner lawyer when drawing up the sublease agreement. Don't leave any details βassumedβ or βunstated.β Put them in writing in the document. Explicitly detail how much the sublessee will pay each month; where the payment should go; when the payment is due; any penalties for late payments; your payment responsibilities (if the subtenant is not paying 100% of the rent); any security deposit due and terms for recovery; and other such particulars. Refer to the template below for further information. Have everyone sign and date the sublease agreement. You are creating a legally binding contract among three parties: yourself, your landlord, and your subtenant. To prevent problems in the future, make sure that each party clearly understands the contract before signing. If you are not personally delivering the contract to your landlord to sign, you may want to send it via certified mail with a return receipt, which proves delivery has been made. | Discuss your interest in subletting with your landlord. Take the process of selecting a subtenant seriously. Advertise your sublease. Involve any roommates in the process. Vet your prospective subletters carefully. Conduct an interview and walk-through. Determine your subleasing rights. Consider a security deposit. Figure out how rent and other bills will be paid. Be clear on acceptable behavior. Write a sublease agreement that is legally binding in your jurisdiction. Lay out the terms and conditions in detail. Have everyone sign and date the sublease agreement. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Geologist | How to Become a Geologist | If you want to become a geologist, start by working hard in your high school math and science classes, particularly chemistry and physics, since these are the foundations of geology. Geologists use computer skills and global information systems to understand the earth, so you should also see if you can take a class in computer science or GIS at your school or local community college. Along with your studies, consider joining a related after-school club like a geology or environmental science club. When you're ready to go to college, find one that has a geology or earth science program so you can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in a geology-related major. Since it's hard to beat real-life experience, look for an internship or field research position where you can get a feel for geology in action. | Focus on doing well in math and science classes in high school. Geology, and indeed all areas of scientific study, require a deep understanding of basic mathematics and fundamental scientific principles. Chemistry and physics are especially necessary on the science end, and it's important to do well in calculus on the math end. Take AP courses, if your school offers them, to get college credit and skip some of the introductory classes in the field. Take courses in environmental science or earth science, if your school offers them. Many schools offer classes in environmental science or earth science in addition to the regular trio of biology, chemistry, and physics. Fit these into your schedule as best as you can to develop some basic knowledge in these fields. Environmental science is helpful as it teaches how humans affect the environment, how climate affects the earth, and the natural processes of the planet. Earth science is helpful as it teaches about the geological processes of the planet, including everything from volcanoes to tectonic plates to earth's geological cycle. Gain foundational knowledge in computer science and GIS. More so than just a few decades ago, geologists are coming to rely on computer skills and GIS (global information systems) to navigate and understand the earth. Develop a strong sense of scientific analysis, use of GIS programs, and basic coding while in school to make your resume stand out to universities and potential employers. If your school doesn't offer classes in computer science and GIS, consider taking a summer course at your local community college between high school and university. Join an after-school club such as a geology club or climate science club. Young people are becoming much more conscious of their effect on the planet, and you can learn more about the natural world and humanity's effect on it through clubs and high school organizations. It is a fantastic way to start understanding what scientific research and working together to reach a goal is all about. If your school doesn't have an environmental science club or a club relating to geology, think about joining a local volunteer group, or inquire about volunteering at a local museum. They are always looking for new, curious people to bring under their wing, and you will get a head start on creating connections with geologists. Find a school that has a program specifically for the study of geology. Research a handful of schools both in your state and in other states and look specifically for their programs in earth science and geology, and choose one that seems to put a lot of focus and dedication into that course of study. It is usually recommended to go to a school in your state, as tuition costs will be much cheaper, but you should strongly consider schools in other states if they seem to have a better focus on geology. Work towards a Bachelor of Science degree in a geology-related major. Almost every university offers mathematics and physical science, but be sure to see if there is a geology-specific major you can take on. Declare your major, and choose a minor that relates to what you want to do in the field of geology. For example, if you want to be in geology academia, take a minor in education. If you are interested in working for a large GIS company, take a minor in computer science. If you are interested in becoming a strict scientific researcher, take a minor in physical science or chemistry. Take an internship in a lab or take a field research position. Talk to the science department at your school to see if there are any openings, and keep in close contact with your professors so they turn to you if they need some extra help in the lab. Your school may have an online job board or a career advisory center, so be sure to check for geology and scientific entry-level positions. While doing well in your classes and getting good grades are part of what gets you a job, the best way to learn is to do. You can learn plenty from books, but you must apply your knowledge in a internship or lab position to get a feel for the career. Consider going to graduate school if you are interested in academia. Most entry-level geology jobs only require a bachelor's degree, but if you want to teach others at the university level or want to make yourself stand out from others, attain a master's degree at in a respected program to boost your credentials as a geologist. A master's degree will open up doors beyond simple lab work, but a PhD will show others that you are an expert in your field. You will be much more likely to be considered for university-level education positions if you have a doctorate in geology. Join a geology organization in your area to network and meet professionals. AGI, the American Geosciences Institute, has a variety of local geologist societies all run under the national organization. AIPG, the American Institute of Professional Geologists, focuses on public service. Both organizations have requirements for entry, including some form of experience in the field as well as a bachelor's degree in a geology-related major. A professional organization can boost your resume and will give you the opportunity to network with other geologists, which can lead to better job prospects and career opportunities. Make your resume and cover letter boast your education, experience, and skills. With many careers, your resume and cover letter can be soft and have a particular focus on you as a person rather than your technical ability. In geology and science careers, your resume and cover letter should exhibit your extensive education, including specific classes you took, your experience in internships and other scientific pursuits, and your strongest skills in geoscience research. Your cover letter can talk a little bit about you as a person, but don't focus on it too much more than a single paragraph. Your cover letter should detail significant experiences you have had, and describe your interest in geology and in the specific position you are looking for. Be ready to talk about your ability to analyse, your ability to work in a team, and your experience with advanced scientific principles as they relate to geology in your interview. Look for jobs in geology education at universities, high schools, and museums. Universities will offer courses in earth science, geology, or related fields. A museum could be looking for a geologist to catalogue items and do field research. A high school may need a geologist to teach environmental science, biology, chemistry, or physics. Whichever you choose, having a master's degree or PhD in geology will boost your credentials significantly, especially for museum and university positions. Search for positions with large mining, energy, or GIS companies. A mining company may need a geologist to identify and supervise mining sites. An energy company may need somebody with significant scientific and computer skills to find new sources of energy. A GIS company needs geologists to accurately map out resources and geography in an area. You may not need a master's degree to work with a company, but it can help to skip past entry-level positions. If you have a bachelor's degree, working at a large company could give you the opportunity to get your feet wet and begin getting some basic experience in the field. Use your college connections to start a scientific research career. If working for a company, teaching others, or working for a museum doesn't sound good to you, you can always do strict scientific research in one of the many privately-run or university-run labs in the world. It may not pay as much as some other positions, but your work will be entirely focused on research and learning new things about the world. Whether you have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a PhD, use your professors and internship connections to find a position suited to your education level. The best way to find strict research positions is by maintaining contact with your old professors and your university to learn about research openings before they become public. Become licensed to practice geology, if your state requires it. More than half of the U.S. states require scientists to become licensed to practice geology. You will need to have at least a bachelor's degree, gain more than 3 years of experience in a job, and you will need to pass an entrance exam. Check the National Association of State Boards of Geology to see if you need to become licensed to be a geologist in your state. If you have a master's degree or a PhD, it is significantly easier to become licensed and you may not need to have experience in the field, as your intensive studies serve as an alternative form of experience. | Focus on doing well in math and science classes in high school. Take courses in environmental science or earth science, if your school offers them. Gain foundational knowledge in computer science and GIS. Join an after-school club such as a geology club or climate science club. Find a school that has a program specifically for the study of geology. Work towards a Bachelor of Science degree in a geology-related major. Take an internship in a lab or take a field research position. Consider going to graduate school if you are interested in academia. Join a geology organization in your area to network and meet professionals. Make your resume and cover letter boast your education, experience, and skills. Look for jobs in geology education at universities, high schools, and museums. Search for positions with large mining, energy, or GIS companies. Use your college connections to start a scientific research career. Become licensed to practice geology, if your state requires it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Salute-(UK-Armed-Forces) | How to Salute (UK Armed Forces) | To salute the UK Royal Air Force or Army, you'll want to raise your right hand to your right temple with your palm facing forward and your fingers together. This is used to greet your superiors and show your respect. To salute superiors in the Navy, raise your right hand to your right temple, but keep your palm facing down. Make sure your elbow is in line with your hand. Like the Royal Air Force and Army, the Navy salute is used to demonstrate respect for your superiors. | Understand the salute is done on the behalf of the Queen. When an officer salutes another officer in the UK Armed Forces, he is in effect saluting Her Majesty the Queen. So, if a subordinate airman salutes an officer, the officer will return the salute on behalf of the Queen. Salute with your right hand and an open palm. Officers in the Royal Air Force and the Army both salute the same way. When RAF and Army personnel do a hand salute, they display an open hand. They position their right hand so their fingertips almost touch the band of their hat. The RAF and the Army do not wear white gloves as part of their uniform, so they will salute with their palm facing forward. Acknowledge your superiors with a salute. Taking the word βsaluteβ literally, it is a way of offering a salutation or a greeting. In the military, you must show respect by saluting your superiors, and your superiors must reciprocate by saluting you. If you are not sure who is your superior officer based on your rank, you can use this chart here to determine who you should be saluting in the RAF and the Army. In the RAF, a Corporal will always salute an Air Marshal, for example, and in the Army a Private will always salute a Major. Understand the origins of the Navy salute. In the 1800s, naval officers would salute by raising their cap or by touching the brim of their cap with their index finger and thumb. This became the standard Navy salute, done with the right hand. The salute was done with the hand at a diagonal to prevent exposing the palm, as naval officers did not want to show their tar-stained hands to their superiors. In the Navy, officers can salute with their left hand if their right hand is engaged or occupied. Salute with your right hand and your palm facing down, towards your shoulder. Make sure your forearm and hand stay in a straight line. Tilt your hand so your palm does not show as you salute. Keep your hand to the side of your face, just below your cap. Acknowledge your superiors with a salute. The word βsaluteβ means to offer a salutation or a greeting. In the military, you must show respect by saluting your superiors, and your superiors must reciprocate by saluting you. If you are not sure who is your superior officer based on your rank, you can use this chart here to determine who you should be saluting in the Navy. For example, in the Navy, a Petty Officer will always salute a Lieutenant. | Understand the salute is done on the behalf of the Queen. Salute with your right hand and an open palm. Acknowledge your superiors with a salute. Understand the origins of the Navy salute. Salute with your right hand and your palm facing down, towards your shoulder. Acknowledge your superiors with a salute. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-More-Physically-Attractive-(Men) | How to Be More Physically Attractive (Men) | If you're a man who wants to be more physically attractive, making a few lifestyle changes can go a long way! Aim to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night for smoother, more evenly toned skin. Washing your face daily and using a moisturizer that works for your skin type will also help your skin look clear and cared for. For troublesome acne, include more fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid processed and sugary foods, which can lead to break-outs. Another way to appear more attractive is to have good posture, so put your shoulders back and hold your head high. You can also naturally boost your confidence and attractiveness by doing cardio and strength training on a regular basis. | Sleep more. If you don't get enough sleep, or your sleep is interrupted through the night, you'll end up having more wrinkles on your forehead, and your eyes and cheeks will be redder if you're fair-skinned. Try to go to bed earlier if you aren't getting enough sleep at night. If your sleep is interrupted by a medical condition like sleep apnea or you have insomnia, talk to your doctor about treatments that can help you get a good night's rest. Adults between the ages of 18-64 require seven to nine hours of sleep per night, while teenagers require eight to ten hours of sleep. Get a haircut. If you feel like you're stuck and can't change your look, consider getting a new haircut. If you've had the same style forever, you may be surprised at how much it can change your look. Your hair helps frame your face, so think about your facial features and how to best compliment them. For example, if you have a thick jaw, it may be a good idea to grow your hair out on the sides to balance your face. Experiment with different haircuts and ask your friends what looks best. Ask a stylist for suggestions. You can say, "I'm going for a suave and sophisticated look. Do you have any ideas?" If you like a haircut of an actor or musician, bring in a picture of him and see if the stylist can replicate it. Consider growing a beard. Growing a beard may make you more attractive. It all depends on the existing symmetry and construction of your face, and your ability to grow facial hair. The most attractive facial hair is "heavy stubble" or a beard that hasn't been shaved in about ten days. If your beard grows out in patches, consider staying cleanly shaven or try to grow a goatee. Growing a beard can make your chin look broader. Keep your skin clear. Clear skin indicates that someone is healthy and happy, while acne-prone skin can be a turnoff for some people. Wash your face daily and try to find moisturizers and face scrubs that work with your skin. If you are having problems with keeping your skin clear, consider changing your diet so it includes more fruits and vegetables and make an appointment to see a dermatologist who can diagnose and treat your acne or any skin rashes. Olive oil, tomatoes, and dark chocolate have been shown to promote clear skin. Consuming an excess of unhealthy and sugary foods can lead to bad skin. Dress to feel confident. When you wear nice clothes, you feel good. Feeling confident and comfortable will make you appear more physically attractive to other people. Try to dress nicer than those around you. Make sure that your clothes are well fitted and not too baggy or tight. If you have no fashion sense, or you're not sure what to wear, ask a friend or a sales associate for advice. Keep your clothes clean, pressed, and neat. For the most part, this will make you appear more attractive. It's more important to wear well-fitting clothes than it is to wear expensive clothes. Always make sure your clothes fit you well. If they don't, consider finding a tailor. Wear red and black colored clothes. Red and black are the most attractive colors that men can wear. Wearing these colors has a biological significance that makes you subconsciously more attractive to other people. Black and red demonstrate dominance, attractiveness, and aggressiveness in men, and could enhance your look. Your style of dress still matters regardless of the color. If you look offputting or antisocial, the general public probably won't find you attractive. Be yourself. While following these steps will help you appear more attractive to the general public, being yourself also plays a key role in how other people perceive you. Dressing in an outfit that feels forced or unnatural will hurt your outward confidence. Being yourself will enhance your attractiveness to others. Just because other people don't like a certain style of dress doesn't mean that you shouldn't. Try to inject your personal style into your clothing. For example, if you're known to be more energetic, try wearing bright colors to represent your light personality. Maintain good posture. Keep good posture by putting your shoulders back and holding your head high. Slouching over or having bad posture shows a lack of confidence and will make you appear less attractive to others. Practice maintaining good posture throughout your day by being aware of how your back is curved while you sit or stand. When you notice yourself slouching over, correct your posture. If you are prone to slouching over, it may take some time to change the behavior. Work out regularly. Lean muscle is perceived to be the most attractive body types for men. Try to maintain a fat to muscle ratio of 16% fat and 80% muscle to appear more attractive. A personal trainer of physician will be able to calculate your fat to muscle ratio.. Stay within the moderate rep range, or 10-12 reps, with a weight that remains challenging. Hit the gym or do exercises at home to achieve a leaner, more muscular body. Do cardio exercises, like running, along with weightlifting exercises like the bench press, leg press, squats, and curls. You can also join a sports team or take up an active hobby to help work out your body. Exercises that will help build lean muscle include rock climbing and swimming. People's tastes all differ, and some will not like the lean muscle. Work out to feel more confident in your skin and aim to be a healthier person. Some guys won't be able to attain a lean or muscular body, but it's okay. As long as you are working towards your goal, your chances of being perceived as being more attractive go up. Get a tan if you have naturally pale skin. Being tan is considered to be attractive by most people's contemporary standard of beauty. To get a tan, you can lay out under the sun, go to a tanning salon, or get a topical spray-on tan. The sun isn't the only way to tan. Eating certain vegetables will give you what's known as a Carotenoid tan, which when paired with a melanin tan, or natural tan, will make you appear more attractive. To get a Carotenoid tan, make sure you're regularly eating fruits and vegetables like sweet potatoes, tomato juice, carrots, red peppers, cantaloupe, and melon. Tanning under UV light has been linked to cancer. The tan you get from Carotenoids is sometimes referred to as a "glow." Other than making you more attractive, most Carotenoids are also healthy for you. Maintain good hygiene. Maintaining your personal hygiene is an important factor when talking about your physical attractiveness. If you smell bad or look dirty, others will perceive it as negative. Things like a bad odor or unkempt clothing will often turn people off. Remember to use underarm deodorant and shower or bathe every day. Brush your teeth so your breath smells good. Having good personal hygiene can also prevent harmful health conditions like head lice, athlete's foot, and infections. | Sleep more. Get a haircut. Consider growing a beard. Keep your skin clear. Dress to feel confident. Wear red and black colored clothes. Be yourself. Maintain good posture. Work out regularly. Get a tan if you have naturally pale skin. Maintain good hygiene. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-Doll-Hair-Without-Fabric-Softener | How to Fix Doll Hair Without Fabric Softener | You can easily fix your doll's hair using regular shampoo and conditionerβno fabric softener needed! First, brush your doll's hair to remove any tangles. Then, wash your doll's hair with shampoo and warm water. Rinse out all of the shampoo, then apply conditioner. Rinse out the conditioner and pat your doll's hair dry with a towel. Finally, brush your doll's hair and let it air dry. When you're finished, your doll's hair will be clean, smooth, and shiny! | Brush your doll's hair with a wire brush to remove small tangles. To make washing the hair easier, take a wire doll brush and run it through the hair starting at the ends. Work the brush up through the hair towards the doll's scalp. If you're fixing the hair on a large doll instead of a small fashion doll, brush through 1 segment of the hair at a time since you'll have more hair to work through. Rinse the hair with warm water. Don't use hot or boiling water because it can damage the doll's hair. Instead, hold the doll's head under the sink and let warm water soak through the hair. If you don't want the doll's outfit to get wet, take its clothes off or wrap the doll's body in a towel before rinsing the hair. Massage shampoo or liquid soap through the hair. Squirt shampoo or soap onto the palm of your hand and rub your hands together. If you're fixing a small fashion doll, use a few drops. For a large doll, use a dime-sized amount of product. Then, rub your hands through the doll's hair, starting at the ends. Work the shampoo up through the hair, but don't massage the scalp if you're fixing a large doll. If your doll's hair isn't very dirty or you just want to give it a light wash, spritz antibacterial spray into the hair instead of shampooing it. The shampoo removes dirt and oil that's accumulated in the doll's hair. It also makes your doll's hair smell great! Rinse out the shampoo with warm water. Hold the doll under the sink and run warm water over the hair. Rub the hair with your fingers to help the water rinse away the shampoo. Keep rinsing until you don't see soap suds. Remember to not use hot water or you could damage the hair. Rub conditioner through the wet hair. To make your doll's hair smooth and cut back on frizz, squeeze a few drops of conditioner onto your palm. You can use double this amount if you're fixing a large doll. Rub your hands together and massage the conditioner through all of the doll's hair so the strands are coated. If you don't feel like deep-conditioning your doll's hair, spray a leave-in conditioner instead. Rinse out the conditioner with warm water. Hold the doll's hair under warm running water and massage the hair to rinse out all of the conditioner. The hair should feel soft once you've finished conditioning it. If it feels slippery, keep rinsing. It's important to get all of the conditioner out of the hair or your doll's hair will be dull and more likely to clump together. If you used a leave-in conditioning spray, skip this step. Pat the hair dry with a clean towel. Take a soft towel and gently wrap it around the doll's hair. Squeeze the towel so it absorbs most of the water from the doll's hair. Don't pull as you squeeze or you'll make the hair frizzy. Brush the hair with a wire brush or metal toothed comb to straighten it. Take the brush or comb and start combing at the ends of the hair. Work up towards the scalp to straighten the hair and remove tangles. You can also use your fingernails to tease apart large tangles. Let the hair air dry completely. The amount of time it takes for the hair to dry depends on how big your doll is. A small fashion doll should dry within a few hours, while a large doll will take up to a full day to dry. Divide the wet hair into vertical sections. If you're curling a fashion doll's hair, divide the hair into 5 or 6 vertical segments. If you're working with a large doll, separate the hair into as many segments as you like. Keep in mind that the more segments you make, the more curls your doll will have. Wrap each section of hair around a perm rod or hair curler. Hold the end of 1 hair segment and twist it around the smallest perm rod or hair curler you have. Work the rod or curler up towards the scalp as you wrap the hair and secure it in place with a bobby pin. If you can't find small curlers or rods, wrap the hair around a straw and stick a hairpin through it to keep the hair from unrolling. Some hair curlers or perm rods don't need to be clamped closed, so follow the manufacturer's directions for the product you're using. Spray each wrapped section with hairspray. To help the curls hold and give a little bounce to the hair, spritz the wrapped hair with inexpensive hair spray. Don't spray more than a second of hairspray or you may coat the hair with too much product. You can skip this step if you want soft, loose curls. Let the hair air dry for 1 to 2 days before you remove the curlers. Set the doll aside for a few days so the hair dries completely. If you take the curlers out before the hair dries, it won't hold its curly shape. | Brush your doll's hair with a wire brush to remove small tangles. Rinse the hair with warm water. Massage shampoo or liquid soap through the hair. Rinse out the shampoo with warm water. Rub conditioner through the wet hair. Rinse out the conditioner with warm water. Pat the hair dry with a clean towel. Brush the hair with a wire brush or metal toothed comb to straighten it. Let the hair air dry completely. Divide the wet hair into vertical sections. Wrap each section of hair around a perm rod or hair curler. Spray each wrapped section with hairspray. Let the hair air dry for 1 to 2 days before you remove the curlers. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Chocolate | How to Make Chocolate | To make chocolate, first melt Β½ cup (110 g) of coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat. Then, add Β½ cup (65 g) of cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons (42 g) of honey to the saucepan and mix everything together for 2 minutes. Next, turn the heat off and mix in Β½ teaspoon (2 g) of vanilla extract. Add a pinch of cinnamon, cardamom, or salt if you'd like to give your chocolate some spice. Then, stir everything together for 1 more minute. Finally, pour the chocolate into muffin-tin liners or silicone molds and store it in the refrigerator until it turns solid. | Measure out your ingredients. For this recipe, you'll need 1 cup (100 g) of cocoa powder, β 2 cup (120Β mL) of coconut oil, 4 tablespoons (59Β mL) of honey, and β 2 tablespoon (7.4Β mL) of vanilla extract. Use a series of measuring cups to portion out each ingredient in a small cup or bowl. Measuring your ingredients in advance will make the cooking process more efficient once it comes time to put it all together. If you like, you can also add ΒΌ cup (25 g) of confectioner's sugar, β 4 cup (59Β mL) of agave syrup, or 3-6 drops of liquid stevia to lend a little more sweetness to your chocolate. Melt 1β2 cup (120Β mL) of coconut oil in a small pot over low heat. Turn on your cooktop to the lowest heat setting and add the coconut oil to the pot. Allow it to melt completely. Coconut oil has a low melting point, so this should only take a few seconds. Keeping the coconut oil moving continuously at the bottom of the pot will help it liquefy faster. Add 4 tbsp (59 mL) of honey and Β½ tbsp (7.4 mL) of vanilla extract. Use a whisk or metal spoon to scrape the sticky honey into the pot. Then, drizzle in the vanilla. Stir the ingredients into the melted oil until they dissolve and form a thin, syrupy mixture. Be sure to keep your cooktop on a low heat setting. If the oil gets too hot, it could scorch the sugars in the honey and spoil the flavor of the finished chocolate. If you wish to add any other sweeteners, such as confectioner's sugar or stevia, do it at the same time that you add the honey and vanilla. Sift in 1 cup (100 g) of cocoa powder gradually. Rather than dumping all of the cocoa powder in at once, add it a little at a time. As you do, keep your whisk or spoon moving to help distribute the cocoa powder evenly throughout the mixture. You'll have an easier time mixing the cocoa into your other ingredients with a whisk than you would with a spoon or spatula. Take the chocolate off of the heat and continue stirring it as it thickens. You'll know your chocolate is done when the chocolate takes on a smooth, dark color and the surface becomes slightly glossy. At this point, it just needs to be left to harden. Removing the pot from the hot cooktop will prevent the chocolate from burning. Transfer the warm chocolate to a nonstick surface to cool. Carefully pour the chocolate out of the pot and onto a flexible nonstick baking mat or cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate about β 2 inch (1.3Β cm) thick. You can also pour your chocolate into a decorative candy mold to create bite-sized treats with fun shapes. Avoid adding your chocolate to any nonstick type of container, or those treated with a commercial cooking spray. This usually won't be enough to keep it from sticking. Refrigerate your chocolate for 1 hour before enjoying it. Once it's fully set, it will be firm enough to break into pieces or remove from the mold. Enjoy! Store your finished chocolate in the refrigerator, or simply keep it in a covered container on your countertop for easy access. Most types of dark chocolate have a shelf life of about 2 years. If your chocolate begins to melt or soften at room temperature, you can place it back in the refrigerator at any point to harden it back up. Create a makeshift double boiler using a pot of water and a mixing bowl. Fill the pot about halfway up and place it on the cooktop over medium heat. Then, set a small mixing bowl over the opening of the pot. The water will heat the bowl from underneath, allowing you to combine the various ingredients for your chocolate without burning them. You want the water to be nice and hot, but not boiling. If the temperature is too high, it could easily scorch your chocolate as it cooks. A proper double boiler can help you get the job done with fewer pieces of cookware. Melt ΒΎ cup (140 g) of cocoa butter in the heated mixing bowl. Keep the cocoa butter moving continuously at the bottom of the bowl to encourage it to melt faster. Cocoa butter melts at about the same speed as ordinary butter, and has a similar look in its liquid form. You should be able to find cocoa butter in the baking aisle at any health food store, as well as some major supermarkets. If you're unable to track down high-quality cocoa butter, you can use an equal amount of coconut oil as a substitute. Sift ΒΎ cup (80 g) of cocoa powder into the melted cocoa butter. Add the cocoa powder little by little to reduce clumping. Use a whisk or metal spoon to stir the two ingredients together until the cocoa powder dissolves completely. Make sure there are no lumps or dry pockets within the mixture. Shake in ΒΌ cup of milk powder and 1 cup (100 g) of confectionerβs sugar. Give the mixture another thorough stir to make sure the last of your dry ingredients are fully incorporated. You should notice the chocolate beginning to take on a lighter, more delicate color after adding the milk powder. Use an equal amount of soy milk powder, almond milk powder, or rice milk powder if you're trying to stay dairy-free. You can also substitute 1 cup (240Β mL) of agave syrup or 1β2 teaspoons (4.9β9.9Β mL) of liquid stevia for confectioner's sugar to sweeten your chocolate more nutritiously. Regular milk is too wet to use for making chocolateβexcess moisture has a tendency to leave chocolate with a runny texture, making it impossible for it to set properly. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir the chocolate until it thickens. Fold the chocolate over on itself repeatedly from the bottom of the bowl. When you're finished, it should be smooth, creamy, and free of lumps. Your chocolate will still be somewhat thin at this point. Don't worryβit will continue to thicken as it sets up. To turn up the flavor even more, consider mixing in other items like nuts, mint, or dried fruit. Pour the chocolate onto a nonstick surface or into a candy mold. If you want your chocolate to harden into a single large sheet, spread it out over a nonstick baking mat or sheet of parchment paper to a thickness of about β 2 inch (1.3Β cm) edge-to-edge. To make individual treats, transfer the warm chocolate to a decorative mold. You can also use a well-greased ice cube tray if you don't have any candy molds available. Tap the bottom of your mold a few times to get rid of any bubbles that might have formed while you were pouring the chocolate. Let your chocolate harden in the refrigerator for 1 hour. After your chocolate has had plenty of time to set up, break it into pieces or pop individual chocolates out of their molds and have a nibble. Store your homemade milk chocolate in a covered container on your countertop, or inside a pantry or another cool, dry place. It should keep for about 1 year (thought it will be a miracle if it actually lasts that long!) | Measure out your ingredients. Melt 1β2 cup (120Β mL) of coconut oil in a small pot over low heat. Add 4 tbsp (59 mL) of honey and Β½ tbsp (7.4 mL) of vanilla extract. Sift in 1 cup (100 g) of cocoa powder gradually. Take the chocolate off of the heat and continue stirring it as it thickens. Transfer the warm chocolate to a nonstick surface to cool. Refrigerate your chocolate for 1 hour before enjoying it. Create a makeshift double boiler using a pot of water and a mixing bowl. Melt ΒΎ cup (140 g) of cocoa butter in the heated mixing bowl. Sift ΒΎ cup (80 g) of cocoa powder into the melted cocoa butter. Shake in ΒΌ cup of milk powder and 1 cup (100 g) of confectionerβs sugar. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir the chocolate until it thickens. Pour the chocolate onto a nonstick surface or into a candy mold. Let your chocolate harden in the refrigerator for 1 hour. |
