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https://www.wikihow.com/Go-to-Sleep-Fast-for-Kids | How to Go to Sleep Fast for Kids | Doing calm and relaxing activities can help you to fall asleep faster. Try counting down from 100 to relax your mind. You can also try taking deep breaths by breathing deep into your belly and slowly exhaling. Having a consistent bedtime routine is another way to make it easier to get to sleep. Start your routine 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Take a warm bath, put on cozy pajamas, and brush your teeth. It's also important to practice good habits that might improve your sleep. Only use your bed for sleeping, rather than for playing games, doing homework, or watching TV, as this can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Try to go to bed at the same time every night so that your body learns when it is time to go to sleep. | Count down from 100. It is important to relax your mind in order to fall asleep, so counting down from 100 may help. As you lay in bed, close your eyes and start counting backward from 100 in your head (100, 99, 98, 97, etc.). This exercise should relax your mind and help you to fall asleep. If you count all the way down to one and you are still awake, try a larger number, like 500 or even 1,000. Write in a journal. Writing in a journal is also a good way to relax your mind and start winding down for bedtime. Write about your day, your fears or worries, or anything else that you want to write about. Getting your thoughts down on paper may help you to let go of them and make it easier for you to fall asleep. Try getting yourself a special journal to write in before you go to bed each night. You can also use your journal to make a list of things that are bothering you or to write down questions that you would like to ask someone. Practice deep breathing. Deep breathing exercises may also help you to relax and fall asleep. To practice deep breathing, lie flat on your back and make yourself comfortable. For example, you can put a pillow or two under your knees and neck. Place your hands on your stomach (just below your rib cage) with your palms facing down. Keep your fingers close together. Then, take a long, slow deep breath into your belly. As you do this, your stomach should expand and you should feel your hands rise. After a few seconds, slowly exhale the breath and feel your stomach drop as you do so. Repeat this exercise for 10 to 15 breaths. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Progressive muscle relaxation is a relaxation exercise that helps to release tension in your body, from head to toe. If you are having trouble sleeping because you feel tense and nervous, then this may help you. To do a progressive muscle relaxation exercise, start by tensing the muscles in your toes and keeping them tense for about five seconds. Then, release them and allow your toes to relax for about 30 seconds. Next, move to your calves and repeat the same tensing and releasing pattern. Keep tensing and releasing muscles until you reach the top of your head. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Ask one of your parents to brew you a cup of some soothing herbal tea. Many herb teas can help you to relax and may make it easier to fall asleep. Some good teas to try include: Chamomile Peppermint Rooibos Fruit teas Plan to start your bedtime routine about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. It can take a while to calm down for the night and get your body ready for bed. By starting a bedtime routine about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime, your body will have a chance to wind down and relax. Take a warm bath. Taking a bath before bed can help to relax and soothe your muscles and clear your mind. Try taking a warm bath as the first part of your bedtime routine. Use your favorite bubble bath to get clean and soak in the tub for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then dry off with a clean, fluffy towel. Put on pajamas. Cozy pajamas can help you to feel comfortable and sleep better. Choose some pajamas that work with the season. For example, if it is winter and you are a little cold at night, then put on some flannel pajamas. If it is summer and you tend to get hot during the night, then put on something light, like a t-shirt and shorts. You can also do other things to make yourself comfortable. For example, if your feet feel cold, then put on some socks. If your room feels hot, then turn on a fan. Take care of other personal needs. After you have your pajamas on, you will need to take care of any other personal needs to make sure that you have a good night's sleep. Brush your teeth, wash your face, have a drink of water, and go to the bathroom before you get into bed. Play some soothing music. Music can help you to relax, so it is a great addition to a nightly bedtime routine. Choose something soothing, such as classical or jazz. Or you can listen to a few slow songs by one of your favorite musicians. Just make sure that whatever you choose is nice and relaxing. Dim the lights. Turning down the lights will help your body to release melatonin, which is a necessary sleep hormone that our bodies make. Keeping the lights on bright may interfere with your body's ability to release melatonin. You