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https://www.wikihow.com/Cure-Lockjaw-Naturally | How to Cure Lockjaw: Can Natural Remedies Help? | To cure lockjaw naturally, exercise your jaw by making small up and down, side to side, and back and forth movements. Additionally, practice meditation by focusing on relaxing your tongue in order to soften your jaw. Alternatively, massage the area with a mixture of mustard and garlic oils to improve blood flow and fight infections that are worsening the condition. You can also add more magnesium, vitamin D, and calcium to your diet by eating foods, such as almonds and yogurt. | Massage your jaw joint and muscles to loosen them. This is helpful to relieve the pain and stiffness during a lockjaw flareup. A massage could help if your jaw feels tight or you can't open your mouth much. Numb the pain with cold packs. If your jaw hurts, then a cold treatment can help reduce pain. Hold an ice or cold pack to the side of your face near the jaw joint for 10 minutes at a time. Repeat this a few times throughout the day if you have to. Loosen your jaw with moist heat packs. Try holding a moist heating pad against your face for 5-10 minutes. This could reduce your pain and increase flexibility in your jaw. There isn't a strict rule on whether you have to use heat or cold to treat your jaw. In general, use the one that helps you the most. Call your doctor if your jaw is locked open or shut. If your jaw is completely locked open or shut, this could be a serious medical situation. Don't panic, but take action fast. Call your doctor right away or go to the emergency room to have the problem fixed. Doctors may need to manipulate your jaw to unlock it. This sounds alarming, but they should numb the area so you don't feel pain during the procedure. If you also have a fever, sweats, high blood pressure, and a rapid heart rate when your jaw locks, then these are all symptoms of tetanus. Seek emergency medical help right away. Eat soft foods so you don’t stress your jaw. Hard or crunchy foods like pretzels or hard fruits take more work to eat and might make your pain worse. Stick with softer foods like yogurt, pudding, rice, eggs, fish, or mashed potatoes. This should prevent the inflammation from getting worse. You can also steam or bake fruits and vegetables so they're easier for you to eat. Take small bites so you don’t have to stretch your jaws. It's tough to control yourself during a delicious meal, but large bites could over-stress your jaw muscles. Either take small bites or cut your food into tiny pieces to avoid making your pain worse. Don’t open your mouth too wide while you’re eating, talking, or yawning. It's easy to get too excited, but relaxing your jaw is important during a TMJ flareup. Avoid opening your jaw wider than you're comfortable with, or you might make the inflammation worse. Keep your teeth apart unless you’re eating. Your teeth shouldn't press together unless you're chewing. Otherwise, keep your teeth slightly apart. This keeps pressure off your jaw muscles. You might be pressing your teeth together without realizing it. If you catch yourself doing that, remind yourself to keep your teeth apart. Try resting your tongue on top of your bottom row of teeth to force yourself to keep your teeth apart. Don’t chew gum. This overworks your jaws and could make your pain worse. It's best to avoid gum altogether. Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth throughout the day. You might not even realize you're doing this, but it's a major trigger for jaw pain. If you regularly tap or grind your teeth together, do your best to break that habit. If you can't stop grinding your teeth during the day, you could wear a bite guard to cushion your jaw. Talk to your dentist about having one of these made for you. Reduce stress to relieve your symptoms. This might not seem related, but stress could actually trigger TMJ pain. Try taking steps to reduce stress in your daily life to prevent further discomfort. Some relaxation activities like meditation or yoga might help reduce your stress. Try making time for one of these each day to help yourself relax. Doing things you enjoy is also good to keep your stress levels low. Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night. Nighttime grinding is a common problem, especially if you're stressed. This is tough to control since you're not awake, so if you have a grinding problem, you can use a plastic nightguard over your teeth to protect your jaw. Your dentist can usually tell if you have a grinding problem by the scratches on your teeth. They'll probably tell you if they see signs of grinding and suggest a nightguard. Exercise your jaw to strengthen your muscles. Some stretching and strengthening exercises could relieve the pain and inflammation in your jaw. Ask your dentist for some recommended exercises that might help you, then do them exactly as your dentist instructs you to. Your dentist might also recommend physical therapy or a therapeutic massage to relieve your pain. Have acupuncture treatments to relieve tension. Acupuncturists can help relieve chronic pain like TMJ by accessing pressure points to release tension. This isn't guaranteed to work, but you can try it out for yourself. Always visit a licensed and experienced acupuncturist so you know you're getting a professional treatment. Try taking glucosamine supplements. Glucosamine is a popular treatment for arthritis because it can help support joint health. This might help with your TMJ as well. Try taking a daily supplement to see if this helps you. A common glucosamine dose to treat arthritis is 1.5 g per day, but follow the dosing instructions on the brand that you use. Glucosamine could interfere with blood thinners and a few other medications, so ask your doctor before taking it. Take calcium and magnesium supplements to strengthen your joints. There is no clear link between calcium, magnesium, and TMJ, but some people with TMJ issues have deficiencies in these nutrients. If you aren't getting enough of each in your regular diet, then try taking some dietary supplements to boost the amount in your body. Boost your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C does help support the cartilage in your body, which could be beneficial for treating TMJ. There aren't any studies proving this, but boosting your vitamin C intake might help you. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, bell peppers, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, berries, and melon. | Massage your jaw joint and muscles to loosen them. Numb the pain with cold packs. Loosen your jaw with moist heat packs. Call your doctor if your jaw is locked open or shut. Eat soft foods so you don’t stress your jaw. Take small bites so you don’t have to stretch your jaws. Don’t open your mouth too wide while you’re eating, talking, or yawning. Keep your teeth apart unless you’re eating. Don’t chew gum. Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth throughout the day. Reduce stress to relieve your symptoms. Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night. Exercise your jaw to strengthen your muscles. Have acupuncture treatments to relieve tension. Try taking glucosamine supplements. Take calcium and magnesium supplements to strengthen your joints. Boost your vitamin C intake. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Blind-Horse | How to Care for a Blind Horse | To care for your blind horse, make sure its stall or stable is safe by removing anything that could injure it like jagged surfaces and hooks. You should also keep its water buckets and feed in the same place all the time so your horse can easily find everything it needs. Along with taking care of its indoor environment, check its outdoor environment too by fixing any holes and removing debris from its pasture. You should also repair broken fences and replace barbed wire with woven-wire or mesh-wire so your horse doesn't get injured if it runs into its fencing. | Show the horse where things are. A blind horse may not be able to find its food and water the same way a sighted horse would. Give it a little tour of its paddock and stable or stall when you first bring it in there. Giving your horse a tour of its space will help it be able to find everything it needs comfortably. If you lead the horse around the perimeter of the space you are keeping it in, the animal is less likely to injure itself bumping into walls or obstacles. Make the horse's environment reliable. Keep water buckets, feed, and everything else your horse uses in the same place all of the time. It is a good idea to line them all up along one wall, so the horse can find everything it needs in one place. If you move things around, your horse will get confused and will not be able to find them. This should be done both in the horse's stall or stable and in the pasture where you give it time outdoors. Remove items that could injure your horse. There are a variety of items in a typical stall or stable that a blind horse can bump into and injure itself on. Take items with jagged edges or points out of your blind horse's area. Try to make as many surfaces as possible smooth. If there are jagged items or surfaces in your horse's stall that cannot be removed, put padding on them. This will minimize the chance of your horse being injured if it runs into them. Do not use hooks to hang up buckets or feed in your horse's stall because it could injure its face or eyes on the hook as it moves around. Regularly check the items in the stall or stable that are at your horse's eye level so that it doesn't hurt itself. Ensure your paddock fencing is in excellent repair. A suitable fencing material is woven-wire or mesh-wire fencing that can keep the horse contained but will not injure it if the horse runs into it. Common products can be found at your local farm supply or home improvement store. Make sure you don't have any down or broken fence boards that your horse could run into. Make sure the paddock is free from tree limbs or equipment that the horse could step on or trip over. Do not use barbed wire. Blind horses can easily get caught up in it and get injured. Blind horses, contrary to popular belief, cannot "sense" electric fencing. This type of containment system is not appropriate for blind horses at all. Remove obstacles from your blind horse's outdoor environment. You cannot keep a blind horse inside all of the time. Put it out to pasture often but make sure the pasture is safe. It should be free of holes, debris, and all sharp objects. Be sure to remove all stray items, such as mounting blocks left behind from the last rider, from the area before letting your blind horse roam. Make sure to fence off trees or poles in the pasture. You can also surround them with items that the horse can bump into safely, such as stacks of sand-filled tires. Pair your blind horse with a "blind buddy" - a sighted horse that gets along with your blind horse. It's best to choose a horse that has known your blind horse for a long time, including before your horse went blind. Consistently turn the two horses out together so that your horse has a friend to follow and be lead by. Keep the horse corralled as it is losing its sight. While a horse is losing its sight, it can become very scared and erratic. It is best for the horse's safety to keep it in a small, known area where it feels secure as it is adjusting to life without sight. The horse cannot be kept inside forever, but while it is acting erratically keeping it in a small space is safer. If it is in a small space, it cannot build up speed and run into things that could injure it. Get your horse veterinary care. If your horse is having vision problems, you should have it seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The quicker it gets veterinary attention, the more likely it is that the vet can save the horse's sight. Loss of vision can be a symptom of other medical problems, such as traumatic injuries or eye diseases. Because of this, it is important for the horse to be seen by a veterinarian so they can assess whether there are other problems that need to be treated. Your vet can treat your horse to improve its quality of life and may be able to help your horse regain some of its sight, depending on the cause of the vision loss. Don't sneak up on the horse. Never go up to your blind horse without making noise as you approach it. Start talking or making noises before you enter its stall. Then continue to make noise while you are approaching it. This will let the horse know that you are approaching it. Do not make sudden startling noises - simply talking to your horse will let it know where you are and what your movements are. If you don't talk or make noise, the horse may not know you are there. The surprise of someone touching it or talking nearby could cause it to spook or kick out uncontrollably. Find a buddy for your blind horse. Blind horses typically cannot be kept with a whole herd of horses. They will fall to the bottom of the pecking order and are likely to get bullied and injured by other horses. However, they should not be kept alone. With this in mind, find a compatible horse that your blind horse can hang out with. Look at horses that are friendly and non-aggressive towards other horses. If you are going to purchase a companion for your blind horse, put the horses together before you buy one. Make sure they get along before investing in another animal. Shetland ponies, goats and sheep make good companions for blind horses as well. If you have your own land, it may be worth knocking down the partition between two stables or stalls for your blind horse and its friend. This will allow your horse's friend to be in the same box but they will both have enough room not to bump into each other. Spend lots of time with your horse. Go into your horse's stable every day, making sure it can hear you coming, and stroke it and feed it a treat. Groom it and care for it as you would any other horse. Spending this quality time with the horse is important for your relationship with it and for its happiness overall. A horse that has gone blind will not be able to spend as much time with other horses, so you need to give it social interaction and stimulation. Try to set a regular routine for when you spend time with your horse every day. This will increase the horse's mental stability. It will also give it something to look forward to every day. Ride your horse. Don't let a horse's blindness deter you from riding. Riding in a safe, closed area can be very fulfilling for a horse that enjoys having a rider. The time spent preparing your horse for riding, and actually riding, will bring a lot of much needed stimulation and activity into your horse's life. However, you need to make the decision to ride or not based on your specific horse. If your horse never liked a rider even when it was sighted, then riding it after it has gone blind is probably not a good idea. If you do decide to ride, make sure the footing is soft, level, and without holes or other areas for the horse to trip or frighten itself on. Try to choose a quiet time of day to ride with few distractions to scare your horse. Ask yourself whether you have the time to care for a blind horse. Caring for a blind horse can take up a lot of your time. Even more than sighted horses, blind horses need one-on-one attention and care. Decide whether you have the time to commit to a blind horse or whether you have too many other commitments in your life to give enough time to a horse. It is extremely important to give a blind horse attention and stimulation, as its condition can easily lead to isolation and depression if it is left alone. If you cannot make this your priority, then you should not be in charge of caring for a blind horse. Although it will take up a lot of time, caring for a blind horse can be a very fulfilling endeavor. Get experience caring for sighted horses. It is best that those that care for blind horses already have experience caring for horses in general. Having some experience caring for sighted horses will give you the knowledge to understand the general needs of the horse. You then will just need to adjust your care to take the horse's lack of sight into consideration. Someone that has no experience with horses at all will have a lot to learn just caring for a sighted horse. Taking on the additional challenge of caring for a blind horse is likely too much. If you have bought a blind horse and have realized that you do not have the money or experience for it, remember that there are many loving horse charities that are experienced and will look after your horse. Consider your budget. Caring for a horse in general can cost a lot of money. Caring for a blind horse can increase the starting costs, as your horse will need more individualized care and specialized equipment, such as special fencing. Think about your budget and make a decision about whether you can afford to care of a blind horse. In addition, if the horse's blindness is due to disease, it may need ongoing veterinary care. Don't euthanize a horse just because it's going blind. If your horse is going blind, your friends, family, or even your veterinarian may suggest having it euthanized. However, you should not euthanize a horse just because it is going blind. Many horses adjust well to blindness and can live happy lives without sight. If your horse is in pain or has a degenerative disease that is causing it to go blind, euthanasia may be the most humane decision to make. If your horse has a painful eye condition and may need to have the eye removed, do not be afraid to allow the vet to remove the eye. Many horses do great with just one eye. If you don't think you have the time to care for a horse that is going blind, try to find it another home. There may be a charity group or individual that would be willing to care of it. | Show the horse where things are. Make the horse's environment reliable. Remove items that could injure your horse. Ensure your paddock fencing is in excellent repair. Remove obstacles from your blind horse's outdoor environment. Keep the horse corralled as it is losing its sight. Get your horse veterinary care. Don't sneak up on the horse. Find a buddy for your blind horse. Spend lots of time with your horse. Ride your horse. Ask yourself whether you have the time to care for a blind horse. Get experience caring for sighted horses. Consider your budget. Don't euthanize a horse just because it's going blind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Test-a-Hypothesis | How to Test a Hypothesis | If you need to test a hypothesis, first come up with a question you'd like to answer, then develop an experiment to answer your question. As you set up your experiment, create a statement about what you think is happening. This is your hypothesis. As you perform the test, compare your data to your hypothesis. By the end of the experiment, you should be able to conclude whether your hypothesis was true or not. | Start with a question. This question is not your hypothesis. Rather, it will give you a topic and let you start making tests and observations so that you can arrive at an educated hypothesis. The question should be about something that can be studied and observed; think about it as if you were preparing a project for a science fair. For example, a question could be something like, “Which brand of stain remover will remove stains from fabrics most effectively?” Develop an experiment to answer your question. The most common way to test a hypothesis is to create an experiment. A good experiment uses test subjects or creates conditions where you can see if your hypothesis seems to be true by evaluating a broad range of data (test results). For the stain-remover experiment, you could dirty 4 types of fabric (e.g. cotton, linen, wool, polyester) each with 4 different types of stains (e.g. red wine, grass, mud and dirt, grease), and then test the top four or five brands of stain remover (e.g. Mr. Clean, Tide, Shout, Clorox) to see which removes the largest number of stains. Start gathering data to answer your question. At this point, you should start actually running your experiment. In any scientific test or hypothesis evaluation, a larger data pool will result in more accurate results. In the case of the stain-remover experiment, you'd need to purchase a bottle of each of the major stain-remover brands and dirty a variety of fabrics with a variety of stains. Then, test out each type of detergent on each of the stained fabrics. (If you live at your parents' house, you'll need to get permission to use the laundry room for most of a day.) Create a working hypothesis. Your working hypothesis should be a statement about what you think is happening with what you're observing. No starting hypothesis is 100% true, but it can be improved with continued testing. A good hypothesis should be your best guess after having conducted several initial tests. For instance, if you've run some loads of laundry (maybe testing which brand of stain remover works best on removing different stains from linen), you can use your results to take a stab at a hypothesis. A good working hypothesis would look like: “If fabrics are stained with common household items, Tide stain remover will remove the stains most effectively.” Continue to perform more tests. Once you have a working hypothesis, you should continue to test in in order to improve your hypothesis. You'll most likely find that your initial stab at a hypothesis was not entirely incorrect, but didn't account for the full range of data. In our example, since you only tested 1 type of fabric (linen), you'll need to repeat the laundry test with the other 3 fabrics (cotton, wool, polyester) and note which stain remover most effectively eliminates the stains. Analyze the data that you’ve collected. In our example, once you've tested every combination of fabric, stain, and stain remover, you'll have 64 individual results to look at. Look at all of the data that your experiment has produced (the results of how well each stain remover has removed each stain from each type of fabric). From here, you can draw a general inference from your analysis. While it can be tempting to only accept data that supports your hypothesis, it's not scientific or ethical. You must accept all the data and watch for whatever patterns appear, even if it proves your hypothesis to be likely false. Note that significant results don't mean your hypothesis is proven, but rather that based on the data you collected, the differences you observed are likely not due to chance. Use inductive reasoning to note patterns among your data. This type of reasoning (also called “bottom-up” thinking) allows you to look for patterns and similarities in all of the data that you've observed. Let the data guide you as you make your hypothesis, and avoid deliberately misinterpreting data to support the outcome that you prefer. For example, if you began the experiment thinking that Tide would have the most effective stain remover, but you've noticed that Tide does a poor job of removing stains from red wine and mud, you likely need to change your working assumptions. Make alterations to your hypothesis. If the data doesn't support what you thought was true, then you can make a new hypothesis based on what you know now. This is a crucial part of the scientific method: everyone who tests a hypothesis should, by inductive reasoning, be able to revise their hypothesis according to the results that come from observing a large amount of data. So, if Tide turns out to be ineffective at removing certain types of stains, your early working hypothesis will have been incorrect. Draw a revised hypothesis. Once you've tested, revised, and tested some more, you can draw a conclusion about your hypothesis. If your initial hypothesis needed improvement (or was flat-out wrong) now is the time to fix that. A good concluding hypothesis should incorporate what you learned from observing and analyzing the full body of data from your experiments. A final, tested hypothesis would look like: “Shout is the most effective stain remover for removing a variety of household stains from a variety of common fabrics.” | Start with a question. Develop an experiment to answer your question. Start gathering data to answer your question. Create a working hypothesis. Continue to perform more tests. Analyze the data that you’ve collected. Use inductive reasoning to note patterns among your data. Make alterations to your hypothesis. Draw a revised hypothesis. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Boil-Plantains | How to Boil Plantains | To boil plantains, start by slicing about an inch off each end. Then, cut them in half down the middle and peel the skins off. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook your plantains for 15 to 30 minutes. You'll know they're done when they're tender and a deep yellow color. Let them cool for a few minutes before you serve your plantains. | Pick out a few firm, ripe plantains. Since the hot water will soften the fruit up quite a bit, it's best to start with plantains that are ripe but still firm to the touch. Yellow plantains should have just a little give, with few (if any) brown spots. Green plantains should be harder, with a uniform color and no spotting. If you use overly ripe plantains, they may become mushy by the time they're done. Slice the ends off the plantains. Lay out your plantains on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to remove the stems roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the top and bottom of the fruit. Getting these parts out of the way will make it easier to peel the plantains. Removing the stems also lets in more heat, helping the plantains cook through faster. Cut the plantains in half. Lay out the plantains on a cutting board and slice them through the middle width-wise. This will reduce them to a more manageable size, allowing them to fit more easily inside a pot. Plantains can be pretty tough, so make sure the knife you're using is nice and sharp. Peel the plantains to reduce their cook time slightly. Once you've cut the plantains in half, use the tip of your knife to score the skin from one end to the other. Take hold of the skin on either side of the cut and pull it apart to expose the fruit underneath. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fruit. Your plantains won't take as long to boil if you remove their skin first. If you prefer, you can also simply score the skins from end to end and finish peeling them once they're fully cooked. Fill a large pot with water. Make sure the pot you're using is big enough to hold all the plantains you want to boil. A full-sized stockpot is recommended for boiling several plantains at once, but you may also be able to get by with a deep saucepan if you're only preparing 1 or 2. Be careful not to overfill the pot, or the water could slosh out once it comes to a boil. Bring the water to a boil. Turn on the cooktop to high heat and allow the water to begin warming up. Depending on the size and volume of your pot, the water should reach a boil within about 6-10 minutes. If you're in a rush, you can save a few minutes by putting your water on while you slice and peel the plantains. Add a pinch of salt to the water. If you like, you can throw some salt in with your boiling water. A little bit of salt will impart a subtle savory note, balancing out the starchy sweetness of the plantains. If you're not sure how much salt to use, start with about 1 teaspoon (4.2 g). You can always add more once the plantains have finished cooking in order to get the desired flavor. Avoiding adding too much salt, as this could overpower the mild flavor of the plantains and make them unappetizing. Boil the plantains for 15-30 minutes. As the plantains cook, the heat from the water will begin breaking down their rich sugars, unlocking more of their natural sweetness. By the 15-20 minute mark, the fruit should have taken on a deep yellow color and become nice and tender. Set a timer to help you keep track of how long the plantains have been boiling. If there are still white spots in the fruit at the end of your cook time, it means it's not quite ready. Leave the plantains on the stove for another 5-6 minutes until they're a uniform yellow color. Green plantains may need as long as 30 minutes to cook all the way through. Remove the plantains from the hot water using a pair of tongs. The plantains will be extremely hot, so be sure to fish them out with a separate utensil. If you don't have any tongs handy, you could also spear them with a knife or scoop them out using a metal spatula or serving fork. Place the plantains on a layer of paper towels to absorb some of the excess water, or simply transfer them straight to their intended serving dish. Never attempt to remove cooked items from a pot of boiling water by hand. Doing so could result in a serious burn! Allow the plantains to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Once most of the steam has dissipated, the plantains will be ready to eat. They're best when they're warm, but not scalding hot. If you dig in before your plantains have had time to cool down sufficiently, you could burn your mouth. Peel the plantains if you boiled them with the skin on. To avoid burning your hands, use a fork and knife to safely open up the peel and uncover the delicious fruit underneath. Once that's done, discard the skins and enjoy! Plantains should always be peeled prior to eating. Mash boiled plantains to savor their soft texture. As an optional final step, you can use the flat side of a fork to mash your plantains to a smooth, creamy consistency. Keep mashing and stirring until the purée is mostly free of lumps. This is just another way to enjoy the versatile fruit. Mashed boiled plantains are an incredibly popular breakfast dish in the Dominican Republic, where they're known as mangú. Traditional versions of mangú also incorporate olive oil and onion powder for more of a savory take on a sweet treat. For every 2 plantains you use, add roughly 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of oil and ½ tablespoon (7.4 g) onion powder. | Pick out a few firm, ripe plantains. Slice the ends off the plantains. Cut the plantains in half. Peel the plantains to reduce their cook time slightly. Fill a large pot with water. Bring the water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Boil the plantains for 15-30 minutes. Remove the plantains from the hot water using a pair of tongs. Allow the plantains to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. Peel the plantains if you boiled them with the skin on. Mash boiled plantains to savor their soft texture. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-Good-Hiding-Spots | How to Find Good Hiding Spots | Being able to find good hiding spots is important and can make surprises and games way more fun! If you have plenty of time to hide, find a good, well-concealed spot behind a piece of furniture or in a closet. Try to avoid obvious spots the person might look, like under a bed or behind a door. If you need to find a hiding spot quickly, duck behind a pair of curtains or underneath a table. Hiding high up, like in a tree, or inside a box or laundry basket are pretty unique spots and you likely won't be found! | Evaluate your objective. Are you playing hide and seek? Are you trying to surprise someone? Are you trying to evade detection altogether? The reason you are trying to hide (and any rules that you may have to follow) should guide you at this point. If you are required to hide in one place the whole time, you'll want a spot with maximum cover that whoever is looking for you won't think of. If you are trying to surprise someone you don't necessarily need to be well hidden. You just want to be hidden in a place where they can't see you until they are close and you leap out and surprise them. If you are trying to evade detection altogether and are allowed to move, you'll want to take advantage of sight lines and mobility. Maximum cover is less important. Think like the person you are hiding from. Evaluate the area in which you will be hiding from the perspective of the person you are hiding from. If they are actively looking for you, where will they think you are hiding? What will their sight lines and priorities be? For instance, if playing hide and seek, your "seeker" is going to be actively thinking of hiding places as well. For this reason, try to avoid common hiding places like closets and below beds. If trying to surprise someone you'll want to predict where they are going and position yourself in a blind spot that they'll have on the way to their objective. If trying to move and evade detection think of the sight lines that the other person will have. Ideally you will move in and out of these sight lines as their gaze shifts. Find a spot fast if you must. Ideally, you'll have time to consider different hiding spots and find the best one. But if the person looking for you is right on your tail or if you are playing hide-and-go-seek and the Seeker is nearing the end of their count, you might not have the luxury of time. If so, you may have to rush. Even if you are in a rush, don't pick the most obvious spot. If it is really obvious, the person looking for you is sure to find it. Find your hiding spots. If you have plenty of time, you'll want to start picking hiding spots after evaluating the territory from both your perspective and the perspective of the person looking for you. Remember the guidelines. Well concealed, non-obvious spots are best for static hiding. Surprising someone is all about taking advantage of blind spots to seize the initiative. Evading detection involves evaluating sight lines and cover, with an emphasis on mobility. Are there such things as doors, furniture (such as a sofa) or soft furnishings to hide behind? Are there tables, chairs, shelves that you can crawl under? Are there outdoor items to hide behind, such as the dog's kennel, a tree or a fence? Are there things you can hide on top of? For instance, the top of a toilet cover in a bathroom stall or the space between the top of a cabinet and the ceiling. Are there optical illusions you can make use of? For example, hiding behind hanging coats with your feet in snow boots at the base of the coats, making it seem that these are just stored objects. Consider hiding up high. Often, the best spots are up high. Looking up and down is the least natural eye movement for the person searching for you, and if you are directly above them it may be a very long time before they see you. Make sure that your spot won't fall into their line of sight when they are looking for you. Consider hiding inside something. Boxes and laundry baskets make excellent hiding spots, as long as you won't be trying to move or change hiding spots. They are especially good if they aren't big enough to be obvious spots. Rate the hiding spots. Which of the hiding spots suit your objectives best? If someone is looking for you they are bound to check the obvious places first, such as behind furniture or in closets. If you are trying to evade detection you may want to consider how easy it is to relocate from one hiding spot to another as the other person moves. Remember your objectives and priorities: If you can't move, maximum cover and originality. If trying to surprise someone, blind spots and the ability to seize initiative for the surprise. If trying to evade detection, minimal exposure to common sight lines and maximum mobility. Move towards your hiding spot. Be careful not to make noise or do anything that might give away where you are going, particularly if you are playing a game. If other players are hiding as well, you may wish to make sure that they don't see where you are going. Be careful with hinges, as they can squeak. You can try to hold the squeaky hinge while opening or closing the door. Don't disturb the environment. You'll want to make sure that you don't leave any clues that the area where you are going to hide has been disturbed. Everything should be in the place it was before you hid in that location. You can also disturb the environment as a decoy. For instance, leave a disturbance on the other side of the room so that you can hide next to the door and exit the room when the decoy is investigated. Enter your hiding spot. Now that you've been careful not to make noise or leave traces, enter your hiding spot. You may want to position yourself in a non-conventional way in order to present yourself in a different shape than normal. The human eye and brain are very sensitive to shapes, and breaking up your expected "shape" is useful to evade detection. For instance, curl into a fetal position when hiding under a bed next to discarded laundry. Maximize your cover. Whenever it is possible, you can try to add to your cover as long as it doesn't break the rule regarding disturbing your environment. You can also use accessories to further break up your shape Stay calm. If you are nervous your heart rate will spike, and breathing heavily could give away your location. Moreover, you are more likely to lose your cool and do something dumb if you don't stay calm and panic instead. Stay calm and collected. Stay quiet. Try your best not to sneeze or cough, but if you must, try to do so into your sleeve or a piece of clothing to muffle the sound. Don't fidget or shift your weight if it can be helped. Yes. This means putting your cell phone on silent too. Don't give yourself away. If playing hide and seek, don't give yourself up just because you think the other person has found you. Sometimes, you may think they've seen you but they actually haven't. This is especially true if you are camouflaged or have broken up your shape with strange positioning or additional cover. Stick with the plan. If you were trying to avoid detection, moving to a place the other person has already checked is a great idea, as is leaving the room when your exit is out of their line of sight. If trying to surprise someone, make sure that you take the initiative right before they would have seen you. | Evaluate your objective. Think like the person you are hiding from. Find a spot fast if you must. Find your hiding spots. Consider hiding up high. Consider hiding inside something. Rate the hiding spots. Move towards your hiding spot. Don't disturb the environment. Enter your hiding spot. Maximize your cover. Stay calm. Stay quiet. Don't give yourself away. Stick with the plan. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Travel-by-Car-with-Your-Dog | How to Travel by Car with Your Dog | To travel by car with your dog, you should restrain it with either a cage, a safety seat, or a seat belt designed for dogs, which will keep it safe and prevent distractions while you're driving. Before your go for your drive, exercise your dog so that it will be tired and less anxious or hyperactive in the car. Additionally, pack supplies such as water, treats, and a few chew toys to help keep your dog occupied. You should also avoid feeding your dog right before a car trip to prevent it from getting carsick or relieving itself in the car. | Figure out how you want to restrain your dog in the car. It is not safe, nor advisable to let a dog roam around a car unrestrained. Consider putting your dog in a pet cage if you are driving a long distance or if your dog is a nervous passenger. It is the most effective way of keeping a dog still and under control whilst driving. Having a dog caged will help you to focus on driving instead of on the dog, which is important because distracted drivers can easily have accidents. It will also keep your dog safe if you have to stop quickly or if you get in an accident. If you don't want to cage your dog, at least find a way to make sure your dog is secure. For instance if you have an estate car, consider confining your dog to the rear of the car. If you do have a large window boot, put up a wire grid to stop your dog jumping over the back of the seats. Line the dog's area with dog blankets or place it's bed in the corner so it can nap comfortably on the journey. Make sure you don't have any heavy loose items, such as bowls or bottles, as those can become dangerous projectiles in an accident. Most dogs find sleeping an easy way to cope with motion sickness. You could also purchase a dog safety seat. While it is not as secure as a cage, it will be safer and more comfortable than a car seat for your dog if you turn or stop the car suddenly. The most popular among these are bucket seats. They attach at the back of the front seats, and the top of the back seats, creating a soft well in which your dog, and any liquids (or solids!) they may create, are contained. These can be made with a blanket or purchased cheaply. Car seatbelts for dogs are a great tool if you don't want your dogs confined, or if you only have a two-seater car. Make sure to attach them to a harness, and not a collar. They clip into the female buckle of a car seatbelt on one end, and have a standard lead clip on the other. By attaching them to a harness, you ensure the dog is secured by the body, and their neck won't be damaged in an emergency. If you use a cage, make sure it is secured. Make sure it is very secure to prevent it from moving if you stop suddenly or get hit. An unsecured cage can be just as, or even more dangerous than an unsecured dog. Introduce your dog to the cage, if you are using one. Present the cage to your dog positively. Allow the dog to sniff the cage before it goes in the car. Once the cage is placed in the car, lock your dog in it. Continue your positive attitude about the cage and walk away from the dog in the cage for several minutes. Allow the dog to get into the cage itself by luring it with treats, and do not force the dog into the cage. Exercise your dog before loading it into the car. You need to get your dog tired out before caging it. While a tired dog may still be upset about being caged, a fully rested dog will usually be even worse. Avoid feeding your dog right before your trip. Feed him or her at least a few hours before. This will help your dog avoid getting carsick or doing it's business in the car, which is unpleasant for both owner and dog. Pack appropriate supplies for your dog when embarking on a long car journey. Make the dog's area comfortable by placing it's bed or blankets down for padding. Also, bring water, treats, the dog's collar and lead, some of your dog's favorite chew toys, and plastic bags for poop. Place a few chew toys in the back with your dog to keep your dog occupied. It is better not to give him or her a bone or food treats because if the dog feels sick it will bring it back up. Squeaky toys are also undesirable as they will drive you crazy. Consult a vet if your dog shows signs of car sickness. Never medicate your dog with Dramamine or any other medication without the guidance of your vet. Your vet may have some other suggestions instead. Address hyperactivity before the trip. If your dog has hyperactivity problems, contact your vet before the trip. See if a mild sedative is available and safe for your dog, especially if it is a long journey. Follow the dosing instructions carefully. Let a puppy or new pet become accustomed to riding in a car gradually. Begin by allowing your dog to wander around your car with the engine off. Then start with short journeys until you and your dog become familiar with traveling by car together. Make your first few trips in the car to somewhere fun for your dog. Don't go long distances right away, just get your dog used to the space. Take your dog to a park or a field so they associate a car journey with something good rather than just trips to the vet. Keep your dog's collar on whenever you are driving long distance. There's always a chance, no matter how well-behaved your dog may be, that your dog will get out of the car and run away from you. Make sure that your dog can be identified if it escapes from you while traveling. Take breaks. Let your dog run around and tire itself out. You should also give your dog a little snack and a little water while taking your break. Make sure that you stop every hour or so and go for a quick walk, even if it's only on the grass by a fast-food restaurant at a service station by the highway. This lets your dog go to the toilet, and gives you an ample opportunity to give your dog some water. Taking your dog on short walks is important as it means that the dog can stretch their legs and prevents it from getting bored. This is especially important if your going on a long journey. Four hours is your average dog's absolute limit for driving without a longer break, but as a driver it's recommended you take a break after every two hours of driving. Make sure you stop somewhere grassy and relatively quiet (not right beside the road), lock your car, feed your dog some food and water, and take him for a walk so he can let off some of his excess energy. If you stop by the highway your dog MUST be on a lead for his own safety. Don't leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day. Be aware of how quickly a dog can get heatstroke, and die, in a parked car. To be safe, never leave your dog unattended in your car in warm weather for any length of time. If you stop for a meal, park your car in the shade, and let the windows down about an inch each to let cool air in. Put a bowl of cool water in the car for your dog and unbuckle him or her if in a dog seat. Lock your car doors, and order your food to go. Try to spend no more than five minutes away from the car if it is a warm day, as you don't want your dog to overheat. If your stop will take a bit longer, for instance you are waiting in a long queue for food, tie your dog to a post either just inside the front door or just outside in a place where you can see it. At least he or she will be out of the heat while you wait. Make sure to tie the dog with secure knots so it doesn't escape. Tight knots will also mean it will be less likely for someone to steal your dog. Avoid comforting your dog if he or she is showing signs of distress. Comforting the dog, as natural as it seems, reinforces the idea that something bad is happening. Do your best to stay calm and normal while paying attention for signs of true distress (instead of discomfort). Reward your dog once you get to your destination. Take it for a long walk immediately on arrival. Give it a treat, assure it, and give it lots of love for making through the journey. | Figure out how you want to restrain your dog in the car. Introduce your dog to the cage, if you are using one. Exercise your dog before loading it into the car. Avoid feeding your dog right before your trip. Pack appropriate supplies for your dog when embarking on a long car journey. Place a few chew toys in the back with your dog to keep your dog occupied. Consult a vet if your dog shows signs of car sickness. Address hyperactivity before the trip. Let a puppy or new pet become accustomed to riding in a car gradually. Make your first few trips in the car to somewhere fun for your dog. Keep your dog's collar on whenever you are driving long distance. Take breaks. Don't leave your dog in a parked car on a hot day. Avoid comforting your dog if he or she is showing signs of distress. Reward your dog once you get to your destination. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Razor-Bumps-in-the-Bikini-Area | How to Get Rid of Razor Bumps in the Bikini Area | If you need to get rid of razor bumps in your bikini area, avoid shaving the area for a few days, to give the bumps a chance to heal. Resist the urge to scratch the area, since breaking the bumps can lead to infection and scarring. You can ease the discomfort by treating the area with a product containing salicylic acid, witch hazel, or aloe at least once a day. If your razor bumps persist for several weeks, and you haven't shaved again, visit your dermatologist. | Let the hair grow out a bit before shaving again. Shaving over razor bumps will only irritate or tear them open, leaving them vulnerable to infection (and probably not removing much hair in the process). If you can, let the hair grow for a few days and see if it breaks out of the bumps on its own. Resist the urge to scratch the area. It might itch, but breaking the bumps with your fingernails can lead to infection and scarring. Try to hold off as much as you can. Use a product that's designed to treat razor bumps. Look for something that contains salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel, aloe, or any combination of these ingredients. Some of these products might come in a roller bottle that's designed to go directly on your skin, while others might require you to put the solution on a cotton ball and dab it on your skin. If you don't know what to buy, call your local waxing salon and ask what they recommend to their clients. You can probably purchase the product there as well, or look around online. Apply the solution to your skin at least once per day, if not more. Aim to do it when you get out of the shower, before your skin has sweat or anything else on it. Treat infection with aloe vera then lotion, to leave your skin clear and smooth. If you suspect that you have infected ingrown hairs, try using an antibacterial cream on them each day. Bacitracin, Neosporin, and Polysporin are all possible topical treatments. Treat scarring with Retin-A. Retinoids, derived from Vitamin A, can help smooth over skin and reduce the appearance of scars or marks left by razor bumps. You might need to see a doctor for a prescription. Do not use Retin-A if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It can cause severe birth defects. Areas treated with Retin-A are more susceptible to sunburns. Cover up, or wear SPF 45 sunscreen. Don't use Retin-A on any areas where you plan to wax in the future.— It can make the skin significantly weaker, leading to potential tearing during a waxing session. See a dermatologist. If your razor bumps persist for several weeks, and you haven't shaved again, consider booking an appointment with a dermatologist. Throw out any dull razors. A dull or rusty razor can keep you from getting a clean shave, whether it's by snagging hairs instead of cutting them, or irritating the skin around the follicle. Shave every other day, at the most. Shaving every day can irritate new bumps, so try to wait and only use a razor every second day. If you can, shaving every third day is even better. Exfoliate gently. Exfoliation will clear off any dead skin cells or other material on your skin, paving the way for a close and clean shave. You can use an exfoliating scrub, loofah, mitt, skincare brush, or whatever works best for you. If your skin is sensitive, consider exfoliating on your "off" day from shaving. If your skin handles exfoliation with minimal irritation, try doing it right before you shave. Don't press down on the razor as you're shaving. Applying pressure can make the razor uneven on your skin. Instead, aim to hold it lightly and "glide" it over your bikini area. Try not to go over the same area twice. If you missed too much to overlook, make the second pass with the grain, instead of against it. Shaving against the grain means to move the razor in the direction opposite of hair growth. For instance, most people are shaving against the grain when they run a razor from their ankle to their knee. Shaving with the grain creates less irritation, but not as close a shave. Try to use this technique as much as you can if you're going back over an area you've already shaved. Shave in the shower. The steam from a warm shower serves two purposes: it makes the hair softer, and your skin less prone to nicks and irritation. If you usually shave first, consider reorganizing your shower tasks so that you do it last. Try to give it five minutes before you start shaving. If you don't have time to shower, wet a washcloth with water that's as warm as you can stand, and lay it over the area you're going to shave. Try to leave it for two or three minutes before shaving. Use shaving cream (or a substitute). Shaving cream can also soften hairs and make them easier to remove (as well as making it easier to track where you've shaved and where you haven't). Find a cream that includes aloe or other moisturizing compounds. If you're in a pinch and have no shaving cream, use hair conditioner instead. It's better than nothing! Rinse off with cold water. Ending your shower with a blast of cold water, or using a cold washcloth on the area, will cause your pores to temporarily contract, leaving them less vulnerable to irritants and infection. Contrary to the popular myth, cold water doesn't "close" your pores. The cold temperatures may cause pores to contract slightly, but the effect is only temporary and minimal. There's no harm in rinsing with cold water, but if you find this step notably unpleasant, you should be able to skip it without much consequence. Pat the area dry. Don't rub yourself dry harshly with a towel. Instead, dry your bikini area in small taps, saving your skin a load of irritation. Consider waxing for long-term prevention. In the short-term, waxing typically causes more ingrown hairs than shaving does, so this might seem like a less than ideal solution. However, waxing consistently over long periods of time can slow hair growth, so you'll need to wax less often and will experience fewer ingrown hairs in the long-run. If you do decide to wax, just make sure you stick with it consistently to see the results you want! If you do decide to wax, aim to make an appointment every six to eight weeks in the beginning. You might be able to go for longer stretches without waxing later. Choose a reputable waxing salon. Ask around, or search reviews online. Know what to expect. Your skin will probably be a little red and irritated when you leave, but you shouldn't have open cuts or dark, widespread bruises. Additionally, if you notice that your skin is infected a day or two after your appointment, start applying an antibiotic cream and notify the salon immediately. Consider laser hair removal. Contrary to popular belief, laser hair removal won't completely remove your hair forever. However, it will significantly reduce growth. Be aware that laser hair removal works best on dark hair and light skin. If your skin and your hair are too close to the same color (whether it's too light or too dark), you might not be a good candidate for treatment. Laser hair removal is expensive, and you'll need at least four to six treatments. Price it out and watch for promotions. | Let the hair grow out a bit before shaving again. Resist the urge to scratch the area. Use a product that's designed to treat razor bumps. Treat infection with aloe vera then lotion, to leave your skin clear and smooth. Treat scarring with Retin-A. See a dermatologist. Throw out any dull razors. Shave every other day, at the most. Exfoliate gently. Don't press down on the razor as you're shaving. Try not to go over the same area twice. Shave in the shower. Use shaving cream (or a substitute). Rinse off with cold water. Pat the area dry. Consider waxing for long-term prevention. Consider laser hair removal. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Southern-Belle | How to Become a Southern Belle | A Southern Belle is a woman who embodies the attitudes, appearance, and manners of the ideal southern lady. To be a Southern Belle, always be polite and say “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.” Be friendly with everyone you meet and say “hello,” or “how do you do?” to greet people. Address people as "sweetie," "darling," and "honey," which are common southern pet names. If you don't like someone, just keep it to yourself. To dress like a Southern Belle, wear pastel-colored dresses, heels, and nice jewelry like a pearl necklace. Style your hair nicely with a curling or straightening iron and use hairspray to keep it in place. | Learn good table manners. Regardless of whether you are being hosted by friends, family, or someone you don't know, a southern belle is always polite at the table. Remember to put your napkin in your lap and keep your elbows off the table! Be polite when you address other people. Say “please” and “thank you” frequently, and be sure to say “excuse me” or “pardon me” whenever you make a mistake. These little phrases are the cornerstones of good manners. Maintain perfect posture. To look like a proper southern belle, you must learn to sit up straight, and hold your head up high. Remember to keep your shoulders back and your chest up. Respect your elders. All older people should be regarded as “sir” or “ma'am” unless they tell you otherwise. You should also get into the habit of doing favors for your mama. Clean the house, or offer to run some errands to make her life a little easier! Be sweet and friendly to everybody. Part of the southern charm comes from being warm and kind at all times. Extend a “Hello!” or “How do you do?” to everyone you meet, and try to exude a down-to-earth attitude. If you don't care for someone, keep it to yourself! Receive compliments with grace. If somebody pays you a compliment, it is appropriate to smile, say “Thank you,” and compliment that person in return. This banter is customary amongst southern belles. Avoid excessive drink. While it's perfectly fine to have a cocktail or two at social gatherings, a southern belle should never be so drunk that she loses control of herself and her manners. Keep the alcohol to a minimum in order to best maintain your lovely composure. Be a gracious guest. If you socialize with other southern belles, chances are, you'll be on the receiving end of their southern hospitality. Show your gratitude by being the perfect guest. Send back the RSVP as soon as possible, and arrive with a gift for the hostess, such as flowers, nice soaps, or a bottle of wine or brown liquor. Be sure to send a thank you note after the event! Offer your help to friends and neighbors during tough times. Your manners and hospitality should extend past social functions as well. If someone in your community is sick, or has recently lost a family member, help them out by bringing them food, offering to help maintain their homes, or giving rides to their children. A southern belle will always pitch in to support their community. Use southern slang and expressions. You'll want to familiarize yourself with some southern speech mannerisms so that you'll know what people are talking about. Try to incorporate some of these phrases into your vocabulary as well. “Taters” - as in sweet 'taters, mashed 'taters, etc - refers to potatoes. “Light'nin bugs” are fireflies. “Y'all” is a standard contraction for “you all.” “Amen!” is frequently used to express agreement. “I reckon” is a common substitute for “I guess” or “I suppose.” Use pet names. Terms of endearment, such as sweetie, darlin', sugar, and honey, are commonly used by southern belles. While you should never use pet names to refer to your elders, these terms are great for friends, acquaintances, and children. Call your parents Mama and Daddy. No matter how old you get, a real southern belle will always refer to her folks as Mama and Daddy. Calling your parents anything else will make you stick out like a sore thumb! Avoid using swear words. Swearing is considered both rude and incredibly tacky amongst southern belles. If you must, incorporate alternative, G-rated curse words into your vocabulary, such as “shoot,” “darn,” and “fudge.” Never talk about the bathroom. Like swear words, all bathroom talk is considered rude and tacky. If you need to use the restroom, simply excuse yourself from the conversation, and if you must, refer to the bathroom as “the powder room.” Wear dresses, heels, and pearls. Southern belles always look feminine and put together, so you will need to invest in these basic wardrobe staples. Look for dresses in pastel colors and preppy prints. Find heels in wedge or mule styles for the day, and look for pumps or sling-backs for evening attire. A classy string of pearls adds a great finishing touch to any outfit. Cover your cleavage during the day. It's important to dress modestly for afternoon functions, which means you should cover your chest area. For evening or nighttime events, it's fine to show a bit of skin, so wearing clothes that reveal 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of cleavage will be considered acceptable. Wear red lipstick. This is a classic southern look that will finish off your look. Red lipstick is appropriate for all functions, day or night. Style your hair whenever you go out. Be sure to brush your hair, and style it with a curling or straightening iron before you leave the house. Use hairspray as a finishing touch to ensure that every hair stays in place. The classic southern expression, “the bigger the better,” applies to hair as well. Try to incorporate some volume into your hair! Maintain a clean and clear complexion. Wash and moisturize your skin on a regular basis, and use lemon juice to zap pimples in a pinch. While it's fine to wear some foundation, be sure not to cake it on, and always remove your makeup before you go to bed. Protect your skin from the sun. Avoid tanning and try keep your skin safe from the sun by wearing hats and staying under cover on bright summer days. Always wear sunscreen with SPF 30 or above if you are spending time outdoors. Practice great hygiene. This goes beyond bathing every day; the smaller details will help solidify your appearance as a southern belle. Great hygiene includes keeping your nails well-groomed and polished, wearing perfume, flossing your teeth, and never forgetting to shave your legs or underarms (even in the winter). Never wear white shoes after Easter and before Labor Day. This is considered tacky. The only exception would be if you're getting married during this window of time - then you may wear white shoes. Otherwise, save your white shoes for summertime only. Remember to smile! When you're in public, keep a smile on your face. This will help you look warm, friendly, and kind - a look all southern belles should aspire to have! Make sweet tea. Sweet tea is a traditional southern drink, made with lemon and lots of sugar. Whenever you are hosting people, be sure to make a large batch of sweet iced tea to share around. This will be expected of you as a host. For extra points, serve your guests sweet tea in mason jars. Serve brown liquor. If you host a gathering, offer your guests some whiskey or bourbon. These liquors are expected at southern gatherings. Cook grits. Grits is another classic southern food that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Regardless of whether you serve smooth grits, cheesy grits, or grits with shrimp, if you cook them well, no one will complain! Learn to make some killer greens. Southern people love cooked greens of all kinds, including collard greens, green beans, and chard. Traditionally, southern belles will prepare greens by boiling them until they are tender with ham hock and chicken bouillon. Prepare more than enough food. If you're hosting people, you will want to guarantee that you have more than enough food to go around. This means overcooking by a long shot: if you're hosting a small party, prepare enough food for a small army! Make sure that nobody leaves hungry. Set the table. Whenever you're having people over, be sure to make proper place settings for your company. If you have inherited any nice china or silver from your mama or granny, now is the time to use them! Remember to include the proper silverware for each course of the meal. | Learn good table manners. Be polite when you address other people. Maintain perfect posture. Respect your elders. Be sweet and friendly to everybody. Receive compliments with grace. Avoid excessive drink. Be a gracious guest. Offer your help to friends and neighbors during tough times. Use southern slang and expressions. Use pet names. Call your parents Mama and Daddy. Avoid using swear words. Never talk about the bathroom. Wear dresses, heels, and pearls. Cover your cleavage during the day. Wear red lipstick. Style your hair whenever you go out. Maintain a clean and clear complexion. Protect your skin from the sun. Practice great hygiene. Never wear white shoes after Easter and before Labor Day. Remember to smile! Make sweet tea. Serve brown liquor. Cook grits. Learn to make some killer greens. Prepare more than enough food. Set the table. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Successful-College-Student | How to Be a Successful College Student | To be a successful college student, try to go to every class so you don't miss out on valuable discussions and material. In class, take detailed notes to help you retain the information and study for exams. Also, try to stay active in class by asking questions so you can understand everything the teacher is saying. Then, spend at least 2 hours studying for every hour you spend in class, because you'll need that time to read the textbook and look over your notes. | Go to class. Don't rely on a "magic number" of classes you can miss and still do well. Each missed class represents missed content and missed discussion. Some professors weigh participation into your final grade calculation. Even if attendance isn't required, however, you will make a good impression on your professor and TA if you show up to class. Only miss class if you are genuinely sick—too sick to get anything worthwhile out of the lecture. If you need some incentive, consider the cost of each class hour. The average yearly cost of tuition at a public university is $9,139. Given a 15-week semester with 4 classes each semester, you pay over $25 per class hour for the privilege of being taught. Not going to class is basically the same as setting twenty-five bucks on fire. Would you do that? Take notes. Your memory is never as good as you think it is. There will probably be plenty of things taking up space in your mind while at school. Taking good notes will keep you engaged in classroom activities (lectures and discussion) and give you a good basis when studying for exams. For classes that are organized around clear, logically ordered topics, such as history or biology, the Cornell method can help you prioritize the most important information. Participate in class. Ask questions of your instructors, give answers if they ask questions, and contribute to discussion sections. Taking an active part in the class will keep you involved with the material, and help you better understand what the instructor needs you to know. Sitting in front, or at least not in the back, will make it easier to pay attention and put you front and center for the professor to see. Take time to study. Success in college relies on you preparing outside of class, so spend time reviewing your notes and reading the textbook for each session. When you study , find a quiet space and cut off outside distractions. A good rule of thumb is to spend two hours studying for each hour you spend in class. Study groups—working with other students in your class—can be helpful, but also go off-track easily. Make sure you find a study group that reviews the material, and spends most of its time actually studying, rather than chatting. Don't cram! Part of being a successful college student is doing more than passing tests; it's retaining the useful information for the real world. When you cram, you might remember enough to pass your exam, but chances are high that you'll forget most of it in a day or two. When you're spending tens of thousands of dollars to learn this stuff, actually remembering it for later is a smart investment. Spacing out your study sessions over a few days is the best way to make sure you remember the material later. Rather than spending a 9-hour marathon studying for a test, for example, start a few days early and study for 1-2 hours each day for 3 or 4 days in a row. If you can plan well ahead of time, it's even better to space your studying out over a period of weeks. Avoid procrastinating. No professor ever complained about her students finishing an assignment early. Setting aside time to complete one task will give ease your stress level, and make it more likely to complete others on time. On occasion, you may need to stay up all night to finish an assignment. Procrastinating will only make doing so more likely, and doing work early can help you get more regular sleep. Set yourself regular performance goals, such as writing 200 words a day on your essay or studying six math problems. These small goals seem easy to do so you're less likely to procrastinate on them. However, the accomplishments will pile up fast. Try to avoid guilting yourself into your work. Extrinsic motivation, such as "I ought to do this so my parents don't get mad at me," isn't as strong as intrinsic motivation, such as "I want to do well on that exam so that my good grades will help me get into medical school." Setting positive goals for yourself and reminding yourself that your work will help you achieve them can help crush procrastination. Communicate with your instructor. Your professors want you to do well in class, so feel free to ask questions about the material. Every professor has open office hours, so stop by to introduce yourself, ask about the class, or discuss your grades. This can allow them to learn more about you, your strengths and weaknesses, and provide better feedback for improving your work. Don't forget about your TAs. Many of them are quite knowledgeable about the subject as well. In a large class it will likely be them, not the professor, doing most of the grading. It's best if you can set the foundation for communication early. If the first time your professor hears from you is the night before your midterm exam halfway through the semester, she may not take you as seriously as she would have if you'd come early and often to ask questions. Be confident. Most students' attitude towards a class dictates their success. Believe you can learn the material and be successful, and you will increase your chances of succeeding. Don't think about how difficult things are, but how you are going to overcome those difficulties. If you're naturally shy or worried about sharing your opinions in class, remind yourself that your professor wants you to learn. In general, classrooms are a "safe space" for people to share their opinions, ask questions, and have discussions. Try not to worry about sounding silly if you ask a question—chances are, many of your classmates have the same question but are too afraid to ask. You can be the trailblazer! Get involved in a team or club. You won't always be able to follow your passions in the classroom. Find groups and activities that you enjoy, or maybe involve practical applications for your academic work. These events are also a great way to meet new people and make friends. Attend on-campus events. Colleges have access to a nearly unmatched variety of cultural, intellectual, and athletic events that are available to students. Take advantage of these, and take part in the cultural life of the school, some of which you may never have the opportunity to do again. Organize your time. Unlike in high school, no one will be tracking you and your activities in college, so you will have to do that yourself. Give each event and assignment a priority based on timing, and its importance to achieving your ultimate goals. Your schedule should not just be about academic work, so include time for personal activities and interests. One thing you may discover is that your schedule is too overloaded between class, work, social events, and other activities. Organizing your schedule can sometimes mean knowing when to cut things out. Make friends. Studies suggest that being a freshman is incredibly stressful. It can do a number on your mental health. One of the best ways to make sure you're successful in college is to make friends with a variety of diverse people—and to commit to hanging out with them. Making a strong social network in college is also linked to better work performance later in life. This doesn't mean you should spend every night partying and ditching class and homework. Instead, strive for a healthy balance. You can even get your friends involved in class and other school activities, such as a sport or debate team. Decide whether (and when) to participate in Greek Life. At many colleges and universities, Greek life—a system of fraternities and sororities students can join—is a major part of student experience. While being part of Greek life can have many benefits, such as socialization and support networks, it can also involve a significant time commitment. This can be particularly stressful your freshman year, when you are already adjusting to many new experiences. Some experts recommend that you wait until your sophomore year to "rush" or join a fraternity or sorority. That way, you'll already have a firm academic foundation. Choose the right classes. Pick courses that interest you, and make you excited to learn. This will lead you to interesting and rewarding work, rather than simply chasing easy classes. Avoid picking a major right away. Unless you are completely sure that you want to go into a particular field, there is no benefit to declaring right away. Sample classes in a variety of fields, and learn what kind of work each major requires. Keep track of your progress. You want to graduate on time, so make sure you have fulfilled all requirements for the school and your major. You will need to have enough credit hours, and high enough grades. Keep an eye out for non-academic items like physical fitness requirements. Most colleges and universities have a "degree progress" calculator you can find online, but if not, talk with your adviser. Don't go for the "easy A. " College should be difficult, and you should be prepared to deal with failure, or at least not succeeding as much as you did in high school. Your life after college will not be about the grades you got in school, but the ways you learned to deal with disappointment. Use your school's career services office. Every school has one. Find out what kinds of work graduates from your school and your major go into. These places can also provide help with creating a resume, filling out job applications, and other helpful hints for what comes next. Find internships and other professional work. If possible, find something that will let you apply what you are learning in a work environment. You can gain valuable professional experience for afterwards. | Go to class. Take notes. Participate in class. Take time to study. Avoid procrastinating. Communicate with your instructor. Be confident. Get involved in a team or club. Attend on-campus events. Organize your time. Make friends. Decide whether (and when) to participate in Greek Life. Choose the right classes. Keep track of your progress. Don't go for the "easy A. Use your school's career services office. Find internships and other professional work. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Cement | How to Clean Cement | To clean cement, start by sweeping away any loose dirt or debris on the cement. Then, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing laundry detergent and warm water in a bucket. Next, pour some of the cleaning solution onto a section of the cement and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it in with a deck brush. If the cement is really dirty, let the solution sit for an additional 15 minutes after you scrub it in. Finally, rinse off the cement with a hose. | Sweep away and dirt or debris. Any loose dirt, debris, or dust should be swept from cement floors or walls before you begin cleaning. Use a broom to sweep the cement as clean as you can before applying a cleaner. When sweeping down a cement wall, lay down a tarp to catch loose dirt, debris, and dust. Put on protective gear if necessary. When using chemical cleaners, such as degreasers, gloves and goggles are generally necessary. You should also wear older clothing, regardless of what kind of cleaner you're using, as cleaning cement may get messy. Prepare a cleaning solution. Mildly dirty cement can be cleaned with mild laundry detergent diluted with warm water. In a bucket, mix a third cup of your detergent with a gallon of water. When using degreaser, consult the label to figure out the proper degreaser to water ratio. Pour the solution on the concrete. It's best to work in sections, especially when cleaning a large amount of cement. Pour enough of your cleaner over the cement you're working on to get it thoroughly wet. For very dirty concrete, allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes before proceeding to clean it. Scrub the concrete. Use a deck brush to scrub your cleaner into the cement. Work the cleaner in until you've removed any troublesome layers of dirt and dust, and any obvious stains or set in dirt. For very dirty floors, let the cleaner sit for five to ten minutes after scrubbing it once. Then, repeat the process. Rinse with a hose or pressure washer. A pressure washer is the best means to remove a cleaner from cement. These can be rented at most hardware stores. If you do not have a pressure washer, a high pressure hose can be used to rinse the cement. Spray down the cement with clean water to remove any traces of your cleaner. Make sure to keep spraying your cement until water runs clear. Any cleaner reside can damage the cement over time. Use an alkaline degreaser for oil and grease. Oil and grease, often found on garage floors, should be cleaned with an alkaline degreaser. You can purchase this online or at a hardware store. Consult the label to see how much water to use to dilute your degreaser. Apply to oil and grease stains and then rinse it out completely using water. Make sure to wear goggles and gloves when applying degreaser. Look for chemical strippers to remove graffiti. In general, chemical strippers should not be used on cement. In the event of graffiti, however, such cleaning solutions are necessary. Go for citrus-based strippers, as these are the mildest. Apply these cleaners to the graffiti and allow them to sit in for several hours before rinsing them out. Use protective gear when working with chemical cleaners. Apply an acid neutralizer, which you can buy at a hardware store, according to package directions after using a chemical stripper. Remove rust stains. Rust stains are difficult to remove and sometimes require professional cleaning. Cleaners with oxalic acid are usually used to remove rust stains. Apply these according to package instructions, making sure to wear goggles and gloves. As removing concrete can be difficult, it's usually best to seek professional help if you have concrete built up on your cement. Start with less toxic cleaners. In general, the least toxic cleaner is best for cement. Start with a mild cleanser, like detergent, and work your way up to chemical cleaners if necessary. Chemicals can wear cement down, so they should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Do not pour water into acid. When using an acid-based cleaner, never pour add the acid to a bucket first and then the water. You should add the water followed by the acid. Doing so the other way around can cause a dangerous reaction. Use a deck brush over a push broom. Many people use push brooms to target cement floors. However, push brushes are actually less effective than deck brushes. The bristles are too long to effectively remove dirt and debris from cement. If you don't have a deck brush, buy one at a hardware store. | Sweep away and dirt or debris. Put on protective gear if necessary. Prepare a cleaning solution. Pour the solution on the concrete. Scrub the concrete. Rinse with a hose or pressure washer. Use an alkaline degreaser for oil and grease. Look for chemical strippers to remove graffiti. Remove rust stains. Start with less toxic cleaners. Do not pour water into acid. Use a deck brush over a push broom. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Mysterious | How to Be Mysterious | To make yourself seem more mysterious, avoid mentioning personal details and think carefully before you say or post anything private. Mysterious people often march to the beat of their own drum, so don't be afraid to wear strange clothes or participate in odd activities. While in public, try to keep a calm, cool demeanor even if you're extremely happy or sad so nobody can guess what you're really feeling. | Speak minimally about yourself. If you're outgoing and friendly, you might feel inclined to tell everyone your life story. However, mysterious people aren't open books. Try to minimize the amount of things you disclose about yourself, and when you're asked personal questions, answer them, but just with a few vague words. For example, if someone asks you about a recent breakup you went through, you might say something like, “It just didn't work out.” This is an acceptable response, but doesn't reveal anything private about you. Think before you speak. This goes hand in hand with speaking minimally. Instead of saying every little thing that pops into your head, think about why you want to say what you're thinking and only verbalize it when you need to. This will give you an air of mystery. Listen more to others. Those who are mysterious often observe others more than they steal the spotlight. Focus on taking in your surroundings, listening to what others say, and fading into the background a bit. Not only will this make you more mysterious, but it'll also make you a better conversationalist. Self-edit your social media posts. When you're really excited or upset about something, think twice before you post it all over social media. To be mysterious, you have to limit how much you disclose about yourself in person and also online. Keep your activity on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat low key. For example, “like” others' posts on Facebook from time to time and post an occasional photo with a brief caption. Display confidence. Being cool and comfortable is necessary in giving off a mysterious vibe. Having an air of quiet confidence is intriguing to others, and can greatly contribute to your mysterious image because it proves that you know exactly who you are although others may not. Maintain good posture and keep your head held high so others immediately pick up on your confident attitude. Confidence and arrogance are different; don't be rude and brag about how great you are to everyone. Embrace your uniqueness. Those who are mysterious often march to the beat of their own drum, meaning they don't just follow the crowd. Instead of wearing trendy clothes and participating in popular activities, rock your own style and embrace all things odd. This may make you appear complex and even difficult to understand to others. Do unpredictable things. Do things from time to time that others wouldn't expect you to do. This will make people doubt their perception of who you are. Actions that are seemingly out of character may ignite curiosity in others and make them wonder who you are and what you're really like. For example, if you normally never speak up in class, answer a question that the teacher asks one day with a thoughtful, intelligent answer. Conceal your emotions. Mysterious people are hard to read. If you're really expressive, others will know what you're feeling without you having to say a word. Be mindful of your facial expressions and try to keep them somewhat neutral so that people aren't sure what you're thinking and feeling. For example, if you got into a big fight with your sibling or friend earlier in the day, act as if it's just a normal, uneventful day. Avoid wearing a frown or crying in front of people you interact with throughout the day. Try to stay calm, cool, and collected at all times. Be less present and available. The key to being mysterious is to keep yourself as private and unknown as possible. The easiest way to keep people from learning too much about you is to spend less time with them and talk to them less. Spend most of your free time alone and/or with people that know the real you so that you appear distant to others. Only let a few trusted people know the real you. Carefully choose a few different trustworthy people to completely open up to. Everyone needs at least a couple of people to be close to. Only express your fears, desires, and regrets to these people. When outsiders realize that you only open up to a select few, they may wonder about the real you and wish they could be one of the special people you confide in. For example, consider only confiding completely in your mom and your best friend of 5 years. Focus on your hobbies. Having multiple hobbies may make you seem more interesting and versatile to others. It may also add to your mysteriousness if it takes up a lot of free time that you would otherwise socialize during. Additionally, working on your hobbies can help you acquire a sense of pride and purpose that may help you develop a mysterious confidence. | Speak minimally about yourself. Think before you speak. Listen more to others. Self-edit your social media posts. Display confidence. Embrace your uniqueness. Do unpredictable things. Conceal your emotions. Be less present and available. Only let a few trusted people know the real you. Focus on your hobbies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Oily-Skin | How to Prevent Oily Skin | To prevent oily skin, wash your face twice daily with a gentle face cleanser to remove excess oil that's clogging your pores. You can also try an astringent toner to tighten your pores and remove oil. Use a cotton ball to apply toner to your forehead and nose as these are the oiliest areas on your face. After the toner dries, wash it off and use an oil-free moisturizer to prevent over drying. If you want something you can carry with you, try blotting paper instead. Press blotting paper on your oiliest areas for a few seconds and you're done. | Wash your face twice a day with a gentle face cleanser. This will remove the excess oil that's clogging your pores. Dermatologists agree that using a basic face cleanser every morning and night is the best way to prevent oily skin. Choose a gentle face soap that cleans your face without drying out your skin. Don't use a moisturizing soap that adds oils or moisturizers to your face. Use warm water when washing your face. Hot water may dry out or irritate your face. Dry your face thoroughly with a soft towel after washing. Stay away from harsh soaps or facial cleansers designed to dry out skin. The purpose of washing the face is to physically remove oil and dead skin cells from your face and pores. If you choose a soap designed to dry oily skin, choose the mildest one you can find and only use it when needed. If a basic cleanser doesn't work, try a product that has acid like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. These products are usually for acne, but they help to fight oily skin too. Apply toner to tighten your pores and remove oil. There are many kinds of toner. Use either an astringent or freshener to fight oily skin. Check the ingredients: astringents have alcohol while fresheners usually have ingredients like caffeine or green tea. Generally stay away from skin tonics and skin bracers because they are only for normal or dry skin. Apply the toner on the "t-zone" of your forehead and nose. Those are the oiliest spots on your face. Apply the toner very lightly or not at all to your cheeks, where it can easily cause over drying. Use cotton balls to apply to toner. Brush the cotton balls lightly over your face. After the toner dries, wash it off with a face towel and use an oil-free moisturizer to prevent over drying. Use blotting paper and carry medicated pads for quick and easy oil reduction. Blotting paper is a great temporary fix because it doesn't dry out skin and it only takes 15 to 20 seconds. Medicated pads usually have salicylic acid or glycolic acid and are easy to use on the go. Since they're acid-based they're a great treatment for acne too. Apply blotting paper to your oiliest areas such as nose and forehead. Make sure you don't scrub it. You just have to press it on the oily area for a few seconds so it can absorb the oil. This will quickly remove any oil sitting on your skin, even though it won't prevent the oil from returning. Some blotting paper includes powder, which fights oily skin even more. Carry medicated pads in your purse or bag. These pads are typically acid-based so they fight acne too. Be careful not to use medicated pads as needed, but don't use more than three a day as they can over dry your skin. Use a deep cleaning facial mask as needed to remove excess oil. Facial masks give you a deeper cleanse than an ordinary face wash. They go deeper to remove impurities and draw out the oil in your pores. However, there is a greater risk for over-drying with facial masks. Use them sparingly. Only use a mask after using your regular face cleanser. Your skin and hands should be damp when you apply the mask. Try doing the mask in the bathtub for maximum relaxation and minimal cleanup. Keep the mask on for 10 to 15 minutes. Use water and a washcloth to gently remove the mask. Try a facial mask made with mud/clay or make your own out of yogurt. These ingredients have live cultures, which clean out pores really well and can greatly reduce oil buildup. Use oil-free moisturizers and oil-free sunscreen. Read the ingredients carefully on any products you use. Choose only water-based, non-comedogenic cosmetics. Some people with oily skin don't use moisturizers or sunscreen because they think it will add to their problem. If you use the right products, however, they can be enormously beneficial to your skin. Oily skin still needs to be moisturized and protected from ultraviolet radiation. Get in the habit of checking the ingredients of every product you use on your face. Make sure none of them are oil-based. Sunscreen gels or facial powders can protect your skin without adding oil or clogging your pores. Avoid oil-based cosmetics, and wash all makeup off before going to bed. Makeup settles into pores and will clog them if it's not completely removed. Never apply additional makeup without first removing the old makeup. Don't use cold creams or lotions for makeup removal if you have oily skin. These products are designed to moisturize dry skin and may leave a greasy film on the skin, contributing to clogged pores, oil buildup, and acne. If your oily skin is causing acne, treat it with over-the-counter acne medication. Use products with benzoyl peroxide to kill the bacteria that build upon the skin and causes acne. It also cuts back on dead skin cells which clog your pores. Acne creams that contain resorcinol, sulfur or salicylic acids also help to unclog pores. These products are designed for use after acne blemishes appear on the skin and to help sores heal. Follow all manufacturer usages instructions when using over-the-counter acne products. Make sure you wash your face with soap in the shower too. Just don't wash your nose as that can cause more clogging. There are many different acne products. If the first one doesn't work, try another. If over-the-counter medications don't work, see your dermatologist for more treatment. Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These foods will improve the appearance and texture of your skin. Avoid foods high in fat and sugar which cause oily skin. For antioxidants, eat foods like blueberries, beans, cranberries, apples, whole grains, spinach, and peppers. In general, bright colored fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants. For omega-3 fatty acids, eat foods like salmon, tuna, walnuts, and flaxseed. Especially if you don't eat fish, consider taking fish oil as a supplement. Avoid oily, greasy foods which aggravate oily skin conditions. Cut out unhealthy fats like in butter, beef, and fried food. Replace them with healthy fats found in foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish. Eat natural foods and fresh fruits and vegetables as much as possible. Some vegetables known to be especially good for the skin include spinach, tomatoes, and carrots. In small amounts, chocolate is also proven to be good for your skin! Get plenty of physical exercise. Physical activity has been shown to provide a range of benefits to your skin, including preventing oil. Regular exercise will help keep your skin healthy and smooth. Ease the stress in your life by exercising regularly. Aim to get physical activity four times a week. Go to the gym, go for a bike ride, or play a game of basketball with friends. Whatever you choose, make sure you're getting regular exercise. Make sure to always shower after exercise to wash away the sweat and bacteria. If you let it build up, it can lead to more skin problems. Physical stress on the body may also trigger higher levels of androgens causing the same chain reaction on oil production. People with a genetic predisposition to oily skin may have increased symptoms during menstruation or when suffering from allergies, colds and other conditions. Be prepared for this and counteract it with stress-reducing activities. Practice relaxation or meditation techniques to cope with stress. There is a strong link between mental health and skin health. Stress is a frequent cause of acne and oily skin. Work on keeping a positive mindset by cutting out stress in you life, and your skin will thank you! The connection between stress and acne has been noticed by people for many years. Research has found that the body produces higher levels of androgens and cortisol during times of high stress. In turn, this stimulates the sebaceous glands causing them to increase oil production. Practice meditation and calming breathing. Focus on deep, slow breathing through your nose, and cut out all distractions. Feel the stress slip away. Yoga is an excellent stress reducer too. Try out a local yoga course! Get a full night's rest. Sleep seven to nine hours every night. Your body renews and revives you skin while you sleep. A lack of sleep interrupts your body's ability to maintain healthy skin. Sleep is also connected to stress, which can cause oily skin and acne. Get a good night's sleep to stay happy and healthy! A lack of sleep can also cause wrinkles, baggy eyes, and lackluster skin. Oversleep can also cause your skin cells to break down. Oversleeping is anything ten hours and above. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. Hydration is key to maintaining healthy skin. Water stops breakouts by giving your skin the right water to oil ratio. Doctors recommend eight to ten glasses of water a day. Inadequate water can cause wrinkles, dull skin, and more prominent pores. Likewise, dehydration and acne breakouts are frequently linked together. Dehydration triggers changes in the oil glands in your skin, causing oil to build up on your skin. Staying hydrated keeps the oil on your skin at healthier levels. Drinking lemon water is great too. It keeps you hydrated and it's rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Lemon water is also effective for curing acne. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach for healthy skin! | Wash your face twice a day with a gentle face cleanser. Apply toner to tighten your pores and remove oil. Use blotting paper and carry medicated pads for quick and easy oil reduction. Use a deep cleaning facial mask as needed to remove excess oil. Use oil-free moisturizers and oil-free sunscreen. If your oily skin is causing acne, treat it with over-the-counter acne medication. Eat a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. Get plenty of physical exercise. Practice relaxation or meditation techniques to cope with stress. Get a full night's rest. Drink plenty of water to hydrate your skin. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Read-an-Ultrasound-Picture | How to Read an Ultrasound Picture | To read an ultrasound picture, look for white spots on the image to see solid tissues, like bones, and dark spots on the image to see fluid-filled tissues, like the amniotic fluid in the uterus. If you're 12 weeks along in the pregnancy, you may be able to make out your baby's head, and if you're 20 weeks along, you may even see the spine, heart, feet, and eyes. Don't worry about the numbers and letters at the top of the ultrasound since they're just a reference for the hospital and not related to the picture itself. | Disregard the text and numbers at the top of your scan. Most hospitals and ultrasound centers use this space to include details like your name, hospital reference number, or ultrasound machine settings. Since this information does not have anything to do with what you see on the ultrasound image, you can ignore this information. Start from the top of the image. The top of the screen or printed image is where the ultrasound probe was placed. In other words, the image you see shows what the organ or tissues look like from the side rather than from the top. For example, if you are having an ultrasound of your uterus, then what you see at the top of the screen or printed ultrasound would be the outline of the tissues above your uterus. As you look further down the screen, you will see deeper tissues, such as the lining of your uterus, the inside of your uterus, and the back of your uterus. Consider the differences in colors. Most ultrasound images are in black and white, but you can see differences in the shades of black and white in your ultrasound scan. The color differences come from the differences in the densities of the materials that the sound passes through. Solid tissues, like bone, will appear white because the outer surface reflects more sound. Tissues that are filled with liquid, such as the amniotic fluid in the uterus, will appear dark. Ultrasound imaging does not work well for gas, so organs that are filled with air, like the lungs, are generally not examined with ultrasound. Determine the visible side of the body. Most ultrasound images are mirrored, meaning you see the left side of the body on the left side of the image. If you have a transvaginal ultrasound, though, it uses a straight shot. A straight shot will show the left side of the body on the right side of the image. If you are unsure about what type of ultrasound is being performed, ask your ultrasound technician. Watch for common visual effects. Since ultrasound uses sound to create images of the inner structures of your body, the images are not crystal clear. There are many different visual effects that can happen as a result of the ultrasound's settings, angle, or of the density of the tissues being examined. Some of the most common visual effects to watch for include: Enhancement. This is when part of the structure being examined appears brighter than it should due to an excess of fluids in the area, such as in a cyst. Attenuation. Also known as shadowing, this effect causes the area being scanned to appear darker than it should. Anisotropy. This effect has to do with the angle of the probe. For example, holding the probe at a right angle to some tendons would cause the area to appear brighter than normal, so it is necessary to adjust the angle of the probe to avoid this effect. Identify your womb. You can identify the outline of your uterus by finding the white or light grey line around the edges of the ultrasound image. Just inside of this area, there should be a black area. This is the amniotic fluid. Keep in mind that the edge of the womb may not go around the entire image. The technician may have positioned the probe in a way that centered the image on your baby. Even if you only see white or grey lines along one or two sides of the image, this is probably the outline of your womb. Spot the baby. Your baby will also look grey or whitish and will be located within the amniotic fluid (the dark area inside of the womb). Look at the area within your amniotic fluid to try to make out the outline and features of your baby. The details that you see in the image will depend on the stage of your pregnancy. For example, at eight weeks, the fetus will look something like a gummy bear or a baked bean; at 12 weeks, you may only be able to identify the head of your baby; while at 20 weeks, you may be able to see the spine, eyes, feet, and heart. Determine your baby’s sex. At around 18 to 20 weeks, you will have an ultrasound to check your baby's development, identify any problems, and possibly even identify the sex of your baby. It's important to remember that it is not always possible to determine the sex of your baby at this stage and you won't know for sure until your baby is born. To determine the sex of your baby, the ultrasound technician or obstetrician will look for a penis or three lines that represent the labia. Keep in mind that this method of determining the sex of your baby is not 100% accurate. A visual effect may create or obscure the image of a penis on an ultrasound. Consider a 3D or 4D ultrasound. If you are interested in seeing more details of your baby than a traditional ultrasound can provide, then you may want to ask your doctor about a 3D ultrasound. A 3D ultrasound can show your baby's facial features and it may even be able to detect certain defects, such as a cleft lip and palate. A 4D ultrasound uses the same imaging as a 3D scan, but a 4D scan makes a short video recording of your baby in the womb. If you want to have a 3D or 4D ultrasound, the best time to do so is between 26 to 30 weeks. Keep in mind that these scans can be quite expensive and may not be covered by your insurance unless there is a medical reason to have one done, such as to investigate an abnormality. | Disregard the text and numbers at the top of your scan. Start from the top of the image. Consider the differences in colors. Determine the visible side of the body. Watch for common visual effects. Identify your womb. Spot the baby. Determine your baby’s sex. Consider a 3D or 4D ultrasound. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-Edamame | How to Eat Edamame | If you want to eat edamame plain, place the cooked edamame in a bowl and sprinkle it with soy sauce and a little cayenne pepper. Place one of the edamame pods in your pod and use your teeth to scrape out the beans, then discard the pods. If you have any leftover edamame, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. | Place the cooked edamame in a bowl. Sprinkle it with cayenne pepper and soy sauce. Sprinkle 1/2 tsp. of cayenne pepper and 1 tsp. of soy sauce over the edamame for a spicy snack. Eat it. To eat the edamame, just put one edamame pod in your mouth, slide out the edamame beans with your teeth, and discard the pods. If you'd rather not do this every time you at edamame, you can remove the beans from the pods first, and then you can place them in a bowl and garnish them with spices of your choice. Store it. This edamame will hold in the refrigerator for at least two days. Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil. Throw at least 2 tbsp. of salt into the water. This is the first step to making this tasty edamame dip. Put 12 oz. of fresh shelled edamame into the water. Return the water to a simmer and cook the edamame for 5 minutes. Cook them until they're cooked through and tender. Then, drain them with cold water. Place the edamame in a food processor and pulse several times. Add 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro to the processor and pulse again. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until they're puréed well. Add 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of lime juice, 1-2 tsp. of salt, 5 shakes of Tabasco, and 3 drops of sesame oil to the processor and pulse until they're blended. If you'd like the dip to be a bit smoother, add a bit more water. Serve. Place this tasty edamame dip into a bowl and enjoy it with pita chips, carrots, or a variety of chips or veggies. Make the dressing. Combine the lime juice, oils, garlic, and sugar in a small bowl. Place 3 tbsp. of lime juice, 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp. canola oil, 1 small pressed garlic clove, and ½ tsp. of sugar in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together. Whisk the ingredients together to combine the flavors and set them aside. Place the edamame, corn, black beans, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. Place 2 cups of corn, 1 cup of cooked edamame soybeans, 1 15-oz. can of drained black beans, ½ cup of diced red onion, and ½ cup of chopped fresh cilantro in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Gently toss the veggies and the dressing to combine the flavors. Refrigerate. Refrigerate this salad for at least an hour, or even overnight, for the flavors to fully blend. Serve. Enjoy this cold salad as a side dish at any time. Put the diced asparagus in a bowl with 2 tbsp. of water. Wash and dice the asparagus into 1" pieces first. This is the first step to making this edamame fried rice. Microwave the bowl for 30 seconds. This will cook the asparagus slightly. Heat 3 tbsp. of canola oil in a skillet. After the oil heats up for a minute or so, add the asparagus. Cook it for about a minute, making sure you don't burn the pieces. Add the garlic, powdered ginger, and pepper flakes to the mixture. Cook 1 tbsp. of minced garlic, one pinch of ground ginger, and one pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook the ingredients together until the asparagus has started to turn brown. Add 3 cups of thawed frozen edamame to the mixture and cook for 5 minutes. Stir the ingredients together, and then add 1 tbsp. of low sodium soy sauce and a tsp. of water to the rest of the ingredients. Add a bit more water if the ingredients start to dry up or burn a bit. Stir in the rice and 3 diced scallions and cook for 1 more minute. Stir the ingredients together to combine the flavors for 1 minute, or until the ingredients are cooked through. Then, remove the ingredients from the heat. Serve. Season the rice with soy sauce and red pepper flakes to taste and enjoy it immediately. Add it to stews or soups. Instead of using common vegetables, for example carrots or peas, use edamame beans as a substitution. It's a great addition in slow cooker soups as well. Pair it with pasta or shellfish dishes. If you're planning to have shrimp scampi or a very light pasta dish with seasonal vegetables, sprinkle some beans as a nice crunchy topping. | Place the cooked edamame in a bowl. Sprinkle it with cayenne pepper and soy sauce. Eat it. Store it. Bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil. Put 12 oz. Return the water to a simmer and cook the edamame for 5 minutes. Place the edamame in a food processor and pulse several times. Add 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro to the processor and pulse again. Add the remaining ingredients and pulse until they're puréed well. Serve. Make the dressing. Whisk the ingredients together. Place the edamame, corn, black beans, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture. Refrigerate. Serve. Put the diced asparagus in a bowl with 2 tbsp. Microwave the bowl for 30 seconds. Heat 3 tbsp. Add the garlic, powdered ginger, and pepper flakes to the mixture. Add 3 cups of thawed frozen edamame to the mixture and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the rice and 3 diced scallions and cook for 1 more minute. Serve. Add it to stews or soups. Pair it with pasta or shellfish dishes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Pork-Loin-Steaks | How to Cook Pork Loin Steaks | To make a coating for your pork loin steaks, pour 1/2-1 cup (60-125 grams) of flour onto a plate, and mix with 1 teaspoon (5.6 grams) of salt and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 grams) of ground pepper. Next, coat the steaks in the flour mixture. To make this easier, hold the steak in one hand and use the other to sprinkle the flour so that one of your hands stays dry. To cook, put enough oil in the pan to cover the bottom and fry the steaks on each side for 3 minutes, or until they're golden brown. | Create a dredging station. Pat the pork loin steaks dry with paper towels and set them aside. Pour ½ to 1 cup (60 to 125 g) of flour onto a shallow plate. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper onto the flour. Use your fingers to mix the salt and pepper into the flour. If your steaks are over 1 in (2.5 cm) thick, turn the oven on to 400 °F (204 °C). Heat oil in the pan. Place a heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add 1/4 cup of vegetable or canola oil and let it heat up. There should be enough oil to cover the entire bottom of your pan. If there isn't, add more oil. Avoid pan-frying the steaks in olive oil or butter. These will burn over the high heat. Dredge the steaks. Lay each steak into the seasoned flour so that that it's coated. Turn each steak over so that they're completely covered in the mixture. Lift the steaks up and shake off the excess flour mixture. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling the raw steaks to prevent the spread of disease. It's a good idea to handle the steaks with one hand while using your other hand to sprinkle the flour mixture over the steak. This keeps one hand dry so the flour mixture doesn't stick to you. Fry the steaks in the pan. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully lower the prepared steaks into the pan. Cook the steaks for 3 minutes on medium-high heat. Use tongs to flip the steaks over and cook for another 3 minutes. The steaks should be golden brown. If they're thin, they should be finished cooking. If they're thick, transfer them to the oven to finish cooking for another 6 to 10 minutes. Regardless of thickness, the pork loin steaks should be at least 145 °F (63 °C) before they're ready to serve. If you're finishing the steaks in the oven, ensure that the pan you use is oven safe. Turn on the broiler and season the pork loin steaks. If you have a top-oven broiler, move the top rack so that it's 3 to 5 in (7.6 to 12.7 cm) from the broiler. Turn the broiler on to hi and let it heat for about 10 minutes. Generously salt and pepper both sides of your pork loin steaks. You could also sprinkle them with: Ground fennel Garlic powder Onion powder Ground cumin Broil the first side of the steaks. Cover a baking or roasting pan with foil so that it's easier to clean up. Set the seasoned pork loin steaks on the foil and place the pan under the broiler. Broil the steaks for 6 to 8 minutes. Keep in mind that thinner steaks will cook quicker while thicker steaks may take longer. If your steaks are more than 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm) thick, consider broiling them 4 to 5 in (10 to 13 cm) away from the heat source. This will prevent the outside from burning before the inside has a chance to cook. Turn the steaks and broil the bottom sides. Carefully use tongs to flip the pork loin steaks over on the baking pan. Place the steaks back under the broiler and continue to broil them for another 6 to 8 minutes or until the steaks are golden brown. Remember to wear oven mitts and use caution when pulling the baking pan out of the oven. Rest the steaks before you serve them. Once the pork loin steaks have browned on both sides, remove the pan and check the internal temperature of the steaks. The steaks should be between 145 and 160 °F (63 and 71 °C) before you let them rest. Let them rest for 5 minutes before you serve them. Resting the steaks helps relax the muscle so the juices evenly distribute. Heat the grill and season the steaks. Turn your gas grill on to medium heat. If you have a charcoal grill, heat the coals and dump the coals in the center of the grate. Sprinkle the pork loin chops with salt and pepper on both sides. Squeeze juice from half a lime over the pork chops and brush them with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. While you can season the steaks with salt and pepper ahead of time, avoid squeezing the lime juice over them until right before you put them on the grill. Place the steaks on the grill. Ensure that the grill's grate is clean and place your seasoned pork loin steaks on the grate. If you're using a charcoal grill, place them over direct heat (right above the coals). If your steaks are about 3/4" thick, cook them for 4 to 6 minutes. If your steaks are around 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm), cook them longer. They'll need closer to 10 minutes for the first side. Turn and grill the other side. Use tongs to carefully turn over the steaks. Once you've flipped the steaks, let them finish cooking. Grill the ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) steaks for another 4 to 6 minutes or grill the 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm) steaks for another 10 minutes. Check the steak temperature to see if they're between 145 and 160 °F (63 and 71 °C). Let them rest for 5 minutes before you serve them. If you'd like to get decorative grill marks, consider turning the steaks at a about a 90-degree angle during the last few minutes of grilling. This will give your steaks cross-hatches. Choose the pork loin steaks. Decide how many people you'll be cooking for and determine how much pork you need. Plan on buying 4 ounces of pork loin steaks for each person. Look for pork that's pinkish-red in color and has a little marbled fat. Avoid choosing pork loin steaks that have a dark bone or dark spots on the fat. Store the pork loin steaks in the fridge. If you won't be cooking the pork loin steaks as soon as you get home, you can refrigerate them for 2 to 4 days if they're in pre-packaged containers. If they're not or you want to store them for longer, consider freezing them. To freeze the steaks, completely wrap them in a freezer-safe material (like freezer paper or aluminum foil) and remove as much of the air as you can. Label the steaks and freeze them at 0 °F (−18 °C) until you need them. Serve the pork loin steaks. Since pork loin steaks can make a light meal, you can serve more filling sides like rice, beans, and potatoes. Or you can keep the meal light and serve the steaks with roasted vegetables or a tossed salad. Other serving sides include: Coleslaw Sweet potatoes Red cabbage with apples Collard greens Pureed white beans | Create a dredging station. Heat oil in the pan. Dredge the steaks. Fry the steaks in the pan. Turn on the broiler and season the pork loin steaks. Broil the first side of the steaks. Turn the steaks and broil the bottom sides. Rest the steaks before you serve them. Heat the grill and season the steaks. Place the steaks on the grill. Turn and grill the other side. Choose the pork loin steaks. Store the pork loin steaks in the fridge. Serve the pork loin steaks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Sharpen-Chisels | How to Sharpen Chisels | To sharpen a chisel, you'll need a sharpening stone with coarse, medium, and fine grits. If you're using a water stone, soak it in water for several minutes before use. Alternatively, for an oil stone, lubricate with a petroleum-based oil. After lubricating, rub the flat side of the chisel smoothly back and forth over the coarse grit. Once the flat surface shows scratches, move onto the medium grit, then repeat the process before moving onto the fine grit. Once the flat surface of the chisel is shiny, it's sharp enough. | Plan to sharpen chisels before using. A set of brand-new chisels won't be sharp enough to do intricate woodworking, so you'll want to sharpen them before you start on a project. They stay sharp for a long time, so plan to sharpen them about once or twice a year unless you use them very frequently. If the chisels are old or have uneven or damaged bevels, it may be necessary to reshape them using a grinding wheel before sharpening. Hold the bevel of the damaged chisel flat to the grinding wheel to remove large gouges, dirt or rust. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/v4-459px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-1Bullet1.jpg\/aid293356-v4-728px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-1Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Get a sharpening stone. You'll need a stone with three levels - course, medium and fine - to achieve the sharpest edge. Sharpening stones are available at home and garden centers and hardware stores. The stone you choose will come with a lubricant (or recommend one for you to buy separately). There are two main types, both of which are quite effective: Water stones use water as a lubricant. They are soaked in water for several minutes before use. This is the type of stone favored in Japan. Oil stones are lubricated with petroleum-based oil before use. Prepare the stone. Get it ready according to the instructions that came with it. For a water stone, you will need to soak it in a water bath. An oil stone should be lubricated with the appropriate type of petroleum oil. Start with the flat side. The flat side of a chisel should be as reflective as a mirror once it's properly sharpened. Start by working it back and forth lengthwise over the course grit on your stone. Use both hands to keep it steady as you slide it back and forth. Your movements should be smooth and steady, rather than jerky. When the entire flat surface shows the intricate scratches of the stone's course grit, do the same thing with the medium grit, and again with the fine. The flat side is finished when it's as reflective as a mirror. Do not move the chisel from side to side, or rock it back and forth. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/v4-459px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a3\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet1.jpg\/aid293356-v4-728px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Use the entire surface of the stone for a more even finish. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/v4-459px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet2.jpg\/aid293356-v4-728px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Clean the blade and your hands between grits so the powder doesn't obscure your view of the chisel's surface. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet3.jpg\/v4-459px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet3.jpg\/aid293356-v4-728px-Sharpen-Chisels-Step-4Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":306,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"485","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Use a honing guide to set the bevel angle. It's possible to sharpen a bevel by freehanding it against the stone, but it's very difficult to make sure you get the exact angle you want without using a honing guide. Fit the chisel into the honing guide and tighten the screws on either side to hold it in place. Depending on the type of chisel you have and what you'll be using it for, you'll want to set the guide to create an angle somewhere between 20 and 35 degrees. For a paring chisel, set it at 20 degrees. Standard chisels work well at 25 degrees. If you don't want to buy a honing guide, it's common to make one out of wood. You'll need to saw a wooden wedge to the angle you want, superglue two strips on either side to act as rails (the chisel rests between these), then screw another strip of wood over the rails so you can tighten the chisel in place. Hone the bevel. Place the bevel flat against the coarsest grit on the stone. Using both hands to hold the guide, move the chisel back and forth over the stone in a very thin, stretched figure 8 pattern. When you can see the grit's scratches on the bevel, switch to the medium grit, then the fine grit, wiping the blade in between grits. Use the entire surface of the stone as you sharpen. If you use the same area too much, a hollow will develop there, and it won't sharpen edges as easily from then on. After honing the bevel, you may notice a slight recess on the flat side. This is called a hollow grind, and in Japan, chisels are sharpened that way on purpose, because it makes it easier to sharpen them the next time. Add a micro bevel. In most cases it's fine to stop after honing, but if you want the chisels to be even sharper, you can add a micro bevel. It's essentially a miniature second bevel created at the tip of the bevel. This is an unnecessary step unless you're doing work that requires extreme precision. To create a micro bevel, adjust the honing guide to an angle 5 degrees tighter than the previous angle you honed, and repeat the honing process using only the finest grit. You only need to do a few strokes on the finest grit to create a microbevel, since you're taking off so little metal. Strop the chisel. Some people like to finish with stropping, which gives the chisel a nice polish. Tape a piece of leather to a flat surface and cover it with an even layer of polishing compound. Rub the flat side of the chisel against the compound a few times, then rub the bevel (or microbevel) against it a few times. Wipe the blade when you're finished. | Plan to sharpen chisels before using. Get a sharpening stone. Prepare the stone. Start with the flat side. Use a honing guide to set the bevel angle. Hone the bevel. Add a micro bevel. Strop the chisel. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Riddles | How to Solve Riddles | To solve a riddle, start by identifying whether the riddle is a conundrum, which is usually a simple question that uses puns, or an enigma, which is more complex and metaphorical. Then, break the riddle down into parts and consider possible solutions for each part. As you try to solve the riddle, avoid jumping to conclusions. Instead, think about both the literal and figurative meaning of the words in the question. If the riddle seems to have an obvious, but inappropriate answer, it's probably trying to trick you, so think flexibly and look past the obvious. | Know the basic types of riddles. There are two basic types of riddles: enigmas and conundrums. Both are often framed as a dialogue between the riddle asker (often the riddle's solution) and the riddle answerer. Enigmas are posed as problems using metaphorical, allegorical, or associational language that require creativity and experience to answer. For example: “If the sun sets, a flower-garden; but if you look at it after dawn, an empty garden. What is it?” (Answer: the sky.) Conundrums are posed as questions that incorporate puns in the question, the answer, or both. For example: “What flowers can be found between the nose and chin?” (Answer: Tulips/”Two lips”) Understand the rules of riddles. Most riddles deal with very familiar topics. Their difficulty comes in how those topics are described. Riddles often create a pattern of associations in order to direct you to the answer. For example, a popular riddle from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit goes: “Thirty white horses on a red hill, / First they champ, / Then they stamp, / Then they stand still.” This riddle uses familiar ideas (horses, hills) to figuratively express the answer (in this case, “teeth.”) Know that riddles may try to trick you. Seemingly logical associations may really be misdirection. The correct answer may be so obvious that you initially dismiss it. Red herrings are a common form of misdirection through association, as seen in this riddle: “A green man lives in the green house. A blue man lives in the blue house. A red man lives in the red house. Who lives in the white house?” The immediate answer, given the pattern set up, would be “a white man,” but the “White House” is a red herring: the President of the United States lives in the White House! A traditional African riddle asks: “How do you eat an elephant?” (Answer: one bite at a time.) This riddle is a good example of an answer being hidden in plain sight. Other “riddles” are not true riddles at all. For example, this traditional Yiddish riddle asks: “What hangs on a wall, is green, wet, and whistles?” The answer is “a herring” because you can hang a herring on a wall and paint a herring green. If the herring has been freshly painted, it is wet. The joke is that it really doesn't whistle -- there's intentionally no solution to this riddle. Solve puzzles daily. Solving puzzles requires you to combine what you already know with new information from the puzzle. Just like riddles, puzzles ask you to use existing knowledge and context clues to come up with an original, often tricky answer. Puzzles can help you learn to recognize patterns and order. Puzzle games such as Tetris, as well as traditional jigsaw puzzles, require you to look at a situation in multiple ways to figure out the best solution. This process transfers well into solving riddles, too. Specific types of puzzles and games are best at developing specific types of skills. Thus, if you do a lot of crossword puzzles, you'll probably get very good at crossword puzzles, but you may not see equivalent gains in other areas. It's helpful to play a variety of games instead of focusing on only one type. Alternate your brain games regularly. The more you repeat a certain type of task, the less effort your brain needs to expend to perform it. Regularly alternating the types of games you play will help keep your brain from taking shortcuts. Try reading and then summarizing something complex. For example, you could read a complex news story and then write a short summary that boils down all the ideas into a few key ideas. Research suggests that this will help you look at the “big picture” as well as the details, a skill that also comes in handy when solving riddles. Rephrasing ideas into your own words may also help you develop linguistic flexibility and improve memory. It's easier to remember ideas when you've taken the time to paraphrase them, because your brain has had to work to structure the ideas so that it understands them. Reverse-engineer some famous riddles. You may find it helpful to start with some riddles for which you already know the answer. There are many collections of riddles online and in books that you can use to practice on. Work backwards from the solution and try to figure out how the riddle works. Riddles tend to assume that the answer should already be known; part of the fun of a riddle is seeing whether you can stump someone by asking them about something they don't know that they know. Although the wording itself may be tricky, the solution is usually something familiar. For example, a famous enigma in Sophocles' play Oedipus the King asks, “What goes on four feet in the morning, two feet at noon, and three feet in the evening?” The answer is “a person”: a baby crawls when it is young (morning), walks upright when it is an adult (noon), and has to use a cane when it is old (evening). Start by breaking down the riddle into parts. With the Oedipus enigma, a good place to start might be the “feet,” since they're repeated throughout the riddle. What has four feet? What has two feet? What has three feet? What has four feet? Many animals have four feet, so that's a possible answer. Tables and chairs also have four feet, and they're common things too, so keep those in mind. What has two feet? People seem an obvious choice here, since humans are familiar and they have two feet. Chairs and tables don't have two feet, so they're probably not the answer. What has three feet? This is the tricky part. Animals don't usually have three feet unless one has been taken away. However, if the animal started with four feet and then went to two feet, it wouldn't re-grow a third foot. That means that we're probably looking at the third foot as a kind of tool: something that has been added. What uses tools? A person is the most familiar answer, so this might be the target. Think about the actions in the riddle. We only get one verb in this enigma, “goes.” So we know whatever the solution is, it's capable of going somewhere. This might mean that it goes because something else makes it go (like a car), so don't make up your mind just yet. Maintaining an open mind is crucial for solving riddles. Consider any other information in the riddle. The other information in the Oedipus enigma is the problem of time. The riddle gives you “morning,” “noon,” and “evening” as the times when the actions happen. Because the riddle begins in the morning and ends in the evening, it seems likely that the riddle is asking about something that happens across the progress of time from beginning to end. Be careful to avoid over-literal thinking when considering riddles. They are almost always figurative; “noon” might not mean “12:00 PM” so much as the “middle” of something. Combine the actions in the riddle with your potential solutions. Now you can begin narrowing down the possible solutions by eliminating what you know doesn't work. Chairs and tables can't “go” on their own feet. That makes them unlikely solutions. A person has multiple feet, they can “add” more feet by using tools like canes and crutches, and they can “go” somewhere on their feet. Even if you don't quite know how the feet work together with time yet, “person” seems like a solid solution. Determine what type of riddle you’re working with. Some riddles require creative math skills, such as this riddle: “A barrel of water weighs 50 pounds. What must you add to it to make it weigh 35 pounds?” (Answer: a hole.) Although both enigmas and conundrums often ask the riddle in the form of a question, enigmas are often more complex problems, while conundrums may ask a simple question. Consider the possibilities. With a challenging riddle, it may be helpful to break down the riddle into parts, as demonstrated in Part 2. While breaking down a riddle into parts and considering multiple possible solutions may seem awkward or clunky at first, it will get much faster and easier with practice. Suspend judgment on the answer. One of the most important tactics when listening to or reading a riddle is to not jump to conclusions. To solve a riddle, you will need to consider both the literal and the potential meanings of the words. For example, this riddle asks: “What gets wetter and wetter the more it dries?” (Answer: a towel.) Even though the actions seem contradictory, a towel does dry things and get wet as it dries those things. Practice flexibility in considering answers. Try to think of different ways to interpret the clues the riddle gives. Enigmas in particular are often very figurative, meaning they will use words with a literal meaning to convey something metaphorical. For example, this riddle asks: “What has golden hair and stands in the corner?” The answer is a broom: the “golden hair” is the yellow straw of a traditional straw broom, and it “stands” in the corner when it isn't being used. Understand that sometimes riddles will try to trick you. This is particularly common with riddles that are written to sound like they are asking for an inappropriate or explicit answer. The possibility of multiple answers allows for a laugh from both parties. The goal of a trick riddle is to get you to give the most “obvious” (and also usually most explicit) answer. For example, there are several answers to this riddle: “What four-letter word ending in K means 'intercourse'?” In order to give the “right” answer (“talk”), you must look past the most common assumptions and think more flexibly. | Know the basic types of riddles. Understand the rules of riddles. Know that riddles may try to trick you. Solve puzzles daily. Alternate your brain games regularly. Try reading and then summarizing something complex. Reverse-engineer some famous riddles. Work backwards from the solution and try to figure out how the riddle works. Start by breaking down the riddle into parts. Think about the actions in the riddle. Consider any other information in the riddle. Combine the actions in the riddle with your potential solutions. Determine what type of riddle you’re working with. Consider the possibilities. Suspend judgment on the answer. Practice flexibility in considering answers. Understand that sometimes riddles will try to trick you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Projector-Screen | How to Make a Projector Screen | To make a portable projector screen, start by connecting PVC pipes using 90 degree connectors to build the bottom base. Next, add 3 T-connectors to the base, spaced 2 feet apart from each other and the corners. Then, place 2 smaller pipes into the connectors closest to the corners, and use 90 degree connectors to attach a pipe between them. Afterwards, use small pieces of pipe to join the center connector to the frame. Finally, drill holes in the corners of the frame and run a cord through them to hang the tarp, which will be your projector screen. | Get the big picture. Before you set out to create a painted projector screen it can be helpful to have an understanding of the whole project. Knowing what to expect can help you get the right materials and assemble them properly when you move onto those stages. Check out the following overview to get a good grasp on the project: Buy paint for both the wall and the screen. Paint your wall entirely. Paint the screen. Add a frame. Find the right paint. Since the main surface of this projector screen will be a painted surface it is critical that you get the right type of paint. Using the wrong type of paint can result in reduced or altered image quality. Make sure your paint will work well for the screen you are building before proceeding. Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Smooth Enamel Satin Extra White, # B20 W 51 is recommended. Paint the wall. Once you have your paint ready you can begin painting. However, you won't be painting the exact area of the screen just yet. Before you paint the screen it can be a good idea to paint the entire wall. This can help give contrast to the screen, making it stand out and prevent any paint from dripping on the screen itself. Turn on your projector and position it to where you want the image to be on the wall. Mark off the inside area of where your projected image will be. Paint the wall around this border, leaving the screen area for later. Try to use a paint that is non-reflective and darker than your screen paint. Paint the screen. After your walls have been painted you can begin painting your the screen itself. Take your time and make sure everything is where you want it before you begin creating the screen. Keep some of the following tips in mind as you paint your screen: Move your tape to the outside border of your screen. Sand the area and make sure the wall surface is flat and free of any holes, cracks, or bumps. Apply primer and let it dry. Apply your first coat of paint. Use a small paint roller for the best results. Once you've got a smooth and dry first coat you can add another to finish. Add a simple frame. To finish your screen you may want to add a simple black frame. The easiest way to add a frame to your painted screen is to use black velvet tape. The frame will help make your screen look completed and can also help improve picture quality as well. Add a strip of black velvet tape to each edge of the screen. Make sure the tape runs evenly and that your frame is level and straight. Check that the tape is laying smooth and flat against the wall. Find a good wall space. Before you can get started building your projector screen you will need to locate a space in your home that will be best suited for it. This space should be ideal for your projector and have plenty of room for the screen to hang an appropriate distance from your projector. Make sure you have a wall with enough empty space to accommodate your finished screen. You should have enough space in the room to allow your projector the right amount of distance from the screen. All projector models will have different requirements. Measure your projector image. Once you've found the ideal space in your home for your projector and projector screen you will want to measure the actual size of the image from your projector. Measuring the image size that you plan on using will allow you to determine the final size of your projector screen. Turn your projector on and have it set to its test image. Measure the size of the image where you will be using your screen. Record both the width and the length of the screen. Gather your materials and tools. Having measured the image size that your projector will be using, you are ready to gather your materials for the screen. The size you are building your screen will vary depending on space and projector model. However, you will need the following basic materials: Four pine boards for the frame. Two will be longer and will run horizontally and two shorter boards will be used for the vertical sides of the frame. Material for the screen itself. 53” seamless white paper or blackout cloth can be good choices. Make sure to have at least an extra 5” of your screen material so that you can attach it to the back of your frame. Screws and a screwdriver. Flat corner braces. Three or four picture hangers. A level and pencil to mark guidelines. Build the frame. The frame will be the base upon which your projector screen will be fixed. Creating a square and level frame will help keep your screen flat, smooth, and optimized for using your projector on. Take the following steps to create the perfect frame: Cut your boards with a handsaw to the length you need if they are too long. Lay the frame out. Place a corner brace on each corner where the boards meets. Sink your screws into the wood through the corner braces. Check to see how stable your frame is. You can add additional braces if needed. Attach your screen. Once your frame has been built you can affix your projection screen material on and over it. Make sure you work slowly and carefully when attaching the screen to ensure that it properly covers the frame and is free from any wrinkles or dips that could affect picture quality. Lay your screen down flat on the floor. Place your frame on top of your screen and center it. Pull the extra screen material up and over the edge of the frame. Start stapling the screen to the frame. Space your staples about ten inches apart. Keep the screen tight as you add staples, removing wrinkles as you go. Go around again and place staples every five inches. Add the finishing touches. Although your screen is technically ready to be used you will want to add a few more elements to it. These last few additions will allow you to easily hang it on a wall and can help make the edges of the screen look clean and professional. Screw in regular picture hangers evenly along the top horizontal beam of your frame. You can try adding black artists tape to the edges of your screen to give it a nice stylistic finish. Adding a dark border can also help improve picture quality by cutting down on light reflection. Draw your guidelines. Before you can hang your projector screen you will need to make sure you are hanging it in the right place. Once you hang your projector screen it will be difficult to reposition, so take your time and be exact. Turn your projectors test image on. Use a pencil to lightly outline where the image is being projected. Use this guideline to help you hang your projector screen in just the right place. Mount on a wall. Now that your screen has been attached to your frame it's time to hang the entire screen on a wall. Place your screen in the exact position that you took your original screen measurements from to ensure that the projected image will fit. Once your screen is hung on the wall it's time to sit back and enjoy your favorite films on it. Use a stud finder to locate stable places on your wall to install the hanger screws and mark them with a pencil. Draw a level line between the points where you will be adding the hanger screws. Install the hanger screws using a screwdriver. Hang the projector screen and enjoy. Gather your materials and tools. Building a portable projector screen can be a fun way to allow you to watch movies in any location that has electricity. The screen and frame will require you to purchase some easy to find materials from nearly any hardware store. Take a look at the following materials and tools that you will need to get started: Something to cut PVC pipe with. A glue for PVC pipes. Twenty feet of rope or cord. A drill to make holes in the PVC pipes. 6 10' long sections of 1” diameter PVC pipes. 8 1” diameter, 90 degree PVC elbows. 2 1” diameter, 45 degree PVC elbows. 1 straight connector 6 1” diameter T connectors Tape 1 6'x8' white tarp. Cut the pipes. The PVC pipes that you bought will need to be cut down to the right sizes before you can begin assembling them together. It's important that you measure them carefully and make your cuts accurate. Double check that your cuts are the right ones by taking a look at this list: Cut two pipes to be 8' 6”. Save the parts you cut away. Cut two pipes to be 6' 6”. Save the pieces you cut off. Cut two pipes to be 6' 3”. Don't throw the scrap away. Build the frame. After you have all of your pieces assembled and your pipes cut to the length you can begin assembling the screen. Since PVC pipes are standardized, building the screen will require you to simply connect the pieces to one another. Take a look at the following order of connections to build your frame: Connect the two 8'6” pipes to the 6'6” pipes using your 90 degree connectors. This builds the bottom rectangular base. Add three T-connecters to the 8'6” pipes. They should be spaced two feet apart from each other and the corners. On the back of the base, place the 3'6” pieces of pipes into the T-connectors closest to the corners. Put ninety degree elbows on these 3'6” pipes and then add the 1'6” piece out of them. Add a 45 degree elbow on the end of that pipe. From those 45 degree elbows, connect the 6'3” pieces and connect them down to the front T-connectors. Use a straight connector to join the two 3'9” pipes. Add a ninety degree elbow to each end. Take a small 3” piece of pipe and join this long pipe to the center T-connectors. Attach the tarp. After your screen is setup you can add your tarp to finish off your portable projector screen. Adding the tarp will require you to drill some holes in the pipe, running your cord through them and attaching the screen to the frame. Drill holes in the four corners of your frame. Put your cord through the holes. Thread the cord down the length of the frame, putting it through the eye-holes of the tarp as you go. Tie the cords off to secure the screen in place. | Get the big picture. Find the right paint. Paint the wall. Paint the screen. Add a simple frame. Find a good wall space. Measure your projector image. Gather your materials and tools. Build the frame. Attach your screen. Add the finishing touches. Draw your guidelines. Mount on a wall. Gather your materials and tools. Cut the pipes. Build the frame. Attach the tarp. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Job-As-a-Photographer | How to Get a Job As a Photographer | To get a job as a photographer, start by deciding what type of photographer you want to be, such as a wedding photographer or a photojournalist. Then, learn how to use Photoshop by taking courses online or at a community college, since most studios require applicants to have a basic knowledge of Photoshop. Additionally, work as a photographer's assistant to learn all the aspects of being a photographer. Once you're ready to find a job, search for positions on sites like Glassdoor and LinkedIn, or browse newspapers and magazines for job ads. | Purchase the necessary gear. If you are just starting out, buy an entry-level DSLR camera. In addition to the camera, you will need a tripod and a camera lens, like a 50mm prime lens. Lighting is also important, so make sure to invest in an external flash. Alternatively, buying a camera that is a step above entry-level will enable you to develop your camera skills. If you are on a budget, buy your materials used as opposed to brand new. Take as many photos as possible. Bring your camera with you everywhere. Whenever you feel inspired, take photos. Additionally, make weekend plans to shoot specific destinations, or to take pictures of people or models. This is a great way to learn how to use your camera and gear while compiling photos. Visit the beach, park, or a city centre to find a variety of scenes to shoot. Complete small photography projects. Plan a couple projects that you can complete in 1 to 2 months. Use the style of photography that you want to specialize in. Make sure to see your projects through to the end. This shows commitment and passion. For example, if you are interested in portraiture, take portraits of your family, or portraits of people who inspire you. If you are passionate about nature and photography, then take pictures of nature at a local park or nature reservoir. Learn how to use Photoshop. If you want to learn on your own, purchase Photoshop guides and books from your local bookstore. Alternatively, take a course at a local community college, or take courses online. Graphic design courses typically offer training in software such as Photoshop. Many photography jobs prefer their applicants to have a basic knowledge of Photoshop. Consider different types of photography careers. Some of the more lucrative careers in photography are product, medical, and wedding photography, as well as photojournalism. Some of the more stable careers are as a school or wedding photographer, or in photojournalism. You can also pursue a career in sports, fashion, or stock photography. While a degree or formal training isn't required for some career paths, like wedding photography, other career paths may require it, like product, wildlife, and medical photography. Apply for an internship. Local newspapers and magazines may offer internships for aspiring photojournalists. Try contacting local photography organizations or galleries in your area as well. Look for work that could teach you some of the skills required for the type of photography that interests you. Apply for an assistant job. Many professional photographers need assistants to help them carry and set up their equipment, as well as take photos. They also need assistants to help with the business side of photography like keeping track of contracts and payments. Look for assistant jobs on job search sites like Indeed, Monster, LinkedIn, or even Craigslist. Working as an assistant is a great way to learn all of the aspects of being a photographer, from taking pictures to handling business. For instance, if you are interested in becoming a wedding photographer, get a job assisting a wedding planner. They will bring you along to weddings and show you how it's done. Get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the arts. Although a degree isn't required to obtain a photography job, it may give you an edge over other candidates. Check out art programs at a local community college or university. Ask for a list of courses. If you think a degree is worthwhile, then apply. If you decide that an associate's or bachelor's degree isn't worthwhile, then check out photography workshops instead. Build your portfolio through an online platform. Choose a portfolio-building site that is easy and offers a variety of templates to choose from. Pick sites that allow you to direct traffic to your site through search engine optimization (SEO). Additionally, select sites that enable you to connect your portfolio to your social media accounts. You typically need to pay an annual or monthly fee to use these websites. However, you can try some websites free for a limited time to see if you like them. Examples of popular portfolio-building websites are PhotoShelter, Orosso, Foliolink, Folio HD, 1X, SmugMug, 500px, and Pixpa. Keep your website design simple. Pick templates that are simple and easy to navigate for you and your clients. Make sure the template highlights your work. Avoid using templates that have too many functions, colors, or designs that take away from the quality of your work. For example, use a simple black and white template. Publish your best work. Go for quality over quantity. Publish the photos that exhibit your photography skills. Also pick photos that reflect the type of work you want to do, whether it is wedding or product photography. Since clients do not have time to look through every photo, place your very best photos in the beginning of the gallery. Additionally, publish high-quality resolution images as opposed to low-quality resolution images. Organize your work. If you have worked on multiple projects, then organize your work by project. You could also organize your work by theme or type, like black and white, portraits, and landscape. Make sure to organize your work in way that is easy and accessible for your clients. Write a 1 to 2 sentence description for each photo. Write the name of the company you shot the image for, the model's name (if applicable), and the location of the shot. You can provide any other details that you think are relevant as well. A brief description will give your clients a little bit of context when browsing your images. Include a contact page. Place your name, phone number, and email on the contact page. Also provide links to your social media accounts that showcase your work. This way, interested clients will be able to contact you easily. You may also include an “about me” page on your website as well. Write 2 to 3 paragraphs detailing your background, how you become interested in photography, and your photography experience. Search for positions on job search sites. Clients and employers use job search sites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Monster to post available work. Read the job's description. Apply for the positions you qualify for. Search for positions like “assistant photographer,” “freelance photographer,” “portrait photographer,” “social media photographer,” and others. Browse newspapers and magazines for job ads. Look for job advertisements near the back of newspapers and specialty magazines. Call or email the companies to inquire about the position. If you qualify for the position, send the company an email with a link to your online portfolio. If you do not hear back from a job within a week, then follow up on your application by emailing them again. Attend networking events. Attend as many events as you can to get your name and work out. Handout business cards to people you make connections with. Call or email your connections 5 to 7 days after the event. Invite them to lunch or after-work drinks to discuss your work and career goals. Find out about events through MeetUp, artist groups, business groups, your Chamber of Commerce website, local Professional Photographers of America (PPA) groups, and local SmugMug groups. | Purchase the necessary gear. Take as many photos as possible. Complete small photography projects. Learn how to use Photoshop. Consider different types of photography careers. Apply for an internship. Apply for an assistant job. Get an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in the arts. Build your portfolio through an online platform. Keep your website design simple. Publish your best work. Organize your work. Write a 1 to 2 sentence description for each photo. Include a contact page. Search for positions on job search sites. Browse newspapers and magazines for job ads. Attend networking events. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Eat-More-Iron | How to Eat More Iron | The easiest way to increase your iron intake is to eat iron-rich foods, like lean red meats and oysters. Iron from meat is the easiest for our bodies to absorb, but there are plenty of other iron-rich foods, like beans, leafy greens, and dried fruits. If you're getting most of your iron from non-meat sources, though, it's a good idea to consume plenty of vitamin C, since it helps your body absorb iron. You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, or from vegetables like broccoli. | Eat lean red meat. Red meat is the largest known food source of easily-absorbed iron content. Organ meats in particular, such as liver, are especially high in iron. Don't worry, vegetarians, you have many options, which will be discussed later. Iron in meat is known as heme iron, which comes from the hemoglobin in the animal tissue. It is more easily absorbed when eaten than plant-derived sources of iron, at about a 30% rate of absorption. There is no iron in fat, so you should have no qualms about choosing extra lean ground beef or trimming the excess fat off your roasts and steaks. Iron content examples: beef chuck roast, 3.2 mg per 3 oz.; ground beef, 2.2 mg per 3 oz. For these examples, keep in mind that a male over age 18 should consume 8 mg or iron per day; a non-pregnant female age 19 to 50 should consume 18 mg per day. Select iron-rich seafood. Generally speaking, seafood is not as substantial a source of iron as red meat. However, particular items like canned clams and cooked oysters are among the most-iron rich foods of any type. Shrimp and sardines are also good sources of iron; salmon and tuna have somewhat less, but also offer valuable nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids. Iron content examples: canned clams, 23.8 mg per 3 oz.; sardines, 2.5 mg per 3 oz. Mix in pork and poultry. These white meats provide solid amounts of heme iron, although not as much as red meat or higher-iron seafood options. Turkey is a good choice, providing more iron than chicken or ham. If you enjoy liver or other organ meats (like turkey or chicken giblets), you're in luck - these can provide substantial amounts of iron. Iron content examples: liver / giblets, 5.2 - 9.9 mg per 3 oz.; duck, 2.3 mg per 1/2 cup. Go for more grains. As non-heme iron sources (not contained in hemoglobin), the iron content in grains (as well as beans, nuts, fruits, vegetables, and so on) is not as well-absorbed when consumed -- usually less than 10% absorption, compared to 30% for heme iron. It still counts toward your overall intake, but it should not make up the entirety of your iron consumption. Practically all breads, cereals, and anything else made from grains offers iron content. However, iron-fortified breads and breakfast cereals are the best choice if added iron consumption is your goal Iron content examples: fortified dry cereals, 1.8 - 21.1 mg per 1 oz; fortified instant hot cereal, 4.9 - 8.1 mg per packet. Choose vegetarian options. Even if you do consume meat, picking up iron from non-meat sources like beans, nuts, and vegetables can only help, and will offer a host of other healthy vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Proteins like soybeans, lentils, kidney beans and chickpeas are solid sources of non-heme iron. So go ahead and pick the tofu burger if you aren't a meat-eater. Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale, dried fruits like apricots, prunes, and figs, nuts and seeds such as peanuts and pumpkin seeds, potatoes and rice, and brewer's yeast and molasses are among the many sources or iron available to vegetarians and omnivores alike. Iron content examples: cooked lentils, 3.3 mg per 1/2 cup; cooked spinach, 3.2 mg per 1/2 c.; roasted pumpkin seeds, 4.2 mg per 1 oz. Pair fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C with your iron. Vitamin C boosts the body's absorption rate of iron , so consuming meals with high amounts of both maximizes the benefits. We think of oranges when we think of vitamin C, and citrus fruits are an excellent choice. So too are other tropical fruits like mangoes and guava, and vegetables like peppers, broccoli, and sweet potatoes. The CDC website offers a substantial list of vitamin C-rich foods in its article on iron consumption. Especially for vegetarians who are consuming non-heme iron , pairing iron with vitamin C is important. Consider combinations like cereal with strawberries or lentil soup with a tomato salad. Cut back on absorption inhibitors. While foods rich in vitamin C can help your body take in iron, others can do the opposite. Dairy products contain iron, but the calcium in them can lessen the amount your body absorbs. Those taking iron supplements are often told not to consume dairy products when taking the pill, and you may want to consider avoiding dairy at a meal with iron-rich foods for the same reason. The polyphenols in coffee and tea, when consumed in significant amounts, can also hinder absorption, so try to not to drink these beverages in excess. Egg proteins are another absorption inhibitor to keep in mind, as are foods high in minerals like zinc and phosphorous, which, like calcium, can “compete” for absorption with iron. Cook in iron pots and pans. Especially when cooking with high heat, a trace amount of iron content may be transferred to your food. This is especially true when cooking acidic foods, such as a tomato sauce. Use iron supplements if needed. Talk with your healthcare professional about whether iron supplements are right for you. Pregnant women, because of the increased demands on their body and the need for iron by the fetus, are particularly likely to be put on an iron supplement. It may be included in your prenatal vitamin or be a separate supplement. Don’t overdo it. Generally speaking, you should be far more concerned about not getting enough iron than getting too much. That said, having too much iron collect in the body is a problem. Iron overload is called hemochromatosis, and the symptoms are similar to an iron deficiency. While it is possible to take in too much iron by over-consuming iron supplements, hemochromatosis is usually a genetic condition. Be aware that many iron supplements are higher than the recommended daily allowance (RDA). If you are taking an iron supplement in addition to a multivitamin that contains iron, you risk over-consumption. You are very unlikely to take in too much iron through food alone. So don't try to get out of eating the liver and onions your mother-in-law prepared by saying you think you're eating too much iron! Be aware of its function in your body. Iron is a mineral that is present in every single cell in our bodies, and thus is essential to body function and good health. As part of the protein hemoglobin, iron helps carry oxygen throughout our bodies. It is also a key component of enzymes that facilitate digestion and numerous other body functions. Basically, iron is everywhere -- and is needed everywhere -- in your body. Know how much iron you need. The U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of iron varies by gender and age. To access the full chart, go to: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/. Some highlights include: Children between ages 7 months and 8 years need between 7 to 11 milligrams of iron daily, based on age. Teens between ages 9 and 18 need between 8 to 15 mg / day, based on age and gender. Males age 19 and above need 8 mg daily. Females age 19-50 need 18 mg / day, and 8 mg / day after that. Pregnant women need 27 mg / day. Understand iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency and in the U.S. and the primary cause of anemia, which affects organs throughout the body. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and mental impairment in adults, premature birth in fetuses, and motor/mental function development impairment in infants, among other problems. Iron deficiency is most common during periods of rapid body growth (infancy or pregnancy, for example) or due to blood loss (such as menstruation or an internal bleeding condition). Track your iron intake and get tested if concerned. Use the nutritional information on the foods you eat to keep track of the iron you are consuming, and look up the amount you should consume daily based on age and gender as per your RDA. If you suspect your iron intake is low, or have symptoms like tiredness or apathy, simple blood tests can determine whether you have an iron deficiency or anemia, a shortage of red blood cells that can be caused by iron deficiency. Regular blood testing for iron levels can tell you if your iron supplement is working and help you adjust the dosage to know when you are getting enough. | Eat lean red meat. Select iron-rich seafood. Mix in pork and poultry. Go for more grains. Choose vegetarian options. Pair fruits and vegetables high in vitamin C with your iron. Cut back on absorption inhibitors. Cook in iron pots and pans. Use iron supplements if needed. Don’t overdo it. Be aware of its function in your body. Know how much iron you need. Understand iron deficiency. Track your iron intake and get tested if concerned. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-the-Difference-Between-a-King-Snake-and-a-Coral-Snake | How to Tell the Difference Between a King Snake and a Coral Snake | To tell if a snake is a king snake or a coral snake, look at its ring pattern. If the red and yellow rings are touching, it's a venomous coral snake. If they're not, it's a nonvenomous king snake. You can also tell the difference by looking at the snake's head. If it has a black head with a short snout, it's a coral snake. If its head is red with an elongated snout, it's a king snake. | Examine the snake's ring pattern. Determine if red and yellow rings are touching; if so, this is a venomous coral snake. This simple color check is the easiest way to tell the difference between a coral snake and a scarlet king snake in the US. On a coral snake, the ring pattern is red, yellow, black, yellow, red. In the case of a scarlet king snake, the ring pattern is red, black, yellow, black, red, or maybe blue. See if the snake has a black and yellow tail. The venomous coral snake's tail has only black and yellow bands with no red. The non-venomous scarlet king snake's band pattern remains the same throughout the length of his body. Look at the color and shape of the snake's head. Determine if its head is yellow and black or red and black. The coral snake's head is black, with a short snout. The scarlet king snake's head is mostly red with an elongated snout. Learn rhymes to tell the difference between the two snakes. People who live in regions where coral and scarlet king snakes are common have made up these easy-to-remember rhymes to help figure out which is which: Red touches yellow, kills a fellow. Red touches black, friend of Jack. Red touches yellow, kills a fellow. Red touches black, venom lack. Red touches yellow, death says hello. Black touches red, keep your head. Yellow touches red, you'll be dead. Red touches black, eat Cracker Jacks. Red touches yellow, you're a dead fellow. Red touches black you're all right Jack. Remember that these rule apply only to snakes in the US. The suggestions in this article only reliably apply to coral snakes native to North America: Micrurus fulvius (Eastern or common coral snake), Micrurus tener (Texas coral snake), and Micruroides euryxanthus (Arizona coral snake), found in the southern and western United States. Unfortunately, elsewhere in the world, the patterning can be quite different and no assumptions can be made about venomous or non-venomous natures of the snake without knowing the actual snake's species. This means that they rhymes don't apply to coral snakes elsewhere, nor to the snakes that mimic them. Be wary of logs and leafy areas. Both coral snakes and scarlet king snakes like to spend their daytime hours under logs and leaf piles on the ground. They may also be found in caves and crevices in rocks. Be very careful when lifting a rock or log, or entering an underground space. Look for king snakes climbing trees. If you see a colorful snake with a ring pattern climbing a tree, it's probably a nonvenomous king snake. Coral snakes very rarely climb trees. You should still look carefully to make sure it's not a coral snake, and play it safe by not getting too close. Check for defensive behavior. When coral snakes feel threatened, they move their tails and heads back and forth in order to try to confuse their predators. King snakes don't display this behavior. If you see a snake wagging its head and tail strangely, it's probably a coral, so stay back. Coral snakes are very reclusive, and it's extremely rare to see them in the wild. They only strike when they feel extremely threatened, so if you see one displaying this behavior, you'll probably have time to get away. King snakes received their name because they eat other types of snakes, including venomous ones. They don't tend to display this sort of defensive behavior, although they have been known to hiss and shake their tails like rattlesnakes. Watch out for a coral snake's distinctive bite. In order to inject its venom, a coral snake must clamp down and chew its prey. Since it's usually possible to fling the snake off before it has time to fully inject venom, people rarely die from coral snake bites. However, left untreated, a coral snake bite can lead to cardiac arrest and death. A coral snake bite is not extraordinarily painful at first. However, if venom has been injected, the victim will experience slurred speech, double vision, and paralysis so even if you don't feel anything after a coral snake bite still call emergency services. If you ever get bitten by a coral snake , stay calm, remove constrictive clothing and jewelry and get medical help immediately. | Examine the snake's ring pattern. See if the snake has a black and yellow tail. Look at the color and shape of the snake's head. Learn rhymes to tell the difference between the two snakes. Remember that these rule apply only to snakes in the US. Be wary of logs and leafy areas. Look for king snakes climbing trees. Check for defensive behavior. Watch out for a coral snake's distinctive bite. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Photo-Mosaic | How to Make a Photo Mosaic | If you want to make a digital photo mosaic, download an app for your phone or computer. Once it's installed, open the software and choose your source image, or the larger picture you want to turn into a mosaic. Then, put at least 100 photos into a folder and upload them to the software as well. For the most personal touch, pick photos that relate to your source image. For instance, if your source image is a photo of your dog, you might pick other dog-related pictures for your mosaic. Then, adjust the setting in the app until you're happy with the result! | Install a photo mosaic software on your phone or computer. There are a number of apps and programs that you can use to create a photo mosaic. You could create the image from scratch with nearly any photo editing software, but the easiest way to make is to download a program that's specifically designed to create your photo mosaic. Some popular photo mosaic programs include Mazaika, Pro Photo Mosaic Creator, and Andrea Mosaic. You can also find some programs which are hosted online, meaning you don't have to download them. Just visit the website and upload your photos. Mosaically and EasyMoza are both examples of this type of software, and you can upload photos from your phone, computer, or social media profiles. Scan in or upload the source photo for your mosaic. After you open your mosaic software, you'll be prompted to choose a source photo. This will be the overall image that's formed when you put the smaller images together. Scan the photo in if you want want to create a digital mosaic from a physical photo, or upload it if it's already on your phone or computer. The effect of a digital photo mosaic is similar to how small pixels make up a larger digital image. You can choose a photo of a person, a landscape photo, or a still object. Try to find a photo containing some color contrast, as this will make the finished project more interesting to look at. However, avoid photos with intricate details, as these can be lost in a mosaic. Make a new folder on your computer and fill it with photos for your mosaic. This will be the directory or library that the software will use to create the mosaic. Typically, you'll need a minimum of 100-150 pictures, but the more photos you upload, the better the software will be able to match the colors in your source photo. These may be called “cell images” in your software. You can add any pictures you like to the folder. However, you may want to use only photos which relate to your source image. For instance, if you're creating a mosaic of a loved one, you might want to use only pictures of you and that person, if you have enough of them, or pictures of all of that person's favorite things. Select the mosaic folder in the software. Return to your photo mosaic software program and follow the prompts. When asked, choose the folder you just created and click “Upload” or “OK.” If the program won't upload the entire folder at once, choose a few photos at a time to upload instead. Experiment with the program's settings to edit your mosaic. The changes you can make will depend on the software program that you're using, but many will allow you to adjust the size of the grid, the color values, the image resolution, or even the source photo, if you're not happy with the result. You may have an option to choose the resolution of your photo. If you're just using the photo as a phone or computer background, you can choose a lower resolution. However, if you're planning on printing the photo, opt for a higher resolution. Consult the software's FAQ or help page if you're not sure what resolution to use. Save or print your photo mosaic when you’re finished. Once you have the mosaic exactly how you want it, follow the software program's instructions for saving, printing, or sharing your file. If the software requires a purchase in order for you to use the file, you'll need to enter your personal information and credit card number in order to continue. Choose the photos for your scrapbook mosaic. The number of photos you choose will depend on the size of your scrapbook paper, the size of your photos, and how much blank space you want on each page. You can arrange several smaller photos on the page, or you can make a whole-page layout by choosing a photo that's just a little smaller than the paper you're using. You can either create a mosaic by cutting each photo and putting it back in its original order, or you can mix-and-match pictures to create your own design. You can get a cool result from either technique, so experiment to see what you like! Arrange your photos on a piece of scrapbook paper. When you create your mosaic, a little of the paper will show through. Decide whether you want your paper to be plain white or a different color. However, avoid paper with an intricate pattern, which can create a busy effect that can be a little overwhelming to the eye. Common scrapbook paper sizes are 8.5 in × 11 in (22 cm × 28 cm) and 12 in × 12 in (30 cm × 30 cm), but you can use any size paper you like. Arrange the photos on the page to plan your layout. Before you cut your photos, place them on your scrapbook page and decide how you want them to look. Leave room for any titles, stickers, or other decorative elements you'd like to include on the page. If you're not planning on keeping the photos in their original state, you don't necessarily have to do this. Draw a numbered grid on the back of each photo. Turn the photos over, then use a ruler and a pen and pencil to draw a grid of evenly-spaced squares on the back of each one. Then, number each square consecutively. That way, once you've cut the photo, you'll know exactly where each piece fits in the larger picture. A grid with 1 in (2.5 cm) squares is a good size for this project, but the size you choose is up to you! Use a paper trimmer to carefully cut the photo into squares. Place the photo on a paper cutter, and cut either horizontal or vertical strips along the grid you drew. Then, take each strip and cut it into smaller squares. If you don't have a paper trimmer, you can use scissors instead. Just take your time and make straight, even cuts. Attach the first square to the scrapbook paper with double-sided tape. Choose 1 photo to start with, and look for the piece with the number 1 written on it. Peel the backing off of a small square of double-sided tape and attach it to the back of the photo, then peel the backing off the top of the tape. Press the square down onto the scrapbook paper to adhere it. It may be helpful to cut the squares of double-sided tape in advance, but it's not necessary. If you prefer another adhesive, you can use that instead. However, avoid liquid glue, as this can discolor a photograph. Leave a small gap, then attach the next square, and repeat. You can space the photos out as much or as little as you wish, but for the best effect, leave a small space of ⁄ 16 – ⁄ 8 in (0.16–0.32 cm) between each square. This will allow you to easily make out the original picture, but you'll still get the mosaic effect. Try to make the spaces between the photo squares even. Continue until the entire photo has been added, then decorate your page. Once you've placed all of the squares on the scrapbook paper, add any other decorative elements you'd like. You can find all sorts of decorations wherever you buy scrapbook supplies, or you can make your own! If you used double-sided tape, you can put your scrapbook page in a sleeve immediately. However, if you used a different adhesive that needs to dry, be sure to wait before you add your mosaic to your scrapbook! | Install a photo mosaic software on your phone or computer. Scan in or upload the source photo for your mosaic. Make a new folder on your computer and fill it with photos for your mosaic. Select the mosaic folder in the software. Experiment with the program's settings to edit your mosaic. Save or print your photo mosaic when you’re finished. Choose the photos for your scrapbook mosaic. Arrange your photos on a piece of scrapbook paper. Arrange the photos on the page to plan your layout. Draw a numbered grid on the back of each photo. Use a paper trimmer to carefully cut the photo into squares. Attach the first square to the scrapbook paper with double-sided tape. Leave a small gap, then attach the next square, and repeat. Continue until the entire photo has been added, then decorate your page. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Parrotlet-Aggression | How to Deal with Parrotlet Aggression | If your parrotlet is being feisty and aggressive, correct its behavior by giving it a toy to attack if you see it about to bite or lunge. When it plays with its toys, give it plenty of treats and praise so it knows that it's doing a good job. Never yell or physically punish your bird for biting, because this can actually have to opposite effect because it might enjoy the attention and attack you more. If your bird is attacking out of fear, try desensitizing it to the object. Show the object to your parrotlet in small amounts and give it treats to help overcome its fear. For example, if it's afraid of new people, have a visitor place a treat in the cage and walk away without lingering. | Identify when your parrotlet is most aggressive. Aggression could be due to a number of causes, so observation is the first step to correcting the behavior. Note if your parrotlet is aggressive when you touch it or in response to specific sights and sounds. If your pet bites or lunges when you touch it, you might be handling it too roughly. Give it some space, offer treats to make it more comfortable with you, and work on being more gentle when you handle it. If it acts aggressively in response to scary triggers, like when you run the vacuum or have a visitor, desensitization training might be your best option. Don't yell or use physical punishment. If you respond improperly to unwanted behaviors, you could accidentally reinforce them. Using force to punish your parrotlet will only encourage further aggression. Yelling won't work either, as your bird will enjoy the attention. Reward acceptable behaviors and ignore unwanted behaviors. When you see your bird start to bite or lunge, give it a toy so it'll attack the object instead of your hand. Offer treats and verbal praise when it plays with toys to let it know it's doing a good job. If it does charge at you and you don't have a toy handy, you might place the bird on the ground where it will feel less secure. Don't give it any further reaction. Correct fearful biting with desensitization training. Expose your parrotlet to the object or situation that scares it in small amounts, and use treats to help it overcome its fear. For example, if it's fearful and aggressive around new people, visitors should place a high value treat in the cage, then walk away without lingering. Have them drop a few more treats in the cage during their visit. Over time, the bird should associate visitors with positivity and become more comfortable with your guests. Train your bird to step up and down. "Step up" and "Step down" are basic commands that can help establish you as the alpha bird. Hold your finger at the level of the parrotlet's chest and say “Step up!” When it steps up, offer a treat and verbal praise immediately. Try not to hold your finger over the bird's head. This can frighten it. If your bird bites you during step up training, use a handheld perch or branch instead of your finger. Basic commands can be helpful with feisty parrotlets, since they tend to see themselves as in charge. Make sure its enclosure is large enough. Parrotlets are high energy birds and require a lot of space for their size. The minimum cage size recommended for one parrotlet is 18 by 18 inches (46 by 46 centimeters). Getting a larger cage or providing more out of cage time could help your feisty parrotlet burn off more energy. For parrotlets, width is more important than height, so consider getting a wider cage with more room for it to play. Provide multiple perches that mimic natural branches. Simple, ninety-degree perches don't provide much stimulation for birds. Instead, provide multiple natural wood perches of different thicknesses and kinds, such as manzanita or eucalyptus branches. You can find natural perches online or at your local pet supply store. Having a variety of perches won't just give your bird more stimulation. They'll also help it develop healthy feet and prevent pododermatitis. Perches that swing are also great, as they provide physical exercise and mental stimulation. Hide treats to encourage foraging. In the wild, birds spend lots of time foraging for food. Captive birds can get bored if they don't have any reason to explore their enclosure, so hide treats throughout the cage to encourage foraging. Try hiding treats under piles of paper or cardboard. Place a container of seeds covered with pebbles in the enclosure. Food dispensing toys are also great for encouraging foraging. Provide a variety of toys to keep your bird busy. Make sure it has a steady rotation of chew toys and puzzles to keep it entertained while you're away from home. Provide toys with varied colors and textures, and make sure they're durable enough for your parrotlet's strong beak. Rotate toys every one to two weeks so it doesn't get bored with them. Choose more durable toys marked for cockatiels and conures instead those labeled for budgies and finches. Consider getting your parrotlet a playmate. Parrotlets are social birds and are often kept in captivity in pairs. If you do keep two birds, it's best to have them sleep in separate cages. Even if you have a pair of parrotlets, do your best to spend lots of quality time with them to reinforce your bond. Parrotlets mate for life and will bond strongly to a partner. For this reason, some people think that parrotlets in pairs don't make good pets. It really depends on what type of relationship you want with the birds, however. You might not develop as close a bond to parrotlets in pairs. However, this may be better for the birds if you are not around often or aren't able to spend much time with them. Schedule a checkup if your bird's behavior changes suddenly. Sudden changes in behavior could be a sign of illness. If your typically well-behaved bird unexpectedly starts behaving aggressively, bring it to the vet for a checkup. Search online to find an avian vet if you don't already have one. You can use the search tool on the website of the Association of Avian Veterinarians: http://www.aav.org. Ask the vet if your bird might be hormonal. Aggressive hormonal mating behavior is normal. If you have trouble dealing it with, ask the vet if they recommend drug therapy to reduce the spike in hormones. If your bird is hormonal, try moving its cage and decreasing light levels. Swap high-calorie treats for fresh fruits and veggies, and avoid handling it too much. Get a referral to a certified trainer if necessary. If, despite your best efforts, you're unable to curb your bird's aggression, a certified trainer or behaviorist might be able to help. Ask your avian vet for a referral or search the website of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants: https://iaabc.org/consultants. Parrotlets are naturally feisty, so keep in mind you might just have to accept your pet's high energy. | Identify when your parrotlet is most aggressive. Don't yell or use physical punishment. Reward acceptable behaviors and ignore unwanted behaviors. Correct fearful biting with desensitization training. Train your bird to step up and down. Make sure its enclosure is large enough. Provide multiple perches that mimic natural branches. Hide treats to encourage foraging. Provide a variety of toys to keep your bird busy. Consider getting your parrotlet a playmate. Schedule a checkup if your bird's behavior changes suddenly. Ask the vet if your bird might be hormonal. Get a referral to a certified trainer if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Mayonnaise-as-a-Hair-Conditioner | How to Use Mayonnaise as a Hair Conditioner | To use mayonnaise as a hair conditioner, let 1/2 cup of full-fat mayonnaise come to room temperature, which takes about 30 minutes. When it's warm enough, dampen your hair with warm water to open your hair follicles, and massage the mayonnaise into your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a shower cap for 1 hour, and then rinse the mayonnaise out with warm water and just a little shampoo. | Use full-fat mayonnaise.Regular, full-fat mayonnaise has the ingredients that nourish your hair and make it soft and silky. Low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise is full of fillers that probably do your hair more harm than good. Choose regular mayonnaise for best results. Avoid mayonnaise that contains extra flavoring, such as herbs or spices. Besides smelling funny, these extra components may not be good for your hair. If you're concerned about using the best possible product for your hair, go for an all-natural, organic mayonnaise. This type of mayonnaise usually contains olive oil and other nutritious ingredients that are great for your hair. Measure out the mayonnaise you need. Use approximately 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, more or less depending on the length of your hair. You want to use enough mayonnaise to entirely coat your hair from the roots to the tips. Don't use more than you need, though, since it can be tricky to wash it all out. Let the mayonnaise come to room temperature. Take the mayonnaise out of the refrigerator half an hour to one hour before using it and allow it to warm a little. The fats and oils from the mayonnaise enter the follicles of your hair more readily if the mayonnaise is warm. Dampen your hair with warm water. This makes it easier to smooth the mayonnaise into your hair. Don't shampoo or condition your hair; just get it wet with warm water. When your hair is heated the follicles open, allowing the mayonnaise to enter the strands and condition your hair. Massage the mayonnaise into your hair and scalp. Take care to coat each strand well, and concentrate on working mayonnaise into the tips. You may want to use a wide-tooth comb to help distribute it throughout your hair. If you don't seem to have enough mayonnaise to coat your hair, apply an extra teaspoon or two. Apply a little warm water to loosen the mayonnaise if it clumps in your hair. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap for one hour. You can also use plastic wrap or a plastic bag. This will trap your body heat against your head and help the mayonnaise get to work deep conditioning your hair. Leave the mayonnaise in your hair for at least a 1/2 hour and up to 1 hour, depending on the level of conditioning your hair needs. If you don't have time to do the full conditioning treatment, you can use mayonnaise as a pre-conditioner in the shower. Wet your hair, apply the mayonnaise, and let it sit for five minutes while you go about your shower routine. At the end of your shower, shampoo it out. For maximum conditioning benefits, you can leave the mayonnaise in overnight and wash it out in the morning. Shampoo your hair. Remove the towel and plastic covering and rinse the mayonnaise from your hair with warm water. Use just enough shampoo to remove the mayonnaise. Your hair should feel soft, but not oily. Make your own mayonnaise. Using store bought mayonnaise is a convenient option, but you can also make your own using all-natural ingredients. That way you'll know exactly what you're putting on your hair. An all-natural mayonnaise mask contains ingredients that nourish your hair, with none of the preservatives. Here's how to make it: Combine an egg yolk, 1 teaspoon vinegar, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk in 1/2 cup of canola oil in a slow, steady stream. Keep whisking until the mixture takes on the texture of mayonnaise. Apply it to your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, and let it sit for an hour before shampooing. Make a nourishing mayonnaise mask with milk and honey. Mayonnaise alone does a great job conditioning hair, but adding milk and honey makes it even better. Milk and honey are both natural conditioners that leave hair incredibly soft and silky. Use this mask if your hair is in need of major rehydration. Here's how to make it: Combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) honey and 1 tablespoon milk. Apply it to your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, and let it sit for an hour before shampooing. Make a clarifying mayonnaise mask with vinegar or lemon juice. If your hair has been looking rather dull lately, you might want to use a few extra ingredients that will cleanse your hair and bring back its shine. Vinegar and lemon juice can both be used to clarify hair. Here's how to make this mask: Mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) vinegar (distilled or apple cider) or 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) lemon juice. Apply it to your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, and let it sit for an hour before shampooing. Make a frizz-reducing mayonnaise mask by adding an egg white. Egg white helps to reduce frizz and dryness, leaving your hair shiny and healthy. Mayonnaise often contains egg yolks, but in this case you want to combine it with an egg white for maximum frizz-reducing benefits. Here's how to make it: Separate an egg white from the yolk. Save the yolk for a later use. Mix the egg white with 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Apply the mixture to your hair, cover your hair with a shower cap, and let it sit for an hour before shampooing. | Use full-fat mayonnaise.Regular, full-fat mayonnaise has the ingredients that nourish your hair and make it soft and silky. Measure out the mayonnaise you need. Let the mayonnaise come to room temperature. Dampen your hair with warm water. Massage the mayonnaise into your hair and scalp. Cover your hair with a plastic shower cap for one hour. Shampoo your hair. Make your own mayonnaise. Make a nourishing mayonnaise mask with milk and honey. Make a clarifying mayonnaise mask with vinegar or lemon juice. Make a frizz-reducing mayonnaise mask by adding an egg white. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Ask-the-Same-Girl-Out-After-a-Break-Up-(Teens) | How to Ask the Same Girl Out After a Break Up (Teens) | It can be difficult to get a girl to go back out with you after you break up, but if you're honest about your feelings, and you approach her the right way, you might be able to convince her. Try easing into a conversation with her by sending her a text. Keep the text light and friendly, but let her know that you're thinking about her. Something like, “Hey! I saw there's a new Star Wars movie coming out, made me think of you. How's everything with you?” If she responds positively, try asking her to spend time together as friends. Maybe invite her to a casual event like a school football game or ask if you can eat lunch with her. Once you've broken the ice, tell her how you feel. Explain that you still have feelings for her and you'd like to give your relationship another chance. If she feels the same way, she just might say yes. | Do not expect that she still likes you. While it is painful to accept, your girlfriend may have moved on since your break-up. Before approaching her again, keep in mind that she may not want to get back together with you. If she rejects you, don't take it personally. Maybe there was a reason why you broke up in the first place. Send her a text. Calling her might feel too forward, so ease in with a text. Let her know you are thinking about her. Maybe you heard a song that reminds you of her? Or, you re-watched movie that you two had seen together. Keep it light and friendly, and ask her how she's doing. You might say something like, "Hey! I was walking in the mall and I heard our favorite song... it made me think of you. How are things?" If she doesn't text back right away, don't despair. She might just be thinking of the right thing to say. Ask her to spend time together as friends. If she responds positively, consider asking her out to a social event as friends. You could invite her to a school basketball game, or to eat lunch together in the cafeteria. See her in a public setting with other friends so she feels more comfortable. Show her that you care about her. Make a list of your girlfriend's favorite things and activities. Does she have a favorite musician that is playing an upcoming concert? You could find tickets and surprise her with them. Or, if she just got her driver's license, you could find a cool key chain that is relevant to one of her hobbies (like a tennis ball key chain if she plays tennis). However, you don't have to spend money to show that you care. If she told you she has a test coming up, call or text her afterwards and ask how it went. Offer support if she's feeling anxious. Simply being thoughtful and listening will show that you want to be involved in her life. Plan what you want to say in advance. Think about the circumstances that ended your relationship. Did you have a fight? Did one of you cheat? Why do you want to give things a second chance? Knowing exactly may help convince her to go out with you again. Writing down your thoughts may help you determine what, exactly, you want to say. Ask to see her alone. Don't try to have this kind of conversation over text or the phone, even if you've become close friends again. Invite her to dinner or for a walk in the park. Find a place that's quiet so you can be alone together. Explain that you still have feelings for her. Mention specific activities you enjoyed doing together, and tell her you miss doing those things together. Be honest about your feelings and the qualities about her that you like and respect about her. You could say something like, "I really miss studying together -- you're so smart and always have interesting opinions about the material we're learning." Tell her why this time will be different. If she was upset about your break-up, she may ask, "Why should we get back together? How will this time be different?" Point out things about yourself that have changed -- perhaps you feel more mature and ready for a relationship? Maybe you broke up because you were stressed with final papers and exams. For example, you might say something like "I was really overwhelmed by final exams and needed to be alone, but our time apart made me realize how much I miss having you in my life." Let her talk. Give her the chance now to say how she feels. If she was upset about your break-up, she may need more time to feel ready to trust you again. It's possible she no longer has feelings for you, or she wants to stay friends. She might also have a new crush, or a new boyfriend. Respect what she says. Try to stay calm if you don't get the answer you want. Accept her answer. If she wants to get back together, great! Think of this as a fresh start to your relationship. That way, you'll avoid making the same mistakes you did the first time dated. If she says no or isn't sure, give her time. She still might change her mind, but needs time to process her feelings. It's okay to feel sad during this time. Facing rejection is not easy. Take things slow. You've likely both changed since you were together. Take the time to get to know each other again. | Do not expect that she still likes you. Send her a text. Ask her to spend time together as friends. Show her that you care about her. Plan what you want to say in advance. Ask to see her alone. Explain that you still have feelings for her. Tell her why this time will be different. Let her talk. Accept her answer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Pen-off-Your-Skin | How to Get Pen off Your Skin | To get pen off of your skin, try wetting a washcloth with rubbing alcohol and rubbing the ink off with it. You can also try using hairspray, acetone nail polish remover, or hand sanitizer. Even white vinegar can work in a pinch. Another option is to rub an oil, like olive oil, baby oil, or coconut oil, over the ink stain and then wipe it away with a paper towel. The oil will dissolve some of the oil in the ink so it's easier to wipe off. Alternatively, try rubbing some non-gel toothpaste into the stain. Toothpaste contains baking soda, which can help pull the ink out of your skin. Whichever method you use, you may need to try a few times before all of the ink comes off. | Wet a cotton ball or washcloth with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit) and scrub the ink off your skin. Rubbing alcohol is often your best bet for removing the oil-based ink found in most pens. It dissolves oils, allowing you to wipe the ink off your skin. Many other cleaning agents use alcohol as the main solvent, so using it straight should give you the best results. Try not to use the rubbing alcohol in a small, confined space, as the smell is very strong. Isopropyl alcohol and its fumes are extremely flammable, so don't use it around an open flame or heat source. The alcohol will also remove your body's natural oils along with the pen, so you should moisturize after rubbing it on your skin. Spray the pen marks with hairspray and wipe them off with a clean towel. If you don't have rubbing alcohol on hand, look for an alcohol-based hairspray instead. The alcohol will break down the ink. Depending on the concentration of alcohol used in the hairspray, it may take a few applications to remove the ink. The hairspray will leave behind a sticky residue, so once the ink has been removed, rinse your skin with soap and water. Hairspray is highly flammable, so be careful when you are spraying it. You should never use it anywhere near an open flame. Use a cotton-ball soaked with acetone nail polish remover to rub off the ink. The solvent acetone will cause the pen ink to break down and dissolve, similar to rubbing alcohol. It is also highly flammable like alcohol, and the vapors can be toxic in large amounts, so use in a well-ventilated area. Acetone can be very harsh on your skin, so use it sparingly and be sure to rinse your arm with soap and water and moisturize afterwards. Squirt hand sanitizer onto the ink and rub in small, circular motions. The alcohol in hand sanitizer will break down and loosen the pen. Wipe the area with a clean cloth and the ink will wipe off with the sanitizer. The amount of alcohol in hand sanitizer varies. Look for one that is 60%-90% alcohol. Spray or wet the area with white vinegar, then use a paper towel to rub away the ink. Vinegar contains the acetic acid, which is an effective solvent that can dissolve oil and many other compounds. Using a rough paper towel will help exfoliate the skin,and remove layers of dead skin cells that are stained by the ink. Wash the ink off with soap and water. This is probably the easiest and most accessible solution. If the ink is oil-based, as many ballpoint pens are, you may not have much luck, but if the pen uses water-soluble ink, it should wash off right away. Water-based inks tend to seep through paper and take longer to dry, so they are more likely to smear and get on your skin. Roller ball pens and some gel pens are usually water soluble. Rub vegetable shortening or butter on the ink. It will be kind of gross and may get messy, but the oils in these products will help dissolve the oil contained in the ink. Dissolving the ink will bring it to a liquid state, and when you clean off the butter or shortening with a dry paper towel, the ink should start to come off. This same principal means that oils like coconut oil, baby oil, or olive oil will also help dissolve the ink. Pour some oil onto a paper towel and use it to scrub off the ink. Squirt non-gel toothpaste onto the ink and rub it into the skin. Toothpaste contains baking soda, which will pull the ink off the surface of your skin. The toothpaste may cause your skin to tingle. Use a damp cloth or water to rinse off. Look for toothpaste that isn't see-through (or gelled) or sparkly. It should be an opaque paste and will often be white. Rub a cooled, used teabag over the pen ink. After making yourself a cup of tea, set the tea bag aside and allow it to come to room temperature. Once cooled, scrub the ink with the tea bag. It should rub off easily. The oils in the tea, combined with the rough fabric of the bag, will work together to break down and lift the pen off your skin. Don't be too harsh when you rub the tea against your skin, or you may break the bag and spill tea leaves everywhere. | Wet a cotton ball or washcloth with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol or surgical spirit) and scrub the ink off your skin. Spray the pen marks with hairspray and wipe them off with a clean towel. Use a cotton-ball soaked with acetone nail polish remover to rub off the ink. Squirt hand sanitizer onto the ink and rub in small, circular motions. Spray or wet the area with white vinegar, then use a paper towel to rub away the ink. Wash the ink off with soap and water. Rub vegetable shortening or butter on the ink. Squirt non-gel toothpaste onto the ink and rub it into the skin. Rub a cooled, used teabag over the pen ink. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Stoicism | How to Understand Stoicism | Stoicism is a philosophy from the Graeco-Roman period that argues all suffering comes from destructive emotions, and that in order to be happy, you need to learn how to control those emotions. The main destructive emotions in stoicism are distress, fear, lust, and delight. To be a stoic, you should strive to live a plain and simple life and avoid being materialistic. Additionally, work on being happy regardless of your circumstances since stoics don't base their feelings on what's happening around them. Instead, they're able to control their emotions so they're content at all times. | Read about the origin of Stoicism. Stoicism is a philosophy from the Graeco-Roman period of classical history. Founded by Zeno of Citium, whose works have now been lost. Take to heart the teachings of Zeno that all suffering comes from certain destructive emotions, known as the stoic passions. To achieve true happiness you must control your passions. The primary passions are distress, fear, lust and delight. These are described as follows by Zeno: Distress is an irrational contraction, or a fresh opinion that something bad is present, at which people think it right to be depressed. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet1.jpg\/aid890870-v4-700px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":368,"bigWidth":"700","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Fear is an irrational aversion, or avoidance of an expected danger {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet2.jpg\/aid890870-v4-700px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":368,"bigWidth":"700","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Lust is an irrational desire, or pursuit of an expected good. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/890870-3b3.jpg\/v4-460px-890870-3b3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/890870-3b3.jpg\/aid890870-v4-728px-890870-3b3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>Image by: Uploader<br>\nLicense: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Delight is an irrational swelling, or a fresh opinion that something good is present, at which people think it right to be elated. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet4.jpg\/v4-460px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet4.jpg\/aid890870-v4-700px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-3Bullet4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":368,"bigWidth":"700","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} All these are then sub-divided with different destructive emotions for each primary passion. Read and understand Stoic writings based on the time period that they were written in. Most Stoic works have been lost, to learn more about stoic thought read these: Marcus Aurelius' Meditations' and "Thoughts to Myself",Seneca's 'Letters from a stoic' and his 'On the shortness of life'. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/v4-460px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0c\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet1.jpg\/aid890870-v4-700px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":368,"bigWidth":"700","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} John Sellars' 'Stoicism' gives a good history of stoicism, that is easy to read, while comprehensive. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/v4-460px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/28\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet2.jpg\/aid890870-v4-700px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":368,"bigWidth":"700","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Bertrand Russell's 'A history of western philosophy' also discusses Stoicism, both of these will give you outside opinion of Stoicism. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet3.jpg\/v4-460px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/06\/Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet3.jpg\/aid890870-v4-700px-Understand-Stoicism-Step-5Bullet3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":368,"bigWidth":"700","bigHeight":"560","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Control your emotions at all time through the right assent of external and internal impressions- this is the Stoic's famous principle. Stoic calm has come into the English language from stoicism. Stoic calm is a famously advocated principle by Stoics. Lead a plain and simple life, disdain anything added by the way of decoration. Have a few Laconic tendencies, like Laconic brevity in speech and eating sparingly. Wear simple but comfortable clothes. You should always be familiar with poverty, just in case you became poor. Stoicism doesn't mean you can't be rich, Seneca was a senator and Marcus Aurelius was an emperor, they merely advocated non-materialism. Like the Buddhist idea of the universe, believe everything is constantly changing and humans were unimportant; just tiny parts of nature, it is therefore necessary for you to accept fate without fuss. Be happy in all circumstances. Stoic's advocated the idea that no matter what happens to you, you are still happy; a stoic saying goes something like this; Full of belly and happy, hungry and happy, well rested and happy, tired and happy, etc. Prepare and be familiar with death for your life is short, however you must not be fearful, as fear is unbecoming to the stoic. Courage of the soul as well as humility and honesty is at the heart of the stoic philosophy, also compassion and solidarity between men
| Read about the origin of Stoicism. Take to heart the teachings of Zeno that all suffering comes from certain destructive emotions, known as the stoic passions. To achieve true happiness you must control your passions. All these are then sub-divided with different destructive emotions for each primary passion. Read and understand Stoic writings based on the time period that they were written in. Control your emotions at all time through the right assent of external and internal impressions- this is the Stoic's famous principle. Lead a plain and simple life, disdain anything added by the way of decoration. Have a few Laconic tendencies, like Laconic brevity in speech and eating sparingly. Wear simple but comfortable clothes. You should always be familiar with poverty, just in case you became poor. Like the Buddhist idea of the universe, believe everything is constantly changing and humans were unimportant; just tiny parts of nature, it is therefore necessary for you to accept fate without fuss. Be happy in all circumstances. Prepare and be familiar with death for your life is short, however you must not be fearful, as fear is unbecoming to the stoic. Courage of the soul as well as humility and honesty is at the heart of the stoic philosophy, also compassion and solidarity between men