https://www.wikihow.pet/Resist-a-Begging-Dog | How to Resist a Begging Dog | To resist your begging dog, avoid petting it or looking at it during meals so you aren't tempted to feed it. It's also helpful to teach your dog some basic commands like βsitβ and βstayβ so you can have it sit at a distance from the table. Additionally, try feeding your dog its own food during dinner, which will make it feel included and less likely to beg. If you're still tempted by your dog's begging, just think about how too many scraps can actually negatively affect its health, so by resisting you're keeping your dog happier and healthier. | Look away from those begging eyes. Giving your dog any attention when it's begging only encourages it to beg more. Plus, if you look at your dog, you're more likely to give in. If you give into your dog and feed it food sometimes, that teaches it will be rewarded for this behavior. By ignoring the dog altogether, your dog will learn that begging doesn't get it anywhere. Make sure everyone in the family works together to ignore begging. You must be consistent. Don't talk or pet your dog. Trying to talk your dog out of begging won't work. Therefore, you shouldn't just look away; make sure you're also not talking to it or petting it. Any attention you show your dog will only encourage it, making it want to beg more. Try teaching some basic commands. Teaching your dog "sit" and "stay" can help with begging, as it removes your dog from the table area if you can get it to "stay" somewhere slightly away. To work up to these behaviors, you need to start small. To teach sit, have a treat ready. Start with the treat in front of the dog's nose, and move it back and upwards, above the dog's head. The dog will need to lift its nose to follow the treat, pushing its rump down. As you do this move, say "sit." If the dog doesn't complete the motion, try pushing gently on the dog's rear end. Reward the dog with a treat when it is in the sitting position. Keep practicing the move, then work on doing it without a treat. For stay, get your dog in sitting position. Say "stay." It can help to hold your hand up to the dog with your palm flat. Walk a few steps away. If your dog follows, take it back to the starting position and repeat the command. When your dog stays, even for short periods, try rewarding it with a treat. Reward good behavior. Once you've ignored your dog's bad behavior, make sure to reward good behavior. That is, if your dog has been begging for 20 minutes, and then goes and lays down quietly, take it a small treat to let it know that being quiet and not begging is what gets it rewarded. For this tactic, it can help to have a comfy place for your dog nearby, like moving its dog bed near the table. Think about how treats could affect your dog's weight. Feeding your dog table scraps can add a number of calories to your dog's diet. That can cause your dog to gain weight over time, particularly if you have a small dog. With a small dog, even a bite or two can be a significant number of calories. Resist feeding your dog's begging by focusing on its future. Learn which foods are toxic. Many human foods are toxic it to dogs. Knowing which ones could hurt your dog will make it easier to resist feeding your dog food at the dinner table, as many human foods contain ingredients that could harm your dog. Onions, garlic, and chives are probably the most common ingredients that are toxic to your dog. However, other common toxic ingredients include raisins, grapes, xylitol (a sweetener), chocolate, coffee, caffeine, alcohol, and macadamia nuts. Yeast dough is also a problem because it can bloat in your dog's stomach, which may mean emergency surgery if the dog's stomach twists. Foods like milk, dairy, nuts, citrus, and coconut oil can cause upset stomach and diarrhea. Feeding your dog fat trimmings and other high-fat human foods, like butter, eggs and nut, can cause pancreatitis. Remind yourself your dog isn't starving. When you're looking at those big, soulful eyes, it's hard to remember that your dog just ate five minutes ago. However, if you remind yourself of that, you may be able to resist your dog's begging better. You're not starving your dog. You're feeding your dog food that's appropriate for it. If you're not sure whether you're feeding your dog enough, talk to your vet about how much your dog needs and what food is best. Feed your dog its own food during dinner. Your dog considers your family to be its pack, and your dog likes to eat with its pack. One way you can make your dog feel more included while not giving into begging is to feed your dog its food while everyone else is eating. Plus, it gives your dog a distraction, at least for a little while. Provide a distraction. If a standard meal isn't distraction enough, you can try a different kind of distraction, such as a food puzzle toy. These toys make your dog work for its food or treats, which keeps it entertained. If your dog still comes up to the table, you can tether it to a heavy piece of furniture in the same room. Just don't leave your dog alone, as it could cause harm to itself with the tether. Separate the dog from the dinner table. One way to discourage begging is to put your dog in another part of the house. For instance, you can put your dog behind a baby gate away from the table or put it in another part of the house and close the door. Another option is to put the dog in its crate, if you've crate trained your dog. Never feed your dog from the table. While you can feed your dog the occasional "human food" treat (as long as it's a safe food, like bland chicken), never feed the dog from the table. That teaches your dog that it can expect to be fed in the future from the table, encouraging begging. If you want to feed your dog a bit after dinner, take the food over to its bowl to feed the dog. | Look away from those begging eyes. Don't talk or pet your dog. Try teaching some basic commands. Reward good behavior. Think about how treats could affect your dog's weight. Learn which foods are toxic. Remind yourself your dog isn't starving. Feed your dog its own food during dinner. Provide a distraction. Separate the dog from the dinner table. Never feed your dog from the table. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Saute-Mushrooms | How to Saute Mushrooms | To saute mushrooms, start by cutting them up into thin slices if they're not already. Then, heat a small amount of butter or oil in a large pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Once the oil or butter is shimmering, add the slices of mushrooms to the pan so they're in an even layer. Stir the mushrooms continuously while they cook. After 4-5 minutes, or once the mushrooms are tender, transfer them to a plate and serve. | Clean your mushrooms. Before sautΓ©ing your mushroom, clean them thoroughly. This will remove any potential contaminants. Mushrooms should be cleaned one at a time. Wipe each mushroom with a damp paper towel. Then, lightly rinse your mushrooms. Make sure to dry mushrooms immediately after rinsing them. Use a dry paper towel and dry them one by one. You don't want to cook mushrooms that are still damp. Decide whether to add oil or butter. You can add a light amount of butter or oil to your skillet to cook the mushrooms. Most people use butter or oil to keep the mushrooms from sticking, but mushrooms do release oil when cooked. If you want, you can do what's called a dry sautΓ©. In a dry sautΓ©, you would just add your mushrooms to the skillet without any oil. SautΓ©ing mushrooms dry can produce a more roasted flavor. It also lowers the fat and calorie content. Cut your mushrooms. If your mushrooms did not come pre-cut, you should cut them before sautΓ©ing them. Mushrooms will cook best when cut into thin slices. Use a knife to trim a corner from each end of the mushroom. Then, cut each mushroom into halves or quarters. You should be left with two to four thin slices of mushrooms. Repeat until all your mushrooms are cut into slices. The size of your slices depends on personal preference and the dish you're making. If you want chunkier mushrooms, choose halves. If you'd prefer thinner ones, choose quarters. Choose the right pan. You will need a large pan to cook mushrooms. The mushrooms should be spread over the pan without any mushrooms overlapping. Overlapped mushrooms will not cook evenly. Select a pan that's big enough to comfortably fit all your mushrooms. If you have one, go for a skillet or sautΓ© pan. These tend to have a big surface area. If you can't fit all your mushrooms in one pan, you may have to cook them in batches. Add the oil or butter, if you're using it. Briefly heat a small amount of oil or butter over medium-high heat. As mushrooms produce oil when cooked, only one to two teaspoons of butter or oil is necessary. Mushrooms also absorb excess butter and oil, so too much could give them a soggy taste and texture. Add the mushrooms when the oil is ready. When the oil or butter is ready, it will shimmer slightly or produce bubbles. At this point, you can add the mushrooms to the pan. Make sure to spread the mushrooms on the pan. You do not want your mushrooms to overlap, as this will affect the evenness of the cooking. If cooking dry, just heat the pan for a few minutes over medium-high heat and then add the mushrooms. Stir the mushrooms throughout the cooking process. Make sure to stir the mushrooms continually as they cook. You want to make sure they cook evenly. Use a spoon or spatula to occasionally turn the mushrooms. Make sure to keep the mushrooms from overlapping as you cook them. Cook the mushrooms until tender. When they're getting close to done, the mushrooms will begin to release oil. You should see some liquid at the bottom of the pan. The mushrooms will also look slightly shiny from the moisture released. When done, the mushrooms will have a light brown color and be tender. Usually, it takes between four and five minutes to cook mushrooms. Make bistro style sautΓ©ed mushrooms. You will need to sautΓ© three cups of mushrooms to cook them bistro style. Then, stir in 1/3 cup of dry red wine or sherry, a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and two teaspoons of thyme. For three minutes, allow the mushrooms to simmer in this sauce. Then, add salt and pepper to taste. SautΓ© mushrooms with vegetables. You can add sautΓ© mushrooms with vegetables. This can be used in a filling for dishes like quesadillas. It can also be used as a side dish on its own. Onions and sweet peppers tend to go well with mushrooms. If you want to serve your sautΓ©ed mushrooms with onions, sautΓ© your onions separately and mix together when both the mushrooms and onions are finished. Add the mushrooms to other foods. Bistro style mushrooms, or mushrooms sautΓ©ed with other herbs and flavors, can be used as an addition to other foods. You can place them over meats, like steak and pork chops. You can also add sautΓ©ed mushrooms to an omelet or pasta dish such as spaghetti. | Clean your mushrooms. Decide whether to add oil or butter. Cut your mushrooms. Choose the right pan. Add the oil or butter, if you're using it. Add the mushrooms when the oil is ready. Stir the mushrooms throughout the cooking process. Cook the mushrooms until tender. Make bistro style sautΓ©ed mushrooms. SautΓ© mushrooms with vegetables. Add the mushrooms to other foods. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Simplify-Algebraic-Fractions | How to Simplify Algebraic Fractions | To simplify algebraic fractions, start by factoring out as many numbers as you can for the numerator, which is the top part of the fraction. Next, find a common factor in the denominator, which is the bottom part of the fraction, by looking for a number that can divide into both parts. Then, take any terms that are in both the numerator and the denominator and remove them. When there are no more common factors in the top or the bottom, the fraction is simplified! | Know the vocabulary for algebraic fractions. The following terms will be used throughout the examples, and are common in problems involving algebraic fractions: Numerator: The top part of a fraction (ie. (x+5) /(2x+3)). Denominator: The bottom part of the fraction (ie. (x+5)/ (2x+3) ). Common Denominator: This is a number that you can divide out of both the top and bottom of a fraction. For example, in the fraction 3/9, the common denominator is 3, since both numbers can be divided by 3. Factor: One number that multiples to make another. For example, the factors of 15 are 1, 3, 5, and 15. The factors of 4 are 1, 2, and 4. Simplified Equation: This involves removing all common factors and grouping similar variables together (5x + x = 6x) until you have the most basic form of a fraction, equation, or problem. If you cannot do anything more to the fraction, it is simplified. Review how to solve simple fractions. These are the exact same steps you will take to solve algebraic fractions. Take the example, 15/35. In order to simplify a fraction, we need to find a common denominator. In this case, both numbers can be divided by five, so you can remove the 5 from the fraction: 15 β 5 * 3 35 β 5 * 7 Now you can cross out like terms. In this case you can cross out the two fives, leaving your simplified answer, 3/7. Remove factors from algebraic expressions just like normal numbers. In the previous example, you could easily remove the 5 from 15, and the same principle applies to more complex expressions like, 15x β 5. Find a factor that both numbers have in common. Here, the answer is 5, since you can divide both 15x and -5 by the number five. Like before, remove the common factor and multiply it by what is βleft.β 15x β 5 = 5 * (3x β 1) To check your work, simply multiply the five back into the new expression β you will end up with the same numbers you started with. Know you can remove complex terms just like simple ones. The same principle used in common fractions works for algebraic ones as well. This is the easiest way to simplify fractions while you work. Take the fraction: (x+2)(x-3) (x+2)(x+10) Notice how the term (x+2) is common in both the numerator (top) and denominator (bottom). As such, you can remove it to simplify the algebraic fraction, just like you removed the 5 from 15/35: (x+2) (x-3) β (x-3) (x+2) (x+10) β (x+10) This leaves us with our final answer: (x-3)/(x+10) Find a common factor in the numerator, or top part of the fraction. The first thing to do when simplifying an algebraic fraction is to simplify each part of the fraction. Start with the top part, factoring out as many numbers as you can. For an example, this section will use the problem: 9x-3 15x+6 Start with the numerator: 9x β 3. There is a common factor to both 9x and -3: 3. Factor out the 3 like you would any other number, leaving you with 3 * (3x-1). This is your new numerator: 3(3x-1) 15x+6 Find a common factor in the denominator. Continuing the example from above, isolate the denominator, 15x+6. Again, look for a number that can divide into both parts. Here you can again factor out a 3, leaving you with 3 * (5x +2). Write in your new denominator: 3(3x-1) 3(5x+2) Remove like terms. This is the stage where you really get to simplify the fraction. Take any terms that are in both the numerator and the denominator and remove them. In this case, we can remove the 3 from both the top and the bottom. 3 (3x-1) β (3x-1) 3 (5x+2) β (5x+2) Know when the equation is fully simplified. A fraction is simplified when there are no more common factors in the top or the bottom. Remember that you cannot remove factors from inside the parenthesis β in the example problem you cannot factor out the x from 3x and 5x, since the full terms are actually (3x -1) and (5x + 2). Thus, the example is fully simplified, making the final answer: (3x-1) (5x+2) Try a practice problem. The best way to learn is to keep trying to simplify algebraic fractions. The answers are underneath the problems. 4(x+2)(x-13) (4x+8) Answer: (x=13) 2x -x 5x Answer: (2x-1)/5 βReverseβ parts of the fraction by factoring out negative numbers. For example, let's say we have the equation: 3(x-4) 5(4-x) Notice how (x-4) and (4-x) are ''almost'' identical, but you can't cross them out because they are reversed. However, (x - 4) can be written as -1 * (4 - x) in the same way that you rewrite (4 + 2x) as 2 * (2 + x). This is called βfactoring out the negative.β -1 * 3(4-x) 5(4-x) Now we can easily remove the two identical (4-x): -1 * 3 (4-x) 5 (4-x) Leaving us with our final answer -3/5 Recognize the difference of two squares when working. The difference of two squares is simply one squared number subtracted by another, like the expression (a - b ). The difference of perfect squares always simplifies into two parts, adding and subtracting the square roots. In every case, you can simplify the difference of perfect square as follows: a - b = (a+b)(a-b) This can be incredibly helpful when trying to find like terms in algebraic fractions. Example: x - 25 = (x+5)(x-5) Simplify any polynomial expressions. Polynomials are complex algebraic expressions with more than two terms, like x + 4x + 3. Luckily, many polynomials can be simplified using polynomial factorization. The previous expression, for example, can be rewritten as (x+3)(x+1). Remember that variables can be factored out as well. This is especially helpful in expressions with exponents, like x + x. You can remove the largest exponent as a factor. In this case, x + x = x (x + 1). | Know the vocabulary for algebraic fractions. Review how to solve simple fractions. Remove factors from algebraic expressions just like normal numbers. Know you can remove complex terms just like simple ones. Find a common factor in the numerator, or top part of the fraction. Find a common factor in the denominator. Remove like terms. Know when the equation is fully simplified. Try a practice problem. βReverseβ parts of the fraction by factoring out negative numbers. Recognize the difference of two squares when working. Simplify any polynomial expressions. Remember that variables can be factored out as well. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Being-a-Third-Wheel | How to Deal With Being a Third Wheel | It can feel awkward or uncomfortable to be a third wheel, but you can make it work by communicating openly with your friends. Take the time to talk to your friends about what's going on and let them know that you feel excluded. Try to be calm and reasonable, as they may not realize they are making you a third wheel. It can also help if you organize some group activities for you and your friends. Play a board game or three-on-three basketball so that everyone can feel involved. If you're a third wheel in a romantic relationship, try to work on your own independence. When the couple is spending time together, use that time to do things on your own. Try out new hobbies or take classes in a skill you've always wanted to learn. You can also try to give the couple space. Let them initiate contact for a while so that they don't feel smothered and have the time to work on their own relationship. | Act positively. Although being a third wheel is probably not your idea of a good time, and possibly a little demoralizing, with the right mental framework you can make it a positive experience. One easy way to do that is to act like you are having a good time and not be a downer. Be chatty and engaging. Try buying a round of drinks. If you act like you are having fun, you might find that you are actually having a good time. Be supportive. Instead of focusing on the fact that you are a third wheel, try focusing on your friend's relationship. Think of your role as providing moral support for your friend and their love life. If you understand your role as being supportive in nature, being a third wheel might become less of a chore. Try not to make things awkward. The easiest way to make being a third wheel not fun is to make it awkward. Try not to constantly refer yourself as a βthird wheelβ and lament your singleness. Be sure to avoid wallowing in your self-pity and making things uncomfortable for the couple you are with. If you can do it, limit how often you talk about being single. Instead, try to discuss things that you all have in common. Bring your phone. Although it is typically considered rude to be on your phone when spending time with others, it might be a lifesaver in a third wheel situation. You can use your phone to invite another friend to where you are. It can also serve as a nice distraction from the couple. Try not to be rude but, if your couple friends are ignoring you, your phone might save the day. A phone can give you some distance from the romantic couple, even if it isn't physical distance. Let them know if you feel uncomfortable. The worst case scenario for being a third wheel is that the people you are with start getting hot and heavy with each other. If you are out with a couple and they start making out or doing things that make you uncomfortable, you should definitely let them know about it. Ask them to stop and, if they do not, get out of there. That is really inappropriate and you might want to reconsider hanging out with them in the future. If you still feel uncomfortable or if your friends seem to want privacy, perhaps it is best to leave. If you can't, just get on your phone and text a friend or play a game. Being on your phone will make you feel more occupied and comfortable. However, don't pull out your phone unless if you've absolutely given up on the situation; it can be seen as an uninviting gesture. If you want to give them time alone for a little while, you can simply say something like, "I'll give you guys some privacy," and leave the immediate area for a bit. Invite someone else. If you find yourself invited to something where you know that you will be a third wheel, try to bring along someone else. Find someone, be it a friend or relative, who you can bring along to chat with. This way, no third wheel dynamics develop and you do not feel like the outsider. Be sure to make plans ahead of time. If you invited someone at the last second, they will likely say no. Go somewhere else. If you find yourself in a third wheel situation and it is miserable, just get out of there. Say that you are not feeling very well or that you have some other obligation. You could also just be honest and say that you are not having much fun. Regardless, bail on being a third wheel and go somewhere else. Find out where your single friends are and go hang out with them. Arrange times to hang out with your friend. If your best friend is in a romantic relationship, it may be hard to see them as much as you would like. Plus, when you do see them, they will likely be with their partner. If you feel like you could use a little one-on-one time, talk to your friend and set up a time to hang out, just the two of you. Try setting up a coffee or lunch date in advance, this will make it easier for both of you to commit to it. Get to know your friendβs partner. If you find that you are spending a lot of time with a couple, get to know your friend's partner. You may find that you really enjoy their company as well. At the least, getting to know your friend's partner will help you feel more comfortable around them and make spending time with them a little more enjoyable. If appropriate, try hanging out with just your friend's partner. You might develop a friendship on your own. Be more independent. Your friend's relationship might be a great time to do your own thing. Instead of doing things with your friend and their partner, do stuff on your own. Indulge some of your hobbies or try out new things. Take some classes on your own, like cooking or karate. If you feel emotionally comfortable with the concept, you could also try online dating. Give the couple space. The easiest way to handle being a third wheel is to spend less time with the couple. You do not need to do everything with your friend and their partner, and they would probably appreciate a little more space. Try to call or text them less, and be less insistent about hanging out. Put the ball in your friend's court and let them initiate friend time. This is particularly important early on when your friend is figuring out the new dynamics of their relationship. Give them some space and let them get their bearings. If the couple tries to include you more than you want, politely decline. You don't have to accept every invitation they extend, but you should also not be rude enough that you damage your friendships when you turn down an invite. Be supportive. Let your friend know that you are there for them and that you have their best interests at heart. This will help strengthen your friendship and make things less awkward when you hang out with the couple. Jealousy may rear its ugly head but, if you are a good friend, you will tamp it down. However, this does not mean that you should turn a blind eye to bad behavior. If your friend's partner is bad news, let them know about it. Find your own partner. One easy way to deal with being a third wheel is to quit being one. Look at your friend's relationship as an opportunity to find romance. Try dating around a little and see what happens. You might go from being a third wheel to going on double dates. If you are not looking for a romantic relationship, try developing some of your other friendships or get to know some acquaintances. Your friend's partner might even be able to set you up with someone. Talk to your friends. If you are a part of a friendship trifecta and feel that the other two members are spending too much time together, talk to them about how you feel. They may not realize that they are excluding you and hurting your feelings. Talking to them about how you feel might put an end to the exclusion. Although it might seem tempting, try not to cause a fight between your friends. It will probably lead to you being further excluded. In a calm and reasonable manner, say things like βI feel like you leave me out of jokesβ or βit makes me sad that you do things without me.