do not need to turn off all of the lights, but make sure that any lights that are left on are dim. For example, a small table lamp or a night light could offer some dim light to help you fall asleep. Climb into bed. After you have seen to all of your needs and made your bedroom nice and cozy, you can climb into your bed and start to relax. You do not need to go to sleep right away, but getting into bed may help your body and mind start winding down for sleep. Talk quietly or read a story. Sometimes you will feel ready to sleep right away, but other times you may need a little more time to get sleepy. If you don't feel sleepy yet, then talking quietly with a parent can help you to wind down. You can also try reading a bedtime story on your own or with a parent to help yourself feel sleepy. Use your bed for sleep only. Doing things other than sleeping in your bed can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Make sure that the only thing that you do in your bed is sleep. Do not watch TV, play video games, or do homework in your bed. Stop eating at least two hours before going to bed. Eating too close to bedtime can make it hard for you to fall asleep because your body is still digesting food. Try to schedule your last snack of the day at least two hours before bedtime. For example, if your bedtime is 9:00 pm, then have your evening snack at about 7:00 pm. Don't eat too much either. Just have a light snack. For example, try having a piece of toast or a small bowl of cereal with milk. Don't drink anything that has caffeine in it after 5:00 pm either or it may interfere with your ability to fall asleep. Stick to relaxing activities later in the day. Doing things that require lots of energy or that get you excited may make it harder to fall asleep at night. Participate in active play activities earlier in the day and do more low key things later in the day. For example, ride a bike, play a video game, or play soccer in the early afternoon, and then read and listen to music in the evening. Go to bed at the same time every night. Having a set bedtime can make it easier to fall asleep at night because your body will learn when it is time to sleep each night. Make sure that you stick to the same bedtime, even on the weekends. For example, if your weeknight bedtime is 9:00 pm, then keep that bedtime on the weekend as well. It is also a good idea to wake up at the same time every day. Get some comfortable bedding. A good mattress, soft sheets, and a comfortable pillow can all make sleeping easier for you. If your mattress is not comfortable, ask your parents about getting a new mattress or a mattress topper. If your sheets feel rough or uncomfortable, ask your parents about getting something more comfortable. Block outside lights and sounds from your room. If you live in a noisy area, you may want to start wearing earplugs or turn on a fan to provide some white noise. White noise helps to raise the noise level so that random noises will be less likely to wake you up. Ask your parents about getting some light and noise blocking curtains to make your room a quiet, dark space. Check the temperature. People tend to sleep better with a cool room temperature of around 65°F (18.3°C). Ask your parents if it is okay to change the thermostat so that it is closer to that temperature. You can also put a fan in your room to cool it down. Put up some pictures. Making sure that your bedroom is an inviting, friendly place can make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Try putting up a few pictures of your friends and family near your bed. Choose photos that make you smile and feel happy. Grab your favorite sleep companion. Sleeping with a security item, such as a doll, blanket, or stuffed animal, can make you feel safe and fall asleep faster. Make sure that you grab your favorite toy or blanket before you get into bed. | Count down from 100. Write in a journal. Practice deep breathing. Try progressive muscle relaxation. Drink a cup of herbal tea. Plan to start your bedtime routine about 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime. Take a warm bath. Put on pajamas. Take care of other personal needs. Play some soothing music. Dim the lights. Climb into bed. Talk quietly or read a story. Use your bed for sleep only. Stop eating at least two hours before going to bed. Stick to relaxing activities later in the day. Go to bed at the same time every night. Get some comfortable bedding. Block outside lights and sounds from your room. Check the temperature. Put up some pictures. Grab your favorite sleep companion. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Sleep-Apnea | How to Deal with Sleep Apnea | If you've noticed signs of sleep apnea, including excessive daytime tiredness, loud snoring, or waking up and feeling short of breath, contact your doctor to confirm your diagnosis. In the meantime, try treating your sleep apnea with lifestyle changes, like sleeping on your side instead of your back, and using saline nasal sprays or a neti pot to keep your nasal passages open. You'll also want to avoid alcohol and smoking, which can limit your breathing, and maintain a healthy weight. | Recognize the cause of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common than central apnea, and is most often caused by direct interference with the passage of air when your throat muscles relax, resulting in interrupted breathing. The muscles in your throat support structures in your mouth and throat that normally remain open to let air pass through, even when you are sleeping. The structures supported by the muscles in your throat include the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, and the tongue. When the throat muscles relax too much as you fall asleep, your air passages are blocked. This causes a 10 to 20 second lapse of time when the level of oxygen in your blood is inadequate for the amount your brain needs. Your brain wakes you up briefly in order to restore the passage of air. In many cases, the person does not remember waking up. This can occur as often as 5 to 30 times every hour, or even more, and continues throughout the night. Recognize the symptoms. Some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may overlap with those of central apnea. In most people, the cause of the problem clearly indicates one of the two possible types. Common symptoms that occur with obstructive sleep apnea include the following: Excessive daytime sleepiness that may cause you to fall asleep at work, while watching television, and have trouble staying awake to drive. Loud snoring, often loud enough to disturb the sleep of others, and is the loudest when you are positioned on your back. Observed episodes of periods of time when breathing stops. Waking up suddenly with a feeling of shortness of breath, often accompanied by a snorting, choking, or gasping sound. Waking up with a headache and/or chest pain. Difficulty concentrating during the day. Moodiness or noticeable changes in mood. Problems with insomnia, such as being able to stay asleep at night. Having high blood pressure. Identify the causes of central sleep apnea. While the symptoms are similar, the underlying possible causes of central sleep apnea are different. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain sends faulty signals to the muscles responsible for regulating your breathing. Central sleep apnea is much less common than obstructive sleep apnea and is usually related to another medical condition. The most common causes for central sleep apnea are medical problems associated with serious cardiovascular problems such as heart failure, disorders that involve abnormal functioning of your brainstem, or a history of a stroke. Some medications used repeatedly or in large doses can cause this type of sleep apnea. Opiates are the most common medications tied to causing central sleep apnea, as they send messages to the brain that disrupt and slow normal breathing patterns. Opiates that have been associated with central sleep apnea include morphine, oxycodone, and codeine. Note the symptoms of central sleep apnea. While the symptoms are similar and overlap with those of obstructive apnea, there are some differences. Symptoms associated with central sleep apnea include the following: Shortness of breath that wakes you from sleep. Shortness of breath that is relieved by changing your position to sitting upright. Observed periods of abnormal breathing, including periods when you stop breathing, while you are sleeping. Difficulty staying asleep often considered to be insomnia. Excessive daytime sleepiness that may cause you to fall asleep at work, watching television, or even driving. Daytime evidence of poor sleep including difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and mood changes. Snoring. Although snoring is also a symptom of obstructive apnea, it can also be unrelated to apnea. Implement lifestyle changes. Treatment options often begin with adjusting factors that may be within your control. Seek medical attention to confirm your diagnosis and get support for the important lifestyle adjustments you can alter to help treat your apnea. Avoid alcohol use, especially daily or excessive use. Alcohol significantly slows your rate of breathing. This causes the amount of oxygen that is available in your blood to be lower than normal. When you experience symptoms associated with sleep apnea, you want as much oxygen as possible to reach your brain. Do not consume alcohol within four hours of your bedtime. Stop smoking. People that smoke will have more trouble with their air flow and airway passages. Talk to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking. Products are available both over-the-counter and by prescription that can help you successfully quit smoking. Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, this may be the primary cause of your sleep apnea. Take steps to manage your weight in order to control your symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you need help with weight loss. Prescription products may help, plus your doctor can connect you with a nutritionist and possibly an exercise therapist to help you as you work towards your weight loss goal. Review your medications with your doctor. Be sure you doctor is aware of the problems you having with your sleep apnea. With your doctor's help, your routine medications can be adjusted to prevent them from aggravating your condition or causing problems. Sleep on your side. Try to avoid sleeping on your back to prevent snoring. Use extra bed pillows to provide support against your back and help