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https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Powdery-Mildew-on-Plants | How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew on Plants | To get rid of powdery mildew on plants, start by making a fungicidal spray by mixing 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 1 gallon of water and pouring it into a spray bottle. Then, make a second spray by mixing 12 ounces of milk with 28 ounces of water and pouring it into a separate spray bottle. Next, wipe the leaves with a clean, dry cloth and generously spray the infected leaves with one solution in the morning. If there's no improvement after 1 week, try the other spray, and alternate sprays each week until the mildew dissolves. | Try baking soda with vegetable oil and dish soap in water. Baking soda is a classic organic fungicidal ingredient. For it to be effective on plants, it needs an oil and a detergent to help it stick to leaves. Mix 1 tablespoon (14 g) of baking soda with 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of vegetable oil and 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of dish soap into 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water. Stir the ingredients so they are mixed, and transfer the solution into a clean, empty spray bottle. You can also use an oil-based soap, such as Murphy's oil soap, instead of separate oil and soap ingredients. Simply use 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of oil soap with 4 tablespoons (56 g) of baking soda in 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water. Try substituting potassium bicarbonate for baking soda. Potassium bicarbonate can be less harsh and just as effective as sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) on plants. Make a vinegar and water solution. Mix 2–3 US tbsp (30–44 mL) of white or apple cider vinegar into 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water. Pour the solution into a clean, empty spray bottle. Do not use more than the listed amount of vinegar, as too high of a vinegar concentration can burn your plant. Be sure to test this solution on your plant before spraying all of your infected leaves. Try a neem oil solution. Neem is a plant whose oil is known for its insecticidal and fungicidal properties. Mix 1 tsp (4.9 mL) of neem oil with.5 tsp (2.5 ml) of dish soap and 1 US quart (950 mL) of water. Pour the solution into a clean, empty spray bottle to use. Neem oil can be found at health food stores, some home improvement stores, as well as online. Try a milk and water solution. Surprisingly, milk also has antifungal properties, and has been successful in treating powdery mildew. Try mixing 12 fl oz (350 mL) of milk with 28 fl oz (830 mL) of water and pouring the solution into a clean, empty spray bottle. It doesn't matter if you use skim or whole milk for this solution, because the protein and not the fat content is what has the fungicidal properties. Make a garlic and water solution. Place 2 peeled bulbs of garlic into a blender and add 1 US quart (950 mL) of water. Mix on high for 5-10 minutes. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth and dilute it for each use by adding 1 part solution to 9 parts water in a spray bottle. Keep the undiluted garlic solution refrigerated in a labeled container until you're finished using it in sprays. Test each spray on your plant before using it. Occasionally fungicidal sprays can burn and damage your plant leaves. Test each type of spray on a small area of your plant, such as 1 low leaf, before spraying your whole plant. Spray the leaf with enough spray that it runs off the leaf, and allow it to dry. If the leaf begins turning yellow or brown, this spray may be too harsh for this plant. Try different types of sprays on different leaves until you find a couple that work. Alternate sprays so the mildew doesn’t build resistance. Mildew can be a stubborn fungus that adapts and builds resistance to things that fight it. When you've found a couple sprays that work, alternate them so that the mildew doesn't build a resistance to any of them. For example, use a baking soda spray 1 week and a milk spray or vinegar spray the next. Spray infected plant areas in the morning no more than once per week. When you begin a spray treatment regimen for powdery mildew, you will want to spray your infected plant in the morning to allow the sun to dry the treatment on the leaves. You may often see improvement after 1 treatment. Wait at least a week to apply another spray treatment, and do this only if you do not see improvement on your leaves from the first treatment. Wipe leaves with a clean cloth to partially remove mildew. Before spraying your infected leaves, wipe them with a clean, dry cloth to get some of the mildew off first. This helps reduce the amount of mildew that runs off into the soil with your spray solution. Alternatively, rub infected leaves against each other to get some of the mildew off. Allow spray to run off the leaves. Each time you use a homemade spray, spray each infected leaf generously enough that the spray starts to run off the leaf. Do not wipe the spray from the leaf, but allow the spray to run off and air dry. Use chemical fungicides with caution. Chemical fungicides can be effective, but they can cause other problems with your garden as well. They can harm good organisms in the soil, as well as bees and other pollinating insects that are healthy for a thriving garden. They also can affect how safe it is to eat plants they are used on, so be sure to follow all packaging directions carefully if you're using them on edible plants. Since organic fungicides can be made easily at home, it's wise to try them first before resorting to chemical treatments. Snip infected lower leaves to reduce spreading mildew. If you catch powdery mildew early on, you can prevent it from spreading by removing the infected leaves with a pair of shears or scissors. Don't compost the leaves, as the mildew can spread through the compost and back onto other plants. Dispose of infected leaves in your trash so the mildew doesn't spread. Removing the affected leaves can also help prevent it from spreading to other plants. This is especially important if you're growing leafy greens to eat. Provide good air circulation for your plants. Powdery mildew thrives in humid weather. Try to plant your garden in a roomy bed that gets exposed to breezes. If possible, blow a fan on your plants on very hot, humid days. Move potted plants into open, outdoor areas in the summer if they are getting mildew inside. The fresh air will help reduce the recurrence of fungi infections. Provide enough sunlight for your plants. Too much shade will make your plant leaves not dry out enough after rain and waterings. The right amount of sun also makes plants stronger and less susceptible to infection. Plant each plant according to its individual sunlight requirements. If you live in an area that is frequently rainy or cloudy, choose plants that thrive in these conditions for your garden. Groom overcrowded plants. Because plants need good air circulation, overcrowded plants are particularly susceptible to powdery mildew. Cut back extra growth on plants that block sunlight from other plants in your garden, and pull plants and leaves that are weak or dying every 2 weeks. If healthy plants seem to be competing for resources, transfer them to bigger pots or garden beds to allow them the air and sunlight they need. Avoid overhead watering. Allowing moisture to remain on leaves can contribute to powdery mildew. Water your plants close to the base, allowing the water to soak into the soil once before giving it a little more. Don't water your outdoor plants on rainy days to avoid overwatering them. | Try baking soda with vegetable oil and dish soap in water. Make a vinegar and water solution. Try a neem oil solution. Try a milk and water solution. Make a garlic and water solution. Test each spray on your plant before using it. Alternate sprays so the mildew doesn’t build resistance. Spray infected plant areas in the morning no more than once per week. Wipe leaves with a clean cloth to partially remove mildew. Allow spray to run off the leaves. Use chemical fungicides with caution. Snip infected lower leaves to reduce spreading mildew. Provide good air circulation for your plants. Provide enough sunlight for your plants. Groom overcrowded plants. Avoid overhead watering. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Stuffed-Shells | How to Make Stuffed Shells | To make stuffed shells, start by cooking and draining the pasta shells. Next, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, diced shallot, chopped parsley and basil, minced garlic, and lemon juice to make the stuffing. Pack the pasta shells with the stuffing, place them on a baking dish, and top with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. Bake the shells for 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees F, and serve immediately. | Cook 15 pasta shells al dente. Each pasta shell should be a bit bigger than the palm of your hand. Just place the shells in boiling water and cook them over medium heat until they're firm but not too hard. Read the instructions on the package to see exactly how long they should be cooked. Drain and separate the shells when they're cooked. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Make the cheese stuffing. In a large mixing bowl, add 3 cups (710 g.) of ricotta cheese , 1.5 cups (360 g.) of Parmesan cheese, 1/2 diced shallot, 2 tbsp. of chopped parsley, 4 chopped basil leaves, 1/2 minced garlic clove, and one generous squeeze of lemon juice. Salt and pepper to taste and begin to mix the ingredients together. If the stuffing seems too dry, add 1/4 cup (60 ml) of cream and 1 to 2 tbsp. of olive oil to moisten it. Stir until the ingredients are incorporated. Pack the pasta shells with the stuffing. Pack them tightly. Hold each pasta shell by its edges and press them gently to open them up. Scoop in a generous portion of stuffing and squeeze the shell closed. Place the shell in an oven safe dish and repeat this process until all 15 shells are stuffed tightly. Add the marinara and mozzarella. Pour 1.5 cups (360 ml) of marinara sauce over all the shells. Make sure to cover the edges because they can dry out easily. Be generous with the marinara sauce. Cover the marinara and shells with 1 cup (120 g.) of fresh mozzarella. Tear the mozzarella instead of grating it to allow the cheese to melt freely over the shells. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on top to help with moisture. Bake the shells in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Bake them until the cheese is melted and golden brown. When they're done, remove them from the oven and let them harden and cool for a few minutes. Serve. Serve these tasty shells as a main course or serve them with a side of chicken or beef. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Boil 20 jumbo-sized pasta shells. Just place the shells in boiling water and cook them over medium heat until they're firm but not too hard. Read the instructions on the package to see exactly how long they should be cooked. Drain and separate the shells when they're cooked. Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil to a sauté pan. Cook it over medium heat until the oil is hot. Add 1/3 cup of shredded carrots to the oil. Cook the carrots for 2-3 minutes, stirring to soak them in the oil. Add 1/3 cup of sliced mushrooms and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook them with the carrots for one minute. Remove from the heat. Remove this mixture from the heat and set it aside. Make the cheesy mixture. To make the cheesy mixture, just combine 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 2/3 cup of ricotta cheese, 1/4 cup of milk, 1/4 tsp. of salt, 1/2 tsp. of ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp. of red pepper flakes, and 1 tsp. of dried oregano in a large bowl. Mix these ingredients together until the cheesy mixture is nice and smooth. Combine the veggie mixture with the cheesy mixture. Stir the carrot and mushroom mixture with the cheesy mixture to combine the ingredients. Add a bit more milk to thin out the mixture if it's necessary. Spread 3 tbsp. of tomato sauce on the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Stuff the shells with the mixture. Carefully open up each shell and spoon the mixture into each one until it is literally "stuffed" with the mixture. Then, place the shells on the baking dish close to each other. Spoon the rest of the tomato sauce over the shells. Add a bit more mozzarella on top if you'd like. Cover the shells with aluminum foil and bake it for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil during the last five minutes of cooking. When they're done, the cheesy mixture should be melted and the sauce will be bubbly. Serve. Serve these delicious shells on their own or with a healthy garden salad. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water lightly. Place 1 (12 oz. ) package of jumbo pasta shells in the water. Cook them for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Check the directions on the package to see how long they should be cooked. When they're finished cooking, drain them. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190.5ºC). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish. Place 3 lbs. of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Mix in several of the other ingredients. Mix in 2 lightly beaten eggs, 2 tbsp. of olive oil, 2 tsp. of minced garlic, 2 tsp. of garlic salt, and 2 tsp. of parsley. Stir these ingredients together and cook the beef until it's evenly brown. When the mixture is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Mix in the cream cheese and pasta sauce. Mix in 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese and 1.5 (14 oz.) jars of pasta sauce. Combine these ingredients until the mixture is smooth. Stuff the shells with the beef mixture. Gently open up the shells and scoop the mixture into them until they are literally "stuffed." When you've stuffed every shell, arrange the shells on the baking dish that you've prepared. Cover the shells with the remaining pasta sauce. This will give them an even richer taste. Bake the shells for 15 minutes. Or just bake them until they're bubbly and a bit browned. Serve. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese over the shells right before you serve them. Enjoy this dish as a hearty main course. | Cook 15 pasta shells al dente. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Make the cheese stuffing. Pack the pasta shells with the stuffing. Add the marinara and mozzarella. Bake the shells in the oven for 20-30 minutes. Serve. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (176ºC). Boil 20 jumbo-sized pasta shells. Add 2 tbsp. Add 1/3 cup of shredded carrots to the oil. Add 1/3 cup of sliced mushrooms and 2 minced garlic cloves. Remove from the heat. Make the cheesy mixture. Combine the veggie mixture with the cheesy mixture. Spread 3 tbsp. Stuff the shells with the mixture. Spoon the rest of the tomato sauce over the shells. Cover the shells with aluminum foil and bake it for 20-25 minutes. Serve. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Place 1 (12 oz. Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190.5ºC). Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish. Place 3 lbs. Mix in several of the other ingredients. Mix in the cream cheese and pasta sauce. Stuff the shells with the beef mixture. Cover the shells with the remaining pasta sauce. Bake the shells for 15 minutes. Serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Onion-Gravy | How to Make Onion Gravy | To make onion gravy, first melt butter in a large saucepan. Then, add in thinly sliced onions and cook them for 5 to 8 minutes until they're light brown. Cover the pan and let the onions caramelize for 10 minutes, or until they're a deep brown color, before whisking in flour. Next, pour in red wine and the broth of your choice and let the gravy simmer for about 15 minutes. Before serving the gravy, stir in any additional seasonings you'd like. | Melt the butter in a large saucepan with a heavy bottom. Cook over medium heat. Wait until it foams, then subsides. Many cooks use a mix of butter and vegetable oil instead, thinking this raises the smoke point. This is not true, but it does dilute the burnt flavor. Add the onion, then cook until light brown. Add garlic and dried rosemary at this point if you want extra flavors. Cook over medium-low for roughly 5–8 minutes, until golden brown. Adding a pinch of salt draws out moisture. This leads to better flavor, but cooking will take longer. Add a splash of water if it gets dry. Cover and caramelize over low heat. Check on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. After about 10 minutes, the onions should be deep brown, but not black, and so soft they are almost falling apart. Whisk in flour and cook briefly. Bring the heat back up to medium. Stir and cook for one or two minutes to combine the flour. Simmer with red wine. Pour in the red wine and let it simmer for a couple minutes. An ordinary table wine will taste much better than cooking wine. Select a variety that pairs well with the dish accompanying the gravy. A full-bodied wine is a good choice for red meat dishes. An earthy wine works well with root vegetables. Add stock and let reduce. Pour in the stock of your choice. Let the gravy simmer until it's as thick as you like it. This usually takes about 5 minutes for thin gravy, or 15 minutes for thick, sticky gravy. If you're using fresh rosemary, add it along with the stock. Add seasonings and serve. Taste the gravy and stir in salt and pepper as desired. If you feel ambitious, stir in a small spoonful of something special. Try balsamic vinegar, mustard, worcestershire sauce, or soy sauce. Substitute caramelized onion chutney. Use a couple spoonfuls of caramelized onion chutney instead of raw onions. Heat and skip straight to adding flour. This is a good idea if you use a thin pan that can't cook onions evenly. Add mushrooms. Replace half of the onions with an equal amount of finely chopped mushrooms. Serve with steak. Use cremini or white button mushrooms. Make an Indian sauce base. An onion gravy with plenty of spices forms the basis of most sauces at Indian restaurants. Make it your own by choosing your favorite ingredients: Dice a large onion, then cook as described above. Add aromatic ingredients. Choose from minced garlic, ginger paste, sliced chili peppers, and/or garam masala spice mix. Fry for 1–2 minutes. Either add a large, roughly chopped tomato and cook until liquified – Or add vegetable stock. You can make your own by adding chopped carrots, bell peppers, celery, and plenty of water. Boil until sauce is reduced to a gravy, at least one hour. | Melt the butter in a large saucepan with a heavy bottom. Add the onion, then cook until light brown. Cover and caramelize over low heat. Whisk in flour and cook briefly. Simmer with red wine. Add stock and let reduce. Add seasonings and serve. Substitute caramelized onion chutney. Add mushrooms. Make an Indian sauce base. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Patient | How to Be Patient | To be more patient, try taking a few deep breaths whenever you start to get impatient about something, which can help calm you down. If specific things trigger your impatience, like standing in line or people not working as fast as you, try to come up with strategies to counteract them. For example, you could take a quick walk or distract yourself with something on your phone. Additionally, try to get in some physical activity every day, whether it's walking, running, or going for a bike ride, which can help relieve pent-up stress that might be making you more impatient. | Pick up on the thoughts and physical feelings of being impatient. If you're in a stressful situation, be alert to thoughts that hint that you might be getting impatient, such as “This is taking forever,” or “This person is being so annoying.” When you pick up on these impatient thoughts, stop and check in with your body to see what you're feeling, physically. You'll probably be able to recognize signs of impatience right away, and identifying them can help you start to counteract your frustration. Some physical signs could include: Tension in your muscles Restless, jiggling feet or legs Clenching your hands Short breaths An elevated heart rate Irritability or anger Figure out what’s causing your impatience. Once you've recognized that you're feeling impatient, it's time to hunt down the cause. Think past your immediate frustration and ask yourself, “Why am I actually feeling this way?” Some common causes of impatience are: Your environment not conforming to your expectations. For example, you might hit unexpected traffic, or a restaurant might be more crowded than you'd thought, making you feel irritated and frustrated. Other people not behaving the way you want them to. For instance, you might get impatient that someone in front of you at the grocery store is blocking the whole aisle or chatting with the clerk for too long. When you can't master a new skill fast enough. You might get impatient, for example, if you can't figure out a new math or computer concept. You may have an unrealistic expectation that you will quickly grasp all new concepts. When you can't control your thoughts. You might get impatient with yourself for not being able to dictate what emotions and thoughts pop up in your mind, even if you recognize there's not much you can do to stop it. Take a moment to ground yourself. Taking small, easy actions can break up the cycle of your impatience before it can progress, giving you a chance to regroup yourself. Focus on your movements and the physical sensations of your actions, which will distract you from your impatience. One good way to ground yourself is to focus on your environment. For example, you might take a few moments to think about how your feet feel when you are standing on the floor, what it feels like to sit in a chair, or the sensation of an object in your hand. You can also try a simple grounding exercise like looking for 3 things in your environment that are blue. These simple actions help bring you back into the present moment. Take 5 deep breaths to slow your heart rate down. Close your eyes and inhale deeply into your belly. Hold it for a second, the let the air out slowly. Feel your body calm down and let that physical relaxation flow into your mind, soothing your impatient thoughts. Besides calming your body, taking a few deep breaths will force you to slow down before you say or do anything rash. Shift your perspective about your situation if you can. Most situations that make you feel impatient are ones that can't easily be changed (if there was an easy solution, you probably would have found it already!). Instead of focusing on this feeling of powerlessness, concentrate on what can be changed: your attitude and perspective of the situation. Say to yourself, “Since I can't remove myself completely from this situation, how can I make it better?” If you're frustrated with an essay you're writing, for example, you could focus on making your environment more pleasant. Put on music that helps you concentrate, make some tea, or have a snack. You could also address head-on what's really bothering you about the situation, such as the fact that the essay is taking a long time to write. For example, you could cover up your clock so you don't feel a time crunch. Find something good or interesting in the situation if you can. If you can't change your situation, the best thing you can do is change your perspective on it. Ask yourself to find something positive about where you are right now and focus on that instead of your impatience. It might be hard at first--like a lot of negative emotions, impatience can make you feel good and powerful in the moment--but forcing yourself to focus on the positive will make you feel much better in the long run. If you're stuck in traffic, for example, chat with another person in the car or, if your car has a Bluetooth capability, call a friend or family member. Change the radio station or put in a new CD and sing along. If you are stuck in a tedious or frustrating situation, try making productive use of your time. For example, if you're driving, listen to an interesting audiobook. If you have to sit in a doctor's office for a long time, try to bring a project with you to work on. Keep a journal to look for patterns in your impatience. Carry a small notebook around with you and make a note of every time you feel impatient. Write down the date, the time, what you're feeling impatient about, and how that impatience makes you feel physically and emotionally. After 2 weeks, read back your journal and look for what kinds of situations make you feel the most impatient. For example, you might realize that your impatience stems from getting frustrated at other people. You might write, “June 1, math class, 2pm. I felt impatient because John was working so slowly. My muscles started feeling tense.” Journaling about your frustrations has the added bonus of letting you vent your emotions, which can make you feel calmer and less stressed. Your impatience might be triggered by situations, environmental stimuli, or even your physical state. For example, you may find that you feel more impatient when you spend a lot of time on social media. Some people also feel more impatient when they eat or drink certain things, such as coffee and other caffeinated beverages. Create a personal strategy to counteract your triggers. Sit down with your journal and write out a list of the things that seem to trigger your impatience most often. Ask yourself what you can do to neutralize your impatience in these situations and write down a step-by-step list of things you can do anywhere and anytime they come up. For example, if you often get impatient with your friends or family members, your strategy might be: “Take 3 deep breaths. Explain why you're feeling frustrated. Take a break and walk away if you're still feeling impatient.” If you find that your impatience is made worse by certain foods or drinks, try cutting them out of your diet. If social media frustrates you and gets you down, consider turning off your phone alerts or using an app or plugin that prevents you from logging on for a few hours during the day. Get creative with your solutions and try different things to see what works best. Give yourself time to change; it won't happen overnight, but you'll be able to improve yourself in time. Practice short meditations to use when you feel impatient. Take each moment of potential impatience as an opportunity to focus on your breath and check in with yourself. Center yourself on your feet or in your chair, and breathe deeply, noticing the pattern of your inhalations and exhalations. Close your eyes if you can, or focus on a still point across the room. Practice doing these quick meditations a few times a day, even when you're not feeling impatient. Getting comfortable meditating when you're calm will make it easier to do so in the heat of the moment. Adjust your expectations. The world will not always conform to your hopes, and you will be very frustrated if you constantly get upset when people, places, or things do not meet up to impossible standards. If you are impatient, it may be because you need to re-think the expectations. For example: If you are impatient in your weight loss plan, you may need to remind yourself the excess weight did not all go on in a week, and it will take time for it to come off. If you find yourself impatient because of traffic, you may need to rethink your belief that your commute takes 20 minutes if in reality it usually takes an average of 35. Just because that one time it took 20 minutes does not mean every trip to work should be expected to take 20 minutes. If you get frustrated that your partner chronically forgets your anniversary, and this is upsetting to you, instead choose accept that remembering this date does not come as naturally as it does for you. Put the date on a shared calendar and ask him a week in advance to plan together some enjoyable activities. Exercise regularly to relieve pent-up stress. Try to fit in a little bit of exercise every day, even if it's just a quick walk or a jog up and down the stairs. Getting exercise will burn off the stress hormones that are shortening your fuse, making it easier to maintain your cool in intense situations. If you have time, try to incorporate more intense physical activity too, like jogging, swimming, biking, or doing light weights. Sometimes you can use exercise to counteract your impatience in the moment. If you're feeling impatient while working on a project, for example, get up from your desk and take a 5-minute walk. If you're stuck in traffic, try moving your arms and head to the beat of your music. Be prepared to fend off impatience caused by long waits. Many people get impatient when they're forced to wait for a long time, like at a slow restaurant or doctor's office. If you can distract yourself with other activities while you wait, it will be much easier to stay patient. For example, you could pack a book, a crossword puzzle, or a travel-size game when you think you might have to wait for a while, such as at the doctor's office or a crowded grocery store. You can also distract yourself with whatever is at hand. Listen in on other people's conversations, look at the other drivers stuck in traffic with you, or read the headlines of magazines or newspapers while you wait in line. Ask for help when you’re feeling overloaded. Impatience can be a sign of burnout. If you feel stressed, irritable, or impatient a lot of the time, these are signs that you're under too much pressure. Look for tasks that you can delegate and talk to a friend, family member, or co-worker to see if they can help. Taking some of the pressure off of yourself will lower your stress levels and make you less likely to get impatient in the first place. For example, if you're feeling frustrated about a project, talk to your boss or teacher about getting some help from or a co-worker or fellow student. Say, “I've been working really hard on this, but it's becoming too much for me my own. Could I get a partner to divide the work with?” Never feel bad about asking for help, especially when it has to do with your mental health. People will often be happy to help, and you'll feel much more relaxed when you're able to share the burden. Practice putting your impatience in perspective. When you're caught up in a task in the heat of the moment, it might feel crucial for something to get done right now--and thinking about what might happen if it doesn't get done is what fuels your impatience. Instead, ask yourself, “Why am I in such a hurry?” Even if the task is finished a little late, it will still get done and everything will work out. In true cases of life or death, broadening your perspective might not help. For example, if you're waiting for an ambulance to help an injured person, it may matter very much whether the ambulance arrives late. In this situation, channel your impatience into doing whatever you can, whether that's making the person comfortable or giving more information to the emergency line operator. Be kind to yourself about your own shortcomings. If your impatience centers around getting frustrated with yourself, take a step back and realize that you can only expect so much from yourself. It's great to want to improve yourself and learn new skills, but beating yourself up will only make you lose self-confidence. Instead, face your shortcomings head-on and see how you can work around them, or even make them into positives. Feeling impatient with yourself often stems from the idea that it's always better to go faster, which isn't necessarily true. By proceeding slowly and patiently, you'll understand the concept more deeply, and might even enjoy yourself more along the way. Remember that most things take time and effort to master. Being patient with yourself is the best gift you can give yourself. Accept that your expectations might not always be met. Most impatience comes from being frustrated that people or situations don't match up to what you expect. Instead of needing things to be a certain way, loosen your grip on your expectations and look forward to the surprises that come your way. Accept that people and situations will never be perfect and take life's twists and turns with grace and humor. For example, instead of losing your patience when a friend spills a drink, remember that it was an accident and no one is perfect. Take a moment to breathe, reassure them that it's okay, and move on. List the things you feel grateful for every day. Studies have shown that people who show gratitude in their day-to-day life are more likely to be patient and have better self-control. Practice this by coming up with 3-4 things every day that you're grateful for. Take a moment to savor the feeling of thankfulness and center yourself in it. You might say, for example, that you're grateful to have a roof over your head, dreams and goals for the future, and friends that love you. Build your self-confidence and have faith you’ll find other solutions. Everyone comes up against obstacles in their lives that seem impossible to overcome. Cultivating your self-confidence will help you realize that you're smart and strong enough to find ways around these obstacles, no matter how impatient or upset you might feel. For example, you might feel frustrated when you're applying to jobs but can't seem to catch a break. Being confident in yourself will keep you optimistic and help motivate you to keep working hard until things look up. | Pick up on the thoughts and physical feelings of being impatient. Figure out what’s causing your impatience. Take a moment to ground yourself. Take 5 deep breaths to slow your heart rate down. Shift your perspective about your situation if you can. Find something good or interesting in the situation if you can. Keep a journal to look for patterns in your impatience. Create a personal strategy to counteract your triggers. Practice short meditations to use when you feel impatient. Adjust your expectations. Exercise regularly to relieve pent-up stress. Be prepared to fend off impatience caused by long waits. Ask for help when you’re feeling overloaded. Practice putting your impatience in perspective. Be kind to yourself about your own shortcomings. Accept that your expectations might not always be met. List the things you feel grateful for every day. Build your self-confidence and have faith you’ll find other solutions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Use-Nasal-Spray | How to Use Nasal Spray | To use a pressurized canister nasal spray, start by blowing your nose or taking a hot shower to help clear your nasal passages so the medicine is more effective. Then, press the canister into the holder, and shake it a few times. Next, place the nozzle in one of your nostrils, close your other nostril with your finger, and push the canister down. As you're pushing it down, inhale through your nose. Finally, repeat in your other nostril. | Wash your hands. Washing with warm water and soap should do the trick. Prior to using your nasal spray, it is important to have clean hands to minimize any risk of infection by getting germs into your nose, or spraying them up alongside the medication. Clear your nose prior to using your nasal spray by blowing it. Remove as much mucus as possible. Do not blow too hard. For best and safest results, press down on one nostril with your finger as you blow the other, and then do the same to the other nostril. Check that you can inhale air through each nostril prior to using the nasal spray. After you have blown your nose or otherwise cleared your nasal passages, if you still cannot get air through then it is unlikely that the medication will be effective as it will not be able to travel far enough up the nasal passages. Try home remedies to clear your nostrils prior to using the nasal spray. If you have blown your nose but still find that there is a lot of congestion, try these other home remedies to diminish the congestion in your nostrils. It is important for your nasal passages to be as clear as possible before using the medication. Some things to try include: Taking a hot shower. Heat can help to clear out your nasal passages. Use a saline nasal spray. Using a humidifier. Contrary to popular belief, dry air actually worsens nasal congestion. Moist air, on the other hand, can help to clear out your nostrils. Drink plenty of water. Being well-hydrated can help to diminish congestion. Press the canister into the holder. Make sure that it fits securely. Shake the canister a few times. Check the directions to make sure that you are holding the canister correctly. Place the nozzle in the nostril receiving the spray. At the same time, press down on the other nostril with your finger. Close your mouth, and push the canister down just as you slowly breathe in through the one nostril receiving the medicine. Make sure that you take in the medicine. Do the same with the other nostril, making sure that you press down the nostril that just received the medicine. Do not take more than the specified amount of sprays. Don't sniff or inhale too hard or the medicine may drip down the back of your throat. If this happens, try to spit it out. Be careful not to blow your nose or sneeze directly after using the nasal spray. Try to wait a few minutes to let the medication fully absorb first. Wash your hands again. After you have finished using your nasal spray, it is advisable to wash your hands again. Particularly if you are using a nasal spray temporarily to treat congestion from an illness, you will want to wash your hands to ensure that minimal germs are present on your hands. This helps to prevent others from catching your infection. Be patient. Many nasal sprays take consistent use before they become maximally effective. Wait at least 2 weeks (or whatever time-frame your doctor recommends, as it can vary depending on the type of medication) before evaluating the results of using the spray. Do not take more than the recommended number of doses prescribed by your physician. Just like any other prescription medication, if you find that it is ineffective (or taking longer than you expected or hoped to work) that does not mean to double up on your dose. It could be dangerous to do so, so be sure to stick within the recommended limits of your doctor. The dosing of nasal sprays is variable and will depend upon what medication is contained within it. Clear your nose prior to using your nasal spray by blowing it. Remove as much mucus as possible. Do not blow too hard. For best and safest results, press down on one nostril with your finger as you blow the other, and then do the same to the other nostril. Remove the lid and shake the medicine. Prime the pump spray before using it. You do this by squirting it into the air until it becomes a mist. It is important to "prime" it first with this type of nasal spray to ensure that the actual medication is what gets into your nostril and then absorbed. Check the directions to make sure that you are holding the bottle correctly. You should grasp the bottle with your middle and index fingers on top and your thumb securing the bottle. Place the nozzle in the nostril receiving the spray and press down on the other nostril with your finger. Close your mouth, and squeeze the pump down just as you slowly breathe in through the one nostril receiving the medicine. Make sure that you take in the medicine. Do the same with the other nostril, making sure that you press down the nostril that just received the medicine. Do not take more than the specified amount of sprays. | Wash your hands. Clear your nose prior to using your nasal spray by blowing it. Check that you can inhale air through each nostril prior to using the nasal spray. Try home remedies to clear your nostrils prior to using the nasal spray. Press the canister into the holder. Place the nozzle in the nostril receiving the spray. Be careful not to blow your nose or sneeze directly after using the nasal spray. Wash your hands again. Be patient. Clear your nose prior to using your nasal spray by blowing it. Remove the lid and shake the medicine. Check the directions to make sure that you are holding the bottle correctly. Place the nozzle in the nostril receiving the spray and press down on the other nostril with your finger. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Solve-Word-Problems-in-Algebra | How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra | To solve word problems in algebra, start by reading the problem carefully and determining what you're being asked to find. Next, summarize what information you know and what you need to know. Then, assign variables to the unknown quantities. For example, if you know that Jane bought 2 books, and the second book cost $80, which was $10 less than 3 times the price of the first book, assign x to the price of the 1st book. Use this information to write your equation, which is 80 = 3x - 10. | Read the problem carefully. A common setback when trying to solve algebra word problems is assuming what the question is asking before you read the entire problem. In order to be successful in solving a word problem, you need to read the whole problem in order to assess what information is provided, and what information is missing. Determine what you are asked to find. In many problems, what you are asked to find is presented in the last sentence. This is not always true, however, so you need to read the entire problem carefully. Write down what you need to find, or else underline it in the problem, so that you do not forget what your final answer means. In an algebra word problem, you will likely be asked to find a certain value, or you may be asked to find an equation that represents a value. For example, you might have the following problem: Jane went to a book shop and bought a book. While at the store Jane found a second interesting book and bought it for $80. The price of the second book was $10 less than three times the price of he first book. What was the price of the first book? In this problem, you are asked to find the price of the first book Jane purchased. Summarize what you know, and what you need to know. Likely, the information you need to know is the same as what information you are asked to find. You also need to assess what information you already know. Again, underline or write out this information, so you can keep track of all the parts of the problem. For problems involving geometry, it is often helpful to draw a sketch at this point. For example, you know that Jane bought two books. You know that the second book was $80. You also know that the second book cost $10 less than 3 times the price of the first book. You don't know the price of the first book. Assign variables to the unknown quantities. If you are being asked to find a certain value, you will likely only have one variable. If, however, you are asked to find an equation, you will likely have multiple variables. No matter how many variables you have, you should list each one, and indicate what they are equal to. For example, assign the variable x {\displaystyle x} to the unknown in the problem, which is the price of the first book. Write x = the price of the first book {\displaystyle x={\text{the price of the first book}}}. Look for keywords. Word problems are full of keywords that give you clues about what operations to use. Locating and interpreting these keywords can help you translate the words into algebra. Multiplication keywords include times, of, and f actor. Division keywords include per, out of, and percent. Addition keywords include some, more, and together. Subtraction keywords include difference, fewer, and decreased. Write an equation. Use the information you learn from the problem, including keywords, to write an algebraic description of the story. For example, you know that the second book is $80, and you know what $80 equals in terms of the price of the first book ( x {\displaystyle x} ). So set 80 equal to $10 less ( − 10 {\displaystyle -10} ) than 3 times the price of the first book ( 3 x {\displaystyle 3x} ). Putting everything together, you have 80 = 3 x − 10 {\displaystyle 80=3x-10}. Solve an equation for one variable. If you have only one unknown in your word problem, isolate the variable in your equation and find which number it is equal to. Use the normal rules of algebra to isolate the variable. Remember that you need to keep the equation balanced. This means that whatever you do to one side of the equation, you must also do to the other side. Use inverse operations to isolate a variable. For example, to isolate the variable in the equation 80 = 3 x − 10 {\displaystyle 80=3x-10} , you need to add 10 to both sides, then divide by 3: 80 = 3 x − 10 {\displaystyle 80=3x-10} 80 + 10 = 3 x − 10 + 10 {\displaystyle 80+10=3x-10+10} 90 = 3 x {\displaystyle 90=3x} 90 3 = 3 x 3 {\displaystyle {\frac {90}{3}}={\frac {3x}{3}}} 30 = x {\displaystyle 30=x} Solve an equation with multiple variables. If you have more than one unknown in your word problem, you need to make sure you combine like terms to simplify your equation. When combining like terms, remember that only terms with the same exponent and variable can be combined. For example, 4 x {\displaystyle 4x} and 2 x {\displaystyle 2x} can be combined, 3 x 2 {\displaystyle 3x^{2}} and 5 x 2 {\displaystyle 5x^{2}} can be combined, and 8 x y {\displaystyle 8xy} and 4 x y {\displaystyle 4xy} can be combined. Interpret your answer. Look back to your list of variables and unknown information. This will remind you what you were trying to solve. Write a statement indicating what your answer means. For example, since x = the price of the first book {\displaystyle x={\text{the price of the first book}}} , and 30 = x {\displaystyle 30=x} , you know that the price of the first book Jane bought was $30. Solve the following problem. This problem has more than one unknown value, so its equation will have multiple variables. This means you cannot solve for a specific numerical value of a variable. Instead, you will solve to find an equation that describes a variable. Robyn and Billy run a lemonade stand. They are giving all the money that they make to a cat shelter. They will combine their profits from selling lemonade with their tips. They sell cups of lemonade for 75 cents. Their mom and dad have agreed to double whatever amount they receive in tips. Write an equation that describes the amount of money Robyn and Billy will give to the shelter. Read the problem carefully and determine what you are asked to find. You are asked to find how much money Robyn and Billy will give to the cat shelter. Summarize what you know, and what you need to know. You know that Robyn and Billy will make money from selling cups of lemonade and from getting tips. You know that they will sell each cup for 75 cents. You also know that their mom and dad will double the amount they make in tips. You don't know how many cups of lemonade they sell, or how much tip money they get. Assign variables to the unknown quantities. Since you have three unknowns, you will have three variables. Let x {\displaystyle x} equal the amount of money they will give to the shelter. Let c {\displaystyle c} equal the number of cups they sell. Let t {\displaystyle t} equal the number of dollars they make in tips. Look for keywords. Since they will “combine” their profits and tips, you know addition will be involved. Since their mom and dad will “double” their tips, you know you need to multiply their tips by a factor of 2. Write an equation. Since you are writing an equation that describes the amount of money they will give to the shelter, the variable x {\displaystyle x} will be alone on one side of the equation. Since you are combining their profits and tips, you will be adding two terms. So, x = __ + __. The first term will be equal to their profits. Since they make $0.75 for every cup of lemonade they sell, their profits are equal to.75 c {\displaystyle.75c}. So, x =.75 c + ? ? {\displaystyle x=.75c\;+\;??}. The second term will be equal to their tips. Since their parents are doubling their tips, their tips will be equal to 2 t {\displaystyle 2t}. So, x =.75 c + 2 t {\displaystyle x=.75c+2t}. Since the variable you are describing is already isolated, and all like terms are combined, you have arrived at your final answer. Interpret your answer. The variable x {\displaystyle x} equals the amount of money Robyn and Billy will donate to the cat shelter. So, the amount they donate can be found by multiplying the number of cups of lemonade they sell by.75, and adding this product to the product of their tip money and 2. | Read the problem carefully. Determine what you are asked to find. Summarize what you know, and what you need to know. Assign variables to the unknown quantities. Look for keywords. Write an equation. Solve an equation for one variable. Solve an equation with multiple variables. Interpret your answer. Solve the following problem. Read the problem carefully and determine what you are asked to find. Summarize what you know, and what you need to know. Assign variables to the unknown quantities. Look for keywords. Write an equation. Interpret your answer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Paleontologist | How to Become a Paleontologist | If you want to become a paleontologist, start by taking some introductory college courses to build your knowledge of the subject. If you're working towards a bachelor's degree, focus on biology and geology courses so you have a strong science background. While you're in college, consider choosing an area within Paleontology to specialize in. For example, if you enjoy zoology and marine biology, you could specialize in vertebrate paleontology. Alternatively, if you enjoy botany and biology, look into paleo-botany, which is the study of plant fossils. After graduation, search for a paleontology internship through organizations like the National Park Service or the Bureau of Land Management to gain hands-on experience. Alternatively, apply to graduate school to become an expert in your specific field. | Graduate high school with good grades in most subjects. To become a paleontologist, you need to first graduate high school before you go to college. In high school, you should try to do well in math and science, because a strong background in these subjects will set you up for better success as a student in college. To get accepted to a college with a decent science program, you need to maintain good grades throughout your years in high school. Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or geology. Many of the major sciences will work, but geology, biology, geography, and environmental studies are what paleontologists mainly work in. It's important to have a strong background in the sciences, and therefore concentrate in both geology and biology. Ideally, a student should double-major in geology and biology. Another option is to major in one and take a minor in another. Take a balance of liberal arts, foreign language, chemistry, physics, and math courses. Calculus is required to enter most paleontology graduate programs, and it should be taken as early as possible in your undergraduate years. Courses that are most important to paleontology are mineralogy, stratigraphy/sedimentation, sedimentary petrology, invertebrate paleontology, ecology, invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, evolutionary biology, and genetics. You can find these at 4-year colleges. Take classes to hone your computer skills. You can take basic computer courses in college to learn how to use word processors, learn coding, perform research, and use databases. Scientists use computers as tools for research, data collection, and communication. You'll also need to communicate with colleagues, employers, and paleontological organizations through email. You need to know how to use satellite-based geographic information systems (GIS). This is used in managing databases for fossils and collections data. You'll have to take classes in college to learn digital mapping. Choose a sub-discipline in paleontology. Within paleontology, there are sub-disciplines for students to choose from. Review what courses the graduate program offers to decide on a sub-discipline. You should decide what to specialize in prior to entering graduate school. Take a variety of courses that reflect your specialization. For example, invertebrate paleontology requires a combination of biology, botany, environmental science, paleontology, and zoology courses. If you choose to specialize in vertebrate paleontology, you will take biology, marine biology, paleontology, and zoology courses. Another specialization to choose is bio-stratigraphy, the study of vertical distribution of fossils in rocks. You may choose paleo-botany, which is the study of plant fossils, especially algae, fungi, and land plants. You can also study proto-human and prehistoric human fossils in paleoanthropology. Earn a graduate degree in paleontology. To pursue a graduate degree in paleontology, you need to take classes with an emphasis on paleontology such as integrative biology, earth and planetary sciences, and geography. Many universities do not have paleontology departments. Graduate students work with their faculty guidance committee to receive the training they need for their specialization. Individual universities have their own requirements for people seeking graduate degrees in paleontology. Searching a university's website for the graduate programs is your best bet. One example is UC Berkeley's program. They offer masters degrees in paleontology through their integrative biology and geography departments. For example, to qualify for an advanced degree in paleontology, you need to take courses from the geography, geology, and biology departments. These courses may include mineral sciences, zoology, evolutionary paleo-biology, structural geology, vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology, and so on. You can also study abroad through a variety of programs such as Geophysicists in Brazil, Geologists in Columbia, Petroleum Engineers in Bolivia, Petroleum Engineers in Romania, and Petroleum Engineers in Spain. Participate in internships to gain field experience. After high school, apply for internships through paleontology organizations, universities, and museums. You can learn about internship opportunities through your university and through local natural history museums. Many paleontology organizations offer internships in paleontology, as well as nonprofit-oriented work. Keep up on searching for internships all year, because companies and organizations often post opportunities online. You can do a simple online search for internships in the field of your interest to start finding opportunities. For example, the Bighorn Basin Paleontological Institute offers internships in fossil preparation, digitizing collections, education, grant writing, marketing and promotion, web development, and nonprofit management. It could be helpful to speak to a paleontologist at a local museum to tell you how to start collecting fossils on your own. Join mentorship programs to train for a career. The Paleontological Society lists mentorship programs that are hosted by the Geological Society of America. These programs offer travel scholarships and grants, as well as a luncheon for undergrads and grads to meet faculty mentors. During the Paleontological Society Mentors in Paleontology Career Luncheon, grads and undergrads can listen to and speak to a panel of professionals about careers in paleontology. Speak with professionals in your area to find new opportunities. Your college or university may have a paleontologist for you to pursue independent research with. There are also volunteer opportunities at local museums. You should speak with a professional in your field to answer your questions about what paleontologists do. Take paleontology field courses for hands-on experience. The Paleontological Society co-sponsors a fieldwork course at the University of Georgia. Students who join the course can learn how to analyze the fossil record. Graduate students may also go to the Bahamas to research environments on San Salvador Island. This is offered by the University of the Bahamas Gerace Research Center. Participate in paleontological digs whenever possible. Fieldwork looks good on college and scholarship applications. You may consider joining private digs through museums in states such as Utah, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. You can also join projects such as Passport in Time offered through the United States Forest Service (USFS) In high school, students should go to science summer camps based on paleontology. There's a camp called Paleontology Research Team offered through the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Volunteer to help with paleontological research. The Center for Health Sciences offers a vertebrate paleontology volunteer program. You'll learn how to collect data about ecosystems and climate change. Volunteers also learn about sampling techniques. Volunteers will learn how to make casts of bone and teeth and view them with an electron microscope. You'll be taught how to install facilities for fossil preparation and learn to clean fossil bones. Look for industry jobs to survey and salvage fossils. A lot of work for paleontologists nowadays is in industries such as environmental consulting, highway construction, gas and oil pipelines, electric and phone lines, and oil and gas drilling. These jobs have high demand for paleontologists to survey and salvage fossils on federal, state, and tribal land construction projects. Environmental companies often take on these jobs and hire people with the training in fossil collection and preparation. A likely candidate for this type of work would have a master's in geology or biology with paleontology fieldwork experience. When you apply for these jobs, emphasize your fieldwork experience in surveying fossils. Search governmental paleontologist job postings on the Internet. Agencies that hire paleontologists include the Bureau of Land Management, the National Forest, and the National Parks and Monuments. While these jobs are outside of academia, you'll still be utilizing your skills in paleontology, geology, and fieldwork It's also a great path for anyone who is passionate about promoting preservation of public resources, such as fossils. Find work managing museum collections as a curator. As a curator, you would be responsible for managing large collections of fossils, identifying new specimens, and using their database for cataloging fossils. Be prepared to write instructional materials and diagrams for museum displays. You may also need to be able to lift up to 30 pounds (14 kg). You'll be required to assist in research, update computer systems, lead public tours, and train docents and volunteers. A Master of Science may be required, but they also accept PhD's with the possibility of a higher salary. Read job postings carefully to understand all requirements. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job posting by paying attention to specific skills it lists and make note of them. Out of those skills decide the 3 most important based on your reading of the job description. For example, write a list of the job requirements that are in the job description, go over them, and pull out 3 that you believe are the most important to the job. Organize your resume based on those 3 important requirements. List those qualities first on your resume and explain how you have fulfilled those tasks in past jobs. Write a clear objective statement on your resume. In the objective statement, state what your intentions are for the job you're applying for. For example, “To discover, document, prepare, restore, and display some of the best fossils in the world for the best people in the world (my clients),” clearly and concisely states why this paleontologist does their job. Organize your skills so that they match those listed in the job ad. Organize your resume into sections for education, research and field experience, teaching experience, computer skills, and awards and honors. For example, if the job calls for collections management experience, put that in a section that describes your research and field experience. For instance, an employer at a gas company may be interested in your fossil survey and salvage experience. Special skills may involve computer, paleontology and geology, and desktop publishing and graphics. Discuss your fieldwork experience when you apply for a job. When applying and being interviewed by an employer, you should talk about digs you participated in, preservation work you've done, study abroad programs, and research you assisted or initiated. If applying for an industry job, reference any geology experience you have. For instance, if you're applying as a museum curator, talk about anything you've done pertaining to managing databases and collections of fossils. If you have design experience, you discuss that, as you may need to create diagrams for museum displays. Be specific about research you've done if it pertains to the job. Emphasize your ability to interact with the public, because that may be a job requirement depending on the position you're applying for. | Graduate high school with good grades in most subjects. Earn a bachelor’s degree in biology or geology. Take classes to hone your computer skills. Choose a sub-discipline in paleontology. Earn a graduate degree in paleontology. Participate in internships to gain field experience. Join mentorship programs to train for a career. Speak with professionals in your area to find new opportunities. Take paleontology field courses for hands-on experience. Participate in paleontological digs whenever possible. Volunteer to help with paleontological research. Look for industry jobs to survey and salvage fossils. Search governmental paleontologist job postings on the Internet. Find work managing museum collections as a curator. Read job postings carefully to understand all requirements. Write a clear objective statement on your resume. Organize your skills so that they match those listed in the job ad. Discuss your fieldwork experience when you apply for a job. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Change-a-Lightbulb-in-a-Recessed-Light | How to Change a Lightbulb in a Recessed Light | To change a lightbulb in a recessed light, wait until the bulb is cool before tearing off a strip of duct tape. Then, fold the tape over on itself at both ends so you have handles to grip with a sticky part in the middle. Hold the handles, then press the sticky part of the tape against the flat surface of the bulb. Once the tape sticks, twist the handles to unscrew the bulb partially. When you can grip the bulb on both sides, unscrew it the rest of the way by hand before repeating the entire process in reverse to put in the new bulb. | Wait until the bulb is cool. If the light was recently on, wait until it is cool to the touch. This shouldn't take more than five minutes for a normal light bulb. Halogen lights may take twenty minutes. Tear off a strip of duct tape. The strip should be about 12 inches (30 cm) long, or half as long as your arm. Fold over each end of the duct tape. Fold a short section of the duct tape over and stick it to itself. Repeat on the other side. These folded "handles" should be long enough for you to grip, with a sticky segment in between them. If you find it easier, you can wrap the duct tape in a circle instead, with the adhesive on the outside. Make the circle large enough to fit your hand through it. Stick the duct tape to the light bulb. Hold the handles of the duct tape and press the sticky segment against the flat surface of the recessed bulb. Twist to unscrew. Once the tape sticks to the light bulb, you should have enough leverage to get it loose. Almost all light bulbs use standard screw threading, so turn the bulb counterclockwise to unscrew it. If it doesn't budge, read the method below for help removing the surrounding collar. Finish unscrewing by hand. Once the light bulb has emerged enough for you to grip the sides, pull off the duct tape. It's faster at this point to spin the bulb out by hand. Replace the light bulb with the same method. Screw in the new light bulb as far as you can by hand. When it's nearly flush, stick on the duct tape and turn clockwise to tighten to a secure fit. Turn off the light. Let the bulb cool to room temperature before you handle it. Look for a metal ring around the light bulb. Many recessed fixtures hold the bulb in with a metal collar. These are often removable, but follow the instructions below to avoid damaging your ceiling. This is not necessarily the large ring that holds in the entire fixture, although it can be. Look closely for a second ring flush against the light bulb. Cut away paint if necessary. If someone has painted over the ring, it may rip away pieces of drywall when you unscrew it. To avoid this, cut the paint around the ring with a utility knife, working it against the collar. Now try the steps below until you find one that works for your model. Look for a screw or button. If you're lucky, your collar is simply held in place by a couple of screws. Some models have a small metal button, which you push or slide sideways to free the fixture. Test whether the collar twists or pulls out. Some models can be twisted or pulled out by hand. Use light pressure only, unless you have confirmed this is the intended approach with a manual or the manufacturer. Here are two examples of light fixtures you can remove this way: Modern recessed halogen lights often have a plastic collar with three tabs. Press your fingers against these tabs and rotate counterclockwise. Once you have access to the bulb, grip the base and the wire and wiggle them apart. Some recessed LED light fixtures can be pulled directly out of the ceiling. Watch your fingers, as a sharp metal clip will pop downward from the edge as the fixture emerges. You can then unclip the bulb from the wire. Pry out the ring with a screwdriver. Some older halogen fixtures use a small, toothed, metal ring with no special fastener. Carefully insert a flathead screwdriver in between the ring and the light bulb, and pry outward. There is a gap in the ring, so you can flex it outward and carefully pull it down with your fingers. Grip the base of the bulb and gently wiggle the two prongs out of the socket to remove it. Take care not to chip the glass with the screwdriver. Remove a stuck ring. If there is no obvious fastener for the ring, but it refuses to twist out, it may be jammed. Try gently pushing up on the light bulb with a couple fingers from each hand. If the bulb recesses further into the ceiling, press your fingers outward against opposite sides of the ring. Try to rotate the ring while pressing to improve your grip. If this still doesn't work, and your model has three small tabs on the plastic collar, grip one of the tabs with a pair of pliers. Push with the pliers as you push another tab by hand. | Wait until the bulb is cool. Tear off a strip of duct tape. Fold over each end of the duct tape. Stick the duct tape to the light bulb. Twist to unscrew. Finish unscrewing by hand. Replace the light bulb with the same method. Turn off the light. Look for a metal ring around the light bulb. Cut away paint if necessary. Look for a screw or button. Test whether the collar twists or pulls out. Pry out the ring with a screwdriver. Remove a stuck ring. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-2-Lbs-in-One-Day | How to Lose 2 Lbs in One Day | Trying to lose 2 pounds in just 1 day is a potentially dangerous goal that should only be done in consultation with an experienced coach or doctor. If you are in a situation that requires you to lose weight fast, sweat out water weight by spending time in a sauna or hot bath. You can also take a hot yoga class, run, or bike to sweat out water weight. While these techniques can help you drop a few quick pounds of water weight, it's important to know that they come with the danger of dehydration, heat-related illness, and electro-deficiency. | Visit the sauna. One of the most straightforward ways to quickly lose water weight is to simply sweat it out. This is a short-term technique that is commonly used by boxers and other fighters to shed extra pounds before a weigh-in. You can make yourself sweat in any number of ways, but arguably the most time-efficient way would be to spend some time in a sauna. Here you will quickly sweat and drop water weight. Because saunas can be intense, you should only sit in them for short periods of 15 minutes to half an hour. After each short interval check your weight to see how much you have lost. If you sweat a lot in the sauna and become dehydrated your body may start retaining water, so have some water handy and monitor your weight loss regularly. A hot bath will work in the same way as a sauna. Exercise. An even more simple way to make yourself sweat is to exercise. If you try running, cycling, or any other kind of strenuous physical activity, you will begin to sweat which will result in you temporarily losing some water weight. Some athletes will train in extra layers of clothing to provoke more sweating, but this can be dangerous and lead to overheating which can be fatal. Bikram yoga is an example of exercising in a heated environment that will cause you to sweat much more than normal. The heat and humidity mean there is a potential for heat-related illness and you are advised to check with your doctor before undertaking such a workout. Try a sauna suit. Another way to provoke sweating is to exercise while wearing a sauna suit. These suits simply make you sweat more when you exercise than you would if you were wearing more appropriate clothing. As with all the sweating techniques, you can lose a number of pounds of water weight very quickly, but these will be regained even more quickly once you eat or drink something. Know the risks and costs. With all of these sweating techniques, the dangers of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and an electro-deficit are very real. You should speak with a medical professional before considering any of these options. If you are trying to drop weight for a boxing match or a wrestling bout, be aware that sudden weight loss can make it harder for you to think clearly, cause you to lose power, and lead to sudden mood changes. Keep drinking water. If you want to lower the amount of water weight you retain, you should keep drinking plenty of water. By keeping up your water intake, you will help enable your body to effectively flush out the excess salt that was causing water retention. If you consistently drink at least 8 glasses of water a day your body will learn that it does not need to retain as much water to deal with salt. Drinking plenty of water also helps increase your metabolic rate which will help you burn fat faster in the long run. It is possible to drink too much water and suffer water intoxication, which can be fatal. This can occur when someone compulsively drinks water or over-hydrates after a heat-related illness. Drink enough fluids so that you rarely feel thirsty and your urine is light yellow or colorless. If you are trying to lose a few pounds very quickly, then you might not consume any liquids for a day. This might see you temporarily drop a few pounds of water weight, but is not advisable for your health. Cut down on salt. The amount of salt we have in our bodies influences our level of water retention and in turn how much excess water weight we hold. Your body needs around 2000–2500mg of sodium a day to function and if you consume much more than that then water will be retained. If you limit your salt intake to between 500 and 1500mg a day, equivalent to around two teaspoons, then you may retain less water. You can replace salt with spices to season your food, such as ginger, and black pepper. Eat less starchy carbohydrates. Cutting down on the amount of carbohydrates and starchy food is a well-known facet to many diet plans. Sticking to healthy whole grain carbohydrates, and fibre-rich fruits and vegetables can help you to maintain a healthy diet and weight. Limiting your intake of refined grains and sugars can help you to stay healthy, but you should remember that carbohydrates are an important part of a balanced healthy diet. Starchy carbohydrates lead to water retention, water weight gain, and bloating. Consider a healthier, sustainable way to lose weight. If you are trying to lose weight, even if it is to make a weigh-in for a fight, you should try to avoid rapid weight loss as the costs can outweigh the benefits. Boxing and wrestling coaches recommend that fighters always stay within five or 10 pounds of their fighting weight so they can safely and gradually lose any extra pounds before a weigh-in. Rapid weight loss is controversial even in these sports and should not be undertaken lightly or without expert guidance. The potential costs to performance, as well as health, can make rapid weight loss counter-productive. To lose weight in a sustainable and manageable way, combine a healthy diet with plenty of exercise. | Visit the sauna. Exercise. Try a sauna suit. Know the risks and costs. Keep drinking water. Cut down on salt. Eat less starchy carbohydrates. Consider a healthier, sustainable way to lose weight. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-for-a-Cat-with-Feline-Leukemia | How to Care for a Cat with Feline Leukemia | It can be hard to learn that your cat has feline leukemia, but there are ways you can care for your cat after a diagnosis. Keep your cat current on any medications to prevent fleas, ticks, worms, or ear mites, since these will add to its discomfort while it's ill. Provide the cat with a soft, warm place to rest, and try to avoid loud noises or anything else which may startle or stress it. Avoid feeding your cat raw foods, as its immune system won't be able to fight off bacteria in the food, and keep its living environment and food area are always kept very clean. | Make sure that your cat actually has FeLV. Take your cat to a veterinary clinic so that your cat's blood can be drawn and tested. The test for FeLV is very sensitive and accurate; however, it is often necessary to retest the cat after four weeks to see if they are still positive, or have fought off the infection and are now immune. They will often also test for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). The FELV (and FIV in cats 6 months of age or older) tests are routinely performed by animal shelters prior to adoptions, so the results of this testing should be included with the cats veterinary records when adopted. If you found your cat or kitten, or obtained them from a private party, then viral testing should be part of your immediate health care plan. This is especially important if you plan to bring them to a home where cats already live. Look for symptoms of infection. Cats who have recently come in contact with the virus may show signs of the initial viral infection, with non-specific signs such as low energy, fever, or a decreased appetite. After the initial 'viremia' (virus multiplying in the bloodstream), some cats' immune systems will actually fight off and clear the virus completely, others will progress into a persistently infected or 'latent' infection stage. At this stage, cats are often asymptomatic and can remain asymptomatic for many years. Understand the complications that can arise should your cat have FeLV. While the disease can be managed, and may even go into remission, flare-ups are always possible. FeLV can lead to cancers, ongoing susceptibility to infection, immune system suppression, and severe anemia. It can also contribute to breeding abnormalities and arthritis abnormalities with red blood cells. Be ready to take extra precautions and care measures if your cat has FeLV. He or she can live for several years without the disease causing major problems if given appropriate care. In some cases, the cat may even become leukemia-negative, meaning that they will live a long and happy life. Give an unvaccinated cat a shot of the vaccination. There is no treatment or 'cure' for this virus. Vaccination against FELV will greatly increase your cats chances of clearing the infection if exposed instead of becoming persistently infected, which is most likely if your cat is unvaccinated. Cats can start a leukemia vaccine series as early as 8 weeks of age. Boosters are given every 1-3 years depending on the amount of exposure risk, and the type of vaccination used. Give your cat medication for worms, ear mites, fleas, ticks, and anything else that may cause him/her discomfort. Do not treat him/her for all these things at once, or else the cat will just feel even worse. Wait a week or two before treating him/her for a second condition. Keep your house stress-free. If your cat is frightened or agitated by anything in your house, get rid of the cause. Ask your family and friends to be quiet and to avoid being loud when inside the house. Keep your cat's environment warm enough. He/she may need more warmth than a non-infected cat. Snug blankets and sleeping areas are essential. Feed your cat a high quality, balanced diet . Higher-quality food will improve your cat's condition and is an assurance that your cat is getting the required nutrients that cheaper food lacks. Do not feed any home or commercially prepared raw diets as cats with FELV have a compromised immune system and could become ill from harmful bacteria this way. Don't feed solely fish, as this is lacking in many essential nutrients. Ensure that the cat's gear is hygienic. Keep all of your cat's litter boxes, food bowls, water bowls, etc. very clean. This means daily cleaning, without fail. If you're not around to do it, someone else must be tasked with this chore. Practice good hygiene. The FELV virus does not survive for long outside of the infected cat, but may be passed by hands, clothes or other objects. Practice good personal hygiene and wash your hands if touching different cats, especially if you pet or handle a known FELV positive cat. The FELV virus does not infect people. Keep your cat indoors to avoid spreading the disease or worsening its condition. FeLV is spread through blood, saliva, and excrement. Outdoor cats are at higher risk of contracting this disease, due to the increased likelihood of coming into contact with infected cats. Cats pass the virus on to one another through mutual grooming, nose-to-nose contact and bites. Sharing the same food and water bowls can also pass on the infection. Get your cat neutered or spayed, if you haven't already done so. This will help to prevent passing on the infection to any newborn cats or cats sought through mating. Make sure that the clinic you take your cat to for this operation knows that your cat has FeLV. They'll take extra care of your cat and provide the appropriate sterilization of the operating room and instruments. Get your other cats tested for FeLV. If they're free of the infection, have them vaccinated. Be aware that vaccination doesn't necessarily mean that they can be with your sick cat just yet; wait a while before doing that so the vaccine takes effect; ask your vet for exact details. The vaccine is effective if given prior to the cat getting the disease. All household cats should get a booster every one to three years, as advised after risk assessment by a veterinarian. Get any kittens in the household vaccinated. If you have a kitten in the same house as your sick cat, then give the kitten the first vaccine when it is eight to nine weeks old. Give the second one three to four weeks later. Do your very best to keep your non-infected cats away from your sick cat. They might not like being separated from their friends, but it's best for all of them until your cat is feeling better. And unfortunately, even with vaccination (it's not 100 percent effective), persistent contact with the infected cat may well lead to another uninfected cat getting the disease; it is better to avoid this possibility. Bites and scratches are common routes of transmission, but even friendly interactions, such as touching faces, sharing food or water dishes and grooming one another can result in infection. Avoid getting another cat. The less cats you have, the less chances the infection has to spread. Bring your cat in for a checkup every 6 months. The longer a cat lives and is infected with FELV, the more likely they are to develop certain types of ocular problems, oral infections, blood diseases, and cancer. Infected cats should have a physical examination and blood counts twice yearly. A more comprehensive blood, urine, and fecal examination should be performed once yearly. Your vet will ensure that the cat receives the required regular vaccinations, including rabies if that is relevant to your location. The 6-monthly checkups are vital, even if you see no signs of sickness in your cat. Keep vet visits calm and stress-free. If you're worried and upset, your cat will pick up on this. Keep calm, provide a comfortable and darkened carrier for your cat and travel during light traffic periods so that you're not stuck inside the car for longer than is required to get there and back. Reassure your cat while at the vet's and be in his/her sight at all times the vet allows. Set aside fears––the vet is on your side and will do the best by your cat. Be alert to changes in your cat's well-being. Any sign of illness should garner prompt attention as the outcome is likely to be better the earlier problems are detected and addressed. Ask your vet for an up-to-date list of things to watch for in terms of disease progression. When you notice anything that might be on this list, contact your vet to discuss any needed changes in care arrangements for your cat. Be aware that you need to spot secondary infections quickly, as your cat's immunocompromised system will mean he/she will likely be more affected than a non-FeLV infected cat and the earlier treatment is given, the greater the chance your cat has of getting over it sooner. See to your cat's ultimate comfort. Play with your cat, give him/her attention (when he/she wants it), and make sure that your cat is always comfortable and happy. | Make sure that your cat actually has FeLV. Look for symptoms of infection. Understand the complications that can arise should your cat have FeLV. Be ready to take extra precautions and care measures if your cat has FeLV. Give an unvaccinated cat a shot of the vaccination. Give your cat medication for worms, ear mites, fleas, ticks, and anything else that may cause him/her discomfort. Keep your house stress-free. Feed your cat a high quality, balanced diet . Ensure that the cat's gear is hygienic. Practice good hygiene. Keep your cat indoors to avoid spreading the disease or worsening its condition. Get your cat neutered or spayed, if you haven't already done so. Get your other cats tested for FeLV. Get any kittens in the household vaccinated. Do your very best to keep your non-infected cats away from your sick cat. Bring your cat in for a checkup every 6 months. Keep vet visits calm and stress-free. Be alert to changes in your cat's well-being. See to your cat's ultimate comfort. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Create-a-Hot-Compress-for-Acne-Treatment-and-Skin-Health | How to Create a Hot Compress for Acne Treatment and Skin Health | To create a hot compress to treat acne, start by washing your hands and face with a mild cleanser. Next, run a small, clean washcloth under warm water until it's saturated. Then, apply the compress to your entire face or the affected area for 10 minutes to open your pores and bring any pimples to a head. Finally, apply a topical acne treatment that contains salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur to the affected area. You can repeat this 2-3 times daily! | Wash your hands. Always wash your hands before touching your face. You do not want to spread any germs from the things you touch (e.g. cell phone, door handles, computer keyboard) onto your face. Touching your face can lead to breakouts and spread any bacteria that may be causing your current breakout. Use an adequate amount of soap, rub your hands together, and rinse with warm water. Wash your face. Use a mild cleanser such as Cera Ve and warm water to cleanse your skin before applying the compress. You do not want to spread any bacteria on your face when you apply the compress. Use your fingertips to gently apply the cleanser to your face. Do not scrub or exfoliate before applying the compress to avoid irritating your skin. Prepare your washcloth. Take a small, clean washcloth and run it under warm water. You can also put warm water in a small bowl and completely saturate your towel. The water should not be too hot. You do not want to burn your face or dry out your skin. You can use a cotton ball instead of a towel if you are only applying it to a single pimple. You can heat your compress in the microwave as well. Place a damp towel in a Ziploc bag and microwave until it is warm. Consider adding tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is an effective natural treatment for reducing acne breakouts. Add 6 to 12 drops of the oil to the bowl of water before dipping your towel or cotton ball. Always dilute the tea tree oil with water before applying to your face and avoid direct contact with eyes. Tea tree oil may irritate your skin. Test the diluted solution on your arm before applying to your face. Apply the compress to your face. Apply the compress to your face for 10 minutes. The compress can be applied to your entire face or to a pimple only. If your compress becomes cold, reheat and apply again. You can apply the compress two or three times a day. Examine your face when you remove the compress. Your pores should be open and your pimples should have come to a head. If you do not notice any changes, saturate your towel or cotton ball again and reapply the compress. Try a green tea compress. Green tea contains polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that are helpful for your skin. Take a tea bag and steep it in hot water. Gently squeeze out any excess water and allow the bag to cool. Once the bag has cooled down, apply the bag to your pimple. Leave the bag on for 15 minutes and rinse your face with water when you are done. You can also put green tea bags under your eyes to decrease puffiness or relieve tired eyes. Apply an ice compress. If you feel a pimple coming or your pimple is painful, use an ice compress instead of heat. Icing can reduce swelling, inflammation, redness, and pain. Wrap some ice in a thin washcloth and apply to your pimple. Leave it on for one minute and then wait five minutes. Reapply for another minute if you need to. You can also apply an ice compress after a warm compress if your pimple does not come to a head. You can apply ice directly to your skin, just not for very long. A cold compress can also be used to relieve bug bites. Apply the compress for 15 minutes a few times a day. If you have dry, itchy skin, apply the compress to the irritated areas. Use aromatherapy. Smelling rosemary or lavender essential oil for 5 minutes has been shown to reduce stress. Applying peppermint oil to your skin can be used to relieve tension headaches. Put 5 to 10 drops of the oil in 1 to 2 cups of water. Then saturate a washcloth in the mixture. Wring out the washcloth and then apply to your body. Rinse your face with cool water. After applying a warm compress to your face, wash your face with anti-acne cleanser or simply with mild cleanser and then splash your face with some cool water to close your pores. This will also help to calm down any inflammation from the heat. Apply a topical acne treatment. Once the pimple has come to a head, apply a spot treatment to your pimple. Products containing salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or sulfur can be applied to the pimple after the compress. These ingredients are effective over-the-counter treatments for acne. Because the compress has opened your pores, the medicine may be more easily absorbed by your skin. Do not pop your pimple. Picking, popping, or squeezing your acne increases your risk of scarring and blemishes that can take longer to clear up. You can apply gently pressure to both sides of your pimple using cotton swabs. If anything is ready to come out, it will. Never squeeze your pimple or use your fingers. See a dermatologist. If your compress does not work and your acne does not improve, see a dermatologist. Some acne cannot be controlled with over-the-counter treatments alone. Your doctor can prescribe you more effective drugs that are not available over-the-counter. A dermatologist can help you control your acne, prevent future breakouts, and reduce scarring and dark spots. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any medications that you are prescribed. Also let your doctor know about the treatments you have been using at home. Consider using concealer. If your pimple has not gone down after you applied the compress and a topical acne medication, you can use makeup to make it less noticeable until it heals. Look for non-comedogenic cosmetics that offer light coverage. Heavy foundations and concealers will not allow your skin to breathe and can make your acne worse. There are several concealers available OTC that contain anti-acne and anti-blemish medication. Mineral makeup that does not contain bismuth oxychloride and dimethicone is recommended. | Wash your hands. Wash your face. Prepare your washcloth. Consider adding tea tree oil. Apply the compress to your face. Try a green tea compress. Apply an ice compress. Use aromatherapy. Rinse your face with cool water. Apply a topical acne treatment. Do not pop your pimple. See a dermatologist. Consider using concealer. |
https://www.wikihow-fun.com/Annoy-Your-Family-and-Friends | How to Annoy Your Family and Friends | Annoying your family and friends can be a fun way to pass the time as long as you don't take it too far. Try singing a song the person hates or playing it on your phone. Or, disagree with everything they say until they give up talking to you. If you're feeling crafty, pull a prank on them, like jumping out and scaring them or pretending you broke something expensive of theirs. You can also call them silly names, like something that rhymes with their real name. Annoying people can be a good joke, but if they actually start to get upset or angry, back off and apologize since you don't want to cross the line into bullying. | Leave clothes, dishes, and other items out to create a mess. A surefire way to annoy your friends or your family is to make a mess and not clean it up. Nobody wants to clean up after somebody else, so leave your mess behind if your goal is to aggravate someone. Leave your dishes at the table when you're done eating. Don't pick up your clothes whenever you change. Just leave them lying around the room. Eat their food in the refrigerator. Going to grab a snack that you saved for yourself only to find that someone else has eaten it will annoy anybody. Take a look in the fridge for food and drinks that belong to your friend or a family member and go to town on it. If they've labeled it by writing their name on it, eating their food will upset them even more. Leave the front door open in front of them when you come or go. It's super rude and inconsiderate to just leave the front door wide open whenever you walk through it. If your goal is to annoy your friends or family, don't bother closing the door when you come or go. If they call after you to come back and close it, pretend that you can't hear them. Open the door as wide as possible for even more annoyance. Don't leave the door open if they aren't home. Leave it open when they're in the room with you so it aggravates but doesn't endanger them. Borrow their things without asking. Wear their shirt or use their phone charger without asking your friend or family member is a great way to annoy them. If you find something of theirs lying around, or better yet, where it's supposed to be (like their charger plugged into the wall of their room) just grab it and use it without bothering to ask them. Use or wear the item in front of them so they can see it and get even more aggravated. Play your music really loudly. Whether you're hanging out at their house or driving in their car, blaring your music super loudly is a great and simple way to annoy your friends or family. If they try to talk to you or ask you to turn it down, act like you can't hear them, or better yet, turn it up even louder! To turn up the annoying factor even more, play a song that you know they hate. Play your headphones loudly when you wear them so you can't hear them when they try to talk to you. Sing along really loudly and badly to annoy them even more. Invite people over without asking. If you're hanging out at your friend's or a relative's house, have people over and don't tell them or ask if it's okay. Nobody likes being suddenly surprised by visitors, so if you want to annoy someone, have people over to their house without any notice. Double-down by not telling the person you invite over that you checked with your friend or relative first. Now you can annoy multiple people! Know your limits when you’re annoying them. Everybody has a breaking point where they will no longer put up with your rudeness, even if your intent was just to annoy them. Recognize if you're genuinely upsetting your friend or relative when you're annoying them so you can ease up on it and prevent them from losing their cool. If necessary, tell them you're sorry and you were only trying to annoy them because you like them. Fix the problem if they get really upset. If you made a mess to annoy them, clean it up! Bring up political differences to argue with them. A guaranteed way to start up an annoying argument is to talk about politics. Especially if you know that someone has different political views than someone else. Talk about a recent contentious political headline or a new policy that's got people worked up. Start an argument in the room if you know someone has different beliefs than someone else. Disagree with anything they say just to be difficult. If someone has an opinion about something, no matter how minor or trivial, tell them that they're wrong just to argue with them. They'll get annoyed with you quickly, especially if you continue to disagree with other things that they say. Try to be as difficult as you can. For example, if someone says that they like chocolate ice cream more than vanilla, tell them that they're wrong and they have an unrefined palate. Point out past mistakes and how you would have done things differently. Everybody makes mistakes or does something wrong at some point, but nobody likes to have it constantly pointed out to them. If you want to annoy a friend or family member, bring up things that they've done that they're not proud of or didn't go according to plan. Then, tell them why they screwed up and how you would have done a better job. For instance, if somebody tried to start a new business that failed, bring it up! And tell them how you knew it was a bad idea from the start. That'll get them annoyed! Play a prank on them. Pranks and practical jokes can be funny or innocent, but they can also be super annoying. Different people get annoyed by different things, so choose pranks that you know will annoy the person. For instance, if your mom hates loud noises, attach an air horn to her desk chair and have her sit down in it. The horn will go off and frighten and annoy her. Ask your little brother what his favorite fruit is and tell him that you know a trick that can make their hand smell like that fruit. When he smells his hand, smack the back of his hand to make him hit himself in the face! Call them embarrassing nicknames. If you know that a relative or friend has a nickname that they absolutely hate, constantly call them by that name to annoy them. If they don't necessarily have one, try making one up on the spot by making their name sound silly or calling them something that makes fun of a mistake that they've made. For example, if their name is Ellie, try calling them Smelly instead. If your cousin accidentally burnt the bread at a family gathering, call him Mr. Baker to annoy him. Make fun of them. Nobody likes being made fun of, so teasing a relative or friend is sure to annoy them. Use funny voices or comment on their outfit to tease them. Even the most patient of people have a limit, so keep it up until they crack and get super annoyed. Try saying something like, “I love those shoes. I remember when those were popular like 20 years ago!” Tell them to stop being so sensitive after you tease them. Teasing someone is annoying enough, but if you really want to drive the point home, try backtracking and accusing them of being overly sensitive after they get upset. That'll really set them off and push them over the edge! Say something like, “Geez, I'm sorry. I was just joking, I didn't know you would get all upset over it.” Accuse them of being the difficult person, not yourself. Deflecting the blame will get them even more annoyed. Be respectful of their boundaries when you tease them. Annoying a friend or family member can be playful fun, but don't take it so far that you hurt their feelings. Pay attention to how they react to your teasing. If they seem upset, back off and let them know that you were only teasing them for fun, not to be mean. Apologize if you hurt their feelings. Avoid sensitive topics when you're teasing them. For instance, if they're getting over a really bad breakup, don't bring it up when you tease them. | Leave clothes, dishes, and other items out to create a mess. Eat their food in the refrigerator. Leave the front door open in front of them when you come or go. Borrow their things without asking. Play your music really loudly. Invite people over without asking. Know your limits when you’re annoying them. Bring up political differences to argue with them. Disagree with anything they say just to be difficult. Point out past mistakes and how you would have done things differently. Play a prank on them. Call them embarrassing nicknames. Make fun of them. Tell them to stop being so sensitive after you tease them. Be respectful of their boundaries when you tease them. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Open-a-Trading-Account | How to Open a Trading Account | Before you open a trading account, go online to research reputable brokers that are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Make sure you meet their minimum balance requirements, and they offer the services you need under a fee structure you can afford. Once you've chosen a broker, go to their webpage and create an account. Then, provide your personal information, and documentation of your identity and finances. Finally, mail in a check or initiate an electronic funds transfer to deposit money in your account. | Make sure you have enough risk capital to invest. Risk capital is money you are free to invest. This money isn't used in paying your living expenses, repaying your debts, or held in your retirement account. In other words, this is money you could stand to lose (but obviously don't want to). In addition to your retirement account, most financial professionals advise that you keep about six month's worth of wages in savings. This is a good financial cushion to cover unforeseeable life events, like losing your job or becoming ill. Any money left over after this is your risk capital. Six month's worth salary is a minimum amount to keep in savings. For more security, consider saving a year's worth or more. Contribute to your 401(k) first. In addition to your emergency savings, you'll want to contribute to your 401(k) before committing money to risk capital. This is particularly true if your employer fully or partially matches your contributions. Max out the matched contributions to your retirement account each month before putting extra money into your trading account. Consider offline options. Before signing up for online trading, think about your goals and experience with trading. Would you rather have a professional handle your money? Are you more willing to trust someone you can meet in person? Offline brokers can offer you services and expertise that online broker cannot, so take these options into consideration before committing. Outside of online brokerages, you have two major options: money managers and full-service brokers. Money managers are the most hands-off of all of the broker options. They handle all of your trades, determine goals for your portfolio, and update you on its growth and progress. However, they also charge large management fees and require initial investments upwards of $100,000 or $250,000. Full-service brokers offer, as the name implies, the most amount of services. They sit down with you to determine your financial goals based on your age, retirement plans, marital status, personality, and risk tolerance. They work with you to make investment strategies and also will make direct trades if you call and ask them to. They can offer advice on anything from taxes to estate planning. Accounts can be opened for as little as $1,000, but fees are generally higher than those for online brokerages. Determine your investment style. If you're still planning to invest online, you'll need to determine what type of trades you'll be making. If you'll be doing more day trading, you'll need a platform that is responsive and has low per-trade fees. Alternately, if you plan to make long-term investments, you can afford a platform with higher trading fees that offers more services. Your decisions here will inform your choice of brokerage. Day trading is a stock trading strategy in which an investor buys and sells the same stock within the same day. Day traders typically hope to take advantage of small price fluctuations and make quick returns. Locate several brokers. Select trading platforms that are reliable and well regarded. You'll want to be satisfied that the brokers are knowledgeable and responsive to your needs. Well-known platforms will be the most reliable. However, if you choose to go with a more obscure brokerage, make sure the platform is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) before committing your money. Some of the most reputable online brokers are: Fidelity, Scottrade, E*Trade, OptionsHouse, TD Ameritrade, Charles Schwab, TradeStation, and Interactive Brokers. Make sure you meet minimum balance requirements. The first requirement you'll have to check is whether or not you meet the broker's minimum account balance. This is the smallest amount that you can deposit to start an account. For some of these brokerages, if you lose money and your account balance drops below this amount, you will still be charged additional fees for having too low a balance. Total up your risk capital and compare this to the required minimum balance at each brokerage. For reference, most online brokers require between $500 and $1000. However, there are also discount brokers with a $0 minimum and higher-tier brokers with minimums of up to $25,000. Look at their fee structures. Online brokers vary widely in fees charged. Some charge monthly or annual service fees, some have high per-trade fees for securities, and some charge more or less on mutual fund purchases, among many other types and amounts of fees. Any broker will have this information readily available to potential account holders. Visit their website and jot down their different fees and how they might apply to you. Again, which fees are most relevant to you will depend on what type of trading you plan to do. High trade commissions are a non-issue if you plan to hold your securities for long periods of time. However, a day trader would prefer one of the brokers with $1 trade commissions. Day trading has been proven in academic studies to be less profitable that passive investing (buying and holding securities for longer periods of time). This is partially due to losses sustained on bad trades, but also to fees charged on each trade. Determine the extent of services you need. Many larger, and more expensive, online brokers have advanced research and analytical tools for your use. If you plan to make quick, daily trades based on market information and analytics, you may get your money's worth out of these tools. However, if you plan to be a more passive investor, you may want to look for a more basic service that charges you lower fees. Select the broker that best meets your needs. Narrow down your broker list first by choosing only those with low enough minimum balances. Next, look at the services offered and choose those which offer the services you need. Finally, look at the fee structures and determine which one will be cheapest for you to use. Select that broker. Register with your chosen broker. Go to "create a new account" or "register." This will likely be in a prominent position on the broker's main webpage. You'll likely have to enter your email address and create a username to get started. Provide documentation. During the application process, you will be asked to prove your identity and provide financial information. You may also be required to scan or fax in certain documents. For most brokers, you will need the following information and documents: Personal information, like your name, address, and work information Your Social Security number or card Your W-9 form Up to two other forms of identification Other information or documents as required by your broker. Deposit money with the broker in order to start trading. Compile your risk capital into one account and deposit this money into your trading account. Many brokers offer electronic fund transfers for your first deposit, while other may require that you mail in an actual check. Try out the tools and services offered by your broker. Take a tour of the platform and familiarize yourself with major tools and pages. Work out how to see your current positions in total and individually. Take advantage of every service you think you might use; after all, you're paying for them anyway. Do your research and make your first purchase. You may already have a purchase in mind, but you should still do your research first to make sure this is a sound investment. When you're ready, make your first order and wait for your broker to fill it. Make sure to not put all of your eggs in one basket here; diversification is key to building a successful portfolio. For more on diversification, see how to build a diversified portfolio. | Make sure you have enough risk capital to invest. Contribute to your 401(k) first. Consider offline options. Determine your investment style. Locate several brokers. Make sure you meet minimum balance requirements. Look at their fee structures. Determine the extent of services you need. Select the broker that best meets your needs. Register with your chosen broker. Provide documentation. Deposit money with the broker in order to start trading. Try out the tools and services offered by your broker. Do your research and make your first purchase. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-a-Jean-Zipper | How to Fix a Jean Zipper | To fix a jean zipper that's stuck, rub a candle or some shortening along the length of the zipper on both sides to help loosen it and make it easier to open. Alternatively, if you have a zipper that will not stay up, spray some hairspray along the length of the closed zipper teeth. Once the hairspray sets, it should be tacky enough to prevent the zipper from sliding down. You can also try inserting a safety pin through the zipper pull and the fabric near your zipper after pulling the zipper closed. | Remove the top stops on both sides. The top stops are metal pieces at the top of the zipper that prevent the zipper from coming completely off of the track. Use pliers to remove the top stops. Pry the top stops apart to loosen them and then pull them off the zipper fabric. This will allow you to fix your zipper and get it back on the track on both sides. Pull off 2 or 3 teeth on both sides. Next, use the pliers to pull off 2 or 3 teeth from each side of the top of the zipper. Pry the teeth apart to loosen them and then pull them away from the zipper fabric. Removing these zipper teeth will make it easier to put the zipper back on the track. Make sure to pull off the same amount of teeth on each side of the zipper. Discard these zipper teeth. You will not need them. Take off the zipper pull. After you have removed the zipper teeth, you will be able to slide the zipper pull completely off of the track. Remove the zipper pull and set it aside. Close the zipper teeth with your fingers. Next, begin to reconnect the zipper teeth with your fingers. Press the teeth together as if you are zipping the zipper up from the bottom. Make sure that all of the teeth are interlocked with the teeth across from them. Connect the teeth all the way to the top of the zipper. Replace the zipper pull. When all the teeth are interlocked, slide the zipper pull back onto the zipper at the top. As you do this, some of the teeth may come apart. Reconnect them if they do. Then, begin sliding the zipper pull down the length of the zipper. The teeth should open as you do this and this means that the zipper is back on the track. Replace the top stops. Take the zipper top stops that you removed earlier and use your pliers to reconnect them to the zipper fabric. Replace each of the zipper stops right above the zipper teeth by squeezing them closed around the zipper fabric. There should be no gaps between the zipper teeth and top stops. Check the location of the broken zipper teeth. Adding a new bottom stop will prevent the zipper from sliding over broken teeth and getting stuck or coming off the track. If the broken zipper teeth are more than halfway down the fly, then you can fix the zipper by adding a new bottom stop. If the broken teeth are higher up on the zipper, then you will need to replace the entire zipper. Remove the top stops and zipper pull. Take off the top stops using a pair of pliers. Pry each of the top stops apart using the pliers and then remove them from the zipper fabric. Then, slide the zipper pull off of the zipper. Set the top stops and zipper pull aside. Close the zipper teeth with your fingers. Next, use your fingers to manually close the zipper teeth. Start from the bottom of the zipper and work upwards. Press the teeth together a few at a time. They should be easy to lock into place. Line up the spot with the broken or missing teeth as well as you can. Place a bottom stop above the broken teeth. A bottom stop is a square metal piece with two prongs extending from the back of it. Press these prongs into the zipper fabric on both sides of the zipper teeth where the teeth are broken or missing. Then, turn use pliers to press the prongs down on the back side of the zipper. If you don't want to use a new zipper bottom stop, then you can also sew over the area with the broken teeth. However, you will need to sew over the area completely to prevent the zipper pull from going into this area and coming off the track. Replace the zipper pull and top stops. Next, take the zipper pull and slide it back onto the track at the top of the zipper. Make sure that the teeth are still closed and close any that open up as you are getting the zipper pull back on. Then, use your pliers to replace the top stops. Put them back onto the zipper fabric where they were before. Use wax or grease to unstick a zipper. If the zipper is stuck, then rubbing wax or grease onto the zipper may help to loosen it and make it easier to open and close. Get a candle or some Crisco and rub it along the length of the zipper on both sides. Then, try to open and close the zipper. The zipper pull should move easily now. Be careful not to get the wax or grease onto the surrounding fabric. Add a keyring or safety pin to prevent a zipper from unzipping. If you have a zipper pull that simply will not stay up, then attaching a keyring or safety pin to the zipper pull can help to keep it in place. If you use a keyring, then you can loop the keyring around the jeans button when the zipper is up. If you use a safety pin, then you can insert the pin through the fabric near your zipper when the pull is up. Another option is to spray some hairspray onto your zipper to prevent it from sliding down as easily. Spray hairspray along the length of the closed zipper teeth. This should make them tacky enough that the zipper will not keep sliding down. Replace a zipper that is beyond repair. If the zipper is so broken that you cannot fix it, then you will likely need to replace it. Get a replacement zipper that is the same size and color as the original. Then, remove the old zipper with a seam ripper and sew in the new zipper. | Remove the top stops on both sides. Pull off 2 or 3 teeth on both sides. Take off the zipper pull. Close the zipper teeth with your fingers. Replace the zipper pull. Replace the top stops. Check the location of the broken zipper teeth. Remove the top stops and zipper pull. Close the zipper teeth with your fingers. Place a bottom stop above the broken teeth. Replace the zipper pull and top stops. Use wax or grease to unstick a zipper. Add a keyring or safety pin to prevent a zipper from unzipping. Replace a zipper that is beyond repair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-a-Kiwi | How to Cut a Kiwi | To cut up your kiwi, first rinse it in water to get rid of any dirt. Cut it in half width-wise and scoop the flesh out of the skin to eat, or continue cutting it into small, cylindrical slices for a more decorative effect. The skin is edible, but if you prefer to remove it, slice off both ends of the kiwi and slide a spoon between the skin and flesh. Rotate the spoon around the kiwi to loosen the skin, then pop the fruit from the skin and dice or slice it into quarters to eat. | Buy or grow a kiwifruit. The fruit should be a brown-green color and have short, fuzzy hairs. Hold it in your palm and give it a light squeeze to feel whether the kiwifruit is soft. If it's too soft, it might have gone bad. Try to pick a medium soft kiwifruit as it will be just right to eat straight away. Wash the kiwifruit. Washing the kiwifruit ensures that any possible contaminants on the skin, such as bacteria, are not transferred to the fruit itself. This way you will not get sick. Chop the kiwifruit in half, across the widest part. Use a clean, sharp fruit knife and a chopping board. Depending on the ripeness of the fruit, the knife should cut right through. If it's still a little hard, you may need to slice again to cut through the core. At this point, you can eat the kiwifruit as it is, scooping the flesh out of the skin with a spoon, like you would eat a boiled egg. Some people prefer to remove the small, black seeds from the kiwifruit, but this is completely optional as the seeds are perfectly edible. Cut the kiwifruit into circular slices. For smaller, more decorative slices of kiwifruit, cut the entire fruit into circular slices, working from one end to the other, discarding the end pieces. Then cut through the diameter of each circle to form small, kiwifruit semicircles. These kiwifruit slices make a great addition to a decorative fruit salad and add a splash of tropical color to the tops of cakes, pavlovas and other desserts. They also make a great bite-sized snack for small children and work well in school lunches. If you want to remove the skin before chopping, just follow the method below. Cut the ends off the kiwifruit. Place the kiwifruit on a chopping board and carefully slice off both ends of the fruit, using a small knife. Don't worry about wasting the fruit, you will need to expose a decent amount of the kiwi fruit's green flesh in order for this method to work. Insert a spoon between the skin and flesh of the kiwifruit. You can use a regular tablespoon to do this. Try to get the spoon as closely underneath the skin as possible, as this will make the fruit easier to remove. Rotate the spoon around the kiwifruit, beneath the skin. This will loosen the skin from the fruit. Depending on the size of the spoon, you may need to work on one side of the kiwi first, then switch to the other side to loosen all of the skin. Pop the fruit from the skin. Once all of the skin has been loosened, you should easily be able to slide the entire kiwi fruit out, leaving you with a perfectly smooth, cylindrical fruit. It is also possible to just peel the kiwifruit with a knife, but you will inevitably remove some of the fruit doing it this way, and end up with a strangely-shaped kiwifruit. Slice the kiwifruit vertically in half. Then slice each half again to form little kiwifruit wedges, perfect for fruit salads or a prettily arranged fruit plate. Alternatively, you can easily dice the kiwifruit into cubes of any size. | Buy or grow a kiwifruit. Wash the kiwifruit. Chop the kiwifruit in half, across the widest part. Cut the kiwifruit into circular slices. Cut the ends off the kiwifruit. Insert a spoon between the skin and flesh of the kiwifruit. Rotate the spoon around the kiwifruit, beneath the skin. Pop the fruit from the skin. Slice the kiwifruit vertically in half. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-a-Parakeet-from-Biting | How to Stop a Parakeet from Biting | To stop a parakeet from biting, try feeding it from your hand so it will associate your hand with something positive instead of something to be scared of. Make sure that you move slowly and talk softly around your bird to avoid scaring it. Additionally, train your bird to perch on your finger by pushing lightly on its chest to coax it into putting its foot on your finger. Repeat the process at least once a day to build a bond with your bird and help put an end to its biting behavior. | Adopt a parakeet from the youngest age possible. Parakeets are very sociable, and if you become part of their flock, you will have a more loving friend. To do this, simply spend lots of time with your bird from a young age, and he or she will become accustomed to your hands. This will help prevent your parakeet from biting you in the first place. Feed the parakeet from your hand. If a parakeet associates your hand with something positive—like food—it will be less scared and therefore less likely to bite you. Not only can this help keep the bird from biting you, it will help them become friendlier in general. If the parakeet feels threatened by your hand, you may have trouble feeding it from your hand. In this case, try using a spoon at first and gradually choking up on the handle, then placing the spoon head in your fingers, then palm, etc. until you can discontinue using the spoon and encourage the bird to eat from your hand. Reward the parakeet with treats and food. Feeding your parakeet from your hand is one way to develop a bond, but you can also use food and treats to reward the bird for good behavior. For example, if you successfully got the parakeet onto your hand or even out of the cage for the first time (see parts below) you can use treats or food to reward the bird for that behavior. When the bird understands the reward system, it will learn to do what you want it to do in exchange for the food or treat. Look for reasons why the bird is biting. Parakeets may bite out of fear or jealousy, because they are tired, due to unintended reinforcement of biting behavior, in anticipation of being placed back in the cage when they do not want to be, or to protect their territory. You will be more successful at bonding with your parakeet and reducing biting behavior if you know why your bird bites. Armed with this information, you may tailor your approach to helping put a stop to biting more specifically. Move very slowly. If you move too fast you'll scare the bird. In general, you must move slowly around the bird if you want them to become tame enough to stop biting behavior. Do not place the cage in a high-traffic of your home, as too much commotion may be disturbing. Stay calm if the bird bites you. If you quickly remove your hand from the cage when your bird bites, he or she may be getting just the reaction they are hoping for and continue the behavior. The bird may also be entertained by your reaction and continue the behavior for this reason. Be sure to remain calm if the bird bites—its bites are unlikely to break the skin, and they will probably not hurt that much. In response to biting behavior, simply say no firmly and cover the cage. The isolation this produces is not something the bird likes, so you will be discouraging biting behavior. It also calms the bird. Talk softly to your bird. The goal of proper interaction with your parakeet is essentially taming the bird. Talking softly around the bird helps it to feel calm around you, which can help with taming. Talking too loudly or shouting near the bird (not even necessarily to the bird) can scare it. Train the parakeet to perch on your finger. Getting your parakeet to perch on your finger is part of hand-training. Finger-perching may take a while to achieve, but the patience should pay off in the end by developing a strong bond between you and your bird and minimizing biting behavior. Follow subsequent steps in this section to achieve finger-perching. Be mindful of the bird's mood—he or she may not be interested in trying finger-perching just because you want him or her to. Keep this in mind as you begin to train the bird, and try to be aware of the bird's mood so you don't irritate or frustrate it. Put your finger on the parakeet's chest and push lightly. This does not hurt your bird, but it will make it lose its balance and coax it into putting its foot on your finger. It may not happen the first time, so if the bird flies away, try again the next day. Practice these steps each day to get the bird comfortable perching on your hand. Doing so will help put an end to biting behavior. Finger-train your parakeet out-of-the-cage. Once your bird is comfortable perching on your finger, begin trying to bring it outside the cage on your finger. Use a vocal cue such as saying "up" in an enthusiastic voice. The bird may not want to venture too far outside the cage, but keep trying and you should be able to get him or her to go farther and farther each time. If they fly away, they will eventually go back to their cage, as that's where they feel safe. Once your bird is finger trained out-of-the-cage, he or she will trust you a lot more, so biting should cease. | Adopt a parakeet from the youngest age possible. Feed the parakeet from your hand. Reward the parakeet with treats and food. Look for reasons why the bird is biting. Move very slowly. Stay calm if the bird bites you. Talk softly to your bird. Train the parakeet to perch on your finger. Put your finger on the parakeet's chest and push lightly. Finger-train your parakeet out-of-the-cage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Win-Keno | How to Win Keno | To play Keno, you should pick a number between 1 and 80 and place a bet on the likelihood of this number coming out. You can choose up to 20 numbers, and many Keno games require that you pick at least 4. Once you've chosen your numbers, place small bets at first if possible, like $1, which will help you hold onto more of your money until you've found a comfortable playing groove. You should also play fewer numbers per round, which will award you a higher percentage of money if you do win. | Learn the rules before you start playing. As with most gambling, it is always important to know how to play the game. Read up on the basic rules and variations. Then find a place to play for free to get the hang of the game before you start betting money. You will benefit from a little preparation and practice play. Keno pays out based on percentages, so the ultimate goal is to get all of the numbers you chose, although this is an unlikely outcome. Keno is a fast paced game, and typically new games start every few minutes. Part of winning is staying in the game for multiple rounds and not giving up if you don't win right at the start. Choose numbers and place a wager. The game uses the numbers 1-80. You choose up to 20 of the numbers and mark them on your card. Many games will require you to choose at least four numbers. Some games may also have a specific minimum bet you must place. On a video machine, you'll select these numbers and they will be locked in. For live games, you may need to submit the card to the Keno writer for the card to be officially in play. There is a person who randomly chooses the “spot” numbers, which are the ones that will payout each round of the game. These are usually balls with numbers on them, possibly drawn from a tumbler cage. Check your numbers and pick up your payout. Keno pays on a percentage table, so the more numbers you get out of what you chose, the more you win. In video Keno, your payout will register automatically, and in live games you'll need to show your card to the game administrator. For example, you might pick five numbers in a game. In most cases, to win money, you'd need to hit on three of those numbers. Then you would get more money for four out of five hits and a large payout for five out of five hits. Winnings from round to round tend to be pretty small, or non-existent, but it is possible to get a large payout on a small investment. Gather information about the game you are entering. Keno lounges and games can vary to some extent, so it is important to find out the specifications of the game you are about to play. You should find out limits on how many numbers you can play, minimum bets, potential pay-outs, and your chance of matching numbers. Being informed is highly important when you play Keno, so look for posted rules when you enter the lounge or game site. If you don't see rules posted at a lounge, it's worth your time to find an employee and ask them about that particular lounge's rules. You might even ask some other players if the game has been paying out well and if there are certain numbers that have been hit frequently. Look for Keno lounges with higher payouts. Keno lounges have a fairly standard payout range from one to the next, but there will still be some variation. If you have multiple Keno lounge options nearby, it's worth your time to check into different ones to find a better payout. If you are at a lounge for a while and it doesn't seem to be paying out, try another lounge. You can visit each Keno lounge and ask an employee what the payout is like, or you can ask around some of the players and, if you find someone who is there often, you can ask what the typical payout is. You may not find a whole lot of variation, but if you do find one place with a consistently higher payout, it's worth your while to frequent that one over some of the other options. If you are playing Keno in Las Vegas, you may find better payouts at lounges that are off of the main strip. Find a progressive jackpot keno game. Keno has pretty bad odds no matter what, but if you are able to be in the right spot at the right time, a progressive jackpot can be a great bet. The pot builds up over time so you have the chance to possibly win a much larger sum than you would in a typical Keno game. Note what bets qualify for a jackpot, pay attention to the payoff table for all non-jackpot wins, and find out the current and maximum size of the jackpot. If possible, find out the size of the most recent jackpot payout to get a sense for how big the jackpot is likely to get before being won. Bet small at first. Even though keno is a fast paced game, winning can be slow and takes patience. You don't want to sit down in a lounge and blow all of your money in two or three rounds. Most lounges will let you place bets as low as $1, so you should do this at first. Get into the groove of the game, see if the lounge is paying out well, and then increase your bets. Keno is not generally a game in which you win large sums, but if you bet smart you may be able to win small amounts over a number of rounds which will build up your overall winnings. It is possible to get lucky and win a lot at once, just not likely. Set a playing budget. If you play often, this should include an overall budget for a month, for each day that you'll play, and for bets on each round. If you are just playing for one sitting, a budget for that day is still a smart idea.You don't want to play with more money than you actually have. And you don't want to lose more than you started with. Keno is gambling, and gambling typically is a losing proposition in terms of odds. Some people win, but lots of people lose first. Be smart about how much money you can afford to play with. This is important for each individual time you sit down to play. You don't want to bet all of your money in the first couple rounds, so it is often better to play conservatively over a longer period of time. Play fewer numbers each round. This is a complicated suggestion, and not all Keno players agree on this, but if you play less numbers, you'll win a higher percentage of money if you do in fact win. If you play four numbers and win three, it is better than winning eight numbers out of ten. Some Keno games will require you to pick a certain amount of numbers, which is why it's important to know house rules. Overall, it is good to pick less numbers. This is basically a balancing act, as you will probably never win if you only pick one number, but it's hard to get a large payout if you pick 15 numbers. | Learn the rules before you start playing. Choose numbers and place a wager. Check your numbers and pick up your payout. Gather information about the game you are entering. Look for Keno lounges with higher payouts. Find a progressive jackpot keno game. Bet small at first. Set a playing budget. Play fewer numbers each round. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Please-God | How to Please God | If you want please God, base your relationship with Him on love and not blind obedience of rules, since you are God's child and should view him as your Heavenly Father, not an impersonal deity. To deepen your relationship with God, take time for Bible study, fellowship with other Christians, or quiet meditation. Additionally, study the teaching of Jesus, so you can please Him by following in Christ's example. You should also act in love towards the people in your life, even if they are being difficult or you don't feel loving toward them. Furthermore, you should give to charity and help others when you can, since God takes pleasure in things that are good for humanity. | Know that you are God's child. You need to look at your relationship with God in the same way that God does. This means viewing God as a Heavenly Father and not as an impersonal deity. Your relationship with God should be based on love and not on the blind obedience of rules. Think about family relationships among humans, focusing primarily on the relationship between parent and child. Even someone who has had issues with a human parent can usually understand what healthy parental love looks like. The expectations God has for you are similar to the expectations a loving parent has for his or her child. The only difference is that God's love is perfect, so the things he desires of you and for you are perfect, as well. Have faith. In this context, "faith" means believing in God and believing that God will fulfill the promises He makes. It also means trusting God with every aspect of your life and having confidence in God's ways above and before your own. Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) explains, "Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Faith should be the foundation of your Christian life. Every good thing that God leads you to do and that you do for the sake of pleasing God should be a direct result of your faith. The more you strengthen your faith, the more earnest you will naturally become in your desire to do what is pleasing to God. Accept God's grace. All humans are born into sin and fall short of perfection, but through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, humanity is offered grace and a clean slate. Accepting this sacrifice and following Christ into grace is a key component of pleasing God. God does not want you to be a slave to sin and death. Accepting the gift of salvation that God offers to you is the greatest thing you can do to please Him. Walk in the Spirit. You can either live by the flesh or live by the Spirit. If you live by the flesh, you let the ways and temptations of the world rule your life. If you live by the Spirit, you live your life centered around your dedication to God. Only living by the Spirit will allow you to be in the position of pleasing God. As noted in Romans 8:7-8, "The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God." Walking in the Spirit does not mean that you will never sin again, of course. You will face temptation and stumble from time to time. When you do fall, examine your conscience, repent, and ask God to help you resist that same temptation in future. Fear God. Fearing God does not mean that you should spend your days living in fear of divine punishment. In this context, "fear" is a sort of respect and reverence. To fear God, you simply need to recognize the power and authority He has over everything else. As indicated in Psalm 147:11, "The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love." The right kind of fear can remind you to stay accountable and help you resist temptation. Realizing how much a being as powerful as God loves a being as weak as a human can also deepen your love and appreciation for God. Serve God freely and with love. God does not force you to love or serve Him; He merely gives you the freedom to do so. Once you understand that serving God is a privilege and a liberty, doing so out of love can become more natural. Remember that your relationship with God should be centered on love. If you are serving God out of blind obedience or a desire to “look good” in front of your peers and family, your focus is off and needs to be adjusted. Set aside your "to do" list. There are plenty of good things you can do to serve God and strengthen your faith in Him, but if you find yourself prioritizing your "to do" list of works over your actual relationship with God, you need to change your focus. Bible study, fellowship with other Christians, and quiet meditation are all tools you should use to deepen your relationship with God. Understand that God's approval does not depend upon how thoroughly or frequently you make use of these tools, though. God takes more pleasure in your faith and relationship with Him than in the exact tools you use to express that faith. If you ever have to choose between doing good work in God's name and working on your relationship with God, choose the latter. If you allow your faith to become empty and shallow, even the best of your works will become meaningless on a spiritual level. Seek and submit to God's will. In a broad sense, discovering God's will can be done by studying the Bible and seeking a deeper understanding of it. To understand God's will for your life, you also need to pray on it and look for signs of divine guidance in your own life. Hebrews 13:20-21 states, "Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever and ever." Seeking God's will does not mean trying to look good. It does mean sincerely working toward spiritual maturity and union with God. Anything that brings you closer to God will ultimately produce consequences that please God. Obey God's commands. God does not issue commands and set down laws for the sake of restricting humanity. The laws given by God are done for mankind's sake, and following those laws will ultimately make you a better person and protect you from spiritual harm. Since God loves humanity, He also takes pleasure in things that are good for humanity. As such, following God's law and improving your character as a spiritual being is a pleasing thing for God to watch. Understand that God never commands the impossible. Following God's commands may mean that you will need to ignore your own desires and fears, but ultimately, God will give you the ability to do so. Understand the purpose of sacrifice. Sacrifices that are made for the sake of looking good are shallow and devoid of any real meaning. Likewise, those that actually reflect disobedient hearts also unwanted. Sacrifices made in love can please God, however. As Hebrews 13:15-16 explains, "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." From this passage, you can conclude that the sacrifices involved in giving genuine praise to God and those made in order to share good with others are pleasing sacrifices. Aim for excellence. Every human being is tainted by sin and falls short of perfection, so trying to be perfect will only lead to disappointment and frustration. If you focus on living an excellent life for God instead of worrying about each of your imperfections, though, you'll be able to live a happier and more meaningful life. Doing excellent works in God's name is pleasing to God, of course, but the spiritual enrichment you'll experience in your own life as a result is also a source of pleasure. Celebrate the Sabbath. Devote the day to both God and the practice of resting. Like any of God's commands, honoring the Sabbath is for your benefit as much as it is for God's pleasure. Spend time in God's company. Take the opportunity to meditate on His promises and presence, and step away from the demands of a busy world long enough to reconnect to your faith. Commit to doing only activities that are relaxing and enjoyable. Too much work is stressful and unhealthy. God wants what is best for you, which means that you'll need to find time to rest. Follow Christ's example. Aside from offering hope and salvation to humanity, Jesus also gave the human race a perfect example of the sort of life one should lead in order to please God. If you want to know what a life that pleases God looks like, you don't need to look any further than the example Jesus gives. Study the teachings of Jesus and use them to guide your own actions. Even though you will fall short of the perfection evident in Christ's actions and words, merely seeking to follow His example is pleasing to God. Give out of love rather than duty. It's true that God wants you to support and give to others, but you need to cultivate an attitude of love and true charity if those gifts will have any pleasing, spiritual significance. The next time you give a donation or tithe, meditate on the specific needs your gift will help fulfill. When you feel as though you are part of a solution, you may find it easier to give out of love and joy. Love the people in your life. Even when you don't feel love for those around you, you should act in love towards them. You need to love people who are both easy and difficult to handle. Acting in love can be as simple as respecting someone you don't get along with or as complex as meeting a need someone has regardless of whether you like that person or not. Consider new responsibilities carefully. God takes pleasure in a generous heart, but that doesn't mean you should accept every responsibility presented to you. Consider the potential responsibility carefully. Ask yourself if it could cause stress, failure, or guilt. Most importantly, ask if accepting it will lead you closer to or further away from God. Even if you want to do good by accepting the responsibility, the wrong responsibility accepted during the wrong season of your life can ultimately produce negative consequences, including a weakened relationship with God. Treasure the present moment. Don't live in constant regret of the past or fear of the future. Treat each day as the gift from God that it truly is. Each day is another opportunity to grow in faith and understanding. You'll please God simply in seeking Him day by day. | Know that you are God's child. Have faith. Accept God's grace. Walk in the Spirit. Fear God. Serve God freely and with love. Set aside your "to do" list. Seek and submit to God's will. Obey God's commands. Understand the purpose of sacrifice. Aim for excellence. Celebrate the Sabbath. Follow Christ's example. Give out of love rather than duty. Love the people in your life. Consider new responsibilities carefully. Treasure the present moment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Good-Pet-Owner | How to Be a Good Pet Owner | If you want to be a good pet owner, talk to your vet about providing the pet with a healthy, balanced diet that's right for its species and breed. Give your pet plenty of clean water, and change the water every day to ensure it's fresh. Also, make sure to keep your pet's living area clean, which may entail cleaning its food bowl and water bowl, washing its bedding, and picking up after the animal. Depending on the type of animal you have, you'll also need to spend at least 30 minutes a day with your pet, either grooming, training, or playing with it. | Provide your pet with a healthy, balanced diet. While your pet's diet will vary depending on what type of animal it is, it's important to feed it fresh food regularly. Choose food that's specific to your pet, and only give your pet treats occasionally. If you have any questions about what to feed your pet, consult your veterinarian. Sometimes diets can vary between different breeds or species of the same animal. For example, although they're both birds, a parrot and a macaw eat different diets in the wild, and their nutritional needs are also different in captivity. Your pet's dietary needs may change as it ages. Talk to your vet about your pet's different life stages and what food is most appropriate for each one. Look for pet food that contains healthy ingredients you recognize. Feed your pet the recommended amount of food at each meal. Be sure to follow the guidelines for how much your pet needs to eat each day. Overfeeding leads to obesity, which can cause other health problems. These could include heart disease, kidney problems, diabetes, and more. If you're not sure how much food you should be giving your pet, ask your veterinarian. Know what foods you should never give your pet. Certain foods are toxic to some animals, so be sure you know what you can and can't give your pet before you offer it a treat. For example, while it's perfectly fine to give your dog small bits of chicken or fish, you should never give them food containing chocolate or garlic, as these can be toxic. Even some pet foods can be dangerous if fed to the wrong animal. For instance, you shouldn't feed cat food to a dog, or vice versa. Cat food contains high levels of taurine, which is necessary to a cat's diet but which can be dangerous to dogs in high doses. On the other hand, dog food doesn't contain the taurine your cat needs to be healthy. Give your pet fresh water every day. All animals require water to live, although some will need much more than others. Regardless of the size of your pet, make sure that it always has access to fresh, clean water. Check or refill the water once or twice a day, and if they drink from a bowl, wash out the bowl every 2 to 3 days. If you have a pet that lives in an aquarium, change the water and clean the tank at least once a week. Provide a safe, clean environment for your pet. If you have a small animal, ensure that it has a safe cage with a secure door. If your pet is larger, it should have somewhere that it can go if it feels tired or scared, like a kennel for a dog or a barn stall for a horse. Keep your animal's living area, bedding, and food area neat by cleaning it every day. Make sure to pet-proof your home to make sure there isn't anything dangerous that could hurt your pet. Secure any chemicals or electrical cables, put fragile items somewhere secure so they can't get knocked over, and ensure your pet can't escape from your home. Do not leave poop in your pet's living area. Clean it up as soon as you see it, even if you have an outside animal. Some parasites in feces, including toxoplasmosis and roundworm, become more infectious over time. If you have a cat, remember to clean out its litter box daily. An unclean litter box may cause your cat to go outside of the litter box. Have your pet microchipped or give it an ID tag in case it escapes. Even if you keep your pet indoors, there's always a chance it could accidentally get outside and get lost. If you have a microchip inserted at your vet, anyone who finds your pet can take it to be scanned, and the chip will let them know your contact information. Similarly, an ID tag should have your name and phone number so anyone who finds your pet can call you. zx Collars with an ID tag can sometimes fall off, so a microchip is the most secure option. Remember to update the information on the microchip if your contact information changes! If you do opt for a collar with an ID tag, consider using a breakaway collar. That way, if it gets snagged on anything, your pet won't be choked. Groom your pet as needed. Your pet's grooming needs will depend on the type of animal it is. After all, a long-haired cat will need to be groomed very differently than a pig. However, it is important that you know what your animal's grooming needs are, and you attend to them as often as needed. This might mean combing or brushing your pet, bathing it, and clipping its nails, for instance. Some animals NEVER need to be bathed. For example, a hamster will clean itself by rolling around in a bowl of sand. If your animal's teeth or beak grows continuously, make sure it has wooden chew toys to keep its teeth or beak filed down. In addition to being good for the animal, grooming provides bonding time between you and your pet. It will also give you a chance to spot any injuries or other unusual spots that develop. Provide your pet with toys if it likes them. Play time is very important to a lot of animals. Not only does it provide valuable exercise, but it also helps them hone their instinctive skills, such as hunting or problem-solving. Offer your pet different toys to see what it likes, then rotate the toys regularly to keep your pet interested in them. A hamster will enjoy having a wheel and a few wooden chew toys, for instance. If you have a horse, it might enjoy playing with a puzzle that dispenses treats. Be sure the toys you provide are recommended for your type of animal. For example, if you give a small cat toy to a large dog, it could swallow it and choke. Spay or neuter your pet if your vet recommends it. When you get your pet, talk to your vet about when you should get it spayed or neutered. While not all animals need this procedure, it's usually a good idea for common pets like cats and dogs. Often, your vet will prefer to perform this procedure while your pet is still young, although many adult animals can safely have the surgery as well. Not only will spaying or neutering your pet prevent unwanted babies, but it will also keep your pet safe. When pets become preoccupied with mating, they will often roam away from home, where they could get lost, wander into the road, or encounter other animals. In addition, they could become engaged in competitive mating behaviors, which could lead to injury. Having your pet spayed or neutered may also improve its health in the long term. Neutering male kittens will help prevent unwanted spraying in the future. Tend to your pet's medical needs. When you first get your pet, ask your vet if there are any vaccinations you should get for it. Even if your pet seems healthy, take it back to the vet once or twice a year for a wellness check, as well as anytime it seems sick or injured, or its behavior changes for no apparent reason. If your pet is unusually lethargic, stops eating, or develops unusual swelling, for instance, you should take it to the vet. Your vet can also advise you whether you should be giving your pet flea, tick, or heartworm medication. Spend some time researching your pet before you bring it home. Understand what your pet's exact needs will be, from its diet to its shelter. Then, make sure you have everything your pet will need before you bring it home. That way, you can spend your time bonding with your pet, rather than worrying about what supplies you'll need. Think about your individual situation when you're choosing a pet. If you're very active and spend a lot of time outside, an energetic dog breed might be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you work long hours, a solitary reptile might fit your lifestyle better. When you're choosing your pet, remember that you're signing up for a commitment. You'll be responsible for your pet's food and water, grooming, training, and medical care for the rest of its life. Supervise the introduction of a new pet to any animals you already have. If you already have a pet and you're choosing a new one, make sure you give the animals plenty of time to get used to each other before you leave them alone together. Animals can sometimes be territorial, and they may fight. It can sometimes help to introduce them in a neutral area, like a room the pets aren't normally allowed to go into, or a new cage or tank for smaller animals and fish. For example, to introduce 2 hamsters, you could place them in a clean tank with new bedding, so neither one will feel like it is "their" territory. If you already have a pet and you're choosing a new one, make sure you supervise any introductions and give the animals several days or even weeks to get used to each other before you leave them alone together. Socialize with your pet every day. In order to make sure your pet is comfortable around you, spend at least 30 minutes a day with it. This might mean playing, cuddling, grooming, or training, but the important thing is that you're consistently making time to let your pet know they're important to you. Dogs and cats are especially sensitive to getting plenty of affection every day. Pets like snakes and turtles might not need to be handled every day. However, spending time around their habitat each day will make them more comfortable with your presence. Learn how your pet likes to be handled. Different pets like to be touched or picked up in different ways. Pay attention to your pet's body language while you're handling it. If it seems relaxed, it probably enjoys what you're doing. If it tenses up, tries to leave the area, or acts aggressive, you may have done something it didn't like. Try to avoid doing that again in the future. Every pet's likes and dislikes will be different. For instance, some cats love getting belly rubs, but other cats will bite and scratch if you try to touch them on the stomach. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise. Many animals need to be taken out of their habitat and exercised. In some cases, this should be done daily, while in others it might only be a few times a week. Learn about your pet's exercise needs and make some extra time to give them a good workout when they need it. For example, you might take your dog for a walk, have your cat chase a feather on a string, or place your hamster in an exercise ball. Be patient with your pet. Your pet won't always know what to do, and sometimes it will act out. This is usually a way to try to get attention, or because they're bored or aren't getting enough exercise. Sometimes, it might even be the result of a trauma they experienced in the past. Be patient and try to solve the underlying problem so you'll get along better with your pet! Never yell at, hit, or kick your pet. This will destroy the bond between you and your pet. Treating your pet this way may also lead your pet to become fearful or even aggressive. | Provide your pet with a healthy, balanced diet. Feed your pet the recommended amount of food at each meal. Know what foods you should never give your pet. Give your pet fresh water every day. Provide a safe, clean environment for your pet. Have your pet microchipped or give it an ID tag in case it escapes. Groom your pet as needed. Provide your pet with toys if it likes them. Spay or neuter your pet if your vet recommends it. Tend to your pet's medical needs. Spend some time researching your pet before you bring it home. Supervise the introduction of a new pet to any animals you already have. Socialize with your pet every day. Learn how your pet likes to be handled. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise. Be patient with your pet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Metallic-Slime | How to Make Metallic Slime | You can make a simple metallic slime with clear school glue, liquid starch, and metallic paint. Pour 1 cup of the glue into a mixing bowl, then add 2 tablespoons of metallic craft paint. You can use any color of paint you like, from classic silver or gold to a metallic blue or pink. Mix the glue and paint thoroughly with a wooden stick or plastic spoon, then slowly stir in liquid starch until you get the consistency you want. Take the slime out of the bowl and knead it with clean, dry hands to distribute the starch evenly until the slime doesn't stick to your hands. | Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of clear glue into a mixing bowl. Use clear school glue, squirting it into a measuring cup or estimating and squirting it directly into the mixing bowl. If you measured it out, use a spoon to scrape all of the clear glue out of the measuring cup and into the bowl. Purchase clear glue at your local big box or craft store. Measure out 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of metallic paint to put into the bowl. Choose metallic craft paint in any color, such as pink, blue, or purple, or opt for a classic option like silver or gold. Pour the metallic paint into the bowl full of glue. Metallic paint comes in small bottles and can be found at your local craft store or online. Avoid purchasing professional metallic paint that goes on metal that you would use to paint a car. Stir the mixture until it’s thoroughly combined. Use a wooden stick or spoon to mix the glue and paint together. Take your time and stir slowly to make sure the glue and paint are no longer easily distinguishable. If you mix them together and want your slime to have more pigment, add a little bit more paint into the glue and mix it again. Mix liquid starch in slowly until you’re satisfied with the consistency. It's important to pour the liquid starch slowly while mixing all of the ingredients together to allow the starch time to activate. Continue adding small amounts of starch and combining it with the glue and paint until you're pleased with the slime's consistency. Look for liquid starch in the laundry aisle of the grocery store or in craft stores. Stir the starch in slowly to avoid creating air bubbles. Take the slime out of the bowl and knead it with your hands. Once your slime is relatively solid, take it out of the bowl and start kneading it with your fingers to keep distributing the ingredients. If your slime is still sticky, add a little bit more starch until it's no longer sticking to your hands. Use clean, dry hands to knead the slime. Continue kneading the slime with your hands if you added more starch to evenly distribute it. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of white glue to a mixing bowl. Remove the top from the white glue and pour it into a measuring cup to get the exact amount, or estimate the right amount and pour it directly into the bowl. If you pour it into a measuring cup, use a spoon to scrape out any remaining glue as you pour it into the bowl. Purchase white school glue from your local big box or craft store. Mix roughly 3 cups (710 ml) of shaving cream into the bowl. If you don't want to use exact measurements, this is okay. The more shaving cream you use, the fluffier your slime will be. Mix the ingredients together thoroughly using a spoon or wooden stick. Use shaving cream that is sprayed out as a foam, not a gel. If you don't want your slime to be very fluffy, avoid adding a lot of shaving cream. Pour metallic paint into the bowl until you reach your desired color. Squirt your chosen color of metallic craft paint into the mixture slowly. Stir the color into the glue and shaving cream as you pour so that you get an accurate idea of how the color is distributing. Continue adding metallic paint and mixing it into the ingredients until you're satisfied with the color. Add the paint in small amounts. If you add too much in the beginning, you'll need to add more glue and shaving cream to balance it back out. Add contact lens solution in small amounts to firm up the slime. Squirt a few drops of contact lens solution into the mixture, stirring it with a spoon or wooden stick to distribute it. Keep adding contact lens solution until you like the slime's consistency. Instead of a wooden stick or spoon, you can also mix the ingredients together using your hands. If you touch the slime with your hands and it's still sticky, add a few more drops of contact lens solution. Knead the slime using your hands when it’s no longer sticky. Take the slime out of the bowl and start kneading it on a clean surface using your hands. This will help distribute the ingredients even more to ensure your metallic slime is ready to be played with. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of clear glue into a bowl. Estimate 1 cup (240 ml) by squirting the glue directly into the bowl, or pour it into a measuring cup first to be exact. Clear school glue can be purchased at your local big box or craft store. Scrape out any remaining glue from the measuring cup using a spoon or wooden stick if needed. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda into the glue. Measure out the baking soda and pour it into the bowl full of glue. Use a wooden stick or spoon to stir the baking soda and glue until they are well integrated. Pour contact lens solution into the bowl slowly while mixing it. Slowly add a few drops of contact lens solution to the glue and baking soda, mixing it with a wooden stick or spoon (or even your hands!). Keep adding the contact solution and mixing until you touch the slime and are pleased with its consistency. The more contact lens solution you add, the firmer your slime will become. Knead the slime with your hands to continue mixing the ingredients. Use clean, dry hands to remove the slime from the bowl and start kneading it on a flat surface. This will make sure the ingredients are thoroughly mixed together. Add a few more drops of contact lens solution if your slime is still too sticky. Let your slime sit overnight before adding pigment to it so it becomes super clear, if desired. Sprinkle metallic powder into the slime and twist it to spread the pigment. Sprinkle fine metallic craft or nail powder in your chosen color into the center of the slime. Fold the edges of the slime into the center using your hands to cover the powder, and then start folding and twisting the slime to spread the powder. Look for metallic craft powder at your local big box store or craft store, or nail powder that's used on nails at a beauty store. Add more metallic powder to the slime if desired. Take your time twisting and kneading the slime to distribute the color evenly. | Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of clear glue into a mixing bowl. Measure out 2 US tbsp (30 ml) of metallic paint to put into the bowl. Stir the mixture until it’s thoroughly combined. Mix liquid starch in slowly until you’re satisfied with the consistency. Take the slime out of the bowl and knead it with your hands. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of white glue to a mixing bowl. Mix roughly 3 cups (710 ml) of shaving cream into the bowl. Pour metallic paint into the bowl until you reach your desired color. Add contact lens solution in small amounts to firm up the slime. Knead the slime using your hands when it’s no longer sticky. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of clear glue into a bowl. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of baking soda into the glue. Pour contact lens solution into the bowl slowly while mixing it. Knead the slime with your hands to continue mixing the ingredients. Sprinkle metallic powder into the slime and twist it to spread the pigment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Care-For-a-Child-with-Metabolic-Disorders | How to Care For a Child with Metabolic Disorders | To care for a child with a metabolic disorder, you'll need to follow your doctor's instructions about medications and adjustments to their diet to help them stay healthy. For example, you may need to give your child steroid injections if their body is not creating enough hormones. Alternatively you may need to give them a fiber supplement if they're not getting enough fiber to support a healthy metabolism. As you care for your child, it's important to let other people in their life know about the condition, such as teachers and parents of your child's friends, so they know what foods your child can and can't eat and what medications they need to take. | Contact a medical professional to run the appropriate tests and to arrive at an official diagnosis. If your child has not been officially diagnosed by a physician and you suspect she has a metabolic disorder, you should contact a doctor immediately. The physician will run blood work and other tests in order to gather important data needed for a diagnosis. Your physician might even refer you to a specialist or others who might be important members of your medical support team. Be prepared for a wide array of tests, including blood work. Your doctor may order a comprehensive metabolic panel to check organ function and levels of enzymes and other You'll probably have to visit the doctor or specialist several times before your child is diagnosed. Make sure to find a doctor you and your child like, as you'll be visiting their office often. Some common metabolic disorders include: diabetes, Tay-Sachs disease (TSD), von Gierke disease, Niemann-Pick disease, Morquio syndrome, maple syrup urine disease, cystinosis, cystinuria, Galactosemia. This is only a fraction of existing metabolic disorders — there are hundreds of different types. Follow up with your child’s doctor often. Just because your child has received an official diagnosis does not mean that you're done with the doctor. You'll be visiting his office on a regular basis so that he can monitor your child's status and progress. This is necessary in making sure your child's vitals, nutrition, and overall health are stabilized. Your doctor might run blood work relatively regularly. Follow your doctor's instructions. Because there are so many different types of metabolic disorders, each with its own specific medications and dietary adjustments or supplements needed to keep a child healthy. Some metabolic disorders are fatal, while others are relatively benign. Work with your doctor to learn more about your child's specific disorder and make sure your child is taking her medications exactly as prescribed and/or is following her recommended diet. For instance, your child may need to receive steroids to replace hormones that her body cannot create on its own. In other cases, treatment may simply be focused on reducing symptoms and making your child as comfortable as possible. Have your child take enzyme replacements, if needed. Some metabolic disorders impair the body's ability to metabolize and incorporate important enzymes. If this is the case, your doctor will prescribe enzyme replacements. Make sure your child regularly takes her enzyme replacements, as they will be extremely important in managing her metabolic disorder and maintaining good health. Enzyme replacement therapy might include: Imiglucerase Velaglucerase alfa Taliglucerase alfa Put your child on fiber supplements, if your doctor agrees. Some children with metabolic disorders do not get enough fiber to maintain a healthy metabolism. In order to overcome this, you might consider putting your child on fiber supplements. Fiber supplements will help make sure your child has regular bowel movements. Fiber supplements might help reduce your child's LDL cholesterol level. Consult your doctor before putting your child on any supplement. Monitor your child and seek medical help immediately if you notice help problems. Monitoring your child's condition is going to be an on-going task for you to do. You need to keep vigilant about your child's health and well-being, as somewhat innocuous changes can signal potentially life threatening consequences. If your child sleeps too much, contact your physician. If you notice rapid breathing patterns or changes in appetite, contact your physician. If your child's health is deteriorating in any way, contact your doctor. Create a support team outside of a medical staff. Everyone in your home and others who you frequently associate with should be part of your support team. They can help monitor your child's diet and wellbeing when needed, and they can provide emotional support during rough times. A non-medical support team is extremely important in managing metabolic disorders, as the demands of metabolic disorders on caregivers are often high and time-consuming. Educate others in your family and social circle on the specific condition and the child's ever changing eating patterns. Even if one parent is able to stay home full-time, you should enlist the help from those in whom you trust. Always have a couple people on backup just in case the primary care giver can't be around to monitor the child. Communicate with your child’s teachers and the parents of friends. Since diet is so important in keeping children with metabolic disorders healthy, you need to communicate with everyone who will have supervisory roles around your child. Talk with your child's teachers and let them know the specifics of your child's disorder. Communicate with the parents of your child's friends so they can know the specifics, too. Let both know what your child can and can't eat, and if and when your child needs to take medication. Keep all healthcare numbers accessible at a moment’s notice. Make sure you have all of the healthcare contact numbers with you at all times. At the same time, make sure your partner (if you have one) or other members of your support team also have any numbers they might need in the event of a metabolic crisis. Keep numbers in your cell phone. Post emergency numbers in an obvious place at home so members of your support team can find them. If your child is old enough, have her memorize her primary care physician's phone number. Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a card with appropriate medical information and contact numbers. Inform your support team about the location of your child's diet and metabolic supportive vitamins and medicines. Talk to everyone in your support team and make sure they know where your child's medicines are located. You don't want someone to have to search for them in the event of a time-sensitive event. Keep them in an easily accessible and obvious location. Try not to put them away in a drawer or behind other things in the fridge. Make sure your child cannot reach them by herself. Talk to others and educate yourself about your child's metabolic disorder. Educating yourself about your child's disorder is perhaps one of the most important things you can do in your battle to keep your child healthy. This way you'll be informed about the latest breakthroughs in treatment and the newest drug developments. Join official support groups for the particular disorder and learn from other families who are dealing with the same issues as you are. Most organizations on the specific disorder have websites with information about the disorder along with other resources and support group information. Attend seminars and conferences for updates in education and medical advances and/or setbacks. Read and study to get educated on the condition and others like it. Talk to your doctors and don't be afraid to ask them for recommendations about things you can read or conferences or talks you can attend. Eliminate all foods or drugs that your child can’t metabolize. After receiving a proper diagnosis from your medical professional, you should have a very good idea of what food and drugs your child needs to avoid in order to maintain a healthy metabolism. Once you've done that, try to eliminate those food and drugs from your child's diet. If you can't completely eliminate them, minimize them as much as you can. Get on a weight management plan. Whatever the metabolic problem, weight is often an associated challenge. Because of this, you (along with your doctor) should draft a weight management plan for your child. This plan sets a target weight goal and then you and your child take the appropriate steps to reach and maintain that goal. Weight management plans are not just for overweight children, but for underweight children, too. Weight management plans are not “diets” but are intended to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Always consult your doctor before starting your child on any weight management plan. Put your baby on special formula, depending on the type of metabolic disorder. Some babies are unfortunately born with metabolic disorders and need special formula in order to manage their disorder. Fortunately, we now better understand what nutritional steps to take in order to manage metabolic disorders in infants. If your baby has galactosemia, try to eliminate dairy products and put her on a non-milk formula. If your baby has PKU, put her on a phenylalanine-free formula and a low-protein diet. Consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment as well as recommendations or even prescriptions for formulas. Formulate an exercise routine. An exercise routine will make sure that your child is not only active, but healthy. Exercising should be an important part of any overall plan that is intended to manage metabolic disorders. In many cases, exercising will be the cornerstone of your child's overall plan to overcome metabolic disorders. Exercising will help kids lower their blood pressure and cholesterol. Exercising could help your child's body regulate insulin better. Exercising will help your child mentally, too. Keep your child on a nutritional diet. Your child's overall metabolic plan will hinge on a healthy diet. As metabolic disorders are associated with how your child processes food, your child will undoubtedly have to be on a strict diet. You'll need to make sure your child is getting all of the nutrition she needs to stay healthy. This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of managing your child's disorder, so if your child is old enough, you should have frequent conversations with them about their nutrition and overall health. Your doctor will with you to formulate a proper nutrition plan. Talk about “cheating” on the diet with your doctor. Your child might be able to veer off the diet and have treats occasionally, but this should only be done with the sanction of your doctor. Make sure to communicate your child's diet to other members of your support team. | Contact a medical professional to run the appropriate tests and to arrive at an official diagnosis. Follow up with your child’s doctor often. Follow your doctor's instructions. Have your child take enzyme replacements, if needed. Put your child on fiber supplements, if your doctor agrees. Monitor your child and seek medical help immediately if you notice help problems. Create a support team outside of a medical staff. Communicate with your child’s teachers and the parents of friends. Keep all healthcare numbers accessible at a moment’s notice. Inform your support team about the location of your child's diet and metabolic supportive vitamins and medicines. Talk to others and educate yourself about your child's metabolic disorder. Eliminate all foods or drugs that your child can’t metabolize. Get on a weight management plan. Put your baby on special formula, depending on the type of metabolic disorder. Formulate an exercise routine. Keep your child on a nutritional diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lighten-Dyed-Hair | How to Lighten Dyed Hair | To lighten dyed hair immediately after dyeing, take a hot shower and wash your hair with a non-color-safe clarifying shampoo. The hot water will open your hair cuticles and help to release the dye. After you've washed your hair, condition it thoroughly to avoid over-drying. If you are wanting to lighten dye that's been in your hair for a while, mix together baking soda and clarifying shampoo. Apply this mixture to your damp hair, letting it sit for 5-15 minutes before rinsing it out. | Rinse your hair with hot water. The heat will open up the cuticles, allowing more of the dye to be stripped out. Thoroughly saturate your hair, in either the shower or over the sink. Wash with a non-color-safe clarifying shampoo. The shampoo should be used immediately after you undergo your unsatisfactory coloring, and should strip some of the new color from your hair. Squeeze a dime-sized amount (or as much as is recommended by the product's instructions) into your palm, and rub it into the dyed, wet hair. While you shouldn't be rough with it, more effort should be exerted than a usual shampoo session's “gentle massage.” There are myriad, appropriate brands available to purchase wherever you normally get shampoo. Just make sure the clarifying shampoo you select is non-color safe. Condition afterward. After scrubbing your hair with the clarifying shampoo, you'll want to mitigate the harsh cleansing effect on your hair by moisturizing it. Condition liberally: squeeze a quarter-sized amount into your hands, massage it into your hair from root to tip, then rinse it out. When possible, it's advised that you wait a few days to allow your hair time to recuperate from the chemical processes used to dye it before attempting to scrub out the dye. If it has to come out as soon as possible, though, ensure you offset the damage as much as possible with conditioning. Combine 2 cups of baking soda and 1/4 cup of clarifying shampoo in a non-metal bowl. The alkalinity of the baking soda works to open your hair up, letting the clarifying shampoo better strip its color. Use a whisk to work the baking soda and shampoo together. You might want to bump the baking soda up to 3 cups if you have longer than shoulder-length hair. Wet your hair with hot water. Heat, in conjunction with the baking soda, will greatly open the cuticles of your hair. Do not use cool water, because it will close the cuticle. Rub it into damp hair. You can use your hands, or a spatula. Thoroughly cover the dyed hair, so that you don't end up with mis-matched color. Take care not to get the mixture in your eyes! You might want to use a towel or cloth around your head, to keep the mixture from dripping down toward your face. Wash it out after 5-15 minutes. The duration will depend on how much color you're looking to remove. Leave it in for longer for more drastic results, but no longer than the recommended 15 minutes. Multiple batches is recommended if 15 minutes doesn't prove sufficient. Blow-dry part of your hair to check the color. As you might need to wash it again—and heat will cause undue strain on your hair—you should only dry a small section of your hair. If the color looks good, then great! If not, you'll want to mix another batch of baking soda and shampoo and get ready for round 2. Make another batch, if necessary. If your hair hasn't sufficiently lightened, you can re-apply for better results. A more powerful mixture can be concocted by adding a tablespoon of hair bleach powder to the original recipe. When handling bleach, be sure to wear gloves. After you've finished, avoid any styling that uses heat for a day or two. Both dyeing and “un”dyeing your hair take a toll. Mix bleach, shampoo, and developer. In a clean bowl, put in equal amounts of bleach, shampoo, and a creme developer. Mix them together. You can get developer at a beauty store, drug store, or wherever you purchased your hair dye. Apply the mixture to damp hair. Get your hair wet, and towel dry it lightly before putting on the mixture. Put on gloves before handling the mixture. Starting at the roots, work the mixture down your hair. Cover with a shower cap. Leave the mixture on your hair under a shower cap for about ten minutes. Do not leave it on for too long or you may damage your hair. If you don't have a shower cap, you can also cover your hair with plastic wrap. Rinse out afterwards. Use cool water to rinse out the soap cap. Condition your hair afterwards to prevent breakage and damage. You may want to apply a deep conditioning hair mask. Crush 15-20 tablets of vitamin C in a bowl. You can use a mortar and pestle, or any blunt instrument which won't damage your bowl. Add some anti-dandruff shampoo to the crushed tablets. A small amount will work, enough to make an effective paste with the powder. Combine the two ingredients with a whisk. Dampen your hair with hot water. The heat will open up the pores on your hair, which will let your mixture better sap the unwanted color. Spread the mixture into your hair. You can apply it with your hands. Cover the entire affected area; if you fail to apply it evenly, you might wind up with an interesting pattern in your hair. Leave it in for an hour. Cover your hair with a shower cap if necessary. After an hour has passed, rinse the paste from your hair with cool water. Moisturize thoroughly with conditioner if your hair feels dry after you've washed the paste out. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. For best results, you'll want to be able to apply the peroxide to your hair via spray bottle. Pouring it directly from the bottle over your head will leave you to guess as to how much of your hair has been affected. Peroxide is definitely the least predictable, and likely the least optimal option available to you. It doesn't work against the dye and chemicals already in your hair, but instead adds another one. Use it with caution. Spray the peroxide evenly onto your hair. Use the “mister” setting, if you have the option, as opposed to the “stream” setting. Spray the hair you wish to lighten from a distance of about a foot away, using a hand or cloth to cover your eyes. Peroxide is safe to get on your skin, but can cause burning in your eyes. If you get some in them, flush them with cool water. Going outside in the sun can cause further lightening, but can also dry your hair out. Be aware of the effect sunlight will have if you choose to go outside with the peroxide in your hair. Use pins or clips to arrange your hair, so that you only spray the hair you want to. Rinse it out with cold water after 30 minutes. Any longer risks your hair becoming overly dry, or overly bleached. Excessive peroxide use can easily lead to a brassy, orangey hair coloration. A deep conditioning is recommended if your hair feels dry after the peroxide treatment. | Rinse your hair with hot water. Wash with a non-color-safe clarifying shampoo. Condition afterward. Combine 2 cups of baking soda and 1/4 cup of clarifying shampoo in a non-metal bowl. Wet your hair with hot water. Rub it into damp hair. Wash it out after 5-15 minutes. Blow-dry part of your hair to check the color. Make another batch, if necessary. Mix bleach, shampoo, and developer. Apply the mixture to damp hair. Cover with a shower cap. Rinse out afterwards. Crush 15-20 tablets of vitamin C in a bowl. Add some anti-dandruff shampoo to the crushed tablets. Dampen your hair with hot water. Spread the mixture into your hair. Leave it in for an hour. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Spray the peroxide evenly onto your hair. Rinse it out with cold water after 30 minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draft-a-Contract-Clause-Dealing-With-Delay-in-Performance | How to Draft a Contract Clause Dealing With Delay in Performance | When writing a construction contract, you'll need to lay out the conditions of performance delays to protect both parties. Set out deadlines for all the stages in the agreement and detail what should be completed. If it's crucial that stages are completed at certain times, include a clause stating that delays at any stage constitute a material breach of the contract. This is important if other contracts are reliant on deadlines in this contract, and will make the contractor liable if the project is delayed due to their performance. Include a force majeure clause, which excuses performance if a major event outside of your power causes delays, like a natural disaster, war, riot, or strike. You should also write a clause that allows performance to be accelerated to meet the schedule despite delays. This will allow the owner to sue for damages if they need to hire extra staff to meet a deadline. | Specify deadlines for performance of all stages of the agreement. Many courts won't award damages for delay if your contract doesn't have a specified end date, or particular deadlines for each phase of the project. In the absence of specific dates of completion, contract law requires work to be completed in a reasonable amount of time. However, what is considered “reasonable” could vary widely from person to person. For each deadline, you should detail exactly what you expect to be finished by that date. For example, suppose you're building your dream home and have hired a contractor. His first deadline is to clear and grade the lot and pour the foundation. He must be finished by May 30 because the materials for the framing of the house are being delivered June 1. Sometimes it's not necessary for a phase to be completely finished before another begins, but it needs to be mostly completed. If this is the case, make sure you define exactly what constitutes substantial completion for the purposes of your contract. For example, your contractor needs to have the plumbing and electricity completed before the interior doors and trim are installed. However, he doesn't have to be 100 percent finished because he can finish up his work on the first floor while the doors and trim are installed on the second floor. When you have a project with multiple phases, the most important thing is to make sure that later phases aren't pushed back because an early phase takes too long to complete. You might also consider including a sentence requiring the contractor use specific scheduling methods to track his progress and ensure the deadlines of all phases are met, or to provide weekly or monthly status reports. State that delays at any stage constitute a material breach of the contract. A material breach goes to the very core of the contract, meaning if the schedule isn't met the contract might as well not even exist. This sort of clause typically is called a "time is of the essence" clause. By saying time is of the essence, you're saying that the deadlines and schedules included in the contract are of absolute importance to its existence. Absent any other clause regarding a delay in performance, if you include a provision that time is of the essence, the contractor will be liable for all damages resulting from a delay, even if the delay was not his fault. Define what sorts of delays are included under the clause. Generally speaking, you don't want to include delays that are caused by third parties, by events outside the control of either the owner or the contractor, or delays that happen because the owner changes his mind regarding something like a schedule of events or a type of material. A “time is of the essence” provision typically states that all delays are included unless excluded elsewhere in the contract. This way you can draft other clauses to deal more specifically with various types of delays that may come up over the course of the contract. "Time is of the essence" clauses don't have to be complex. For example, your clause might simply say: "Time is of the essence with respect to all provisions within this Agreement. Any delay in performance by either party shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement." Decide whose performance falls under the clause. A “time is of the essence” clause can apply solely to the contractor, or can apply to the owner's responsibility to provide the contractor with timely payments and materials as well. Require as much advance notice as possible in the event of a delay. All parties should be required to notify each other if even an excusable delay occurs. How much notice should be provided may depend on the reason for the delay or the length of the delay. For example, if the contractor learns key building materials have been back-ordered and won't be delivered for three weeks, he should alert the owner as soon as he finds that out rather than waiting to see what happens. The owner may want to pull the order or find a different supplier, and he needs as much time as possible to pursue alternatives. On the other hand, if severe thunderstorms mean the contractor has to suspend work for an afternoon but plans to return the next morning, a phone call to the owner as he sends the workers home is probably sufficient. Contractors may forfeit any damages or right to ask for an extension of time under the contract if they fail to give the owner proper notice. If the owner's actions have caused the delay, a court may refuse to award the contractor damages unless the contractor gave the owner proper notice. Without notice, it's possible the owner didn't realize that he was causing a delay, and in any event he hasn't been given the opportunity to correct the problem. Contractors should keep a daily log of project conditions and events so they can notify the owner of any potential for delay as soon as possible. List the types of events included in a “force majeure” clause. This clause excuses performance if a major event occurs that completely transforms the circumstances of the agreement in a way neither party could possibly have anticipated. Force majeure events typically include natural disasters such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes, and political events such as wars, riots, government orders, or trade embargoes. Strikes and labor shortages also may fall into a force majeure clause. Typically, the events listed have catastrophic and unavoidable consequences that would make performance under the contract impossible. In some states such as Virginia, force majeure clauses are required in all construction contracts. For example, your force majeure clause might state "A party shall not be liable for any failure of or delay in the performance of this Agreement for the period that such failure or delay is due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, war, strikes or labor disputes, embargoes, government orders or any other force majeure event." Decide what will happen if one of these events occurs. Typically, the contractor won't need to pay the owner any damages for the delay, and may be entitled to a reasonable extension of time to complete the project. Without a force majeure clause, the parties are left at the mercy of common law rules that only excuse performance rarely under a narrow set of circumstances. Consider including other excusable delays. While they may not rise to the “force majeure” level, you might want to include provision for delays that occur through no fault of the contractor. If the contract mentions nothing specifically, courts will only consider a delay excusable if it was caused by circumstances beyond anyone's control and was unforeseeable by the parties at the time the contract was made. Examples of excusable delays include unforeseen weather events that don't rise to the level of a catastrophe, strikes, design errors, or material shortages. If the delay results from something in the control of the owner, such as an error in the design or architectural plans, it may be appropriate for the owner to compensate the contractor for any costs he incurred as a result. Provide for cancellation of the contract without penalty if the event continues beyond a specified period of time. For example, a hurricane that only impacts a small coastal area near your build site may only cause a brief delay in construction. However, a massive hurricane resulting in the area being flooded for months would render performance impossible. If a force majeure event renders performance impossible, the clause should allow the parties essentially to walk away from the contract as though it never happened. Include a clause that allows performance to be accelerated to meet the schedule despite delays. If the contractor's fault or neglect causes the delay, this clause would allow you to require the contractor to work more hours to complete the project on time. If an owner forces a contractor to complete a project despite excusable delays for which the contractor was entitled to a time extension, the contractor may be able to sue the owner for damages if the acceleration caused additional cost. For example, the contractor may have needed to hire two more laborers to help complete the last phase of the project in a shorter time period. Provide for liquidated damages in the event performance is delayed and deadlines aren’t met. Because it's difficult to predict when drafting a contract what damages might be caused by delays during the project, many construction contracts include a clause providing for liquidated or pre-set damages for delays. Damages for delay, in particular, are difficult to prove, and for this reason a liquidated damages clause is often favored. Some contractors believe they are not liable for damages for delay unless there is a liquidated damages clause. However, they still may be liable for actual damages caused by a delay that was reasonably foreseeable when the agreement was made. For example, if an apartment building was supposed to be completed in 500 days, but it took the contractor 600 days due to rain, the contractor would be liable to the building owner for actual damages caused by his delay. It wouldn't be reasonable for him to believe that it wouldn't rain for 500 days. Liquidated damages clauses are only enforceable if actual damages would be difficult or impossible to estimate. The amount set forth in the clause must be a reasonable estimate of what actual damages might be, and can't be intended to punish the other party for delaying. For example, a restaurateur may hire a contractor to build a new restaurant by a certain date. The restaurateur and the contractor have no idea how much business the new restaurant might have after it opens, so liquidated damages for any delay would be appropriate in this instance. An owner cannot recover both actual damages and liquidated damages from a contractor who delays his performance. Liquidated damages can be escalated to reflect the increasing costs of a delay that lasts for an extended period of time. For example, a liquidated damages clause might say: "If the Contractor fails to complete the work within the contract time, the Contractor agrees to pay the Owner $300 per day as liquidated damages to cover losses, expenses and damages, not to exceed $10,000." Allow a party to terminate the agreement if there are excessive delays. Drafting a contract involves planning for all contingencies, so consider including a clause that allows the owner to escape the contract in a worst-case scenario where the contractor is responsible for repeated and significant inexcusable delays. Allow the owner to suspend or delay work without paying compensation through a “suspension of work” clause. If delays are anticipated for business or other economic reasons, a suspension-of-work clause allows the owner to temporarily pause construction. Typically suspension-of-work clauses provide for some payment to the contractor during the down time, or some adjustment of the final contract price depending on how long construction is put on hold. For example, a suspension-of-work clause might say: "The Owner may, without cause, order the Contractor in writing to suspend, delay or interrupt the Work in whole or in part for such period of time as the Owner may determine." That clause would be followed by any adjustments made to the payment or the schedule as a result of the delay. Check to make sure a “no damage for delay” clause is enforceable in your state. Some states, such as California and Virginia, have laws limiting the enforceability of these clauses, and Ohio has banned them entirely. Even in states where these clauses are not banned, courts dislike them and give little latitude to the party seeking to enforce them. Courts typically decline to enforce them if the cause for the delay was unforeseeable when the contract was made, or if the owner's intentional acts caused the delay. Courts often throw out a “no damage for delay” clause if your contract also includes a “time is of the essence” clause. If an owner requires a contractor to complete a project as quickly as possible, the reasoning goes, he shouldn't also be able to deny liability for expenses the contractor incurs because of his own actions. Include a statement that the contractor cannot file a claim for additional costs if actions by the owner cause the project to be delayed. Typically this statement will include a requirement that the contractor provide notice to the owner that his progress is being hindered and request more time to complete the job. Contractors can still get around these clauses and sue the owner for costs incurred if the owner causes delays through actions that are particularly malicious or done in bad faith. | Specify deadlines for performance of all stages of the agreement. State that delays at any stage constitute a material breach of the contract. Define what sorts of delays are included under the clause. Decide whose performance falls under the clause. Require as much advance notice as possible in the event of a delay. List the types of events included in a “force majeure” clause. Decide what will happen if one of these events occurs. Consider including other excusable delays. Provide for cancellation of the contract without penalty if the event continues beyond a specified period of time. Include a clause that allows performance to be accelerated to meet the schedule despite delays. Provide for liquidated damages in the event performance is delayed and deadlines aren’t met. Allow a party to terminate the agreement if there are excessive delays. Allow the owner to suspend or delay work without paying compensation through a “suspension of work” clause. Check to make sure a “no damage for delay” clause is enforceable in your state. Include a statement that the contractor cannot file a claim for additional costs if actions by the owner cause the project to be delayed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Licensed-Zumba-Instructor | How to Become a Licensed Zumba Instructor | To become a licensed Zumba instructor, you'll need to be in excellent physical condition so that you can keep up with Zumba classes at all different levels. You should also take classes in different studios to get a sense of various teaching styles and techniques. When you're ready, enroll in the proper training program by going to the Zumba Academy training website. Then, complete the instructor training course to obtain your Zumba teaching license. | Visit the Zumba Academy training website. Because Zumba is a trademarked exercise program, you will have to be licensed through the Zumba Academy. Enroll in the proper training programs. The first step in attaining your Zumba fitness instructor license is to enroll in one of the following courses: Zumba Basic Steps Level 1: This course will teach you the foundation for teaching Zumba. You will learn the four basic dance elements: merengue, salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton, and how to apply the various dance moves you learn to the songs you choose for your class. Jump Start Gold: This course will teach you how to teach Zumba to an older audience, and how to target the physical and psychological needs of your students. Complete the Zumba Instructor Training Course. These courses are a combination of lectures and practical training to give you the skills you will need to teach Zumba. Once you have completed the training course, you will be granted a one-year license to teach Zumba. This license will have to be renewed over time if you want to continue teaching. Keep your Zumba Instructor License current. Licenses to teach Zumba last for one year, and should be promptly renewed upon expiration if you want to continue teaching. Practice Zumba. Before you can teach Zumba, you will have to first master the style and choreography of the fitness program. If you haven't already, enroll in a Zumba class and attend at least 3-5 days per week. Be sure that you can keep up with Zumba classes of all different levels before you consider teaching a class. You must be in excellent physical condition to teach this or any other exercise class. Take Zumba classes at different studios and with different instructors. This will help you pick up on the various techniques, and choose what kind of teacher you want to be. Pay attention to which classes seem to attract the biggest group of students, and notice unique elements (whether it is the dance moves, music choice, or overall energy) that that particular instructor brings to the table. Consider where you want to teach Zumba. Remember that requirements for teaching Zumba may vary between different studios and/or gyms. Some studios will accept a Zumba licensing on its own, but others may require you to have a group fitness instructor license as well. Contact the person who is in charge of group fitness instruction at the gym or studio that you plan on teaching at. Set up a meeting with this person, and find out what certifications you need (if any) other than the Zumba license. Consider getting CPR certified. While this requirement may vary between gyms, it is a good idea to be CPR certified if you are teaching a fitness class in the case of an emergency. Register for a CPR training course through the American Red Cross in your area. Be sure to properly renew your certification as needed. | Visit the Zumba Academy training website. Enroll in the proper training programs. Complete the Zumba Instructor Training Course. Keep your Zumba Instructor License current. Practice Zumba. Consider where you want to teach Zumba. Consider getting CPR certified. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-During-the-Coronavirus-Outbreak | How to Exercise During the Coronavirus Outbreak | Figuring out how to work out at home during the coronavirus outbreak can be a struggle, but there are a lot of workouts you can do at home when the gym is closed. Running outside, jumping rope, and doing burpees are all great options for your cardio workout. For strength training, don't worry if you don't own any weights. You can still get your workout in by doing bodyweight exercises like pushups, crunches, and squats. There are tons of guided workout videos on YouTube you can use if you need some help coming up with a good routine. If you're looking for a more low-key workout that also reduces stress, try following along with an online yoga video. | Keep yourself loose with a stretching regimen. Always follow the same workout rules that you followed at the gym. This includes warming up and stretching thoroughly before your workout. Spend 5-10 minutes stretching your major muscle groups before exercising, especially the ones that you'll be working in the day's session. Remember to warm up before stretching. Try running in place, doing jumping jacks, or jumping rope for 5-10 minutes to loosen up for your stretching routine. Sometimes, a good stretching routine is enough of a workout for a day if you're feeling tired. Try doing 20-30 minutes of quality stretching to loosen your joints and relax your mood. Run outside for a simple cardio workout. Unless your local area has instituted a strict quarantine, you should still be able to run outside. If you regularly run, then continue on your usual regimen to maintain your cardio health. If you're new to running, then start slow. Run for 10 or 20 minutes at a time, then stop to catch your breath and stretch. Build up the distance and speed as you improve. Try to limit your runs to 2-3 days per week unless you're an experienced runner. If you overdo it, you could hurt your joints. You could also walk if you prefer. A 30-60-minute walk is great exercise. You could also try riding your bike as long as you have a helmet. Keep a respectful distance from anyone you pass during your run. The CDC recommends staying 6 ft (1.8 m) away from other people to prevent spreading the virus. Always check local laws before exercising outside. Some areas have instituted strict rules and you could face a fine if you violate them. Jump rope to get your heart rate up. If you prefer more cardio in your routine but can't go to the gym, then jumping rope is the perfect replacement. Start off slow, then build up the speed to get your heart rate up. A few minutes of jumping rope burns a lot of calories and improves your cardio health. You can jump rope for a few minutes every day. Try to do sets of 30-60 seconds at first. Then see how long you can go without stopping. If you're going to jump rope inside, make sure your ceiling is high enough. It's probably best to do this one outside so your don't hit anything with the rope. Do burpees for a full-body exercise. This is a strength and cardio workout all in one. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then bend down until you can press your hands on the floor. Throw your legs backward and enter a pushup position. Bring your legs back forward and jump up. Do as many repetitions as you can. If you have a low ceiling, be careful about how high you jump. It might be safer to do this exercise outside. For a tougher variant, you can do a pushup when you drop down to the ground. Burpees might leave you sore, so leave at least a day in between sets to help your body recover. Install a treadmill to exercise at home easily. A treadmill in your home makes staying in shape much easier. You could walk or run on your own time while you're watching TV or reading. If you think you'll be isolating in your home for a while, then a treadmill is a great addition to help you stay in shape. You can order a treadmill online and have it delivered. A treadmill can be a big investment, depending on the type you get. They can range from a little over $100 to well over $1,000. Read a lot of reviews and get one that suits your needs. If you have joint-pain, then an elliptical machine or stationary bike may be a better choice than a treadmill. These are low-impact substitutes. Get a weight set to help your strength exercises. If you do a lot of weight training, then staying away from the gym might really impact your workouts. Getting some weights in your home will help you keep up with your training schedule. You can do a lot of workouts with some simple dumbbells, so try investing in a set to support your weight routine. You can order weight sets online and get them delivered to your home. Depending on the type, weight, and number of weights, a dumbbell set could range from $20 to $200. You could also get a home gym setup with many more weight training options. These are significantly more expensive, and could cost a few thousand dollars. Train your triceps and chest with pushups. Pushups are a simple exercise that require no equipment. Lay on your stomach and press your hands flat on the ground by your shoulders. Then push yourself up and down to work your triceps and chest. Try to do 3 sets of 10 to start with. There are many pushup variations you could do. Work very slowly to tone your muscles, or do the motions fast for more of a cardio workout. You could also try one-handed pushups when you get better. If you aren't sore, you can do a few pushups every day. If you do feel any pain, then leave a day or two in between pushup sets. Do dips on a couch or staircase. Dips are a good workout for your triceps and shoulders, and you can perform them with only a couch, staircase, or similar ledge. Sit down with your back to the ledge and your legs in front of you. Reach behind you and place your hands on the ledge. Then press to lift your body up and lower it back down slowly. Try to do 3 sets of 5-10 reps to start. Don't use your legs to support yourself while you do dips. Focus the weight on your arms. You can also do dips on a chair, but make sure the chair is stable. Strengthen your biceps by doing curls. You can either use dumbbells if you have them, or you can use improvised weights with household items. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and a weight in each hand. Keep your elbows pressed to your sides, then bend your arms to bring the weights to your shoulders. Lower them back down slowly. Do 3 sets of 10 reps to work your biceps. Full jars or cans are good substitutes for dumbbells. You could also hold the back of a chair with both hands to replicate a barbell. If you have resistance bands, these will also work for curls. There are many curl variants. For a hammer curl, for instance, turn your hands so your palms face each other and keep the weights vertical for the whole motion. This trains your forearms and back more. Work your biceps every other day to give them time to recover. Work your upper back with reverse dumbbell flys. Sit on a firm chair with a weight in each hand. Keep your arms at your sides. Bend over using your hips and make your upper body roughly parallel with the ground. Then raise your arms up until they're perpendicular with your body. Do 1 set of 12-15 reps to start with. You could also do a standing fly by bending over at your hips. Make sure to tighten your core and keep your back straight or you could hurt your back with this exercise. Just like with curls, you could use other household items for weights if you don't have dumbbells. Be careful working your back, because back injuries can take a while to heal. Stop right away if you feel any pain or hyperextensions, and leave 2 days in between your back workouts. Get a yoga mat so you can work out on the floor comfortably. Most at-home core exercises are done on the floor, so a yoga mat will be a big help. The extra padding can prevent joint or back pain from working out on a hard floor. Shop online for the a quality yoga mat to help you exercise at home. You can get yoga mats for as low as $10 online. When your mat gets sweaty, wipe it down with warm water and a drop of dish soap. Wash it like this after every few workouts so dirt and bacteria don't build up on it. Work your abdominals with crunches. Crunches or sit-ups are the most common core workout. Lay on your back and bend your knees so your feet are planted a few inches from your hips. Place your hands behind your head and bend your hips to bring your nose towards your knees. Doing crunches on top of an exercise ball is easier on your lower back and also isolates your core more. Try using one of these for a different exercise. Also keep your core tight during other exercises. This supports your body better and also trains your abdominal muscles. You can do core workouts every day if you aren't sore. Strengthen your core with bicycle crunches. This is a good combination core and cardio workout. Lay on your back and put your hands behind your head so your elbows point forward. Bend your knees so your thighs are perpendicular with the ground and your feet are lifted. Then bring your left elbow to your right knee, then vice versa. Try to continue this motion for 1 minute. This workout can be tough on your lower back, so make sure you workout on a yoga mat or carpet. Don't pull your neck forward while you do this workout. You could give yourself neck pain or a pulled muscle. Train your legs with squats. Squats are a great workout for your legs and core, and also improve your endurance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands out in front of you for balance. Bend your hips and knees until your thighs are parallel with the floor. Then rise back up and repeat for 3 sets of 10 reps each. Keep your back straight while you do squats to prevent back pain. Make sure your hips and knees are making the motion. For a more intense variant, try a squat-jump. Perform a normal squat, but add a small hop when you rise back up. If you have trouble doing squats, you can do a wall sit for a similar exercise. Keep your back pressed against a wall and dip down into a squat position. The wall supports your weight and makes squatting easier. Walk up your stairs for a step-up routine. If you're steady on your feet, then your staircase is a good workout tool. There are a number of exercises you can do here, ranging from easy to difficult. Try doing simple step-ups by stepping onto the first stair with one foot, then the other. Step back down with one foot at a time. Repeat this motion as fast or slow as you'd like. You can continue it all the way up the stairs when you feel more confident. You can also walk or run all the way up the stairs and then back down. Be careful and make sure you don't knock into anything. If you're unsteady or have problems with balance, then skip this exercise. There are many others you could try. Use YouTube to find guided workout videos. YouTube is full of videos to guide your home workouts. Trainers design workouts for all difficulty levels, so use keywords that reflect your skill. For example, search “beginner home cardio workout” and check what comes up. Do one or more of these videos every day to stay in great shape. Look for different videos on different days. You could do a cardio video 3 days a week and a strength video 2 days. This creates a well-rounded workout schedule for you. You could always do the videos at your own pace. Feel free to pause and get a drink of water before continuing. Follow yoga or meditation videos to release stress. Not all exercises have to be intense. YouTube and other websites have yoga or guided meditation videos that are great for your physical and mental health. If you just want to loosen up or are sore from a workout the day before, then try following a light yoga video for your daily workout. A meditation video after will help relax your mind during this stressful time. Yoga can also be an intense workout, depending on the difficulty level. If you aren't used to it, then definitely start with a beginner-style video. Sign up for an online training course if you want personalized guidance. Some trainers have built online-only programs where they consult clients over the internet. This is perfect if you need more motivation or guidance. Look online for digital trainers and contact them for a consult. If you'd like to continue with their services, then follow their workout routines to stay in shape during quarantines. Look for reviews on different trainers to find one that has good ratings. If you worked with a trainer before the lockdown, then they might still be available for counseling. Try to talk to them on the phone or video chat with them for guided workouts. Avoid working out in groups to limit your exposure. Working out in a group violates social distancing recommendations, so if you usually work out with partners, you'll have to stop until the outbreak passes. Do your best to motivate yourself without partners to stay healthy and prevent spreading disease. You could try meeting up with your workout buddies through Skype or a similar video conference tool. That way you can still feel like you're exercising in a group. Exercise at a level that you’re comfortable with to prevent fatigue. While exercise is good for your immune system, working out above your level could tire you out too quickly. This could actually lower your immunity temporarily. Avoid this outcome by exercising at a level and rate that you're comfortable with. Scale up your workouts slowly so you don't tire yourself out too much. If you find yourself getting exhausted during workouts, then you're probably exercising too hard. Scale back a little bit. If you feel drained or sore, try taking a day or two off. This gives your body enough time to recover and keeps your immunity up. Avoid touching your face during your workout. Whenever you exercise, you'll be touching the floor and other equipment. You could give yourself an infection if you touch your face during the workout. Don't touch your face during the workout or before you've washed your hands to avoid infections. While you won't get COVID-19 from your workout gear unless an infected person touched it, you could still get colds or other less serious infections. This could depress your immunity and you won't fight off COVID-19 as effectively if you're exposed. Disinfect your workout equipment to prevent infections. Cleaning your gear is always important, but it's especially important now curing the COVID-19 outbreak. You can use Lysol wipes to clean off all of the gear you used during your workout. Stick with this cleaning routine so you don't pick up any germs during your workout. You can also wipe down your equipment with soap and water or a 10% bleach-90% water solution if you don't have disinfecting wipes. Both will kill bacteria and viruses. Wash your hands when you’re finished. As soon as you're done with your workout, wash your hands for a full 20 seconds to kill any germs that you picked up. Only touch your face or handle food after your hands are clean. It's also a good idea to wash your hands before exercising. That way, you won't spread any germs to your workout gear. | Keep yourself loose with a stretching regimen. Run outside for a simple cardio workout. Jump rope to get your heart rate up. Do burpees for a full-body exercise. Install a treadmill to exercise at home easily. Get a weight set to help your strength exercises. Train your triceps and chest with pushups. Do dips on a couch or staircase. Strengthen your biceps by doing curls. Work your upper back with reverse dumbbell flys. Get a yoga mat so you can work out on the floor comfortably. Work your abdominals with crunches. Strengthen your core with bicycle crunches. Train your legs with squats. Walk up your stairs for a step-up routine. Use YouTube to find guided workout videos. Follow yoga or meditation videos to release stress. Sign up for an online training course if you want personalized guidance. Avoid working out in groups to limit your exposure. Exercise at a level that you’re comfortable with to prevent fatigue. Avoid touching your face during your workout. Disinfect your workout equipment to prevent infections. Wash your hands when you’re finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-a-Back-Spasm | How to Treat a Back Spasm | If you need to treat a back spasm, wrap an ice pack in a soft towel, then lie on your back and place the ice pack underneath you in the spot where the spasm occurred. Try to relax in this position for about 20 minutes, then repeat every 2 hours as needed for the next 2-3 days. Take a short walk every 1-2 hours to keep your back from stiffening up, gradually increasing your activity as you are able. If the pain is really severe, call your doctor and ask for a cortisone injection. | Apply ice for 20 minutes. Use an ice pack wrapped in a soft towel. Lie on your back and place the ice pack underneath you on the spot where the spasm occurred. Relax in this position for about 20 minutes, breathing deeply. You may want to lie on an incline to reduce the pressure on your back. For a lower back spasm, you may get more relief if you elevate your legs. Repeat as needed every 2 hours for the next 48 to 72 hours. Don't lay on the ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time, and don't fall asleep on an ice pack. Prolonged exposure can cause frostbite or nerve damage. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications can help reduce pain and inflammation. Common OTC NSAIDs include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve). You may also get relief from acetaminophen (Tylenol). While it does not have anti-inflammatory properties, it has a smaller chance of upsetting your stomach. You can also try a muscle relaxant, like Flexall or Percogesic. Use the smallest dose possible, as these can cause drowsiness. Try to walk around. While your first instinct after a back spasm may be to lie down, a short walk will get your blood moving and can help jumpstart the healing process. Start with short walks every hour or so immediately following the spasm. If you lay down for too long, you can actually make the problem worse. Inactivity causes your muscles to stiffen, which can lead to more pain or even another spasm. Walking and other low-stress aerobic activity, like swimming, are great things to do during the first 2 weeks. Start slowly and gradually increase your length of exercise over this time. Apply moist heat after 72 hours. After 3 days, the initial swelling and inflammation will have gone down. At this point, you can start using heat to increase blood flow and loosen your muscles. Use a commercial heat pack, or soak in a warm bath. Moist heat is preferable because it won't cause dehydration. Staying well hydrated is important both for the treatment and prevention of muscle spasms generally. Ask your doctor for a cortisone injection. Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory medication that works to decrease inflammation around your nerves. While it acts similarly to OTC anti-inflammatory medications, the relief lasts several months rather than just a few hours. A cortisone injection only relieves the pain associated with your muscle spasms. It does not treat the underlying cause. Determine what triggered the spasm. A back spasm may be triggered by a prolonged period of inactivity followed by a sudden movement. Back spasms also may follow overuse of the back muscles, such as heavy lifting, or some other injury. There are many different treatments for back spasms. Understanding what caused the spasm can help you find the most effective treatment. If your spasm was caused by a sudden movement after a period of inactivity, you have no further underlying physical problem that needs treatment. Simply use ice and heat, stay active, and do some gentle stretching. You may want to discuss the incident with your doctor. They can help you identify the probable trigger of your muscle spasm. You might also talk to a personal trainer or physical therapist. Try massage therapy to reduce stress and tension. Massage therapy from a certified professional can improve circulation and help your muscles relax. If you feel your spasm was caused by general stress, massage therapy can help. You may notice a difference after a single session. However, typically you need several sessions over the course of a couple of months if you want to see lasting results from massage therapy. See your primary physician for an official diagnosis. If at-home treatment doesn't resolve your problem, or if you continue to have muscle spasms in the same area, your primary physician may order tests to identify the cause. Discuss your back spasms with your doctor, and tell them what you've been doing to treat them at home. Your doctor may order X-rays, CAT scans, or an MRI to further evaluate the condition of your back. Get physical therapy for muscular injuries. If you tore or injured a muscle, physical therapy can help rehabilitate that muscle. Physical therapy also helps correct muscle imbalances, which can cause one muscle to overwork and lead to spasms. A physical therapist can also provide you with a custom exercise routine designed to treat the specific issues that are causing your back spasms. Visit a chiropractor for spinal issues. If your spine is out of alignment, or if you've had a spinal injury, such as a herniated disc, you may need chiropractic care to address the cause of your back spasms. Chiropractors typically use manual adjustments to move your spine into alignment. They may also use therapeutic exercise, massage, and other treatments to stimulate your muscles and nerves. Rule out neurological conditions. Muscle spasms can be caused by serious neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's. If you have frequent muscle spasms with no identifiable trigger, relay your concerns to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss any other possible symptoms you might have and refer you to a neurologist for further testing if they believe it is warranted. If you start experiencing incontinence (or the inability to hold your urine in), see a doctor, as this can be a sign of major underlying conditions. Drink water to stay well hydrated. Muscle cramps and spasms can be caused by dehydration. While staying well hydrated won't necessarily prevent a back spasm from ever happening again, it will help your muscles remain loose. Try to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day for proper hydration. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages, which are diuretics and will dry you out. Stay at a healthy weight. Extra weight can put more pressure on your back and musculoskeletal system, increasing your chances of developing a back spasm. Make sure that your weight is right for your height. Look up your BMI or ask a doctor for a physical evaluation. If you need to lose weight, consult a registered dietitian for a diet plan that works for you. Slowly incorporate more exercise into your day once your back spasm clears up. Correct mineral deficiencies in your diet. If your diet is lacking in calcium, magnesium, or potassium, you may have more frequent muscle spasms. Even if you're working with a physical therapist or a chiropractor, your spasms may continue if you have these mineral deficiencies. Look for whole food sources of these minerals first. Dairy products are a good source of calcium, while bananas and potatoes are good sources of potassium. If you have a mineral deficiency, reduce or eliminate your consumption of coffee and processed sugar, which impede your body's absorption of minerals. Walk to stay active. Staying active is one of the most important things you can do to prevent future back spasms. Walking is a low-impact activity and is generally easy on your back. Start with shorter walks and work up to a 20-minute walk every day. Cycling and swimming are two other exercises that are low impact and particularly good for your back. If you have access to a gym, you might also try 15 to 20 minutes on an elliptical or stair-climbing machine. Incorporate stretching into your exercise regimen. Yoga or pilates can help improve the flexibility and range of motion in your back. Try a few basic stretches before and after any activity to keep your back muscles loose. With any stretching, only stretch as far as you can comfortably. If you feel any pain or discomfort, stop immediately. You could cause further damage to your muscles. Gentle stretches can also be helpful to reduce pain immediately after a back spasm. Use a lumbar support pillow while sitting. Place the pillow between your lower back and seat to help you sit up properly. Do this while working at a desk or driving for long periods. Get up at least once an hour to walk around. Avoid sitting for too long at 1 time. Avoid hunching over while sitting. If you have to sit for a long time, change positions often. Start strength training to build core muscles once your back spasm heals. The muscles in your core create a natural corset that keeps your spine in alignment and your back in correct posture. Strengthening your core can help you avoid future back spasms. The plank is a basic core strengthening exercise that you can do without any equipment. Lie on your stomach on the floor, propped up on your elbows with your forearms flat on the floor. Raise up until only your toes and your forearms are supporting your body. Activate your core and hold the position for 20 seconds to start. Practice your plank several times a day, gradually increasing the length of time you hold the position. Make sure you're breathing deeply and regularly while holding the plank. Many people have a tendency to hold their breath when they activate their core. Avoid jerky or fast movements while lifting weights or heavy objects, as these may cause a back spasm. | Apply ice for 20 minutes. Take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever. Try to walk around. Apply moist heat after 72 hours. Ask your doctor for a cortisone injection. Determine what triggered the spasm. Try massage therapy to reduce stress and tension. See your primary physician for an official diagnosis. Get physical therapy for muscular injuries. Visit a chiropractor for spinal issues. Rule out neurological conditions. Drink water to stay well hydrated. Stay at a healthy weight. Correct mineral deficiencies in your diet. Walk to stay active. Incorporate stretching into your exercise regimen. Use a lumbar support pillow while sitting. Start strength training to build core muscles once your back spasm heals. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Memorize-Your-Lines | How to Memorize Your Lines | If you are having trouble memorizing your lines, there are a few tips you can use to remember your script. Start by highlighting or underlining your lines so you can find them easily when you look over your script. Once you find all of your lines, try writing them out on a separate piece of paper or typing them on your computer. You can do this several times as you work on memorizing your part. Another way to remember your lines is to practice reading them out loud in different ways, like happy, sad, loud, or quiet. You can even try singing your lines since setting them to music can make them more memorable for you. If you're having a hard time remembering all of your lines at once, break the script up into sections and try tackling one small part at a time, like page by page or scene by scene. | Highlight or underline your lines so you do not have to look all through your script to find them. Make notes if necessary, such as how loudly or softly to speak, to slow down or speed up, and so forth. It may help to write down or circle your cues to speak. Read your script until you fully understand the plot of the play. This means understanding your character's intention (what they want), your character's obstacles, (what stands in the way of what they want) and their tactics (what they do to get what they want) and the emotion of it (the energy, if it is sad, or happy, or exciting.) Directors want to see you have emotion and energy. This way, if you forget your lines during the show, you will be able to make up something to say so the audience won't notice. Pretend you are that character for a day and act exactly like the character's personality. Write it out. This is self-explanatory––write out your lines repeatedly. This gets the lines into your subconscious memory. To save on paper, you can also type them out, then simply erase and start again. Write it out with the other hand. If you are right-handed, write out your lines with your left hand, and vice versa. By using your less familiar hand, your brain has to think three times as hard about what you are writing. Get into character by asking yourself questions about the character. If your blocking is to walk upstage carrying a towel, ask yourself why your character would be doing that. You can also get into character by thinking deeply about why your character acts the way they do. Even make up a background story for your character - what happened before the script, and what is going to happen afterwards. Practice reading the lines out loud. Say the cue, your line, and the line after it. Do it one section or page at a time. Test yourself after each page, to make sure you remember what you just learnt. Say your lines in different ways. If your lines call for sadness say them happily, if it calls for a whisper scream it loudly. Use different emotions. You might make yourself laugh with some of your choices, which helps you to remember that sentence. If you have a monologue, try repeating one or two sentences at time. Then add another sentence. When you have about five sentences done that way, repeat them over for a little bit to make sure you have it. Use projection (volume) and inflection (speaking with expression) to your advantage. Break it up. Try to conquer small parts of your script at a time. It is difficult to memorize all your lines at once. By taking small parts of your script, you can add lines one at a time until you have your script memorized. A good way to work through is to go scene by scene. Try singing your lines.This might help if you love singing; then it will just be like singing a normal song as you will read later on. Also, it will program that song in your brain forever, so you will never forget your lines Think about or perform what your blocking is when you are saying the line. Your brain retains information better when a memory is associated with an action. Take a break. If you are tired from rehearsing, relax. It helps your brain work better. Also, try doing some exercises to help relax your brain. Practice with a partner. Ask the other person to read your script while you rehearse it to them. Ask them to highlight or circle parts that you skipped or jumbled the words. If you don't have a partner there are a bunch of apps for your phone that can help your memorize and rehearse your lines. For example, try the free app Line Please. Practice with friends or family. Have them look at your script, and recite your lines to them. Record your lines. Use an MP3 player or something to record yourself reading all the lines (with gaps of silence where you're supposed to talk). You can then play it while driving or exercising and say your lines in your head. You learn your lines as well as the other actors' cue lines. It's like learning the lyrics to a song; the more you listen to it, the better you are at "singing" along with the recording. Record it on your phone (one sentence at a time) and play it again and again then join in and then try without it. Record the whole play, and when it's your line, don't say anything. Then play it and you can say your lines, and it will be like if you are practicing with the cast! When practicing with a friend or family member, ask them to read the lines of the other role so you know when to come in without looking at your script. Not only will this help you remember your lines, it will help you remember your cues. Be sure you know all of your lines the night before the performance. If you can practice before the show starts, do so. | Highlight or underline your lines so you do not have to look all through your script to find them. Read your script until you fully understand the plot of the play. Write it out. Get into character by asking yourself questions about the character. Practice reading the lines out loud. Break it up. Try singing your lines.This might help if you love singing; then it will just be like singing a normal song as you will read later on. Think about or perform what your blocking is when you are saying the line. Take a break. Practice with a partner. Practice with friends or family. Record your lines. Be sure you know all of your lines the night before the performance. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Less-Judgmental | How to Be Less Judgmental | If you want to be less judgmental, make an effort to hang out with people who are different from you. Spending time with people from different racial, social, and religious background can help you realize you have more in common than you previously thought. As you meet new people, try to see them as individuals, rather than labeling them based on their appearance or their friends. In addition, try to put yourself in their shoes. Someone who seems annoying at first might just need a friend because they're dealing with a bad situation at home. | Embrace positive thinking. A negative mindset can lead to judgemental thinking. Try to see the positive aspects in every situation, rather than the negatives. When you catch yourself having negative thoughts, challenge them. Then, challenge yourself to pick out something positive. You can still be realistic while being positive. You don't have to ignore negative aspects, just don't focus exclusively on them. It's okay to have bad days. Forgive yourself on days when you are feeling down and negative. Having a positive attitude can improve your life in many ways! Separate people’s individual actions from their personality. Sometimes people will do things that you find abhorrent, such as stealing someone's lunch money or cutting in a line. Although their actions may be wrong, it's important not to judge them solely on one action. They likely have positive qualities that you haven't seen yet. Consider that their actions in that one moment may be driven by a circumstance you don't understand. For example, they may have stolen the lunch money because they haven't had a meal in 2 days. Notice when you're judging. Nip judgments in the bud by identifying how and when you're thinking about other people. When you catch yourself having critical thoughts about someone, ask yourself how you or they benefit from those thoughts. Then, offer a compliment instead. For example, you might catch yourself thinking, “That girl needs to lose some weight.” Challenge that thought, asking yourself why it's your business. Then say something nice that you noticed, such as, “You have a beautiful smile!” Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Every person is a unique individual with different talents, skills, personalities, and life experiences. Additionally, people are shaped by their upbringing, including where they grew up, how they were treated, and their living conditions. As you get to know people, try to imagine yourself in a similar position. Even if you may not have made the same choices, accept that they have a right to make their own decisions. For example, a person you consider to be too needy may have grown up without a supportive parent. Similarly, a person that you believe has not applied themselves enough academically may have prioritized earning money to help support their family. Find common ground. Whenever you find yourself tempted to judge someone who is different from you, look for commonalities rather than differences. We all have something in common because we're all humans! This will help you see them in a positive light, rather than one clouded by judgment. Casually mention a few topics until you find something that you can both talk about and be interested in. This will help you realize that people aren't so different from you. Be grateful for what you have. Appreciate the good things in your life, especially those that have helped you get to where you are in life. Celebrate your friends, family, health, opportunities, relationships, and how you grew up. Recognize that not everyone has had the same benefits that you have had, so judging them for living differently is unfair. If you feel tempted to say something negative about someone, take a deep breath. Instead, wish them all of the luck you've had in life. Show compassion. Being compassionate is the opposite of being judgmental. Instead of judging people and thinking bad thoughts about them, try to empathize with a person and to really try to imagine what that person is thinking or feeling. It won't be easy to go from thinking bad things about people and wanting the best for them, but this transition is possible. Focus on wanting to give people what they need and to help them out instead of wanting the worst for them. Compassion is also one key to happiness. If you want to be a more compassionate person, then you have to have positive feelings toward people and the world. Be curious. Curiosity is a great tool for overcoming a judgemental attitude. When you would normally think judgemental thoughts, instead explore your curiosity about something you don't understand. Let yourself see possibility instead of something wrong or different. For example, you may see someone cut the line at the lunch counter. Instead of judging them to be a rude person, consider if they might have a pressing appointment or have a health issue. Step out of your comfort zone. Actively seek out new experiences that are different from the things you normally do. At first this may be scary, but it can also be a lot of fun! Invite a few friends to join you as you try new things. Here are some ways to step out of your comfort zone: Use a different mode of transportation to get to work. Try a cuisine that you've never sampled. See a movie with subtitles. Go to a religious service outside of your belief system. Do something that scares you. Stand on top of a tall building, go mountain climbing, or eat raw fish. Hang out with a diverse group of people. Making an effort to hang out with people who are different from you in many ways can help open up your mind. Whether your friends are different because of their race, culture, religion, interests, class, ideas, hobbies, careers, or whatever else, being around people who come from a variety of backgrounds and have a variety of perspectives can help you have a better sense of all of the ideas that are out in the world. You don't have to recruit friends of a variety of backgrounds, but you should make an effort to get to know more people who aren't exactly like you. You'll only grow from the experience. Befriending someone you always thought you had nothing in common with can help you be more understanding and open-minded. Let your friends know that you're interested in attending events with them, if they'd like to invite you. Say, “It's so cool that your family moved here from Japan. I'm really interested in Japanese culture, so I'd love it if you let me know when public events are happening.” Attend an event that would normally not appeal to you. Choose an activity that you would normally think was boring, stupid, or lame. Challenge yourself to go and participate. Try to learn something new! Doing this once will let you meet more different people, understand different perspectives, and will also make you more likely to do something that will open your mind in the future. For example, attend a poetry reading, salsa dancing class, or political rally. Talk to the other people there and try to get to know them. If you feel tempted to judge them, remember how you would feel if they were judging you, especially since you're not normally a part of their scene. Travel as much as you can. Traveling can broaden your horizons and show you how other people live all over the world. If you don't have a big budget, you can travel to the next town or take a weekend trip to the next state. What's important is that you'll see that there are an infinite amount of ways to live your life and that no one person is right about what to say or do. You can save money when traveling by staying in hostels. Make a goal of traveling at least once a year. This will take you out of your comfort zone and will expose you to a variety of people. You can also try armchair traveling. Pick up a travel book about a faraway location and immerse yourself. Take it further by watching a movie based in that location. Spend a day with a friend's family. This will help you see that other families operate in completely different ways from yours. Even if you do a lot of things the same, you likely have some differences. This is okay! Ask your friend to include you in a special event, such as a cultural activity or religious service. However, don't push them to include you if they aren't comfortable doing so. Learn something from every person you meet. Every person you meet offers value for your life because they all come with lessons you can learn. Ask yourself what each person has to teach you, whether it's knowledge, a skill, or a lesson about yourself. For example, a person from another culture may be able to share knowledge about their practices with you. Similarly, a person who has a talent for art may be able to show you a new skill. Pay it forward and share something from yourself as well. Be the first to open up and share. Ask a lot of questions. This will help you better understand people and where they're coming from. It'll also help you expand your understanding of different backgrounds, cultures, and practices. If you want to get to know a person for real, then you have to learn more about where they're coming from. You might ask questions like these: Do you have siblings? Where are you from? What are you studying? How do you earn a living? What do you enjoy doing on the weekend? Don't press the person to answer your questions. However, showing an interest in them may make them want to open up. Stop your addiction to being right. Every person has his own ideas about how the world should work, and many times, those ideas are in conflict. Whether or not you're acting from an educated knowledge base, your values will still shape your viewpoint. Others are in a similar position, so accept that they may not agree with you. The next time you engage in a debate, remember that the other person may also have a valid opinion. Focus on sharing your perspective without trying to change people's mind. Remember that most situations are complicated and can't be judged on what is "right" and "wrong" -- there are many shades of gray. Form your own opinions. Set aside gossip and negative information that you hear about a person, culture, etc. Challenge assumptions before making a decision about a particular person or group. Don't let yourself be swayed by falsehoods. Keep in mind that people have their own motives for sharing gossip or negative opinions. For example, a person may talk bad about someone because of jealousy, or they may share concerns about a foreign concept out of fear. Think about times that you've had gossip spread about you. Would you want people judging you based on this? Don’t judge people based on their appearance. While it's true that people often dress in a way that expresses who they are, that doesn't mean that their appearance can tell you all you need to know about a person. Similarly, there are people of all different types within different lifestyles. For example, don't assume that someone who has a lot of tattoos and piercings can't also hold a professional job. The next time you go out, study yourself in the mirror. What would people think of you based on your appearance on this one day? How would they be right or wrong? Stop labeling people. Labels don't tell the whole story about a person. In fact, they limit your perspective on them. Try to see each person as an individual. Learn to see past a person's appearance or the people they hang out with, and focus on getting that person's individual story before you jump to conclusions. For example, don't refer to people as Goths, Nerds, Jocks, etc. Withhold making judgments about people. Let people tell you who they are, rather than assuming that you already know. You are only seeing a small side of each person you meet, and if they perceive you as being judgemental, that will be a very small slice. Let your perceptions about a person change as you get to know them better. Accept people on their own terms. Would it be fair for the person to judge you based on talking to you for five minutes? How much could the person really learn about you in such a short amount of time? Give people another chance. Sometimes people are going to rub you the wrong way, but don't assume the worst about them. Chances are, you've also had days when you didn't put your best foot forward. Give other people the benefit of the doubt and keep negative thoughts at bay. For example, the person may have been having a bad day when you met. Similarly, shy people may at first seem distant or stuck-up. Don’t gossip about other people. Gossiping spreads ill will and makes people form judgments about one another without knowing the real story. Plus, if you develop a reputation as a gossip, people will like coming to you for juicy tidbits about other people, but they won't really be able to trust you. The next time you open your mouth to say something negative about someone, flip it around and say something positive. Instead of saying, "Did you hear that Annie hooked up with Jason last night?" say, "Did you know that Annie is an amazing artist? You should see one of her paintings sometime!" Think about how much better you'll feel about spreading goodwill. | Embrace positive thinking. Separate people’s individual actions from their personality. Notice when you're judging. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Find common ground. Be grateful for what you have. Show compassion. Be curious. Step out of your comfort zone. Hang out with a diverse group of people. Attend an event that would normally not appeal to you. Travel as much as you can. Spend a day with a friend's family. Learn something from every person you meet. Ask a lot of questions. Stop your addiction to being right. Form your own opinions. Don’t judge people based on their appearance. Stop labeling people. Withhold making judgments about people. Give people another chance. Don’t gossip about other people. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-Brown-Hair-Black | How to Dye Brown Hair Black | Dyeing your hair black involves adding color instead of lifting it, so it's not as damaging for your hair as going a lighter color is. All you'll need is black hair dye and developer, which should come together in a kit. Fortunately, you don't need to use any bleach when you're going a darker color. Keep in mind that black dye fades over time, so you'll probably need to re-dye your hair every couple of weeks to maintain your hair color. You should also only wash your hair when you absolutely need to, since the dye will fade every time you wash it. | Purchase a box of hair dye. You can find black dye at your local pharmacy or your beauty supply store. Luckily, there is only one shade of true black, so you won't waste too much time perusing different shades! The hair dye will come with everything you need to dye your hair from brown to black. Change into an old t-shirt and put towels down. Just like the black dye will dye your hair, it will also dye your carpet and clothing. To avoid ruining your favorite clothing, put on an old t-shirt before you begin. Then, put old towels over your shoulders, on the counter, on the floor, and anywhere else you could possibly get dye! Mix up your dye. Put on a pair of plastic gloves, which will come in the box of hair dye. In a tub, mix up the developer and the dye with the provided dye brush. Make sure you stir everything together thoroughly so that the dye and developer are thoroughly blended. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin closest to your hairline. The downside about applying black dye to your hair is that it easily stains the skin. Instead of hurting your skin scrubbing the black stains, protect your skin by applying a layer of Vaseline or other petroleum jelly around your hairline. This will create a barrier between the dye and your skin, and you can simply wipe away the jelly once you're finished. Begin applying the dye to your hair. Use the provided brush to put the dye on your hair. Then, use your gloved fingers to massage the dye into your hair. By using your hands, you can make sure that your hair is evenly coated and saturated. Do this for your entire head, from roots to tip. The beauty of black hair dye is that you aren't in a rush to apply it and you can take your time to do it right. After all, the end result can't get any darker! You can use hair clips to section out your hair and work layer by layer, or you can apply the dye to your entire head of hair at once. It's up to you and it depends on how much hair you have! Just make sure every piece is coated. Let the dye sit on your hair. After you've covered every piece, let it soak into your hair. The box you purchased will have specific instructions. If you're going to move around, clip it up or put it in a bun. This will help keep you from getting black dye all over everything while you wait! Wash out the dye. Once your dye is done processing, it's time to rinse. Use cool water to rinse your hair while massaging it, just like you would with shampoo. Keep rinsing it until the water runs completely clear – this can take awhile! Once you're sure all the dye is out, give your hair a little TLC and condition it. Shampoo can strip out some of the dye, but conditioner will not. Limit your washes. Every time you wash your hair, you will rinse a bit of the dye out. In order to keep your hair as black as you want it, try not to wash it more than you absolutely need to. Clip up your hair or cover it with a shower cap when you shower, and use combat grease in between washes. Rinse your hair with cold water. When you do have to wash your hair, use cold water. It might sound unpleasant, but it will help your color last longer. Hot water will cause the cuticle of the hair to open, which is where the black pigment is. In other words, hot water will make your hair actually release the dye. By using cold water, the cuticle of your hair will stay sealed and hold onto the black dye. Re-dye your hair when the color starts fading. Inevitably, your black hair will start to fade and your roots will begin to grow out. When you notice this happening, it's time to repeat the process! Grab another box of black hair dye and give your color a boost. To maintain a dark black, you will need to re-dye your hair every couple of weeks. | Purchase a box of hair dye. Change into an old t-shirt and put towels down. Mix up your dye. Apply petroleum jelly to the skin closest to your hairline. Begin applying the dye to your hair. Let the dye sit on your hair. Wash out the dye. Limit your washes. Rinse your hair with cold water. Re-dye your hair when the color starts fading. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Unwarp-a-Pan | How to Unwarp a Pan | If your pan's warped, you can repair it by heating it and hitting it with a mallet. First, cut a piece of wood to the diameter of your pan. Heat your pan on medium-high heat for 15 minutes. When it's hot, place your pan on a hard, durable surface. Then, place your wood in the pan, and hit the wood repeatedly with a mallet until it cools. It might take you a few rounds of heating and hitting your pan, but soon enough, it'll be flat again. If your pan came with a warranty, check if it's still in date, since this might save you the effort. | Check the warranty. Many pans (especially higher end cookware) will come with a warranty that may cover warping. If your pans came with a warranty, double check the conditions. You may be able to receive a replacement, and save yourself the trouble of flattening. Cut a piece of wood to match the diameter of your pan. In order to repair the warping of your pan, you are going to need a piece of wood. Purchase a 2 X 4 (45 X 90 mm) from your local hardware store, and cut to it to fit the diameter of your pan. You can use either a circular saw or regular handsaw to cut your 2 X 4 to length. Many hardware stores will cut 2 X 4's to length for you. Inquire about this at the store. Always wear safety goggles when cutting wood. If your pan has bowed outwardly, the piece of wood can be a bit longer than the pan. If your pan had bowed inwardly, the piece of wood must sit inside the pan. Heat up your pan. Place your pan on the stove on medium to medium-high heat. Wait 15-20 minutes, allowing the pan to get very hot. Taking care not to burn yourself, use a pot holder to remove the pan from the stove. Place the pan on a durable surface. Set the hot pan down someplace sturdy and durable, with the bowed side facing up. If the pan is bowed outwardly, you have to rest the lip of the pan on a flat surface without allowing the handle touch the surface. A stair or the bench of a picnic table can work. Place the wood on the bowed side of the pan and beat the wood. Position your piece of wood across the center of the pan's crown (the place where it is most bowed). Use a mallet to bang on the piece of wood repeatedly. When the pan has cooled, it is time to stop. Repeat this until the pan is flat. Return your pan to the stove top and reheat it. Then move it to a sturdy location, position the wood, and continue banging on it. It may take 3 to 4 rounds of this for you to see improvement in your pan. Straightened pans will warp more easily than those which were never warped. Your pans will wear out from repeated warping and straightening, and will eventually need to be replaced. Purchase high quality cookware. Unfortunately, cheap pans are the most likely to warp. Look into higher quality cookware, and select pans that have a warranty. If you want to prevent your pans from warping, you need to choose cookware that has good heat conductivity. You'll also want something durable. Copper pans are known to have the best heat conductivity. Cast iron pans take longer to heat up, but are very durable and unlikely to warp. Stainless steel pans can be stylish and durable, but these pans are the most likely to warp. Heat up your pans gradually. Warping comes as the result of rapid temperature changes. You can protect your pans and help them to last longer by heating them up gradually. If you need to cook something on high (or even medium) heat, start by heating your stove to low. Allow the pan to heat up a little, then increase the temperature setting on your stove a couple of notches every few minutes. Avoid running hot pans under cold water. Rapidly dropping temperatures can also cause pans to warp. Most commonly, pan warping occurs when you run a hot pan under cold water. Never do this to your pans! Allow your pans to cool off completely before adding them to water. If you have been cooking at a very high heat, you may want to bring it down to medium, and then low, before allowing to pan to cool naturally to room temperature. | Check the warranty. Cut a piece of wood to match the diameter of your pan. Heat up your pan. Place the pan on a durable surface. Place the wood on the bowed side of the pan and beat the wood. Repeat this until the pan is flat. Purchase high quality cookware. Heat up your pans gradually. Avoid running hot pans under cold water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Relax-Your-Mind | How to Relax Your Mind | There are many great ways to relax your mind, like meditating, exercising, or doing something creative. To meditate, sit in a chair, close your eyes, and focus on your breath for 10 minutes or so. Whenever you notice your mind wandering, calmly return your attention to your breath. Alternatively, listen to some relaxing music or nature sounds, which will help you stay calm. Or, do a casual, creative activity like writing, coloring, or making something, to take your mind off your everyday stress. You can also make a relaxing drink, like herbal tea or warm milk, to sip while you de-stress. If you feel restless and don't want to sit still, try going for a walk, swim, or cycle, which will release endorphins in your body and help you relax. | Do deep breathing exercises. Although the idea may seem obvious, deep breathing exercises apparently work wonders on relaxing your mind. Practice these daily and in times of stress to help soothe your anxiety. Close your mouth and take a deep breath in through your nose. Try to time this inhalation so that it lasts for four seconds. Hold your breath for eight seconds, and then exhale your breath for a count of eight seconds. Repeat this four times total. If you have trouble slowing your breathing this far, start at a faster pace and slowly work your way up to a longer time. Feel free to adjust the time each inhales and exhale lasts, but be sure that your exhale lasts for twice as long as your inhale. Pause between each breath. Practice meditation, or try rejoicing, meditative prayer. This is the process of clearing your mind by focusing on a specific thought, place, word(s), color or object. To meditate, sit (kneel or lie) in a comfortable position and think (or pray) about one specific thing. It may take upwards of ten minutes in order to completely clear your mind, but that is normal. You can sit or lie down during meditation, but always keep your eyes closed to help you focus mentally/spiritually. It is normal for restless thoughts to intrude on your meditation. Try to ignore them as best as possible, purposely focusing on (cherishing/praising) one specific thing. Use guided imagery to help clear your mind. Imagine a place, real or fictitious, in which you feel at peace and stress-free. Focus on being in this place, including the details of what it looks like and how you feel in it. Meditate for as long as you like, but resting for at least ten minutes once you have managed to clear your mind proves to be beneficial to overall stress level and focus. Playing calming music, sounds or positive song phrase (such as: "I just feel like something good is about to happen. I just feel like something good is on its way..." ) can help you to focus better for your meditation. Always do whatever is necessary for you to feel your most comfortable. Meditation has proven to have health benefits in addition to causing mental relaxation, including lowering blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar. Try visualization. This is similar to guided imagery in meditation, in which you imagine a peaceful scene. Picture the scene in your head for as long as you would like, but focus all your thoughts and energy on visualizing this place in your mind. Do progressive muscle relaxation. This is a process by which you tense and then relax all the muscles in your body. Relaxing your muscles after having them tensed alters your mental state, and helps your mind to be as equally soothed as your body. Start by tensing the muscles in your face one at a time. These might include frowning, knitting your brows, scrunching your forehead, and setting your jaw. Then, allow each muscle to relax. When you finish with your face, move down your body until you have done this with all your muscles. Hold the tense muscles for 5-10 seconds each before releasing in order to get the most relaxation from the process. Practice yoga. Yoga is a type of stretching and low-impact exercise which helps to relax the muscles in your body. Because you must focus on each yoga pose, your mind is left no room to contemplate stressors and is forced into a state of peace. It is best to start yoga by taking a class. Yoga classes are made to create a state of relaxation, even though there may be many people present. Look for local instructors or classes at nearby gyms. Hatha yoga is the most basic style of yoga and is great for relaxation. Look for hatha yoga poses that you can try yourself at home. Avoid doing yoga if you have physical problems such as a herniated disc, osteoporosis, or you are at risk for blood clots. Drink lots of water. Water is important for keeping your body well hydrated and free of toxins, which helps your mind to focus better. To aid in other relaxation exercises, drink plenty of water. Eat foods that promote relaxation. Certain foods help to lower hormones linked to causing anxiety while simultaneously raising hormones which are responsible for creating a sense of happiness and peace. Foods high in selenium aid in lowering anxiety and depression, and include nuts (especially Brazil nuts), shiitake mushrooms, and tuna, cod, or salmon. Eat foods that have a high magnesium content, such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, and halibut. Look for foods with high tryptophan content, as this helps produce the chemical serotonin which increases happiness. Try dark chocolate, nuts, and red meat. Exercise moderately. Exercise is responsible for releasing endorphins, which in turn create a feeling of happiness. Try doing a little exercise every day to help relax your mind after dealing with a stress-filled schedule. Exercise in places that are quiet or allow time for you to be alone. If you workout at your gym, find an area or room that is mostly deserted, so that you aren't distracted by thoughts of things around you. Try to find mindless repetitive exercises to participate in. This might include swimming or running laps. Participate in your favorite activities. If you love to cook, read, or play sports, do those things! Doing things you love will help you to clear your mind of anxiety, and will likely release more endorphins which cause happiness. Drink warm liquids. Hot drinks help to relieve tension and reduce stress. Look for hot drinks that lack caffeine and alcohol, as these can stimulate anxiety and depression. Green tea contains certain natural chemicals linked to reduced stress levels. Drink it hot or iced to get the peaceful benefits it provides. Try drinking warm milk. This classic bed-time drink can help to soothe your troubled mind as it contains high levels of tryptophan, responsible for producing more serotonin in your brain. Warm milk in a saucepan with honey for a sweet relaxing treat. If you choose to drink coffee to help you relax, find a decaffeinated version so as to not stimulate hyperactivity. Avoid drinking anything with too much sugar, as this will stimulate your brain and make relaxing much more difficult. Occupy yourself in a repetitive, mindless activity. Doing something that requires work but no focus can help your mind to relax. Try doodling or drawing an abstract image. You are forced to focus on the act of drawing and are therefore unable to think about stressors in your life. Performing chores that use repetitive movements can induce relaxation. Think of raking leaves, sweeping the floor, or folding laundry. If you know how you can also do things like weaving bracelets or knitting. Avoid things that require a lot of movement or that are very busy, as this can induce stress rather than reduce it. Listen to calming music. Although you may love rocking out to hardcore rock or rap, find some slow, soothing tunes to help relax your mind. Avoid music that has heavy instruments or loud vocals, as these, will make it hard for you to relax while listening. Sometimes it's better to not have words in it at all. Instead of music, you can also listen to nature sounds and white noise which are developed to help people relax. Look for sounds of the ocean or forest, or find samples of white noise to try. Binaural beats are a special type of music or sound that produce higher levels of alpha waves in your brain, which help you to relax. Find free versions of binaural beats online or through your favorite music streaming site. Try listening to some music that has a lot of repetition in it and not that much vocal. Many genres of electronic music have this style such as house, trance, trap, and trip-hop. There is always classical music. Some classical music can be rather intense, especially full symphonic music that was made in the 20th century such as Shostakovitch. To relax, it is best to listen to solo instruments or smaller ensemble classical music, such as music from the Baroque and Classical periods (for example Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Vivaldi). Spend time with animals. Studies show that people who spend time with pets or touching animals have lowered blood pressure and are significantly less stressed than people who rarely come in contact with animals. If you don't have your own pet, consider borrowing your friend's dog to take for a walk or cuddling up with your neighbors cat. A little animal time a day can go a long way. Look into animal assisted psychotherapy. This is a type of therapy that helps to reduce stress and anxiety by using animals. Often times horses are used, but dogs and cats are also popular options. Try aromatherapy. This is when you use soothing scents to help you relax. Many popular aromatherapy smells include lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus. You can purchase aromatherapy oils to place directly on your skin. Dab a little around your temples and the inside of your wrists and elbows. These are some of the warmest places on your body, and will work to diffuse the scent faster. Aromatherapy mists and home fragrances can be used to make your bedroom your own personal relaxation sanctuary. Find them in mists and candles to help your home smell peaceful. Soak in a bath or pool. Warm water can help to release endorphins that reduce stress, so take a hot bubble bath for twenty minutes. Stay away from social media outlets. A huge cause of stress is any social media, whether it be your phone or facebook account. Try to spend some time away from these things to help reduce your anxiety. Turn off your phone or leave it in your car for a bit so that you don't run the temptation of obsessively checking it every few minutes. Leave your laptop closed and turn off your desktop so that you are not tempted to check your online media accounts. If social media is a big enough stressor in your life, consider removing it entirely for a period. Deactivate your online social accounts for a few weeks or months until you feel that it will no longer cause a problem for you. Don’t watch television. TV is full of bright colors, busy images, and constant noise which help to raise stress levels. Spend time alone. Often the people around us cause us the most anxiety, so make it a point to spend some time with just yourself. Take time off work to catch up on rest and alone time. Try taking a weekend retreat to a local town or nature reserve where you can have some time to think. Cancel plans with friends if you overwhelm yourself with a too-packed schedule. It is important to have time with just yourself before sharing it with others. Find time away from your family. It doesn't matter how much you love them, everybody needs a bit of time separate from their family in order to keep a healthy mindset. Avoid your known stressors. If you know that an upcoming test or meeting is what is causing your stress, try to spend time away from it to prevent additional anxiety. Set firm boundaries for times in which you are willing to deal with these stressors, if they are work or school related. Promise yourself only to work on your homework until 8pm, after which you will spend time debriefing and letting go of stress. If a certain person or activity is responsible for your anxiety, avoid them for a bit. Spend time thinking about why that thing, in particular, bothers you so much, and a solution to the problem. | Do deep breathing exercises. Practice meditation, or try rejoicing, meditative prayer. Try visualization. Do progressive muscle relaxation. Practice yoga. Drink lots of water. Eat foods that promote relaxation. Exercise moderately. Participate in your favorite activities. Drink warm liquids. Occupy yourself in a repetitive, mindless activity. Listen to calming music. Spend time with animals. Try aromatherapy. Soak in a bath or pool. Stay away from social media outlets. Don’t watch television. Spend time alone. Avoid your known stressors. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-if-Your-Old-Dog-Can-Handle-a-New-Puppy | How to Determine if Your Old Dog Can Handle a New Puppy | If you're unsure if your old dog can handle a new puppy in the house, think about how well your dog usually interacts with other dogs, since this is a good indication of how it'll handle a puppy. If your dog has health problems like vision or hearing loss, joint problems, or chronic pain, consider getting an older dog or a cat instead, which will cause less distress to your dog. You'll also need to evaluate how much space you have in the house, since dogs that are cooped up together are more likely to get on each other's nerves. In addition to space, ask yourself if you have sufficient time to dedicate to both dogs, as they will both have different needs. | Think about your dog’s personality. If you've introduced your older dog to new puppies before, you should reflect on that experience to determine if you should do so again. If your older dog has demonstrated disinterest in or hostility towards other dogs, especially puppies, you should think twice about introducing a new puppy to your household. On the other hand, if your old dog enjoys company and easily cultivates new friendships, they can probably handle a new puppy. If your older dog has an “alpha”-type personality (i.e., dominant, protective, territorial) introducing a new puppy into the mix is probably not a good idea. Think about your older dog’s health. Older dogs are often frail and have mobility problems. Other health concerns include vision or hearing loss, chronic pain, or stiffness in their joints. These health concerns can lead to anxiety and even depression, and any disruption in your older dog's routine can lead to undue stress for them. Dogs with minimal mobility are also less able to escape an abusive or irritating puppy. If your dog does have poor health, consider introducing another elderly dog or a cat to your household instead of a new puppy. Think about how much space you have. Dogs need space to run and jump. Neither the new puppy nor the older dog will be happy if you're all tripping over each other. If you're already cramped for space, you won't be able to accommodate another dog. Even if you have a large backyard or live near a park, sometimes the weather is bad and your dogs will need to work out their pent-up energy indoors. If you want another pet but lack space, think about investing in a small fish instead. Consider your schedule. Adding a new puppy to your household won't significantly increase the amount of time you spend on pet care in the long term. After all, if you're hanging out with one doggie, you can hang out with the other at the same time. But in the short term, you might have to spend extra time taking your puppy out and training it to indicate when it needs to go out. It's important that you pay your older dog an equal or greater amount of attention as your new puppy during this introductory period. If you don't have this time, you should reconsider investing in a puppy. If you're pressed for time, you could hire a dog-sitter to watch your puppy and train it to go out when you're unavailable. Take your finances into account. An extra dog means an extra mouth to feed. It also means extra visits to the vet or pet dentist. If you don't have the funds to provide a decent quality of life for another animal, you should not invest in a new puppy. This is especially true when your older dog is likely to need increased medical attention as it ages. Remember, different dog breeds grow to different sizes. Find out from your vet how large your puppy will be when it is full-grown. Don’t worry too much. Most dogs get along with each other and enjoy meeting new friends no matter their age or species. Typically, the most extreme measure a pet owner has to take is to basically keep the dogs separated until the puppy grows up a bit. If you believe your old dog is up to it, take a chance and introduce a new puppy to your family. Make introductions in a neutral place. Your older dog and new puppy should first meet somewhere quiet and safe where both will feel comfortable, but which your older dog does not identify as its own space. For instance, you might want to introduce the dogs to each other at a public park or the home of a friend. Introducing your old dog and new puppy when your old dog is sleeping in its bed, on the other hand, could make it uncomfortable. Say to your older dog, “This is our new family member. Can you say hello?” in a gentle, reassuring tone. After your dogs have had 10 or 15 minutes of sniffing and studying each other together, head home. Let your older dog walk into the house first so it feels it is the leader of the new pack. Give your dogs time to socialize. If you keep your dogs apart all the time, they will not have the opportunity to bond and get to know one another. Provide opportunities for your older dog and puppy to play and interact. For instance, put them in the same shared space – a living room or enclosed backyard is a good choice. Allow them to share experiences like going for walks or swimming in the lake. Through these social interactions, your dogs will become friends and learn to love each other. Monitor your dogs closely for at least two weeks to ensure they don't play too rough. Giving your dogs the opportunity to socialize doesn't necessarily mean they will do so. They might be slow to get to know one another, but it is important to let them socialize at their own pace. Don't force your dogs to play or interact together. Expect some friction. Your old dog and new puppy might roughhouse, nip at each other, or wrestle a bit when they are getting to know each other. This is normal and expected socializing behavior. It's how doggies say, “Hi, who are you?” If your older dog and new puppy seem excited or agitated around each other for a week or so, don't worry. Don't step in to intervene every time your puppy and your older dog start pawing each other. While some friction is normal, be on the lookout for more serious conflict. If either dog demonstrates growling, bared teeth, or assumes an attack position (lowered head, ears pointed back, bent forelegs, hair raised slightly on back), separate your dogs immediately and play with them one-on-one. Allow them to see and interact with each other only through a baby gate for 24 hours after a serious conflict. Give your older dog extra love. Dogs, like humans, are susceptible to jealousy. Your older dog might act out if they feel they are being snubbed in favor of a new puppy. Be sure to share a bit more time with your older dog than with your new puppy. Dogs of all ages appreciate petting, verbal praise, and opportunities for play. Doing so with your senior dog will prevent them from feeling that the new puppy is muscling in on its turf. Always give your older dog attention first, to reassure it that it's still the top dog. Ensure each dog gets time with you. While your older dog should have slightly more time and attention than the puppy, both should feel they are loved. Pay attention to each dog individually by petting them, playing with them, and offering verbal praise. If each dog feels appreciated, the dogs are more likely to get along and less likely to resent each other. Provide plenty of toys. One of the primary causes for conflict between dogs is a lack of play toys. You can prevent this by ensuring there are enough for all your dogs. Don't assume your new puppy will enjoy the same types of toys that your older dog does. Provide a generous variety of toys, including dog bones, chew toys, KONG toys, balls, and rolling toys. Ensure your puppy doesn't steal the older dog's toys. Puppies who are not socialized don't understand boundaries and sharing the way older dogs do. Even if you've provided an adequate amount of toys for your dogs, your puppy might decide to take your older dog's toys. When this happens, say “No” sternly to your puppy, then return the pilfered toy to the senior dog. Provide extra exercise time for your puppy. Your new puppy will have a lot of energy, but your older dog will not. In order to prevent your new puppy from using its excess energy to harass your senior dog, give your puppy plenty of opportunities to run about. Let it out in the backyard on its own to frolic and play. Try to find opportunities to exercise your puppy without making your older dog feel like you're neglecting them. Wait until your older dog is napping or curled up in front of the TV to take your puppy outside for a game of fetch or tug-of-war. Provide separate food and water bowls. Apart from toys, dogs will likely feel their space is being invaded if another dog is eating or drinking from “their” bowl. Ensure you provide both dogs with their own food and water dishes, and place them at least three meters apart to avoid food fights. It might help if you begin feeding your new puppy in a dog crate. Get help. If you really want your dogs to get along but they just aren't, you might need to get professional help. Dog trainers can help dogs of any age improve their social skills and learn to tolerate others. Contact dog trainers in your area and explain your predicament. Ask your vet or friends who have dogs to recommend a good dog trainer, or try the Association of Professional Dog Trainers' searchable database at https://apdt.com/trainer-search/. Remember, dogs are like people, and they all have unique personalities. Some dogs will just never get along, no matter how long they're together. If your dogs don't get along, don't take it as a personal failing on your part. Just try to minimize their conflict as best you can. | Think about your dog’s personality. Think about your older dog’s health. Think about how much space you have. Consider your schedule. Take your finances into account. Don’t worry too much. Make introductions in a neutral place. Give your dogs time to socialize. Expect some friction. Give your older dog extra love. Ensure each dog gets time with you. Provide plenty of toys. Provide extra exercise time for your puppy. Provide separate food and water bowls. Get help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Bacterial-Vaginosis-from-Coming-Back | How to Prevent Bacterial Vaginosis from Coming Back | Bacterial vaginosis can be unpleasant, but fortunately, you can help prevent it from coming back with a few changes to your daily routine. If you're taking medication for your bacterial vaginosis, make sure you finish the prescription, even if your symptoms go away, to reduce the chances of it coming back. Try to include probiotic-rich foods in your diet, like milk, soy milk, pickles, and olives. These are important for fighting harmful bacteria. You should also wear cotton underwear, which will help your skin breathe and prevent harmful bacteria from getting trapped. Stick to mild, unscented soaps when you wash downstairs so you don't strip the healthy bacteria you need to fight infections. | Finish your course of medication. It is imperative you complete the prescribed regimen you received from your doctor, if you've sought treatment. Once you've had BV, it can happen again and again. However, if it was diagnosed and you've taken the medications as ordered by your doctor, there's a smaller chance of it coming back. If the doctor says take metronidazole or clindamycin for one week (the two often prescribed) then you should take it for the full course prescribed, exactly as directed. Don't skip a day or stop taking the medication early. Even if the symptoms are already gone in a matter of days, stopping or not completing the prescribed regimen will increase your risk in getting BV again. Include probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are known to have live and active cultures of microorganisms that help out the normal flora found in the stomach and vagina. They help in repopulating the good bacteria and fight against harmful bacteria. Some researchers have suggested that recurrence of BV may be the result of an inability to regenerate sufficient lactobacilli, the most common strain of normal flora found in the vagina. Consuming lactobacilli through food sources, such as yogurt (with the label of “live and active cultures”), soy milk, kefir, sauerkraut, milk, pickles, and olives encourages vaginal flora growth. You should eat 5 ounces of probiotic-containing food daily to help the vagina maintain its acid-base balance. Taking probiotics in concentrated forms, such as Ecoflora tablets, has shown good results at helping prevent recurrence of BV. Wear cotton underwear. Avoid wearing tight jeans, panty hose, thongs, or underwear that prevent air circulation near the vaginal area. It is advised to wear cotton and avoid nylon underwear. This is because cotton is a breathable fabric and allows the air to circulate. Nylon traps moisture and heat, making you susceptible to having vaginal infections, including BV. Specialists believe that by wearing thongs there is a greater chance of transferring germs from the anus into the vagina and consequently causing BV. Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable skirts and pants is part of what may help speed treatment and prevent recurrence of BV. Remove any underwear or panties when you sleep to allow for more air circulation. Wipe from front to back after you use the bathroom. This process can help prevent accumulation of harmful bacteria in the vagina. After urinating, stay seated, and tilt your body forward to allow your hand to reach beneath your buttocks. Wipe the area clean with toilet paper, starting from the front of vagina and ending at the back of the vagina. When you have wiped your vaginal area, you may repeat the steps of wiping by starting behind the vagina to wipe the anal area and between your buttocks. By cleaning these two areas separately, you'll prevent introducing bacteria from the anus to the vagina. Avoid having sex. Although BV is not a sexually transmitted disease, and the link between sexual activity and BV is not well understood, sex is often associated with women who have new or multiple male or female sexual partners. Although there are few cases of men infecting women with BV, practicing safe sex by using condoms is still important to avoid transmission of various sexual diseases. Transmission of BV is more common in women having sexual intercourse with women because vaginal discharges and cervical mucus are exchanged when having sex. There is no best way to circumvent this unless you let BV fully recover or you practice total abstinence. Using a latex-free condom or dental dam during sex for the first month after completing the antibiotic treatment for BV has been shown to reduce the risks of BV recurring. Thoroughly clean any sex toys to prevent spreading the infection or even reinfecting yourself. Don’t use vaginal douching products. Douching is a procedure that washes the internal vagina using water and vinegar or other douching products sold in drugstores and actually gets rid of the good bacteria. It can cause more infections and may increase the harmful bacteria in your vagina which greatly affects the normal flora causing more odor and increasing your risk for infection. It's an old practice that isn't scientifically viable anymore. The vagina has its own self-cleaning behavior. The natural acidity in the vagina helps get rid of harmful bacteria. Douching will not affect a vaginal infection, and will likely make it worse. Stay away from scented soaps, bubble bath, and bath oils, as these may irritate your vagina, or alter the balance of healthy bacteria in your vaginal area. Soap of any sort can alter the natural balance of healthy flora in your vagina. Instead wash your genitals well with water, using your hand. It's okay to use mild soap and water to wash the outer region of the vagina. Using hot tubs and whirlpools may also have a negative effect on your vaginal health. It's a good idea to limit the use of hot tubs if you're trying to prevent BV from recurring. Avoid using strong detergents when washing your underwear. Strong detergents contain chemicals that come in direct contact with your vagina causing disruption of normal flora. It changes the acid-base balance in the vagina that will alter the normal pH level. Use milder detergents in washing your underwear and rinse them thoroughly. The best laundry soap for underwear will be free of fragrance and softeners. If you get hot and sweaty, change out of your stale underwear promptly. Changing your underwear only once a day might not be enough if you live an active lifestyle. Use unscented tampons or pads. Scented tampons or pads may aggravate the vaginal area. In addition, you should change your tampon often. Keeping a tampon in longer than the recommended number of hours can result in increased risk of bacterial vaginosis. Alternate between wearing tampons and pads for the duration of your period. Only wear pads and liners if you need to, as they can prevent entrance of air into the genitals making the area warm and moist. This becomes an inviting environment for bacteria to thrive in. Learn more about bacterial vaginosis. There is no known cause for BV but certain factors are more common than others in women who are diagnosed with this condition. Most women who have BV are in their child-bearing years, between the ages of 15 – 44. BV is twice as common among African-American women as it is among women of other racial backgrounds. About 1 in 4 of women who are pregnant will develop BV, perhaps due to hormonal changes. Women who don't use condoms, but do use intrauterine devices (IUDs), are more likely to get BV than those who use condoms or who are not sexually active. BV is not the result of bad hygiene. You can get BV without having sex, but many women who are diagnosed with BV report having recent sexual activity with either male or female partners. Sexual activity includes vaginal, oral, and anal sex. Men can not be diagnosed with BV. Know the symptoms of BV. Many women with bacterial vaginosis do not show any symptoms at all. Signs and symptoms of bacterial vaginosis may differ from person to person but is chiefly characterized by: Grey, white or yellowish discharge. This is caused by an outgrowth of the bad bacteria that thrives in the vagina, thereby interrupting the normal vaginal flora. Foul-smelling discharge. Most commonly described as a “fishy odor” and usually becomes worse after sexual intercourse. No signs of soreness or itchiness. BV can sometimes be confused with a yeast infection, also known as thrush. This infection of the vaginal area results in a milky discharge, itchiness and soreness. If your genital area itches, it's unlikely to be BV. Pain upon urination. Some women report a painful sensation of burning and sometimes stinging. Know how it's diagnosed. If you suspect you have BV, you'll need to make a doctor's appointment to confirm and treat it. Your doctor will need to take a sample from your vaginal discharge. This will require you to lie down on your back, with your feet in stirrups, on the exam table. Your doctor will swab the inside of your vagina lightly with a cotton swab in order to gather the necessary sample. The acidity of the sample will be measured. If your sample is less acidic than it should be (less than 4.5 pH) you may have bacterial vaginosis. Your medical provider may examine the sample under a microscope. If your lactobacilli count is low, but there is an abundance of "clue" cells (cells from the vaginal lining that are coated with bacteria), it's likely you have BV. | Finish your course of medication. Include probiotics in your diet. Wear cotton underwear. Wipe from front to back after you use the bathroom. Avoid having sex. Don’t use vaginal douching products. Stay away from scented soaps, bubble bath, and bath oils, as these may irritate your vagina, or alter the balance of healthy bacteria in your vaginal area. Avoid using strong detergents when washing your underwear. Use unscented tampons or pads. Learn more about bacterial vaginosis. Know the symptoms of BV. Know how it's diagnosed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Beef-Joint | How to Cook Beef Joint | To cook beef joint in the oven, first preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Combine ¼ cup (60 mL) of olive oil and 3 cloves of minced garlic in a small bowl. Add 1 tablespoon (3 g) of rosemary, 1 tablespoon (3 g) of thyme, 2 teaspoons (12 g) of salt, and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of black pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the beef, then place the beef on a roasting rack inside of a roasting pan. Put the beef in the oven and roast it for 15 minutes. Then, lower the temperature to 325°F (160°C) and continue roasting the beef for 1 hour and 45 minutes. Finally, remove the beef from the oven and let it sit for 30 minutes before serving. To cook beef joint in a slow cooker, first prepare the seasoning by mixing 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of whole grain mustard with ½ tablespoon (3 g) of mustard powder in a bowl. Add ½ tablespoon (1 ½ g) of rosemary, 1 crushed garlic clove, ½ tablespoon (9 g) of sea salt, and ½ teaspoon (1 g) of black pepper. Rub the mixture over the beef. Then, line the bottom of the slow cooker with sliced onions and carrots and place the seasoned beef on top. Pour 2 cups (500 mL) of beef stock into the slow cooker and put the lid on. Cook the beef on low for 3 hours. | Buy your beef joint according to how you want to cook it. Tender cuts of meat, like sirloin and fore rib, are better for roasting, while leaner cuts of meat, like topside and silverside, are better for braising. Pick out a fresh cut of beef. When purchasing beef, make sure the meat is a deep, dark red. Look for beef containing little streaks of fat throughout leaner muscle, and with an outside layer of firm, creamy-white fat. It should also be slightly sticky with a little resistance when pressed. Make sure your beef joint has enough fat. Fat is essential to a moist and flavorful beef joint. You want to buy a beef joint that has a thick layer of fat on it. The fat will melt during the cooking process, infusing your beef joint with moisture and lots of flavor. If your beef joint does not have a layer of fat on top, which is likely with a joint of silverside, ask the butcher to secure fat to the meat. Like beef fat, beef bones will also impart rich flavor to your meat. If you purchase a boneless beef joint from a butcher, you can ask for beef bones to tuck under the beef joint when cooking. Choose a joint of topside if you want to serve thick slices of beef. Topside is a boneless, tender cut of meat that comes from the inner thigh muscle of a cow. It's a lean cut of meat, which means it doesn't have much fat inside; but it does have a layer of fat on one side that melts during cooking, keeping the meat moist. It's ideal for roasting, but also cooks well braised as a pot roast, and in stews, casseroles and pies. Choose a joint of silverside for a midweek pot roast. It's similar to the topside, except leaner. It's more affordable than other cuts of meat; however, cheaper cuts of meat are not as tender once cooked. To keep this from happening to your silverside, it needs to be braised in liquid. You can also have it “barded,” if buying from a butcher, which means thin layers of beef fat are placed on top of the silverside to keep it moist while cooking. Choose rib of beef, also known as fore rib, for a special occasion, like a holiday party. It can easily be split into rib-eye steaks after cooking to serve several people. It's great for roasting on the bone, which imparts great flavor; and it has a thick layer of fat to keep it moist while cooking. Choose sirloin to impress a crowd. It is just as tender as rib of beef, but leaner and costlier. Bone-in sirloin will impart more flavor, so look for a sirloin joint on the bone, or sirloin with undercut, which is the same as the sirloin joint, but with the tender fillet attached. If you'd prefer your sirloin boneless, look for a striploin, rolled sirloin, or rolled sirloin with undercut. Take out enough beef for the amount of people you’ll be serving. Take your beef joint out of the refrigerator thirty minutes before cooking. It needs to be room temperature before cooking in order to cook evenly. A general consensus for the amount of beef you should prepare to make sure you have enough (and even some leftovers) is about 5-6lbs per 6-8 people. Season your beef joint. Season your beef joint simply with salt and pepper. Don't season with too much salt because salt can draw out the juices and dry out your meat. If your beef joint is a leaner cut, like topside or silverside, rub it with olive oil before seasoning. If it already has a layer of fat on top, you don't need to drizzle it with olive oil at all. Some people remove the layer of fat after roasting. But if you like the taste of beef fat, and plan on eating it, sprinkle it with a teaspoon each of English mustard powder and plain flour. This will give it a nice crispy texture. Wash and chop vegetables to cook along with the beef joint. The amount of vegetables you add to your dish depends on taste preferences. For roasting, adding an assortment of vegetables is optional. But they should be included when braising, since the vegetables will lend additional flavor to your beef joint during the slow cooking process. If you're roasting your beef joint and prefer to let the taste of the beef shine, simply cut a small onion in half to tuck under the meat. For an added depth of flavor, wash and chop 2 medium onions, 2 carrots, 2 sticks of celery, and a small bunch of herbs, such as fresh thyme, rosemary, bay or sage. Break apart 1 bulb of garlic into cloves. Don't worry about peeling them. You'll place the vegetables in the bottom of your cooking dish, and then sit the beef joint on top. Preheat your oven to 475 °F (246 °C) and continue allowing your beef joint to warm to room temperature. Set your oven to the appropriate temperature while your meat reaches room temperature. Use this time to also prep your roasting pan and find a timer. Place your chopped veggies in the bottom of a roasting pan and top with the beef joint. Fill the bottom of a roasting pan with either one small onion cut in half, or an assortment of chopped vegetables, garlic and herbs. If you do the assorted vegetables and herbs, drizzle them with olive oil. Then set the beef joint (fat side up) on top. Insert a meat thermometer into your beef joint, and then place the pan of beef in the oven. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the middle of your beef joint, making sure the thermometer is not touching bone. Set the pan of beef in the oven just above the center, and allow it to cook at the initial temperature of 475°F. Set your timer for 20 minutes. When your timer goes off, turn down the temperature of the oven to 375°F. Watch your meat thermometer to determine when your beef joint is done. The temperature it reaches and the amount of time you let it cook depends on how well done you prefer your meat. If you'd prefer your meat rare, with a bright red center, allow it to continue roasting for an additional 20 minutes per pound. Add an additional 15 minutes for medium rare, or an additional 30 minutes for well-done, to the total cooking time calculated for a rare roast. For rare, it must reach a temperature of 120 to 125°F. For medium rare it must reach 130 to 135°F. For medium, 140 to 145°F. For medium well, 150 to 155°F. For well done, 160°F and up. Because the temperature of meat can rise 5 to 10 degrees during rest time, take it out of the oven 5 degrees before it reaches the desired temperature of doneness. Baste the meat throughout cooking to keep your beef joint infused with flavor. At least three times during the cooking process take the meat out of the oven to baste. Make sure to close the oven door each time you do so to keep the oven hot. To baste the beef joint use a baster, which is a large plastic suction, to suck up the juices of the beef. Carefully squirt the hot liquid all over the beef. If you don't have a baster, you can use a large spoon. You may have to tip the roasting pan a little to scoop up the juices. When your beef joint has reached the desired temperature, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest. Lightly cover your roasted beef with foil paper and let it rest for at least 15 minutes and up to an hour before serving. As the meat relaxes, it will reabsorb its juices, ensuring your meat is juicy and full of flavor when served. Preheat your oven to 320 °F (160 °C) and warm your casserole pot. While your beef joint reaches room temperature, set your oven to the appropriate temperature. Take out a large casserole pot and warm it over medium high heat. Brown your beef joint on all sides. When the meat is room temperature and your large casserole pot is hot, add a teaspoon of oil to the pot and brown your beef joint for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove it from the pot once all sides are browned. Sautee your vegetables. Add the chopped onions to the pot and allow them to cook for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to draw out the onion's juices, and stir to keep the onions from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Then add the rest of your vegetables, garlic and herbs. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let the vegetables cook for 4-5 minutes. Add broth. Add 3 cups of either chicken or beef broth to the pot and stir. Taste the liquid to see if it needs additional salt and pepper. You'll want to make sure your broth has enough salt because without it your roast will lose flavor. The broth will keep your beef joint moist while cooking. Place your beef joint on top of the vegetables. To ensure your meat is cooked to your desired level of doneness, insert a meat thermometer directly into the center. Don't let the thermometer touch bone. Then cover with a top. Put the covered casserole pot in the oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes reduce the oven heat to 300 °F (149 °C), and set a timer to allow the beef joint to cook for an hour and a half. When your beef joint is 5 degrees away from the desired temperature of doneness, remove it from the oven. Check your thermometer to see if your beef joint is close to the temperature of your desired level of doneness. For rare, it must reach a temperature of 120 to 125°F. For medium rare, 130 to 135°F. For medium, 140 to 145°F. For medium well, 150 to 155°F. And for well done, 160°F and up. Let it rest. As your beef joint rests, its temperature will increase 5 to 10 degrees. Cover it loosely with foil paper, and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving. | Buy your beef joint according to how you want to cook it. Pick out a fresh cut of beef. Make sure your beef joint has enough fat. Choose a joint of topside if you want to serve thick slices of beef. Choose a joint of silverside for a midweek pot roast. Choose rib of beef, also known as fore rib, for a special occasion, like a holiday party. Choose sirloin to impress a crowd. Take out enough beef for the amount of people you’ll be serving. Season your beef joint. Wash and chop vegetables to cook along with the beef joint. Preheat your oven to 475 °F (246 °C) and continue allowing your beef joint to warm to room temperature. Place your chopped veggies in the bottom of a roasting pan and top with the beef joint. Insert a meat thermometer into your beef joint, and then place the pan of beef in the oven. Watch your meat thermometer to determine when your beef joint is done. Baste the meat throughout cooking to keep your beef joint infused with flavor. When your beef joint has reached the desired temperature, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest. Preheat your oven to 320 °F (160 °C) and warm your casserole pot. Brown your beef joint on all sides. Sautee your vegetables. Add broth. Place your beef joint on top of the vegetables. Put the covered casserole pot in the oven and set a timer for 30 minutes. When your beef joint is 5 degrees away from the desired temperature of doneness, remove it from the oven. Let it rest. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Sophisticated | How to Be Sophisticated | To be a more sophisticated person, work on mastering sophisticated body language, like standing with your back and neck straight so that people are impressed with how you carry yourself. You should also read books and newspapers, since sophisticated people are well-read and are able to converse about a variety of topics. Additionally, try to attend cultural events such as gallery openings, opera, or the ballet to better appreciate the arts. Then, keep your style current by changing your hairstyle at least once a year and choosing timeless accessories. | Master sophisticated body language. If you want to be sophisticated, then you have to master sophisticated body language so other people are instantly impressed when they see the way you carry yourself. Sophisticated people are confident, in charge, and calm, so make sure you're never walking too fast, wildly searching through your bag for a lost item, or generally acting in a way that makes you look frazzled and unsure of yourself. If you want to look sophisticated, then the movements of your body have to be measured and calm. Here are some other things you can try: Make eye contact slowly but surely. Don't stare at people you're not talking to or avert your gaze from people who are speaking to you. Avoid fidgeting with your hands. Keep them at your sides if you're standing or fold them on your lap if you're sitting. Maintain good posture by keeping your back and neck straight and looking ahead of you instead of down at the floor. It's not sophisticated to slouch or hunch over. Have a sophisticated haircut. Part of being sophisticated is mastering the look. Make sure you get your hair cut every two months or so and that you update your haircut at least yearly so that you're continuing to be current and trendy with your look. You don't have to follow every trend you see, but you should make sure you look fresh and stylish, and not appear to be rocking the same haircut for the last decade. Mix it up. If you normally have super long hair, go for a short bob and see how it fits your personality. Part of being sophisticated is being willing to embrace new things without following trends too closely. Consider getting highlights in your hair if you think it'll enhance your look—but only if you can afford to get it professionally done. If you're thinking about covering up your gray hairs, make sure it's something you really want. Having a hint of gray in your hair or even rocking a salt and pepper look can actually make you look more sophisticated. Keep your face looking sophisticated. Both men and women should keep their faces looking sophisticated and well-groomed. Here's what they should do: Women should wear some makeup to show that they've made an effort, but not so much that they end up hiding their natural features. Just a touch of eye shadow and liner and lipstick or lip gloss will do; there's no need to throw on fake eyelashes or layers of blush. Men should keep their faces looking fresh, but they can keep their beards or just a little bit of stubble. You don't have to be free of facial hair to look sophisticated. A beard can even make you look more sophisticated, especially if you have some gray in your beard. Dress with style. Wearing classy clothes is a must if you want to be sophisticated. You should aim to be a little overdressed for any occasion, whether you're taking an exam or going to a friend's birthday party. This doesn't mean you should show up to a casual event in a ball gown, but it does mean that you should aim to look about 10% more dressy than the people around you. This subtle difference will make you stand out as the more sophisticated person in a crowd. Your clothes don't have to be expensive, but they do have to be well cared for. Make sure you keep your clothes fresh, unstained, and free of wrinkles. Go for simple clothes, such as shirts and sweaters with solid colors or stripes instead of clothes with intricate patterns or graphic tees with witty comments on them. You don't need a large wardrobe, either. Just a few key items, like black jeans or a white T-shirt, can go a long way in creating a simple yet elegant wardrobe. Accessorize with class. Accessories can help complete your sophisticated look once you've figured out your wardrobe and general appearance. The key is not to overdo it by throwing on tons of accessories at once. Just a few key items can help give your outfit a sophisticated touch. Here are some things to try: Simple black sunglasses Solid-colored belts Scarves A watch Simple gold and silver jewelry (for women) Discuss sophisticated subjects. If you want to be sophisticated, then you have to be prepared to discuss sophisticated subjects and to avoid the less classy subjects whenever you can. Be prepared to discuss current events, politics, literature, art, cultural events, or anything that shows that you're a well-rounded individual who is aware of what is going on in the world. Being sophisticated is about more than just the look—your words have to show that you're sophisticated, too. You don't have to artificially insert sophisticated subjects into a conversation if the people around you are discussing something completely different. But if you naturally bring up a sophisticated subject or if the people around you are already discussing something sophisticated, you have to be prepared to jump in. If you've recently travelled somewhere or have read something interesting about another culture, you can share this information with other people. Just make sure that you don't end up boring them with information that sounds irrelevant. Here are some sophisticated subjects: museums, good wine, foreign cultures and languages, travel experiences, political movements, philosophy, literature, and film. Avoid discussing any subjects that make people uncomfortable. Knowing what to say is just as important as knowing what you should not talk about. Though you shouldn't completely censor yourself and end up sounding like another person, if you want to sound sophisticated, then you have to avoid discussing subjects that make people cringe, roll their eyes, or generally feel like leaving the room. Here are some subjects that you should avoid talking about if you want to sound sophisticated: How much money you make Bodily functions Your latest hookup How drunk you got last night Learn to speak more than one language. Don't go out and teach yourself French just for the sake of being sophisticated, but do know that if you really want to be sophisticated, then you have to be open-minded and to have some knowledge about other cultures and the way that people in different countries live their lives; the easiest way to do this is to master a foreign language. This will take time, but it will definitely make you look more sophisticated. Study abroad for a semester or during a summer program. Immersion is a great way to learn a foreign language. Take lessons from a language tutor, or ask a friend who speaks a foreign language to tutor you in exchange for another favor on your end. Learning a language is about learning more than just a series of words and expressions. It's about learning how another group of people live their lives. Avoid coarse language. If you want to be sophisticated, then you have to resist the urge to curse like a sailor. You should also avoid using any overly vulgar language, referring to your private parts, or discussing anyone else's body in a rude manner. If you want to show that your thoughts are sophisticated, you can't go around cursing in between every other sentence. Stay conscious of the words you use and make sure you avoid anything that is too offensive or that makes you sound like a thirteen-year-old boy. If you do accidentally use a rude term, apologize or excuse yourself. It's okay to admit that you've made a mistake, but don't make a fuss about it. Improve your vocabulary. Truly sophisticated people have a versatile vocabulary and are able to produce the perfect word for any situation. If you want to be sophisticated, then you have to add more words than “good” and “bad” to your repertoire of adjectives, and you have to be able to describe things in sophisticated, erudite, and thoughtful language. Here are some great ways to improve your vocabulary: Do crosswords Spend time with people who speak using elevated language Read, read, read Watch sophisticated films Look up any words you don't know Have sophisticated debates. Sophisticated people are able to engage in healthy, friendly debates that don't turn ugly. If you find yourself in a disagreement with a person, act kind, polite, and non-accusatory as you continue to argue the finer points of arts, politics, or whatever it is you disagree about. Don't resort to name-calling or anger in the middle of a debate; instead, use your knowledge to prove your point and never make the other person feel smaller than or dumber than you. Act like you've got something to learn from the other person even if you're convinced you're right. Being stubborn or shortsighted is not sophisticated. If you find yourself getting angry, apologize and take a minute to cool off. Speak about yourself with modesty. Part of being sophisticated means giving off an air of quiet confidence without bragging at any cost. So, when you discuss whatever you've been up to at school or work, make sure you don't talk about how awesome, smart, or brilliant you are. If you've really done something great, then people will recognize it without you needing to show off. If you want to sound sophisticated, then you have to practice being modest, not tooting your own horn, and earning the respect of others by talking about yourself like an average Joe—even if you're Bill Clinton. If you ran a marathon, don't say, “Oh man, it was so easy.” Be honest about how challenging it was. Don't give people a list of all of the wonderful awards or honors you've been given. Let them learn about it through other means. Take up sophisticated hobbies. If you want to be sophisticated, then you can't just look and sound sophisticated—you have to be able to do sophisticated things. There are a number of sophisticated hobbies and interests that you can take up, and you should pick something—or a few things—that really mean something to you, that you enjoy doing them, that is. Having sophisticated hobbies will not only make you more sophisticated, but it will make you more likely to meet other sophisticated people and it will give you something sophisticated to talk about. Here are some hobbies of sophisticated people: Tennis Badminton Golf Collecting records (Especially vintage vinyl, but may include classical music or jazz) Cooking fine cuisine Collecting fine wines Travelling Reading Watching films (especially classic, foreign, or art films) Going to museums Ballroom dancing Sailing Gardening Antiques Yoga Martial Arts Running / Marathons Rowing/Crew Horses Theater - Broadway, opera, ballet, local and dinner theaters, Shakespeare Follow the news. If you want to be sophisticated, then you have to know what's going on in the world. You have to be updated on current events so you have a sense of how the world works on a daily basis and so that you can contribute to conversations about changes in politics, arts, media, or local government. Make sure you watch the news for at least 15 minutes a day, or better yet, that you make an effort to read the news for at least 15-30 minutes a day, whether you do this in the morning, at work, or during your commute. Get your news from as many sources as possible. If you only get your news from The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal, then you are less likely to get an objective perspective. If you're really busy during the week, make an effort to read the Saturday or Sunday paper pretty thoroughly so you have a sense of what you missed. Be well-read. Being well-read is a must if you want to be truly sophisticated. Having some knowledge about classic works of literature as well as contemporary works will make you a more well-rounded, interesting, and sophisticated person. Though it's hard to make room for reading in your busy schedule, try to read at least 2-3 books a month, or more, if you can make time for it. Here are some ways to be a more well-read person: Stop watching silly TV shows and curl up with a good book instead; stop listening to pop music and listen to an audio book on the way to work. Join a book club. This will motivate you to read regularly. Read the books on the Modern Library's 100 best novels list. Read widely. Don't just read fiction, non-fiction, or books written about America. Read books of different genres that represent different cultures. Make a list of books you want to read by the end of the next New Year. See how many you can check off your list. If you want to sound sophisticated, make sure you know that the writer George Eliot is a woman, and that the writer Evelyn Waugh is a man. Learn to pronounce the names of French writers. For example, Proust is pronounced “Proost,” to rhyme with “roost.” Love and appreciate other cultures. You don't have to leave your city to learn to appreciate other cultures, though traveling is a great way to improve your sophistication. You can appreciate other cultures in an almost infinite amount of ways, from watching films, eating cuisines from different cultures, and interacting with people from different cultures who can teach you a thing or two. Being sophisticated means not sounding clueless when a foreign word or term comes up, and being in the know instead. Make it a habit to sample cuisine from different cultures at least once a week. Don't eat the same old thing every day. Watch a foreign film at least once or twice a month. You'll be surprised by how much you can learn about other cultures. Check out great foreign films such as A Separation, The Lives of Others, Amour, or any film of Pedro Almodovar to start. Contemporary films tend to be a little bit more accessible. If you have friends who grew up in a different country, make a habit of asking them about their backgrounds and the particularities of their cultures (without being annoying.) If you're still in school and you have the chance to join a French club, Latin club, or another club that introduces you to a different culture, take it. Don't be afraid to try something new; the Russian Culture Club of Westfield, NJ, had 40 members at its very first meeting. Appreciate the arts. You'll have to know the difference between a Picasso and an El Greco if you want to be sophisticated. You don't have to know every little thing about art, music, literature, opera, ballet, film, or every kind of art there is to be truly sophisticated, but you should try to have at least a passing knowledge of as many of these arts as you can. You can't do it all, but you should try to look like you know what you're talking about when someone mentions Goddard or Goya. Make a habit of doing one cultural thing at least once a week. This can mean watching a film, going to a gallery opening, ballet, opera, or concert. Travel as much as you can. Traveling is a great way to broaden your horizons, become more open-minded, and to have a firmer understanding of how the world operates. If you have the budget for it, then try to travel to a foreign country once a year or as often as you can; if you don't have the budget, try traveling to a difference state or province whenever it's possible for you. You can learn a lot about the world by seeing how other people live in other places. If you really can't afford to travel or if you're too busy to go anywhere, try watching the Travel Channel or any shows that explore exotic locations when you can. This will still give you some insight into how other people live. Traveling will also help you make more sophisticated conversation with other travelers. If someone has come back from Paris, you can ask, “How was the Louvre?” and start an interesting conversation about it. Reading up about the Louvre, and other cultural features of Paris, will help show interest and knowledge about France even if you have not gone yet. Appreciate wine. Drinking wine does not mean chugging a box of Franzia in your college's parking lot before the big football game. It means knowing how to appreciate wine from different regions, and learning how to recognize different types of wine and the different flavors that you can find in a glass of wine. Here are some things you will need to master if you want to be sophisticated: The different types of wine. Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel are some common red wines you may encounter; Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio are some white wines you may drink. Wine tasting. To taste wine, swirl it around, smell it gently, and then take a small, thoughtful sip. Don't down the whole glass without noticing the richness of the flavors. Pairing wine with foods. White wine tends to go better with certain fish, while red wine can bring out the flavors in a rich steak. Dessert wines. If you're really into wine, you can enjoy a glass of sherry or port after your meal. Don't drink this wine during your main meal. Identifying flavors. Does the wine taste oaked, not oaked, earthy, or fruit-forward? Can you detect a hint of chocolate, blackberries, or oranges? You'll have a refined palate with practice. Chilling your wine. White wine should be cold; red wine should be kept out of the refrigerator. Don't put ice cubes in your white wine to cool it down unless you want to look unsophisticated. Aerating your wine. Let your red wine breathe for a few minutes before you drink it. Better yet, pour it into a decanter or even pour it through an aerator into a glass. Be yourself, with class. Sophistication is about presenting yourself well, not pretending you are someone else and doing things you do not like to do. Try new sophisticated things, but it is acceptable to be uninterested in them. You might not like caviar...that does not make you necessarily unsophisticated. You do not have to smoke or drink to be sophisticated. Plenty of very classy people forgo tobacco or alcohol. You do not have to be apologetic about that. It is OK to enjoy mainstream things. You do not have to pretend you do not enjoy watching ice hockey, for instance. Or that you do not go to Walmart sometimes. Or go to the circus with your family. Sophisticated is not the same as snobbish. Being a well-dressed person, who is well-educated, cultured, and poised is a worthy goal. Sometimes this is confused with being a snob. A snob looks down on people who are not well dressed, or educated, poised, and so on. A sophisticated person can be kind, friendly, broad-minded, and think well of others. Spend time with sophisticated people. Sophisticated company will improve your level of sophistication. You shouldn't drop all of your friends at a moment's notice just because they aren't as sophisticated as you'd like them to be; you should, however, make a goal of hanging out with more cultured, interesting, and open-minded people so that you can improve your own level of thinking. You can meet sophisticated people at book clubs, book readings, gallery openings and events, poetry readings, concerts, or at any art-inspired events. Don’t lose your cool. Being sophisticated means that you should keep your act together in public. This does not necessarily mean you never show any emotion, just that you do not fall to pieces in public. A sophisticated person gets angry with a witty retort, not by shouting obscenities. A sophisticated person may cry at a funeral, but not make a scene about it. If you find yourself getting angry in public, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths until you feel yourself returning to normal. Avoid getting visibly intoxicated in public. It's sophisticated to sip a glass of Rosé or white wine on your patio and keep up witty conversation—it's not sophisticated to be seen stumbling around a bar, falling into stools and not being able to keep your food down. If you want to be sophisticated and have embarrassing drinking habits, then it's time to change your ways. The next time you go out, stick to having just one or two drinks, or to drinking until you feel slightly buzzed and then stopping. If you want people to think you're sophisticated, although it goes deep down within yourself, then people will take you seriously, and nobody takes a person who can't hold his liquor very seriously. Give off a quietly confident vibe. Though being confident isn't the same as being sophisticated, both are qualities of people who look like they know what they're doing. If you're sophisticated, then you're not immature, unsure of yourself, or generally clueless. You can demonstrate your competence by operating with a quiet confidence whenever you can. This means staying positive, showing that you love who you are and what you do, and not plunging into self-doubt by playing out of your league. There's a difference between being confident and bragging. You can show that you love yourself without talking about how great you are. It's okay to ask for advice; in fact, admitting that you need advice shows character. But if you ask for advice every five seconds, then you'll look like you don't believe in yourself. Treat other people with respect. You may think that being sophisticated means acting snooty, too cool for school, and blowing smoke rings in other people's faces. However, to be truly sophisticated, you have to show that you respect other human beings and that you think all people deserve to be treated as your equals, even if they aren't as well-read or refined as you are. Whether you're talking to an old friend, a new acquaintance, or a stranger in line at your coffee shop, you should always be polite, kind, and helpful when you talk to other people. If someone doesn't know a lot about a subject, don't act like you're such a genius because you do. Instead, take the opportunity to share your knowledge (if the person wants to know more). Being polite is a major sign not only of your maturity, but of your sophistication. Hold doors for people, don't cut into lines, and say “please” and “thank you” as often as necessary. Watch your facial and body language because they give away the real you that you want to polish. Be on the look out for your thought associations, while deep in a conversation, because they show others what you're thinking or what your opinions are...hold your cards close to the chest. | Master sophisticated body language. Have a sophisticated haircut. Keep your face looking sophisticated. Dress with style. Accessorize with class. Discuss sophisticated subjects. Avoid discussing any subjects that make people uncomfortable. Learn to speak more than one language. Avoid coarse language. Improve your vocabulary. Have sophisticated debates. Speak about yourself with modesty. Take up sophisticated hobbies. Follow the news. Be well-read. Love and appreciate other cultures. Appreciate the arts. Travel as much as you can. Appreciate wine. Be yourself, with class. Spend time with sophisticated people. Don’t lose your cool. Avoid getting visibly intoxicated in public. Give off a quietly confident vibe. Treat other people with respect. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Good-Tan-Without-Getting-Sunburned | How to Get a Good Tan Without Getting Sunburned | To get a good tan in the sun without getting sunburned, wear a water-resistant sunscreen instead of a sunblock so you will still get some of the sun's rays on your skin. You will need to wait 15 minutes after application before you start sweating or swimming. In addition, you should not tan between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. since the sun's rays are strongest then and you're more likely to get burned. You should also tan in short bursts as you slowly increase how long you tan each week. | Wear sunscreen instead of sunblock. Sunscreens allow some of the sun's rays to penetrate, giving you some tanning action while shielding you from many harmful UVA and UVB rays. Choose water-resistant sunscreen. Before start sweating or swimming, wait about 15 minutes to give your sunscreen a chance to bind to your skin. Avoid peak hours. Do not lay out between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The sun's rays are strongest during those hours, and you're more likely to get a sunburn. Build up your time in the sun slowly. Start by laying out for 15 minutes and add 5 minutes or so per week. Your tan will progress more gradually, but you'll avoid getting burned. Exfoliate before you start. Use a body scrub and a loofah to get rid of dead surface skin cells, or you'll come out of your tanning session looking speckled. Put moisturizer on your fingernails, toenails, feet and eyebrows. Otherwise, they may end up turning dark brown or orange. Choose a tinted aerosol if you're doing your spray tan at home. When you use clear aerosols, you may have a difficult time telling how much spray tan you've applied to your skin. Put a towel down on the base of your shower. Get into your shower and close the curtain so that you don't accidentally spray tanning product onto other bathroom surfaces. Go easy on dry areas. Put extra moisturizer on your knees and elbows, and spray them lightly compared to other areas. Use a special technique to spray your back. Spray product into the air and step back into it as you would if you were applying perfume. Do this 2 to 3 times to make sure that you get enough product on your back. Correct mistakes with a sponge brush. You can also buy a specially designed tanner remover to take off dark spots, streaks or other application errors. Get a salon airbrush tan if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. Expect to pay between $80 and $100. Exfoliate your skin with a body scrub and a loofah. Apply your tanning mousse or gel immediately after you prep your skin to ensure the smoothest coat possible. Apply a moisturizer that contains a gradual tanner. Make sure that the product is formulated to work with DHA, which is the active ingredient in most self-tanners. The moisturizer will do double-duty for you by providing coverage for spots you may miss when you apply mousse or gel. Start at the bottom of your body and work your way up. Working this way will keep you from creasing your skin when you bend over to apply the self-tanner. Ask a partner to help you. You may need assistance applying a mousse or gel to your back and other hard-to-reach areas. | Wear sunscreen instead of sunblock. Choose water-resistant sunscreen. Avoid peak hours. Build up your time in the sun slowly. Exfoliate before you start. Put moisturizer on your fingernails, toenails, feet and eyebrows. Choose a tinted aerosol if you're doing your spray tan at home. Put a towel down on the base of your shower. Go easy on dry areas. Use a special technique to spray your back. Correct mistakes with a sponge brush. Get a salon airbrush tan if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself. Exfoliate your skin with a body scrub and a loofah. Apply a moisturizer that contains a gradual tanner. Start at the bottom of your body and work your way up. Ask a partner to help you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Rosemary-from-Seed | How to Grow Rosemary from Seed | Rosemary is great for seasoning your food with and you can grow the herb right at home. Start your seeds in mid-winter, since they can take a while to germinate. Fill a seed starting tray with soil-free potting mix, plant 3 seeds per section, and mist them with water. Then, add a light layer of soil on top and cover the tray with plastic wrap. Keep the seeds somewhere warm and keep the potting mix moist. Once the seedlings are 3 inches high, transplant them outside somewhere they'll get at least 6 hours of sun and in rows 18 inches apart. Water the soil to keep it moist if it doesn't rain. | Watch for the seed pods to form and dry out. A rosemary plant will produce flowers in spring or summer. When the flowers die back, seed pods will grow in their place. After the seed pods form, wait for them to develop and eventually dry out and turn brown. That's when they're ready to be harvested. You can also buy rosemary seeds from nurseries and garden stores if you don't have a plant to harvest them from. Collect the seed pods. The seed pods are very small, and you can remove them from the plant by pinching them off with your fingers. As you collect the pods, place them in a cup or small bowl to keep them all together. Dry the pods. Bring the pods inside and transfer them to a paper bag. Leave the bag open to allow air flow. Place the bag in a warm, dry place away from direct sunlight for 1 to 2 weeks. This will give the pods and seeds time to finish drying out. The pods are dry when they're completely brown and all the moisture is gone. Rub the pods to remove the seeds. Place the seed pods onto a clean tea towel. Fold the towel over the pods and rub the towel between your hands to separate the seeds from the pods, and to remove any husks or flower matter. Open the towel and pick out the seeds, which are small, brown, and egg-shaped. Discard the pods and other plant matter. Store the seeds somewhere cool and dry. Transfer the seeds to a paper bag and seal the bag to keep the seeds inside. You can store the seeds for up to a year, as long as they stay cool and dry. A root cellar or basement is an ideal location for seed storage. Aim to start the seeds in mid winter. Rosemary seeds take a long time to germinate and the seedlings are slow to grow. The seedlings can be transplanted outside in mid spring, but they need to be started inside 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost. Check local government or weather sites to find out the last expected frost date where you live. Fill seed starters with soilless potting mix. Rosemary naturally grows in sandy and rocky soil, so the seeds will do better in a loose and light potting mix that doesn't contain soil. Good potting media for rosemary include: Sand-based mixes Vermiculite Pearlite, bark, and peat Sprinkle 3 to 4 seeds into each cell. Rosemary doesn't have a very high germination rate, so you can increase your chances of success by planting multiple seeds in each cell. Lay the seeds on top of the potting medium without pressing them down into the soil. Mist the seeds with water. Once you've place the seeds on the medium, use a spray bottle to mist the seeds with a few spritzes of water. This will help to settle the seeds in the medium and prevent them from being knocked around. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil. Dust a very small amount of regular potting soil over the entire surface of the growing medium to just cover the seeds. Then, mist the soil with a few more spritzes of water to dampen it. You want the soil moist but not wet. Cover the trays with plastic. You can either use plastic growing domes, or cover the tray with a layer of plastic wrap. This will keep in moisture and warmth, and help the seeds to germinate faster. Leave the plastic on the tray until the seedlings sprout and push up through the soil. Germination will take anywhere from 15 to 25 days. Transfer the seeds to a sunny and warm location. Rosemary seeds need both warmth and light to germinate, so it's important to find a sunny location for the seeds. Place the seed trays in a bright location that gets direct sunlight every day. The ideal temperature for germinating rosemary is between 70 and 80 °F (21 and 27 °C). You can also place the trays on a heating mat to keep the rosemary seeds warm if you live in a cool climate or if the seeds aren't getting enough light. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Use the spray bottle to moisten the soil when the top starts to dry out. Rosemary is prone to a condition called damping off, which is a disease caused by fungi and mold. You can help prevent it by watering minimally. Wait for the seedlings to reach 3 inches (7.6 cm)in height. Rosemary seedlings will do best if you don't transplant them until they're well-established, the risk of frost has past, and the ground has had time to warm up. If you started the seeds inside 10 to 12 weeks before the last frost, the rosemary should be ready to go outside in late May. You can either transplant the rosemary directly to the garden, or grow it in a pot so you can bring it inside in winter. Choose a location with full sun. Rosemary needs lots of direct sunlight to thrive. The plant will do best somewhere that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of sun every day. This is especially true if you want to grow the rosemary indoors over the winter. Amend the soil for drainage. Before planting the rosemary, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches (30 cm). To improve the drainage of the soil, add 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) of sand, aged compost, or rotted manure to the garden bed and till it into the soil. This is especially important if your soil has a high clay content, because rosemary needs well-draining soil. Plant the rosemary in rows. Use a spade or your hand to dig holes in the soil that are large enough to accommodate the rosemary root balls. Space the holes 18 to 24 inches (46 to 61 cm) apart. Place one rosemary plant in each hole and cover the roots with fresh soil. Water when the soil dries out. Rosemary is somewhat drought-resistant and doesn't like to be overwatered. But it's also important that the roots don't dry out. When the top of the soil dries out, water the plant thoroughly to soak the soil and the roots. | Watch for the seed pods to form and dry out. Collect the seed pods. Dry the pods. Rub the pods to remove the seeds. Store the seeds somewhere cool and dry. Aim to start the seeds in mid winter. Fill seed starters with soilless potting mix. Sprinkle 3 to 4 seeds into each cell. Mist the seeds with water. Cover the seeds with a light layer of soil. Cover the trays with plastic. Transfer the seeds to a sunny and warm location. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Wait for the seedlings to reach 3 inches (7.6 cm)in height. Choose a location with full sun. Amend the soil for drainage. Plant the rosemary in rows. Water when the soil dries out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Induce-Sleep-Paralysis | How to Induce Sleep Paralysis | The most effective way to induce sleep paralysis is to disrupt your regular sleep cycle. One way you can do this is by sleeping shorter periods at night and napping during the day rather than getting a full 7-9 hours of sleep every night. You can also try setting your alarm for 4-6 hours after you go to bed. Then, force yourself to stay awake for 15-30 minutes before going back to sleep. If you think that you're on the verge of sleep paralysis, lay on your back, stay as still as possible, and try to relax. | Adopt an irregular sleep cycle. Research has shown that there is a connection between irregular sleeping patterns and the likeliness of experiencing sleep paralysis, as well as a potential genetic influence. People who work irregular shifts and have unusual and disrupted sleeping patterns are more prone to sleep paralysis. Generally sleep paralysis is more common among those who sleep less and are more sleep deprived. Remember that adults should aim for between six and nine hours of sleep a night, and frequently forcing yourself to have less than this is not advisable. Regular sleep deprivation increases your risk of serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. You will also find it harder to concentrate and will have reduced alertness which can make you more prone to accidents. Break up your sleep cycle with naps. There are no guaranteed ways to induce sleep paralysis. Although it is fairly common, the exact causes of the phenomenon are still not fully understood. Disrupting your sleeping cycle with shorter sleeping periods at night and naps in the evening is one way to do this. It is not precise, but is reported as one way to upset your regular sleep cycle and potentially induce sleep paralysis. Get out of bed earlier than usual, before carrying out your daily activities as you would normally. You should be generally active during the day even if you feel tired. Then have a short nap in the evening, for not more than two hours, some time between 7pm and 10pm. After the nap stay awake and be active for at least another hour before heading back to bed. Lie in bed and relax. If you are trying to induce sleep paralysis it's important to lie down in bed in a comfortable position. Lying on your back when you sleep is one commonly reported factor that may help induce sleep paralysis. It is not really known what the causative connection is, but it is thought that a significant number of people who experience sleep paralysis sleep in a supine position. Lie as still as you can and try to repeat a single word in your head, like a mantra. This will help you relax and clear your mind. Repeat the word again and again, and begin to imagine that somebody is speaking the word to you. Try not to become distracted if you sense lights and other sensations. Concentrate on the word, stay relaxed, and you may feel yourself moving towards the threshold of sleep paralysis. Wake yourself up in the night. An alternative way to disrupt your sleep and potentially help induce sleep paralysis is to wake yourself up during the night. Set your alarm for between four and six hours after you fall asleep, and then keep yourself awake for a short period of 15 minutes to half an hour. Get your mind active by reading for this period. Then as you go back to bed, close your eyes but maintain awareness. To do this, repeat a mantra or focus on a particular point in your visual field. You may then slip into sleep paralysis as you return to sleep but your mind stays aware. Know what it is. During sleep paralysis you will feel conscious and aware but unable to move your body or speak. This phenomenon could last just a few seconds, few minutes or in very rare cases longer. It is not unusual for people experiencing sleep paralysis to feel pressure on the chest or a choking sensation, as if something were pushing down on their chest. The paralysis does not cause you any harm, but it can be a frightening situation, especially if you have not experienced it before. Some people will experience it a few times in their life, others more frequently, and some not at all. Typically, it is more frequently observed in teenagers and young adults, although it can affect anybody and is not thought to be influenced by gender. Recognise the symptoms. The main symptom of sleep paralysis is the sense of consciousness without being able to move. This is often coupled with a feeling of restricted breathing. It is not uncommon for someone to experience scary hallucinations and have a powerful sense that there is something threatening in the room during sleep paralysis. These hallucinations may be especially vivid because you are semi-awake when you are dreaming. These symptoms can create an anxious and disturbed feeling which can persist after you move out of sleep paralysis. Sleep paralysis itself can be a symptom of narcolepsy. If you can train yourself to recognize when you're sleeping, you may be able to start lucid dreaming as well. Know when to seek medical help. Sleep paralysis itself does not cause you any harm, but if you experience it frequently it can be upsetting and disruptive for your sleeping pattern. Most often, making adjustments to your sleep cycle so it is more regular, and trying to limit stress in your life will lower your chances of experiencing sleep paralysis. If it is having a negative impact on you, visit your doctor for advice and treatment options. In some cases the doctor may prescribe a short course of antidepressants. If you have severe symptoms, they may be connected to another sleep disorder, such as narcolepsy. Visit your doctor if you experience excessive sleepiness during the day and are finding it difficult to concentrate on everyday tasks. | Adopt an irregular sleep cycle. Break up your sleep cycle with naps. Lie in bed and relax. Wake yourself up in the night. Know what it is. Recognise the symptoms. Know when to seek medical help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Garlic-Oil | How to Make Garlic Oil | To make garlic oil, start by putting 4 crushed cloves of garlic and 1/2 cup of olive oil in a saucepan. Then, heat the garlic and oil over medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes or until the garlic is light brown and a little crispy. Next, pour the mixture directly into an airtight container, or strain it through a colander or sieve first if you don't want bits of garlic in your oil. Keep in mind that leaving the garlic in the oil will give the oil a stronger flavor over time. Finally, store the oil in your fridge for up to 5 days. | Crush 4 cloves of garlic directly into a saucepan and pour in the olive oil. Squeeze the cloves of garlic through a garlic press directly into the pan. Stir the garlic and the ⁄ 2 cup (120 ml) of olive oil together so the garlic is evenly distributed in the pan. You don't need to peel the garlic before putting it in the press. The peel will stay in the press while you squeeze it. Substitute other oils for the olive oil based on your personal preferences. Heat the mixture over medium low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. The heat helps infuse the flavor of the garlic into the oil. Cook the mixture, stirring it occasionally, until the garlic is light brown and slightly crispy. Don't let the oil boil. When oil gets too hot, it loses some of its flavor and integrity. A light simmer is enough. Avoid overcooking the garlic. If it's a very dark color, you've cooked it too long and the oil will be bitter. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a container. Let the mixture cool completely before placing the lid on the airtight container and sealing it tightly. This prevents excess moisture from gathering in the container and spoiling the oil. If you don't want tiny bits of garlic in your oil, you can strain it through a colander or sieve as you pour the mixture into the container. Leaving the garlic pieces in the oil will create a stronger flavor as it continues to infuse over time. Keep the oil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can shake the container every so often to mix up the flavors. Throw the oil away after 5 days if you haven't used it, just to be safe and avoid ingesting dangerous bacteria. Never keep garlic oil at room temperature. It can cause botulism, which is a sometimes fatal form of food poisoning most often found in preserved food. Freeze the garlic oil for up to 1 year if you want it to last longer. Crush 8 cloves of garlic with the back of a knife. Place the cloves on a plastic, ceramic, or glass cutting board. Then, use the palm of your hand to press the flat end of a wide knife blade onto each clove. Push hard enough to crush the clove and split the skin. Leave the peels on while you crush the garlic. Otherwise, the cloves will be too slippery and you could cut yourself with the knife. Avoid using a wooden cutting board. It will absorb some of the garlic's flavor. Remove and discard the garlic peel. The skin should come off the cloves very easily once they're crushed. Throw the peel in the trash or put it in a compost bin. If the peel is tough to remove, you may need to crush the garlic a little more. Combine the crushed garlic and 2 cups (470 ml) of olive oil in a jar. Any glass jar with an airtight lid will work. After screwing the lid on the jar, shake it a few times to mix up the garlic and the oil. You can substitute any type of oil, like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for the olive oil, depending on the flavor you want or what you have in the pantry. Add spices or herbs for different flavor options. Store the jar in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days. This gives it enough time for the flavors to blend thoroughly. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly while it's in the fridge to keep the oil fresh. If you try to use the oil before 2 days, the flavors won't be as strong. Throw the oil away after 5 days or you increase your risk of getting botulism, which is a type of food poisoning that comes from canned or preserved foods and can be deadly. You can also freeze the garlic oil for up to 1 year. | Crush 4 cloves of garlic directly into a saucepan and pour in the olive oil. Heat the mixture over medium low heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and pour the mixture into a container. Keep the oil in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Crush 8 cloves of garlic with the back of a knife. Remove and discard the garlic peel. Combine the crushed garlic and 2 cups (470 ml) of olive oil in a jar. Store the jar in the refrigerator for 2 to 5 days. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Have-a-Movie-Night-With-Friends | How to Have a Movie Night With Friends | To have a movie night with friends, start by choosing a movie everyone will appreciate or let your friends vote on a movie in advance. If you have the time and want to go all out, consider picking a movie with a fun set of sequels and hosting a marathon! You can also create a cool atmosphere and take your event to the next level by decorating according to the movie's theme, like putting up spooky decorations for a horror movie. Be sure to provide plenty of comfortable seating and a variety of snacks and drinks for your friends to enjoy! | Choose the movie ahead of time. The last thing you want is to invite people over and then spend all the time arguing about what to watch. Before people arrive, plan what to watch, or at least have it narrowed down to a few options. This will save time and make the night more enjoyable. If you have a specific movie that you want to show, it's good to tell people when you invite them what movie you'll be watching. This way they already know what to expect when they show up. Showcase your favorite underrated movie. If you love movies, you most likely have a few that you know other people have missed out on. Take this chance to show your friends how great it is. You may have to check ahead of time and ask if they have seen it, so have a few in mind in case your first choice doesn't work out. You still want to make sure the movie is something that people will enjoy. If your favorite film is a silent German art piece, maybe your friends are not into that. Find the balance between something that's underrated and something none of your friends want to see. With this option, you'll probably have to tell them ahead of time what movie you're picking, or you might end up with something they've all seen. Get your guests involved in the movie selection. You want everyone to be on board with the movie choice as much as possible. Give everyone the options ahead of time and let them vote on what they want. Or have them submit a choice to you and use those as the voting options. You are still the host, so you have the final say in what to watch. Give people the chance for input as much as you can, but set a cut off point when you'll make the final decision. If you can't agree on what to watch, a good solution would be to just pick a random movie with something like the Reelgood Roulette. The app lets you choose a genre, set a minimum IMDb or Rotten Tomatoes rating, and then makes a movie choice for you based on your preferences. Tailor the movie to the audience. If you'll be hosting all guys or all girls, consider what they'll enjoy most. If kids will be present, make sure the movie is appropriate. Try to pick a movie that fits your common interest, which might be sports ( Remember the Titans ), music ( Begin Again ), business ( The Big Short ), or martial arts ( The Raid: Redemption ). Picking something you've never seen is great when you're alone, but it may not be the best plan for inviting people. You might end up with something you don't even like. If you don't know what type of movies people like, this is when it's good to gather their input ahead of time. Make it a themed marathon. When you have time for multiple movies, pick a fun set of sequels, movies with the same leading actor, or movies with similar content. Watch your favorite actor across multiple decades, or let a few people showcase their favorite old sci-fi movie. The combinations you come up with are endless. You might even choose a set of movies where the theme isn't obvious and the audience has to figure out the connection by the end of the last movie. The connection can be as specific or general as you want. You might watch two different version of the King Kong story, or you might pick two movies that were simply released in the same year. You can find some connection between most movies if you try hard enough. Print movie ticket invitations for everyone. To make the night a big event, you could design tickets that feature the date of the movie night, the title of the movie, and the person's name who you are inviting. This will raise your movie night above hanging out and make it into a special occasion. You can mail them out ahead of time to invite people, or you can hand them out in person as you see people. Just to make it fun, tell everyone that they must have their ticket to be able to enter the movie showing. But let them in even if they forget the ticket! Use location to enhance the movie experience. Rather than sticking to the living room, find a creative location to watch the movie. Moving outdoors can be a fun option. Scary movies are great in the basement or attic. You could set up in the garage for racing movies or a bedroom for romantic movies. The location you choose should relate to the movie in some way, or it probably isn't worth the trouble of setting it up. Watching Interstellar under the stars would be amazing, but watching Training Day in the bedroom probably wouldn't have much effect. Make sure the location you choose is good and comfortable for movie watching. You don't want to get attacked by bugs outside or freeze in an unheated garage. Make the proper adjustments when moving to these locations. Set up extra seating. Depending on the size of the room where you'll show the movie, you will most likely need to bring in some extra folding chairs, pillows and blankets for those sitting on the floor, or even move in a couch from another room. It's best to have all of this done before people arrive so that no one feels like you are going to a lot of trouble for them. You'll need an idea of how many people are coming so you can set up the seating accurately. Check all of the seating to make sure that people will be able to see the tv (or projector screen). Sit in all of the spots to make sure the view is good. If you only have a small amount of room to work with, make sure you don't invite so many people that it begins to feel cramped. Provide plenty of snacks. Movies and snacking go hand in hand, so make sure you have a great spread. You could ask people to bring something or provide it all yourself. Make sure you have plates and napkins to keep the mess to a minimum. Check with all of your guests about any food allergies or diet restrictions beforehand. Classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and soda are always good options. But you could also have more filling foods like a sandwich bar, french fries, or meatballs. Include some healthy options like fruit, vegetables, and cheese. It's good to have a wide range of drinks such as soda, juice, water, and alcohol (if the party is just for adults). Make sure you have a trash can set out in plain sight so people can throw their trash away. Another way to make things fun is to have snacks that go along with the movie. Donuts for a cop movie, fish sticks for an ocean adventure, or even something fancy for a cooking movie. Decorate for the night. You could decorate to the theme of the movie by using Halloween stuff for scary movies, jerseys and pennants for sports movies, or props and characters from the movie itself. You can put out some simple decorations or give the viewing room a whole makeover. You could lay out a red carpet and set up a marquee like it's a big movie premiere. If you want to go more elaborate, you could stage the room to look like the main set of the movie or a significant scene. Any amount of decorating that makes it look like more than your living room will give the evening a special feel. Dim the lights. Watching with all the lights on may make moving around easier, but watching in a darkened room creates the best ambiance. If shutting all the lights off makes it too dark, consider setting up a few dim lamps, or string Christmas lights around the room. If you'll watch in a room that has lights on a dimmer switch, this is perfect because you can dim them right as the movie starts. Establish a “no phones” rule. Movie nights are meant to be fun, so don't get carried away with enforcing rules, but ask everyone at the start to keep their phones put away. It's usually more fun to all be focused on the movie together rather than everyone looking at their phones. Announce this at the start of the movie, but don't make it sound like you are trying to be strict. Just say it will be more fun for everyone if there are no phones out distracting people from the movie. Take an intermission. You can plan ahead of time to take an intermission halfway through, like old movies or plays. This gives everyone time to check their phones for anything important, use the bathroom, and load up on another round of snacks. Keep the intermission to a time limit so that it doesn't stretch on too long. 10 minutes is probably sufficient for people to move around and take care of their business. Hold a discussion after the movie. People who love movies usually love to sit and discuss them after they watch. You could plan some specific questions ahead of time, or just let things go with the flow. Since you are the host, you should open the discussion to get people engaged. For example, you could ask people what they thought of the protagonist? Was he or she likeable or annoying? You could ask if anyone picked out a certain theme the filmmakers were trying to establish throughout the movie. | Choose the movie ahead of time. Showcase your favorite underrated movie. Get your guests involved in the movie selection. Tailor the movie to the audience. Make it a themed marathon. Print movie ticket invitations for everyone. Use location to enhance the movie experience. Set up extra seating. Provide plenty of snacks. Decorate for the night. Dim the lights. Establish a “no phones” rule. Take an intermission. Hold a discussion after the movie. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Wandering-Jew-Plant | How to Take Care of a Wandering Jew Plant | To take care of your Wandering Jew plant, place it by an east-facing window so that it gets a combination of direct and indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist, but not soaked, and water the soil instead of the top of the plant to avoid rot. You should also fertilize the Wandering Jew plant every two weeks with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer. To keep the plant from getting leggy, trim back the stems in the spring and summer. | Determine growing conditions. Wandering Jew plants are native to South America and prefer lots of sunlight and warm temperatures, around 55–75 °F (13–24 °C). This shouldn't be a problem if you're going to keep the plant inside; however, you'll need to make sure conditions are suitable if you plan on growing the plant outside. Refer to Part 2 about getting enough sunlight. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has made a map of the U.S. divided into zones based on average minimum temperature. Plants are assigned a zone or several zones in which they thrive. For example, the Wandering Jew plant grows best in zones 9-11. According to the U.S.D.A. map, much of the South and a narrow strip of the West Coast make up these zones. Refer to this map to see if your area's temperatures are warm enough to support a Wandering Jew plant, if you're planning on keeping it outside. If you do not live in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, keep in mind that you may not be able to keep your plant outside during the winter. You may want to grow it inside instead. Choose an adequate pot for your plant. You can use a regular gardening pot with a saucer or a hanging basket. Regardless of what you choose, make sure there are holes for water drainage. If you use a hanging basket, remember to turn it daily so it gets equal amounts of sunlight. Be sure to choose a pot that's not too heavy, especially if you plan on hanging it. You might want to pick a plastic pot instead of a ceramic one for this reason. A lighter pot will also make it easier to move inside in case of frost. Pot your Wandering Jew plant. Fill the pot about two-thirds full of your potting soil, then place the plant in the center of the pot. Add soil to surround and fill in the sides. Gently press down on the soil around your plant and water it till the soil is completely moistened. You can purchase a Wandering Jew plant at many gardening or home improvement centers. Cuttings are also a good way to start your own plant. You'll need to get a hold of a few cuttings from an already established Wandering Jew plant. You'll need to learn how to Grow Cuttings from Established Plants. Give your plant enough sunlight. If you can, give them a combination of direct and filtered sunlight. An eastern facing windowsill is a good spot for Wandering Jew plants. They'll receive bright indirect light throughout the day, but watch to make sure the space doesn't become too hot in the afternoon. If so, move the pot a few feet away or use a curtain to filter the light. If the plant primarily remains outside, find a spot that receives indirect sunlight. This could be on a porch that gets morning sun for several hours. Just make sure that it's not sitting in direct sunlight without any shade for most of the day. Water your plant often. Wandering Jews like the soil to be moist, but they don't want to drown! Every day, stick your finger inside the soil. If it feels dry, add enough water to completely moisten the soil. Excess water should run out of the bottom of your pot. If you've set your pot on a saucer, be sure to empty the saucer when it fills. Make sure not to water straight into the crown of the plant or it may rot. You can water the plant less during the winter months, when its growth slows. Simply let it remain a little dry for a bit longer before watering. Some people find it convenient to put self-watering Aqua Globes in their plant pots; however, these glass globes require cleaning and regular filling. You'll still need to monitor your plant's moisture if you choose to use them. Fertilize regularly. Every two weeks, give your plant some liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer that has been diluted with an equal part of water. Liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer is considered to be an all-purpose fertilizer made up of ten percent nitrogen, ten percent phosphorous, and ten percent potassium. Read the container's instructions carefully, as some liquid fertilizers may actually be powders requiring you to mix in water. Fertilizing is only necessary during the heaviest growing season, from spring to early fall. Prune your plant. To keep your plant from becoming leggy, pinch back or cut the stems above the leaf node. Don't be afraid of cutting too much! You can prune back about a quarter of the plant. This will encourage the plant to fill in rather than continue to grow out through tendrils. The best time to prune is during the spring and summer months, when the plant is putting on the most growth. After you've pruned, give the plant a chance to put on new shoots and fill in. If you find your plant is too dense and bushy, you'll need to prune around the base so that the plant can get adequate circulation and sunlight. Remove diseased, rotted, and dead leaves. Eventually the plant will stop growing leaves at the base, but will keep growing tendrils, at which point you might want to revive and repot the plant. To do so, you can plant cuttings, root some of the shoots in water, or simply set cuttings on top of the soil. Treat aphids. New growth on Wandering Jew plants often attracts tiny green insects called aphids. They're usually found near stems. One effective treatment is pinching off or pruning the affected stems and heavily misting the remaining plant with water. You can also use a hose or high-powered stream of water to blast them off of the leaves. Refresh brown leaves. Mist your plant often. When the humidity is low, your plant's leaves will turn brown, but periodic water misting will help the leaves stay vibrant. Keeping the leaves wet will also help with any aphid problems your plant may develop. Fill a spray bottle with water and just mist until the leaves are lightly moistened. Brown leaves can also be a sign that your plant is getting too much sunlight. In this case, make sure your plant is not directly in the sun by moving the pot or placing a filter, such as a curtain, in between the plant and the window. Try to use distilled or bottled water when misting the leaves for the best results. Restore faded leaves. Leaves that lack their notable vibrancy and color are probably not getting enough sunlight. Gradually increase the amount of sun your plant receives so that you don't shock the plant. This might involve moving the pot closer to a window that receives more light or finding a sunnier spot in the yard for your plant. Remove root rot. If the plant is fading in color, but the leaves are turning a faded yellow, the plant may be getting too much water and the roots are rotting. If this is happening, the plant is probably not putting on much new growth, if any. You'll need to cut out the portion of the plant that is rotting, make a cutting from a healthy part of the plant, and replant it. | Determine growing conditions. Choose an adequate pot for your plant. Pot your Wandering Jew plant. Give your plant enough sunlight. Water your plant often. Fertilize regularly. Prune your plant. Remove diseased, rotted, and dead leaves. Treat aphids. Refresh brown leaves. Restore faded leaves. Remove root rot. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-Feline-Stomatitis | How to Treat Feline Stomatitis | If you notice symptoms of feline stomatitis in your cat, like excessive drooling, bleeding in the mouth, or difficulty chewing food, you should take it to the vet so they can prescribe medication. Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics, which will need to be taken for 6-8 weeks to reduce pain and manage inflammation. Additionally, your vet might recommend steroids. To reduce their side effects, ask your vet if they will prescribe low-dose oral steroids. After treating your cat, you'll need to monitor its mouth by taking it for regular teeth cleanings and exams, since stomatitis can flare up again. | Give the cat antibiotics. Your cat might need treatment with antibiotics to manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Antibiotics can quickly improve your cat's condition. But you'll need to monitor your cat's mouth. It may need antibiotics every so often to prevent stomatitis from returning. You'll need to work closely with the vet to create an antibiotic schedule for your cat. Your cat will need to take the antibiotics long enough for them to work (6 to 8 weeks). You'll also have to manage the condition once your cat stops taking the antibiotics since stomatitis can flare up again. Administer steroids. The vet may prescribe steroids that you give to your cat via the mouth or through injection. The vet will determine the dose and the treatment schedule depending on your cat's particular situation. The steroids should reduce the symptoms your cat is experiencing. To reduce side effects from the steroids, ask the vet about using a low-dose of oral steroids, which are less risky than steroid injections. Give the cat cyclosporin. Some cats develop a serious reaction to the inflamed tissue. If your cat doesn't respond to most treatment, the vet may recommend suppressing your cat's immune system so it stops attacking your cat's own body. The vet may recommend an immunosuppressant medication called cyclosporin to be given once or twice a day. Research has shown that 52% of cats treated with cyclosporin saw improvement with their stomatitis symptoms. Try an oral antiseptic rinse. You'll need to reduce most of the bacteria in your cat's mouth that's causing the inflammation. Ask the vet about chlorhexidine gluconate rinses or gels. The vet may also recommend applying anti-inflammatory medications that can make your cat more comfortable. Your cat might struggle while you try to administer the oral antiseptic rinse, which is why they aren't prescribed as often as other treatments. Consider tooth removal. If your cat is in a lot of pain, the vet may recommend removing teeth near the inflamed tissue. Tooth extraction will quickly reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that's causing the inflammation. 60 to 80% of cats with stomatitis symptoms had symptoms stop or reduce in severity after having teeth extracted. Get laser surgery. The vet may recommend doing laser surgery to remove the inflamed and damaged tissue in your cat's mouth. The laser surgery is usually done in stages rather than at once since the procedure can be painful. After the surgery, your cat may struggle to eat. To help your cat eat during the healing stage, your cat may need to have a feeding tube inserted. Participate in clinical testing. Talk to the vet about possible clinical testing opportunities. New experimental tests often look for participants in stem cell research. For example, your cat may be eligible to have its own stem cells used to treat its stomatitis. Past studies have shown that 70% of cats saw improvement in their stomatitis symptoms. Clinical testing for this stem cell study is recommended for cats who haven't responded to other treatments and who are in pain. Look for signs of stomatitis. If your cat has stomatitis, you may notice that it has bad breath and drools more. Your cat may also lose weight or have difficulty eating. You should also look inside your cat's mouth for signs of inflammation which include: Bright red tissue near the back of the mouth Bleeding in the mouth Cobblestone appearance of the tissue in the mouth Pay attention to your cat's behavior. In addition to physical signs of stomatitis, your cat's attitude may change since it's in a lot of pain. Your cat might struggle to chew its food (which causes the weight loss). You might also notice your cat doesn't groom itself as often, so its coat might look neglected. Your cat may also seem withdrawn. If so, it will avoid interacting with people (even those it likes) and may even hide. Get your cat's teeth cleaned and x-rayed. You should take your cat for regular teeth cleanings and exams, but certainly take your cat if you notice any signs of stomatitis. The vet will thoroughly clean your cat's teeth above and below the gum line. Your cat's teeth should be x-rayed to check for serious tooth disease or problems that could be causing the inflammation. Ask the vet to teach you how to care for your cat's teeth at home. You'll probably need to buy cat toothpaste and learn how to brush your cat's teeth every day. Rule out other medical conditions. Since there's no diagnostic test for stomatitis, the vet will need to rule out other medical conditions that could be causing the inflammation. The vet will do a blood test to check for feline viral diseases like feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus. The vet will also do a biopsy (take a tissue sample) to rule out: Eosinophilic granuloma complex Fungal disease Squamous cell carcinoma Care for your cat at home. Once your cat has gotten medical care, you may need to follow special treatment instructions from the vet. If your cat has had teeth removed, it may have a feeding tube. Ask the vet to give you specific instructions on how to feed your cat using the tube. If your cat hasn't had a tooth extraction, it may just need to eat soft food for a while until it's no longer in pain. If your cat hasn't been grooming itself very much and its coat is looking matted, ensure that you brush it every day to prevent hairballs. | Give the cat antibiotics. Administer steroids. Give the cat cyclosporin. Try an oral antiseptic rinse. Consider tooth removal. Get laser surgery. Participate in clinical testing. Look for signs of stomatitis. Pay attention to your cat's behavior. Get your cat's teeth cleaned and x-rayed. Rule out other medical conditions. Care for your cat at home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Family-Crest | How to Make a Family Crest | To make a family crest, which is a symbol that represents you and your family, you need to visualize an image that you can then draw and place on your crest. Start by thinking about symbols that represent your family's history, your profession, and your interests that you can include in your crest. For instance, if you're a mechanic, maybe a gear or a wrench would be a good symbol. If bravery and courage are traits that you value, you could include an image of a lion or an eagle on your crest. Choose colors that you like and complement each other, such as red and black or white and blue. Draw the image of a shield to mimic the look of a classic medieval family crest. Then, draw your symbol on top of the shield. | Understand the crest. The crest appears on the top of the helmet on a coat of arms. Crests are sometimes used as a stand-in for the coat of arms as a whole, especially if the coat of arms is too intricate. Know what a crest means. Crests are usually born by one person, and then they are passed down through the male line. Therefore, they are not necessarily associated with a a whole family name. In addition, crests and coats of arm are heavily regulated in some countries, such as the United Kingdom. Think about what would be appropriate on your crest. That is, what symbol would best represent you or your family. Think about your history, your profession, the number of children you have, your hobbies, and your interests. Any of those can be used as a symbol for your crest. Narrow it down to a few specifics. Choose symbols to represent your ideas. For instance, if you're a writer, maybe you want a feather as your crest to represent a quill. If you value bravery, maybe you want an eagle as a crest. Stick with traditional colors. The traditional colors for coats of arms are purple, red, blue, green, and black. You also have two options for metals, silver and gold. You can also use colors found in nature if you are using a natural symbol. For instance, if you are drawing an eagle for your crest, you can use brown for the wings. Pick or draw a stylized form of the symbol. Remember, the crest usually goes on top of the helmet. Therefore, it will need to be somewhat simplified and not too detailed. Pay attention to symmetry. Though not all crests are symmetrical, many have symmetrical elements. For instance, you may have an eagle with it's wings outstretched, and it's head turned. In that case, the turned head makes it not symmetrical, but the wings and other parts of the body should be symmetrical. Remember that your crest will sit on a helmet. That is, it shouldn't overtake the helmet, but be small enough to sit on top of it. Place it on your coat of arms. Usually, the helmet sits above the shield, so the crest's colors should blend in with the other colors on your coat of arms. Gather your materials. You'll need items such as construction paper, stickers, markers, glue, and scissors. Gather everyone together. This activity is meant to help bring your family together and brainstorm about what makes you unique. Brainstorm ideas. That is, talk about what makes you special. Do you like to laugh? Are you a nature-focused family? Maybe you have three dogs. Think of symbols to represent your ideas. That is, maybe if you like to laugh, you can include part of a favorite joke in your coat of arms, such as a banana peel. If you love nature, you could include a favorite flower or tree, and dogs could easily be part of a coat of arms. Create the background shape. Most coat of arms use a shield, but you can use other shapes, such as triangles or squares. Pick a person to design each piece. Each person can design a symbol to go on the coat of arms. You can also let someone design the mantling and the helm. The mantling is a decorative piece that drapes above the shape, such as leaves or ribbon, while the helm is the centerpiece of the mantling. The helm is often a knight's helmet, but you can use whatever you want. Don't forget the crest for the helm. The crest can be another symbol that represents your family. Divide the shape. If you want the shield or shape to have more than one color, divide it up and color it in. Because this activity is just meant to be for fun, you can use whatever colors your family likes best. Traditional colors for a shield are exclusively red, blue, purple, green, and black, with silver and gold as metals. However, traditional shields also allow for "natural" colors to create certain symbols. Glue the pieces onto the crest. Glue each piece on to create a complete crest. Often, the shield has a centerpiece, called a charge, but you can also put several symbols inside the shape, especially if you divided it into sections. You can also create supporters, which go on either side of the shield. Generally, these are two animals that help create balance within the design. Add a motto. If your family has a motto, you can create a banner to go across the top of the crest. Write the motto on the banner. Place your family name on a banner. Place that banner across the top of the crest. | Understand the crest. Know what a crest means. Think about what would be appropriate on your crest. Choose symbols to represent your ideas. Stick with traditional colors. Pick or draw a stylized form of the symbol. Remember that your crest will sit on a helmet. Place it on your coat of arms. Gather your materials. Gather everyone together. Brainstorm ideas. Think of symbols to represent your ideas. Create the background shape. Pick a person to design each piece. Divide the shape. Glue the pieces onto the crest. Add a motto. Place your family name on a banner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Blackberry-Jam | How to Make Blackberry Jam | To make classic blackberry jam, you'll need 9 cups of blackberries, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, 1 zested and juiced lemon, and liquid pectin. Before you begin, boil your storage jars to sterilize them. To start the jam, use a potato masher to mash the blackberries in a large bowl. Heat the blackberry pulp and 4 cups of sugar in a large, non-reactive pot over medium heat. Then, stir in 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 teaspoon of nutmeg, and the lemon juice and zest. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the pectin to thicken the jam. After 5 minutes with the pectin, start filling your jars with the jam. You can refrigerate the jam for up to 3 weeks or can them to store for up to a year. | Sterilize the storage jars. Since this recipe makes 6 8-ounce (226 g) jars, you'll need to boil or run 6 half-pint jars through the dishwasher. If you prefer, sterilize 3 pint jars instead. Sterilize the jars no more than 1 hour before filling them, so they stay warm. If you plan on canning the jam, you'll also need to sterilize the bands and warm the lids. Mash 9 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberries. Put the blackberries into a large bowl and use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to crush them. Keep mashing until the berries release their juice. You should get about 6 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberry pulp. If you're using wild or fresh blackberries, rinse them well before mashing them. You can leave the seeds in the mashed berries or push the pulp through a fine mesh strainer if you want seedless jam. Heat the blackberry pulp and sugar over medium heat. Scoop the blackberry pulp into a large, non-reactive pot, such as a nonstick, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron pot, and pour in 4 cups (800 g) of granulated sugar. Turn the burner to medium and stir to combine the mixture. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon. Add 2 teaspoons (4 g) of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon (2 g) of freshly grated nutmeg. Then zest 1 lemon and juice it. Stir the zest and juice into the pot with the spices and berry mixture. Use an organic lemon since these aren't coated in wax and they aren't sprayed with pesticides. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the pectin. Turn the burner up to medium-high and heat the mixture until it begins to bubble. You'll need to stir it so it doesn't boil over the side of the pot. Then stir in a 3-ounce (88.5 ml) packet of liquid pectin until it's incorporated. The pectin will thicken the jam so it sets. Boil the jam for 5 minutes to activate the pectin. Keep the burner at medium-high heat so the jam begins to boil again. Stir frequently as the jam boils for 5 full minutes. It should begin to thicken as moisture evaporates from the pot. To test if your jam will set, dip a large metal spoon into the jam and lift it back out. Turn the spoon to the side so the syrupy jam runs off. The mixture should bead together and slide off the spoon in a single sheet. Fill the jars with blackberry jam to eat or can. Carefully fill each of your sterilized jars with the hot blackberry jam. Leave ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) of headspace at the top of the jar so the jam won't leak out of the jars if you plan on processing them. At this point, you can refrigerate the jam for up to 3 weeks or can them so you can store them for up to 1 year. To can the jam, process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes. Sterilize the storage containers. If you want to use half-pint jars, get out 6 glass or plastic containers. If you want larger jars, get out 3 pint jars to use. Boil or run the containers through the dishwasher 1 hour before filling them. Check that the plastic containers are food-safe and ensure that the glass containers are freezer-safe. Crush 8 cups (1.1 kg) of blackberries. Put 1 cup (144 g) of ripe blackberries into a large bowl and use a potato masher to crush them. Continue to add the blackberries 1 cup (144 g) at a time and crush them after each addition. You should end up with about 5 cups (1.1 kg) of crushed blackberries. Rinse the blackberries before crushing them if you're using fresh or wild blackberries. If you prefer, put the berries in a food processor and pulse them until they're crushed with a few chunks visible. Mix the sugar with instant pectin in a separate bowl. Pour 2 cups (400 g) of granulated sugar into a mixing bowl and add 6 tablespoons (54 g) of instant fruit pectin. Whisk or stir the sugared pectin for at least 30 seconds so the pectin is incorporated. You can substitute a no-calorie sweetener, such as Splenda. Stir in the crushed blackberries for 3 minutes. Spoon 5 cups (1.1 kg) of the crushed blackberries into the bowl with the sugared pectin. Stir or whisk the mixture for 3 minutes so the pectin combines with the blackberries. Continue to stir for the full 3 minutes or the jam may not set properly. Transfer the jam to containers and let them sit for 30 minutes. Place the sterilized containers on your work surface and carefully ladle the blackberry jam into them. Fill each container ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from the top. Put the lids on the containers and let the jam rest for 30 minutes. At this point, you can begin eating the jam or refrigerate and use it within 3 weeks. Leaving headspace will allow the jam to expand a little as it freezes. Freeze the blackberry jam for up to 1 year. Label each container so you know what's in it and remember to put the date on it. Place the sealed containers of jam in the freezer and use them within 1 year. To thaw the blackberry jam, transfer a frozen container to the refrigerator the day before you plan to use the jam. Avoid thawing frozen containers of jam at room temperature, especially if you used glass containers. | Sterilize the storage jars. Mash 9 cups (1.3 kg) of blackberries. Heat the blackberry pulp and sugar over medium heat. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon. Bring the mixture to a boil and stir in the pectin. Boil the jam for 5 minutes to activate the pectin. Fill the jars with blackberry jam to eat or can. Sterilize the storage containers. Crush 8 cups (1.1 kg) of blackberries. Mix the sugar with instant pectin in a separate bowl. Stir in the crushed blackberries for 3 minutes. Transfer the jam to containers and let them sit for 30 minutes. Freeze the blackberry jam for up to 1 year. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-a-Thymoma | How to Diagnose a Thymoma | You may have a thymoma if you become easily out of breath, have a cough that lasts more than 3 to 4 weeks, or experience pain in the centre of your chest, since these symptoms can be the result of a thymoma pressing against or irritating your windpipe and chest wall. Another symptom of a thymoma is unintentional weight loss without any known reason, so it's a good idea to weigh yourself regularly to see if you're losing weight. Since 30 to 65 percent of people suffering from a thymoma also have myasthenia gravis, a condition which causes muscle weakness, look out for symptoms like double or blurred vision, drooping eyelids, and slurred speech. If you think you may have a thymoma, book an appointment to see your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. | Look for shortness of breath. The tumor can press against the windpipe (trachea) causing difficulty getting air into your lungs. Note if you easily become out of breath or feel like something is stuck in your throat to cause a choking feeling. If shortness of breath happens after exercise activities note if you have a wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound) noise when breathing. This can be asthma. Notice additional coughing. The tumor can irritate your lungs, trachea (windpipe), and the nerves associated with your cough reflex. Note if you have had a chronic cough from months to years with no relief from suppressants, steroids, and antibiotics. If you have acid reflux from spicy, fatty, or acidic foods, it can lead to a chronic cough. If altering your diet reduces the cough, then it isn't likely a thymoma. If you live in or have traveled to an area with tuberculosis (TB) and have experienced a chronic cough, bloody sputum (blood mucus coughed up), night sweats, and a fever, then you may have TB for which you should still see a doctor immediately. Note instances of chest pain. Due to the tumor pushing on the chest wall and heart, you may develop chest pain characterized by a pressure-like feeling and location only in the center of your chest. Also, you can develop pain behind the breastbone that may hurt when applying pressure to the area. If you feel pressure-like chest pain and have sweating, palpitations (feel like your heart is jumping out of your chest), fever, or chest pain when moving or breathing, then you may have an underlying lung or heart disease. Regardless of the root cause, you should see a doctor for these symptoms. Watch for trouble swallowing. The thymus can grow and push against the esophagus, causing difficulty swallowing. Note if you have trouble swallowing meals or you recently switched to a more liquid diet because it's easier. The trouble may also feel like a choking sensation. Weigh yourself. Because the thymus tumor can become cancerous and spread throughout the body (very rarely), you may experience weight loss due to the increased needs of the cancer tissue. Check your current weight against an older reading. If you experience unintentional weight loss without any known reason, check with your healthcare provider. Many cancers have weight loss as a symptom. Examine for superior vena cava syndrome. The superior vena cava is a large vessel that collects the returning blood from the veins of the head, neck, upper extremities, and upper torso back in the heart. When this vessel becomes obstructed it backs up the blood from these areas from entering the heart. This leads to: Swelling of the face, neck, and upper body. Note if the upper part of your body looks more red or flushed. Dilated veins in the upper body. Look at the veins in your arms, hands, and wrist to see if they look more prominent or dilated. These are usually the dark lines or tunnels we see on the hands and arms. Headaches due to dilated veins supplying the brain. Dizziness/light headedness. Because blood is backed up, the heart and brain receive less oxygenated blood. When your heart pumps less blood to the brain or when your brain doesn't receive enough oxygenated blood, you feel light headed or dizzy and may fall. Laying down helps remove the force of gravity your blood has to fight to supply your brain. Note symptoms consistent with myasthenia gravis (MG). MG is the most common paraneoplastic syndrome, which is a set of symptoms that are caused by cancer. With MG, your immune system forms antibodies that block the chemical signals that tell your muscles to move. This causes muscle weakness throughout the body. About 30 to 65 percent of people with thymomas also have myasthenia gravis. Look for: Double or blurred vision Drooping eyelids Trouble swallowing food Shortness of breath due to weakness in the chest muscles and/or diaphragm Slurred speech Look for symptoms of red blood cell aplasia. This is the destruction of premature red blood cells, which leads to symptoms of anemia (low red blood cells). Reduced RBC will lead to lack of oxygen throughout the body. This occurs in about 5 percent of thymoma patients. Look for: Shortness of breath Fatigue Dizziness Weakness Examine for symptoms of Hypogammaglobulinemia. This is when your body lowers production of infection-fighting gamma globulins (protein antibodies). About five to ten percent of thymoma patients develop hypogammaglobulinemia. About ten percent of patients with hypogammaglobulinemia have a thymoma. Together with a thymoma, it is called Good's syndrome. Look for: Recurrent infections Bronchiectasis, which includes symptoms such as a chronic cough, large amounts of spit that may contain foul-smelling mucus, shortness of breath and wheezing, chest pain, and clubbing (the flesh under your fingernails and toenails gets thicker). Chronic diarrhea Mucocutaneous candidiasis, which is a fungal infection that can cause thrush (an oral infection causing white patches or milk curd-looking growths on the tongue). Viral infections, including the herpes simplex virus, cytomegalovirus, varicella zoster (shingles), and human herpes 8 (kaposi's sarcoma), which is an underlying skin cancer usually associated with AIDS. See your doctor. Your doctor will collect a detailed medical history, including family history and symptoms. He or she will also ask questions based on thymoma symptoms, including those related to myasthenia gravis, red cell aplasia, and hypogammaglobulinemia symptoms. Your doctor may feel for fullness in the middle lower neck for overgrowth of the thymus. Have your blood drawn. There are no lab tests for thymoma diagnosis, but there is a blood test to detect myasthenia gravis (MG) called anti-Cholinesterase AB. MG is so common in those with thymomas that it is considered a solid indicator before more expensive testing. About 84% of people under 40 with a positive anti-Cholinesterase AB test have thymomas. Before operating to remove the thymoma, your doctor will also treat the MG because if left untreated, it can cause problems with anesthesia during surgery, such as respiratory failure. Submit to an x-ray. To visualize a tumor mass, your physician will first order an x-ray of the chest. The radiologist will look for a mass or shadow near the center of the chest on the lower neck. Some thymomas are small and will not show up on the x-ray. If your doctor is still suspicious or if an abnormality appears on the chest x-ray, he or she may order a CT scan. Undergo a CT scan. A CT scan will take multiple, detailed images in cross sections from the lower part to the upper part of your chest. You may be given a contrast dye to outline the structures and blood vessels in your body. The images will give a more detailed understanding of any abnormalities, including the staging of the thymoma or if it has spread. If contrast was given, you may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to flush it out. Undergo an MRI. An MRI will use radio waves and magnets to produce a series of very detailed images of your chest on a computer screen. A contrast material called gadolinium is often injected into a vein before the scan to better see details. MRI of the chest may be done to look more closely at the thymoma or when you can't tolerate or are allergic to the CT contrast. MRI images are also particularly useful in looking for cancer that may have spread to the brain or spinal cord. MRIs are very loud and some are closed meaning that you will be inserted lying down in a large cylindrical space. This can give the sensation of claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) to some people. The test may take up to an hour to complete. If you were given contrast, you may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to flush it out. Submit to a PET scan. This is a scan that uses a radioactive atom in glucose (type of sugar) that attracts to the thymoma. The cancer cells take up the radioactive substance and a special camera is used to create a picture of areas of radioactivity in the body. The picture is not finely detailed like a CT or MRI scan, but it can provide helpful information about your whole body. This test can help determine if a tumor seen on an image is actually a tumor or not or if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors use combined PET/CT scans more often than PET scans alone when looking at thymomas. This lets the doctor compare areas of higher radioactivity on the PET scan with the more detailed images on the CT scan. You will be given either an oral preparation or injection of the radioactive glucose. You will wait thirty to sixty minutes for your body to absorb the material. You'll need to drink plenty of fluids after to help flush the tracer from your body. The scan will take approximately thirty minutes. Allow your doctor to perform a fine needle biopsy. Using a CT scan or ultrasound machine for visual guidance, your doctor will insert a long, hollow needle into your chest and into the suspected tumor. He or she will remove a small sample of the tumor to examine it under a microscope. If you are taking blood thinners (coumadin/warfarin), your doctor may ask you to stop days before the exam and not to eat or drink the day of the procedure. If they decide to use general anesthesia or IV sedation, you may be asked to fast the day before the procedure as well. A possible downside of this test is that it might not always get enough of a sample to make an accurate diagnosis or allow the doctor to get a good sense of the extent of the tumor. Have the tumor biopsied after surgery. Sometimes your doctor may do a surgery biopsy (remove the tumor) without a needle biopsy if the evidence of thymoma is strong (lab tests and imaging tests). Other times a doctor will need to perform a needle biopsy first to confirm it is a thymoma. The specimen is sent to the lab after surgery to confirm the diagnosis. The exam preparation (fasting, etc.) is similar to that of a needle biopsy, except an incision will be made in the skin to gain access to the tumor to remove it. Have the thymoma staged and treated. The stage of the tumor refers to the extent of spread to other organs, tissues and distant sites of the body. Therefore, having the thymoma staged is an essential part of determining the best course of treatment. The most commonly used staging method for thymomas is the Masaoka staging system. Stage I is an encapsulated tumor without microscopic or gross invasion. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice Stage II is a thymoma with a macroscopic invasion of the mediastinal fat or pleura or the microscopic invasion of the capsule. Treatment is usually a complete excision with or without postoperative radiation therapy in order to reduce the incidence of recurrence. Stage III is when the tumor has invaded the lungs, great vessels, and the pericardium. Complete surgical excision is necessary together with postoperative radiation therapy so that recurrence will not occur. Stage IVA and IV B In these final stages, there is pleural or metastatic spread. The treatment is a combination of surgical debulking, radiation, and chemotherapy. | Look for shortness of breath. Notice additional coughing. Note instances of chest pain. Watch for trouble swallowing. Weigh yourself. Examine for superior vena cava syndrome. Note symptoms consistent with myasthenia gravis (MG). Look for symptoms of red blood cell aplasia. Examine for symptoms of Hypogammaglobulinemia. See your doctor. Have your blood drawn. Submit to an x-ray. Undergo a CT scan. Undergo an MRI. Submit to a PET scan. Allow your doctor to perform a fine needle biopsy. Have the tumor biopsied after surgery. Have the thymoma staged and treated. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Good-at-Sports | How to Be Good at Sports | To be good at sports, start by joining a sports team at your school or a recreation center. Next, focus on learning the basics to the point of them being second nature before tackling anything advanced. In addition to working on your sports skills, work on honing your entire body by joining a gym to stay in shape. Additionally, make sure to eat a healthy diet and get plenty of sleep in order to recover from your workouts. | Set ambitious but realistic goals for yourself. This does not mean being unrealistic, or saying you're going to go professional within a year. Instead, you should take a look at what you are, and figure out where you think you would like to be. Give yourself a suitable amount of time to achieve that goal, and break it down into smaller parts if the goal is especially big. For example, if you do want to go professional, take a look at what the requirements are, and work your way up to each one. You may have to go semi-pro first. Rather than focusing on the big picture, focus on the smaller one instead. For example, you could focus on your technique. Be a good sport. Being good at sports means more than physical strength and speed. In order to be truly great, you need to apply that positive attitude to the way you treat other players, even if they're on the other team. If you lose a match, accept the loss and show respect to the other player for their victory. If you set an example of good sportsmanship, you'll receive the same respect in turn when you win. Treat loss as a learning experience. Figure out what you did wrong, then try to improve it for the next game. Be patient. No matter what you do, skills are often slow to build. If you're not patient, you will try to leap into more advanced techniques long before you're ready. Your motivation will sap away when you don't see improvement immediately. Keep the long-term goal in mind, and hang tight in the meantime while you make it a reality. Remember: there is always going to be someone who can do it better than you, at least at first. Impatient athletes tend to make poor ones. Accept criticism. When you play sports, you will inevitably receive criticism, and you need to be willing to listen when it's constructive. Are they angry because you missed a pass, or do they sincerely want to help you improve? Learn to distinguish the constructive criticism from the hurtful remarks. In a lot of cases, you can use criticism as motivation to get better in whatever area they bring up. Don't let yourself get defensive. Your thinking becomes more limited if you allow yourself to become emotional against criticism. Keep your ego under control. Even if you think you are the best, be open to constructive criticism. Nurture friendships with other players. One of the biggest reasons people join sports teams in the first place is to make friends with new people. If you join a team, you're bound to run into a lot of people. Chances are you'll develop friendships with at least some of them. Making these friendships a priority is a good move if you want to become great at sports. You can practice together on your own time. The morale boost of playing with friends helps as well. Team sports like soccer can have some skills practiced in solitude, but for others (like goalkeeping and passing) another person is needed. It's helpful to have this other person as a friend. It'll make the practice process more enjoyable in the long term. Let yourself have fun. It's possible to get so obsessed with being good at something that you lose track of why you want to be good in the first place. Not taking the time to enjoy the sport you play results in a fast burnout. Whether you're practicing or playing a competition, try to remember the other reasons why you play sports. For example, this may include the natural satisfaction you get from exercise, or simply the quality time spent with friends. Join a sports team. If you want to become a sports superstar, joining a team is a good way to start. Even if your skills are currently low, joining an amateur league will sharpen up your skills. Sports teams are everywhere, and most of them are free to join. If you go to school, you should go for team tryouts when they're happening. Recreation centres are often host to sports teams as well. If you're not in school, you can find or start a sports club online. Get a great coach. Great coaches come in all shapes and sizes. Certain coaching personalities will suit you better than others. The best scenario is having a coach who genuinely wants to see you succeed. In the early stages, enthusiasm is often more helpful than scientific know-how. Across the board, communication skills are the most important trait a coach can have. There are different levels of sports coach. Most after-school coaches are volunteers with a working knowledge of the sport and enthusiasm for the game. You can hire a sports coach with full training and education, although it will set you back a lot of money. Set your sights wide. If you want to be truly great at sports, it's not enough to focus on a couple of sports alone. It is important to set your sights wide with your exercises. Don't specialize in skills unless you're already a great athlete. Find ways to train every part of your body. Whether this means playing multiple sports or doing an all-encompassing exercise routine, training your entire body will boost your sports performance. There's a lot of evidence to suggest that athletes are better if they play more than one sport. Tend to basics first. it's a common misgiving for young athletes to want to jump into the advanced stuff quickly. This isn't an effective way to spend training time. You need a solid bedrock foundation before you move on to bigger things. If you're new to a sport, take as much time as you need to get the basic movements down properly. It will make advanced skills a lot easier to grasp in the long run. Some argue that fundamental "movement skills" (such as jumping and kicking) should be mastered properly before moving on to applied sports skills. Allow room for flexibility. In an actual competition, things aren't usually going to play exactly by the books. While you're practicing, you'll usually be playing under optimal circumstances. In order to make sure you'll be up for the unforeseen challenges, you need to predict the conditions of the competition. Ask yourself if you are learning a skill, or if you're learning to actually use that skill in the competitions you'll be in. Remember this motto: "Train the way you want to play." There's no way to perfectly replicate a competition in practice, but playing with other people can get you used to the scenarios you'll need to beware of. Add new levels of challenge as you build a skill. It is common for bodies to adapt to a level of strain. Progress will slow down if you don't keep upping the stakes as you go along. Bodybuilders and strength-oriented athletes do this by increasing their reps or the weights they work with. As a competition athlete, the best thing you can do to keep progress going is to practice the skills while under fatigue. Studies have shown that skill execution goes out the window when you get tired, so it's a good idea to build endurance in your sport. Building up your speed is important too. Speed usually comes with practice, but you shouldn't try to rush into speed until you have the basics down pat. Practice until your skills become second nature. If you're wondering at what point a skill becomes mastered, it is when you're able to do it automatically and without thinking. This is called the autonomous phase, and it's where you want to be at if you want to play sports competitively. Given enough time and repetition, a skill will eventually fall under this category. When you're in the fray of a game, you won't have time to think everything through, so practice until it's all automatic, so you'll know you're ready. When you're playing a sport like football in a competition, you're going to potentially need to throw a ball while getting chased by several competitors. You can't replicate this stress in private practice, so you have to make sure your toss is perfected beforehand. Keep practicing. Practice is never something that should stop. even if you become great at sports, you can always become better. If you stop practicing, chances are that someone more determined will beat you. Apply for a gym membership. The best athletes know that training doesn't stop at sports skills. You want your body to be as sharp as it can be for whatever sport you're playing. On the downtime away from sports, keep your body in general shape by going to the gym. Although it may seem daunting or expensive, it is absolutely worth the investment if you want to be good at sports. There are lots of benefits to going to a gym. As you'll know from playing in sports teams, exercising with others is very motivating. Do some research into a prospective gym before you pay for a membership. Go for a tour, and ask for details. Make sure the gym fits the circumstances of your life before you make your first payment. Get enough sleep. This one should come as obvious, but you might be surprised how often proper sleep is glazed over. This is especially true during times of intense practice or training, where things get so busy it becomes hard to cram everything into a regular day. Nonetheless, your body needs its full rest. If you're a teen, you should sleep 8-10 hours each night. If you're an adult, get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Everyone should make a point of eating a diet that benefits their body. This is especially true if you want to be great at sports. Eating junk food will work against whatever efforts you make in the gym. Base your diet on vegetables, leafy greens, legumes, lean proteins, and whole grains. Cut back on "empty calories" (like soda) and replace them with things that improve your health. If you're lactose intolerant, try going without dairy. It may sound hard, but you'll see benefits within a month. Drink lots of water. Water cannot be underestimated as part of a healthy diet. Staying hydrated will help you feel mentally and physically your best. Water regulates everything, and you should expect to lose some of your natural hydration via sweat while you exercise. The common "8 glasses a day" guideline isn't mandatory, but you should try to keep water next to you whenever you can. It's especially important to stock up on water while you're exercising. Keep a refillable bottle of water around with you. Refill it when it goes empty. You'll find your water consumption goes up a lot if you simply keep it near you. Stay clear of intoxicants. Drugs and alcohol aren't recommended if you want to be great at sports. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it drains your body of hydration. Your body will expend resources trying to get rid of the alcohol, and it can have a negative impact on your sports performance for days after the fact. In the long run, the amount of calories you digest from alcohol like cider and beer can have a negative impact on your gut. Get lots of rest the night before game day. While it is recommended you try to stick to a regular sleeping schedule, it's especially important to do so the night before a big game. The competition will be stiff enough, so it's not worth it losing your edge just because you weren't willing to sleep at least 8 hours. If you are having troubles getting to sleep, try some deep breathing exercises or meditating. Load up on carbohydrates prior to a game. While it wouldn't be regularly recommended in a diet, athletes should load up on their carbohydrate intake. Carbs essentially give your body energy, and you'll need lots of energy if you're playing a sports competition. Stay away from sugar for a few hours before a big competition. Sugar and starches dehydrate your body. That is something you want to avoid in the midst of competing. Keep yourself up to pace with snacks. Longer matches will be a test of endurance, and something as simple as an energy bar or banana can make a big difference. Warm up. Warm ups are important for any physically strenuous activity. They can be fairly light, but a proper warm up will help prevent early exhaustion and injury. Aim to warm up around half an hour before the start of the game. Stretch out your arms and legs. Run in place. Work up a bit of a sweat. This will get your body in the right mode for the competition. Warm ups also help fight off anxiety. Pre-game anxiety can be an issue for some players, so you should keep that in mind if it's something you suffer from. Know your competition. Having a good idea what to expect with the opposing side is important, regardless whether you're going one on one or playing as a team. If you want to know which techniques you should be using in the midst of certain competitors, it's a good idea to study their methods in the days and weeks before a big game. If there is any footage of those players during a game, give it a shot. The science of analytics turns the respective skills of your teammates and competitors into a sharp formula. Matching each player to their best strengths is integral to a team's success. Professional sports analysts make it their specific business to analyze the sporting behaviour of athletes. Stay focused on the game. You won't get anywhere if you're worried about something else happening in your life. Life is always complicated, and there may be things in your personal life that are bothering you. However, at least for the course of the game, you can't let any of that stuff get to you. It may be easier said than done, but if winning the game means enough to you, it should be a straightforward matter to keep your eyes on the prize. Push yourself further than others are willing to go. A lot of the best athletes may have had a natural aptitude for it, but the reason they ultimately succeed is because they want victory more than any of the competition. That's a tricky thing to develop inside yourself, but if the desire is intense enough, you will do just about anything to make your dreams a reality. This broadly applies to the mindset of training, but it's incredibly important during a competition. How much you want to win will have an effect on how far you end up pushing yourself. Sometimes, the distance between winning and losing is very small. A world of difference is made from that added bit of effort. Remember, passion is the key to most kinds of success, and the same applies to sports. | Set ambitious but realistic goals for yourself. Be a good sport. Be patient. Accept criticism. Nurture friendships with other players. Let yourself have fun. Join a sports team. Get a great coach. Set your sights wide. Tend to basics first. Allow room for flexibility. Add new levels of challenge as you build a skill. Practice until your skills become second nature. Apply for a gym membership. Get enough sleep. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Drink lots of water. Stay clear of intoxicants. Get lots of rest the night before game day. Load up on carbohydrates prior to a game. Warm up. Know your competition. Stay focused on the game. Push yourself further than others are willing to go. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Consolidate-Student-Loans | How to Consolidate Student Loans | Consolidating your student loans can be helpful if you're late on your payments, in default, or making payments you can't afford since it can lower your monthly payments and minimize the damage to your credit report. It can also simplify the payment process since you'll only need to make one monthly payment. However, keep in mind that consolidating your student loans can increase your interest rate and principal balance, and it can extend the number of years you'll be paying your loans off for. | Get a clear picture of your overall debt. Student loans can be confusing (you might have any combination of Stafford, Perkins, PLUS, and other federal loans, and you might also have private loans), and many borrowers don't have an accurate sense of what they owe and to whom they owe it. Check your records, and make sure you have a complete list of all your loans, who services them, and what your current monthly payments are – whether you have actually been making those payments or not. If you are unsure about your federal loans, visit the National Student Loan Data System. This site will allow you to see all of your federal financial aid records. If you are unsure about your private loans, follow up with the appropriate lender or lenders. They will provide documentation about what you owe and what the terms and conditions of your loans are. Assess your current situation. Once you have accurate, complete records, ask yourself whether you need to consider consolidation. Are you currently making your payments on time? Can you afford those payments? Are any of your payments delinquent? Are any of your federal loans in default status (meaning that you have not paid for 270 days)? If any of the following situations apply, you may be a good candidate for consolidation: Your federal loans are in default. Consolidation will move them out of default status and minimize the effect on your credit rating. Your private loans are delinquent, and you are unable to get caught up. Consolidation will help you get the debt under control and minimize the long-term damage to your credit. You are making payments that you cannot afford, and you are worried that you will wind up delinquent or in default. Consolidation may help you get a lower monthly payment so that you can keep your loans current. You are making multiple monthly payments on different loans and want to simplify the process. Consolidation will allow you to make just one payment, if your loans are either all federal or all private. If you have both, you'll have two payments, as you can't consolidate them together. Understand the potential disadvantages of consolidation. Consolidation does have a downside. Lower monthly payments mean that you'll likely wind up making those payments for more years, and you'll pay more in total. In addition: For private loans, a fee of up to 18.5% of your loan balance may be added to your principal. Your interest rate may increase. Federal interest rates are capped at 8.25%, but that's still quite high, especially when you consider that you may be paying for decades. Private lenders' rates vary, but in general, consolidating your loans may entail a rate increase. You may lose benefits associated with specific loans. Consolidating eliminates your previously existing loans completely and merges them together under a new loan with different terms and conditions. Certain benefits, including principal rebates or interest rate discounts, will not carry over. You won't be able to “unconsolidate” your loan. Once you've completed the consolidation process, you can't go back to your previous situation. You could find yourself stuck with less-than-ideal terms and conditions. Decide who to contact. For federal student loans, there's no question – you are better off consolidating with the Department of Education, where interest rates are capped and you keep your access to programs like deferment, forbearance, and forgiveness. For private loans, you'll have to shop around, comparing servicers like Chase, NextStudent, Student Loan Network, and Wells Fargo, which are highly rated by Forbes. As you compare consolidation loans with various private companies, pay particular attention to the interest rate – this will make a huge difference in how much you wind up paying overall. Continue making your payments. It's important that you continue making your existing payments as you complete the consolidation process. Until you've been informed that your loans have been paid off and your consolidation loan has taken effect, you are legally required to make those payments. Determine whether your loans qualify for consolidation. Most federal student loans do qualify, but it's important to make sure that all of your individual loans will be included. The following loans qualify: Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans Direct PLUS Loans PLUS loans from the Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program Supplemental Loans for Students Federal Perkins Loans Federal Nursing Loans Health Education Assistance Loans Apply online. Go to https://studentloans.gov/myDirectLoan/index.action. The application process is simple, since the Department of Education will already have all of your personal information and records of all your federal loans. Again, you should avoid consolidating your federal loans through private lenders. If you do not stay with the Department of Education, you'll lose access to many resources and benefits, and you will probably pay more. Read your summary sheet carefully. Once you've completed the application process, the Department of Education will provide you with a summary sheet, which lists all of the loans you are consolidating. Review this document carefully. If everything looks correct, you don't need to do anything. After fifteen days, the Department of Education will process your loan. If anything looks amiss – if the numbers are off, or if any of your federal loans aren't included – contact the Department of Education within fifteen days of the date on the summary sheet. Make arrangements for repayment. Once your consolidation loan is approved, you must choose a repayment plan. If any of your loans were in default, you'll choose one of the three income-based options – either IBR, Pay-As-You-Earn, or ICR. If none of your loans were in default, you can choose any of these six plans: Standard Repayment. You'll make regular payments that are calculated so that your loan will be paid off within ten years. Many people who consolidate find that they cannot afford the standard plan, but if you can, it's the most cost-effective option. Graduated Repayment. You'll make payments that start out low and increase every two years, so that you pay the entire balance in ten years. If you don't make much money but expect your income to increase regularly with time, this is a solid, cost-effective option. Extended Repayment Plan. You'll make lower payments, but you'll continue making them for 25 years. This option is only available if your loan amounts to more than $30,000. Income-Based Repayment (IBR). You'll make payments for twenty-five years, and after that, any remaining debt will be forgiven. Your payments will not exceed 15% of your discretionary income. Pay-As-You-Earn Repayment. You'll make payments for twenty years, and after that, any remaining debt will be forgiven. As with IBR, your payments will not exceed 15% of your discretionary income. Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR). You'll make payments for twenty-five years, and after that, any remaining debt will be forgiven. Your payments will not exceed 20% of your discretionary income. Make your payments as required. Now that your federal loans have been consolidated, it's important not to neglect your payments. If you go into default, your credit rating will suffer, and you'll lose your access to further federal student aid – in short, you'll reverse the positive effects of your consolidation. Continue paying your current lenders. It's important that you continue making your existing payments as you complete the consolidation process. Until you've been informed that your loans have been paid off and your consolidation loan has taken effect, you are legally required to make those payments. Contact your preferred lender. If you've done your research and compared terms and interest rates from various companies, you should have a sense of which lender you would like to use. Call or email that lender to get the process started. This is a good time to ask any questions you may have about the terms and conditions associated with a consolidation loan. Keep in mind, though, that you can only trust information that's given to you in writing – don't assume that lenders have your best interests at heart. Apply for the consolidation loan. Most companies will allow you to apply either in person or online. Either way, you'll need to have the following information handy: Your current address Your Social Security number The names, addresses, and phone numbers of at least two personal references Proof of your monthly income Information about your monthly expenses The estimated amounts of all your loans to be consolidated. You may be asked for a “pay-off amount” for each loan. Contact your servicers to determine this amount. All relevant loan account numbers The names and addresses of your loan servicers. This information should be on your monthly statements. Repeat the process if necessary. If your company of choice turns you down, you may have to try again with another company. If you have poor credit, or if your income suggests that you will struggle to make your payments, you may have difficulty getting a consolidation loan with relatively favorable terms. If you are sure that consolidation is the best route for you, you may, unfortunately, have to apply for a loan with a company that offers you less favorable terms, including a higher interest rate. Read the fine print. Once your application for a consolidation loan is accepted, read all the terms and conditions carefully before signing. It's crucial to understand how much you'll pay each month, how much you'll pay over time, and what the other conditions associated with your loan might be. Make your payments faithfully. Don't neglect your payments once your private loans have been consolidated. Delinquencies will have a negative impact on your credit, and you'll probably have to pay additional fees as well. | Get a clear picture of your overall debt. Assess your current situation. Understand the potential disadvantages of consolidation. Decide who to contact. Continue making your payments. Determine whether your loans qualify for consolidation. Apply online. Read your summary sheet carefully. Make arrangements for repayment. Make your payments as required. Continue paying your current lenders. Contact your preferred lender. Apply for the consolidation loan. Repeat the process if necessary. Read the fine print. Make your payments faithfully. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-Striped-Bass | How to Catch Striped Bass | To catch striped bass, equip your boat with a fish-finder and try to go out on the water at dawn or dusk, when striped bass are the most active. Use a heavy fishing rod with a light spinning outfit and 10 to 20 pound fishing line, and go for live bait such as herring, eels, bloodworms, or sandworms for the best results. Trolling slowly with a worm is one of the best ways to hook a striped bass! | Use a fish-finder. Having a boat equipped with a reliable fish-finder will certainly help in your pursuit of big striped bass. Having a firm understanding of how to operate your fish-finder will aid you in locating a productive area in which striped bass have gathered. Therefore it is recommended that you read the owner's manual thoroughly before using. Striped bass can be unpredictable—they can be found at different locations and different depths depending on the weather, time of year and even the time of day. Using your fish-finder will help you to determine the depth at which the bass are holding, which will allow you to present the bait at that exact depth and give you the best chance of actually catching a striped bass. Choose the right bait. Striped Bass are opportunistic feeders who may be caught using a wide range of bait. Live bait such as herring, menhaden, mackerel, eels, squid, clams, anchovies, bloodworms, shad, nightcrawlers and sandworms all make great bait for striped bass fishing. You can find these baits at just about any local fishing bait and tackle shop. The type of bait that will bring you the most success will depend on the location you intend to fish in. If you're unfamiliar with the body of water you'll be fishing, consult with a local bait and tackle shop to find out what type of bait they recommend. You can also catch striped bass using a lure that resembles the forage base in the area where you'll be fishing. These lures can be made from plastic, wood, metal, resins or rubber. Choose your rod, reel and tackle. You should be able to catch striped bass with almost any rod and reel, provided it's heavier than a light spinning outfit. The type of rod you use will depend on type of fishing you intend to do. Will you be fishing in freshwater or saltwater? Will you be fishing on a boat? Or will you be fishing from the surf or on a jetty, bridge or pier? Will you be chunking bait, or using a lure? The answers to these questions will determine the correct weight, size and flexibility for your rod. The type of reel you use is arguably more important than the rod -- a saltwater spinning reel is a good option, as long as it's sturdy enough to pull in a 20 to 25 pounds (9.1 to 11.3 kg) fish. In terms of line, you should be using a 10 to 20 pounds (4.5 to 9.1 kg) test monofilament line (though some people prefer heavier lines for catching bigger fish). The hook should be nice and sharp and there should be a minimum of ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) between the point and the shank, to avoid catching undersized bass. Look for optimal fishing conditions. Although striped bass can be caught all year round, in almost any condition, you can increase your chances of successful fishing if you understand the striper's behavior patterns. Striped bass are migratory fish who prefer water temperatures between 45 and 65 °F (7 and 18 °C). Therefore, if the water temperature goes above or below this range, you are unlikely to find any striped bass, as they will have migrated to warmer or cooler waters. The temperature may also affect the location of the fish within the water. On a hot sunny day, the striped bass may dive to depths as low as 40 feet (12 m) to avoid the heat and find more suitable temperature and oxygen levels. Whereas, on a cooler day, you might find them just a foot or two below the water's surface. Stripers are more prone to feeding when there is water movement due to changing tides or a strong breeze. This is due to the fact that water movement stirs up sediment, which attracts bait fish (who feed on the sediment). In turn, the feeding bait fish attract the stripers. In addition, they are more likely to bite when the temperature of the water has recently fluctuated. Striped bass tend to feed most actively at dusk and dawn, where they can hunt smaller fish under the cover of darkness. Therefore, you may have a higher rate of success if you fish at these times. Consider why you should use live eels. Fishing live eels is an exciting and effective ways of landing big striped bass up to and above the 40 lb (18 kg) mark. On Cape Cod Bay in particular, live eels account for many big striped bass each spring, summer and fall. Live eels can be used to fish for bass in deep water. They can help you to catch larger fish, as the biggest striper fish tend to lurk near the bottom. Live eels can be fished many different ways. One of the most popular and easiest methods is to fish live eels with a medium-light or medium-action rod. Make sure to store the eels under the right conditions. Place the eels in a cooler with a plastic ice block and a damp burlap sack. This keeps the eels moist and cool. The ice also has the advantage of slowing down the eel's metabolism, which makes them easier to handle. Don't submerge the eels in water, as they will deplete the oxygen levels and eventually drown. Locate the bass. When fishing from a boat, use your sonar to first locate an area where striped bass have congregated. When cruising at a higher speeds, striped bass will appear as small orange blotches on most sonar screens. It's easy to miss these marks so be sure to keep a keen eye on the sonar. Depending on the wind and tide, setup a drift that will bring the boat through the area in which striped bass have gathered. Hook the eels. Eels are slithering, squirming creatures, so they can be difficult to handle and hook. Use a burlap sack or even a cotton sock to hold the eel, as this will give you a better grip. Hold the eel around its neck in order to hook it. Use circle hooks to avoid gut hooking bass. Hook the eel in one of two ways—either pass the hook through the top of the eel's mouth and out one of its eyes, or place the hook as deeply into the eel's mouth as possible and pass it through the bottom of its throat. The former method hooks the eel more securely but runs the risk of accidentally killing it, which the latter method is less secure but keeps the eel alive for longer and makes the hook appear less obvious. Cast the eel out. When casting your eel out, go easily at first until you find the sweet spot -- you don't want to rip out the hook. Give the eel a few seconds to reach the bottom—depending on the strength of the current and depth of the water—before you start to slowly reel it in. You may need to add up to 1/2 ounce of weight in the form of a rubber core sinker if the tide and wind is particularly strong. Start reeling at a very slow rate of 3 to 5 seconds per revolution—you want the eel to do most of the work for you. Reel in the striped bass. As soon as you feel the bass grab the eel, bow the fishing rod til it's parallel with the water. This will prevent the striper from feeling the tension in the eel and becoming spooked. However, if you're using circle hooks, you should reel the line in at a constant rate in order to hook the fish. You can set the hook as soon as the line goes taut and reel the fish in immediately, or you can allow the fish to run for 5 to 10 seconds (keeping the line slack) before setting the hook. Know when to use the tube and worm technique. One of the easiest and most effective ways for new striper fishermen (and fisher-women!) to catch keeper-size striped bass is to learn how to troll the tube and worm. When trolled slowly, the colored tube imitates a large sandworm or a swimming eel—two of the striped bass's favorite delicacies. This method works best when fishing in shallow, flat waters, with temperatures above 55 °F (13 °C). Tip the tube's hook with a live sandworm or herring strip. This is very important, as tubes fished without bait rarely catch bass. The fresh bait helps to give the tube an inviting scent, which will encourage the striped bass to come closer and investigate. Never fish with old or spoiled bait—the stripers will ignore it and you'll end up hooking a sand shark or skate instead. Consider adding a stinger hook to the tube to help prevent short strikes and lost bass Troll at the correct speed. A speed of 2–2.5 mph (3.2–4.0 km/h) is the most effective for trolling the tube. This mimics the natural swimming speed of an eel in the water, making the bait seem more realistic. It may feel very slow, but be patient—catching a large striped bass is worth it! Keep the bait at the right level. Tube and worm trolling works best in water 3 to 7 feet (0.9 to 2.1 m) in depth, though it's possible to fish as deep as 20 feet (6.1 m). Let the line out slowly, keeping it taut, until you feel the rig bouncing off the bottom. Reel the line in one or two turns, to keep the rig just above the bottom. The amount of colors of lead core trolled behind the boat can help you to determine the depth at which the tube and worm is being trolled. For example, if bass are holding at 15 feet (4.6 m), then 3 colors (5 feet (1.5 m)/color) is used to reach the bass. Try to slowly weave the tube forward and back on opposite 45 degree angles—this helps the movement of the bait to appear more natural. Set the drag at 9–10 pounds (4.1–4.5 kg) for the strike. Keep the boat moving forward in the initial moments after a strike in order to achieve a good hook set. | Use a fish-finder. Choose the right bait. Choose your rod, reel and tackle. Look for optimal fishing conditions. Consider why you should use live eels. Make sure to store the eels under the right conditions. Locate the bass. Hook the eels. Cast the eel out. Reel in the striped bass. Know when to use the tube and worm technique. Tip the tube's hook with a live sandworm or herring strip. Troll at the correct speed. Keep the bait at the right level. Set the drag at 9–10 pounds (4.1–4.5 kg) for the strike. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Cost-Increase-Percentage | How to Calculate Cost Increase Percentage | To calculate cost increase percentage, subtract the item's previous cost from its new cost. Take that number and divide it by the item's previous cost. Then, multiply by 100, and voila! | Recall the previous price of an item. The simplest way to locate previous cost data is with your own memory. Perhaps there is some item at the grocery store or shopping mall that you've been buying for years at the same price. This could be a staple of your weekly grocery shopping trips or a clothing item you buy regularly. For example, imagine that the price of a gallon of milk has been $2.50 for a number of years. This represents the previous price for the purpose of your cost increase calculation. Check the item's current price. If the price of an item you've purchased in the past has increased, you can now calculate a cost increase percentage for the item. However, you will need the item's current cost first. Check the store for the current price of the item in question. For example, imagine that a gallon of milk, that has always gone for $2.50, is now priced at $3.50. You can now calculate the cost increase percentage to know just how much you are being charged at the new price in relation to the old price. Before comparing, make sure both values (your previous and current values) refer to the same product. If one is better in some way, your costs are not directly comparable. Research historical cost information. In some cases, locating previous cost information is not as simple as remembering the former cost of an item. For example, when comparing costs from long ago to now or finding cost increases on an item you've never purchased you'll need to locate cost information elsewhere. The same is true for cost measures (rather than items), such as the consumer price index (CPI), a measure of average consumer prices in the U.S., or the purchasing power of the U.S. Dollar. In these cases, you will need to do some online research to locate previous cost figures. Try typing in the item and year you are interested in, along with "cost" or "value," to locate cost information for that time. For example, cost information for various consumer goods from 1900 until the present can be found at http://mclib.info/reference/local-history-genealogy/historic-prices/. Locate modern cost figures. For all historical cost information you locate, you will also need a modern figure to compare it with. Try to locate the closest modern version of whatever item or measure you are comparing. Make sure to avoid comparing items that are different due to different levels of quality or additional features, for example. Use the most current information from the current year in your calculations. Understand the percent increase formula. The percent increase formula calculates the percent increase in a cost as a percentage of the previous cost. Written out in full, the formula is Percent Increase = ( New Cost − Previous Cost ) Previous Cost × 100 {\displaystyle {\text{Percent Increase}}={\frac {({\text{New Cost}}-{\text{Previous Cost}})}{\text{Previous Cost}}}\times 100}. The × 100 {\displaystyle \times 100} at the end converts the difference from a decimal to a percentage. Subtract the previous cost from the new cost. Start your calculation by putting your variables into the formula. Then, simplify the part of your equation in parentheses by subtracting the previous cost from the new cost. For example, if you bought a gallon of milk a month ago for $2.50 and, today, it is $3.50, subtract $2.50 from $3.50 to get the dollar amount of the change, or $1.00 in this case. Divide the difference by the previous cost. Your next step is to divide the result of the last step by the previous price. This essentially converts the different between the new and old costs to a proportion of the previous cost. In the example, this would be $1.00 (the result of the previous step) divided by $2.50 (the previous cost). The result is 0.40, which is expressed as a number rather than a dollar amount. Convert the answer to a percentage. Multiply the answer by 100 to get the percentage increase. The result will be the percentage that the previous cost has been increased by to arrive at the new cost. In the example, this is 0.40 × 100 {\displaystyle 0.40\times 100} , which is 40 percent. So, the cost of a gallon of milk has increased by 40 percent between the previous and new costs. Calculate an increase in your expenses. You can use the results of your cost increase calculations to calculate increases in cost for all of your expenses. You can then track these increases over time and see if some items are increasing faster or slower than other costs. Then, compare the increases to increases (or lack thereof) in your income to see whether your pay raises are keeping pace with your cost of living. Track business expense increases. Businesses can use cost increase percentages to determine the increases' effects on projected or actual profit margins. This information can then be used to weigh the savings from a change in suppliers or justify a selling price increase. For example, if a business sees that the price of one of its inputs to production is rising regularly, it may choose to seek an alternative input or supplier of that input. Alternately, the business might choose to raise prices accordingly. Determine appreciation on collectibles. Collectibles, like vintage cars, watches, and art, might appreciate in value over time. This appreciation can be measured using the cost increase percentage calculation process. Compare previous prices of the collectible with current market prices to assess the increase. For example, if a watch sold for $100 in 1965, but is now resold on the used market for $2,000, this represents a 1900 percent price increase. Use the same process for other types of percent increase. The same formula and process used to find percent cost increase can be used to perform a number of other calculations. You can use the same formula with different terms to calculate the percent error (between an expected value and actual value), to find the percent difference between two amounts of time, or any number of other comparisons between two numbers. | Recall the previous price of an item. Check the item's current price. Research historical cost information. Locate modern cost figures. Understand the percent increase formula. Subtract the previous cost from the new cost. Divide the difference by the previous cost. Convert the answer to a percentage. Calculate an increase in your expenses. Track business expense increases. Determine appreciation on collectibles. Use the same process for other types of percent increase. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pie-Crust | How to Make Pie Crust | To make a pie crust, mix 2 2/3 cups of flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a bowl, then cut in 1 cup of cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers. Pour in 7 tablespoons of ice-cold water and stir until the dough comes together. Then, form the dough into two balls and chill them until you're ready to make the pie. On a clean, floured surface, use a rolling pin to flatten the dough and transfer it to a pie pan. Add your desired filling and bake the pie according to your recipe. | Mix flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Stir the sifted flour and salt together thoroughly, preferably in a sizable heat-resistant mixing bowl. Because maintaining a cool temperature is essential to keeping the gluten strands from forming a strong bond, using chilled flour and a chilled bowl is recommended. While you're preparing the dough, it's a good idea to chill your butter thoroughly before you attempt to work it in, if you're using butter. Anytime the mixture gets overworked, you can stop, put the mixing bowl into the fridge, and let it chill back down to a workable temperature. Cut the butter or shortening into the flour. There are many different methods of cutting the fat into the flour, but all are equally effective with the right amount of elbow grease. The most important thing is to keep the butter cool, if you use it, so keep it in the freezer for at least 30 minutes or so, cutting it into large chunks before integrating it more thoroughly. You want to mix in the fat until you have small and uniform pea-sized chunks. Use a food processor. The easiest way to cut the butter is to use a food processor, pulsing the flour mixture for a minute or two, until the butter is chopped up to the appropriate size. Use a pastry cutter for butter or shortening. A pastry cutter is a great way of chopping up the butter in a good uniform mixture, quickly and without much effort. Roll the pastry cutter through the flour mixture, clearing out the butter from behind the tines after you make each pass around the bowl, if necessary. It shouldn't take more than a few minutes. Use a fork or two knives. If you don't have a pastry cutter or a food processor, don't fret. It's possible, but takes slightly more hand strength and effort, to cut up the butter with the flat side of a table fork, using two knives to slice the butter in opposite directions, or even just using the end of a metal spatula. Just use your fingers with shortening. Shortening won't be greatly affected by the heat from your hands or from the room temperature, making it easy to get your hands in and crumble up the shortening into the flour using your fingers. You can also do this with butter. Letting it get warm makes the mixture too glutenous and it won't be flakey. Mix in ice-cold water into the flour mixture. Use a wooden spoon and gently stir the flour as you pour a small amount of ice water into the bowl. Pour a tablespoon or two at a time, integrating it gently by agitating the flour. The mixture should just barely come together and form a loose ball, and shouldn't be at all damp or wet looking. Be very gentle. The key to a flaky crust is to make sure you don't overwork the dough. Pie crust is not bread dough, and if you overwork the dough, the crust will become quite tough and difficult to handle. Be a minimalist when it comes to mixing the water into the flour. Less touching means more tender dough. Chill the flour any time the mixture becomes overworked. If you're struggling to get the flour to come together, or if everything has become too warm, don't be afraid to pop the bowl into the freezer for a couple of minutes to chill it back down to a more workable temperature. Cold dough is easier to work with. Use your hands to form dough into ball. Very gently, pull the flour into a ball, touching it as little as possible, and then split ball in two equal portions. The recipe should make two portions, which you could use for one bottom crust and one top crust, or bottom crusts for two different pies. Cut the dough ball in half with a kitchen knife and separate the halves gently. It's usually a good idea to chill the dough in the refrigerator until you're ready to roll it out and bake with it. If you've already got the oven pre-heated and you're anxious to get started, putting it in the freezer can be a good way to get the temperature down quickly. If you want to save the dough for a longer period of time, freeze it in a self-sealing freezer bag. When you're ready to use it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight and roll it out normally. Prepare your rolling surface. There are several different techniques to rolling out the pie crust, so it's good to experiment some to find out what works best for you and the materials at hand. Some bakers prefer to prep a clean and smooth work surface, while others will use wax paper or plastic bags to create a non-stick barrier for rolling out the dough and help in moving the crust onto the pie plate safely. Wax paper makes an excellent surface on which to roll out pie crust. Tape down a piece slightly larger than the diameter of the pie plate you hope to fill with the crust, and flour the surface gently. Many bakers will use wax paper in combination with pastry cloth or a second sheet of wax paper to fold the crust into a triangle for easy transport and use. A wooden or stone pastry board requires very little or no flour to roll out pie crust. This can be an excellent investment if you plan on making lots of pie crusts. It's also common to place pie dough in gallon Ziplock bags and unroll them without removing them from the bag. It can be somewhat challenging to keep pie crust from sticking to the rolling pin, making it a useful easy-clean barrier that will keep the pin from sticking. Just make sure you chill the dough thoroughly and flour the dough before attempting to roll it out. Clean your rolling surface thoroughly. Start by washing your flouring surface, scraping any old pastry bits off to get the cleanest, smoothest surface possible. If you rinse it with water, let it dry completely before adding flour, or you'll get goopy dough on the board that you don't' want. Pie crust can be very delicate and tender, making it important that you use a very smooth, clean, surface. Flour the surface of whatever rolling surface you use liberally with flour. Whether you want to use a pastry board or your kitchen counter, sprinkle a layer of flour onto it evenly and place the dough on or in it. Rolling out the crust is the most difficult part, so give yourself a good layer of flour to avoid ripping it. The amount of flour used to "dust the board" will vary depending on the fat content of the crust you're making, the amount, and the humidity in your area. It's always easier to add more, but it'll be impossible to take flour away if you end up drying it out. Sprinkle no more than a tablespoon or two of flour on the board when you start out, and no more than a tablespoon on top of the dough on top. Roll out the first ball of dough. Sprinkle a fair amount of flour on a rolling pin, to make sure the dough won't stick, and start rolling out the dough. Start from the center, rotating your rolling pin around to smooth the dough evenly in different directions, using smooth even strokes and removing the rolling pin from the dough as soon as you've completed a stroke. Flip the dough over and flour the rolling surface again. Turn over the dough every two or three passes with the rolling pin, to avoid sticking it to the rolling surface. It shouldn't take more than 5 or 10 passes to get the dough rolled out. The ideal pie crust is about ⁄ 8 inch (0.3 cm) thick, and even. Don't worry if your crust doesn't roll out into a perfect circle. Remember, you want to avoid over-working the dough, so it's better to have a flaky crust that's a little oblong than a perfectly-shaped crust that's too tough. There's nothing wrong with a slightly misshapen pie crust, because you can trim off excess bits after you get it into the pan. Carefully transport the crust to the pie plate using the wax paper or the rolling pin. The moment that you're most likely to tear the crust is during the step from moving it from the rolling board to the pie plate. But with the right technique, you can help to keep your crust in one piece. If you rolled the crust out on wax paper , sandwich the crust between that piece and other piece, then fold it over, and over again into a triangle. You can store this in the freezer for easy use, or you can use it right away, unfolding it into the pie plate. If you rolled the crust out on the counter , you can either roll the crust up onto the rolling pin, unrolling it onto the pie plate, or you can use a pastry scraper and gently move the crust flat. Gently unroll the dough and lightly press into plate. Use your fingers to push the dough into the bottom corners of the pie plate, and flat against the sides of the pie tin. Using a sharp knife, trim the edges of the crust and use the excess dough to patch any rips or tears in the crust. You don't need to grease or flour the pie plate before you add the crust. It should release from the tin as it cooks. A tiny dusting of cornmeal in the bottom of the tin can help to unstick the crust, if necessary. Fill the bottom crust with your desired pie filling. Depending on what kind of pie you want to make, you might need to cook the filling, or simply empty the pre-made filling into your crust. Follow the directions for the particular variety of pie you want to make and prepare the filling accordingly. Blueberry, blackberry , or other berry filling can either be made from canned pie filling, or from fresh fruit. If you start from fresh fruit, add white sugar, to taste, and a tablespoon of cornstarch for each cup of fruit to thicken the juice. To make stone-fruit filling, like Cherry or peach, remove the pits by cutting the fruit in half or using a pitting machine. Remove the skins if desired, or leave them on. Cook down apple , rhubarb , and other crunchy or sour fruits, like gooseberries, to release the juices and soften the fruit. Add a small amount of cinnamon and brown sugar to the filling as it cooks to add fragrance and taste. Make pumpkin or sweet potato filling by mixing pureed pumpkin or sweet potato with sweetened condensed milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove, and other baking spices. To make Chocolate , coconut , lemon , or banana cream filling, you'll need to pre-bake your empty pie crust before adding the cooked custard and cooling it in the fridge to set. Mincemeat , chicken , or other savory fillings by sautéing the ingredients completely in the skillet before adding them to the crust and baking them. All meats and vegetables should be cooked completely before being added. Roll out the second ball of dough following the steps above. Flour your rolling surface, roll the second ball of dough out with the rolling pin, and place it atop the filling. Using a pastry brush (or just brushing it on with your finger), moisten the perimeter of the bottom crust with water or a single beaten egg so that it will stick to the top crust. Using a fork, crimp the top and bottom crusts together so it stays secure. Trim off excess dough with a sharp knife. You can cut slits in the top to vent the steam, or cut a more intricate design to your liking. You can use excess dough to create little shapes or designs on the top of the pie to decorate it. Alternatively, you can cut the top crust into several strips of dough, to create the lattice crust. If your crust is tough, it was handled too much. Pie crust dough shouldn't be kneaded or handled like bread dough. Kneading and rising is done at room temperature to create gluten strands, which give bread its chewiness. It's desirable in bread, but undesirable in crust. If you want it flaky and tender, handle it as little as possible. It's also possible that too much water was added to the crust. It takes some practice to get the water right: you want to add very cold water until the dough just starts to come together. You'll likely have to press the crumbs together to make it work, because there won't be enough water to make it come together just by stirring. If the bottom crust gets soggy, bake it at a higher temperature. Baking at too low a temperature can make the filling bubble before the pie crust browns, making it seep into the bottom layer. The bottom crust won't firm up properly when this happens, and it can get soggy for that reason. It's also possible that a soggy pie is the result of too little cornstarch being added to raw fruit. Blueberries, in particular, require lots of cornstarch to set up, and will release a lot of liquid when you start baking them. It'll take some practice to get the cornstarch ratio correct. You'll also need to let the pie rest a while before cutting into it. If the crust is too crumbly, the ingredient ratios were off. You might have used too little water or too much shortening, but a crumbly crust that isn't flaky like you want it to be, one that has a dusty taste, needs to be tweaked slightly. Try to make the crust again, but substituting the same amount of butter, and see if that affects the consistency. If it comes out the same, you'll know it's the water. If it's different, try to add slightly less shortening next time. If the crust is dry but not flaky, the shortening was cut too much. Leaving small but noticeable chunks of butter in the crust is a good way of creating flakes. As the butter melts, it spreads out, creating that desirable texture in pie crust. If it's too ground up into the flour, you won't get the same texture. Substitute whole wheat flour for white. It's possible to make whole grain crusts by substituting an equal amount of whole wheat pastry flour, as fine a grain as possible. To help the texture, it's also a good idea to add a quarter to a half cup of raw oats, flaxseed meal, or other whole grain flour to help get the mix to come together. Whole wheat flour tends to be much more brittle and difficult to handle than that made with white flour. Be very careful not to over-mix it. Make a cookie crust. Making a cookie crust with finely crumbled ginger snap, Oreo, graham cracker, or some other cookie of your choice. Start with 12-15 cookies in a plastic bag and crush them with a plate or tenderizing mallet, until they're fine enough to resemble a coarse flour. To that, mix in a quarter cup of melted butter, and press into the cookie plate. Bake at 350 F for 10 minutes, watching closely so it won't burn. Cookie crusts pair excellently with custard or cream pies, like chocolate or coconut. It's less effective for fruit pies. Use gluten free substitutes. Use equal amounts of brown or white rice flour and sweet rice flour, instead of wheat flour. The rest of the recipe works as normal, as long as you use vegetable shortening, which is vegan. It's also common to use a little xanthan gum, about a teaspoon, to bind the dough and replace the need for the gluten strands that form in wheat flour dough. | Mix flour and salt into a large mixing bowl. Cut the butter or shortening into the flour. Mix in ice-cold water into the flour mixture. Chill the flour any time the mixture becomes overworked. Use your hands to form dough into ball. Prepare your rolling surface. Clean your rolling surface thoroughly. Flour the surface of whatever rolling surface you use liberally with flour. Roll out the first ball of dough. Carefully transport the crust to the pie plate using the wax paper or the rolling pin. Gently unroll the dough and lightly press into plate. Fill the bottom crust with your desired pie filling. Roll out the second ball of dough following the steps above. If your crust is tough, it was handled too much. If the bottom crust gets soggy, bake it at a higher temperature. If the crust is too crumbly, the ingredient ratios were off. If the crust is dry but not flaky, the shortening was cut too much. Substitute whole wheat flour for white. Make a cookie crust. Use gluten free substitutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-the-Value-of-a-Mobile-Home | How to Calculate the Value of a Mobile Home | To calculate the approximate value of a mobile home, visit your library to see if they have a copy of the the NADA Manufactured Housing Appraisal Guide or use Zillow's website to compare prices on similar homes. For a more precise appraisal, visit the NADA website and fill out an appraisal form, but expect to pay around $26. For an exact appraisal of your home in its current condition, hire a local appraiser or real estate agent. | Locate the blue book. In the United States, the NADA Manufactured Housing Appraisal Guide is the “blue book” used to determine the value of mobile homes. Go to your local library and see if there is a copy. Look in the book for your type of manufactured home, and then follow the step-by-step guide for calculating the retail book value. Your calculation will depend in part on the condition of the mobile home. Visit the NADA website. Alternately, you can submit an online request for a value report at the NADA website. Go here: http://www.nadaguides.com/FAQ/manufactured-home-value-reports#q21. However, you must pay in order to get a report. A Basic Used Home Value Report will cost $26. You can use this report if there are no unique features to your mobile home. A Professional Used Home Value Report will cost $50. This report will give you a more in-depth analysis and accurate estimate of the home's value. A New Home Price Report will cost $35. Provide the requested information. The NADA guide will estimate the value of your home based on the following factors: year the home was manufactured manufacturer size of the home (width and length) where you are located (state and region) condition of the home other features, such as granite countertops, hardwood floors, garages, etc. Receive your report. After submitting your online request, you will instantly receive your report. Click on the “View Your Report” button, which is located on your payment confirmation page. You can print off your report or save it. Understand the limitations of the book value. The book value does not take into account the value of your land, which is often more valuable than your mobile home. For this reason, you should also do your own research if your mobile home is fixed to a piece of property. Research comparable sales in your neighborhood. Each local real estate market is different, and the book value cannot account for whether your local market is hot or not. Make sure to look at how much comparable mobile homes have sold in your area. You can find the sale price at your county recorder's office or by looking at websites such as Zillow. The mobile homes need to be comparable in terms of size, age, general condition, and the amount of land. You are unlikely to find an exact match, but you don't need an exact match. Find mobile homes around the same age as yours and about the same size. Sales also need to be recent. The market was different four years ago than it is today. Your comparison properties should be located within half a mile of your property if you live in the city, a mile of your property if you live in the suburbs, or 5 miles of your property if you live in a rural location. Assess the condition of the home's interior. The overall condition of the mobile home will impact its value. Visit the mobile home and try to inspect the inside. The more repairs you need to make, the less value the home has. Pay attention to the following factors: Roof. Look for signs of a leaky roof inside the mobile home. In particular, water damage should show on the ceiling or walls. Walls. Check the stability of the walls and whether there is any mold. Flooring. Look for holes or soft spots on floors. Also check whether the floor is uneven. Plumbing. Some water leaks may be caused by leaks in the plumbing. Also check the water pressure. Electricity. Check outlets and turn on light switches to see if the electricity works. Inspect the outside of the home. Repairs often have to be made to the outside of the mobile home. Walk around and assess the following: Roof. Don't rely solely on the absence of water marks inside. Instead, check the exterior of the roof by walking on it and looking for soft spots, holes, or missing shingles. Siding. Check whether siding is damaged, rotting, or dented. Also assess the overall aesthetic quality. Ugly siding can reduce the value of the home. Underside. Definitely check the underside to see how stable it is. If necessary, remove some pieces of skirting and use a flashlight. Check for insulation hanging down or junk and debris strewn all over the place. Also check whether animals are living under the home. Make sure the home has tie downs that connect the home to the ground. These will be necessary to get loan funding to pay for the property. Identify features that add value. Some features might increase the value of your mobile home. You should identify anything that would make your home desirable, including the following: Quality of the neighborhood. For example, you might be in a well-maintained neighborhood that isn't overcrowded. If so, your home's value should increase. Proximity to services. Your home's value will also increase if you are near hospitals, schools, or a transportation hub. Granite countertops or new appliances. Buyers might value these features and pay more for them. Ask a real estate agent for an analysis. A real estate agent might be willing to provide you with a comparative market analysis (CMA) for free. Find agents in your phone book or ask someone you know for a referral. Look at your property tax statement. You are assessed property taxes based on the value of your home. Find your property tax statement and find out how much the appraiser has valued the mobile home. Property tax records are also public, so you can find out this information about another home in your area. Visit the tax assessor's office. Keep in mind that homes usually sell for more on the open market than the price that is listed on the tax assessment forms. Find an appraiser. Look for someone who is certified or has a state license. These are signs of sufficient training and skill. You can find an appraiser in the following places: Obtain a referral from a state appraisal board. Type “your state” and “appraisal board” into your favorite search engine. Check to see if your state board has a directory you can search. Search the directory of an accreditation society, such as the American Society of Appraisers. Contact a real estate agent for a referral to someone who is qualified. Ask about the appraiser’s knowledge of mobile homes. Mobile homes can present many challenges to appraisers who do not have sufficient experience. Ask appraisers whether they have a certification to appraise mobile homes or whether they have ever taken a course on manufactured home appraisals. Keep researching appraisers until you find one sufficiently knowledgeable about mobile homes. Meet with the appraiser. You should meet the appraiser at the mobile home. They may have questions about the neighborhood or the property. Answer them as completely and honestly as you can. The appraiser also needs space to perform the appraisal, so don't hover. Give them enough space to do their job properly. A typical appraisal takes a few hours and costs around $500. Most of the appraisal will be done away from the property. Expect the meeting at the property to take about 10 minutes. The appraiser will measure the home, take inside and outside photos, ensure systems are working, and recommend any needed repairs. Analyze the appraisal report. When you receive the report, you should study it closely. You'll want to make sure that the appraiser used appropriate homes for comparison purposes. Also check whether the appraiser properly valued features that can add value to your mobile home, such as location to public transportation or proximity to a good school district. If you disagree with something in the appraisal report, bring it to the appraiser's attention. Write a letter laying out what you think the appraiser overlooked. | Locate the blue book. Visit the NADA website. Provide the requested information. Receive your report. Understand the limitations of the book value. Research comparable sales in your neighborhood. Assess the condition of the home's interior. Inspect the outside of the home. Identify features that add value. Ask a real estate agent for an analysis. Look at your property tax statement. Find an appraiser. Ask about the appraiser’s knowledge of mobile homes. Meet with the appraiser. Analyze the appraisal report. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Blackheads-Naturally | How to Get Rid of Blackheads Naturally | To get rid of blackheads naturally, start by mixing together 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 teaspoon of milk. Then, heat the mixture for 5-10 seconds in the microwave, and apply it to your blackheads like a mask. Next, place a strip of cotton over the warm mixture, and wait at least 20 minutes for it to dry. Finally, peel the cotton away to remove the blackheads underneath. | Swab tea tree oil on your blackheads for the most effective treatment. Look for a gel or lotion that contains 5% tea tree oil. Alternatively, you may mix 2–3 drops of undiluted oil in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of a carrier, such as avocado or almond oil. Use a cotton swab to rub the oil directly on your blackheads so it absorbs into your skin. Continue applying the oil on to your skin twice daily until your blackheads go away. You can buy tea tree oil online or from your local drugstore. Tea tree oil is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant so it works to shrink your blemishes and kill bacteria on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, tea tree oil may cause itching, burning, or redness. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using the oil and try a different treatment option. Rub your skin with echinacea extract to help kill acne-causing bacteria. Wet a cotton applicator pad with your echinacea extract so it's damp but not dripping wet. Hold the pad against your skin and apply gentle pressure as you massage the extract into your skin until it absorbs completely. Use the echinacea daily until your blackheads or acne disappear. You can purchase echinacea extract online or from your local pharmacy. Echinacea inhibits bacteria that cause inflammation to reduce the size of your blackheads. Dab your blackheads with hydrogen peroxide if you have mild acne. Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and squeeze out any excess. Pat your blackheads with the cotton ball until they're completely covered with the peroxide. Rinse the hydrogen peroxide off after 2–3 minutes. You may get dry skin if you use hydrogen peroxide, so follow up with a moisturizer. Hydrogen peroxide helps dry up sebum clogging your pores and kills bacteria on your skin. Try using aloe gel and basil oil to help shrink your blackheads. Mix equal parts aloe vera gel and basil essential oils in a small bowl until they're thoroughly combined. Gently rub the mixture into your skin by hand until it absorbs completely. Keep using the mixture until your skin clears up. You can buy aloe gel and basil oil online or from your local drugstore. Aloe and basil both have antioxidants and are anti-inflammatories, so they reduce swelling and eliminate bacteria around your blemishes. Put on a clay mineral mask to help stimulate and open your pores. Choose a clay mask that contains bentonite since it helps absorb sebum and oil from your skin better. Mix enough water with the clay until you can spread it easily by hand. Rub a thin layer of the clay onto your skin so it completely coats your blackheads. Leave the clay on until it dries completely before rinsing it off with warm water. Look for clay masks online or at your local pharmacy. Only use a clay mask once or twice each week so you don't dry out your skin. Apply a green tea lotion if you have inflammation around your blackheads. Look for a lotion that contains about 3% green tea oil. Use a fingertip-sized amount of lotion and spread it over your skin. Rub the lotion over your blackheads gently until it absorbs into your skin and appears clear. Apply your lotion every day until your blemishes disappear or shrink. You can purchase green tea lotion online or at a drugstore. Green tea has anti-inflammatory properties, so it helps relieve irritation around your blackheads. It also acts as an antiseptic to get rid of bacteria on your skin. Clean your pores with a comedone extractor to pull the blackheads out. A comedone extractor is a small metal tool with a looped end you can use to scoop the blackhead out of your pores. Hold the loop against the blackhead and press it gently into your skin. Apply light pressure and wiggle the loop back and forth to work the blemish out. Lift the tool straight off of your skin to remove the blackhead and oil. Be careful not to press too hard or scrape the tool against your skin since you could cut yourself. You can buy a comedone extractor from your local pharmacy. Using a comedone extractor may be easier if you exfoliate your skin first. Take zinc supplements to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Look for a supplement that has about 50 mg of zinc so it's the most effective. Swallow 1 supplement each day with a glass of water so it can absorb into your system. Continue taking zinc supplements until your blackheads clear up. You can buy zinc supplements from your local pharmacy. Zinc may cause bloating or diarrhea. Your body uses zinc to help promote wound healing and it also has anti-inflammatory properties so it can reduce the sizes of your blackheads. Always talk to your doctor before starting new supplements to ensure they won't interact with any conditions or medications you have. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice each day. Stay clear from facial scrubs and astringents since they can dry out your skin, cause irritation, or make your acne worse. Instead, look for a cleanser labeled as “gentle” or “mild” to use. Wet your face with warm water to help open your pores. Massage the cleanser into your skin in the morning and evening using your hands or a soft exfoliating brush. Rinse the cleanser off when you're finished washing your face. If you develop blackheads around your hairline, also shampoo every day. Use water-based or non-comedogenic cosmetics on your face. Oily cosmetics can clog your pores and increase the likelihood you'll develop blackheads. Check the labels for any cosmetics you use to make sure they're labeled as “water-based” or “non-comedogenic”. That way, they'll rinse off your skin without leaving residue on your skin. Clean off any cosmetics before you go to sleep to keep your skin healthy. Avoid touching or picking at your face. Throughout the day, dirt and oil build up on your hands, so avoid touching your face throughout the day. If you need to touch your face, wash your hands with soap first. Even though they may look unsightly, let your blemishes heal on their own rather than picking or squeezing them since they could scar or get infected. It may also be helpful to change your pillowcases every few days since sweat and oil from your skin can build up on them. Wear sunscreen to help reduce irritation. The sun may make acne or blemishes worse, so try to stay protected from the sun while you're outside. Apply an oil-free sunscreen with at least 30 SPF to keep your skin safe. Reapply the sunscreen once every 2 hours so you get constant protection. If you can't find oil-free sunscreen, try wearing a hat or covering your blemishes with clothing so they aren't exposed to the sun. Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress. While stress doesn't directly cause acne, it can make it more difficult for your body to heal. If you're feeling stressed, take a few deep breaths to calm yourself down. Look for ways to manage your stress, like practicing meditation or doing yoga, to help you relax and ease your mind. Limit how many processed and sugary foods you eat. Try to cut out greasy, fatty, or sugary food from your diet since it can make your skin more oily and make it easier for blackheads to form. Instead, incorporate more unprocessed foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, into your diet to promote healthier skin. Dark chocolate may also contribute to acne. Consult a dermatologist if your blackheads don’t go away. Your blackheads should clear up after about 4-8 weeks of home care. However, they may persist in some cases. If this happens to you, your dermatologist can prescribe a more powerful treatment to help clear your skin. They may also recommend getting an extraction. Talk to your dermatologist to decide what's best for you. For instance, your dermatologist may prescribe hormonal birth control or spironolactone to help balance your hormones if topical treatments don't clear your blackheads. Ask about over-the-counter treatments for stubborn blackheads. Cleansers and creams that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide can also help clean your pores. Additionally, benzoyl peroxide kills bacteria. These treatments are usually effective for clearing blackheads. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need help picking the right product for you. You can also buy pore strips over-the-counter to help remove the blackheads. Get your blackheads extracted professionally if they bother you. If other treatments aren't working and you don't want to use a comedone extractor yourself, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist to do it for you. They will inject your blemishes with corticosteroids to help reduce the risk of scarring before using a comedone extractor to remove them. Check with your doctor if you have moderate-to-severe acne, as well. Blackheads alone typically respond to natural or over-the-counter treatments. However, you may need additional treatments if you also have other types of acne, like whiteheads or pimples. Your dermatologist can offer you creams or medications to help clear your skin. Your dermatologist may give you prescription-strength acne cleansers and creams. If you have cystic acne, you may need an antibiotic to help clear your skin. You may need to take hormonal birth control or spironolactone if your acne and blackheads are caused by hormonal fluctuations. | Swab tea tree oil on your blackheads for the most effective treatment. Rub your skin with echinacea extract to help kill acne-causing bacteria. Dab your blackheads with hydrogen peroxide if you have mild acne. Try using aloe gel and basil oil to help shrink your blackheads. Put on a clay mineral mask to help stimulate and open your pores. Apply a green tea lotion if you have inflammation around your blackheads. Clean your pores with a comedone extractor to pull the blackheads out. Take zinc supplements to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser twice each day. Use water-based or non-comedogenic cosmetics on your face. Avoid touching or picking at your face. Wear sunscreen to help reduce irritation. Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Limit how many processed and sugary foods you eat. Consult a dermatologist if your blackheads don’t go away. Ask about over-the-counter treatments for stubborn blackheads. Get your blackheads extracted professionally if they bother you. Check with your doctor if you have moderate-to-severe acne, as well. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Draw-a-Chibi-Character | How to Draw a Chibi Character | To draw your own Chibi character, start by lightly sketching the shape of the head, and then outlining the smaller body. After you have the basic outline, you can add facial details like eyes, a mouth, and a nose, as well as simple hair with accessories. Then, connect the head to the body outline by adding the neckline before starting on your character's clothes. Once the clothing is drawn, add hands, legs, and feet before erasing any unnecessary lines and finishing your character with color! | Draw a large circle to make the chibi face. Make the circle any size you like depending on how big you want to make the character. Keep in mind that the character's head should be the same size as the rest of the entire body. The disproportionately large head will make your chibi character look even cuter. Make 2 lines that intersect in the circle. Lightly draw a vertical line that runs straight through the circle. Then, make a faint horizontal line that runs through the vertical one. Place the horizontal line in the lower third of the circle. You'll use these 2 lines as guidelines for placing the facial features. If you want the facial features to be even lower on the face, make the horizontal line in the bottom quarter of the circle. Sketch 2 wide eyes on the horizontal line in the circle. To make classic chibi eyes, draw 2 tall rectangles with rounded corners. Then, make the upper lid of each eye bold and very curved so the tops of the eyes are round. Draw large pupils and irises so only a sliver of white is visible in each eye. Include at least 1 white circle in the eye to show the reflection of light. Leave a gap the size of 1 eye between the eyes you drew. The line can pass through the center of the eyes or you can position the eyes so the bottom of the eyes rest on the horizontal line. Remember that you're not trying to make the eyes realistic. Chibi eyes can show any expression, but they're usually exaggerated, shiny, and bold. Draw a small mouth near the bottom half of the circle. For a very simple mouth, draw a small line that curves up or down depending on your character's emotions. You could draw a circle or triangle if you'd like your character's mouth to be open. If you want to make a detailed mouth, you can include teeth or their tongue. The mouth can be as expressive as the eyes. For example, if your chibi character is in love, you might make their mouth heart-shaped. Include a small nose for additional detail. Sketch a nose that's no bigger than the size of the mouth you just made and place it on the vertical guideline below the eyes. You can draw a small slightly curved line, a tiny circle, or an upside-down triangle and keep the nose as simple as you like. Some chibi characters don't have noses. Feel free to leave it off of your character if you like. Add any style of hair you like to the character's head. Large hair is another feature of chibi characters so make the hair on your drawing really stand out. Play around with drawing wavy, shaggy, or spiked hair, for instance. Let a few strands cover the sides of the character's face or fall across 1 of their eyes. You could give your character a ponytail, pigtails, or ribbons to make the character appear more playful. Draw a vertical line that extends below the center of the head. The line should be the same size as the head. This will be the guideline for the torso of your chibi character. Keep the line light so it's easy to go back and erase the pencil. If you prefer to draw your character turning, bending, or crouched, for instance, you can skip this step. Make a small horizontal line halfway through the line to make the upper body. Decide how wide you want your character's waist to be and sketch a horizontal line halfway on the vertical torso line. The horizontal line will become your character's waistline. Then, draw an angled line coming from each side of waistline that narrows near the head. Draw 2 legs that extend down from the waistline. Place your pencil at 1 end of the waistline and make a slanting line goes down and slightly in towards the vertical guideline. Do this for the opposite side and then make an upside-down V shape that's centered on the guideline. The upside-down V will distinguish the 2 legs. Sketch 2 arms that extend from where the head meets the body. The arms can be as narrow or thick as you like, but ensure that they extend just below the waistline. Then, make a small rounded circle at the end of each arm to represent the hands. If you like, you can make the hands more detailed by drawing fingers or jewelry. Add clothes to the body. If you're drawing a simple character, you could draw a plain top and pants or a dress. For a more detailed character, include a few more features, such as socks, shoes, a tie, a belt, or a scarf. Feel free to add accessories to your character. For example, if you're drawing a chibi wizard, draw a cloak and staff. Finished. | Draw a large circle to make the chibi face. Make 2 lines that intersect in the circle. Sketch 2 wide eyes on the horizontal line in the circle. Draw a small mouth near the bottom half of the circle. Include a small nose for additional detail. Add any style of hair you like to the character's head. Draw a vertical line that extends below the center of the head. Make a small horizontal line halfway through the line to make the upper body. Draw 2 legs that extend down from the waistline. Sketch 2 arms that extend from where the head meets the body. Add clothes to the body. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-Dry-Hair-Without-Frizz | How to Blow Dry Hair Without Frizz | To blow dry your hair without making it frizzy, start by combing out any tangles with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb, starting at the ends of your hair and working up to the roots. Then, use a towel to gently squeeze excess moisture out of your hair since your hair will get less frizzy if it's not soaking wet. Next, divide your hair into sections and blow dry one section at a time, pointing the nozzle downward. As you dry your hair, use your fingers to comb through it instead of a brush since brushes can cause frizziness. | Comb out any tangles using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Start at the ends of your hair, and work your way up to the roots. Never run a comb down from the roots to the ends if your hair is tangled. Make sure to do this while your hair is still wet, not after it dries. Avoid using hairbrushes on wet hair, especially if you have curly hair. This can lead to frizz. Soak up any excess moisture with a towel. Do not rub the towel over your hair. Instead, use it to gently squeeze out any excess water from your hair. If you have curly or delicate hair, you might want to use a microfiber towel or an old, clean t-shirt instead. The coarse fibers of a regular towel can snag and tear delicate hair. Consider letting your hair air dry part-way before you use a hairdryer. Depending on how thick or long your hair is, this can take anywhere between 20 to 30 minutes. You want your hair to be damp when you blow dry it, but not soaking wet. This can help reduce frizz. Hold the hairdryer about 12 inches (30 cm) away from your hair to rough dry. Rough drying is when you blow dry your hair without using a hairbrush. The only time when you can bring the hairdryer closer is when you are styling your hair. Holding the hairdryer too close to your hair can result in heat damage, and damaged hair is often frizzy. Point the nozzle downwards when you blow dry your hair. Divide your hair into sections and blow dry 1 section of hair at a time. Aim the air downwards from your scalp. Repeat this for each section. This way, the airflow will cause the hair cuticles to lay flat instead of curling upwards. It will make your hair appear shinier and smoother. Use your fingers to keep your hair smooth while your blow dry it. Avoid using a regular hairbrush, especially if your hair is still wet. The brush can damage your hair and make it look frizzy. Once your hair is about 80% dry, you can transition to a hairbrush, unless you have curly hair and want to keep it curly. If you have curly hair and want to keep it curly, wrap the curls around your fingers and blow dry these coils on a low setting. Don't use a nylon-bristle hairbrush because it will disrupt the natural curl pattern of your hair and lead to poof. To straighten curly hair, use a large, round, boar-bristle brush. To style straight hair, use a denman brush, nylon-bristle flat brush, or ceramic-core round brush. Consider using a vented round brush to make your hair straight. Do this only when your hair is almost all dry. Place the brush under a section of hair, close to the roots. Point the nozzle of the hairdryer over the hair section. Slowly bring the brush and hairdryer down towards the tips of your hair at the same time. Keep the hair sandwiched between the brush and the nozzle. You may have to repeat this a few times before the section is smooth. If you don't have a round hairbrush, you can try substituting a regular paddle hairbrush. Finish your look by giving your hair a blast of cool air. Turn your hair dryer to a cool setting. Aim the nozzle downwards, and blow dry your hair using smooth strokes. Start from the roots and move the dryer down to the tips. This will help smooth and seal the hair cuticle, making your hair appear shinier and smoother. Apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair. Make sure that you do this before applying any other products. This will help your hair retain moisture while you blow dry it. One of the reasons hair might appear frizzy is because it is dry and damaged. Use a tiny bit of argan oil, jojoba oil, or shine serum on your hair before you blow dry it. Start with a pea-sized amount, and apply it to your hair, focusing on the ends. If you have longer hair, or very thick hair, you might need to use more. You can also use these oils and serums on your hair after it dries to give it some additional shine. Use a heat protection spray before your blow dry your hair. This is essential if you have curly hair, which is more prone to heat damage than straight hair. Some heat protection sprays also have built-in frizz control. Try getting a nozzle attachment for your hairdryer if you have straight hair. It is also great for those with curly or wavy hair who would like to blow dry their hair straight. The nozzle will help direct the airflow better while you are blow drying your hair. It will help the hair cuticles lay flatter, and in turn, make your hair appear smoother. Try getting a diffuser attachment for your hairdryer if you have curly hair. It helps guide the air around your curls without disrupting them or overheating them. Know what makes hair frizzy. There are many things that can make hair appear frizzy, including genetics. One of the leading causes of frizz is damage. Learn to prevent damage to help keep your hair frizz-free. Protect your hair from the elements. Both the sun and the wind can wreak havoc on your hair. If it is going to be a hot, sunny day, try to wear a hat or use a hair product with built-in SPF. If it is going to be cold and windy, try to wear a hood, scarf, or hat to protect your hair. Rinse hair with cold water to help cut down on frizz. Once you finish rinsing your hair after washing and conditioning, give it a final rinse using cool water. This will help seal the hair cuticles and help them lay flat. Your hair will appear smoother afterwards. Consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase. Most cotton pillowcases will soak up the moisture from your hair, making it look dry and brittle. Also, coarse fabrics, such as cotton and linen, can snag your hair and cause minuscule rips and tears. A satin pillowcase is smooth, and will help reduce hair-damaging friction. Try to get your hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. This is important, even if you are planning on growing your hair out. As your hair grows, the ends become split. There is no real way to permanently fix split ends, and if you leave them untended, the damage will only creep further and further up the hair shaft. As such, you will want to trim the damaged ends off. There are serums and creams that can temporarily seal split ends together. Look for products that say they will mend or seal split ends. Don't shampoo your hair every day, especially if it is curly. Aim for washing your hair 2 to 3 times a week instead. Excessive shampooing can really dry your hair out, which can lead to frizz. Choose appropriate hair products for your hair type. Using the wrong shampoo, conditioner, and styling products can result in hair that is frizzy. Choose products that match your hair type to ensure that you are getting the best possible amount of moisture for your hair. Check the label on the product before you buy it to make sure it is a good match for your hair. For example, if you have fine, thin hair, use products that are meant for fine, thin hair, such as thickening or volumizing products. If you have dry, damaged hair, use products that are meant for dry, damaged hair, such as moisturizing or restoring products. Stop playing with your hair. While playing with your hair won't necessarily damage it, it will cause it to appear frizzy. The more you touch your hair, the more you mess up the cuticles. This is especially important for those with curly hair. Avoid heat styling if you can, and use a heat protection spray when you do. Too much heat styling, such as straightening and curling, can cause hair to become brittle and dry. A heat protection spray will help prevent this from happening. However, it is better to leave your hair natural, and give it a few days break between straightening and curling sessions. When blow drying, straightening, or curling your hair, try to use a lower heat setting. Avoid using a high heat setting. It will take longer, but it will be gentler on your hair. Avoid products that contain silicones and sulfates. While silicones are great for making hair appear smoother, they can cause build-up if not properly washed out. This build-up can make your hair appear limp and dull. Unfortunately, silicones can only be washed out with sulfates, which are harsh cleaning agents. Sulfates can make hair dry and brittle. This can lead to frizz. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo once per month. To remove build-up from hair products, you can use a clarifying shampoo up to 1 time per month. Clarifying shampoos are stronger than regular shampoo, so don't use them regularly. However, they are helpful as a once monthly treatment to deep clean your hair and remove excess oil and product residue. Limit alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and processed foods. All of these can lead to frizz. Alcohol, caffeine, and smoking are all diuretics. This means that they absorb moisture from the body. No moisture means dry, frizzy hair. Processed foods offer little nutrition, which hair needs to be healthy. They can make frizz worse. Limit the chemical treatments on your hair. Coloring, bleaching, and perms can all damage and weaken hair, causing it to become brittle and dry. All this can make your hair appear frizzy. | Comb out any tangles using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb. Soak up any excess moisture with a towel. Consider letting your hair air dry part-way before you use a hairdryer. Hold the hairdryer about 12 inches (30 cm) away from your hair to rough dry. Point the nozzle downwards when you blow dry your hair. Use your fingers to keep your hair smooth while your blow dry it. Consider using a vented round brush to make your hair straight. Finish your look by giving your hair a blast of cool air. Apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair. Use a tiny bit of argan oil, jojoba oil, or shine serum on your hair before you blow dry it. Use a heat protection spray before your blow dry your hair. Try getting a nozzle attachment for your hairdryer if you have straight hair. Try getting a diffuser attachment for your hairdryer if you have curly hair. Know what makes hair frizzy. Protect your hair from the elements. Rinse hair with cold water to help cut down on frizz. Consider sleeping on a satin pillowcase. Try to get your hair trimmed every 6 to 8 weeks. Don't shampoo your hair every day, especially if it is curly. Choose appropriate hair products for your hair type. Stop playing with your hair. Avoid heat styling if you can, and use a heat protection spray when you do. Avoid products that contain silicones and sulfates. Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo once per month. Limit alcohol, caffeine, smoking, and processed foods. Limit the chemical treatments on your hair. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Soften-a-Leather-Belt | How to Soften a Leather Belt | To soften a leather belt, start by applying isopropyl alcohol onto the belt until it's deeply soaked into the leather. Next, spread petroleum jelly onto the belt until it covers the entire surface, and let it absorb into the leather. Then, wipe the jelly away with a clean rag and let the belt dry before wearing it. Alternatively, you can lay the belt out in the sun for 10 minutes to open the pores of the leather, then apply layers of coconut oil on the surface using your fingers. However, be aware that this technique may slightly darken the color of the belt. | Swab the belt with rubbing alcohol. Pour a bit of rubbing alcohol onto a cotton ball for an easy applicator. Then, wipe the leather surface thoroughly with the rubbing alcohol. This should clean the leather and open up the pores of the material. Make sure that the alcohol is deeply soaked into the leather. You may need to apply many coats. You can buy isopropyl rubbing alcohol at most drugstores and grocery stores. You may already have some in your cabinet! If you don't have a cotton ball, use a towel, a tissue, or a clean piece of cotton. You can also use your fingers. Be careful, though: rubbing alcohol can dry out your skin with prolonged contact. Follow up with Vaseline. Put Vaseline or another petroleum jelly product onto your finger or a Q-tip. Then, spread the Vaseline across the belt so that it covers the entire surface. Let the Vaseline soak into the leather. You don't need to lump a goopy mess of petroleum jelly onto the belt in order to soften it. A thin, slick layer will do. Clean the belt. Wipe the Vaseline away with a rag or tissue. Leave the leather out to dry before you wear the belt. If you want it to dry a bit more quickly, try leaving it out in the sun. Prep the leather in the sun. Lay the leather belt outside on a sunny day. Leave it out for about ten minutes to open the pores and prepare the material. Choose your oil. Coconut oil (the organic kind that you'd use for cooking) is a great easy-to-find softening agent. Try avocado oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, or almond oil. Use any natural oil that you would put onto yourself as a skin-softener. Leather is the dried and treated skin of a cow – so it essentially made from the same stuff as your own skin. Natural oils have the added benefit of smelling pleasant. Rubbing alcohol and Vaseline will do a great job of softening up your belt, but you might be off-put by the decidedly chemical scent. Pick an oil that you like to smell. Avoid using chemically hydrogenated oils – namely, most commercial corn oils and vegetable oils. Rub the oil into the belt. Simply dip your fingers into the oil, then rub it thoroughly over the surface of the belt. Add multiple layers of oil for an improved softening effect. The more oil you use, the softer the leather will get. Don't worry about using too much. Most natural oil should not damage leather. Let the oil dry into the leather. Note that the oil—especially coconut oil—may slightly darken the belt. However, it also turns your stiff leather into a smooth, wearable material. If your belt is not soft enough, try repeating the oil treatment. You can use this darkening effect to change up the look of your leather belt. Just make sure that you apply it evenly so there aren't any mismatching lighter splotches! Buy a dedicated leather conditioner. You can usually buy these products (usually labeled as "leather therapy," "restorer," or "conditioner") at stores that sell saddles and bridles for horses. You may also use leather treatment products that are designed to soften, clean, and polish leather shoes. Many of these ointments will actually strengthen leather. They were designed for use on saddles and bridles, and you can trust them as a lasting solution. Be aware that leather treatment products are usually more expensive than natural oils, Vaseline, and rubbing alcohol. Pick up one of these ointments if you have money to spend on pampering your belt. Apply the conditioner. Most products will have specialized instructions listed on the bottle or tub of leather ointment. Spray, spread, or rub the conditioner into the leather and let it soak. Apply as needed. Let the belt dry before you wear it. | Swab the belt with rubbing alcohol. Follow up with Vaseline. Clean the belt. Prep the leather in the sun. Choose your oil. Rub the oil into the belt. Let the oil dry into the leather. Buy a dedicated leather conditioner. Apply the conditioner. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Pigs-in-a-Blanket | How to Make Pigs in a Blanket | To make pigs in a blanket, roll out crescent roll dough onto a baking sheet that's been lined with parchment paper. Use a knife to cut each triangle into 3 smaller triangles. If you want cheese, lay the cheese directly on top of the dough, then place a cocktail wiener onto one end of the triangle. Roll the cocktail wiener in the dough, pinching the ends to seal it. Place the rolled-up cocktail wieners on the baking sheet and brush each roll with melted butter, then bake the pigs in a blanket at 375°F for 12-15 minutes. | Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and prepare a baking sheet. Grease your baking sheet using butter or a cooking spray, or use aluminum foil or parchment paper to cover the baking sheet for an easy clean up. Cover the entire baking sheet evenly so it's ready to go. Unroll the crescent sheets onto a floured surface. Sprinkle a small handful of flour onto a clean kitchen counter or similar surface before spreading out the crescent roll dough. Separate each triangle by pulling the crescent roll dough apart on the perforated lines. If part of the dough pulls apart that isn't supposed to, use your fingers to close up the seam in the dough. Spread the crescent roll dough flat on the counter. You can also use puff pastry instead of crescent roll dough, if desired. Use a knife to cut each crescent triangle into 3 smaller triangles. To create 3 smaller triangles, position the crescent roll triangle so that the right angle is on the bottom left side. Cut a horizontal line right in the middle of this triangle, and then cut a diagonal line in the remaining section of crescent roll dough so that you've formed 3 smaller triangles. It's okay if all of the smaller triangles aren't perfectly symmetrical or the exact same size. Add cheese on top of each crescent roll, if desired. You can use any kind of cheese, like sliced cheddar or your favorite shredded cheese. Either lay a whole slice of cheese or sprinkle shredded cheese on each small triangle in an even layer. If you're using slices of cheese, cut them to fit each triangle so that the cheese isn't falling off the edge of the crescent roll dough. Roll a cocktail wiener into each crescent roll triangle. Place a cocktail wiener at one end of a small triangle, rolling it up in the crescent roll dough firmly. Continue doing this with the rest of the cocktail wieners until you've run out or have made enough to eat. If you don't want to use cocktail wieners, cut up a regular hot dog into 3-4 equal-sized pieces. Place the rolled up cocktail wieners on the baking sheet. After you wrap them in the dough, set them on the baking sheet so that they aren't touching one another. Spacing them out roughly 1 in (2.5 cm) away from each other is ideal. Brush each crescent roll with melted butter. Melt 4 US tbsp (59 ml) of butter in the microwave using a microwave safe container. Use a basting brush to brush butter onto the top of each rolled up crescent roll. The crescent roll doesn't need to be dripping in butter—spread just enough on top so that it glistens. Sprinkle the crescent rolls with salt or other seasonings. Things like pepper, Italian seasoning, or Creole seasoning add great flavor to the pigs in a blanket. Sprinkle the seasoning on top of the crescent roll so that the butter acts as an adhesive. Consider sprinkling bacon bits over the crescent rolls, if desired. Bake the pigs in a blanket for 12-15 minutes. Set a timer in the kitchen or on your phone so that you don't forget to take them out of the oven. When the crescent rolls are golden brown on top, they're done baking. If your oven tends to run a little hot, it is a good idea to check the pigs in a blanket after about 10 minutes. Remove the rolled crescent rolls from the oven. Allow them to cool. Turn off the oven once you've checked that the pigs in a blanket are done. You can either let them cool for 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet, or move them to a separate plate to speed up the cooling process. Serve the pigs in a blanket with your desired sides and sauces. There are tons of great sides that go with this dish, including macaroni and cheese, veggies, french fries, chips, or a salad. Choose from dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauce for added flavor. Ration out the servings so that everyone has the same amount, or serve all of the pigs in a blanket on one dish and let everyone serve themselves. Other sides that go great with pigs in a blanket are baked beans or fruit salad. | Preheat the oven to 375 °F (191 °C) and prepare a baking sheet. Unroll the crescent sheets onto a floured surface. Use a knife to cut each crescent triangle into 3 smaller triangles. Add cheese on top of each crescent roll, if desired. Roll a cocktail wiener into each crescent roll triangle. Place the rolled up cocktail wieners on the baking sheet. Brush each crescent roll with melted butter. Sprinkle the crescent rolls with salt or other seasonings. Bake the pigs in a blanket for 12-15 minutes. Remove the rolled crescent rolls from the oven. Serve the pigs in a blanket with your desired sides and sauces. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Gain-Muscle-Without-Weights | How to Gain Muscle Without Weights | Even if you don't have weights at home, you can still gain muscle with some simple strength-training exercises. Do some pushups, squats, sit-ups, lunges, and planks, which exercise muscles in your arms, legs, and torso. Start off with a few repetitions a session. Then, gradually increase your repetitions over a few weeks. Aim to workout at least 3 times a week to increase your muscle mass. You can also build muscle from certain cardio exercises, like swimming, cycling, and rowing. These target your core, arm, and leg muscles. While you're working out, eat some extra protein and vegetables to account for all the calories you'll be burning! | Work out a routine that rotates among strength-training exercises. When you're not using weights, your body becomes the "weight" that you use to build muscle. For instance, a pushup, where you're pushing your body off the floor, uses your body's weight to build muscle. However, you can't just stick with 1 exercise. You need to rotate through exercises to build up muscle across your body. Try exercises like squats, handstand pushups, pull-ups, dips, and body rows. You can also try things like sit-ups and 1-armed handstands up against a wall for balance. It can help to rotate through types of exercises. For instance, on your first round, do body weight squats, standard pushups, alternating lunges, and side planks. On the next round, try squat jumps, pause pushups, split-squat jumps, and front planks. Alternate between limbs. Many exercises call for you to use both arms or both legs at once. However, if you only use 1 at a time, you work the muscles in that limb harder, helping you build up muscle. Alternate which limb you use on exercises that use both, such as doing pushups with just your left arm and then just your right arm. To mix things up, try a push up with your feet close together. If that's easy for you, try lifting one foot off the floor for your pushups. Alternate so you perform the exercise equally on each leg. If you try one-arm pushups, attempt to hold the other arm behind your back. If you're ready for an added challenge, place the free hand forward or out to the side. Again, perform any one-sided exercises equally. There are tons of way to vary your pushups to increase their difficulty. Increase the difficulty. When you're doing a body weight exercise, push until you can't do another rep. However, once you're able to do 15 reps each time, it's time to move up to a more difficult exercise. More difficult exercises challenge your muscles more than repeating a less difficult exercise over and over. For instance, maybe you start off doing wall pushups because you're not quite ready for floor pushups. Once you get the hang of those, try doing pushups from your knees, and eventually move on to typical pushups. Once that seems easy, try pushups with an arm or foot raised to increase difficulty. Workout at least 3 times a week. If you want to build muscle, try setting a schedule of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for workouts. When doing exercises, aim for 5 to 12 reps per set to build muscle. Aim for working through each exercise until you're just short of the most you can give. You don't want to go all out because that can hurt your muscles. However, you do want to push yourself each time. You can try rotating through the 4 types of exercises 3 times, so you hit 12 different exercises. Do each exercise for 30 seconds each and then rest for 30 seconds. Do all 12 exercises again, repeating 3 to 5 times. Change up the speed of an exercise to work your muscles in a different way. For example, perform a squat by lowering yourself slowly for a count of 6 and then burst up to standing. Explosive muscle contractions work your body differently than slow and steady movements. This is a great way to add variety and intensity to your workout. Body-weight exercises can get you far, but you may eventually need to start using weights so your workouts are more challenging. Tighten your core. When you're doing cardiovascular exercise, make sure you are tightening your core muscles, as if bracing for a punch. That will help you strengthen muscle throughout your core. This will help build your muscle fibers for endurance. Run your way to muscles. You don't have to lift weights to gain muscle. For instance, walking or running every day can help you build muscle in your legs, core, and arms. It can also burn fat to make your muscles more visible. Start out with sessions that are 30 to 45 minutes long 3 to 5 times a week. Alternate between quicker runs and slower, longer runs for the best results. Try swimming. Swimming is a great full-body workout, so you're going to gain some muscle while doing this exercise. Try swimming 30 to 45 minutes most days of the week to start building muscles throughout your body. Start slower and build up over time. For instance, you might start with 15-minute sessions if you're very out of shape. Add 5 to 10 minutes to the session each week to slowly increase over time. Choose other exercises based on your preferences. Most endurance exercises will help you build muscles. Try cycling, for instance, or cross-country skiing. Rowing is also a good choice. Exercise for at least 30 minutes most days of the week to help build muscle and endurance. Fill containers with liquids. Liquids are relatively heavy, so you can use anything with liquid for a weight. For instance, you can use milk jugs filled with water, laundry detergent bottles, or water bottles as weights with your workout. Lift with your kids. A silly, fun way to add weight to your workouts is to goof around with your kids while working out. If you're doing squats, for instance, give your kid a piggy-back ride while doing it. Of course, make sure you're being safe and have a good hold on your kid. Your kid will love it! You could even do pushups with your kid on your back. Pick up some canned food. You can also use a can of food for weight-lifting. Just grab a can in each hand and continue on with your exercises as you normally do. These can add a pound or 2 to your strength training. Put on weighted clothing. Another way to increase your weight while you're working out is to use weighted clothing. For instance, you can use weighted vests, a backpack loaded with potatoes, or weighted ankle straps. The added weight provides more resistance, helping you build muscle. Increase the amount of (healthy) foods you're eating. It's difficult to build muscle without adding more calories to your diet. Rather than consuming excess calories indiscriminately, try to eat more protein and vegetables. Switching from refined carbohydrates to simple ones, such as fruit, can also be helpful. Sleep your way to muscles. Make sure you're getting your 8 to 10 hours of sleep each night. Sleep helps with muscle recovery, and it gives you the energy to power through your exercises. Try eating right before bed, though, to help encourage muscle growth. Drink at least 8 to 12 cups (1.9 to 2.8 l) of water a day. Water is essential to your muscles. It allows you to move and flex your muscles, and it carries needed nutrients to your muscles. You should be drinking at least 8 to 12 cups (1.9 to 2.8 l) of water a day, but you'll likely need more if you are exercising regularly or live in a dry or hot climate. | Work out a routine that rotates among strength-training exercises. Alternate between limbs. Increase the difficulty. Workout at least 3 times a week. Tighten your core. Run your way to muscles. Try swimming. Choose other exercises based on your preferences. Fill containers with liquids. Lift with your kids. Pick up some canned food. Put on weighted clothing. Increase the amount of (healthy) foods you're eating. Sleep your way to muscles. Drink at least 8 to 12 cups (1.9 to 2.8 l) of water a day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-an-Affidavit-Letter-for-Immigration | How to Write an Affidavit Letter for Immigration | To write an I-751 affidavit letter for immigration, start by titling your letter with the names of the couple, then, “What follows is an affidavit letter in support of them.” Once you've written the title, write your full legal name, address, birth date, and place of birth in the 1st paragraph. In the 2nd paragraph, explain your relationship to the couple, followed by a paragraph to explain how and when you met them. For example, if you attend the same church as the couple, write that see them at church services twice a week. After you've explained your relationship to the couple, write a few facts or anecdotes about them to show that they have a healthy marriage. Finish off by writing, “I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.” | Talk to the person immigrating to the U.S. The person for whom you write an affidavit should be someone you know very well. Typically you would be asked to write an affidavit if you are close to the couple and have spent a lot of time with them. In the affidavit, you will relate facts or circumstances that support their marriage as a legitimate one, rather than simply a marriage of convenience to obtain U.S. permanent residency or citizenship. Additionally, you may be asked to write an affidavit if you are a close family member of the couple, or a religious leader who knows the couple well. Although affidavits aren't required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), most immigration attorneys recommend submitting several affidavits along with the petition for permanent residency. While your affidavit doesn't necessarily provide objective proof to the USCIS of the couple's relationship, it does demonstrate that the couple happily lives together and is planning for the future. Outline your facts. Before you start writing your affidavit, you should outline the points you want to make about the couple's relationship. You may be able to find sample affidavits, or the person for whom you're writing the affidavit may provide you with one. However, you should only use any samples you have as a guide to the types of information that can be included in your affidavit – don't copy them directly. You may want to review documents or talk to your friends to make sure you have dates and times correct. For example, if you went to the couple's wedding, you may double-check with the couple to make sure you have the date of the wedding correct. Ultimately, you want to present facts and observations that cause you to believe that the couple is sincerely in love and intends to remain together. In some cases, the couple is no longer together. Affidavits still can be used to demonstrate the good faith intent of the immigrant candidate, even though the relationship itself didn't last. In these situations, you may include your understanding of the reasons the couple split. If spousal abuse was involved, you may have observed altercations between the couple. Format your document. When writing your affidavit, you can use the standard legal format for affidavits, or you can format it as a traditional business letter. The person for whom you're writing the affidavit, or their attorney, may have a format they prefer you to use. If they have a preference, you should use that format. Otherwise, you can choose the format with which you're most comfortable. Regardless of which format you choose, you should single-space your document with a double-space between paragraphs. Your word-processing application should have a template for business letter format. Date your letter and use "Dear USCIS Officer" as your salutation. If you decide to use business letter format, you should include your name and address at the top, as well as the title and address for the USCIS service center where the letter will be submitted. You can get this information from the person for whom you're writing the affidavit. If you're using the legal format, each paragraph should relate a single point or fact. Number your paragraphs sequentially. Type your affidavit using a basic, legible font – the default font on your word-processing application typically is fine. Title your affidavit. Your title should be bolded at the top of the page and explain the purpose of the affidavit. If you're using business letter format, your title will be the subject line of your letter. Generally, you should use the names of the couple and state that what follows is an affidavit letter in support of them. Identify yourself. In your first paragraph, you must state your full legal name, address, birth date, and place of birth. If you're using the legal format, use the second paragraph to explain your relationship to the couple. In the third, state how and when you met the couple. You also should include information about how often you see the couple. In business letter format, you can include all of this information in a single paragraph. Indicate how long you've known the couple as well as how often you spend time with them. For example, if you attend the same church as the couple, you may write that you see them at church services twice a week. Present your facts in separate paragraphs. Each fact or anecdote about the couple should be a separate paragraph, although if you're using business letter format your paragraphs typically will be longer than if you use legal format. If you're using legal format, each paragraph should be numbered. Your paragraphs may be no more than a sentence or two. Provide as much detail as possible. The more details and specifics such as dates and locations you can include, the stronger your affidavit supports the couple. Remember the point of your affidavit is to support the fact that their marriage is bona fide and was made in good faith – not solely so the person for whom you're writing the affidavit could obtain U.S. citizenship. Close your affidavit. If you want, you can provide a phone number or email address for the USCIS officer to contact you if he or she has any questions about any of the information contained in your affidavit. Before your signature, type a sentence that reads "I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge." Leave a few lines blank for your signature, then type your full legal name. Sign your affidavit in the presence of a notary. Although it isn't required, you may want to use a notary to confirm your identification and validate your signature. Generally, use of a notary public to authenticate the signature is the difference between an affidavit and a sworn declaration. Both documents, however, are signed under oath and penalty of perjury. You typically can find a notary public at a bank or courthouse. You may have to pay a small fee for the notary's services. When using legal affidavit format, signing in the presence of a notary is required. However, legal affidavit form is not required – you can simply write a letter and present it as a sworn declaration. Affidavits are more formal than sworn declarations. Submit your affidavit. Typically when you've completed the affidavit you will give it to your friend, or to your friend's attorney. If your friend has an attorney, he or she will review your affidavit to make sure it actually will support your friend's petition and will be beneficial to your friend's case. In some cases, you may be called to testify before a USCIS officer regarding the information contained in your affidavit. Determine if you need to file an affidavit of support. Typically you would file an affidavit of support if you are the petitioner of an immigrant petition for a family member. The affidavit is a legally enforceable document in which you promise to be financially responsible for the person immigrating to the U.S. This responsibility typically lasts until the person achieves full citizenship or has been working in the U.S. for ten years. The affidavit is required if the person moving to the U.S. from another country has immediate relatives who already are U.S. citizens. It also may be available for employment-based immigration if the person files an immigrant visa application. If you filed an immigrant visa petition on behalf of an immediate relative, you also must be his or her sponsor. You're eligible to be an immigrant's sponsor if you are 18 years of age or older, are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and actually live in the U.S. Joint sponsors, unlike sponsors, do not have to be related to the immigrant. They still must be 18 or older and meet the same citizenship and residency requirements. Obtain an I-864 form. The I-864 form may be sent to you directly from the National Visa Center (NVC), or you may download a copy from the USCIS website. You may need to fill out other forms, such as the I-864P, to complete your affidavit. These forms also may be downloaded from the USCIS website. Paper forms also may be available at the U.S. embassy or consulate office (if you are outside the U.S.) or at a USCIS field office. Complete your form. To fill out the form, you must answer all questions completely and type or print in black ink. The form requires information about you, your relationship to the applicant, your basis for filing the affidavit, information about the immigrant you are sponsoring, and information about your qualifications to be an immigrant sponsor. If you need extra space to write your answer, you can use the "Additional Information" area provided with the form or attach separate sheets of paper. The separate paper should include your name and identify the item from the affidavit to which the answer refers. You must meet certain income requirements to be a sponsor for an immigrant. Generally, you must have a household income that exceeds 125 percent of the U.S. poverty level for your household's size. You can determine if you meet those requirements by filling out Form I-864P. If you do not meet the income requirements to become a sponsor, you may have other options such as including the cash value of your assets or including the income of other household members. Those people must be related to you either by birth, marriage, or adoption, and must fill out Form I-864A. Assemble supporting documents. Certain documents or copies of documents are required to provide evidence of statements made in your affidavit. In some cases, you can submit a photocopy of the requested documents, although some require originals. You should read the instructions carefully to determine which is required. If you submit a photocopy, the USCIS may still request to see the original at any time while the immigrant's application is being processed. You must provide proof that you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawful permanent resident. Documents that prove citizenship status include a copy of your birth certificate, certificate of naturalization, or U.S. passport. You also must provide an IRS transcript or copy of your tax return for the previous year as proof of income. Sign your affidavit. You must either sign your affidavit in front of a notary public in the U.S., or in front of a U.S. consular or immigration officer. Keep in mind that you are signing your affidavit under oath. If you include information on the affidavit that is false, you may be liable for criminal prosecution in the U.S. You also may be subject to fines if you don't report a change of address if you happen to move at any time between the submission of your affidavit and the final resolution of the immigrant's application. Submit your form to the appropriate agency. Where you need to send your completed affidavit will depend on whether you are the petitioner-sponsor or a joint sponsor and whether the person for whom you wrote the affidavit is seeking an immigrant visa or an adjustment of status. If you are a joint sponsor, you should give your affidavit directly to the applicant rather than sending it to a government agency. He or she will then send the form to the consular office for review. Typically you must submit your form either after your relative has been scheduled for an immigrant visa interview, or when he or she applies for an adjustment of status with the USCIS from within the U.S. You generally will give your completed form and documents to the person for whom you wrote the affidavit. However, if the form was mailed to you by the NVC with instructions to return it, you should follow those instructions. You also may have to pay a filing fee, depending on whether your documents are being filed with the NVC or with USCIS. For example, if filing your affidavit with the NVC from within the U.S., you must pay a $120 fee. The USCIS or NVC will review your affidavit and make sure it's complete. You may be called for an interview with a USCIS officer to discuss the information included in your affidavit. Talk to the person immigrating to the U.S. Before you write your sworn declaration, you need to know the information for which the person needs supplemental documentation. Certain personal documents such as a birth certificate must be provided when someone applies for immigration to the U.S. However, in some cases these documents may be unavailable or impossible to obtain. For example, the facility where birth certificates were stored may have burned down, or the immigrant may live in a war-torn area where government authority was non-existent when he or she was born and such documents were never created. If an applicant cannot obtain certain types of required documents, USCIS will accept sworn declarations as substitutes. The applicant also must include a sworn declaration regarding why the original document is unavailable. An immigration applicant may need a sworn declaration from you because you have first-hand knowledge of the facts that would be proven by the document. For example, you may be able to confirm the person's birthdate or place of birth. Additionally, if you are a government worker in the person's home country, you may be called upon to write a sworn declaration explaining why the original document required for the person's immigration application is not available. Outline the facts. Before you write your sworn declaration, plan it out so the information is organized and flows well in your final document. The information you include will depend on the purpose of your declaration. Generally, you should not include facts for which you do not have first-hand knowledge. For example, if you know the person for whom you're writing the declaration was born on July 4, 1984 because he told you so, this isn't sufficient knowledge to prove the accuracy of his birthdate. However, if you were present at his birth – maybe you were a nurse or the doctor who delivered him – that first-hand knowledge would support his claim regarding his date of birth. Include as many details as possible. Specific details about the necessary facts that support the person's application are more important than any formal wording, legal terms, or fancy formatting. Format your document. You may write a sworn declaration either in business letter format, or using the traditional format for a legal affidavit. If the person for whom you're writing the declaration has an attorney, there may be a particular format he or she prefers. Additionally, you may be able to find sample declarations online that you can use as guides. However, you should be careful about copying language from sample declarations that doesn't apply to your particular situation. Regardless of the format you use, a sworn declaration isn't technically an affidavit since you won't be required to sign the document in the presence of a notary. However, your signature still verifies under penalty of perjury that the information in the declaration is true and correct to the best of your knowledge. In both formats, the text is single-spaced with a double-space between paragraphs. Use a basic, legible font such as the default font for your word-processing application. Title your declaration. The title tells the USCIS officer what the document is and the name of the immigrant to whom it relates. For example, your title might be "Declaration in Support of Application of..." with the applicant's full legal name as it appears on his or her immigration application. If you're writing a business letter, the title becomes the subject line of your letter, but it should contain the same information. Identify yourself. You must begin your declaration by providing your full legal name and residence along with your birth date and place of birth. Include your phone number or other contact information in case the USCIS officer who reviews your declaration needs to contact you for further information or wants to schedule an interview to discuss your declaration. You should next identify how you know the information you're about to present on behalf of the applicant. What you write here will depend on your situation. For example, if you're writing to support the applicant's birth date because you were the doctor who delivered her, you would state that you were a doctor in the town where she was born. You might also include information about how long you had been a doctor or hospitals where you worked. Any information that supports your authority and knowledge is relevant. Present your facts in numbered paragraphs. If you are using the traditional legal format for an affidavit, the paragraphs should be numbered. However, if you're using a business letter format, you can present your facts in a basic narrative style. How long your declaration is will depend on the facts you're being asked to verify. A simple declaration confirming someone's birthdate may only be a paragraph or two. However, if you're asked to write a declaration in support of the fact that the applicant is no longer married because his wife died, you may have to write a substantially longer declaration to include all the details and relate how you have first-hand knowledge of those facts. Describing details of facts and circumstances increases the likelihood that your statement will be accepted as truth of the information the applicant claimed. Therefore, you should include as many details as you can remember, regardless of whether you believe they are relevant. Close your declaration. You must close your declaration with a statement that the declaration was signed under oath. The standard wording is "I swear, under penalty of perjury, that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge." Skip a few lines under this statement for your signature, then type your full legal name and leave another space to enter the date by hand when you sign your declaration. Print and sign your declaration. After you've finalized your declaration, you may wish to print a copy for your records. Then you typically submit it either to the person for whom you wrote the declaration or their attorney. If the applicant is represented by an attorney, the attorney may wish to review your declaration and suggest changes that would make it more supportive of the immigration application. | Talk to the person immigrating to the U.S. Outline your facts. Format your document. Title your affidavit. Identify yourself. Present your facts in separate paragraphs. Close your affidavit. Sign your affidavit in the presence of a notary. Submit your affidavit. Determine if you need to file an affidavit of support. Obtain an I-864 form. Complete your form. Assemble supporting documents. Sign your affidavit. Submit your form to the appropriate agency. Talk to the person immigrating to the U.S. Outline the facts. Format your document. Title your declaration. Identify yourself. Present your facts in numbered paragraphs. Close your declaration. Print and sign your declaration. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cope-With-a-Broken-Wrist | How to Cope With a Broken Wrist | If you have symptoms of a broken wrist, such as pain, swelling, numbness, or an obvious deformity in your wrist or hand, go to the doctor immediately. They'll probably give you a splint or cast to wear for several weeks while your fracture heals. Once you get the cast removed, work with a physical therapist to do wrist-strengthening exercises. During the healing process, you can reduce pain and swelling by keeping your wrist elevated and applying ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. You can also use painkillers if your doctor says it's okay. | Go to the doctor. A broken wrist requires medical attention so it can heal properly. If you aren't experiencing a lot of pain, you can wait until you're able to see your regular physician. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should seek emergency medical attention: Significant pain or swelling Numbness in the wrist, hand, or fingers A deformed appearance of the wrist, looking crooked or bent An open fracture (where the broken bone has pierced through the skin) Pale fingers Understand the treatment procedures. Most broken wrists are treated first with a splint, which is a rigid piece of plastic, fiberglass or metal attached to the wrist with bandages or a brace. This is usually used for a week, until the swelling reduces. After the initial swelling has gone down, a plaster or fiberglass cast is usually placed after a few days or a week. You may need a second cast after 2-3 weeks, if the swelling goes down further and the first cast becomes too loose. Wait 6 to 8 weeks. Most broken wrists heal within 6-8 weeks with proper treatment. This means you will probably have a cast for most of that time. Your doctor will usually conduct regular x-rays through this period to make sure your wrist is healing correctly. See a physical therapist. After your cast comes off, you may be referred to a physical therapist. Physical therapy can help you regain the strength and motion that you lost after your injury. If you don't need formal physical therapy, your doctor will probably give you exercises to do at home. Make sure you follow your doctor's recommendations to help your wrist return to its full functioning. Elevate the wrist. Elevating your wrist above the level of your heart will help reduce swelling and pain. It's important to elevate your wrist for at least the first 48-72 hours after having a cast put on. Your doctor may recommend that you elevate it longer. You may also need to keep the wrist elevated while you sleep or during the day. Try propping it up on a few pillows. Apply ice to your wrist. Icing your wrist can help reduce swelling and ease your pain. Make sure to keep your cast dry while applying ice. Put ice in a zip-top plastic bag. Make sure the bag is sealed properly to avoid leaks. Wrap the bag in a towel to make sure condensation doesn't get into your cast. You can also use a bag of frozen vegetables as an ice pack. Look for veggies that are small and even in size, such as corn or peas. (And obviously, don't eat them after you've used the bag as an ice-pack.) Hold the ice on your wrist for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours. Apply ice for the first 2-3 days, or as long as your doctor recommends. You may also find it helpful to use a commercial gel-based ice pack. These are reusable, freezable ice packs that won't melt and leak water onto a cast. You can find them at medical supply stores and most pharmacies. Take an over-the-counter painkiller. Most wrist pain can be treated with a non-prescription pain reliever. You should talk with your doctor about what type of painkiller is appropriate for you. Some can interfere with medical conditions or other medications you're taking. Your doctor may recommend a combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen/paracetamol to fight pain and reduce swelling. These are more effective together than either one is alone. Ibuprofen is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug). These help reduce fever and swelling by inhibiting your body's production of prostaglandins. Other NSAIDs include naproxen sodium and aspirin, although aspirin has a more prolonged anti-clotting effect than other NSAIDs. Your doctor may not recommend aspirin if you have a bleeding disorder, asthma, anemia, or other medical condition. Aspirin can cause negative interactions with several medical conditions and medications. When administering pain relievers to a child, be sure to use a children's formula and follow the dosage for the child's age and weight. Aspirin is not recommended for children under age 18. There is a risk of liver damage when taking acetaminophen, so use only as much as recommended by your doctor. Do not take an OTC painkiller for more than 10 days (5 days in children) unless directed by your doctor. If your pain persists after 10 days, see your doctor. Wiggle your fingers and move your elbow around. It's important to exercise any joints that aren't under the cast, such as your elbow and fingers, to keep circulation flowing. This will help speed your healing process and increase mobility. If you experience pain when moving your elbow or fingers, contact your doctor. Avoid sticking objects into the cast. You may find that your skin gets itchy under the cast, and you'll probably want to scratch it. Don't! This can cause harm to your skin or the cast. Don't poke or stick anything into the cast. Try raising your cast or blowing on it with a hairdryer on the “low” or “cool” setting instead. Don't put powders into the cast, either. Anti-itch powders can cause irritation when they're trapped under the cast. Apply moleskin to prevent rubbing. Your cast may rub or irritate your skin where its edges meet your skin. You can apply moleskin, which is a soft fabric with an adhesive backing, directly to the skin where the cast is rubbing. You can purchase moleskin at drug stores and pharmacies. Apply moleskin to clean, dry skin. Replace it when it gets dirty or loses its stickiness. If the edges of your cast become rough, you can use a nail file to smooth out the rough edges. Don't peel, cut, or break off pieces of your cast. Know when to call your doctor. In most cases, your wrist will heal in a few weeks with proper care. You should call your doctor if you experience any of the following: Numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers Cold, pale or blue fingers Increased pain or swelling of the area after the cast has been put on Raw or irritated skin around the edges of the cast Cracks or soft spots in the cast Wet, loose, or tight casts Casts that smell bad or itching that won't go away Avoid getting your cast wet. Because many casts are made of plaster, they are easily damaged by water. Getting the cast wet can also encourage mold or mildew growth inside the cast. Wet casts may also cause sores to form on your skin under the cast. Do not get the cast wet. Tape a heavy-duty plastic bag (such as a garbage bag) over your cast when you bathe or shower. Hold your cast outside the shower or bathtub so you reduce the likelihood of getting it wet. Wrap a washcloth or small towel around the top of your cast to keep water from leaking in under the cast. You may be able to purchase water-resistant cast shields from your doctor's office or a medical supply store. Dry your cast immediately if it gets wet. If your cast does get wet, pat it dry with a bath towel. Then, use a hair dryer on the “low” or “cool” setting for 15-30 minutes. If the cast is still wet or soft after you've tried to dry it, call your doctor. You may need a new cast. Wear a sock on your hand. If your fingers get cold while you're in your cast, you may be having circulation problems. (Or it could just be cold in your house.) Elevate your wrist and wear a sock on your hand to keep your fingers cozy. Wiggling your fingers can help restore circulation. Wear clothes that are easy to put on. Putting on clothes with fasteners such as buttons or zippers may be difficult while you're in a cast. Wearing fitted clothing or clothes with tight sleeves isn't usually a good idea, as these may not fit over a cast. Choose loose, stretchy clothing. Elastic-waisted pants or skirts mean you don't have to fumble with fasteners. Shirts with short sleeves or sleeveless shirts are a good idea. Use your good arm to put the shirt sleeve over the cast and pull gently. Try to minimize how much you use the arm in the cast. Use a shawl or blanket to stay warm instead of a jacket, which could be harder to get into. A thick poncho or cape can be an easier choice rather than an outdoor coat. Don't be embarrassed to ask for help when you need it. Ask for a note-taker in class. If you're a student and you've broken the wrist of your dominant hand, you may need to ask for a note-taker or other accommodations while your wrist heals. Speak with your teacher or your university's disability resources center. If you can learn to write with your non-dominant hand, this will help, but this can be difficult and takes a long time. If you've broken the wrist of your non-dominant hand, use a heavy object like a book or paperweight to hold paper in place while you're writing. Use your injured arm as little as possible. Do tasks with your other hand. When you can, use your non-injured arm to do daily tasks such as brushing your teeth and eating. This will help reduce inflammation in your injured wrist. Don't lift or carry things with your injured wrist. This could cause re-injury and prolong the healing process. Avoid driving or operating machinery. This is particularly important if you have broken the wrist of your dominant hand. It is unsafe to drive in a cast and your doctor will likely tell you not to drive. Although it is not illegal to drive with a wrist cast, use sound judgement when deciding whether to drive or not. Other machinery – particularly machinery that requires two hands to operate – should be avoided. Take care of your arm and wrist after the cast is removed. You will notice dryness and perhaps some swelling after the cast is removed. Your skin may also look dry or flaky. Your muscles may look smaller than when you put the cast on, which is normal. Soak your arm/wrist in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Gently dry the skin with a towel. Use a moisturizing cream on the wrist and arm to soften the skin. To reduce swelling, take ibuprofen or aspirin as recommended by your doctor. Take up normal activities as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist. It can take some time before you're able to return to your full routine. In particular, you may need to wait 1-2 months to resume light exercise, such as swimming or cardio. Vigorous activities such as sports may require waiting 3-6 months. Take care to prevent further injuries to your wrist. Braces can help prevent future wrist injuries. Remember that healing takes time. Just because your cast is off does not mean you are completely healed. It may take six months or longer to heal if the break was severe. You may continue to have aches or stiffness for months or years after the initial break. Your healing process is also affected by your age and overall health. Children and teens tend to heal faster than adults. Older adults and people with osteoporosis or osteoarthritis may not experience healing as fast or as fully. | Go to the doctor. Understand the treatment procedures. Wait 6 to 8 weeks. See a physical therapist. Elevate the wrist. Apply ice to your wrist. Take an over-the-counter painkiller. Wiggle your fingers and move your elbow around. Avoid sticking objects into the cast. Apply moleskin to prevent rubbing. Know when to call your doctor. Avoid getting your cast wet. Dry your cast immediately if it gets wet. Wear a sock on your hand. Wear clothes that are easy to put on. Ask for a note-taker in class. Do tasks with your other hand. Avoid driving or operating machinery. Take care of your arm and wrist after the cast is removed. Take up normal activities as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist. Remember that healing takes time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bloating | How to Get Rid of Bloating | To get rid of bloating fast, take an over-the-counter medication that contains the ingredient simethicone. You can also apply a heating pad to your abdomen to ease the pain and relax your muscles, which can relieve the gas or constipation causing the bloating. If your bloating is a symptom of PMS, avoid caffeine and alcohol and consider talking to your doctor about getting a prescription for spironolactone. You can also talk to a doctor about options if you're dealing with chronic bloating caused by IBS or celiac disease. | Take a walk when you are bloated. Roughly 20 to 30 minutes of rapid walking can aid in the digestive process. Walking quickly will help relieve bloating better than a slow walk. Walking is gentle enough to prevent further stomach upset, but it also provides enough physical activity to keep food and trapped air moving through the digestive tract. The increased heart rate and breathing cause the digestive muscles to push air and food through the intestines. Apply heat. Bloating can come with a host of other uncomfortable feelings. Heat can reduce the pain from bloating, and it can help relax you, which can relieve the gas or constipation causing the bloating. There are many ways you can apply heat: Place a heating pad on your stomach for direct heat. Take a hot bath or shower. Relax in a sauna. Apply pressure to your stomach. For five minutes, gently apply pressure in a small circular motion to a spot roughly four finger-widths above your belly button. This technique is known as acupressure. Putting gentle pressure on your abdomen can ease physical stress on the stomach, reducing any present tension and bloating. If your bloating is caused by constipation, it can also help encourage going to the bathroom. Relax your body. Lay down on your back in a dark room. Read a book. Meditate. Relaxation can help relieve the symptoms of chronic bloating. If you are frequently stressed and you suffer from bloating, try taking some time out of your day to peacefully rest. Your body will be relaxed enough to either pass the gas or constipation that is causing your bloating. Take simethicone for general bloating. Pills and chewable tablets of simethicone can be found at your local drug store. It can help reduce bloating as well as the pain associated with gas. Consult a doctor before taking if you are pregnant. Some over-the-counter brands include: Gas-X Imodium Multi-Symptom Relief Maalox Anti-Gas Alka-Seltzer Anti Gas Mylanta Gas Get a prescription if you have IBS. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, you should ask your doctor for a prescription that will target the specific causes of your bloating. Your doctor may recommend a pill that contains either Lubiprostone (such as Amitiza) or Linaclotide. Lubiprostone and Linaclotide are typically used for constipation and could increase bloating if you overuse them. Dietary recommendation for people with IBS include avoiding food that causes gas, including cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower, and eliminating gluten. Other medications include fiber, antidiarrheal medication, antispasmodics, antidepressants, and antibiotics. Treat your PMS symptoms with spironolactone. If you have severe bloating caused by Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) , you can ask your doctor if a medication containing spironolactone (such as Aldactone) will help. Your doctor may also recommend birth control. Other recommendations include skipping salt and eating a healthy diet. Further, avoiding caffeine and alcohol can help prevent PMS symptoms. Spironolactone can cause your blood pressure to drop so keep your eye on it and have it checked regularly. Take a probiotic supplement. If you want a more natural way to treat your bloating, you can try probiotics. Probiotics help balance out your natural gut bacteria. Look for tablets containing Bifidobacterium Infantis (sometimes listed as B. Infantis ), as this is the best probiotic for bloating and gastrointestinal issues. You can also eat some plain yogurt. Yogurt is a natural source of probiotics. Other food containing natural probiotics include the following: pickles, kefir, tempeh, kimchi, sauerkraut, buttermilk, and miso. Lactobacillus and bifidobacterium are the best for easing bloating symptoms. Drink carmint tea. Carmint tea may be able to relieve the bloating and pain associated with bowel disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Boil water, and remove it from heat for a minute before steeping the carmint. Carmint is also known as a catmint or catnip. Avoid activated charcoal. While activated charcoal (also known as charcoal caps) is a popular home remedy, there is not enough evidence to show that it can help with bloating, gas, or flatulence. Furthermore, if you have obstructed intestines, you could make it worse. Chew your food more slowly. Quickly eating your food can cause you to swallow air. This may be the cause of your bloating. Carefully chew your food for a few seconds before swallowing to prevent extra air from going into your stomach. Stop eating wheat and dairy for a week. The most common allergens that cause bloating are gluten and lactose. Gluten is found in wheat products while lactose is in dairy products. For a week, try avoiding all wheat products. If that stops the bloating, you may have a gluten intolerance. If you still have bloating, try avoiding all dairy the next week instead. Gluten products include bread, pasta, cake, cookies, and anything that contains flour. Some soups and sauces also use gluten as thickeners. If you think you have a gluten intolerance, get a test for Celiac Disease from your doctor. Celiac disease is an inability to digest gluten, causing stomach pains and bloating. You may also need to have an allergy test done, which may require that your doctor samples your bowel to observe its architecture. Lactose is found in milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cream. If you think you have a lactose allergy, get an allergy test from your doctor. Introduce more fiber slowly. Bloating can be caused by having too little fiber in your diet, but if you start eating a high fiber diet immediately, you can cause more problems. Wait until the bloating has passed before you try increasing your fiber intake. Slowly add whole grains, raw vegetables, nuts, and fruits to your diet over the span of a few weeks. If this causes more bloating, cut back for a few days before trying again. Adult women and men should consume between 25 – 38 grams of fiber a day. Fiber can be found in grains such as oats, wheat, and unmilled rice. Avoid eating certain foods while you are bloated. While your bloating is an issue, you should not eat certain foods, as these may worsen the issue. These foods, which are rich in short-chain carbohydrates called FODMAPs, may not be properly digested if you have other digestive or gastrointestinal problems. FODMAPs include carbohydrates such as fructose (sugar from fruit), lactose (sugar from dairy), and artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and mannitol. While do you do not need to cut out these entirely, you should reduce your intake until your bloating is gone. These foods include: Apples Pears Dairy products Asparagus Brussel sprouts Garlic Legumes like lentils, beans, and chickpeas Avoid drinking carbonated drinks. Fizzy drinks like soda and beer can release carbon dioxide gas in your belly, causing it to bloat. Save these drinks for special occasions to prevent problems. Eliminate gum and hard candies from your diet. Chewing and sucking these can make you swallow extra air, which can cause bloating. Furthermore, they may contain artificial sweeteners that can also give you bloating. Record when you have bloating. When you feel bloated, write down it. Be sure to also write down any foods you've eaten that day. This information will help your doctor diagnose you. If you consistently have bloating with no relief, you will want to see a doctor. Other underlying issues can cause bloating, and the bloating will not go away until you treat those issues. Bloating can be a symptom of lactose intolerance, Celiac disease, Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallstones, and diverticulitis. Ask for an allergy test. Your doctor may perform a skin or blood test to see if you have an allergy causing your bloating. He may also inject you with an allergen to see if it causes a reaction. Try acupuncture. If you have no other symptoms, you may try a holistic approach. Acupuncture has been found to relieve the symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, including bloating. Find a licensed acupuncturist and sign up for four weeks of sessions for the best results. Seek immediate care if you have other symptoms. See a doctor if your bloating is accompanied by diarrhea, constipation, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, dramatic weight loss, fever, or chest pain. These are signs that something is wrong. Nausea, vomiting, and extreme thirst accompanied by a pain in your abdomen can be signs of peritonitis. Seek immediate medical care. If you have constipation and a swollen pain in your abdomen, you could have an intestinal obstruction. If your abdominal pain lasts for over five hours and you have light, clay-colored stools, you may have gallstones. If you have vomit that has blood or looks like coffee grounds, seek medical attention immediately. | Take a walk when you are bloated. Apply heat. Apply pressure to your stomach. Relax your body. Take simethicone for general bloating. Get a prescription if you have IBS. Treat your PMS symptoms with spironolactone. Take a probiotic supplement. Drink carmint tea. Avoid activated charcoal. Chew your food more slowly. Stop eating wheat and dairy for a week. Introduce more fiber slowly. Avoid eating certain foods while you are bloated. Avoid drinking carbonated drinks. Eliminate gum and hard candies from your diet. Record when you have bloating. Ask for an allergy test. Try acupuncture. Seek immediate care if you have other symptoms. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Demand-Draft | How to Make a Demand Draft | To make a demand draft, obtain your client's account number and the routing number of the bank account being used to make the payment. You may also need to send your client information about the service or product you are offering, including the exact price, refund policy, or additional details regarding the purchase. Make sure you have the consent of the other party, either written or vocally recorded. Obtain an official demand draft form from your bank, then fill it out and deposit the draft with your bank. | Gather the necessary information. Before a demand draft can be created and deposited, the proper information will need to be acquired. This information will be used to fill out the demand draft itself and will be examined by the bank when it is deposited. See the following overview of the information that will be required: If selling an item or service you will need to provide accurate details to your client about that item or service. You will need to obtain the account and routing numbers of the account belonging to the person paying. Consent by the person whose account will be debited to the transferral of funds by demand draft, written or verbal, must be obtained. Verbal consent should be recorded, while written consent might take the form of a faxed document with a signature and date. Give legally required information if selling a service or good. If you are working remotely with a client to sell them a service or good, it is a good idea to provide the proper information about either, as this can limit liability or promote customer relations. In addition, the financial institution accepting a demand draft might have consumer protection requirements before agreeing to transfer. Inform your client upfront about your sale by meeting the following criteria: The exact price and amount of items or services being sold. Additional information about the item or service regarding extra fees, deposits, certifications, limitations, etc. Any refund policy or no-refund policy. If any prizes for purchase are being offered, the exact details must be disclosed. These details include the chances of winning, costs of winning, or methods of entry with or without payment. Any payment plan that is similar to a “free-trial offer,” which will require the buyer to take action to avoid future payments. Obtain information regarding your client's bank account. You will need to acquire the necessary pieces of information to successfully deposit the demand draft in your own bank account. Since a demand draft doesn't require a signature, providing accurate information is critical. You will need to obtain both the account number and routing number of the bank account being used to make the payment or payments. Routing and account numbers are found at the bottom of a check. The routing number appears first, at left, and consists of nine digits. The account number appears after the routing number, just to the right of it. Obtain consent. Although a demand draft doesn't require a signature, it does require some form of consent on the part of the person having money withdrawn from their account. Either written or spoken consent will suffice. Verbal consent is acceptable, however, you will need to have a recording of the consent. You may wish to record the entire conversation. If making a recording of verbal consent, make sure to include the date of the agreement, the amount being agreed upon, the name of the client, the number of payments, a telephone number where the client can call, and the date of authorization. Obtaining written consent can be the safest option. However, it may take more time as you wait for the written form of consent to arrive. Have the client write the date he agreed, the amount he agreed to pay, his name, number of payments, telephone number where the client can call, and the date of authorization. Written consent may be obtained in the form of a fax signed by both parties or a voided check sent by the client. Create the demand draft. You will need an official form and format to complete your demand draft. The safest method to create your demand draft will be to obtain an official form from your bank. Banks can offer their own forms for demand drafts which you can obtain from them. An example of a demand draft form from a bank can be found here at "HSBC.com" Some online services are available to help create and send a demand draft. However, the safest option is to work directly with your bank or their official website. Be very careful when selecting a service outside your bank as demand draft scams can occur. Print your demand draft document. After you have created your demand draft and filled in the the appropriate information, you should print it. You will need physical paper copies of the demand draft to officially deposit it. Print at least two copies for yourself. One will be submitted to your bank, while the other is held in your own records. You may wish to send an additional copy to your client. Deposit the demand draft with your bank. After you have properly prepared and printed the demand draft, you are ready to deposit it with your bank. The process will be similar to depositing a check into your account. You won't need a signature on your demand draft as consent has already been obtained. | Gather the necessary information. Give legally required information if selling a service or good. Obtain information regarding your client's bank account. Obtain consent. Create the demand draft. Print your demand draft document. Deposit the demand draft with your bank. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-You-Are-Codependent | How to Tell if You Are Codependent | A codependent person is someone who is emotionally dependent on another person and often neglects their own needs for them. It can happen in romantic relationships, friendships, and families. If you're codependent, you might avoid or hide your emotions in an attempt to keep the other person happy. Your relationship will feel unbalanced, and you'll always give more than you get back. You might sometimes feel like you're the caretaker of the other person and you might have difficulty saying no or standing up for your own point of view. The other person will often try to control your behavior and opinions. | Notice if you are codependent. Codependency, also known as relationship addiction, is an emotional and behavioral condition that can affect many different people. If you are a codependent person, you may avoid personal uncomfortable or strong emotions in favor of focusing on another person's needs. In codependent relationships, you may focus solely on the well-being and needs of the other person in your relationship and completely ignore yourself, often to your own detriment. See if you exhibit codependent behaviors. There are a certain set of behaviors that you will exhibit if you are codependent. Your may notice a few or all of these at one time or another throughout your life. These behaviors include: A tendency to avoid conflict or uncomfortable emotions, or masking your emotions with passive aggressive expressions of anger or humor Taking responsibility for other people's actions or overcompensation for a partner's actions Misconceptions that love means rescuing another person, which leads to constant thoughts of the other person's needs Giving more than your share in the relationship Tendency to hang on to a relationship no matter what due to your personal feelings of loyalty to your partner, even though the relationship is harmful, usually to avoid feelings of abandonment Difficulty saying no or having guilt over being assertive Extreme preoccupation with the opinions of others or valuing their opinions over your own Difficulty communicating, identifying your own needs, or making decisions Feeling resentment over lack of acknowledgment for your personal efforts and self-sacrifice, which often lead to feelings of guilt Ask yourself questions that reflect codependent behaviors. If you aren't sure you are codependent based on your tendencies or behaviors, there are some questions you can ask yourself that can help reveal it. These questions include: Does/has the person you live with ever hit or abused you in any way? Do you have trouble turning people down when they ask for help? Do you get overwhelmed by how much you have to do, but never take the time to ask for help? Do you ever doubt your own wants or needs? Or not believe in who you want to become? Do you go out of your way to avoid an argument? Do you worry constantly about how others think about you? Do you think other people's opinions are more important than yours? Does the person you live with have a drinking or drug problem? Do you find it hard to adjust to changes in any environment? Do you get jealous or feel rejected when your partner spends times with friends/other people? Do you have a hard time accepting compliments or gifts from others? Determine if you have feelings caused by codependency. If you are or have been in a codependent relationship for a long time, your continual pattern of repressed emotions, your fixation on the other's needs, and the continual denial of your personal needs can cause lasting effects. It leads to: Feelings of emptiness Low self-esteem Confusion about your personal needs, goals, and feelings Know if you are in a relationship that codependency can affect. Traditionally, codependency was limited to romantic relationships. However, despite this common misconception, you can suffer from codependency in any type of relationship. This includes familial and platonic relationships in addition to romantic ones. Since it is passed down through families, there may be an instance where your entire familial unit exists or did exist in a codependent state, where all the needs of the family unit are put aside for the well-being of one member of the family. Determine if your partner fits the other role in a codependent relationship. There are two categories of people in a codependent relationship. Your role as the codependent individual is known as the caretaker, while the other individual in the relationship, who would be your partner or loved one, is known as the taker. The takers typically have an excessive need for control of the attention, love, sexual relations, and approval they get and give. They will often get these things through expressions of violence, blame, anger, irritation, criticism, neediness, righteousness, incessant talking, invasive touching, or emotional drama. The taker individuals will often express these behaviors outside of the codependent relationship, which will affect their children, work relationships, and familial relationships. Recognize if your child is also codependent. Codependency can start during childhood, so you might need to look for codependent behaviors in your children. This is especially true if you find that you are codependent yourself. Children will often exhibit similar behaviors as adults, but they may be more subtle because they are still learning the behaviors. Common symptoms of codependent children include: Inability to make decisions Extreme worry, stress, and/or anxiety Low self-esteem Extreme need to make other people happy Fear of being alone Being angry often Not being assertive in communication with others Determine if your family has a history of codependency. Codependent behaviors are often passed down through families. This means that somewhere in your past, you were either witness to or part of a codependent relationship. Through these situations, you were taught that it was wrong to express any needs, wants, or emotions. You may have spent portions of your childhood being called upon to meet the needs of others, which taught you as a child to suppress personal emotional and physical needs as you developed in favor of taking care of a family member. When you left this family environment, you may have continued this pattern within your own romantic and other relationships, which may then get passed on to your children. Consider if you have a history of abuse. Another common situation that leads to codependency is a history of abuse. In these situations, if you have been abused, you may become codependent as a way to deal with the trauma of the situation. You may suppress emotions and needs in these abusive situations in favor of focusing on other's needs. This abuse may have happened during your childhood and continued without intervention from your family. This can also happen in codependent familial relationships. This can be emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Recognize common situations that cause codependent relationships. Although codependency issues can occur in any type of relationship or with any person, there are certain types of people that encourage codependent relationships. Codependent relationships often develop between you and a person who needs looking after or taken care of. These types of people include: Those suffering from addiction Individuals with mental health disorders People with chronic illness Look for divorce in your past. Another past experience that may lead to codependency is divorce. In situations with divorce, an opportunity may arise when an eldest child has to step into a parental role to pick up the slack for the absentee parent. In these cases, the parenting of the child may produce behaviors of codependency. You may also not want to discuss these difficulties with the remaining parent so as to not upset them. This leads to the repression of emotions and can lead to codependency. Discover the root of your codependency. If you find you are codependent, you should see a mental health professional to help determine the root of your condition. Since codependency is often related to childhood dysfunction, you will work with a therapist, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other mental health professional to dig into your past to determine the cause. From there, the mental health professional will help you work through these issues in order to heal your condition. The most common forms of treatment are: Education about the condition and how it affects you and your relationships Experiential group therapy, which uses movements, actions, and activities to work through your condition with therapy activities such as equine therapy, music therapy, and expressive arts therapy Individual and group talk therapy, which focuses on discussing and talking through your issues and experiences Learn to focus on yourself. Codependent people often forget who they are and what their own wants, needs, and desires are. When you are seeking treatment for codependency, work with your mental health professional to help you relearn who you are and what you want out of life. Since codependent people spend their lives thinking about others, you may not understand how to determine your own needs, wants, goals, and desires. The mental health professional can help you to discover these things. You may also learn how to perform self-care techniques in order to focus on your own well-being. These include reducing your stress, getting enough sleep, and eating well. Create personal boundaries. In addition to finding the cause and learning about yourself, you need to break from your current tendency for destructive relationship behaviors and patterns. This can be done by building healthy, flexible boundaries in your relationships. This is often very difficult for a codependent person to accomplish at first, so work with your mental health professional to learn about boundaries and how to incorporate them into your life. This can be done by learning how to: Lovingly detach yourself from others Release your control of others needs and well-being Recognize your internal criticisms and personal need for perfection Accept yourself and any uncomfortable emotions Become assertive about your personal needs and values Join a support group. If you want more help or want to talk to others who are going through the same thing, think about joining a support group. There are some organizations that are geared towards codependency, such as Co-Dependents Anonymous and Al-Anon. You can search for group meetings on the Co-Dependents Anonymous website. Meetings for Al-Anon, an organization specifically targeted to codependent individuals who have dealt with alcoholic family relationships, can be found on their website. | Notice if you are codependent. See if you exhibit codependent behaviors. Ask yourself questions that reflect codependent behaviors. Determine if you have feelings caused by codependency. Know if you are in a relationship that codependency can affect. Determine if your partner fits the other role in a codependent relationship. Recognize if your child is also codependent. Determine if your family has a history of codependency. Consider if you have a history of abuse. Recognize common situations that cause codependent relationships. Look for divorce in your past. Discover the root of your codependency. Learn to focus on yourself. Create personal boundaries. Join a support group. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Boil-Okra | How to Boil Okra | To cook okra, start by rinsing the okra of any dirt and then cutting the stems down to 1/2 an inch. Next, place the okra in a large pot, add just enough water to cover the okra, and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of salt into the mix. Bring the water to a boil, add 1/4 cup of cider vinegar, and allow the okra to boil for 3 to 5 minutes. Once the okra can be easily pierced with a fork, it is ready! Be careful to not overcook the okra, as this will make it slimy and mushy. | Rinse and trim the okra. Turn on the cold water at the sink, and gently run the okra under it to wash away any dirt or debris on the surface. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel, and use a sharp knife to cut the stems down to ½-inch (13-mm). Place the okra in a large pot and cover it with water. Use a pot that's large enough to fit the okra so it doesn't occupy more than three-quarters of the capacity. Add enough cold water to the pot to just cover the okra. A 3-quart (2.8 l) pot is a good size for boiling the okra. Season the water with salt. Before you boil the water, it's important to season it to ensure that the boiled okra is as flavorful as possible. Adding the salt to the water allows the okra to absorb some of it as it boils. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt to the pot, and stir gently to ensure that it's evenly distributed. Bring the pot to a boil. Place the pot with the okra on the stove, and turn the heat to high. Allow the water to come to a boil, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Pour the vinegar into the pot. Once the water is boiling, add ¼ cup (59 ml) of cider vinegar to the pot. Don't stir it in, though -- stirring can disturb the cooking process for the okra. You can substitute any type of vinegar or even lemon juice for the cider vinegar. Boil the okra until it's fork tender. After you've mixed in the vinegar, allow the okra to boil for 3 to 5 minutes. At the 3 minute mark, start testing the okra with a fork. When it's tender enough to pierce, it's finished boiling. Be careful not to overcook the okra or it may become slimy and mushy. Drain the okra and return it to the pan. When the okra is finished cooking, remove the pot from the stove. Pour the contents through a colander to drain the water from the okra, and then put it back in the pot. Mix in the butter and pepper. Add ¼ cup (55 g) of butter and black pepper to taste to the okra. If necessary, you can also season the mixture with more salt. If you prefer, you can substitute bacon drippings or olive oil for the butter. You can substitute or incorporate other seasonings along with the pepper. Turmeric, cumin, chili powder, and coriander all work well with okra. Cook the okra over low heat until the butter melts. Place the pot back on the stove, and turn the heat to low. Allow it to cook until the butter melts, which should take about 3 minutes. Stir the okra frequently to ensure that it's well coated with the butter. Remove the okra from the pan and serve. Once the butter is melted and the okra is coated, turn the heat off. Use a pair of tongs to transfer the okra from the pot to a platter, and serve while it's still warm. Store any leftover okra in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. | Rinse and trim the okra. Place the okra in a large pot and cover it with water. Season the water with salt. Bring the pot to a boil. Pour the vinegar into the pot. Boil the okra until it's fork tender. Drain the okra and return it to the pan. Mix in the butter and pepper. Cook the okra over low heat until the butter melts. Remove the okra from the pan and serve. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wear-Boots-with-Jeans | How to Wear Boots with Jeans | To wear boots with jeans, try pairing combat boots with cropped fitted jeans or UGGs with medium wash skinny jeans for a casual weekend style. For a sleeker, more slimming look, try pairing ankle boots with cuffed tapered jeans to create a little space between your hemline and your boot. Alternatively, tuck dark wash skinny jeans into biker boots for a casual, edgy look. You can also try tucking skinny jeans into riding boots for a more classic, preppy look. | Choose ankle boots that end 2 inches (5.1 cm) above your ankle. This is the thinnest part of your leg, which you want to show off to keep your silhouette proportionate. If the boots cut you off any higher than a couple of inches above your ankle, they can make you look shorter and stockier. Cuff tapered jeans above a pair of ankle boots to show them off. To cuff your jeans, fold them up about 2 inches (5.1 cm), then roll them once more. This should create a little space between your hem and the boots, letting you showcase your boots and creating a proportionate silhouette. If you don't like the rolled hem look, you can roll them inwardly or opt for a cropped pair instead. To balance out a pair of baggier pants, such as boyfriend jeans, use the cuffed method and throw on a pair of heeled ankle boots for a little extra height. Wear black skinny jeans and black ankle boots for a monochromatic look. This creates a seamless silhouette that makes your legs appear longer and leaner. Make sure to choose a pair of fitted black pants that hug your legs and disappear into the boots. A little heel on the boots also enhances the leg-lengthening effect. For example, you could wear a chunky black and white striped sweater, a pair of black skinny jeans, and black leather ankle boots. Pair Chelsea boots with distressed straight-leg denim for a casual outfit. The smooth, fitted silhouette of the Chelsea boots contrast nicely with loose, distressed denim. Go for a pair of boots with a low heel to keep the outfit relaxed and casual, and pull up the cuffs of the jeans to show the tops of the boots. Add a white T-shirt and bomber jacket for a relaxed daytime outfit. You could also style a more sophisticated version of this look with a slouchy blazer and button-down shirt. Put biker boots with dark wash skinny jeans for a casual, edgy look. The smooth, fitted jeans pair well with the chunky boots, and the dark wash adds a sleek, seamless effect. Tuck the hems of your skinny jeans into the slouchy tops of the biker boots and finish the look with a simple, classic top. For example, you could dress the look up slightly with a loose black knit turtleneck and a faux fur vest. You could also dress down the outfit by pairing it with a plain black or grey T-shirt and an open button-down shirt. Wear combat boots with cropped fitted jeans for the perfect weekend outfit. Choose a pair of jeans that end 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) above the top of your boots to separate the pieces. Opt for a pair of heeled combat boots if you need a little extra height to balance out your silhouette. Balance out the combat boots' edge with a more colorful, polished top, such as a black-and-white gingham button-down shirt beneath a yellow sweater. You could also continue the edgy theme with a black distressed long-sleeve shirt and a leather moto jacket. Pair UGGs with medium wash skinny jeans for a warm, comfy look. The close-fitting denim will balance out the thicker, wider footwear and maintain your silhouette. Choose from an array of styles and colors, such as camel, black, cinnamon, blush pink, or gray. For a preppy look, choose a pair of mid-calf, cinnamon-colored of UGGs, then add a cream sweater and a patterned blanket scarf. If you're not sure about UGGs, you can always make the look more subtle and seamless by choosing a pair of black UGGs and black distressed skinny jeans. Add a white henley and a gray longline coat to make the look a little more polished, but still comfortable. Scrunch slim-fit jeans over a pair of dress boots for a hipster touch. “Stack” or scrunch your slim-fit jeans above a pair of ankle or mid-calf boots for a look that's effortless without being sloppy. To scrunch your jeans, pull the hems up and let them naturally rest around the top of the boot. You can also tuck part of the hem into the boot to keep them scrunched up. Stiffer, 100-percent cotton blends will best be able to hold a scrunch. You could wear a pair of black dress boots with black slim-fit jeans, a tan T-shirt, and a distressed denim jacket for a more casual look. You could also dress up the look with some dark brown dress boots, medium wash slim-fit jeans, a brown knit long-sleeved shirt, and a camel longline coat. Wear skinny jeans with tall boots to avoid bunching. Rather than straight leg or wide leg styles that bunch up around the ankle, skinny jeans will easily tuck into boots. To keep your skinny jeans in place all day, tuck the cuffs of the jeans into the tops of your socks. This is especially important when your boots are fitted as well. Pair thigh-high boots with super skinny jeans for a seamless effect. Thigh high heeled boots are an easy way to create a long, glamorous silhouette. Because the fitted skinny jeans and fitted boots transition seamlessly, they make your legs look longer and leaner. This look is perfect for a date or girls' night. For example, you could wear a pair of medium-wash skinny jeans and some gray suede thigh-high boots with a lightweight black turtleneck. Choose a pair of riding boots to give skinny jeans a classic, preppy look. The equestrian influence of the boots will elevate a pair of jeans, creating a timeless, sophisticated outfit. Go for some boots in a classic color, such as tan, black, or brown. Wear clean, non-distressed jeans with your riding boots to keep the look polished. For example, you could wear a burgundy silk top, a black blazer, a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans, and some brown leather riding boots for a classy, autumnal outfit. | Choose ankle boots that end 2 inches (5.1 cm) above your ankle. Cuff tapered jeans above a pair of ankle boots to show them off. Wear black skinny jeans and black ankle boots for a monochromatic look. Pair Chelsea boots with distressed straight-leg denim for a casual outfit. Put biker boots with dark wash skinny jeans for a casual, edgy look. Wear combat boots with cropped fitted jeans for the perfect weekend outfit. Pair UGGs with medium wash skinny jeans for a warm, comfy look. Scrunch slim-fit jeans over a pair of dress boots for a hipster touch. Wear skinny jeans with tall boots to avoid bunching. Pair thigh-high boots with super skinny jeans for a seamless effect. Choose a pair of riding boots to give skinny jeans a classic, preppy look. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Heartworm-in-Ferrets | How to Prevent Heartworm in Ferrets | To prevent heartworm in your ferret, put screens on your windows and doors to keep out mosquitos that carry the disease. Additionally, make sure to keep your ferret indoors during mosquito season to prevent it from being bitten. You might also ask your vet about preventative heartworm medication, which can be given to your ferret monthly to stop an infection. This medication is most important to use during mosquito season, especially if you live in a warm, humid climate. If you think your ferret may already have heartworm disease, take it to the vet as soon as possible for a diagnosis. | Keep your ferret indoors. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitos. If a mosquito bites an animal that is infected with heartworm and then bites your ferret, your ferret may become infected as well. If you do want to take your ferret outdoors, try to avoid doing so during warm, moist weather when mosquitos are most numerous. Further, avoid taking your ferret outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitos are most active. Heartworm is most common in the U.S. within 150 miles (241 km) of the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico and along the Mississippi River. However, heartworm has been found in every U.S. state. Keep mosquitos out of your house. Do not leave doors or windows open unless they are screened. Repair any damage to screens as soon as it occurs. If you need motivation to do so: people can be infected with heartworm too (though adult heartworms are usually unable to develop in human bodies). Take it for granted that some mosquitos will get into your home. They may even survive in certain areas of your home year-round. Be sure to clean eaves, crawlspaces, and attics regularly if you have pets. Do not expose your pet to DEET. While DEET is a standard ingredient in many bug sprays designed for human use, DEET is extremely dangerous for your pet. Avoid spraying your ferret with any bug spray designed for use on humans. Similarly, don't use bug spray meant for dogs. There are several natural bug sprays designed for use on pets. They are available online and at most pet stores. Before using these sprays, check with your vet to make sure they're safe. Don't assume you will be able to treat an infection. Though medications that can kill adult heartworms do exist, they are especially dangerous for ferrets. These medications are even dangerous for larger animals, such as cats and dogs, as heartworms killed by the drugs can clog arteries. Since ferrets have especially small blood vessels, this risk is even greater. In short, take great care in preventing your ferret from becoming infected with heartworm, as treatment is challenging and dangerous. Ask your vet about preventative drugs. Heartworm medication can help kill larvae that are transmitted to your ferret and help prevent infection. These drugs, however, usually cannot kill adult heartworms. They are administered either daily or monthly depending on the drug your vet recommends. Your vet will need to examine your ferret in order to make the best assessment of what drug is best for your ferret. Your vet will likely prescribe the long-time preventative drug ivermectin, or a new, but highly favorable combination of imidacloprid and moxidectin. Go with whatever they recommend. Preventative medications are most often prescribed as monthly oral tablets. Your vet may even prescribe a medication designed for cats and direct you to break tablets into portions based on your ferret's weight. Consider testing your ferret first. Ask your vet about testing your ferret for heartworm before administering preventative medication. Taking preventative medication can be dangerous if your ferret is already infected with developing heartworms. Most of the time, an infection will be apparent, but it may be worth having your vet do a blood test before beginning a preventative medication routine. Administer the drug while mosquitos are active. Preventative heartworm medication regimens sometimes need to be administered year-round. Depending on where you live, a shorter mosquito season may allow you to administer preventative heartworm medication for only part of the years. Warm, humid climates have the longest and most dangerous mosquito seasons. Provide ongoing preventative heartworm medication to your ferret if you live in an area that is hospitable to mosquitos year-round, such as the Southeastern U.S. If your ferret does not like to eat their medication, try crushing it up and mixing into something you know they life to eat. Watch for symptoms of heartworm. A single adult heartworm can kill your ferret. Accordingly, early diagnosis of a potential infection is of vital importance. Catch an infection as early as possible by watching out for lethargy, chronic cough, shortness of breath, and/or low physical stamina. If any of these symptoms develop, take your ferret to the vet. Look out for other signs of illness as well. A ferret with heartworm may exhibit either mild or severe symptoms. This can make diagnosing heartworm challenging. Watch out for weakness in your ferret's hindquarters, changes in their eating habits, or swelling in their abdomen. While lots of illnesses may contribute to these symptoms, they should be monitored and reported to your vet. Have a vet diagnose your ferret. Your vet will rely on observation of symptoms, x-rays, and blood tests to determine whether your ferret has heartworm. Blood tests alone do not work as well on ferrets as they do on cats and dogs, so your vet will likely need to do a thorough assessment of your ferret's health. While surgery to remove adult heartworms has successfully occurred, the chances of recovery from an advanced heartworm infection are quite low. Further, the medications capable of killing adult heartworms can also result in in your ferret's death. Take prevention seriously! | Keep your ferret indoors. Keep mosquitos out of your house. Do not expose your pet to DEET. Don't assume you will be able to treat an infection. Ask your vet about preventative drugs. Consider testing your ferret first. Administer the drug while mosquitos are active. Watch for symptoms of heartworm. Look out for other signs of illness as well. Have a vet diagnose your ferret. |
https://www.wikihow.mom/Tell-the-Position-of-a-Baby-in-the-Uterus | How to Tell the Position of a Baby in the Uterus | To tell the position of your baby in your uterus, try pressing down gently on your belly while you exhale. If you feel a hard, round bump like a small bowling ball, this is probably your baby's head, while a softer bump may be their bottom. Depending on where their head is, you should be able to work out your baby's position. Alternatively, pay attention to your baby's kicking, since this can also indicate its orientation. For example, if your baby kicks below your belly button, it's probably head up and if it kicks above your belly button, it's probably head down. | Keep a movement journal. It might be fun to be able to look back at all the different positions your baby was in during your pregnancy. Keep a diary, journal, or notebook to document this. Write down the date, how far along in your pregnancy you are, and what position your baby is in any time you get the chance. Feel your belly to locate the hard lumps. Though it's not an exact science, you may be able to locate your baby's head or bottom just by feeling your stomach. Press gently, and try to relax while you do it – press down while you exhale. A hard, round bump like a small bowling ball is probably the baby's head; a round but somewhat softer bump may be their bottom. Use some of these standard guidelines to estimate your baby's position: Do you have a lump on the right or left side of your belly? Press it gently – if the whole baby moves, they might be in a head-down (cephalic) position. Feeling a hard, rounded lump beneath your ribs might be the baby's head, meaning they're in breech (head up) position. If the two round, hard areas (the head and bottom) are at the sides of your belly, your baby may be lying horizontally. Babies usually move themselves out of this position by 8 months. Pinpoint where you feel kicking. Babies kick, and it can be one of the easiest ways to visualize how they're oriented in your uterus. If you feel kicking above your belly button, the baby is probably in a head down position. If the kicking is below your belly button, the baby is probably head up. Just visualize where the baby's feet and legs might be based on where you feel kicking. If you feel kicking around the front middle of your belly, the baby may be in a posterior position – head down with their back to your back. Your stomach may also look more flattened than rounded in this position. Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to feel the baby. Trained professionals can often tell what position the baby is in just by feeling your abdomen. The next time they do this, ask them to guide you through it. They can offer tips and advice on what to feel for at home! Ask to feel along with them as they do it so you can get familiar with how different parts of your baby feel from outside your uterus. Listen for the baby’s heartbeat. Though it won't tell you everything about the baby's position, finding the baby's heart can give you some indication of how they are lying. If you happen to have a fetoscope or stethoscope at home, use it to listen on your belly. If not, ask your partner or a loved one to put their ear to your stomach in a quiet room. You can usually hear the heartbeat this way in the last two months of pregnancy – though exactly locating the heart might be difficult. Move around to different spots to see where the heartbeat is loudest and clearest. If the heartbeat is loudest below mom's belly button, the baby is probably head down; above the belly button, head up. Try listening through a toilet paper roll to amplify the sounds! Get an ultrasound. Ultrasound scans are the only way to tell for sure what position your baby is in. Ultrasounds use sound waves to make a picture of your baby in the womb. Schedule regular ultrasounds with your OB/GYN or midwife to check up on your baby, or simply to determine how they are lying in your uterus. Schedule an ultrasound in your first trimester and again in your second trimester, or more frequently if your baby's health needs to be monitored. Ask your healthcare provider for details about when to get an ultrasound. Newer ultrasound technology can make amazingly clear images of the baby, though not all offices have these. Gather your materials. Belly mapping might be a challenge, but it's a fun challenge. In your 8th months of pregnancy, try belly mapping right after you see your healthcare provider for an ultrasound or fetal heart monitoring. Go home and gather some non-toxic paint or markers and a doll with moveable limbs. Find the baby's head. Lie down on your back where you'll be comfortable, and lift your shirt. Use firm pressure and feel around your pelvic area for a hard, round shape. Use your art materials to draw a circle for your baby's head. Locate the baby's heartbeat. Draw a heart over the area of your baby's heartbeat – your healthcare provider probably just showed you where this is at your appointment. If not, use a stethoscope or fetoscope if you have one, or ask a loved one to put their ear to your belly and tell you where the heartbeat is the loudest. Feel for the baby's bottom. Gently feel around for your baby's bottom, which will be hard and round, but softer than the head. Mark this on your belly. Color in any other spots you can feel. A long, flat area may be the baby's back; knobbly points could be knees or elbows. Think about where you've been feeling kicking. Mark any other landmarks you can find. Place your doll in different positions. Start to play around with your doll, moving it into possible positions based on where your baby's head and heart are. This can help you visualize your baby's position better! Get creative if you want to. Draw or paint your baby like an art project, or do some fun photography. This can be a great keepsake. | Keep a movement journal. Feel your belly to locate the hard lumps. Pinpoint where you feel kicking. Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to feel the baby. Listen for the baby’s heartbeat. Get an ultrasound. Gather your materials. Find the baby's head. Locate the baby's heartbeat. Feel for the baby's bottom. Color in any other spots you can feel. Place your doll in different positions. Get creative if you want to. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Raw-Almonds | How to Roast Raw Almonds | To roast raw almonds, start by spreading them in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. You can also add sugar, honey, garlic powder, or salt to add some flavor to your almonds. Once you've spread them on a tray, place them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes or until they're golden brown. While they're roasting, stir the almonds with a spatula so they cook evenly. When the almonds are cooked, remove them from the oven and transfer them to another baking sheet, which will cool them down. If you want to store your roasted almonds, make sure they've cooled down completely before sealing them in a container to prevent them going moldy from excess moisture. | Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Most ovens take about 20 minutes to heat up but it will depend on how efficient your model is. Let the oven start heating while you prepare the almonds. Trying to set the oven at a higher temperature to cook the almonds faster will likely burn the almonds or not cook them thoroughly. Spread the almonds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. You don't need to grease the baking sheet because the nuts contain so much natural oil. To help them cook evenly, make sure they are in an even layer and not piled on top of each other. Substitute a 9 in × 13 in (23 cm × 33 cm) baking dish for the baking sheet if you'd like. If you want to coat the nuts in olive oil and other seasonings, toss them in your choice of oil and spices directly on the baking sheet or beforehand in a separate mixing bowl. Place the almonds in the oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Use a spatula to stir the almonds or gently shake the baking sheet to move the almonds around. Roast them until they're golden brown and fragrant. The almonds on the edges tend to cook faster so move them to the middle and vice versa when you stir. This allows all of the nuts to roast evenly. Check the nuts often to ensure they aren't burning or browning unevenly. If they're cooking unevenly, stir them. If they're burnt, remove them from the oven. Remove the nuts from the oven and place them on another baking sheet. The high oil content of the almonds means they'll keep cooking outside of the oven, especially if they're left on the hot baking sheet. Pour or spoon them onto a cool baking sheet. Leaving the almonds on the hot baking sheet will burn them or scorch the bottoms. If you don't have another baking sheet, a plate or even a paper towel will do. Let the almonds cool completely before pouring into an airtight container. Storing almonds while they're still warm increases their risk of molding or going bad because it creates excess moisture. Wait until they're cool to the touch, then place them in a sealed plastic or glass container. You can use a resealable plastic bag or glass jar, too. Store dry roasted nuts for 9 to 12 months in the pantry. Place your almonds in a cool, dark place that's dry to keep them fresh for longer. Throw them away if you notice a rancid odor or if they taste stale. If you coated the nuts in oil, they won't last as long. A good rule of thumb for those is 3 to 4 weeks at room temperature. To keep the nuts for up to 2 years, place the airtight container in the freezer if it's freezer-safe. Toss the almonds, olive oil, and sea salt together. Combine the 3 ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon to mix the almonds until they are evenly coated with olive oil and salt. Swap olive oil for a different type of oil based on your taste preferences. You could use avocado oil, sesame oil, or an herb-infused oil, for example. You can also use water or lemon juice instead of oil. Another mixing option is to put the 3 ingredients in a resealable plastic bag. Shake it vigorously to coat the almonds. Heat a skillet on the stove top over medium-high heat. You don't want the pan to be so hot that it burns the almonds. If your stove top dial has 9 settings, medium-high heat would be anywhere from 5 to 7. Choose a skillet that's big enough that the almonds won't be overcrowded. A cast iron skillet or a frying pan with high edges will also work. To determine what medium-high heat is, hold your hand 2 to 3 inches (5.1 to 7.6 cm) above the burner. If you can hold it there for a few minutes before it gets too hot, it's medium to medium-high. Pour the almonds into the heated skillet and roast them for 5 minutes. Keep the almonds on the stove until they're a golden-brown color. Stir them frequently with a spatula so they don't stick to the bottom of the skillet. Sample 1 almond after the 5 minutes is up. If it doesn't taste fully roasted, continue cooking the almonds. Let the almonds cool completely on a baking sheet. The almonds need to be cooled before they can be stored so you don't trap moisture in the container and risk ruining them. Spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet for the fastest cooling time. You can use a sheet of parchment paper instead of a baking sheet. Don't leave the almonds in the pan to cool as the heat will continue cooking them. Store the almonds in a container at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. Choose an airtight plastic or glass container to keep the almonds fresh. A dry, dark area like the pantry or a cupboard is best for storage. Eat the almonds as a snack or use them as salad or yogurt toppings. | Preheat the oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Spread the almonds in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheet. Place the almonds in the oven for 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove the nuts from the oven and place them on another baking sheet. Let the almonds cool completely before pouring into an airtight container. Store dry roasted nuts for 9 to 12 months in the pantry. Toss the almonds, olive oil, and sea salt together. Heat a skillet on the stove top over medium-high heat. Pour the almonds into the heated skillet and roast them for 5 minutes. Let the almonds cool completely on a baking sheet. Store the almonds in a container at room temperature for 3 to 4 weeks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Felt | How to Wash Felt | To spot-clean felt, start by brushing surface dirt off with a soft bristled toothbrush or dabbing the area with warm water. Additionally, make sure to work the area in one direction since rubbing or changing directions can cause the material to pile up. If you need to wash the item because it's particularly dirty or dingy, hand wash it in the sink with cool water. Finally, air dry your felt product in a cool space out of direct sunlight. | Brush with a soft toothbrush. If there is surface dirt on the felt, gently brush it away with a soft bristled toothbrush. Brush only in one direction. Don't rub in a circle or up and down. Scrubbing in alternate directions can cause the material to pile up and fuzz. Dab the area with water. Dip a cloth in some warm water until the cloth is slightly damp. Press and dab at the dirt with light pressure, making sure not to rub. This may help remove some of the dirt. Vacuum the felt. If there is loose dirt and dust on the felt, you can try to vacuum it away. Use a small vacuum nozzle and run it over the felt. If the suction on your vacuum is too hard, you can place some old panty hose or tights over the nozzle to help. Be careful when vacuuming around beading or ribbons. Make sure they are secure so you don't suck them off the felt. Steam clean your felt. You can clean your felt at home by steaming it. Use a tea kettle or pot and boil water in it. When the water starts steaming, place the felt over the steam. In your other hand, hold a soft sponge, lint-free cloth, or soft bristled brush. While holding the item in place, use the soft tool to gently brush the dirty area. This can be time consuming since you can only clean a little bit at a time. Handwash the item. The best way to clean felt is to handwash the item in a sink. Use cool water. Handle the felt carefully as you move it around. Gently squeeze it a few times to wash it. Using hot water can damage the felt fabric. Some people use mild detergents, while others think using detergent will cause fuzzing on the surface. If you use detergent, make sure it is very gentle. Wash the felt item on the delicate cycle. Though most felt items should not be washed, if you have an item you want to machine wash, you should wash it on the delicate cycle. Use a gentle detergent, like Woolite. Only wash the felt in a washing machine when it is extremely dirty, smells terrible, or you have tried everything else. Don't wash felt items often. Only do this occasionally. Remove excess water. You can remove excess water from the felt by pressing it between two towels. Don't twist or squeeze out water. Flatten the felt as much as possible to its original shape. Air dry the item. You shouldn't dry the item in the dryer. Instead, you should air dry them. This may be on a clothing line or on a hanger in your home. Just make sure you place it in a cool area and not in the direct sun. Determine if your felt is wool felt or synthetic felt. Wool felt reacts more negatively to washing than synthetic felt. Wool felt may shrink, bleed, or start to fuzz. Synthetic felt typically can be washed without too many problems. If you have wool felt, take more care washing it. If you have synthetic felt, it will probably be more durable. Wool felt should be dry cleaned because you could damage it by wet cleaning it. Use a home dry cleaning kit. Many cleaning companies, such as Clorox, Proctor & Gamble, and Dial, have dry cleaning kits on the market. These kits come with directions that will walk you through the cleaning process so that you can safely clean your item. These kits cost around $10. Take the item to the cleaners. If you have the time and money, you can take your felt article of clothing to the cleaners. A professional dry cleaner can clean the felt, which may be helpful if you're nervous about trying or don't want to mess up the item. Most dry cleaners won't touch basically anything that isn't clothing, however. | Brush with a soft toothbrush. Dab the area with water. Vacuum the felt. Steam clean your felt. Handwash the item. Wash the felt item on the delicate cycle. Remove excess water. Air dry the item. Determine if your felt is wool felt or synthetic felt. Use a home dry cleaning kit. Take the item to the cleaners. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Fish-Escabeche | How to Cook Fish Escabeche | To cook fish escabeche, fry your fish in oil for 4-5 minutes, turning it once or twice so both sides are golden brown. When the fish is done, remove the pan from the heat and pour all but 2 tablespoons of oil out. Use the oil to sauté chopped garlic, red onion, and ginger. Next, add sliced carrots and bell peppers, tomato sauce, soy sauce, water, vinegar, and brown sugar. Finally, dissolve cornstarch in water and add it to the sauce. When ready, spoon the sauce over the fish and enjoy! | Heat the oil and season the tilapia. Pour ½ cup (120 ml) of vegetable or canola oil into a large skillet and turn the heat on to medium-high heat. Clean 1 pound (453 g) of tilapia or lupa lupa and remove the bones and guts. Sprinkle the fish generously with salt and pepper. Fry the fish for 4 to 5 minutes. Slowly lower the fish into the hot oil. It should begin to bubble and crisp up as it cooks. Turn the fish over once or twice as it cooks, so both sides become golden brown. This should take about 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the fish and pour out some of the oil. Turn off the heat and use a fish spatula or turner to lift the fried fish out of the skillet. Set the fish on a platter and set it aside. Pour out all but 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the oil from the skillet. You might want to pour the hot oil into an old can before you discard it. Avoid pouring hot oil directly into a trash can or down the sink. Cut the garlic, red onion, and ginger. Peel 4 cloves of garlic, 1 medium red onion, and 1-inch (2.5 cm) of fresh ginger. Use a sharp knife to mince the garlic, finely chop the onion , and slice the ginger into strips. Sauté the garlic, red onion, and ginger for 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the heat on the skillet to medium and add the chopped aromatics to the skillet. Stir the mixture and sauté it for 3 to 4 minutes, so the onion softens a little. Julienne the bell peppers and carrot. Peel 1 carrot and use a sharp knife to cut it into long, narrow strips. Trim the stems off of 1 small red bell pepper and 1 small green bell pepper. Cut the peppers in half and rinse out the seeds. Slice each bell pepper into thin, narrow strips. Stir in and simmer the vegetables, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Add the sliced bell peppers and carrots to the skillet along with a ½ cup (115 g) of tomato sauce and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of soy sauce. Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes. Pour in the water, vinegar, and brown sugar. Keep the heat on medium and pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of vinegar, 3 tablespoons (37 g) of brown sugar, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water. Do not stir these ingredients into the skillet until the liquids begin to boil. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water and add it to the sauce. Place 2 tablespoons (19 g) of cornstarch into a small prep bowl and pour in ½ cup (120 ml) of water. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved. Whisk the dissolved cornstarch into the skillet. Simmer and season the sauce in the skillet. Whisk and simmer the sauce for 2 minutes, so the sauce thickens a little. Stir in a ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) of cumin, ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) of ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon (3 g) of salt. Turn the heat off the skillet. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings according to your taste. If it seems too acidic, add a little more water or another tablespoon (12.5 g) of brown sugar. Serve the fish escabeche. Place the crispy, fried fish on a serving platter. Spoon the hot sauce over the fish and serve it immediately. Consider serving the escabeche with steamed rice or warmed bread. You can store leftover escabeche in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Cut and season the fish. Get out six 6-ounce (170 g) thin fillets of white, flaky fish. Use a sharp knife to cut each fillet into 3-inch (7.5-cm) pieces and sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground pepper. You can use Alaska cod, black cod, sole, rockfish, tilapia, or pollock. Coat the fish in flour and heat oil in a skillet. Measure about 1/2 cup (60 g) of flour into a shallow bowl or plate. Add the fish pieces and use your fingers to toss the fish pieces until they're coated with flour. Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the olive oil into a skillet and turn the heat to medium-high. Sauté the fish for 4 minutes over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot gently lower the coated fish pieces into the oil. Let the fish cook for 2 minutes without moving it in the skillet. Use a spatula to flip the pieces over and sauté them for another 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. The fish should be golden brown on both sides. Don't worry if the inside of the fish isn't cooked all the way since the fish will finish cooking in the vinegar. Remove the fish and add oil to the skillet. Set a glass or ceramic baking dish next to the skillet and transfer the sautéed fish into it. Use a paper towel to wipe the skillet out and pour 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of the olive oil into the skillet. Heat the oil and slice the vegetables. Turn the heat on to medium and peel 1 large sweet onion, 2 large garlic cloves, and 2 carrots. Use a sharp knife to slice them all into thin strips or slices. Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrots for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the sliced vegetables to the skillet and stir them. Stir and sauté the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes. The onion should soften a little and you should smell the garlic. Slice and saute the peppers for 2 minutes. Wash 2 red bell peppers and 1 yellow bell pepper. Trim off and discard the stems and seeds. Slice each of the peppers into long thin strips. Add the peppers to the skillet. Stir and sauté the vegetable mixture for 2 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and simmer the mixture for 2 minutes. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of sherry or white wine vinegar into the vegetable mixture. Let it bubble gently for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the remaining seasonings. Stir in the last 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. Slice 1 jalapeño or Fresno chile into thin strips and add it to the skillet along with 2 bay leaves, 6 allspice berries, and 1/4 cup (5 g) of roughly chopped parsley. Stir the mixture until it's combined. Pour the mixture over the fish and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. Slowly pour the vegetable vinegar mixture over the fish in the baking dish. Let it come to room temperature. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. You can refrigerate it for up to 12 hours. Serve the Spanish escabeche. You can serve the fish cold from the refrigerator or bring it to room temperature. Let the fish sit out for about 1 hour before you serve it. Consider serving the escabeche with tortillas, sour cream, and chopped vegetables for the main dish. Or serve the escabeche on small crisp toasts as an appetizer. You can store leftover escabeche in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. | Heat the oil and season the tilapia. Fry the fish for 4 to 5 minutes. Remove the fish and pour out some of the oil. Cut the garlic, red onion, and ginger. Sauté the garlic, red onion, and ginger for 3 to 4 minutes. Julienne the bell peppers and carrot. Stir in and simmer the vegetables, tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Pour in the water, vinegar, and brown sugar. Dissolve the cornstarch in the water and add it to the sauce. Simmer and season the sauce in the skillet. Serve the fish escabeche. Cut and season the fish. Coat the fish in flour and heat oil in a skillet. Sauté the fish for 4 minutes over medium-high heat. Remove the fish and add oil to the skillet. Heat the oil and slice the vegetables. Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrots for 2 to 3 minutes. Slice and saute the peppers for 2 minutes. Stir in the vinegar and simmer the mixture for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and add the remaining seasonings. Pour the mixture over the fish and refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. Serve the Spanish escabeche. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Bond-With-a-Feral-Kitten | How to Bond With a Feral Kitten | To bond with a feral kitten, start by keeping it in a comfortable crate for a couple of days while it gets used to its new environment. Then, try picking up the kitten with a towel and holding it for a few minutes several times a day. When you place it back in its crate, give it a treat to help it bond with you. Over time, try feeding the kitten near you and playing with it using toys so it gets more comfortable with your presence. | Find a large pet carrier or animal crate. The cage needs to be big enough for the kitten to move around. You will need space for a small litter box and food and water bowls. The crate will make the kitten feel secure and provide boundaries so it won't get hurt. If you don't have a large crate, try confining the kitten to a bathtub or small bathroom. Make sure to hide or remove anything it can get into or break! Place a litter box, water bowl, and food bowl in the crate. The litter box should be small with a low side so the kitten can get into it. Look for kitten litter boxes at the pet store. Scatter a thin layer of litter in the box. The best choice for food and water bowls are ones that attach to the door of the crate, as that makes it easier to add food and water without disturbing the kitten. Make the crate cozy. Add blankets and towels to the inside of the crate. Choose ones you don't mind getting dirty. They also need to be easily washable, as you'll need to change them out from time to time. You can also use old clothing you've worn, as that starts getting it accustomed to your smell. A blanket or towel over the cage can also help them feel safe. Let the kitten get used to its new environment for the first 2 days. Don't try to pick up the kitten or handle it for those 2 days. Give the kitten a chance to get accustomed to its surroundings and get used to you coming in and out before you try to pick it up. Visit the kitten frequently. While it's getting used to the environment, spend time with it. Go and sit near the cage. You can do something quiet, like knitting or reading. Talk to the kitten in a gentle voice. You can even sing songs to it. In the second day, try moving around in the room instead of just sitting nearby. That way, your kitten will get used to your movement, too. Pick up the kitten with a towel. Use a small towel to cover the kitten but leave its head free. Draw it out of the crate and hold it in your hand or lap. Cup it gently with both hands. The towel will protect you from the kitten's sharp claws. Pet the kitten gently on the back of the head. Avoid moving your hand towards the kitten's head from the front to pet it. That tactic will scare the kitten, which may bite as a retaliation. The back is less scary, and it will likely enjoy the petting. If it panics, just hold it for a few minutes before letting it go. Try petting it again later. Avoid petting it if it begins whisking its tail back and forth or flattening its ears. Not all cats want to be touched, especially at first. If it doesn't respond well to your touch, it may just be happy to be in your presence. Continue holding it and petting it for a few minutes. Talk in a calm, gentle voice. If the kitten seems a little skittish, try just using a single finger to pet it for a while. Keep petting and holding it for about 5 minutes. Place the kitten back in the cage and offer it a treat. Give it something tasty, like all-chicken baby food or all-turkey baby food. That shows it that being with you is something to look forward to! It will come to associate you with the treat. You can offer a bit of baby food on a plate or spoon. If the kitten seems to be taking to you, you can even put a bit on your finger to offer to the kitten. Handle the kitten in short sessions throughout the day. Repeat this process several times throughout the day, trying to visit for at least 15-20 minutes each time. Over time, this process will help the kitten get used to being held by you, as it will come to realize you bring treats and your cuddles feel good. Leave a radio or television on when you're out of the room. While this won't help the kitten bond with you specifically, it will get it used to human voices. Don't leave it on too loud. It should be just loud enough for the kitten to hear it. Avoid staring contests with the kitten. Staring is seen as aggressive by cats, so if you stare at your kitten, it may think you're trying to be aggressive. Instead, lower your gaze and duck your head to make the kitten feel more comfortable. Work on getting the kitten to eat in front of you. Put the kitten's food down and then sit down nearby so the kitten can eat. Most kittens will begin eating, but if yours is shy, go outside the room for a couple of minutes then come back in. Eventually, your kitten will associate you with the food, which means you're on your way to bonding with it. Use toys to draw the kitten out. The best toys for this process are ones that encourage interaction between you and the kitten, such as string toys and feather wands. Cats are especially attracted to small and moving objects. Flutter them around outside the cage, and you should be able to draw the kitten out to play. Pay attention to the kitten's reactions. If it seems scared, try making calmer movements or coming back later. The kitten will eventually associate the fun of playing with you! Encourage the kitten to come towards you with baby food or treats. Put a little bit on a spoon and hold it out in front of the kitten. Let it get a lick and then pull it a bit more towards you. Keep pulling back until the kitten is right next to you or even on top of you. You may need to dab a bit on the kitten's nose to help it realize it likes the taste. Pet the kitten without the help of the towel. When you get the kitten close to you, try petting it from behind. Pet its head, back, and sides, and if it seems to like it, try petting its face and chin. If it will let you, pick it up and hold it against you while you pet it. If it doesn't seem to like being held, try it again with the towel. Groom the kitten with a soft brush. Grooming is a social activity for cats, and because mothers groom their babies, the kitten will bond with you if you groom it. Gently brush the fur along the back and sides to imitate its mother's grooming technique. You can also try a warm, damp washcloth. If the kitten has fleas, use a fine-toothed flea comb to work the fleas out, along with using any medication recommended by your vet. | Find a large pet carrier or animal crate. Place a litter box, water bowl, and food bowl in the crate. Make the crate cozy. Let the kitten get used to its new environment for the first 2 days. Visit the kitten frequently. Pick up the kitten with a towel. Pet the kitten gently on the back of the head. Continue holding it and petting it for a few minutes. Place the kitten back in the cage and offer it a treat. Handle the kitten in short sessions throughout the day. Leave a radio or television on when you're out of the room. Avoid staring contests with the kitten. Work on getting the kitten to eat in front of you. Use toys to draw the kitten out. Encourage the kitten to come towards you with baby food or treats. Pet the kitten without the help of the towel. Groom the kitten with a soft brush. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Children-to-Sing | How to Teach Children to Sing | To teach a child to sing, practice scales and simple songs with them so they start to get an ear for pitch and tone. Start off by having your child sing along to a scale like “Do Re Mi” with you or a recording. Sing to them or play them recordings of good singers so they start to get used to pitches. Try raising your hand up and down to show them when the pitch rises and falls. You can also try playing pitch matching games with your child, where you sing a note or phrase and they have to copy. Once they have a basic understanding of pitch, have them join in with nursery rhymes, like “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” | Warm up with yawning. Before you start practicing singing, have the children take a deep breath and then yawn. This will open the throat to prevent strain when singing. Practice breathing. Children need to learn how to breathe properly when singing. Do some breathing exercises so they can understand how to regulate breath while they sing. Have the kids breathe in through their noses and out through their mouths. Encourage the kids to direct air into their stomachs and diaphragms instead of their chests. Have them place their hands on their stomachs and tell them to direct air so their stomachs rise. Have the kids count when they breathe. Have them inhale for 4 counts and then exhale for 4 counts. Find a note that comes naturally. Have the child sing something like "la" or "ah" and figure out what their natural pitch is. Use a pitch gauge to measure their pitch. You can also play a few notes on a piano or other instrument to find a note near the child's range. Use the note as a base to explore scales. Once each child has their starting point, you can use this as a basis to explore common beginning scales. Walk them through a basic A/B/C scale, using a recording of scales to help. Start near the child's natural range and have them move up and down the scale as needed. Don't worry if the child does not hit notes perfectly right away. The point is to get a rough feel of their pitch. You can work on accuracy later. Illustrate scales and pitch with visuals. Children respond to visual cues. Raise your hand up and down to instruct a child to raise and lower their pitch. You can also try using body parts to teach the do-re-mi scale. For example, place your hands on your knees for "do," move your hands to your thighs for "re" and so on. Illustrate tone and pitch through singing. If you have a good singing voice, sing to illustrate tone and pitch. If you're teaching children, you can sing songs you're teaching first. If you're a parent, make singing a daily part of your routine. Sing throughout the day and sing your child lullabies each night. If you're not a singer yourself, you can always play the child songs by talented vocalists. If you're a teacher, encourage parents to sing to their kids at home. Start with simple songs. You can look up age-appropriate songs online and even purchase song books for various age groups at a local bookstore. Children can benefit from learning simple classics, like "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "Mary Had A Little Lamb." These songs have simple words and melodies that teach the basics. If you're a parent, download recordings of such songs online. Play them in the background while the kids are playing or doing chores to bring music into their lives. Play pitch matching games. Sing a note like "la" and have the children repeat the note to you. Keep singing back and forth until they begin hitting the note. Sing a variety of notes across basic scales. This kind of imitation game helps children learn how to recognize tone and maneuver their voices to match it. It can help to use a pitch gauge to make sure everyone is in tune. To keep children invested, offer small rewards during the game. You can hand out stickers when the kids match the pitch, for instance. Use call and echo songs. Call and echo songs are songs that involve children responding to prompts from a song's leader. The speaker may repeat the words back exactly or add an embellishment like "La-dee-da." These can be great songs to teach children to sing in tune. Many songbooks for young children contain these types of songs. Examples include things like "Camp Town Races," "I Met a Bear," and "The Green Grass Grew All Around." Have the kids make up songs. Get a little silly and fun by telling your singing pupils to make up songs themselves. Kids can sing songs about magic worlds, tiresome chores, fantastic eating, and more. You can have them use familiar tunes from classic childhood favorites or make up their own tunes. This is another way to expose children to music regularly, letting them learn about singing naturally throughout their day to day lives. If you're teaching a class, try asking the kids to make up their own songs in teams. Enroll the child in extracurriculars involving singing. Many schools offer extracurriculars for free, so take advantage of this. If the child's school has a choir, encourage the child to enroll. If a child can pick optional classes for a given semester, encourage them to take classes that involve singing. Extracurriculars don't always have to be directly related to singing. Things like band and even a music appreciate course can help develop the child's singing skills. Hire a voice teacher. If it's within your budget, search online for local voice teachers. It can be hard to teach children the technical aspects of singing if you're not professionally trained. A personal voice teacher can be invaluable when it comes to teaching children to sing. Look for a voice teacher with experience working with children. Children respond to different teaching methods than adults, so they'll benefit from a teacher who knows how to talk to kids. Look for online lessons. Online lessons are often cheaper than professional voice teachers. You can buy access to an online course that will provide with materials you can teach. Online courses sometimes also include occasional evaluations from a real instructor via things like Skype. Have the child join a choir. Look for children's choirs in your area and consider having the child sign up. If the child's church has a children's choir, for example, have them enroll. Singing with other children, under the direction of a professional, can really help the child hone their singing skills. | Warm up with yawning. Practice breathing. Find a note that comes naturally. Use the note as a base to explore scales. Illustrate scales and pitch with visuals. Illustrate tone and pitch through singing. Start with simple songs. Play pitch matching games. Use call and echo songs. Have the kids make up songs. Enroll the child in extracurriculars involving singing. Hire a voice teacher. Look for online lessons. Have the child join a choir. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Lose-Weight-in-Two-Weeks | How to Lose Weight in Two Weeks | To lose weight in 2 weeks, focus on eating lean protein, like fish and chicken, as well as fruits and vegetables. Try to avoid foods that are high in sugar, salt, and carbohydrates since they'll make it harder to lose weight. In addition to eating healthier, try to exercise for 1 hour every day, even if it's just going for a long walk after riding your bike. You can also do more intensive exercises, like running or lifting weights. | Reduce calorie consumption. Most of us can reduce caloric intake very easily by making some small changes to our diet. Reducing portions, switching to lower fat products and eliminating sources of extra calories can make a big difference. Here are some ideas: Eat smaller meals. Put low fat or skim milk in your coffee or tea. Make a sandwich with mustard instead of mayonnaise. Drizzle, rather than pour salad dressing onto your salads. Order or serve gravies and sauces on the side and dip your food in them, rather than eating them poured over your food. Skip the sauces and go for grilled meats, steamed vegetables, oil and vinegar dressings on salads. Drink plenty of water. Drinking a lot of water will aid in the overall process of weight loss. Water will help flush your system and keep your digestive system regular - all of which are important if you want to lose weight. It will also keep you hydrated which will be important if you are exercising as part of your weight loss plan. Not to mention, you will lose water weight, which is water that has been retained in the body unnecessarily. Staying hydrated will give you energy and help keep you vibrant. Drinking water is important if you will be exercising to lose weight. Drinking plenty of water will help you keep regular bowel movements, which in turn will help you lose weight and stay healthy. Multiply your weight in pounds by.66 to determine how much water (ounces) to drink daily. Then add 12 ounces (350 ml) of water for every 30 minutes you exercise or work out. Reduce your carbohydrate intake. Limiting your carb consumption will help you lose weight, too. Carbohydrates break down quickly in our bodies, leaving us feeling hungry again after only a short period of time. They also signal our bodies to store fat. Both of these are counterproductive to weight loss. It's hard to completely eliminate carbs, so try reducing them rather than not eating any. Avoid excessive amounts of bread. Consume only one serving a day of cereal. Limit potatoes, rice, and corn. Be careful. A low carb diet can be harmful to people with certain health problems. Don't stay on a low carb diet for a long period of time without consulting your doctor. Consume lean protein. Protein will be one of your biggest friends when trying to lose weight in two weeks. This is because your body requires more energy to process protein than carbs. So you'll be working to use calories without even knowing it. It is also because protein helps you feel fuller for longer. When choosing protein to eat, consider: Fish. Lean red meat with little fat. Venison or other game. Chicken Turkey (white meat) Legumes Any meat or protein that is low fat. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Eating more fruits and vegetables will help you lose weight quickly. Both fruits and vegetables keep you feeling full longer, so you won't be hungry as often. They're also packed with micronutrients your body needs to stay healthy, and vegetables have lots of fiber to keep you regular. As a result, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will help you lose weight. Here are some other ideas: At meal times, fill up at least half of your plate with vegetables. Snack on carrots, cherry tomatoes or other veggies. Add spinach, sliced cucumber or sliced bell pepper to your turkey sandwich. Consider apples, berries, bananas, or other fruits. Reduce your sugar intake. Sugar is naturally present in many foods that are good for you, like dairy products, vegetables, fruits and grains, so don't cut those out. Instead, eliminate the worst culprits: sweet baked goods, sugary cereals, fruit juices, soda and candy. Here are some other tips: Stop adding sugar to your coffee or cereal. Read labels carefully; sugar is added to many packaged foods, even ones you might not expect like pasta sauce, energy drinks and barbecue sauce. Remember that sugar goes by many names. You might find it listed on packages as high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, maltose, sucrose, dextrose, or corn sweetener. Cut out sodium (salt). Reducing sodium intake temporary can help us shed weight. Sodium causes our bodies to retain water, and water weight can account for 55-60% of your body weight. During the two weeks you are trying to lose weight, eliminate all the sodium you can from your diet. Here are some ideas: Don't add salt to your food. Look for salt-free seasonings if you find your food too bland. Eat as little processed and packaged food as possible - they're full of sodium. If you do eat packaged foods, choose low-sodium versions. Salad dressings and other sauces are often high in sodium. Omit these if you can, or use smaller amounts. Lowering sodium may help improve your overall health. Avoid alcohol. Many people consume a lot of calories from alcoholic drinks without even realizing it. Remember that these are empty calories and have no nutritional value! Moderate alcohol consumption is defined as one drink per day for women and two per day for men. During the two weeks you're trying to lose weight, try not to consume any alcohol. If you do, choose wisely. Here are some tips: One serving of spirits (1 ounce or 30 ml) is 100 calories, one glass of wine (4 ounces or 125 ml) is 120 calories, and one beer (8 ounces or 230 ml) is 150 calories. Choose simple cocktails - mixed drinks made with juices and liqueurs will have more calories than say, a vodka tonic. Make a spritzer with white wine and club soda. Try infused spirits - they are flavorful without added calories. Have a light beer instead of regular beer. Avoid drinks with sugar or other rims. Schedule time to exercise. If you want to lose weight in two weeks, you will need to get some exercise just about every day. You'll find greater success if you schedule time to exercise. Block off an hour each day for this purpose. Write it on the calendar or set a reminder on your phone, and treat it like any other appointment. Pick a fitness activity you enjoy. Even though you've scheduled a time to exercise, you won't exercise as much if you don't enjoy it. That is why it is important to pick an exercise you like. Most importantly, it should be a cardio activity that pushes your limits and challenges you. A good challenging cardio activity will help you burn calories and get your metabolism humming. Consider: walking, running, riding a bike, swimming, using an elliptical machine. Try to do about an hour of cardio each day for weight loss. If you are not accustomed to a lot of exercise, start slow, and work your way up to longer and more intense workouts. Perform interval training, alternating short periods of high-intensity exercise with moderate exercise - is a great way to burn more calories. Make yourself walk more. In addition to your chosen cardio workout, make sure you walk more than you normally do. This doesn't need to be a scheduled time, but rather squeeze walking in all day long when you can. Ultimately, walking is one of the best forms of exercise and experts suggest taking at least 10,000 steps/day to promote weight loss. Park at far end of the parking lot at work or the store. Get up and take a stroll around the office at least once an hour. March in place while you're watching TV. Use a cordless phone and walk around while you're talking. Take the stairs rather than the elevator whenever you can. Try to do some brisk walking, this will get your heart rate up higher than normal walking and burn more calories. Perform some light weight training. While cardio is the most important for losing weight in a short amount of time, you'll find that some light weight training will compliment cardio wonderfully and help put you on the right track for short-term weight loss and long-term fitness and health. Consider: Lateral pulldowns. Bicep curls. Push-ups Lunges Crunches. Create structure around meals. Healthy eating habits must be intentional - they don't just happen. People who plan for healthy eating are more successful at staying on track. Here are some ways you can do it: Make a meal plan each week that includes healthy meals and snacks, and stick to it. At the beginning of the week, shop for the foods you need for those meals, so you have no excuses for not eating according to your plan. Sit down and eat properly. Studies show that people who sit down at the table to eat from a plate will consume fewer calories than those who eat standing up or grazing from the package. Keep healthy and nutritious snacks with you. Bring them with you in your purse or bag, so you will always be able to make good choices. Aim to eat something every 3 hours in between meals. Cook from scratch. Eating out frequently is a surefire way to increase your waistline. Instead, by cooking meals at home you'll find yourself consuming far fewer calories. Try to make most of the food you eat at home from scratch; you'll enjoy the benefits of knowing exactly what's in your food, and you can avoid diet killers like added sugar and salt. Use less oils and butter. Use less sugar. Bake, broil, and grill food instead of frying. Watch less TV. Watching TV is a sedentary activity during which you get little-to-no exercise. Research shows that adults who watch three or more hours of TV a day are more likely to be obese than those who watch an hour or less. It makes sense: when you're watching TV, you're not engaged in healthy activities that have you moving around. You're more likely to be snacking, too. If you do watch TV, consider: Exercise while watching. Position your TV where you can see it from your exercise bike or treadmill, and enjoy your favorite show while burning calories. Jog in place or do jumping jacks during commercials. Hiding the remote. Make yourself get up to change the channel. This can reduce the amount of mindless surfing that we're all susceptible to sometimes. Finding something to do with your hands so you don't snack while watching. Sleep an appropriate amount of time. Sleeping is a very important part of good nutrition and good health. Your body won't be able to recover from exercise or metabolize foods as efficiently if you haven't had enough sleep. Fundamentally, not having enough sleep will tax your body and undermine your overall goal of losing weight and being healthy. Teenagers usually need between 8 and 10 hours of sleep. Adults usually need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep. Older adults usually need between 7 and 8 hours of sleep. If you don't get enough sleep, consider supplementing a night's rest with a nap. Make sure not to nap for longer than an hour at a time. Lack of sleep can cause you to gain weight. Too much sleep can make you sluggish. | Reduce calorie consumption. Drink plenty of water. Reduce your carbohydrate intake. Consume lean protein. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Reduce your sugar intake. Cut out sodium (salt). Avoid alcohol. Schedule time to exercise. Pick a fitness activity you enjoy. Make yourself walk more. Perform some light weight training. Create structure around meals. Cook from scratch. Watch less TV. Sleep an appropriate amount of time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-a-Kitten-to-Play-Nice | How to Teach a Kitten to Play Nice | To help your kitten become socialized properly from an early age, let it stay with its mother and siblings until it is at least 12 weeks old if possible. When your kitten is ready to start playing with toys, provide options like feather toys or fishing pole toys that the kitten can pounce on and attack. This will give it a healthy outlet for its hunting instincts. You can also offer small stuffed animals for your kitten to stalk and wrestle. While playing with the kitten, don't let it bite or pounce on your fingers and toes, since this could encourage aggressive play. If your kitten bites or scratches, take your hand or foot away immediately to discourage the behavior. | Keep a young kitten with its mother and siblings. A kitten should be kept with its littermates and mother for at least 12 weeks. A kitten can learn how to play nice most effectively from its mother and its siblings, so you need to give it time to get this education. When playing with its siblings or nursing from its mother, the kitten learns how hard it can bite before the others respond negatively and stop the behavior. A kitten that it taken away from its mother and siblings too soon will not have the advantage of this important teaching and learning period. Provide toys the kitten can stalk and attack. A kitten needs to play and explore the boundaries of acceptable behavior. In particular, stalking and attacking are behaviors every kitten will likely want to explore because they are part of the cat's innate prey drive. However, you need to teach your kitten that these are things it can do with toys and not with people. In order to do this, you will need to provide toys that satisfy this drive. A great toy that allows you to interact with your kitten and allows it to pounce, chew, and attack is a fishing pole type toy. These are typically sticks with a string attached to the end. At the end of the string is a toy that will grab the kittens attention. If you move the stick around, the toy will move and the kitten can try to attack it. Give the kitten a toy to wrestle with. If the kitten wants to wrestle around, you should not use your hands and arm to do that. Instead, get a small toy, such as a stuffed animal that is a similar size to the kitten, and rub that on the kitten's belly to promote wrestling with that toy. Allowing the kitten to wrestle with a toy instead of your hands will decrease the likelihood that the cat will clamp onto your hands and arms in the future when it is feeling feisty and wanting to wrestle. Don't encourage the kitten to attack your fingers and toes. While it may be cute in the short term to allow your kitten to pounce on your feet or hands when you move them, this sets the stage for this behavior to continue long term. Remember, behavior that you are reinforcing in your kitten is likely to continue for the cat's whole life. Instead, give your cat lots of toys and allow it to pounce and chew on those instead of your body parts. A small kitten's bite on your hands or feet won't hurt much, but at the kitten gets bigger its jaw will get stronger and those bites will get more painful. Set consistent boundaries. If the kitten begins to bite you or wrestle with you aggressively, you need to stop that behavior every time it happens. Having clear boundaries for nice play versus aggressive play is important when teaching the kitten the rules of behavior. Disengage whenever the kitten bites or plays too roughly. This sets limits and will eventually help stop the behavior. Without these consistent boundaries, the kitten will have no way of knowing what it acceptable and not acceptable from day to day. Look for signs of play aggression. Some kittens will get too riled up and move from innocent playing to aggression. If your kitten is doing this, then that behavior needs to be curbed before it becomes habit. In order to curb it, you need to be able to identify the signs of this type of aggression and disengage from play when they begins. Look for the kittens tail to be moving back and forth in a controlled manner, the ears to flatten down, and the pupils to begin dilating. If these things are happening, you need to disengage from play right away. If your kitten continues to stalk and attack even after you disengage from play, leave the room until the kitten calms down. In many cases you can also shock the kitten out of this state by making a loud noise, such as clapping your hands or dropping something on the ground. Disengage when play gets too wild. If you want to teach your kitten how to play nice you need to set boundaries with it. If the kitten is getting too excited during playtime and it goes to bite or scratch you, you need to let it know that this behavior is not okay. You can do this by ending playtime at that point and walking away. With repetition, the kitten will learn that the fun times end when it is too aggressive, and so they will avoid that behavior. Say "no" when discouraging bad behavior. A consistent verbal command is another way to let your kitten know that it has crossed a line behavior wise. This should not be an aggressive or mad sounding command but it should be done in an assertive in tone. However, you should never use physical punishment or lash out in anger at a kitten that is not playing nice. This is likely to make the kitten fearful, which can lead to larger behavior problems down the line. Use tools to discourage bad behavior. There are ways you can discourage bad behavior in addition to disengaging and saying "no." Try keeping a laser pointer or other toy in your pocket, for instance. You can use these to redirect any rough play away from you and to the toy. If your kitten is stalking and pouncing on you from under furniture, put a safety collar with a bell on it on the kitten. This will let you know what the kitten is doing and will allow you to stop the behavior before it escalates. Call the experts. Talk to a specialist if you've tried all of the above and continue to have trouble with your kitten. Start with your vet. Even if they're not an expert in animal behavior, your vet can still point you to someone who is. Ask your vet for about feline behaviorists in your area, for example. You might also try looking for resources at the local humane society. Try to address behavior issues quickly, while the kitten is still young. This gives you the best shot at preventing a long-term problem. | Keep a young kitten with its mother and siblings. Provide toys the kitten can stalk and attack. Give the kitten a toy to wrestle with. Don't encourage the kitten to attack your fingers and toes. Set consistent boundaries. Look for signs of play aggression. Disengage when play gets too wild. Say "no" when discouraging bad behavior. Use tools to discourage bad behavior. Call the experts. |
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