β Work on your friendships. Your friends might be growing closer, and excluding you, because you are not pulling your weight in the relationship. There is a tendency for pairing in three-person relationships. To avoid this, it is important that you make yourself available. Be sure to be supportive of your friends and an equally involved member of the friendship. Avoid skipping group activities. If your friends are going through a difficult time, be supportive. If you bail on them, they will likely bail on you in the future. Branch out. If your friends are pairing off, it might be a sign that you need to branch out and look for other people to hang out with. It is natural for pairing to develop in a group of three, where two people grow close and limit their time with the third person. If you feel left out, look for someone else in your school or at work who you can hang out with. Join a club or group that caters to your hobbies. You will likely meet someone there who you can be friends with. If your friends are intentionally excluding you, you should be looking for new friends anyway. Work on you. Think of your friends' pairing as an opportunity to work on you. Spend some time enjoying your hobbies or picking up new ones. Although it may not make you feel better about being a third wheel in the friendship, it will at least take your mind off of it. Concentrate on your work or school. If your friends are good ones, they will not abandon you. Schedule some group activities. Organize some three person activities that will require your involvement and interaction with both friends. Play some three-on-three basketball or a board game. Try having a party and inviting a bunch of people you know. Doing things that involve more than three people will change your group's dynamics. Expand your group. Who says that you should only have two friends? Bring some new people into the mix and broaden your friend group. With a larger group, you will have other people to hang out with. This will change the dynamics and make it easier for your friends to maintain their relationship with each other and you. Invite other people you know from work or school to social gatherings or parties. | Act positively. Be supportive. Try not to make things awkward. Bring your phone. Let them know if you feel uncomfortable. Invite someone else. Go somewhere else. Arrange times to hang out with your friend. Get to know your friendβs partner. Be more independent. Give the couple space. Be supportive. Find your own partner. Talk to your friends. Work on your friendships. Branch out. Work on you. Schedule some group activities. Expand your group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Answer-Tough-Questions-in-an-Interview | How to Answer Tough Questions in an Interview | To answer tough questions in an interview, try to stay calm since the interviewer is probably looking to see how you act under pressure. It's OK if you need to pause and take a moment to think about your answer. Try to think of a way to tie your answer to a past experience where you did the right thing or accomplished something. Even if the question seems random or irrelevant, answer it truthfully and to the best of your ability. | Write down your greatest achievements and strengths. Talking about your strengths and positive accomplishments may be harder than you think. To prepare for questions regarding this, you should write down a list of your greatest strengths and achievements. Talk about your work experience. Write down the most relevant work experiences you've had, and strengths that have followed you from job to job. Adding a recent concrete example of a recent work experience will give credence to your pitch. Write out and memorize your pitch. Once you've written down all the elements to your pitch, you can put it together into a cohesive statement. Start with an introductory statement about your experience, and then talk about your positive personality traits. Try to frame your experience in a realistic and concrete way. An example of a good pitch would be something like "I'm a 30 year veteran in writing and editing. My last job was as a senior editor at Shark Publishing Co. While I was there, I wrote over 30 different published manuscripts and manuals. One of the best things about me is that I'm a hard worker and always meet deadlines. As an example, last year we had a deadline that we didn't get the details for until two days beforehand. I worked 12 hours straight to make sure that the content got in on time." Use your pitch to answer commonly asked questions. You can use your pitch to answer questions like "Tell me about yourself," "What experience do you have that would help you in this role?" and "What are your greatest accomplishments?" Prepare for interview questions that probe your weaknesses. Typical questions include "Tell me about a time when you failed," "Why did you leave your last job?" and "What are your greatest weaknesses?" Take these questions into consideration and start to form answers to them. These questions aren't aimed to make you feel bad or for you to reveal your current weaknesses, but are meant to expose how you learn from mistakes and how well you rebound from failure. Highlight your professional growth over your shortcomings. When asked about weaknesses or mistakes that you've made in the past, make sure to highlight how these challenges made you grow professionally. Employers are looking for areas where you believe you could use improvement, as well as how well you can rebound from failure. If asked about why you left your last job, you can talk about limitations on your growth or advancement in the company. If you've miscommunicated on a team and it led to a failure, don't talk about the failure as much as you talk about how it taught you that communication is critical. Practice talking about negative experiences in a positive light. If you've ever had a negative experience, there was probably something to be learned. Instead of emphasizing the negative experience, practice talking about what you were able to get out of the experience. To explain a weakness, you can say something like "When we worked on the project at Boeing I was new at working in conjunction with a team. I didn't communicate my part of the project as well as I should have, so it affected our results. The experience helped me get used to effectively communicating with others, even if I wasn't great at it to begin with." Don't be disingenuous when answering. When employers ask about your weaknesses, don't take a positive and try to frame it as a negative for the question. This comes off as disingenuous. An example of this would be "I work so hard that sometimes I overwork." Instead, be realistic and concrete, and use specific examples whenever you can to explain the weakness. Evaluate the meaning behind the question. Often an interviewer will ask you a question to get more information about your personality, aptitude, and experience. Sometimes the question is aimed at learning something that isn't apparent. Think about the actual meaning behind each question before you give your response, and cater your answer to what they are actually asking. Don't talk badly about past co-workers. Blaming past coworkers for your own shortcomings could signal to the employer that you don't take responsibility for your actions and aren't a team player. Instead, talk about how their communication or management style didn't mesh well with yours, and emphasize how you were able to adapt and accomplish goals, even though this was so. If the interviewer asks "What did you dislike most about your last boss?" they want to understand your expectations of management and understand which management styles you have trouble working with. You can answer "Tell me about your worst boss" by saying something like "I had a boss who communicated differently than me. I learned that you have to be able to adapt to different personalities if you want a project to get done on time." Have humility and confidence when answering questions about yourself. If they ask, "Why are you better than anyone else for this job?" they are looking to gauge your level of confidence and humility to see if you can fulfill expectations while still being a team player. Talk about your experience and why it makes you capable, but also talk about your passion for learning and getting better at your job. You can say something like "I have a decade of experience, and I work well with other people. Also, you won't meet a person more passionate about this than I am." Give specifics when asked questions about your industry. Sometimes an interview will contain specific questions regarding your industry. These questions are designed to see if you understand the current standards and practices of the industry as well as your experience level. Make sure to have a solid grasp of the specific technical and operational aspects of your potential job. Jobs, where you may be expected to have an intimate knowledge of your industry, include biotech, pharma, business, coding, IT, medical, design, and much more. Understand the person interviewing you. Think of the goal of the interviewer and what they need out of a person to successfully fulfill the role. They also want to make sure that you would be a good team member and pleasant to work with. Think about what would benefit them the most, depending on what role they have in the company, and cater your answers to their role. For example, an HR manager wants to know that you can communicate well with others and can adhere to the company culture. A director of a department will want you to communicate well and accomplish results in a safe and effective way. An external recruiter will want to know that you have the experience for the job and are a good candidate to send to the employer. Stay calm. Sometimes an interviewer will ask you a question that is entirely unrelated to your industry or to the job that you're applying for. This is usually to see how you handle pressure and how you will react to the situation. The most important thing is to stay calm and to act like the question doesn't phase you. Hiring managers want to see if you will become flustered or frustrated by the question. Use a past experience to answer the question. If you can, try to answer the question by thinking of a situation in your life that relates to it. For example, the hiring managers at Mastercard ask employees "What do you do if you are approached by an employee who is complaining about a colleague who has horrible body odor?" You could answer by saying something like "Well, I actually had this issue in Highschool, and I was the smelly kid. The kids actually got me more interested in different sprays and colognes while we were in the locker room, and it helped me a lot. So I'd probably do something like that." Try to answer truthfully. Sometimes these questions are aimed to see what kind of person you'd be like to work with. For that reason, when given a strange or curveball question, just try to answer truthfully without coming off as disrespectful. For example, Whole Foods Market hiring managers ask "Would you rather fight 1 horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?" You could say something like, "A horse-sized duck would be terrifying and horrifying. I'd definitely go with the 100 duck-sized horses." Research the company that is interviewing you. Candidates who know about the business will stand out from their competitors. Do a search for the company's website and get a sense of their core values, company culture, target customers, and the products or services they provide. As you do your research, write down any questions that you have so that you can ask the interviewer during the interview. An excellent question to ask the interviewer at the end of the interview is something like "What does it take for an individual to succeed in this role?" Search online for the most commonly asked questions in your industry and for your role. Practice answering questions before the interview. Practice answering tough interview questions in front of a mirror or record yourself using your webcam. Examine your body language, vocal tone, and face to see if you are doing anything strange or seem to lack confidence. Try to be open, have a smile on your face, and speak in a clear voice. Rehearse answering questions in front of family or friends and get their opinion. Confidence can be exhibited by your voice, body language, and facial expressions. Prepare well in advance. The more prepared you are, the calmer you'll be in the interview. Memorize the name of the person who is interviewing you, make sure to select an outfit, and print out or look up directions the day before your interview. Before you go into the interview, review the job description again so that it's fresh in your mind. If you are nervous because you are late or unprepared, you'll have a harder time answering tough questions. Be prepared to give your desired salary. While you should never bring up salary without being prompted, having the answer in your head will make answering this tough question easier. Make sure that in addition to a monetary salary, you also have an answer for the things you'd want in benefits or additional bonus compensation if it's applicable to the job. Answer questions with relevant information. One of the worst things that you can do when answering a tough question is ramble about something that isn't pertinent to the job or the position. Refrain from telling anecdotal stories from your childhood or personal likes and dislikes. Keep your answers short, accurate, and relatable to the role that you want to fill. A great way to keep on track is to talk about recent professional triumphs or victories. Take your time answering. If you've prepared for the interview but the person interviewing you still throws you a curve ball, it's important that you take your time to think through your response deliberately. Pause for a moment and take the time to think about what you are going to say. Never answer a question with a "No" or "I don't know." Aim to expand your answers to give the interviewer some context. Get to the interview early. When you arrive early, it gives you time to relax and concentrate on the interview. Make sure to plan your route the night before so that you can get to the interview feeling confident and prepared. Think positively and be confident. Visualize yourself doing great on the interview and getting the job. Don't underplay your abilities or talk negatively about your past. Have confidence in what you do and try to smile throughout the interview. | Write down your greatest achievements and strengths. Talk about your work experience. Write out and memorize your pitch. Use your pitch to answer commonly asked questions. Prepare for interview questions that probe your weaknesses. Highlight your professional growth over your shortcomings. Practice talking about negative experiences in a positive light. Don't be disingenuous when answering. Evaluate the meaning behind the question. Don't talk badly about past co-workers. Have humility and confidence when answering questions about yourself. Give specifics when asked questions about your industry. Understand the person interviewing you. Stay calm. Use a past experience to answer the question. Try to answer truthfully. Research the company that is interviewing you. Practice answering questions before the interview. Prepare well in advance. Be prepared to give your desired salary. Answer questions with relevant information. Take your time answering. Get to the interview early. Think positively and be confident. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Nursing-Diagnosis | How to Write a Nursing Diagnosis | To write a nursing diagnosis as part of a nursing care plan, start by observing your patient's symptoms and asking them how they're feeling. For instance, ask them questions like βWhen did your symptom start?β After you've identified the issue, look for the source of the problem by evaluating their medical history and overall health. Using all of this information, figure out the most appropriate diagnosis. If you need a guide, you can use your nursing textbooks as a reference. Along with your specific diagnosis, include any related factors as well as the evidence that proves this problem. For example, you could write, βchronic confusion secondary to possible traumatic brain injury as evidenced by disorientation and cognitive dysfunction.β | Observe the patient's symptoms. Take note of the patient's injuries or symptoms of their condition. Formulate a basic description of the problem the patient seems to be having, based on the signs and symptoms you see. For example, if you have a patient who was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, they may seem confused and disoriented. You could write down that they don't seem to understand where they are, or why they are in the hospital. Don't worry about using official terminology at this point. You can "translate" your observations later. Focus on getting down what you see in your own words. Talk to the patient and their loved ones about how they're feeling. Your actual nursing diagnosis includes information from the patient as well as those around them. Family members and friends can provide details about changes in the patient's behavior and appearance. They can also tell you how the patient's condition is affecting them. Ask the patient questions to better understand their response to their condition and how they are coping with various symptoms. For example, if you have a patient who was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, you might ask if they know where they are or why they're there. You also might ask them what day it is, or who the president is, to get a better understanding of their connection to reality. The response and attitude of friends and family may also impact the patient's problems. For example, if the patient's spouse is stressed out or anxious, they may increase the patient's anxiety. Evaluate the patient's response to their symptoms. Look at what the patient has done to alleviate their symptoms and how they are coping with any pain or loss of functioning. Consider the patient's attitude and their treatment of people around them, including loved ones and health care providers. For example, if the patient is defiant and lashes out at loved ones or at health care providers, they may be in a lot of pain or have high levels of anxiety. Distinguish between objective and subjective data. Subjective data is what the patient tells you about how they feel. It's their perception, and can't be verified. Objective data, on the other hand, comes from observations that are measurable and verifiable using scientific methods. Data to support your actual diagnosis may be either objective or subjective. Objective data is generally more important in forming the basis of your diagnosis. However, subjective data, especially regarding the patient's pain level, can be important to both your diagnosis and overall care plan. For example, subjective data would be the patient saying they felt dizzy or confused. That subjective data can be quantified using objective data, such as that the patient's blood pressure is 90/60 and their pulse is 110. Identify the problem that your nursing diagnosis will address. Look for patterns in the data you've collected. Various signs and symptoms may cluster together that point to the correct diagnosis. Focus on the experience of the patient and those around them, not the medical diagnosis. A nursing diagnosis reflects the individual. No two nursing diagnoses will be alike, even for two patients diagnosed with the same condition. For example, let's say your patient is diagnosed with a concussion. Your nursing diagnosis will include what your patient needs to help with this condition. It might include regular checks to make sure the patient stays awake. Ask questions like "what day is it?" and "where are you?", to make sure the patient is oriented with time and place, and also watch for signs of confusion. Patients often will have more than one problem that needs to be addressed. Diagnose each problem separately. Look for the source of the patient's problem. Once you've diagnosed the problem you'll address from the nursing perspective, figure out why the patient is having that problem. This will help you decide what nursing interventions will work to alleviate the problem. For example, suppose you've diagnosed chronic pain. The patient has a recent spinal cord injury. The spinal cord injury is most likely the cause or source of that pain. The patient's medical diagnosis can provide some guidance here. For example, if you have a patient who was recently diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), that disease is most likely the source of your nursing diagnosis of a persistent cough. Keep in mind that patients may have more than one diagnosis. It's best to rank them in order of severity to make it easier to address the patient's needs. You may find them listed in order of concern on the doctor's synopsis. It's normal for the order to change over the course of treatment, so be mindful of the patient's changing needs. Evaluate the patient's history and overall health. Review the patient's chart and records to determine factors related to their current condition. Lab reports and conversations with other health care team members may also be relevant. For example, if the patient is a chronic smoker, their smoking may be a related factor in their persistent cough or difficulty breathing. The patient and their loved ones can also offer you insight into the patient's medical history and tell you about recent changes in behavior. Include potential problems when determining related factors. Based on your knowledge of the patient's condition, list symptoms or issues they might experience due to their current symptoms while undergoing treatment. Think of other symptoms or problems that tend to cluster together with the problems the patient has. For example, if you have a patient who has a persistent cough, sleep pattern disturbance related to the cough would be a potential problem related to the initial diagnosis. Anticipating these potential problems helps you customize treatment for the patient. Find the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. Look up the official terminology for the problem you observed. Use the NANDA-I and any other nursing textbooks you have to guide you. Write down the official terminology you find that best suits the needs and condition of the patient. Once you have the nursing diagnosis, you can also look up potential outcomes and nursing interventions that are appropriate for your patient. Consider how each of these applies to this particular patient. Bring the related factors together for your diagnosis. The next part of your nursing diagnosis lists the related factors or causes of the patient's problem. Look up the standardized terms for these factors in your textbooks, if you don't already know them. The related factors form the second part of your nursing diagnosis. After the specific diagnosis, write "related to" (also abbreviated "r/t") or secondary to, followed by the list of sources or causes you've found for that problem. For example, suppose you have a patient with chronic confusion after a traumatic brain injury. You might write this up as "chronic confusion r/t possible traumatic brain injury" or "chronic confusion secondary to traumatic brain injury confirmed by MRI." Make sure you work within the doctor's diagnosis. If the diagnosis is not final, refer to the working diagnosis as "possible." Summarize the data in an "AEB" statement. "AEB" is a common nursing abbreviation for "as evidenced by." Sift through the data you've gathered to isolate characteristics that demonstrate the problem you've diagnosed. Your textbooks will likely have lists of characteristics to look for that are related to a particular diagnosis. However, include only the characteristics that you have observed in this patient. Note whether the data is subjective or objective. | Observe the patient's symptoms. Talk to the patient and their loved ones about how they're feeling. Evaluate the patient's response to their symptoms. Distinguish between objective and subjective data. Identify the problem that your nursing diagnosis will address. Look for the source of the patient's problem. Evaluate the patient's history and overall health. Include potential problems when determining related factors. Find the most appropriate nursing diagnosis. Bring the related factors together for your diagnosis. Summarize the data in an "AEB" statement. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Horror-Movie | How to Write a Horror Movie | If you want to write a horror movie, start your script with a moment of tension or fright to unsettle your audience. For inspiration, think of the opening scenes of your favorite horror movies, like Scream. Next, create a feeling of sympathy for one of the main characters, because your audience will feel more frightened if they're engaged with the plot. Then, build up to a scary scene, which could involve one of the main characters dying. In the last part of the script, give your audience a false sense of security before allowing the villain to strike back even more terribly. | Find the core idea -- a villain, setting, or gimmick-- that will make your film unique. Horror films are largely formulaic when it comes to structure, but the best horror movies have an element that sets it apart from the rest. This core idea will be the foundation of your entire script, but it is also the hardest thing to come up with. However, you do not need to reinvent the entire genre -- one little thing to make your movie enough is often more than enough: Paranormal Activity is a classic haunted house movie, but it is fully shot by webcams and security footage, giving it a unique look and feel. You're Next turns a basic serial killer movie on its head by making one of the "victims" a better killer than the supposed villains. Scream would be a basic slasher film, but the characters' unique knowledge of horror film "rules" was so inventive it spawned four sequels and endless imitators. Even changing the setting alone can be enough to make a movie unique. 30 Days of Night is a basic vampire movie, but it's set in Alaska, where night lasts a whole month. Tap into your own fears for inspiration. There are many possible reasons why we love being scared, but one of them is the communal connection people have over their deepest fears. The fear of the dark, fear of death, and fear of losing our loved ones are deep, universal fears that will naturally work into your script. However, the king of all of these fears, and of all fear, is the fear of the unknown. What times in your own life have you been confused and terrified? The things that scare you will scare other people, so feel free to tap into your own life and fears for inspiration. What horror movies scare you? What scenes do you still remember? When have you been scared lately? What is it that really scared you, and how can you replicate that fear in others? Watch horror movies and read horror movie scripts. Just like any other artist, you need to study from the best to learn from the best. Take time to watch horror movies regularly, then read the screenplays (found online with a quick search) of your favorite movies. While you're studying, take notes on the following: How does the writer create tension on the page without music or actors? Is the screenplay itself scary? How do you format scares and different, tense scenes? At what page or minute does each scare occur? What parts fail, and how would you fix them? What parts succeed, and why? Understand scriptwriting format. Luckily, there are hundreds of resources and programs that will automatically format your script into the right format for you. Still, you need to know how to create a professional looking script if you ever want your movie to be made. The format is not arbitrary -- it is made to make shooting and planning the movie easy for everyone, and you'll find it comes naturally after some practice. Celtx and Writer Duets are free programs with auto-formatting for scripts. If you want to write professionally, you should consider buying Final Draft Pro, the industry standard scriptwriter. Sketch out your five main plot points. Every horror movie ever made follows a simple but highly customizable format. Unless you have a really good reason to break it, the following format will help you quickly draft up your movie for the best pacing. Use this structure to build the skeleton of your movie, then make it unique in the individual scenes: Beginning: Open on a scary event. This is usually the villain's first victim-- the murder or event that sets the movie in motion and shows the villain's "style". In Scream, for example, it is Drew Barrymore's babysitter character and boyfriend getting murdered. The Set-Up: Who are your main characters, and why are they in this "horrible" place? The teens might head to the Cabin in the Woods, or the family moves into the creepy old house in Amityville. Either way, we get to know the future "victims" of your script. The villain or evil may be present, but is lurking in the background. This is the first 10-15% of your movie. The Warning: Roughly a third of the way into the script, a few characters realize that not everything is as it seems. Many of them will ignore or miss the signs, but the viewer knows that the evil is growing around them. The Point of No Return: The characters realize they are stuck in this horror. The first character dies, the villain appears, or they get literally trapped, like in The Descent. There is no more ignoring the danger. This is usually halfway through the story. The Major Set-Back: At 75% or so, the characters believe they have won. Suddenly, however, the villain comes back even stronger than before. This false sense of security lulls the characters into near-certain doom. The Climax: Your main character(s) makes a final push to survive by escaping or defeating the villain. The adrenaline is high, and you need a climactic fight/scare/moment to cap everything off. The Resolution: All is well, and the main character has survived. The villain appears dead, and everything is good again... at least until the sequel or very ending, when evil often resurfaces ( Drag Me to Hell, V/H/S ). Kick the script off with a scare or significant moment of tension. This is the classic way to open up a horror film, as it preps the audience for what is to come and unsettles them early on. The best horror movies scare viewers even when nothing bad is happening because the opening scene makes them aware of the evil lurking around the corner. Use this first scene to prime the audience for future scares. It shouldn't be the most terrifying moment in the movie -- just enough to make them curious or worried. The Exorcist's opening isn't the scariest thing in the world, but the odd, primordial location hints at the ancient, malevolent demon that lurks underneath the surface throughout the movie. Scream boasts one of the most famous, and chilling, openings in horror history. It is basically a short film showcasing the killer's first villain. Writer Kevin Williamson gives us everything -- tone, gore, humor, and terror -- while showing us that no one is safe. There are exceptions to this rule. Cabin in the Woods starts mundanely in an effort to lure the viewer into a false sense of security, for example. Build sympathy for at least one character for the first 10-20 pages. For maximum frights, you need the audience to care about the characters and their fate. If they don't then the eventual deaths will ring hollow and you won't get great scares as a result. All of the best horror movies have the best characters, not just a good villain. Take some time to let your characters converse and hang out before the evil really takes hold -- it will pay off later. The Poltergeist takes its time making you feel for the "average American family" at the core of it, making their later terrors feel like they could happen in anyone's home, anywhere. Nightmare on Elm Street spends a good 15-20 minutes at the kid's school, then another few minutes at a standard slumber party, building up sympathy for the main characters. You're Next goes the opposite direction, setting up the dysfunctional, annoying, manipulative family at the heart of the movie so that you root for the killers (who are being hunted) by the ending. Ratchet up the tension slowly. The best scares come later in the movie, when your audience is primed and already on the edge of their seat. This is your biggest challenge while writing -- building tension carefully without boring the audience or numbing them to the scares. The easiest way to do this is to defy expectations. Remember -- viewers are often more scared by what they don't see than what they do. Use the fear of the unknown to your advantage. Once you've set up characters and setting, start to break the norm -- moving furniture, missing characters, odd signs/signals, ominous news bulletins, etc. Again, watching the experts will help you: The Conjuring doesn't kill a single person, yet is considered by many a modern classic. The tension comes from what is not on screen. When you see the shaking cabinets, shadowy feet, and hear strange noises, the viewer's imagination does all the work for them. Halloween succeeds largely because we don't know where Michael Myers is at any time. He could be behind any corner, in any room, because the writer wisely leaves him in the background in order to build tension. Because he so rarely "jumps out," we never know when to expect him. Many horror films rely on "jump scares," when a loud noise or quick jump startles the viewer immediately. However, modern movies are using "fake" scares to build tension, having good guys (or pets) pop out to lull the viewer into a sense of security. Unleash the horror halfway through the movie. Your first big kill is going to kick the last two-thirds of the movie into high gear. This almost always needs to be a major character, and the death indicates to the characters, and the viewer, that there is no turning back now. Everyone is in grave danger, and all of the audience's worst fears have come to fruition. This scene needs to be scary, a big payoff from the prior minutes of tension building, so work on making this scene stand out. It is often best to imagine this moment as a mini-movie with a beginning, middle, and ending. Think of one specific scare and then work backward to make the scene shine. Let your protagonists start to pull ahead, then chop them back down to size with roughly 25% left to go. Give your characters a glimmer of hope after the first major death. While things are terrible for a while (another character or two often dies between this moment and the first death), eventually the main character(s) get a grip on the situation. They decide to escape, or fight back, and they start to succeed too... until the villain cuts their plans short at the last minute. The Night of the Living Dead has a tense, action-filled attempt at escape, a chance to get everyone out of the farmhouse. The characters even make it to the car, and avoid all the zombies, until their rushed, faulty plan literally blows up in their face. Shaun of the Dead, a horror-comedy that sticks to horror structure, finds the main characters successfully boarded up until one of their greedy friends lies about being bitten. Close everything up with a climactic showdown or scare. At least one character needs to escape from the failed plan, and they must make one final, last-ditch effort to survive. Depending on your movie, you can take this in multiple directions, but, in general, the characters either decide to run away or fight back the evil. Funny Games' main character decides, despite her hatred for the villains, that all she can do is run. What follows is a tense, cat & mouse scene of hopeful escape. Dawn of the Dead finds the desperate survivors willing to fight for their freedom, taking the battle straight to the zombies instead of waiting. Provide the audience some semblance of resolution. By the end of the move, you need to reveal the killer (if it is another character), and you need to show whether or not the main character has triumphed. Commonly, the main character triumphs over the evil, only to be taken by surprise at the very end of the movie, like in Drag Me to Hell and Nightmare on Elm Street. Sometimes the main characters are killed, but there is a hint that the villain is not actually dead. No matter what your ending is, you need to provide the audience some closure, even if you imply that things are still dangerous. Let the atmosphere, tension, and fear come through on the page. You cannot just say, "It will be scary when it is on a screen." A terrifying scene must be terrifying on the page as well, building suspense that helps the directors, producers, and actors see where the scene is coming. Make the screenplay scary, tense, and atmospheric and the movie will be full of frights. Read horror writers like Edgar Allen Poe and Stephen King to learn about creating tension through words alone. You may have to bend some screenplay conventions to build a tense, terrifying scene on the page. Remember, however, that your first goal is to write a script that accurately portrays the movie that is eventually made. Keep things as real as possible. Horror already pushes the limits of "suspension of disbelief," so don't give your viewers any additional reasons to push the script away. Characters should act realistically, meaning they are afraid for their lives and don't make obviously dumb mistakes like following the killer or ignoring warning signs. The killer should be overpowering, but not so much so that you can't root for the protagonists to ultimately win (even if they don't). Finding realism in horror is mostly about writing realistic characters, but a generally consistent, realistic world, even if it is clearly fictional, will help your scares hit harder. Spend time on 1-2 big, original, showstopping scenes, usually deaths. Horror movies live and die based on their signature scenes. Scream is a great movie, but even if it wasn't the opening death would be enough to keep it famous. A great, memorable death will be the signature scene of your movie, and what helps readers remember it for years to come. The entire Final Destination series is built on 4-5 of these moments each movie. While the don't always work, each one has at least one death that viewers will never forget. Psycho is a great movie, but without the shower scene it likely would have fallen out of collective memory years ago. The scene was so jarring, so surprising, that it is still