prevent you from rolling onto your back during your sleep. Special pillows are available to help you rest comfortably while providing support to help you sleep on your side. Keep your nasal passages open. When you are congested or your nasal passages are blocked, this causes you to breathe through your mouth at night possibly triggering or worsening the apnea. Talk to your doctor about the safest and most effective way to keep your nasal passages open at night. Over-the-counter products, including some that do not contain any medication such as breathing strips, are available. Other products like saline nasal sprays or neti pots may work well for you to help your nasal passages stay clear at night. See your dentist. Custom-fitted mouth devices are available specifically for sleep apnea. The devices are made to fit in your mouth to keep your lower jaw and tongue in a position that keeps your airway passages open so you can breathe at night. This type of device may or may not correct the type of problem you have that is causing your apnea, so talk to your doctor first to determine if this may be helpful. Take steps to correct the underlying problem. With the help of your doctor, you may be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your apnea. For example, if you know that your tonsils are enlarged and are causing your apnea, then talk to your doctor about possible procedures to correct the problem. In people that are suffering from central sleep apnea caused by cardiovascular issues, working closely with the cardiologist to address and correct those problems can help to reduce the symptoms of their apnea. The same is true for people with diabetes. Taking good care of your diabetes, including steps to control weight management, can help to manage the sleep apnea symptoms. Clarify your diagnosis. To proceed with apnea treatment using CPAP equipment, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure, your diagnosis will likely need to be confirmed. The method used to diagnose sleep apnea is a polysomnography test, most commonly referred to as a sleep study. This is inconvenient but necessary to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of your apnea, and is usually required to support the diagnosis by your insurance company so they will assist in paying for the equipment. Proceed with CPAP treatment. Once you have completed your sleep study, your doctor will explain the differences in the available equipment. A CPAP unit provides a steady stream of air with enough pressure to prevent the tissues in your mouth and throat area from closing or collapsing as you sleep. Most units deliver a constant flow of air at the desired pressure level, which is adjustable and indicated on the machine. A newer method of delivering air pressure is called autotitrating positive airway pressure, or APAP. This type of unit adjusts automatically to the different breathing patterns of the person throughout the night. Many people describe the APAP equipment as being easier to get accustomed to and easier to tolerate. Some units available are called bilevel positive airway pressure, or BPAP. This type of unit is designed to deliver one level of pressure when the person is inhaling and another pressure level when exhaling. The most common CPAP unit weights about 3 pounds, has a tube that connects to the mask, and is compact enough to sit on your bedside table. The units have adjustable levels of pressure so you can begin with a small amount of pressure as you get used to the equipment, then gradually increase the pressure to the level your doctor recommended. Select the mask that suits your needs. Masks are available in different styles and sizes. Some masks fit just over the nose and others are designed to fit over the mouth and nose. Try on several to determine the size and style that is most comfortable to you. Adjust the fit. Be sure the doctor or technician shows you how to adjust the fit of your mask. A mask that fits poorly can cause skin irritation, sores, and may not function as it is intended. Get accustomed to CPAP. It may be helpful to wear the mask for a few hours during the day without being attached to the actual unit. Start with wearing the mask for fewer hours each night if you have trouble adjusting to it. Work towards keeping the mask in place with the unit on for the duration of your sleep time. Start with lower levels of pressure and gradually increase to reach the amount of pressure your doctor recommended. Wear the mask every night. Your sleep apnea is not being treated if you do not wear the mask with the appropriate amount of pressure. It is important that you wear your mask every night. Additionally, it is very important that you give yourself a 1 to 3 month time frame to become used to wearing the mask every night. If you wake up and find you have removed your mask or headgear, put it back on and continue to sleep. This is an imperative part of creating the habit of sleeping properly with your CPAP. Consider that more than 80% of sleep apnea sufferers discontinue using their CPAP within the first year due to not forcing themselves to create the habit of wearing the CPAP mask. Unfortunately, they may not realize the dire health consequences they could be facing, such as a heart attack, by not making this important