discussed and satirized today. Toss some humor into the script. No one wants to sit in pure tension for two hours, and this ultimately makes the movie's later scares less effective. There is a good reason horror and comedy are so commonly mixed, and that is because they are two sides of the same coin -- surprise. Let a few jokes ease the tension, helping your audience relax here and there while still sitting on the edge of their seat. Humor is also a great way to give a false sense of calm, making the next scare hit even harder. Pure tension gets old, and eventually doesn't feel tense anymore. Try placing a joke or two shortly after a big scare scene early in the movie. This helps the audience "get over" the rush of the first scare, letting you start building tension again for the next one. Listen to horrifying music while you work. This doesn't mean you should put Vanilla Ice on. Find horror soundtracks and play them in the background while you write, creating the atmosphere of tension as you work. You can always work in silence as well, but for those looking for a little creative kick you can't go wrong with the Halloween or The Conjuring soundtrack. | Find the core idea -- a villain, setting, or gimmick-- that will make your film unique. Tap into your own fears for inspiration. Watch horror movies and read horror movie scripts. Understand scriptwriting format. Sketch out your five main plot points. Kick the script off with a scare or significant moment of tension. Build sympathy for at least one character for the first 10-20 pages. Ratchet up the tension slowly. Unleash the horror halfway through the movie. Let your protagonists start to pull ahead, then chop them back down to size with roughly 25% left to go. Close everything up with a climactic showdown or scare. Provide the audience some semblance of resolution. Let the atmosphere, tension, and fear come through on the page. Keep things as real as possible. Spend time on 1-2 big, original, showstopping scenes, usually deaths. Toss some humor into the script. Listen to horrifying music while you work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pumpkin-Soup | How to Make Pumpkin Soup | To make pumpkin soup, saute onions in butter for about 15 minutes, then add in garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Add pumpkin puree and your choice of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, ginger, or cayenne. Slowly pour in vegetable broth and stir while you bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the soup for about 30 minutes. Once everything is tender, ladle 1 cup of the soup into a blender and puree it, then transfer it to another bowl. Continue until you've blended all of the soup in this way. | Brown your butter in a heated saucepan and cook the onions and garlic. Put a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter in it until it turns brown. Then, add the onions to the pan and cook them until they're caramelized , which should take about 15 minutes. Finally, stir in the garlic and cook the ingredients together for 3-4 minutes. Medium heat is the middle setting on a stovetop dial. For example, if the burner on your stove ranged from 1 to 10, then medium heat would be the 5 setting. If you want to make your soup slightly healthier, you can use olive oil instead of butter to saute the onions and garlic. Add the pumpkin puree and your desired spices to the mix. Pour 15 fluid ounces (440Β mL) of pumpkin puree into the pan before you put the seasoning in. Stir the spices as you add them to the pan so that they spread evenly throughout the mix. Continue to cook the mix until it's steaming and fragrant, which should take about 5 minutes. You don't necessarily have to add any spices to the mix, but they do give the finished soup a nice kick. Some delicious spices to add to pumpkin soup include thyme, salt, cumin, black pepper, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mix to a boil. Pour in the broth at a slow and even pace to avoid it splashing all over the place. Stir the mixture while you wait for it to boil, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to stir the mix so that you can scrape any toasted bits that start to stick to the bottom of the pan. Reduce the heat to low and let the mix simmer for 30 minutes. Leave the saucepan uncovered while you allow the mix to simmer. Once 30 minutes have passed, remove the saucepan from heat and set it aside. Low heat is the lowest dial setting on your stovetop burner. If you want your pumpkin soup to be extra sweet, consider stirring in 2 tablespoons (30Β mL) of maple syrup after you take the mixture off of the stove. Ladle 1 cup (240Β mL) of soup into a blender and puree it. To avoid steam building up in your blender, let the soup cool for a few minutes before you pour it in. For this step, you can use a handheld immersion blender, or go with a regular blender if you don't have an immersion blender. Pulse the soup 2 or 3 times before blending for 30 seconds. Once it's pureed, pour it into another bowl. Blending the soup may sound strange, but it's very important; it helps make sure your pumpkin soup is nice and creamy when you eat it! Refrain from blending more than 1 cup (240Β mL) of soup at a time to avoid making a mess. Continue pureeing the soup 1 cup (240Β mL) at a time until itβs all been blended. You'll probably need to puree the soup in about 3 different batches before it's all blended. Be sure to transfer each pureed batch into the same separate bowl you put the first batch in. Stir the heavy cream into the soup and add seasonings as needed. Use a wooden spoon to stir the heavy cream until it's been completely incorporated into the soup. Once this is done, taste your finished soup and add some more seasoning to it if it needs it. You probably won't need to throw in any of the spices you added to the original mix, although you may need to add a little salt and pepper to the soup after it's been pureed. Preheat the oven to 375Β Β°F (191Β Β°C). Whether you're making croutons or roasting pumpkin seeds, you'll need to cook them in an oven heated to 375Β Β°F (191Β Β°C). Give the oven about 15 minutes to preheat. Spread the bread or pumpkin seeds out on a tray and drizzle oil on them. If you're making croutons, use sliced bread cubes that are about 0.5 inches (1.3Β cm) long. Lightly drizzle some olive oil over the tray until all of the bread or seeds have been covered with a thin layer of oil. Make sure the bread cubes or seeds are spread far enough apart so that they aren't touching each other on the tray. Season the croutons or seeds, then bake them for 7 minutes. Lightly sprinkle salt and pepper, along with any other seasonings you wish to add, over the tray. Then, put the tray in the oven and let it bake for 7 minutes. Take the tray back out when the croutons have a brown and crispy look or when the pumpkin seeds are golden brown. For croutons, you may want to also season the bread with cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar. Add the garnishes to your pumpkin soup and enjoy! If you choose not to use them immediately, store your croutons or pumpkin seeds in an airtight container and place the container in the refrigerator. The garnish will stay fresh for up to 3 days. | Brown your butter in a heated saucepan and cook the onions and garlic. Add the pumpkin puree and your desired spices to the mix. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mix to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the mix simmer for 30 minutes. Ladle 1 cup (240Β mL) of soup into a blender and puree it. Continue pureeing the soup 1 cup (240Β mL) at a time until itβs all been blended. Stir the heavy cream into the soup and add seasonings as needed. Preheat the oven to 375Β Β°F (191Β Β°C). Spread the bread or pumpkin seeds out on a tray and drizzle oil on them. Season the croutons or seeds, then bake them for 7 minutes. Add the garnishes to your pumpkin soup and enjoy! |
https://www.wikihow.com/Reverse-Tooth-Decay | How to Reverse Tooth Decay | To reverse tooth decay, brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Also, floss your teeth and rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to get rid of bacteria that make tooth decay worse. You can also make dietary changes to help reverse tooth decay, like adding more vitamin D and calcium to your diet, avoiding carbonated and sugary beverages, and eating whole foods instead of processed foods. | Brush your teeth twice per day. Regular daily brushing is crucial for maintaining good dental health and it may also help to reverse the decay process. Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice per day, such as in the morning and before you go to bed. Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride. Fluoride is necessary for remineralizing teeth and reversing tooth decay. It can also help to protect your teeth from future decay. Use a soft bristle toothbrush. Hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage your teeth and gums. Brush all surfaces of your teeth (front, back, and tops). Use short, swift strokes as you brush your teeth. You should spend about two minutes brushing, and for a better action you can also leave the toothpaste in your mouth for the next two minutes before rinsing so fluoride can remineralize your enamel. Floss your teeth once daily. Flossing is important because a toothbrush does not clean between your teeth, but bacteria often hides between your teeth and causes tooth decay. That is why you need to floss between your teeth at least once per day as well. To floss your teeth, wrap and 18 inch piece of floss around each of your index fingers. Then, use the floss to clean between all of your teeth. As you floss your teeth, try to rub the floss up and down the sides of your teeth to pull out any remaining plaque underneath your gums. Do not just move the floss back and forth. Try using a water flosser if you have trouble using floss. For people who have braces or other dental work that gets in the way, a water flosser can be a useful tool for cleaning between your teeth using the pressure of water to stimulate the blood flow in the gums for better protection against bacteria. Use mouthwash. Mouthwash can help to reduce decay causing kill bacteria inside of your mouth, so it is a great addition to your dental hygiene routine. Some mouthwashes also contain fluoride, so they can help to strengthen your teeth as well. To use mouthwash, pour the recommended amount into the cap (usually about 30 mL) and then swish the amount in your mouth for about one minute. After you have finished swishing the mouthwash, spit it out. Do not swallow the mouthwash. Do not rinse with water afterwards so the antibacterial effect will last longer. If the mouthwash is too strong and gives a burning feeling, then dilute it with 50:50 water. Visit your dentist for regular cleanings. Regular visits to your dentist will also help to protect against tooth decay. Make sure that you visit your dentist for a cleaning and exam at least twice per year to stay on top of your dental health. Ask your dentist about fluoride treatments and other protective measure for your teeth. Your dentist can even apply a dental sealant to your teeth to help protect them from tooth decay. Get more vitamin D and calcium. Vitamin D and calcium are essential to healthy teeth, so getting enough of these two vital nutrients may help to reverse tooth decay. Make sure that you are getting plenty of vitamin D and calcium from your diet, supplements, and other sources. To get more calcium and vitamin D in your diet, try to eat two to three servings dairy products each day, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. You can also look for a daily multi-vitamin that includes 100% of your recommended daily intake of calcium and vitamin D. You can also spend 10 to 15 minutes in the sun each day to get your recommended daily intake of vitamin D. Just make sure that you put on sunscreen if you will be out in the sun for longer than 15 minutes. If your body has plenty of minerals, including calcium, then you will see an increased rate of calculus deposits on the back side of your lower front teeth, this means you will have to go for a professional cleaning at least twice a year. Stick to unsweetened, non-carbonated beverages. Carbonated and sugary beverages can lead to tooth decay, so make sure that you avoid these if you are trying to reverse tooth decay. You should also try to avoid fruit juices, sodas, sports drinks, and any other fizzy or sweetened beverages. Instead of drinking soda, try drinking water flavored with a few berries or sip some unsweetened iced tea with a sprig of mint. Tea (hot or cold) contains polyphenols, which seem prevent bacteria from producing acids that lead to tooth decay. The antibacterial effect is from the increased hydration of your body and this results in a higher flow of saliva. Limit citrus. Citrus fruits contain a lot of acid, which can increase tooth decay. While you are trying to reverse your tooth decay, stop drinking citrus fruit juices and limit citrus fruits to a couple of servings per week. Citrus fruits include: Lemons. Limes. Oranges. Tangerines. Grapefruits. Switch to stevia or honey. Sugar is a major culprit of tooth decay so try to eliminate as many sources of sugar from your diet as possible. Instead of adding sugar to your foods and beverages, try using stevia (a calorie-free herbal sweetener) or honey (an antibacterial sweetener) to sweeten your foods and beverages. Choose whole foods over processed foods. Foods that are highly processed are more likely to contain extra sugars and lots of starch, which can get stuck in your mouth (making them hard to remove) promote the growth of decay causing bacteria. To reduce these sources of tooth decay, stop eating processed foods as much as possible. Instead, stick to whole foods such as: Whole grains. Lean meats. Vegetables. Fruits. Dairy products. Gather ingredients. Making your own remineralizing toothpaste is easy and it only takes a few ingredients. You can use this toothpaste in place of your normal toothpaste, but keep in mind that this recipe does not contain any fluoride and being abrasive should not be used for more than 3 to 4 weeks in a row. Fluoride is an important mineral for reversing tooth decay and protecting your teeth from further damage. To make your own remineralizing toothpaste you will need: 4 tablespoons of calcium (carbonate) powder (crush calcium carbonate tablets or buy calcium powder in bulk). 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Β½ to 1 packet of stevia. 1 teaspoon sea salt. 1/4 cup of coconut oil. a few drops of peppermint oil (optional). Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. You can just use a strong fork to mix everything together. Make sure that they are well combined and that you have created a uniform paste. If the paste looks too thick, then you can add another tablespoon or two of coconut oil to thin it out. Transfer the paste to a mason jar and seal it tightly when you are finished. Use the paste just like your regular toothpaste. Keep the toothpaste in your refrigerator. The toothpaste will keep longer in the refrigerator, but you will need to set it out about 15 to 20 minutes before you want to use it so that the coconut oil can return to room temperature. Otherwise, the paste may be too solid to use. | Brush your teeth twice per day. Floss your teeth once daily. Use mouthwash. Visit your dentist for regular cleanings. Get more vitamin D and calcium. Stick to unsweetened, non-carbonated beverages. Limit citrus. Switch to stevia or honey. Choose whole foods over processed foods. Gather ingredients. Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl. Keep the toothpaste in your refrigerator. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Succeed-at-Online-Dating | How to Succeed at Online Dating | Online dating can seem a bit overwhelming at first, but once you know what to do, you'll have a much better chance of finding someone you really like. When you're looking for potential dates, choose profiles that are unique and detailed. This generally means that the person's interested in more than a hook-up. If you can imagine yourself on a date with them and having plenty to talk about, they might be a good match for you. Once you're matched with someone you like, keep the conversation light by asking them more about themselves. For instance, say something like, "That's such a nice view in your rock-climbing picture. How long have you been climbing?" If messaging goes well, invite them on a date to take things to the next level! | Choose match-generating sites for a more tailored approach. Many dating sites use algorithms based off of your answers to quizzes and surveys to generate potential matches for you. If you would like to be paired with someone who has similar interests and beliefs right off the bat without having to screen their profiles yourself first, this may be a great option for you! There are broad-based match-generating sites as well as ones that focus on a particular niche (like location, age, sexual preference, religion, income, and so on). You may want to create profiles on both broad-based and niche sites to optimize how many matches you have to choose from. Match, Elite Singles, Zoosk, and eharmony are well-rated match-generating sites. Opt for "see and screen" sites for fun, fast-paced connections. Unlike match-generating sites that do the initial screening for you, "see and screen" sites give you a more active role in matching yourself with other individuals. With these sites, you get to view profiles and pictures and make a decision yourself about whether or not you think you'd be a good fit. It can be a fun way to meet people you might otherwise not have matched with. Bumble, Tinder, OkCupid , Hinge, The League, Her, and Chappy are popular βsee and screenβ dating apps. Highlight your own unique personality rather than listing what you want. Nearly all dating sites require you to write a profile for yourself, and this is a great opportunity to showcase who you are! Spend 70% of the space introducing yourself and 30% of the space writing about what you want in a romantic partner. Someone might be a great match for you but could skip over your profile if they feel you're too picky or that they don't exactly match what you wrote you want. Each site has different profile guidelines, so write a unique, tailored bio for each dating site you use. Write honest and specific examples rather than generic descriptions. Avoid cliche statements like, βI like to have fun,β or βI love to laugh.β These kinds of lines don't reveal very much about who you are. Instead, say something like, βI love rock climbing and watching old black and white movies,β or βI enjoy going to comedy shows and open mic nights, and I'm always down to try out a new restaurant in town.β If you love to travel, write something about where you're planning to go next. If you have pets, write about them. If you love reading, say what you're currently into. The more specific you can be, the better. Choose high-quality photos that show your face and your body. Even if you're a skilled selfie taker, use a high-quality, high-resolution image with good lighting and detail. Avoid using group photos, as someone looking at it won't be able to tell who you are right away. Don't conceal any part of your faceβ especially your eyesβwith things like sunglasses, hats, or hair. For a full-body shot, consider using an action shot taken outdoorsβfor instance, rollerblading on the boardwalk. Doing so helps you seem energetic and fun-loving. Look for profiles that are distinctive and descriptive. Whether you're screening potential candidates yourself or are being provided with potential matches, prioritize profiles that are detailed and well-written. A profile that doesn't include much detail might indicate that the individual isn't really interested in connecting with another person on a deeper level. The more detailed a profile is, the more likely it is that the person is interested in more than a hook-up. Make your βeliminate immediatelyβ criteria limited and specific. If dating a smoker or a non-vegan is an absolute no-go for you, then it's fine to eliminate candidates immediately based on that criteria. Overall, though, keep your list of criteria for immediate rejection short and specific. Otherwise, you may dismiss some good prospects without even giving them a chance. Avoid using βpointsβ or βpros/consβ rating systems. It's tempting to assign point values to different candidates and then choose the one with the most pointsβor, similarly, the one with the most βprosβ and least βcons.β However, when it comes to finding a romantic match, it's usually better to rely more on overall βfeelβ than numerical evaluations. Also, there's nothing wrong with matching with more than one person at a time! Until you're in a committed, monogamous relationship, feel free to keep the playing field open. While it's true that some dating sites essentially use points systems to find your potential matches, keep in mind that their algorithms are much more complex than your pros/cons list. Also, it's still up to you to evaluate your potential matches to find the best option. Imagine yourself on a date with each candidate. Read the profile, look at the pictures, and envision going on a date with this person. Can you think of a few topics to talk about based on their profile information? If you can't help but imagine yourself smiling and having a good time, give them a shot! If you feel you have nothing in common with your match but are really attracted to them physically, you could always try messaging with them for a while to see if any commonalities pop up. Give yourself permission to talk to lots of people! Keep your eyes open for signs of a scammer. While most people on dating sites are there for legitimate reasons, it's true that there are scammers, stalkers, creeps, liars, and just plain bad people out there. Even the most cautious and careful people can be βplayedβ sometimes, but you'll improve your odds by trusting your instincts and looking for signs like: The person's profile seems exceptional yet generic and not revealing. They're overly eager (or even pushy) about meeting you in person right away. They press you to reveal personal information immediately. You do an image search and find their pics with different names and profiles on other dating sites, or search key phrases from their profile and find them repeated with different pics on other sites. Make your first contact brief and friendly and ask a question. If you're the one making initial contact, limit your message to 40 words or less. That way, you'll have to get to the point quickly. Reference something from the person's profile so they know you read it, and proofread your message for typos and to make sure you spelled the person's name right. For instance, you could say something like, βHi Jake. It's great to meet a fellow fan of French New Wave cinemaβthey're hard to find in Elmhurst! What's one of your favorite films?β Respond to messages quickly and genuinely. If an intriguing match makes initial contact with you, don't try to βplay it coolβ or play βhard to get.β Instead, respond within 24 hours with a message that makes it clear that you've checked out their profile and are interested in them. If you wait a few days, they'll likely either move on or assume that you're really not that interested. As with a first contact message, an initial reply message should be 40 words or less, friendly in tone, and written specifically based on the person's profile and initial contact. Keep the conversation going until you decide if you'd like to meet or not. After sending 20 to 30 texts back and forth or interacting for 2 weeks, you should be ready to make a decision about whether or not you'd like to move forward with getting together in person. Ask questions, tell anecdotes from your day, and try to find out if this is a person you think is compatible with you, your lifestyle, and your interests. For example, you could ask the person what they like to do on the weekends or share funny anecdotes about your lives to see if your senses of humor line up. Do your best to be honest about things going on in your life that might make getting together difficult, like an upcoming trip, a busy season at work, or an ongoing family situation. If you decide you don't want to meet up, tell them. Say something simple like, βIt's been nice talking with you, but I don't see us vibing in person. I wish you all the best, though!β Meet in person sooner rather than later. In most cases, the goal of being on a dating site is to go on a date with someone you'll enjoy spending time with. Assuming that this is your goal, don't wait aroundβmake it happen! Dragging out your communications online is likely to weaken the enthusiasm on both sides before you even get a chance to meet face-to-face. Everyone has their own ideas about the ideal first date location. You might want to try a low-pressure option like going for coffee, taking a walk in a park, or checking out a local museum. If you're having second thoughts about wanting to meet the person, don't drag things out. Simply let them know politely: βI'm sorry, Jake, but I've decided that things aren't going to work out for us. Best wishes, Jamie.β Choose a public location for your first get-together. For your own safety and to make your date feel more comfortable, too, arrange to meet in a public space, like a coffee shop, museum, or restaurant. Take your own transportation, and don't give out your home address. Also, tell a friend where you'll be and let them know if your plans change. Chances are, everything is going to be perfectly fine! It's just better to be cautious when meeting someone new in person for the first time. Avoid over-imbibing while you're out. In case you want to leave early or feel uncomfortable, it's important to have all your wits about you. Be attentive and ask lots of questions. This is a time for you and your date to really get to interact! Keep your phone away so that you're not distracted by notifications and really pay attention to what the other person is saying. When you're asked questions, give full answers rather than one-word answers or short statements. Keep in mind that your date might be really nervous (and you might be too!). Give them a little bit of time to warm up and ease into the conversation. Even if things are rocky at first, they should get better within 10 to 15 minutes. Follow up on the date the next day and decide if you want to meet again. Even if you hated your time with your date, it's a good idea to address the situation right away. If you don't want to see the person again, send a gentle message that says something like, βHi Julie, thanks for spending your Friday evening with me. I had a good time, but I don't think I see us connecting on a romantic level. I wish you all the best!β If you do want to see the person again, you could say something like, βHi Ryan, I had a great time connecting last night. I'm going to that festival we talked about next weekendβdo you want to come with me?β If the person doesn't feel the same way as you, that's okay. Be gracious and move on to the next date. If the person never responds to your message, take it as a sign that they're not interested and move on. | Choose match-generating sites for a more tailored approach. Opt for "see and screen" sites for fun, fast-paced connections. Highlight your own unique personality rather than listing what you want. Write honest and specific examples rather than generic descriptions. Choose high-quality photos that show your face and your body. Look for profiles that are distinctive and descriptive. Make your βeliminate immediatelyβ criteria limited and specific. Avoid using βpointsβ or βpros/consβ rating systems. Imagine yourself on a date with each candidate. Keep your eyes open for signs of a scammer. Make your first contact brief and friendly and ask a question. Respond to messages quickly and genuinely. Keep the conversation going until you decide if you'd like to meet or not. Meet in person sooner rather than later. Choose a public location for your first get-together. Be attentive and ask lots of questions. Follow up on the date the next day and decide if you want to meet again. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-Mindful-Meditation | How to Do Mindful Meditation | To do mindful meditation, get comfortable in a quiet place and take a few deep breaths. Focus on each breath as you inhale and exhale, which will help you turn your attention away from your thoughts. Don't worry if you catch yourself getting lost in your thoughts. Just redirect your attention back to your body and breathing, and try not to judge the thoughts you're having. Instead, focus on the present moment as much as possible. | Select a location. Think about a place where you will not be interrupted or have distractions. It can be a quiet part of your home or next to a tree outside. Choose a place that feels peaceful and where you can detach from the hum of everyday life. If you are cultivating a meditation practice, consider creating a space dedicated to meditation. You can place inspirational or calming items on a special table, such as flowers or pictures of beautiful places. Soften the light by adding candles. Get comfortable. You may be stationary for several minutes at a time, and for this reason, it's important to be comfortable. Pay attention to the room temperature to make sure it's adequate. You may want to have a blanket around you or near you as your body temperature may drop. Have some pillows or cushions near you to make sitting more comfortable. Wear comfortable clothing that won't bother you or distract you. Set aside some time. You may want to start with just a five to 10 minute meditation and work up from there. Don't choose to start meditating for an hour as this can seem overwhelming. Instead, choose small increments of time to commit to, and if you want, increase the time. Try setting a timer so that you will not be tempted to check the time during your meditation. Just make sure that the βend of meditationβ timer is something gentle rather than a jarring alarm or buzzer. Try to find an alarm that sounds like soothing chimes or soft piano music. Try different postures. While many people associate meditation with sitting in lotus position (with legs crossed), there is not just one way to meditate. You can sit on the floor or in a chair, stand, walk, or lie down. Play around with different positions, using or not using cushions or pillows and find what feels most natural to you. There is no βwrongβ way to meditate. While laying down is quite comfortable, make sure you don't fall asleep! It's quite common to begin meditation and then float off into dreamland. Settle your mind. It may take you a little bit of time to settle in and begin to detach from all the things going on in your life. Especially if you've had a stressful day, you may find yourself thinking about what happened or about things that need to happen in the future. You may feel your emotions stirring. All of this is okay. Notice that your mind is dancing, and let it dance for a bit as you settle in. Keep in mind that it is okay if you feel a little strange about meditating. Just take a moment to identify the feelings you are having and then switch your focus to your physical position. Try to make yourself as comfortable as possible. Take some deep breaths. Bring your awareness to your breath, noticing the inhalations and exhalations of each breath. Feel how each breath flows in and out of your body, filling your lungs and then releasing through your throat and your mouth. Begin to lengthen and deepen each breath. Taking deep breaths helps settle and relax the mind and the body. Observing your breath is also a mindfulness practice in itself. You can practice observing your breath for the entire length of the meditation. Realize that you are not your thoughts. As you meditate, remind yourself that you have control over what thoughts and emotions you choose to engage. When you notice thoughts or emotions coming up that you do not wish to engage, release them and choose not to put your focus onto them. This insight can be helpful in realizing that you can change negative thoughts and that you can let them go. Don't beat yourself up when you notice your mental stream of thoughts. Practice letting go of these mental experiences without judgment. Return to your breath. Any time you get distracted by noises, thoughts, or anything, go back to observing your inhalations and exhalations. Any time you experience unpleasant thoughts or emotions, return your focus to your breathing. When you focus on breathing, focus on neutrality. If thoughts come up while focusing on breathing, make sure you're maintaining the practice of not passing judgment on your thoughts, including on how you are practicing meditating. Judging yourself will interfere in your meditation session. Understand that it's common for people to get distracted or for thoughts to come up regarding their day. Remember that meditation is not a performance. Focus on the present. One of the goals of mindfulness practices is to help you focus on the present moment. It's easy for your mind and emotions to jump to the future or back into the past, but your body is always in the present moment. This is why many mindfulness practices are body-driven. If you find your mind wandering often, return to your body, especially your breath. Try to focus only on the present moment. Eat mindfully. Mindful eating may even help you to lose weight by helping you to slow down and really enjoy your food. You can practice mindful eating with a piece of fruit, such as an apple. Hold the apple and look at it, observing the form, texture, or any writing that may be on it. Feel the apple in your hands, or perhaps against your lips. Bring it closer to your face and spend a few breaths smelling it. Notice if your body responds, such as salivating or increased desire to taste it. Finally, take a bite of the apple, noticing how it tastes, what it feels like, and if it's enjoyable to chew it. Practice mindful walking. You can also meditate while walking. Try taking a walk and as you walk, pay attention to the way it feels to walk, feeling your muscles move, bend, and stretch. Slow your pace so you can focus on your movements and the sensation of your feet touching and leaving the ground. Doing a walking meditation barefoot can heighten the experience and allow you to feel many more sensations such as the texture and the temperature of the ground. Focus on sensations. You can do sensation mindfulness meditation if you are experiencing pain or you want to tune in to your body. The skill can help reduce pain and tension in your body. Choose a part of your body to focus on, either internally or externally. Are sensations pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral? You can note "there is now a pleasant feeling" or "there is an ache here". Observe how the mind and body interact with these feelings. A similar method that applies to both first two body-focused foundations is a form of body scanning; namely, scanning the body up and down to examine sensations and then letting them go to pass onto another part of the body, or watching energy flow. Instead of tuning out much of what surrounds you, tune in to each sense. Open your eyes and take in your surroundings, noticing any movement, colors, or objects that stand out to you. Notice any smells in the air. Notice any sounds, perhaps the hum of electricity, cars outside your window, or birds singing. Make daily tasks a meditation. Anything can be a meditation if you do it mindfully. You can brush your teeth mindfully by tasting the toothpaste, feeling the bristles of the toothbrush, and feel the motion of your hand. Take a shower mindfully and notice all the ways you take care of your body during this time. Even driving to work can be a meditation: notice how you feel in the car, the way your body conforms to the seat, and observe the thoughts and emotions that you experience when confronted with traffic, and desired or undesired outcomes. Whenever you do a mindfulness practice, remember the most important part is being present. Come back to your breath and observe your thoughts and feelings without following them or judging them. | Select a location. Get comfortable. Set aside some time. Try different postures. Settle your mind. Take some deep breaths. Realize that you are not your thoughts. Return to your breath. Focus on the present. Eat mindfully. Practice mindful walking. Focus on sensations. Make daily tasks a meditation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Top-Sirloin-Steak | How to Cook Top Sirloin Steak | To cook top sirloin steak in a pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat, then place the steak in the center of the pan. Use tongs to flip the steak after about 15 seconds, or once a crust has formed, then turn the steak every 30 seconds until it reaches the desired doneness. Cook the steak for about 2 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak, 2 1/2 minutes per side for a medium-well steak, and 3 minutes or more for a well-done steak. Remove the steaks from the pan and allow them to rest for 3 minutes, then serve while it's hot! | Select a cut of top sirloin from your local butcher or grocery store. Choose a cut that's large enough for your meal. Plan to serve 1/4 to 1/2 pound per of steak per person. Choose steaks that are at least 1 inch (2.5Β cm) thick, and preferably 2 inches (5.1Β cm). Thinner steaks will dry out easily when you cook them. Fresh sirloin steak is deep red in color, with a generous marbling of fat. This marbling is what makes steak succulent. There should be a band of white fat around the outside of the steak. Remove the steak from its packaging. If there's a lot of blood, thoroughly pat the steak dry using paper towels, then dispose of the paper towels immediately and wash your hands. Contrary to popular belief, you should not rinse raw beef to wash it. Rinsing raw beef and other raw meats can actually cause bacteria to spread to other foods and surfaces. Season the meat according to your tastes. Good steak doesn't require much seasoning. Salt and pepper sprinkled liberally on both sides is sufficient. Add garlic powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, or Italian spices for variations. Marinate the steak, if desired. Top sirloin steak is a great meat to marinate, since it pairs well with many flavors. Choose your favorite marinade from the store, or mix up your own with equal parts oil, vinegar and spices. Place the steak in a sealable plastic bag and add the marinade. Seal the bag and allow the steak to marinate for 2 to 4 hours. Exact marinating times vary depending on the type and size of the meat. For thick steaks, opt for the full 4 hours when possible. When you're ready to cook the steak, remove it from the bag, pat it dry with paper towels, and proceed to the next step. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for one hour before cooking. Cooking a cold steak will make it more difficult to achieve the "doneness" you desire. Room temperature steaks are easier to bring to rare, medium rare, medium well, and well done specifications. Cut the steak into serving sized portions. Use a plastic cutting surface to avoid contaminating a wooden cutting board. Place a cast iron skillet or a frying pan over medium high heat on the stove. Put a teaspoon or two of cooking oil in the pan and allow it to get smoking hot. Place the steaks in the center of the pan. Let them cook on one side for 15 seconds, then turn them to the other side using a pair of tongs. They should form a thick, crunchy crust on both sides. Don't turn the steaks until they've seared; moving them too soon will prevent the crust from forming. Don't crowd the steaks in the pan. If necessary, cook the steaks in more than one batch. Continue turning the steaks every thirty seconds until they are cooked. For rare steaks, cook for a total of 1 1/2 minutes on each side. For medium rare steaks, cook for a total of 2 minutes on each side. For medium well steaks, cook for a total of 2 1/2 minutes on each side. For well done steaks, cook for 3 or more minutes on each side. Remove the steaks from the pan and allow them to rest for 3 minutes. This allows the juices to distribute through the steak. Serve the steak hot. Cut the steak into serving sized portions. Use a plastic cutting surface to avoid contaminating a wooden cutting board. Prepare the grill. Brush the grill with cooking oil, and preheat it to a medium high temperature. Allow the grill to get thoroughly heated. Take care not to let the grill get too hot, or you'll end up with charred steak that's raw on the inside. Place the steaks on the grill surface. Cook it for for approximately 4 minutes on the first side. Use tongs to flip them over after the first side has grill marks and has formed a brown crust. Grill the other side for an additional 4 minutes. Remove the steaks from the grill and allow them to rest for 3 minutes. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). Spray the surface of an oven-safe broiler pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set the seasoned steak inside. Place the pan inside the oven. The meat surface should be approximately 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6Β cm) from the flames. Allow the meat to broil for approximately 5 to 6 minutes for a 2-inch steak. Remove the pan from the oven, flip the steak to the uncooked side, and place it back in the oven to cook another 5 to 6 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Place the seasoned steak in a shallow roasting pan. Place the pan in the oven. Cook the steak, uncovered, for 40 or 50 minutes. Allow the steak to rest for 3 minutes before serving. Finished. | Select a cut of top sirloin from your local butcher or grocery store. Remove the steak from its packaging. Season the meat according to your tastes. Marinate the steak, if desired. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for one hour before cooking. Cut the steak into serving sized portions. Place a cast iron skillet or a frying pan over medium high heat on the stove. Place the steaks in the center of the pan. Continue turning the steaks every thirty seconds until they are cooked. Remove the steaks from the pan and allow them to rest for 3 minutes. Serve the steak hot. Cut the steak into serving sized portions. Prepare the grill. Place the steaks on the grill surface. Remove the steaks from the grill and allow them to rest for 3 minutes. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit (260 degrees Celsius). Spray the surface of an oven-safe broiler pan with non-stick cooking spray. Place the pan inside the oven. Allow the meat to broil for approximately 5 to 6 minutes for a 2-inch steak. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). Place the seasoned steak in a shallow roasting pan. Place the pan in the oven. Allow the steak to rest for 3 minutes before serving. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Talk-to-Your-Crush-Casually | How to Talk to Your Crush Casually | It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking to talk to your crush casually, but you can pull it off by planning what to say and keeping your conversation simple! If you're afraid of getting tongue-tied, think of a couple questions you might ask your crush, like βWhat are you planning to do over the break?β or βAre you signed up for Mrs. Smith's class next semester?β You can keep it super casual by sticking to low-pressure topics, like the weather, or discuss some common interests if you're trying to get to know them better. For example, if you're both into Star Wars, you might ask them what they thought of the last movie. You'll want to keep it light and positive, since complaining can bring the mood of the conversation down. If you feel like the conversation was awkward, try not to beat yourself up. Your crush probably isn't thinking about it as much as you are! Just try to learn from what happened to help things go better next time. | Say hello and wave when you see them. Raise your hand, smile, and say "hi" when you see them. This simple exchange can allow your crush to start really noticing you. It's also a great way to open conversations, and your crush may respond to your greeting by asking you a question. If they are already having a conversation with someone else, just smile and wave; don't interrupt by saying "hi." Prepare questions ahead of time if you get tongue-tied. You might find that you're too nervous to say anything every time you try to talk to your crush. To avoid this, come up with a list of simple questions that can allow the two of you to begin chatting when you bump into each other. Once you break the ice with the first question, it'll be much easier to keep the conversation going. Keep it simple, like "How was your summer?" or "What's your favorite class?" If you are worried about sounding too fake or rehearsed, consider preparing simple topics to talk about, like their hobbies or classes. Ask your crush how theyβre doing to keep it simple. βHow are you?β is the most natural question in the world. It's an expected next step after someone says hello, so your crush won't be weirded out when you ask them this question. It's also not a question that you can answer with just a quick yes or no, so it's perfect for opening up a more in-depth interaction. Try saying something like: βHey Tom, what's up?" You can even follow-up with "Did you have a good weekend?β or "Did you do anything fun over the summer?" Comment on the weather for a low-pressure topic. Talking about the weather is easy, because everyone experiences it. It's also not something that people usually disagree on. Most people enjoy sunshine and don't love it when there are too many cloudy or rainy days in a row. These discussions can help you get comfortable talking to your crush without venturing into emotional or personal territory. Try the following: βDo you happen to know if it's stopped raining? I forgot my umbrella today.β βHave you been outside yet today? It's beautiful!β "Man, this weather has been crazy, hasn't it?" Introduce yourself casually if youβve never officially met your crush. Having a crush on someone who doesn't know your name is especially scary and maybe even depressing. But just because they don't know you now doesn't mean it has to stay that way! If you walk past them in the hallway a few times a day and make eye contact, they've already noticed you. Add an introduction the next time you see them. Say: βI see you around all the time, but I've never actually gotten your name. I'm Sarah.β Try not to be creepy. If you do know their name, but haven't been introduced, it might still be a good idea to ask them for it. Otherwise, you might come off as stalkerish. Talk about classes or interests you have in common. You and your crush may be in a class together, or you may work at the same restaurant. You may even share a passion for Star Wars. These are perfect topics to discuss with your crush, as they'll highlight your similarities and shared experiences. There's nothing better than having an inside joke with your crush about your slightly odd manager. For example, you can talk about a class you both love, or you can complain about a class that both of you absolutely hate! Avoid stressing out if you had an awkward conversation. You may find yourself over-analyzing every interaction you have with your crush. Maybe you're feeling embarrassed because you stammered through a greeting, or revealed a strange, personal detail about yourself by accident. Take a deep breath. You probably remember the conversation much better than they do. Tell yourself that you've got another chance to show them who you are tomorrow. There's no point in dwelling on what happened yesterday or this morning. Stay positive during casual conversations. It's easy to gossip or complain about something or someone, so this may be what comes out of your mouth when you're nervous. But try as hard as you can to keep your complaints to a minimum in interactions with your crush. Instead, focus on what you like about the world around you. This will allow you both to enjoy your chats with one another. For example, don't say: βI really hate Mr. Smith's class. He's such a pain.β Instead, go with: βMr. Smith is tough, but his classes are interesting. What do you think about his latest assignment?β Offer a thoughtful compliment to make them smile. Everyone enjoys receiving nice and genuine compliments about themselves. Try to avoid complimenting only your crush's appearance. Instead, share comments that make your crush aware that you appreciate their personality, talents, and strengths. For example: If they gave a presentation that day, tell them how much you enjoyed it. Try: "That was a really good and interesting presentation!" Compliment them on one aspect of their personality. Say, βYou know, you're a really good listener!β You can compliment parts of their appearance that they have control over, like their shoes or haircut. Try "Wow! Great haircut" or "Those shoes are awesome!" Avoid complimenting them on parts of their appearance that they have no control over, such as their eyes or breasts. The latter is especially inappropriate. Listen attentively by tilting your head or nodding. When you like someone, it's important to show interest in the things that are important to that person. When your crush tells you a story or gives their opinion, use your facial expressions to demonstrate that you're paying attention. Listening attentively will make it easier to remember certain details. You can bring these details up in later conversations. Even if you are listening to every word, you have to look like you are listening. If you appear distracted, they may think that you don't care. Maintain eye contact while you talk to your crush. Be sure to stay focused on your crush's eyes and face whenever the two of you chat. This will let them know you're engaged in your interactions with them. This could also act as a subtle way to show them that you like them. Avoid making your eye contact creepy. Allow yourself to blink, and don't be so worried about maintaining eye contact that you never look away from your crush's face. Smile when you chat with with your crush. When you pass them in the hallway or have a casual conversation by your lockers, smile. This will light up your face and show that you're a positive and confident person. This could also make them enjoy your interactions more and cause them to look forward to seeing you each day. Keep your smile natural and genuine. You don't want to smile non-stop like a Barbie doll. This will might make you seem fake, insincere, or creepy. Comment on your crushβs photos and posts. Follow your crush on the social media platform they use most often. When your crush posts something new, take the time to check it out. Let them know you're staying updated on their activities by liking and commenting on posts you especially appreciate. They may reach out and do the same for you. Try commenting on a picture of a concert or event they attended by saying, βI love the Chainsmokers! So cool you got to see them live!β This will let your crush know you share their interests. If your crush posts a more routine photo that you like for its artsiness, say, βArtsy! I like this shot.β Use Instagram or Snapchat for one- or two-line direct messages. Sometimes, it's easier to talk to your crush online than in person, so private messages may provide a good way to learn more about your crush. These two popular platforms are designed for sharing photos more than words. Because you need to limit yourself to a few sentences, keep it simple and just remind them you're thinking of them. If your crush posts a picture from their vacation on Instagram, you could say, βHave fun in Paris! Can't wait to hear about it when you get back!β Consider adding an βI'll miss you!β or even an emoji. Use Facebook or Twitter for longer DMs about mutual interests. Following someone on Twitter and even Facebook will likely inform you of their likes, dislikes, and interests. If you share a particular view or activity with your crush, use a private message to start a conversation about it. This could allow the two of you to have an in-depth conversation about a common passion. Maybe your crush just posted about a lesser-known politician you also happen to like. Try saying: βWow! I can't believe you know who Pete Buttigieg is. We should totally talk about him over coffee.β Your crush may have just posted that they had a guitar class at the same music school where you go for piano lessons. Message them by saying, βThis is crazy, but we both take lessons on Wednesday afternoons! We should carpool. And start a band.β Avoid over-liking or commenting on posts to keep it casual. Don't like or comment on all of your crush's posts, and stick to only recent posts. Otherwise, your crush may get a creepy vibe from you. You don't want your crush to feel like you don't have your own interests and life outside of reviewing their feeds. For example, if your crush made a comment on someone else's post or photo, you don't have to like it or reply to it. Allow some time between liking a post or photo. If you "like" a photo immediately after it goes up, every single time, you will come off as stalkerish. Vary your comments and reactions. Don't use the same heart, kissy face, or swoon reaction on every single photo that they post. Avoid being overly enthusiastic and supportive. While it's great to support your crush, you don't want to come off as obsessive either. This can push them away from you. Post fun things that reflect your personality. Just as you're likely tempted to obsess over your crush's posts, you may be worrying about what you should post to make your crush like you. Instead of trying to get in your crush's head and imagining what they might want to see, post things that make you happy, laugh, or smile. This will allow your crush to use your feed to get to know you better. For example, if you have a crush on a goth girl who listens to heavy metal, don't assume that she wants a guy just like her. Be yourself. If you don't like heavy metal, don't post it. Ask a mutual friend to tag you to amplify your online presence. If your crush is closer with one of your friends than with you, ask that friend to use their posts to make your crush notice you. They can tag you in photos, or post when you're going out together. If your crush sees these posts, they may ask your mutual friend about you. You should only do this if they are already tagging your crush in posts. If they are not tagging your crush at all to begin with, make sure that they ask your crush first. Not everyone likes to be tagged. Ask your crush for their phone number if you donβt already have it. Once you've spent some time getting to know your crush either in person or online, see if they're willing to share their phone number. This will allow you to reach out and chat via text. Ask your crush for their number by using a shared class or project as an excuse. Say: βHey, I could really use your help on the Pre-Calc assignment. Could we exchange numbers?β Once you have each other's numbers, you can start texting each other just to say hello. Be bold and tell them you want their number to talk more. Try: βYou know, we've been chatting a lot lately. Want to give me your number so we can text, too?β Text your crush to keep talking even when youβre apart. Texting can act as a good way to slowly increase the amount of time the two of you interact. Avoid sending your crush multiple texts before you receive one back, and use emojis sparingly. You can start by reaching out with simple questions, which may then lead to longer, more detailed communications. Try starting a conversation by mentioning seeing them earlier during the day, and then asking them how they've been since you saw them. For example, βHey! It was fun hanging out at lunch today. How was your afternoon?β Don't over-do it, however. Not everyone likes texting. If your crush sends one-word responses, they might not be into texting. Invite your crush to a group gathering. See if your crush will join you in a group setting. Ask them to come to a study session, go out for drinks with friends, or attend a game with several of your acquaintances. Once you're at the event, interact with your crush and use the time to flirt a little. Group gatherings are a great way to help people relax and open up, but keep in mind that not everyone is extroverted. If your crush doesn't want to go, don't push them. Instead of asking them to go out to what you like, consider asking them to go out to what they like. For example, if they like anime, ask them if they want to go to that new anime con. Invite them to go with you to an event you know theyβd enjoy. Now that you know your crush a bit better, you're likely aware of the interests the two of you have in common. These don't necessarily need to be dates, and you can avoid defining them if you'd like. Instead, take the opportunity to increase your one-on-one time with your crush on activities that show how many interests you share! For example, there might be a movie coming out you know your crush is excited about because you talked about last week. Or you might have just found out that you and your crush are both avid rock-climbers. Take advantage of these commonalities! This question could look like: βSo, I know you're really excited about the new Wonder Woman movie. I really want to see it too, but my other friends aren't into superheroes. Would you want to go together?β If they ask you if it's a date, respond depending on whether you're ready to βofficiallyβ ask them out. You could either say, βI don't really know. How would feel about it being a date?β Or, βNo, we'd just go as friends.β Your other option would be to go for it and say, βYeah, it's a date.β Tell them you like them. At some point, it will be time to take the plunge and be honest about your feelings. This conversation could be exactly what's needed for you and your crush to become something more. They may even be too shy to tell you that they have a crush on you! If you've already asked your crush to hang out with you one-on-one, this confession might be less of a surprise to them. You can either confess directly, saying simply, βI really like you as more than a friend. Do you like me in that way too?β Or, you can be more subtle: βWe've been spending tons of time together, and I feel like we enjoy the same things. We might have a lot of fun if we spent even more time together as something more than friends. What do you think?β Be prepared for disappointment, because it's impossible to predict or control someone else's feelings. Even though you've interpreted your interactions as flirtation, your crush may have thought you were just becoming good friends. Respect their choice if they tell you they donβt like you. You don't need to stop liking your crush, and, in fact, you likely can't force yourself to do so. However, if they tell you to back off, you need to understand that they have the right to make that choice. This doesn't mean the two of you can't still be friends. Besides, if you stay friends, their feelings for you may change. If they wish to remain friends, respect their decision. Treat them as a friend, not as a crush. | Say hello and wave when you see them. Prepare questions ahead of time if you get tongue-tied. Ask your crush how theyβre doing to keep it simple. Comment on the weather for a low-pressure topic. Introduce yourself casually if youβve never officially met your crush. Talk about classes or interests you have in common. Avoid stressing out if you had an awkward conversation. Stay positive during casual conversations. Offer a thoughtful compliment to make them smile. Listen attentively by tilting your head or nodding. Maintain eye contact while you talk to your crush. Smile when you chat with with your crush. Comment on your crushβs photos and posts. Use Instagram or Snapchat for one- or two-line direct messages. Use Facebook or Twitter for longer DMs about mutual interests. Avoid over-liking or commenting on posts to keep it casual. Post fun things that reflect your personality. Ask a mutual friend to tag you to amplify your online presence. Ask your crush for their phone number if you donβt already have it. Text your crush to keep talking even when youβre apart. Invite your crush to a group gathering. Invite them to go with you to an event you know theyβd enjoy. Tell them you like them. Respect their choice if they tell you they donβt like you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Life-Story-Essay | How to Write a Life Story Essay | A life story essay is an essay that tells the story of your life in a short, nonfiction format. Start by coming up with a thesis statement, which will help you structure your essay. For example, your thesis could be about the influence of your family's culture on your life or how you've grown from overcoming challenging circumstances. You can include important life events that link to your thesis, like jobs you've worked, friendships that have influenced you, or sports competitions you've won. Consider starting your essay with an anecdote that introduces your thesis. For instance, if you're writing about your family's culture, you could start by talking about the first festival you went to and how it inspired you. Finish by writing about how the experiences have affected you and who you want to be in the future. | Determine the goal of your essay. An autobiographical essay, also called a personal narrative essay, should tell the reader about your life, personality, values and goals. The essay should tell the reader what is important to you, what your values are, and any life experiences that influenced the way you experience the world. If you are writing a personal essay for a college application, it should serve to give the admissions committee a sense of who you are, beyond the basics of your application file. Your transcript, your letters of recommendation, and your resume will provide an overview of your work experience, interests, and academic record. Your essay allows you to make your application unique and individual to you, through your personal story. The essay will also show the admissions committee how well you can write and structure an essay. Your essay should show you can create a meaningful piece of writing that interests your reader, conveys a unique message, and flows well. If you are writing a life story for a specific school assignment, such as in a composition course, ask your teacher about the assignment requirements. Make a timeline of your life. Writing down your story in chronological order can be a good brainstorming tool and help you highlight the key moments in your life. Include important events, such as your birth, your childhood and upbringing, and your adolescence. If family member births, deaths, marriages, and other life moments are important to your story, write those down as well. Focus on experiences that made a big impact on you and remain a strong memory. This may be a time where you learned an important life lesson, such as failing a test or watching someone else struggle and succeed, or where you felt an intense feeling or emotion, such as grief over someone's death or joy over someone's triumph. Look for themes in your life story. Once you have all the facts of your life down on paper, think about an experience that carries a theme. The theme of an essay should be the major idea you are trying to convey to the reader. The theme should be woven in throughout your essay and serve as a touchstone for your essay as a whole. Consider questions like: Have you faced a challenge in your life that you overcame, such as family struggles, health issues, a learning disability, or demanding academics? Do you have a story to tell about your cultural or ethnic background, or your family traditions? Have you dealt with failure or life obstacles? Do you have a unique passion or hobby? Have you traveled outside of your community, to another country, city, or area? What did you take away from the experience and how will you carry what you learned into a college setting? Go over your resume. Another way to pinpoint key moments or experiences in your life is to look through your resume or C.V. Check your education and work history, as well as any special accomplishments or awards you have received. Remind yourself of your accomplishments by going through your resume. Think about any awards or experiences you would like spotlight in your essay. For example, explaining the story behind your Honor Roll status in high school, or how you worked hard to receive an internship in a prestigious program. Remember that your resume or C.V. is there to list off your accomplishments and awards, so your life story shouldn't just rehash them. Instead, use them as a jumping-off place to explain the process behind them, or what they reflect (or do not reflect) about you as a person. Read some good examples. If you have friends who have gotten into prestigious colleges, ask them if you can read their life story essays. Talk with your guidance counselor, too; often, they have sample essays you can look at, or instructional guides that include examples. The New York Times publishes stellar examples of high school life story essays each year. You can read some of them on the NYT website. Structure your essay around a key experience or theme. Choose one major theme to focus your essay. Think about a past experience that holds a certain theme, and try to relate it to the program or position you are applying for. For example, you may look back at your time in foster care as a child or when you scored your first paying job. Consider how you handled these situations and any life lessons you learned from these lessons. Try to connect past experiences to who you are now, or who you aspire to be in the future. Your time in foster care, for example, may have taught you resilience, perseverance and a sense of curiosity around how other families function and live. This could then tie into your application to a Journalism program, as the experience shows you have a persistent nature and a desire to investigate other people's stories or experiences. Similarly, all the time spent in the kitchen with your mother, making family recipes and dishes, could be tied to your passion for uncovering and preserving ancient histories through an archaeology degree. Avoid familiar themes. The best way to make your essay stand out is to keep your story authentic and true to you. Many applicants do not have a spectacular story to share, but they can still be successful by writing about an everyday occurrence that is meaningful to them. Certain life story essays have become cliche and familiar to admission committees. Avoid sports injuries stories, such as the time you injured your ankle in a game and had to find a way to persevere. You should also avoid using an overseas trip to a poor, foreign country as the basis for your self transformation. This is a familiar theme that many admission committees will consider cliche and not unique or authentic. Other common, cliche topics to avoid include vacations, "adversity" as an undeveloped theme, or the "journey". Brainstorm your thesis statement. A thesis statement will convey to your reader the points or arguments you are going to make in your essay, including the theme of the essay. It acts a road map for your paper and should answer the question, βWhat is this essay about?β It should show that you have thought about your experience you are going to share and have drawn conclusions from your reflections. Try to phrase your thesis in terms of a lesson learned. For example, βAlthough growing up in foster care in a troubled neighborhood was challenging and difficult, it taught me that I can be more than my upbringing or my background through hard work, perseverance, and education.