life change. Wear the mask for at least 6 to 7 hours each night for the best results. Most masks are designed with convenient travel cases so you can take it with you on business or pleasure trips away from home. Keep your unit clean. Clean and maintain your equipment, including your mask, every day. Many units are equipped with computer chips that communicate the results of your sleep to your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the recorded information from your unit. Some units require that the chip be taken to your doctor's office or downloaded via a computer. Address any problems. The most common complaints of CPAP users include simple side effects that can be managed. Nasal congestion and dry mouth are common side effects. Many units are now equipped with built in humidifiers that help with these problems. Wear the chin strap that comes with your unit to prevent dry mouth. The chin strap functions to keep your mouth closed at night so you are breathing only through your nose. Consider surgery. Depending on your response to CPAP treatment, your success with recommended lifestyle changes, and the underlying cause of your apnea, surgery may be an option to consider. Surgery is done to correct any problems related to anatomy and specific to the individual. Examples of surgical procedures sometimes used to treat sleep apnea include structural correction for nasal passage problems, excessive amounts of tissue in the soft palate area, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids that are blocking the passage of air when you sleep. If surgery is determined to be an option, the procedure done will be designed specifically to correct problems associated with that individual. There is no general surgical procedure performed that is universally used to correct sleep apnea. Become familiar with risk factors related to obstructive apnea. While anyone can have obstructive sleep apnea, some conditions and characteristics make the condition more likely to develop. The more common risk factors include the following: Being overweight. As many as 50% of the people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. Fatty tissue deposits around the upper airway passages are thought to contribute to the problem. Having a larger waist size. While this factor is unclear as to the direct relationship to obstructive sleep apnea other than being overweight, it is considered a risk factor. Having a neck circumference greater than 17 inches in men, and 16 inches in women is associated with developing obstructive sleep apnea. Being hypertensive, or having high blood pressure. Having a narrowed airway in your throat. This may be due to genetics or you may have enlarged tonsils or adenoids that are blocking the passage of air. Being diabetic. People with diabetes are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea. Being a man. Men are twice as likely as women to develop obstructive sleep apnea. Being black and under the age of 35. In this age group, obstructive sleep apnea occurs more often in black people. Being between the ages of 18 and 60. While this disorder can occur in anyone at any age, it is more common in people that are between the ages of 18 to 60. Having a family history of obstructive sleep apnea places you at greater risk of developing the disorder. Being a smoker. Smoking puts you at higher risk of developing the disorder. Drinking alcohol. Alcohol use tends to cause the symptoms to worsen. Being a woman past menopause. Women who are past menopause have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea. Recognize risk factors of central sleep apnea. There are factors that increase your odds of developing central sleep apnea. While anyone can develop central sleep apnea, some factors clearly increase the risk. Some of the more common risk factors include the following: Males are more likely to develop this form of sleep apnea. Adults over the age of 65 develop central sleep apnea more frequently, possibly due to other medical conditions or natural changes in sleep patterns. Cardiac problems including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure are often linked to central sleep apnea. Brain tumors, a history of stroke, and conditions that involve the brainstem are associated with an increased risk of developing central sleep apnea. Sleeping at high altitudes may contribute to central sleep apnea. This tends to resolve once you relocate to lower altitudes. Realize the complications of both types of sleep apnea. Both obstructive and central sleep apnea can lead to complications, with the possibility that some complications may develop even if you are treated. It is not uncommon for some people to suffer from both forms of sleep apnea, or have one type develop after the first has been identified. The sudden changes in oxygen flow to the brain and other vital organs place a strain on the cardiovascular system. Consequently people may develop problems with high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease. Severe symptoms can lead to more serious consequences including coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and stroke. In people that already have a heart condition, repeated episodes of low blood oxygen can cause a sudden cardiac event and possibly death. Daytime