β You can also phrase your thesis in terms of lessons you have yet to learn, or seek to learn through the program you are applying for. For example, βGrowing up surrounded by my mother's traditional cooking and cultural habits that have been passed down through the generations of my family, I realized I wanted to discover and honor the traditions of other, ancient cultures with a career in archaeology.β Both of these thesis statements are good because they tell your readers exactly what to expect in clear detail. Start with a hook. Begin your essay with a hook that will draw the reader in, such as a striking anecdote or fact that relates to your experience. An anecdote is a very short story that carries moral or symbolic weight. It can be a poetic or powerful way to start your essay and engage your reader right away. You may want to start directly with a retelling of a key past experience or the moment you realized a life lesson. For example, you could start with a vivid memory, such as this from an essay that got its author into Harvard Business School: "I first considered applying to Berry College while dangling from a fifty-food Georgia pine tree, encouraging a high school classmate, literally, to make a leap of faith." This opening line gives a vivid mental picture of what the author was doing at a specific, crucial moment in time and starts off the theme of "leaps of faith" that is carried through the rest of the essay. Another great example clearly communicates the author's emotional state from the opening moments: "Through seven-year-old eyes I watched in terror as my mother grimaced in pain." This essay, by a prospective medical school student, goes on to tell about her experience being at her brother's birth and how it shaped her desire to become an OB/GYN. The opening line sets the scene and lets you know immediately what the author was feeling during this important experience. It also resists reader expectations, since it begins with pain but ends in the joy of her brother's birth. Avoid using a quotation. This is an extremely cliche way to begin an essay and could put your reader off immediately. If you simply must use a quotation, avoid generic quotes like βSpread your wings and flyβ or βThere is no 'I' in 'team'β. Choose a quotation that relates directly to your experience or the theme of your essay. This could be a quotation from a poem or piece of writing that speaks to you, moves you, or helped you during a rough time. Let your personality and voice come through. Though the essay should be professional and not too casual in tone or voice, it should also reflect your personality. The essay is a chance for you to express your unique perspective to the reader and give them a sense of who you are. Always use the first person in a personal essay. The essay should be coming from you and should tell the reader directly about your life experiences, with βIβ statements. For example, avoid something such as βI had a hard time growing up. I was in a bad situation.β You can expand this to be more distinct, but still carry a similar tone and voice. βWhen I was growing up in foster care, I had difficulties connecting with my foster parents and with my new neighborhood. At the time, I thought I was in a bad situation I would never be able to be free from.β Use vivid detail. One of the biggest mistakes writers make when writing their life story is forgetting that their readers weren't there to experience it with them. Give your readers plenty of sensory detail and contextual information so that they can understand what your life was like and how it has shaped you. For example, consider this statement: "I am a good debater. I am highly motivated and have been a strong leader all through high school." This gives only the barest detail, and does not allow your reader any personal or unique information that will set you apart from the ten billion other essays she has to sift through. In contrast, consider this one: "My mother says I'm loud. I say you have to speak up to be heard. As president of my high school's debate team for the past three years, I have learned to show courage even when my heart is pounding in my throat. I have learned to consider the views of people different than myself, and even to argue for them when I passionately disagree. I have learned to lead teams in approaching complicated issues. And, most importantly for a formerly shy young girl, I have found my voice." This example shows personality, uses parallel structure for impact, and gives concrete detail about what the author has learned from her life experience as a debater. Use the active voice. Avoid passive sentences or weak sentences. Use active verbs and show when possible. Only tell the reader something, for example, βI was in the basement when this happenedβ when you are summarizing an experience. An example of a passive sentence is: βThe cake was eaten by the dog.β The subject (the dog) is not in the expected subject position (first) and is not "doing" the expected action. This is confusing and can often be unclear. An example of an active sentence is: βThe dog ate the cake.β The subject (the dog) is in the subject position (first), and is doing the expected action. This is much more clear for the reader and is a stronger sentence. Apply the Into, Through, and Beyond approach. This tactic will help you develop your essay so it flows smoothly from section to section, or paragraph to paragraph. Lead the reader INTO your story with a powerful beginning, such as an anecdote or a quote. Take the reader THROUGH your story with the context and key parts of your experience. End with the BEYOND message about how the experience has affected who you are now and who you want to be in college and after college. Put your first draft aside for a few days. Once you have completed an initial draft, step away from it for a time to get some distance and perspective. This will help you return to the essay and read it with a critical eye. It will also help you put yourself in the shoes of your reader. Read your essay out loud. Focus on individual sentences to see if they sound obvious, trite, or banal. Note any long-winded or confusing sentences and mark them so you can edit them down. Avoid starting every sentence with βIβ and make sure you vary your sentence structure throughout the essay. For example, a sentence like βI struggled during my first year of college, feeling overwhelmed by new experiences and new peopleβ is not very strong because it states the obvious and does not distinguish you are unique or singular. Most people struggle and feel overwhelmed during their first year of college. Adjust sentences like this so they appear unique to you. For example, consider this: βDuring my first year of college, I struggled with meeting deadlines and assignments. My previous home life was not very structured or strict, so I had to teach myself discipline and the value of deadlines.β This relates your struggle to something personal and explains how you learned from it. Proofread your essay. Focus on spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. Read your essay backwards so you only pay attention to the words themselves and not their meaning within a sentence. It can be difficult to proofread your own work, so reach out to a teacher, a mentor, a family member, or a friend and ask them to read over your essay. They can act as first readers and respond to any proofreading errors, as well as the essay as a whole. | Determine the goal of your essay. Make a timeline of your life. Look for themes in your life story. Go over your resume. Read some good examples. Structure your essay around a key experience or theme. Avoid familiar themes. Brainstorm your thesis statement. Start with a hook. Let your personality and voice come through. Use vivid detail. Use the active voice. Apply the Into, Through, and Beyond approach. Put your first draft aside for a few days. Read your essay out loud. Proofread your essay. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Dog-After-Spaying | How to Care for a Dog After Spaying | To care for your dog after spaying, feed her a light meal on the first evening just in case she's feeling nauseous from the anesthetic. Next, try to stay with your dog for the first 24 hours after the surgery so you can keep an eye on her. Then, get a cone collar to prevent her from licking her surgery wound, since this can interfere with healing. Finally, check the wound every day to make sure there are no signs of infection. | Arrange for transportation for your dog. Your dog won't be allowed home until she is up on her feet and able to walk. However, this doesn't mean she should walk home. Carry a small dog in your arms, or arrange transport for a large dog. The vet may keep your dog overnight if she still seems loopy from the sedatives she was given, or if she cannot walk on her own. Ask a friend to come with you. Take a friend along when you collect your dog from the clinic. It is often tricky to remember instructions when you are anxious to see your furry companion again. Your friend can be an extra pair of ears, to listen for instructions that you might forget in the heat of the moment. A friend can also hold doors open and assist you in getting your dog into and out of the car. Write down any questions you may have so that you can ask the vet when you arrive at the clinic. Most clinics give comprehensive verbal and written instructions describing what to do after your dog has had surgery. Before you arrive at the clinic, it is also a good idea to write down any questions you might have concerning postoperative care. Writing your questions down and going throughout them one by one with your vet may help you to feel more prepared to take care of your dog. Keep your dogβs environment calm and quiet. Once you get your dog home, she will need some peace and quiet so that she can rest and recover. Do not arrange surgery the same day as a big dinner party in the evening, as having a large group of people around will not be relaxing for your dog. You should also resist inviting people over to come and visit your dog. While she will of course be pleased to see these people, having them there will also make her want to get up and move around while she should be resting. Stay at home for 24 hours after your dogβs surgery. Many people wonder if they should stay home with their dog for days after surgery. This is not necessary. It is, however, a good idea to be home for the first 24 hours after surgery so that you can make sure that your dog is eating, alert, going to the toilet, and not in too much pain. If anything happens that concerns you during this first 24 hour period then always phone your vet for advice. If you have no choice but to leave the house, consider getting a trusted pet sitter and walking her through this information. Feed your dog a light diet after the surgery. During the evening, after your dog's anesthetic has begun to wear off, you will be able to feed her. However, give her a light meal, rather than her regular portions. The anesthetic can make some dogs feel nauseous, and eating a full meal may cause your dog to vomit. Consider a small portion of cooked chicken breast, rabbit, cod, or turkey along with a little white rice or pasta. Alternatively, you could get food that is designed for a dog experiencing nausea. Switch your dog back to a normal diet the day after surgery. It is fine to return your dog to a normal diet the following day. Keep in mind that it is normal for a dog who has had surgery to not defecate for two to three days. Try to only leave your dog for four hours at a time in the days after her surgery. During the first three to four days after her surgery, you can leave your dog alone for four hours at a time. These four hours will allow her time to sleep and rest, but will also help you to be around enough that you can spot problems she may have. Refer to the section on helping a dog in pain to find out what signs to look for. Relax your watch after four or five days. Assuming there have been no serious complications by this point, your dog should do fine when left at home alone. After this point, it's mostly a matter of giving her time to heal until the sutures are removed, 10-14 days after the surgery. Keep your dogβs bandage in place for 24 hours. Some clinics send the patient home with Primapore (an adhesive dressing) covering the incision. Keeping this in place for 24 hours allows a seal to form over the incision which protects it from getting infected with bacteria. Some clinics do not use Primapore anymore, as removing it can irritate the dog's skin. Get your dog a cone collar to keep her from licking the wound. Do not let your dog or any other animal lick the incision, as this carries a high risk of infection and breaking the stitches. To prevent her from doing this, there are a variety of cone collars to choose from. These collars are variously described as looking like an Elizabethan ruff, a lampshade, or a bucket with the bottom taken out. Most are made from clear plastic. Pick a collar that fits your dog. The narrow end of the collar sits around the dog's neck and is held in place with her regular collar. The wider end of the cone should project two to three inches (5β7.5 cm) beyond her nose, so the collar is between her and the wound. Alternatively, you can get the dog an inflatable neck brace, to prevent the dog from turning her head. These look a lot like life-saver inflatable rings and are fitted to the diameter of your dog's neck. Put an old T-shirt on your dog if you have other dogs. If you have several dogs, any number of them might try to lick your recovering dog's wound. To keep this from happening, find a T-shirt that is large enough to cover your dog's whole body down to where the incision was made. Have your dog wear the T-shirt for 10 to 14 days. Cotton T-shirts work well for this, as they are very breathable. : Pull the t-shirt over your dog's head and put her two front legs into each sleeve of the shirt. Pull the shirt down so that it covers the incision, and tie it up so she can walk around. If the shirt is long enough, you could also cut two holes in the bottom that you can put your dog's back legs through. If the T-shirt becomes soiled, replace it with a clean one. Check the incision every morning and evening. Look at the incision, but do not touch it. A healing wound should be dry, with no seepage of fluid from the incision. As part of the healing process, the wound edges may swell slightly which helps to push them together. Look for signs of infection. Be vigilant for signs of heat, swelling, or discharge from the wound. Contact the vet immediately if there is any blood or pus leaking from the incision. Most often the blood comes from a small blood vessel leaking out into the fat layer beneath the skin, rather than major internal hemorrhage, but call your vet regardless to make sure it is nothing serious. Likewise, pus is usually a sign of a superficial infection at or just beneath the skin, rather than an infection tracking out of the abdomen. However, your dog may need antibiotics to settle the infection so that it doesn't delay the healing of the wound. Wash the incision only if it gets dirty. Unless advised to do so by your veterinarian, do not touch the incision. However, if your dog goes outside and gets a muddy tummy, then it is acceptable to gently wash dirt from the incision. To do this: Create a saltwater solution (a teaspoon (5 mL) of salt mixed into a pint (0.5 L) of water that has been boiled, then cooled to a skin-safe temperature). Dip cotton balls into the solution, and then gently dab them over the wound to remove any dirt or grime from the incision. Make sure your dogβs bedding is clean. If the wound is undressed and exposed to the air, make sure your dog sleeps on clean, dry bedding so that the wound doesn't get contaminated. Understand why rest is important. The principle of rest is to avoid anything that might stretch the incision, increase blood pressure, or dislodge ligatures. In an ideal world, rests means just thatβrest. Lots of lying around in bed, with no stairs, no jumping, and no walks. Do not allow your dog to exert herself. This means no runs, games of Frisbee, or playing catch. It also means no running up and down stairs or jumping on and off furniture. Think about borrowing a child's stair gate for the duration of your dog's recovery so that you can block off the stairs. If you own a large dog who likes to sleep with you, do not let her walk up the stairs to get to your bed. If you are concerned about your dog's health, you can sleep downstairs on the sofa beside her. Keep your dog restrained when she needs to relieve herself. Take your dog out into the yard on a collar and lead, rather than letting her roam freely. Keeping her on a lead can help you to restrain her and keep her from injuring herself if she sees something that she wants to chase. Help your dog in and out of cars. Don't let your dog jump in and out of your car. If necessary, take a friend with you to help lift a big dog into and out of the trunk when you collect her from the clinic or take her somewhere other than your home. Keep your dog on a leash once you start walking her again. If your dog is going stir crazy and has so much bottled energy she is bouncing or jumping at doors, check with the clinic to see if a short walk is okay. Always keep her on a leash during the walk. Three to four days after her surgery, you can consider taking your dog for a walk. Try to keep the walk to five minutes in length, and walk on flat ground. Do not play roughly with your dog. If you have other dogs in the house who want to rough-house with your recovering dog, keep them under constant supervision so that they can't jump on her. Do not play tug-o-war with your dog, or any other games that involve movement. If you are concerned that you cannot keep your other dogs under control, consider asking a friend to watch those dogs until your recovering dog's stitches have been removed. Talk to your vet if you have a very hyperactive dog. If you have a hyperactive dog that absolutely refuses to take things quietly no matter how hard you try, let the veterinary clinic know. They may recommend a mild sedative to slow her down a little. Give your dog the painkillers the vet gives you. As with any major surgical procedure, it is important to make sure the patient is not in pain. Most clinics use a combination of painkillers (an opioid and a non-steroidal) on the day of surgery, and send your dog home with an oral painkiller to continue taking at home. Keep in mind that some dogs are more sensitive and will feel more pain than others. The average length of time that pain relief is required is generally four to five days, but your dog may need more or less time. Do not use any unprescribed painkillers without veterinary advice. Look for signs that your dog is in pain. Each dog reacts differently to pain; some become vocal and whine, while others withdraw and try to hide. General signs of discomfort are listed below: : Restlessness: Pacing, inability to settle, and sitting down and then standing again, can all be signs of discomfort. Vocalization: Whining and crying. This is sometimes an attempt to get attention rather than a sign of pain. Try to avoid fussing over the dog when she cries; if she learns that you will not reward her, but continues to whine, she is probably in pain. Body Posture: A dog in pain often wears a "miserable" expression with tipped down ears, doleful eyes and a lowered head. Her body is often hunched and she may not be able to lie in her favorite position. BehaviorΒ : Some dogs change behavior when in pain, of which one example is becoming snappy or aggressive. Other dogs withdraw, as if trying to hide away from the pain. Not eating or drinking: Some dogs (especially Labradors) eat no matter what, but others go off their food if uncomfortable. Contact your vet if you think your dog is in severe pain. If you feel you dog does not have adequate pain relief, contact the clinic. There are other painkillers, such as tramadol, which can be added to the NSAID prescription to top up her pain control. Call the vet if you notice serious symptoms. Most veterinarians want to schedule a check-up between three and ten days after the operation. However, should you become concerned before this, always contact the surgery for advice. Signs to watch for include: Not eating or drinking after 48 hours: Your dog should be eating by now and could be in pain if she is not. Don't wait the extra day before seeking advice. A discharge from the wound: A healing wound is usually dry. If there is a discharge, especially blood or pus, seek advice. Sickness or diarrheaΒ : Sometimes the anesthetic agents can cause tummy upsets in sensitive animals, however, in a pet that has had recent surgery, bring her to the vet if you see that she is nauseous. Weakness, lethargy, or a swollen tummy: If your dog seems weak and is not recovering her energy, or if her figure changes and her tummy looks swollen, seek immediate vet advice. | Arrange for transportation for your dog. Ask a friend to come with you. Write down any questions you may have so that you can ask the vet when you arrive at the clinic. Keep your dogβs environment calm and quiet. Stay at home for 24 hours after your dogβs surgery. Feed your dog a light diet after the surgery. Switch your dog back to a normal diet the day after surgery. Try to only leave your dog for four hours at a time in the days after her surgery. Relax your watch after four or five days. Keep your dogβs bandage in place for 24 hours. Get your dog a cone collar to keep her from licking the wound. Put an old T-shirt on your dog if you have other dogs. Check the incision every morning and evening. Look for signs of infection. Wash the incision only if it gets dirty. Make sure your dogβs bedding is clean. Understand why rest is important. Do not allow your dog to exert herself. Keep your dog restrained when she needs to relieve herself. Help your dog in and out of cars. Keep your dog on a leash once you start walking her again. Do not play roughly with your dog. Talk to your vet if you have a very hyperactive dog. Give your dog the painkillers the vet gives you. Look for signs that your dog is in pain. Contact your vet if you think your dog is in severe pain. Call the vet if you notice serious symptoms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Jaundice-in-Newborns | How to Prevent Jaundice in Newborns | To prevent jaundice in newborns, start by getting blood tests done while you're still pregnant, since Rh and ABO incompatibility are among the highest risk factors. Don't worry, your doctor will go over preventative measures with you if there are blood incompatibility issues! Once your baby is born, begin breastfeeding immediately, preferably within 3-4 hours of birth. Feed the baby 8-12 times per day for the first several days, which is when the risk of developing jaundice is the highest. It can also help to expose your baby to sunlight for a few minutes each day. | Take blood tests during pregnancy. Certain blood incompatibilities can cause more blood cells to break down, producing more bilirubin. Mothers with Rh negative blood or O+ blood type should consider having additional blood work taken for their babies since Rh incompatibility and ABO incompatibility are among the highest risk factors. Genetic enzyme deficiencies, like glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, can also lead to a higher risk of jaundice because they can destroy certain blood cells, creating more bilirubin in the blood stream. In addition to prenatal blood tests, doctors now routinely test the baby for jaundice before the baby leaves the hospital. Reduce the risk of a preterm birth. Babies born before 38 weeks are at an increased risk of developing jaundice. The liver of a preterm baby is less developed than that of a full-term baby, making it even more difficult for the newborn's liver to eliminate bilirubin. Some preterm risk factors, such as age or multiple births, cannot be changed, but many environmental risks can. Keep up-to-date on your prenatal care. Early and consistent prenatal care will ensure that you and your baby stay as healthy as possible during the pregnancy, which can pinpoint any problems that could lead to premature delivery. Avoid chemical contaminants. Tobacco, alcohol, street drugs, and some medications can increase your chances of delivering early. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor. Environmental pollutants can also contribute a risk. Stay as calm as possible. Stress is a major factor in early births. Lack of social support, work that is physically or emotionally demanding, and domestic violence, whether physical or emotional, can all contribute to stress and lead to a premature birth. Monitor or reduce your risk of certain infections. Infections such as herpes, syphilis, CMV, and toxoplasmosis can lead to premature births as well as jaundice. Recognize that breastfed babies are more likely to develop jaundice. However, it is usually easily treated and short lived. Breast milk naturally does not come in until a few days after the baby's delivery. In the first few days of life, breastfed babies eat a pre-milk substance called colostrum, which is very scant in amount but dense in nutrients. Because they do not drink as much as formula-fed babies in the first few days of life, their digestive systems are not emptied as quickly, which causes bilirubin to build up in the system. This is generally not a cause for concern, and experts still recommend breastfeeding. Because breastfed babies often get a mild case of jaundice, it is not unusual for doctors to recommend supplementing them with formula in the early days of life if the baby is at higher risk for jaundice, until the breast milk supply is established. Begin breastfeeding immediately. Nursing immediately after birth can help reduce the risk of developing jaundice and also begin to treat it if the baby already has it. Mothers who begin breastfeeding within the first few hours after birth are more likely to have success than those who wait. Early weight gain can help a baby's development, making it easier for the liver to do its job. Moreover, the colostrum a mother produces early on prompts the baby's digestive system to eliminate waste, which helps to expel excess bilirubin from the intestines. In other words, the sooner your baby begins pooping, the sooner the jaundice will begin to clear up. If you decide to breastfeed your baby, work with a lactation specialist to improve your breastfeeding technique. These professionals can help new mothers learn how to encourage proper latching so that newborns can receive enough milk. Feed your baby frequently. A steady supply of milk will increase your baby's weight and development, including the development of the liver. This is true for both breastfed and formula fed babies. Ideally, newborns should eat at least eight to 12 times daily for the first several days, especially if they are at risk for developing jaundice. If you nurse, frequent feedings in the first few days of life (at least eight to 12 times a day) will encourage your milk to come in sooner and establish a strong supply. Expose your baby to light. Ultraviolet light reacts with bilirubin, changing it into a form that does not need to pass through the liver in order to be expelled, thereby eliminating excess bilirubin from the body and reducing the risk of jaundice. Expose a naked or diapered baby to sunlight for no more than five minutes at a time, once or twice a day. Do not exceed this amount, since prolonged sun exposure can cause a baby to burn very easily and create further complications. Ensure that the baby does not become chilled while sunning by raising the temperature in the room and/or laying the baby across your own chest while sunning. Alternatively, try placing the baby's bed near a sunny window with curtains. Curtains and windows filter out many of the UV rays that can cause help problems, allowing your baby to take in sunlight without burning. Understand how jaundice develops. Jaundice typically develops on the second or third day of life and generally follows a predictable pattern. In healthy bodies, bilirubin is a normal byproduct that occurs in the blood stream as red blood cells are broken down. The bilirubin travels to the liver, where it is excreted into the bile duct and eventually in your stool. In cases of newborns with jaundice, the liver has not begun to work efficiently yet, so the bilirubin builds up in the liver and the blood instead of traveling to the bile duct. Newborns in hospitals are routinely tested for jaundice. It's very common β about 60% of full term babies will develop jaundice, and even more of those who are born preterm. In a typical scenario, a newborn infant will be tested for bilirubin levels by pricking the baby's heel and squeezing out a small amount of blood. A baby with a bilirubin level of under 5 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is considered normal, while anything over 5 mg/dL is considered an elevated level. Most babies with a low to moderate level of jaundice will not need treatment, and the jaundice will clear up after a week or two. Sometimes, if the level is too high, rises too quickly, or does not go down after two weeks, doctors may prescribe light therapy (a UV therapy which is harmless and enjoyed by most babies). In rare cases, your baby may need a blood transfusion to reduce severe jaundice. Know the symptoms of jaundice. Most babies born in a hospital will be tested one or more times for their bilirubin levels, but certain symptoms can signal jaundice: A yellow color to the skin and the whites of the eyes. This is the most common feature of jaundice. Sleepiness and difficulty feeding. Sometimes bilirubin levels cause an infant to be drowsy, which can make nursing or bottle feeding the baby difficult. Try undressing the baby to rouse it to eat. Know when jaundice signals a problem. Jaundice is very common and most often clears up on its own. But in some rare cases, it can cause complications and require treatment. Although jaundice is common among newborns, high levels of untreated bilirubin (what is medically known as "severe hyperbilirubinemia") in the blood can cause bilirubin to pass to the brain, leading to serious complications. Although rare, these complications can lead to permanent brain damage (cerebral palsy, learning problems, or developmental disabilities), improper development of tooth enamel, or hearing loss. Symptoms to watch for include lethargy, a bright yellow color, and yellow feet (especially the soles). Also poor muscle tone, an unusual, high-pitched cry, fever, or irritability may occur. Your doctor may recommend supplementing breastmilk with infant formula if your baby's bilirubin levels continue to rise after a couple of days of life. In most cases, it is not necessary to supplement unless the baby's bilirubin level is 20 mg/dL or higher or if the baby has other risk factors for jaundice such as prematurity or blood disorders or is losing too much weight. Supplementing with formula can make it harder to establish a successful breastfeeding relationship. Talk your doctor about the pros and cons before supplementing. | Take blood tests during pregnancy. Reduce the risk of a preterm birth. Recognize that breastfed babies are more likely to develop jaundice. Begin breastfeeding immediately. Feed your baby frequently. Expose your baby to light. Understand how jaundice develops. Know the symptoms of jaundice. Know when jaundice signals a problem. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-White-Button-Mushrooms | How to Grow White Button Mushrooms | To grow white button mushrooms, purchase ready-made spores online or at a nursery, and get a 14 by 16 in tray. Then, fill the tray with 6 inches of compost and manure, and spread the spores over the manure. Heat the soil to 70 degrees Fahrenheit with a heating pad in a dark room, and keep it damp. When roots cover the top of the soil, lower the soil temperature to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and spread a layer of potting soil over the roots. Wait 3-4 weeks before harvesting the mushrooms! | Consider buying a kit if it's your first time growing mushrooms. Mushroom kits normally have all of the materials that you need for planting and growing mushrooms, and are great for beginners. They usually contain manure, substrate, trays, and a spray bottle for watering the mushrooms. Growing kits tend to have specific directions that may differ from traditional mushroom growing methods. Be sure to read the package carefully and follow the directions. Some kits already contain the spores for growing a specific type of mushrooms, while others just contain growing trays and appropriate substrate. Buy large trays for growing the mushrooms. Select trays that are about 14 by 16 inches (36 by 41Β cm) and at least 6 inches (15Β cm) deep. To start out, only plant in one tray, which will continue to produce mushrooms for 3-6 months. Trays can be made of plastic, metal, or wood, depending on what you have available. As you become a more experienced cultivator, you can grow multiple trays at once and have an almost constant supply of mushrooms! Make a mixture of equal parts compost and manure. Button mushrooms require a growing environment that contains a lot of nitrogen. Use your own compost and purchase manure, like horse or cow manure, at the store, or buy both if you don't have a compost pile. If you plan on growing a lot of mushrooms, you can make this mixture in a large bucket and cover it after you use some of it. Otherwise, only mix as much as you'll need to fill one tray. Your manure and compost mixture will produce a strong smell, so make it in a well-ventilated area. Fill the trays with 6Β in (15Β cm) of the growing mix. Pour the mixture into the trays carefully, leaving at least 1 inch (2.5Β cm) of space at the top of the tray. Make sure the soil is level and is spread evenly across the tray. White button mushrooms tend to spawn well in warm compost, so don't worry if the compost is still hot when you place it in the tray. Purchase ready-made spores online or at a nursery. To easily grow mushrooms, purchase spores that have already been βinoculatedβ or mixed in with a substrate, like dirt, hay, or sawdust. Button mushrooms are very common and available through online retailers, and can even be found in local nurseries. Whenever possible, purchase spawn from an experienced mushroom cultivator. These spawn will be more likely to produce mushrooms. Spread the spores on top of the compost and mist with water. Since the spawn is pre-treated, you can apply it directly on top of the compost mixture. Try to make an even layer across the substrate so the mushrooms will grow in all parts of the soil. Mushrooms like to grow in a damp environment, so even if the manure and compost are wet, spray the tray thoroughly with water. Place the tray on a heating pad to raise the temperature to 70Β Β°F (21Β Β°C). Set the tray directly on top of a pre-heated pad that plugs into a wall and has a temperature control dial. Place a thermometer in the soil to monitor the temperature as it rises. Avoid heating the soil any higher than 70Β Β°F (21Β Β°C) because it can kill the spores before they grow. Move the tray to a dark room, and spray with water 2 times per day. The mushrooms will grow best in a dark place, like a root cellar, basement, garage, or even a closet. Throughout the day, check the temperature and moisture of the soil to make sure it isn't to warm or dry. Spray the soil with water thoroughly 2 times per day. If the soil is frequently warm, try lowering the temperature of the heating pad and keep an eye on the thermometer. Lower the heat to 50Β Β°F (10Β Β°C) once tiny, thread-like roots form. After 3-4 weeks, the top of the soil will be covered in tiny, white roots, called βmycelium.