fatigue can be overwhelming and can cause problems with functioning. Due to the frequent awakenings, your body is unable to establish the level of sleep needed, called restorative sleep, in order to be alert and well-rested during the day. People with obstructive or central sleep apnea are more likely to have problems with daytime concentration, memory problems, and mood changes. Some research has found a greater incidence of glaucoma in people that have obstructive sleep apnea. Another, but very important matter, is the disrupted sleep of your bed partner. Be sure your doctor or surgeon is aware of your condition in case you need a surgical procedure. The use of anesthesia can sometimes worsen symptoms for a short time following the procedure. Let your doctor know of your problems. Depending on your situation, some medications may need to be avoided that can cause further problems due to your sleep apnea. | Recognize the cause of obstructive sleep apnea. Recognize the symptoms. Identify the causes of central sleep apnea. Note the symptoms of central sleep apnea. Implement lifestyle changes. Avoid alcohol use, especially daily or excessive use. Stop smoking. Lose weight. Review your medications with your doctor. Sleep on your side. Keep your nasal passages open. See your dentist. Take steps to correct the underlying problem. Clarify your diagnosis. Proceed with CPAP treatment. Select the mask that suits your needs. Adjust the fit. Get accustomed to CPAP. Wear the mask every night. Keep your unit clean. Address any problems. Consider surgery. Become familiar with risk factors related to obstructive apnea. Recognize risk factors of central sleep apnea. Realize the complications of both types of sleep apnea. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Hold-a-Dachshund-Properly | How to Hold a Dachshund Properly | To hold a dachshund properly, slip 1 hand under its upper body to support its chest. Spread your fingers to support as much of the dog's upper body as possible. Then, place your other hand under the dog's rump to support the lower body. Slowly lift the dog while keeping its body level and its back fully supported. You can also transition to a cradle hold by shifting the dog's weight to rest on your forearm that's supporting the dog's rear. Then, tuck the dog against your body for added support. | Place one hand under the chest. Picking up a dachshund is different than the way you'd pick up other breeds, but it's not especially hard once you learn the right method. Start by slipping a hand under the dog's upper body to support his chest and ribcage. Don't lift up yet. Spread your fingers out so that you support as much of the dog's upper body as possible. The wider the area you can spread his weight over, the gentler it will be on his spine. Place your other hand under the dog's rump. Gently slip your free hand under the dog's rump — either directly behind it or just in front of the dog's rear legs to support its lower body. Get ready to lift up. Here, again, it is best to spread your hand to give the widest base of support possible. Slowly lift the dachshund, keeping his body level. Now, simply lift the dog up. As you go, try to keep the dog's lower body from hanging or drooping beneath his lower body. A little bending is fine, but you'll want to keep the dog's back as flat as possible to keep from putting stress on it. Continue to support the dog's back as you hold it. As you move around or play with your dachshund, make sure his lower back is well-supported at all times. Dachshunds aren't like other dogs — letting their lower bodies dangle is uncomfortable to them and can contribute to painful back problems (like slipped and ruptured discs) over time. Luckily, with a little practice, this should become second nature after a while. Eventually, it will feel "wrong" to pick the dachshund up in the incorrect way. Transition to a "cradle" hold if you wish. As long as the dachshund's back is well-supported and his body is fairly straight, it doesn't really matter how you choose to hold him. If you'd like the convenience of being able to hold your dachshund with one arm, try shifting to this alternate hold once you've picked him up correctly by following the steps above: Gently shift the dog's weight so that it comes to rest on the forearm of the arm that you were using to support his rump. Use your full forearm to support his weight. Tuck the dog against your body for added support and comfort. This should feel a little like how you would cradle a baby or hold a football. Use your free arm when needed to help the dog balance and keep him from squirming or wriggling free. To set the dachshund down, slowly lower him to the floor. If you've had experience with other dog breeds, you may be used to "dropping" or gently heaving them back to the ground when you're done holding them. With dachshunds, instead, you'll want to lower the dog all the way to the ground before letting go. As always, keep his back well-supported as you lower him down. Ideally, you'll want his feet to be touching the ground before you let go. As you'll read below, even a drop of a few inches can put stress on the dachshund's back and joints. Don't pick up a dachshund by his upper body. Many are accustomed to picking up dogs as if they were human babies by