β When the soil is completely covered, lower the temperature to encourage growth of the first mushrooms. Some areas of the tray might form mycelium early, while others will take a full month. Be patient throughout the process, and wait until the colony is fully formed to lower the heat. Cover the mycelium with 1Β in (2.5Β cm) of potting soil. As the temperature falls, spread a layer of regular potting soil over the newly formed roots. This layer will protect the delicate mycelium and provide nutrients for the new mushrooms as they grow. You can find potting soil at most home improvement stores or garden centers. Water the soil daily and cover the tray with a damp cloth. In order for mushrooms to grow, the environment has to be constantly moist. In addition to spraying the soil with water, drape a damp cloth over the tray to release water into the soil throughout the day. If you don't have a cloth to cover the tray, you can use a layer of damp newspaper spread across the top of the soil. When mushrooms begin to form, remove the newspaper. Make sure to keep the cloth damp, as well, by misting it, or just running it under water for a few seconds. Wait 3-4 weeks for mushrooms to sprout from the soil. About a month after spreading the potting soil, the first mushrooms should sprout from the soil. Allow them to reach full maturity before harvesting them to eat. Once mushrooms begin to form, continue to mist the soil. A single tray of spores can produce mushrooms for 3-6 months after the first sprouts. Harvest the mushrooms when the caps open. When mushrooms are mature, the cap will pop open. Use a sharp knife to slice through the stem, just below where the cap meets the stem. Some gardeners choose to twist off the caps to avoid cutting the stem. If you're not sure how to prepare your mushrooms, you can try sautΓ©ing them , making a cheesy mushroom pull apart bread, making mushroom gravy for chicken , or eating them raw! | Consider buying a kit if it's your first time growing mushrooms. Buy large trays for growing the mushrooms. Make a mixture of equal parts compost and manure. Fill the trays with 6Β in (15Β cm) of the growing mix. Purchase ready-made spores online or at a nursery. Spread the spores on top of the compost and mist with water. Place the tray on a heating pad to raise the temperature to 70Β Β°F (21Β Β°C). Move the tray to a dark room, and spray with water 2 times per day. Lower the heat to 50Β Β°F (10Β Β°C) once tiny, thread-like roots form. Cover the mycelium with 1Β in (2.5Β cm) of potting soil. Water the soil daily and cover the tray with a damp cloth. Wait 3-4 weeks for mushrooms to sprout from the soil. Harvest the mushrooms when the caps open. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Over-a-Crush | How to Get Over a Crush | To get over a crush, make a list of all the things you don't like about them and read it whenever you feel yourself crushing on them. Also, try to distance yourself from your crush by not hanging out with them or talking to them unless it's absolutely necessary. While you're trying to move on, go out and meet new people or spend time with friends to help keep yourself distracted. You can also focus on improving yourself by exercising and getting organized so you have less time to think about your crush. | Find people who know what you're feeling. It's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when you're in the middle of a crush, but plenty of other people have been down this path before you. Finding out how they got through it can kick-start your own inspiration to move on. Ask a friend or family member for help. Most people can sympathize with love on some level, and they might be able to tell you about their own experiences overcoming a crush. Even if they don't have personal experience with this problem, they can still give you some level-headed advice. Keep your eyes peeled for examples. Once you start looking for it, you'll see countless examples of other people struggling. Books, movies, songs and even news stories often center on someone grappling with an impossible crush. Pay extra attention to the ones where someone gets over it, and note what you can learn. Admit you have a crush. Before you can get over a problem, you have to acknowledge that it exists. Allow yourself to say you have a crush, and to experience all the complicated emotions that go with it. Consider writing down a few pages about how you feel. Taking some time to express your emotional turmoil can help you feel like you're putting it behind you. List the reasons why you developed feelings for the other person, and why it's not going to work. Write it in a private journal, or on a password-protected word processing document. Or, write it on a few loose pieces of paper and burn them later. State your feelings out loud. You don't have to tell anyone else how you feel, but verbalizing your problem out loud βΒ even if you're the only person in the room βΒ can help it seem real and approachable. It can be as simple as saying "I have a crush on Steve, and I hate that I feel this way." Tell your crush. If you're certain they're mature and capable of understanding what you're going through, find a time when you can talk to them about it. One of the most difficult parts of getting over a crush is letting go of your hopes for romance. If your best friend is dating him, then you just need to back off. If you just give up, you'll likely be tormented by "What if" thoughts. Telling the person gives the small chance that maybe they really do like you back, but even in the eventuality that they don't, you finally can just move on to accepting that. You won't feel like you wasted a chance for happiness. Don't be demanding or creepy, try to avoid talking about the physical side of your feelings, as that's not relevant to what you really want to know. Simply tell them how much you care about them, and that you just want to know if they feel the same. Make it clear you still want to be friends with them (although you may need time apart to get over your feelings), and that you want them to be honest. Writing your crush a letter may be better for several reasons. It makes it easier for you to explain how you feel without getting stuck, and it also puts less pressure on them. Give your crush a letter explaining your feelings, and ask them to read it later when they're alone. Don't contact them for a day, just to allow them time to think about what you've told them. Try talking to them the next day when you have time alone. If they avoid you, understand they're probably just a little intimidated and confused, just give your crush space and try again in a while. Acknowledge defeat. Maybe the person you're crushing on is already in another relationship, or you're separated by thousands of miles of distance. Maybe the other person doesn't even know how you feel, and you're unable to say. Whatever the reason, accept that there's an obstacle in your path, and that you're choosing to walk away from it. Don't confuse this with personal failure. The fact that you can't be with your crush has nothing to do with your inherent self-worth. Relationships don't work out for a multitude of reasons, and most of them are problems that can't be changed or improved. Some things are beyond your control. Accept the things about yourself that prevented them from having feelings for you. Heartbreak typically begins with denial, try to skip that stage. Accept that perhaps you just weren't compatible. Be open to correcting flaws in yourself if you want to improve your chances next time, but make sure not to confuse flaws with differences. Bad hygiene is a flaw, and something you can fix. Liking a different kind of music, or being a more introverted person are not, and you shouldn't try to force yourself to change them. It may seem like you'd do anything to be with the person, but deep down, what you desire more than anything is for them to love you as you are. Even if changing for them possibly resulted in them falling in love with the new you, the relationship would likely quickly fall apart after the initial novelty. Avoid becoming embarrassingly stubborn. It might go deeply against your grain to admit that you can't do something, and in most situations perseverance is an admirable trait. There are times, though, when perseverance morphs into desperation and stupidity. Chasing an impossible crush is one of those times. Let it go. Separate yourself from your crush. If you can, try to give yourself some breathing room away from the object of your affection. A lot of crushes are born of proximity, or simply being around someone who happens to be remotely likable. If you're not around this person as often, the crush might peter out on its own. If you're crushing on a close friend: Make yourself less available. If you want to try to preserve the friendship, aim to spend as little time as possible with the other person right now without hurting his or her feelings. Or, if you trust your friend to respond compassionately, explain your problem and state that you just need a little space right now. If you're crushing on a mutual friend: If the friend of a friend is the problem, try to bow out of group social events gracefully. If you have to, explain the issue to your first friend so that he or she won't take it personally. If you're crushing on someone at school: Take this opportunity to work harder on your studies, and distract yourself from your crush. Every time you're tempted to think about him or her, open a book or drill flashcards instead. Take different routes to class or sit elsewhere at lunch if you have to. If you're crushing on a co-worker: Focus more on your work. For the time being, avoid group lunches, casual mid-day conversations, and events like happy hour. If you're crushing on someone you can't physically avoid: Mentally distance yourself instead. Being in the same room as someone doesn't mean you have to think about them, too. Think about whatever task you're doing, or daydream about all the awesome things you'll do someday βΒ without your crush. Meet some new people. If your crush is always hanging out in your current group of friends, try broadening your social horizons. Making new friends will distract you from your current misery, boost your confidence, and might even lead you to someone who's a better match for you. Here are some places to start: Find people who share your hobbies. Love trivia? Swing by a few local pubs and ask about the next trivia night. Into writing? Look around online or inquire at local colleges to find a new critique group. Play sports? Search online for intramural leagues, or look up the local chapters of leagues like the World Adult Kickball Association. The possibilities are endless! Get involved in service. Volunteer at a local shelter, or contact an organization that champions a cause you care about, like humane treatment of animals or environmental clean-up. Attend a few service events and strike up some conversations with like-minded helpers. Take advantage of school or extracurricular groups. If you're already attending a school or an organization that offers extracurricular activities, get involved! Party-planning committees (like for Prom), choir, or sports leagues are all possibilities. Take care of yourself. Use this time to step back and re-evaluate ways you can improve your own life, instead of devoting all that mental capital to your crush. You'll find a few distracting tasks to take care of, and you'll be bettering your own situation at the same time. Give yourself a mini-makeover (even if you're a guy!): Is your wardrobe feeling a little stale? Have you had the same hairstyle for too long? Pick up a few new, confidence-boosting pieces for your closet, or investigate a new haircut or color. If you're not sure how to navigate your options, ask a particularly stylish friend or family member for help. Get organized. If it's been awhile since you've cleaned out your closet/car/garage/basement, get on it! Sorting through old junk can be a meditative process, and you'll probably feel relaxed and accomplished when you're done. Work out. Exercise clears the mind β when you're so focused on pushing your body, you can't afford to worry about much else besides breathing and moving. Take up running, swimming, biking, or another activity that can both improve your body and de-junk your mind. Practice positive self-talk. It sounds silly, but it really works. Look at yourself in the mirror a few times a day, and say whatever it is that you need to hear. It might be "You'll find someone better" or "No one is worth all this moping." Repeat it until you believe it. Be wary of relapsing. Getting over a crush is hard work, and if it took you several months to become infatuated, it might take long to dig yourself back out. Accept that it's a process, and plan ahead so you won't be derailed by a sudden relapse. Here's how to deal with one: Realize that you don't see this person realistically. Limerence, or the overwhelming feeling of infatuation that you feel around your crush, can throw you out of logical thinking patterns and make you idealize your crush. Repeat to yourself that no matter how you feel, no one is perfect, not even your crush, and recognize that you are intentionally overlooking their flaws. Treat it like a substance addiction. You wouldn't point a recovering alcoholic toward a bar, so don't put yourself in situations where you're tempted to fuss over your crush. Steer clear of intimate situations and avoid frequent contact, even if it's over text or chat and not in-person. Don't just transfer your feelings to a new target. Finding a new person to attach all your feelings to is another form of relapsing β you might not be crushing on the same person, but you're feeling the same emotions. Making someone your substitute isn't fair to them, because you're not seeing them for who they are, and it's not fair to you, because you're allowing yourself to fall back into the same cycle. Avoid becoming bitter. Demonizing your crush might help you get over it in a short-term way, but it's not a long-term solution. Here's the problem: thinking about how much you hate someone is still a way of obsessing over them, so you're functionally stuck at square one. Don't make someone else responsible for your happiness. Sure, maybe your crush didn't respond to your affections like you had hoped. Maybe they even made it worse by teasing you or flirting incessantly, knowing full well how you felt. But whatever happened, the only person charged with making you happy is you. You're responsible for taking yourself out of a bad situation and moving forward, so don't hold your crush accountable for making you miserable. Try to wish them all the best. If you truly care about someone, you want to see that person find happiness β even if it's not with you. Resist the urge to become angry or start making comparisons if your crush starts dating someone else. Try to cultivate a spirit of being happy when the people you like are happy. Make a list of bad things about your crush. This is quite tricky but very effective when done and understood in the right way. Your crush caught your eyes for all the good qualities you saw on them. Now you have to reverse it. You may think at first that your crush is "so perfect" but no, everyone has their share of flaws and that is what you have to keep in your mind. Time to stop dreaming. Think deeply about your crush and find as many ugly characteristics as you can find. List it down on a piece of paper and read it repeatedly. When you see them around, do not look at the good. Remember everything you wrote and don't lose focus. | Find people who know what you're feeling. Admit you have a crush. Tell your crush. Acknowledge defeat. Separate yourself from your crush. Meet some new people. Take care of yourself. Be wary of relapsing. Avoid becoming bitter. Make a list of bad things about your crush. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Urinate-in-the-Ocean-Discreetly | How to Urinate in the Ocean Discreetly | If you don't have time to get to a bathroom or somewhere private to pee, you can go discreetly in the ocean. Wade out so you're at least waist-deep in the water or crouch down. Make sure no one's nearby in case they get suspicious. You should also face the incoming waves in case a big one comes and catches you off guard. Leave your swimsuit on while you do your business, in case anyone sees you. When you're done, just shake out your swimsuit leg or leg hole to make sure you're clean. Then, clean it with soapy water when you get home. | Make sure that there are no people close to you. If there are some swimmers close by, move away from them. Even if they don't see you do your business, they may feel the sudden warmth and become suspicious. Move to the left or right, instead of deeper into the ocean. Do not go so far away that you can no longer see or hear other people. You want to be within sight and hearing/shouting distance, in case something happens. Stay away from clumps of seaweed and other marine plants. Lots of fish and other sea animals live there. Some of them could harm you, while others could be harmed by you. Keep an eye out for other marine animals. The further away you go from other people, the more likely you are to come across some sea critters. Stay clear any marine life, including other fish, sharks, and jellyfish. You may hurt them, or they may hurt you. Avoid coral reefs. While urinating in the ocean can be beneficial to the marine plants, it can be harmful to coral reefs. Urine helps marine plants growβincluding algae. This can result in algae growing out of control on a coral reef and blocking out the sunlight it needs. This could suffocate and kill the coral reef. Stay away from piers and jetties. Try to keep a distance of at least 100 feet (30.48 meters) from these places. Both piers and jetties tend to be surrounded by rip currents, which are very dangerous. Rip currents are very strong ocean currents. They flow away from the shore. The last thing you'd want is to get caught in one. Wade until you are waist-deep in the ocean. This will keep your private parts hidden from view. Turn to face the horizon and the incoming waves. Never turn your back on the ocean. Even if the water seems calm and the waves small, a large wave can come up suddenly. These sudden waves are known as rogue and sleeper waves. They can be very dangerous if they catch you unawares. Keep your swimsuit on at all times. This is so that you do not expose yourself. Don't worry, everything will rinse off in the water. Place your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart. This will help everything flow out easier. Pretend that you are enjoying the nice view. This will help people from suspecting what you are up to. Know how to rinse off when you are done. There will still be some residue on you and your swimsuit. If you are wearing swim shorts, simply take hold of one of the legs and give them a little shake. If you are wearing a bikini or a one-piece swimsuit, take hold of the bottom part, right between the leg holes. Pull down on it for a moment, then let go. Be sure to wash your swimsuit using warm water and soap when you get home. This will prevent bad smells. Go out no further than knee-deep. You want to be able to sit in the ocean without the water coming past your chest. Be sure to face the horizon and incoming waves. Turn to face the horizon and the incoming waves. Even if you are only knee-deep in the water, you still need to keep an eye out for waves. Small waves can suddenly turn into large waves. Keep your swimsuit on. Even if part of you is hidden in the water, it is still a good idea to keep your swimsuit on. Consider sitting down in the water. Make sure that your thighs are not touching. Lean back slightly, and support your weight on your palms. Pretend that you are enjoying the water. You should still be facing the horizon. Try squatting instead. If you don't like the feeling of sand against your skin, you can try squatting or crouching instead. You may need to go a little bit deeper into the ocean for this. Do not go so deep that the water goes past your chest. Act like you are taking a rest, or people may begin to suspect. Wait for a few moments before standing back up. Once you are finished, continue sitting or crouching in the water for a little bit. If you stand up too soon, people may catch on to what you just did. Know how to rinse off if you have been sitting. You will need to shift forward to a crouching, squatting, or kneeling position. If you do not do this, you may get sand inside your swimsuit. Make sure that your waist and everything below is still underwater. If you are wearing swim shorts, take hold of one of the legs. Give it a few quick shakes, then let go. If you are wearing a one-piece swimsuit or a bikini, start by taking hold of the bottomβthe swatch of fabric right between the two leg holes. Tug down gently and then let go after a few seconds. Wash your swimsuit when you get home with some soap and warm water. This will help prevent any bad smells. Know how to rinse off if you have been squatting. Even though you are in water, there will still be some residue left over. If you are wearing swim shorts, grab hold of one of the legs by the cuff and shake it for a few seconds. If you are wearing a bikini or a one-piece swimsuit, take hold of the fabric between the leg holes. Pull down on it for a moment, then let go. Remember to wash your swimsuit using soap and warm water when you get home. This will keep your swimsuit from getting smelly. | Make sure that there are no people close to you. Stay away from clumps of seaweed and other marine plants. Keep an eye out for other marine animals. Avoid coral reefs. Stay away from piers and jetties. Wade until you are waist-deep in the ocean. Turn to face the horizon and the incoming waves. Keep your swimsuit on at all times. Place your feet so that they are shoulder-width apart. Know how to rinse off when you are done. Go out no further than knee-deep. Turn to face the horizon and the incoming waves. Keep your swimsuit on. Consider sitting down in the water. Try squatting instead. Wait for a few moments before standing back up. Know how to rinse off if you have been sitting. Know how to rinse off if you have been squatting. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hide-a-Condom | How to Hide a Condom | You can safely and discreetly store your condoms so they're unlikely to be found by other people but won't be damaged. You can store your condoms in an innocent-looking container such as an empty mint tin, coin purse, or an unused jewelry box. You could also hide them in clothes like the pocket of a coat hanging in your closet or a sock in your drawer. Another option is to hollow out a book by cutting a square-shaped hole in the center of the pages. Just be sure to leave the book in a location where it won't be stumbled upon by someone else, like in the back of a bookshelf. | Hide condoms in containers. A good way to hide condoms is to place them in uninteresting containers. This is a relatively safe way to store condoms as well, as they're less susceptible to damage. An Altoids tin, toiletries bag, an unused jewelry box, or a coin purse are all good places to hide condoms. One downside to this method is that if someone wants a mint or some change, they may find the condoms. It might be a good idea to keep the container in a discreet place as well. Store condoms in clothes. Condoms can also be hidden in clothing. Hide a condom in a sock, the sleeve or pocket of a coat you do not usually use, or a winter hat. Just make sure the item of clothing is stored in a safe place where it will not get moved around without your knowledge. Make sure clothing is not stored at extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures. Consider investing in a condom case. You can purchase discreet cases in which to covertly store condoms. These cases are often disguised as mint tins or jewelry cases. They also may look like simple, non decorative containers. You can buy condom cases online or at sex shops. Hollow out a book. If you have an old book you do not need, consider cutting a square shaped hole in the center of the pages. You can place a condom in here or several condoms. Just be careful where you leave the book. If you leave it out on a coffee table, for example, someone may open it. It's best to choose an uninteresting looking book and tuck it away in the back of the bookshelf. Store condoms at the proper temperature. The effectiveness of condoms changes if they're stored in very high or very low temperatures. Do not store condoms in places where they could become expose to extreme heat or cold. Do not hide condoms in fridges or freezers or near microwaves or ovens. Exposure to heat or cold could make the condom less effective. Do not store condoms in your car. If the car overheats or gets very cold, the condom could become less effective. Condoms are best stored at room temperature, between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid keeping condoms in your wallet. It can be a bad idea to store a condom in your wallet especially if you carry your wallet in your pocket. The friction from your body can cause excessive heat, making the condom less effective, and can also lead the condom to crack or tear. Do not leave condoms outside. It's a bad idea to hide condoms outside. Not only can changes in temperature damage condoms, weather conditions could damage. Animals could also get into the condoms. You don't want the condoms to be missing or damaged when you need them. | Hide condoms in containers. Store condoms in clothes. Consider investing in a condom case. Hollow out a book. Store condoms at the proper temperature. Avoid keeping condoms in your wallet. Do not leave condoms outside. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-Your-Email-Address-on-Facebook | How to Change Your Email Address on Facebook | If you're using the Facebook mobile app: 1. Tap the ""hamburger"" menu at the top-left or bottom-right corner, depending on your phone or tablet. 2. Scroll down and tap ""Settings & Privacy."" 3. Tap ""Settings"" to open your Account settings. 4. To get to your email settings, tap ""Personal Information,"" and then tap ""Email Address."" 5. Tap ""Add Email"" and follow the on-screen instructions to add your new address. 6. To remove your old address, tap ""Remove,"" verify your password, and then tap ""Remove"" to confirm. If you're using Facebook on your computer: 1. Click the arrow at the top-right corner of the News Feed. 2. Select ""Settings"" on the menu. 3. In the right panel, click ""Edit"" next to your current email address. 4. Click ""Add another email address or mobile phone number."" 5. Enter your new email address and click ""Add."" 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your new address. 7. To remove your old address, click ""Remove,"" confirm your password, and then click ""Submit."" | Tap the Facebook app. Tap the menu button. This is the three horizontal lines in the lower-right corner of your screen. Tap Settings. It's at the very bottom of the page. Tap Account Settings. Tap General. Tap Email. Tap Add Email Address to add an email. Type your email and password into the boxes provided. Tap Add Email. This email will be added to the list of emails that are linked to your Facebook. Tap Remove to delete an email. The remove button is located next to any emails that aren't your primary email. You can't delete your primary email without changing it first. Tap Primary Email to switch your primary email. You'll be brought to a page where you can tap on any of the emails you have on record to set that email as your primary. This is the email that Facebook uses to contact you if you have email notifications on, as well as the email you'll use to log into Facebook. After tapping on your preferred primary email, type your Facebook password into the box below and tap Save. Tap the Facebook app. Enter your login info. If you aren't automatically logged in, type in your login email and password. Open the settings menu. Tap on the menu icon on the far right side of the top navigation bar. It looks like three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other. Tap on "Account Settings. " Scroll down until you reach the "HELP & SETTINGS" heading. Tap on the "Account Settings" button. This button looks like a person with a cog wheel near its shoulder. Tap "General. " It will appear with a cog icon next to it. This will bring you to a new menu with your contact information. Tap "Email. " You will see a new window with all of the email accounts you have linked to your Facebook. If you only have one email address linked to your Facebook account, that email is the default primary email. If you want to delete an email address, click on the "Remove" link to the right of it. If you already have multiple emails associated with your account and simply want to change the primary to one of those, skip ahead to Step 9. Add a new email. Click on the "Add Email Address" link. Type in the new email address and your password, and tap "Add Email." Facebook will send you a confirmation email with a special confirmation number. Check your email for the special code, and write it down. Navigate back to the Email settings, and click "Confirm Email Address." Type in your code, and hit "Confirm." If you did not receive the confirmation email, you can tap the "Resend confirmation email" button to have another code sent to you. If you want to change the email address, you can tap the "Change email address" button to make your changes. Navigate to the "Account Emails" settings under "Account Settings", "General, Email. " Tap the "Primary Email" button. This will bring you to a new screen where you can designate the email you wish you use as a primary. Choose your primary email. Tap on the email you wish to be the new primary email account. A check mark will appear next to your selection. Type in your password. Type your password into the text box on the screen, and tap the "Save" button. Your changes will be made. Go to Facebook. Click here , or type in www.facebook.com into your web browser to access the Facebook website. Enter your login info. If you aren't automatically logged in, type in your login email and password. If you have forgotten your login information, click on the "Forgot account?" link below the password field. This will bring you to a password recovery page. Click on the drop-down arrow. The button, located at the top-righthand corner of your screen, will open a new menu. Click on "Settings. " The button is located towards the bottom of the menu. You will be brought to your "General Account Settings" screen. Click on the "Contact" field. You will see a list of your registered email accounts here. Your primary contact email will be marked as such by a round radio button. Alternatively, you can edit your email contact settings by clicking on the "Edit" button on the far right of the "Contact" field. Click the radio button to select your primary email. The radio buttons are located next to each email you have registered. If you only have one email address linked to your Facebook account, that email is the default primary email. Click on the "Add another email or mobile number" link (optional). Type in the new email address and your password, and click "Add." Facebook will send you a confirmation email that you must open to confirm your changes. You will need to type in your Facebook password to save your changes. If you want to delete an email address, click on the "Remove" link to the right of it. Click "Save Changes. " The email you designated will now be used as the primary email associated with your account. You will receive a confirmation email from Facebook that verifies your changes. | Tap the Facebook app. Tap the menu button. Tap Settings. Tap Account Settings. Tap General. Tap Email. Tap Add Email Address to add an email. Type your email and password into the boxes provided. Tap Add Email. Tap Remove to delete an email. Tap Primary Email to switch your primary email. Tap the Facebook app. Enter your login info. Open the settings menu. Tap on "Account Settings. Tap "General. Tap "Email. Add a new email. Navigate to the "Account Emails" settings under "Account Settings", "General, Email. Tap the "Primary Email" button. Choose your primary email. Type in your password. Go to Facebook. Enter your login info. Click on the drop-down arrow. Click on "Settings. Click on the "Contact" field. Click the radio button to select your primary email. Click on the "Add another email or mobile number" link (optional). Click "Save Changes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Cult | How to Start a Cult | To start a cult, first come up with something that you want to worship. It can be anything, not just a religious figure, like a video game you're obsessed with or a type of cheese you really love. Just make sure you're passionate about it since, as the cult leader, you'll need to be an expert on the subject. Once you've chosen something to worship, you can start introducing people to your ideas and recruiting members to join your cult. | Choose a subject or activity that improves your life. There are lots of things that it would be possible to form cults around, but they need to be generally positive activities, concepts, or ideas that you think are worth devoting time to, and getting other people to see the good in. You need to pick something with the potential to change lives for the better. It's possible to form a cult around French cheese, Roblox cheating, or string theory, if you really believe that the subject or idea has the potential for positive good in the world. It doesn't need to be weird, or especially complicated, and in fact it's probably better if it's relatively normal. Cults, while often religious in nature, do not need to be. Cult behavior involves a fervent devotion to a particular person, object, or idea. Groups can form around almost anything. You could form a canasta cult, or a World of Warcraft cult, if you want. Just make sure it's positive, good, and harmless. Choose a subject or activity that you can be passionate about. You might say that you love Chef Boyardee Ravioli, but is it really worth worshipping in a cult-like way? Cults can only form around things about which it's possible to become very passionate, things that are possible to devote yourself to deeply, and find connections to in different parts of your life. When we talk about cult movies, they're often very specific, quirky, and present a unique worldview that speaks very deeply to a small group of people, but confuse a great many other people. Star Wars, Star Trek, and many kinds of sci-fi have immersive mythologies and deep universes that are possible to stay really engaged in, which is why we often say they have "cult-like" followings and longer Wikipedia pages than some presidents. The Kardashians? Not so much. Pick something you think will benefit others. Your first question if you're forming a cult should be: would the world be a better or worse place if everyone was as enthusiastic about this thing, as we are, or as I am? If the answer is that the world would be better, objectively, that people would indeed lead better lives if they also worshipped Tom Brady's throwing glove from the Super Bowl, then you're on a positive and harmless track. Often, cults are manipulative psychological enterprises organized by a single charismatic individual. They're organized to seem as if the good of the group is the goal of the cult, when in actuality all activities are designed to benefit the leader of that cult. Jonestown, the Heaven's Gate, and the Manson Family are perhaps all tragic examples of this. Learn as much as possible about your obsession. If you're going to throw the word "cult" around, you better make sure you're informed about the subject you're going to hype to a group, so you don't come off as a make-believe guru, or some kind of snake-oil seller. If you're going to form the Cult of Star Trek, you need to know a lot more than what color Spock bleeds. You need to know which episode he first bleeds in, what the significance of that color is in the greater context of the color-schema in the series, and how that affects your interpretation of Star Trek's utopian worldview. Get reading those fan blogs. Choose a leader. Most cults have single leaders, or they're typically called collectives. If you're the one forming the cult, it's likely that you're the leader, but you need to make sure that your cult is organized for good purposes, not for your own material gain, or purposes of power grabbing. Cult leaders are typically charismatic and manipulative, but if you're going to form yours collectively, it's a good idea to pick someone who has the good of the group at heart. The person who wants to be the leader is the last person you should pick. Establish the rules of the cult. By what rules, concepts, and moral code will your cult organize itself? What is the ultimate goal of the cult? How will you use Star Trek to change all your lives, and perhaps the lives of many others, for the better? What's your big message for the world? Focus especially on the issue of how you'll use this to transform your lives for the better. The difference between a Star Trek Cult and a Star Trek Fan Club isn't necessarily the fervency of your adoration for Star Trek, but how you use that fervency to change your life. It's helpful to write up these documents, but probably leave the word "cult" off of things. You don't want to give people the wrong idea. Write up a body text. All cults have governing texts which have the virtue of being both mysteriously vague, pseudo-profound, and easy to read by a wide variety of people. If you want your cult to grow and attain a sense of legitimacy, it's a good idea to self-publish your guidelines for life, or your teachings as a group. Find a place to practice or worship. Fair warning: people will probably find the idea of a cult about anything pretty strange, and you may face a lot of hostility and backlash if you're really public with your cult. It's good to have a quiet, private place where you can do the things you want to do, the way you want to do them. If you've got a Star Trek Cult forming, it's likely you won't be doing anything much more significant at first than watching episodes, having in-depth conversations, and maybe re-enacting a scene or two, which it's perfectly possible to do from someone's living room. If you're brave, you could try meeting in in public parks, or other places where you might attract some attention, but it might not be the kind of attention you want. Come up with a slogan. All clubs, organizations, and groups need good slogans, cults included. It's an easy way to sum up what you do, organize around a singular idea, and keep everyone focused around the topic. Slogans should be memorable, simple, and multipartite, so they've be mysterious and vague in equal measure. "All Things Fly In Space" might work for your Star Trek cult. Or maybe quotes from the show: "I was born in Iowa, I only work in outer space." Make it memorable, and organic. Bring other people in, slowly. When you meet people in public, start gradually bringing in the concepts and the obsession that you've decided to shape your life around, to start growing the group. Become an evangelist for whatever it is you've decided to adulate. Again, you may experience hostility and a lot of resistance at first, so you should try to market the less extreme aspects of your ideas. The utopian fun of Star Trek? Good selling point. Your plans of building a galaxy class star-cruiser in a warehouse in Queens? Maybe save that for later. Make sure all behavior lines up with the party platform. Cults are singular. If you're going to be a full-fledged member, or even a leader, in a cult of Star Trek, you can't be messing around watching other sci-fi, or doing things that aren't in line with the noble tenants of Trek. Make sure that you and everyone else in the group realigns your priorities to fall in line with the singular-minded concepts of the cult. Often, cults live together, communally. Consider moving into a place and giving it a name, something like, "The Enterprise." This will allow everyone to grow and develop the common idea together. Refer to your concept as the only true idea. One way to really get people to fall into your cult head-first is to make your idea seem like the only way of answering the problems of the world. You're not requiring simple excitement about Star Trek here, you're talking about total devotion to the transcendent power of James Kirk and Co. That means you've got to present it as the one true way. Often, this is where cults get a little manipulative. Try to have healthy discussions and debates, just be good at presenting your ideas to the group. If other people think Star Wars has equally good merits, you need to be well-versed on the anarchy associated with a Star Wars influenced worldview. Preach it and believe it. Practice your obsession. Keep doing what you do. How you choose to let your idea change your life and the lives of others for the better will largely depend on your concept. At what point does the cult become more serious than watching re-runs of Trek and eating Cheetos? When does positive change start to occur? Maybe you start writing all your congressmen to take the tenants of Star Trek more seriously, devoting resources and time to science and exploration, taking the equality of gender, race, species, and class more seriously, and even abandoning the ancient Earth concept of "greed." Do community outreach. Let your group form obvious, local, and immediate changes for the good in your community. Hold weekly free breakfasts with accompanying Star Trek viewing parties, or consider holding equality workshops and giving talks in full Federation Starfleet regalia. Let people know what you're about. Find ways to grow your group. What will be your criteria and your process for taking in new members? How will your group expand and grow, without losing it's core identity and values? What will new members add? What will added publicity take away? What are your ultimate goals for the group? It's important to come to a consensus and take this ideas seriously. Keep a strong foot-hold rooted in the real world, and in your core beliefs, both. You need to make sure that groups like this don't transform into something more ominous and more destructive. Are all your behaviors lined up with the original tenants of the organization? How can you reclaim those core ideas? | Choose a subject or activity that improves your life. Choose a subject or activity that you can be passionate about. Pick something you think will benefit others. Learn as much as possible about your obsession. Choose a leader. Establish the rules of the cult. Write up a body text. Find a place to practice or worship. Come up with a slogan. Bring other people in, slowly. Make sure all behavior lines up with the party platform. Refer to your concept as the only true idea. Practice your obsession. Do community outreach. Find ways to grow your group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Flatter-Girls | How to Flatter Girls | Flattery is a great way to show a girl you like her, but you want to do it the right way so you don't come across as rude or creepy. Complimenting a girl is an easy way to flatter her. You can compliment her on her style, her intelligence, or something she's really good at. Steer clear of sexual comments though since they could end up making her uncomfortable and disinterested. Another way to flatter a girl is to remember things about her, which shows that she made an impression on you. For example, if she tells you who her favorite singer is, ask her what she thinks about their new song. Not only will that flatter her, it will also open the door to a great conversation. | Compliment something specific about her appearance. The biggest type of flattery people use on girls is complimenting their appearance. Remember though, some girls like to be appreciated for their intelligence, physical skills or abilities. There is a way to do this without being creepy or focusing too much on the physical side of a woman. Use a specific compliment like "I really like the way your sweater brings out the colour in your eyes." A specific compliment is tailored to the girl and is more than just "you're cute," or "you're attractive." Another good way is to notice the way she puts together her outfits. If she's wearing a pair of awesome earrings say something like "Those earrings look really good on you. You have great taste." Do not, do not, do not, make a sexual comment ("nice rack," or "I'd hit that") unless you know the girl really well and she has accepted that sort of comment. Most girls find that sort of comment creepy. Use alternatives to "hot" and "sexy. " These are boring compliments and way overused and inappropriate on girls under 16. Try for something a little more unusual and interesting. Even "beautiful" can be overused. A different way of saying that she's attractive will intrigue her, because she's unlikely to have heard it before. A few good words to try: "radiant," "breathtaking," "elegant," "riveting," or "dazzling" to name a few. You could even use something like "incredibly" which could mean both her appearance and her personality and accomplishments. Compliment her personality. Too often people stick to only complimenting or flattering a woman's looks. You'll need to widen your flattery to include her personality as well. Make sure that you are being as specific and sincere as possible when talking about her personality, otherwise she won't take you seriously. Tell her something like "I love the way you brighten up any party and manage to make everything more fun just by being there." Or note how kind and generous she is. If she helps out her friends and family all the time, you could say something like "It's amazing how much you do for other people. Just make sure to take some time to care for yourself!" You'll both show that you notice what she does and who she is, but you'll also show that you care about her. Compliment one of her accomplishments. Girls, just like other members of the human race, don't want to be noticed for their appearance alone. Find out things that she's done that she's proud of and compliment her on them. If she plays an instrument or sings, ask her to perform for you. Praise her ability when she's finished. Make sure it's specific. You could say something like "I love the way you're so amazing at holding those high notes." If she's just beat a difficult video game, tell her how impressive that is. (Do NOT say "You're really good for a girl;" that is not a compliment.) If she's just done something like completed her dissertation, or gotten her PHD, compliment her on her chosen field and how much work she has put into achieving her goals. Let her know what she means to you. Flattery is about letting someone know how important and wonderful they are, so tell a girl what she means to you and why she is so important to you. For example, you could say something like "I find it really easy and fun to talk to you." Another example: "Nobody else can make me laugh the way you do." You're drawing attention to something specific and wonderful that she does and framing it in a way that makes your unique and important to you. Compliment her ideas. Letting her know that you think her ideas are important is a great form of flattery. It will make her feel smart and like you are listening when she talks and take an interest in her thoughts. If she does a lot of artistic type work (of any kind, writing, visual arts, photography, music, etc) tell her that you think she's incredibly creative. Even better, give a specific example of her creativity. Say something like "I love the way you used the green in that painting; it really stood out beautifully." Ask for her opinion. This will flatter her because it will show that you have respect for her and what she thinks and that you're paying attention to her ideas. If you know she's interested in politics, engage her on the subject. Tell her that she really makes you think. Especially ask for her opinion on something that you know she's an expert on. If the woman you're complimenting is a marine biologist, for example ask her opinion on something to do with the ocean. Give her a small token of your appreciation. This doesn't have to be a super expensive diamond necklace or anything, but something small that lets her know that you've been thinking of her and that she's important to you. If she likes flowers, get her a lovely bouquet of her favorites. By getting her favorites you show that you've been paying attention to her likes and dislikes (flattery in and of itself) rather than just reverting to the old red rose stereotype (although some women do like roses, of course). If she's a gardener you could get her some seed packets she's been wanting for a while, or a new pair of gloves. If she loves to write, or writes in a journal or diary, get her a lovely notebook or special pen. Again, the token should be something that's specific to her as a person and to what she likes. Show that you've been listening to her. Showing that you listen to what she says and the things that she does is a huge compliment and one which a lot of people forget to do. Obviously, this means that you should be listening when she talks and paying attention to what she's up to. If she's been having trouble with a roommate or a family member, make sure to ask her how it is going with them. It'll show that you care and that you're paying attention. If she's been talking about getting a new haircut, or piercing, or tattoo, compliment her when she actually gets it done. Say something like "Your new haircut really frames your face in a great way" or "That tattoo is so creative and gorgeous. Did you design it yourself?" Take interest in her accomplishments. Even if it is something small ask her to show you something that she is proud of having accomplished. It could be anything from baking a cake, to refitting her car engine, to fixing a leaky faucet. Ask her to help you with a project that appeals to her strengths. For instance, if she's really good at interior design, ask her for some ideas on how to make your living space better or more comfortable. If she's good with web design, ask her help designing the webpage for your new novel, your new company, or simply a blog. Let her pick the movie/restaurant/music. By encouraging her to choose something for both of you, you are showing that you think she has good taste and that you trust her to exercise that taste. There is little that's more flattering than someone thinking you have good taste. Say something like "You always pick the best food, why don't you choose where we'll eat." Ask her to help you pick out some clothes (if that's something she likes to do). Tell her that you're no good at it and that she has such a great eye you'd love it if she'd go shopping with you. You'll get to spend more time with her and you'll get to show her how important her skills and her opinions are to you. Offer a helping hand. If she's having a stressful time, or she's trying to run an event, take care of her aging parents, and so on, offer to help her out. It will show that you've noticed what she's going through and that you like her enough to help. If she's going through a busy period with work, school, or some outside interest, offer to bring her dinner and to clean up afterwards (bonus points if you make it yourself). If she's running some sort of event, volunteer some of your time to helping her make it a success. She won't forget that you were there for her and she'll be flattered that you took an interest in what she's working on. Don't only offer to do things that are self-serving to you. If she's really stressed and you offer her a massage and she says no, find a different way to show your appreciation for her like asking what she needs. Show her you respect her. This is a huge part of flattery and of making sure that flattery doesn't get really creepy. Make sure that you respect her boundaries and her as a person. If you aren't respectful, you're flattery will come off as creepy. For example: If you say something nice about her appearance and she doesn't respond well, let it go. Don't badmouth her simply because she didn't respond to your flattery. Remember: just because you've said something nice, or done something nice does not mean that she owes you anything. | Compliment something specific about her appearance. Use alternatives to "hot" and "sexy. Compliment her personality. Compliment one of her accomplishments. Let her know what she means to you. Compliment her ideas. Ask for her opinion. Give her a small token of your appreciation. Show that you've been listening to her. Take interest in her accomplishments. Let her pick the movie/restaurant/music. Offer a helping hand. Show her you respect her. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Broken-Cigarette | How to Fix a Broken Cigarette | If your cigarette has broken near the filter, you can still salvage it. First, break the cigarette fully in half if it's not already, and pull any loose tobacco out of the filter side. Then, twist the broken end of the non-filter half so no tobacco falls out. Gently push and twist the closed end of the non-filter half into the open end of the filter half. The leftover paper on the filter should hold the remainder of the cigarette in place so you can smoke it. | Break your cigarette completely in half. Sometimes when cigarettes break, they don't break all the way through. For this method, you'll have to break your cigarette so that it is in two separate pieces. It needs to be in two completely separate pieces because you'll be inserting one piece of your cigarette into the other. Take the filtered end of the cigarette first. Look for the line where tube of the cigarette ends, and remove any remaining paper or tobacco that is left after that line. This piece should now be just the cigarette filter and tube. Set this piece of your cigarette to the side. Pick up the other half of your cigarette. Start by taking the broken end of the cigarette and removing any loose tobacco. Now, gently twist the end between your fingers β as if you were twisting the wrapper of a tootsie roll β to close it so that no more tobacco falls out. Do not twist too tight, as air will not flow through it. Insert the newly twisted end of the cigarette into the hollow tube end of the filtered piece of cigarette. Gently twist and nudge the twisted end into the tube so that the two pieces become secured into one. Be gentle while piecing your cigarette together, or you may break it even further. If you're unable to piece your cigarette back together, don't try to force or shove it into place. If you're having problems piecing your cigarette back together, it might be time to use a rolling paper to fix your cigarette. See method 2. Light up and enjoy your cigarette as you normally would. You should be able to smoke it without any complications. Take your rolling paper, and put it on a flat surface. Flat surfaces like counters and tables will make it easier to roll your cigarette in the rolling paper. Rolling papers can be purchased at most gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. Place your broken cigarette in the center of the rolling paper. As you set the pieces of your cigarette onto the rolling paper, push the broken pieces of the cigarette together, so it looks like the cigarette isn't broken. This will allow your cigarette to be rolled and smoked without a problem. Roll your cigarette in the rolling paper. Tightly wrap your rolling paper around the cigarette so that it holds the broken pieces together as one. Start by folding your rolling paper in half, so that the broken section of your cigarette is covered by the paper. Proceed to tightly roll your cigarette in the rolling paper. Roll the cigarette in the rolling paper firmly against the table to ensure that you get a tight roll. Once you reach the end of the rolling paper, lift up your newly rolled cigarette and lightly lick the paper. Then press the end of the rolling paper down so that it stays in place. Use only the adhesive section of the rolling paper. You also have the option to use only the adhesive part of a rolling paper, as opposed to the entire rolling paper if you'd like. Using only the adhesive is nearly identical to using the entire rolling paper. Some people prefer their cigarettes to have less paper, which is why this is an option. Piece your cigarette together, place the broken section of the cigarette on the adhesive of the rolling paper, wrap the paper over the cigarette like a cast, and lick it in place to secure. Smoke your cigarette as you normally would. The rolling paper will hold your cigarette together like it's brand new. You should be able to smoke your entire cigarette without a problem. | Break your cigarette completely in half. Take the filtered end of the cigarette first. Pick up the other half of your cigarette. Insert the newly twisted end of the cigarette into the hollow tube end of the filtered piece of cigarette. Light up and enjoy your cigarette as you normally would. Take your rolling paper, and put it on a flat surface. Place your broken cigarette in the center of the rolling paper. Roll your cigarette in the rolling paper. Use only the adhesive section of the rolling paper. Smoke your cigarette as you normally would. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Do-a-Fish-Tail-Plait-in-Your-Hair | How to Do a Fish Tail Plait in Your Hair | Fishtail plaits are a cute way to style your hair that'll be sure to get you a few compliments. To do a basic fish plait, start by combing your hair so it's easier to work with. Split your hair down your middle part and hold one section in each hand. Take a strand from in front of the left section, bring it around the back of your head, and add it to the right section. Then, take a strand from the front of the right section, bring it around the back of your head, and add it to the left section. Pull the plait tight as you go so the strands don't come loose. Keep alternating the steps until you reach the end of your hair. Finally, secure your plait with a hair tie or a ribbon, and admire your new hairstyle. | Brush out your hair completely. Remove any tangles and brush your hair smooth. Split your hair down the middle. Divide it into two large sections with the part running straight down the middle. Use the tip of a comb to make the part look neat. Hold one section of hair in each hand. Take a small strand from the outside of the left section. The smaller the strand, the finer your braid will be. If you're in a hurry, grab a bigger strand. Pull it to the inside of the right section. Cross it over to the other side and place in the other section. Repeat on the right side. Take a strand from the outside of the right section and move it to the inside of the left section. For a neat-looking braid, make sure the strand is the same size as the previous strand you moved. Alternate sides until you reach the end of the plait. Keep taking small strands of hair from each side and crossing them over to the other side. As you work, pull the plait tight to keep the strands from getting too loose and falling out. Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Use an elastic, a ribbon or a hair bobble. Separate a section of hair from the crown of your head. Take a handful of hair from the crown, just as you would when starting a regular French braid. Divide it in half. Split it into two equal parts, and hold one half in each hand. Take a strand of hair from the left side of your hairline. Just as you would for a regular French braid, choose a small strand to start the plait. Weave it over the left section and under the right section. Hold it in your right hand so it becomes part of the right section. Take a strand from the right side of your hairline. It should be the same size as the strand you took from the other side. Weave it over the right section and under the left section. Hold it in your left hand so it becomes part of the left section. Alternate sides until you run out of hair. Keep taking strands from the sides of your head and weaving them into the fishtail. You'll see an intricate, beautiful braid begin to form. Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Use an elastic, a ribbon or a hair bobble. Put your hair into a side ponytail. Comb it down and to the side, under either your right or left ear. Secure it in place with an elastic hair tie you don't mind breaking, since you'll be cutting it off later. The hair tie will make it much easier to plait your hair on the side. Separate your ponytail into two sections. Create two equal sections and hold one in each hand. Take a strand from the outside of the left section. You're using the same method you used to make the basic Fishtail braid. Move it to the inside of the right section. Hold it in place with your right hand. Take a strand from the outside of the right section. It should be the same size as the strand you took from the left side. Move it to the inside of the left section. Hold it in place with your left hand. Repeat until you run out of hair. Plait your fishtail all the way to the end, going back and forth between the left and right sides. Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Use an elastic, a ribbon or a hair bobble. Snip off the top hair tie. Now the top of your plait will look loose and natural. Finished. | Brush out your hair completely. Split your hair down the middle. Take a small strand from the outside of the left section. Pull it to the inside of the right section. Repeat on the right side. Alternate sides until you reach the end of the plait. Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Separate a section of hair from the crown of your head. Divide it in half. Take a strand of hair from the left side of your hairline. Weave it over the left section and under the right section. Take a strand from the right side of your hairline. Weave it over the right section and under the left section. Alternate sides until you run out of hair. Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Put your hair into a side ponytail. Separate your ponytail into two sections. Take a strand from the outside of the left section. Move it to the inside of the right section. Take a strand from the outside of the right section. Move it to the inside of the left section. Repeat until you run out of hair. Tie off the end to keep the plait in place. Snip off the top hair tie. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Russian-Dressing | How to Make Russian Dressing | To make Russian dressing, start by mixing a 1/2 cup of ketchup and a 1/3 cup of mayonnaise in a large bowl. Then, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Finally, stir everything together and chill your dressing in the fridge until you're ready to use it. | Mix together mayonnaise and ketchup. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise and 1/3 cup ketchup until combined. If you are concerned about the high-calorie content in mayonnaise, here are some things to consider: Light mayonnaise contains one-third fewer calories than the regular version. Reduced fat mayonnaise contains 25 percent or less cholesterol and 2 grams of saturated fat or less than the full-fat version. An alternate type of mayonnaise is oil based, which are higher in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, but the calories are the same. Try vegan mayonnaise if you want to avoid egg products. Add the onion, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Finely chop 1 tbsp onion and toss it into the bowl with the mayonnaise and ketchup. Add 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently until combined. Chop the onion into very small fine pieces for a smoother texture. Chill (optional). If you don't plan to use your dressing immediately, cover it and place it in the fridge for later. Chilling your dressing will cause it to thicken slightly. Most creamy dressings are best served at room temperature, so take it out of the refrigerator a few minutes before serving. Store your dressing (optional). Pour your dressing into a dressing bottle or other airtight container. It should stay fresh for a few days to a week. Serve and enjoy. Scoop a few spoonfuls into a small bowl and enjoy it as a dip for fresh vegetables. You can also dress a fresh salad, use as a dip for fish sticks, or anything you'd like. Make it chunky. Add complex textures to your dressing with the addition of chopped pickle, celery, green onion, bell pepper or even cucumber. Chunky Russian dressing pairs nicely on a cheeseburger or as a dip for chili cheese fries. If you want your dressing extra chunky, dice your vegetables into larger pieces and toss them in. Make it spicy. If you are a fan of spicy foods and are looking for a Russian dressing with a bit of a kick, try any or all of the ingredients below to bring some serious heat into your dressing: 1 tbsp of Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce. 2 tsp of Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp lemon juice 1/2 tsp black pepper (coarsely ground) 1 tsp horseradish Make it sweet. If you desire a thicker, sweeter Russian dressing, add some sweetener. Try pouring a heaping spoonful of buttermilk into your initial mixture. Add a pinch of sugar or a couple drops of honey to make a deliciously sweet dressing. You can substitute sour cream for buttermilk. Get creative. Make the perfect dressing by adding whatever seasonings and ingredients you prefer. Try 1/2 tsp paprika or a pinch of diced cilantro. You can also try different kinds of pickles, or pickled peppers. Change the size and thickness of your diced onions and pickles to adjust the texture. You can even use grilled onions and peppers. | Mix together mayonnaise and ketchup. Add the onion, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Chill (optional). Store your dressing (optional). Serve and enjoy. Make it chunky. Make it spicy. Make it sweet. Get creative. |
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