putting one hand under each of the dog's "armpits." However, this is unsafe for dachshunds. This puts an unnatural stress on the dog's back — the spine simply isn't built to support his long body without any other support. In general, you will want to avoid any sort of hold that supports only half of the dog's body length. This is true even if the dog is already standing on one set of legs — like, for instance, if he is propping himself up on his hind legs while looking over the top of a sofa. In this case, you'll want to lean down so that you can support his rump before picking him up. Never drop the dachshund back onto the ground. As noted above, dogs should be set down gently , not dropped. A dachshund's legs are very short compared to other dog breeds'. This means that they can't bend very far to absorb the shock of hitting the ground, which puts most of the impact stress on the leg joints and back. Getting rid of the dog's "fall" eliminates this danger. Don't trust your dog's body language here. Dachshunds don't know that their skeleton can't support falls, so they may be perfectly willing to jump out of your hands. Even if this doesn't cause them immediate pain, it can lead to painful problems if continued in the long-term. Never make a dachshund bend or twist when you pick him up. Dachshunds' long, slender spines are especially vulnerable to injury, which is why it's so important to keep their bodies straight when you pick them up. You will definitely want to avoid any activities that put a twist or bend in the dog's back, as this increases the stress on it and can contribute to conditions like slipped discs. For example, one way you might accidentally do this is by scooping the dachshund up suddenly when he doesn't expect it. If you startle your dog, he may wriggle or twist out of one of your hands, putting an unnatural bend in his spine as he hangs. Make sure your dog is calm and aware of you before you attempt to pick him up. Don't ignore any signs of distress from the dog. Dachshunds, like all dogs, are generally pretty smart about letting you know when they are in pain. If your dog looks or sounds uncomfortable when you pick him up, he probably is , so set him back down and re-evaluate the way you're holding him before you try again. Some signs of pain in dogs are obvious, like yelping, whimpering, etc. However, others a little more subtle. The following are nonverbal signs that a dog may be uncomfortable: Trembling (without another explanation, like coldness) Trying to get away Unnatural amounts of affection or aggression Holding the mouth closed (rather than having a natural, "happy" look) Show family and friends how to hold dachshunds properly before letting them play. Nothing's more frustrating than when you take the time to learn how to hold your dachshund properly, only for well-meaning relatives to come over and treat him like an ordinary dog. To avoid problems, be sure to educate any visitors about the proper ways to hold your dog before they play with him. This is especially true for children, who can sometimes be too rough with dogs by accident. It's a wise idea to supervise children when they first interact with your dachshund until you're confident that they know how to play safely. | Place one hand under the chest. Place your other hand under the dog's rump. Slowly lift the dachshund, keeping his body level. Continue to support the dog's back as you hold it. Transition to a "cradle" hold if you wish. To set the dachshund down, slowly lower him to the floor. Don't pick up a dachshund by his upper body. Never drop the dachshund back onto the ground. Never make a dachshund bend or twist when you pick him up. Don't ignore any signs of distress from the dog. Show family and friends how to hold dachshunds properly before letting them play. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Luggage-Easier-to-Spot | How to Make Luggage Easier to Spot | To make luggage easier to spot, try using a brightly-colored belt strap. Just wrap the strap around your bag so you can easily see it at baggage claim. You could try using stickers instead. Get hold of some bright colored or sparkly stickers and stick them on in an eye-catching design. For example, use lettered stickers to write your name or simply make a colorful pattern. Alternatively, attach a name tag with a unique design or bright colors to your bag so it stands out from other tags. You could also try using personalized patches or stickers that reflect your interests, such as your favorite sports team or musician. | Use a bright belt strap. You can pick up a belt strap at any department store. Opt for one in a very bright color that will be easy to see from a distance. Secure it around your luggage after packing so your bag will be easy to spot at baggage claim. Embellish your luggage with stickers. Pick up some stickers at a craft shop and use them to decorate your bag. Go for colorful stickers or sparkly stickers to make your bag especially striking. This can be a great project if you have kids. They'll enjoy the process of decorating their luggage and it will also make traveling easier. You can buy letter stickers and use them to write your name on your bag, which can help identify it if it gets lost on your journey. Decorate your luggage with bias tape. Bias tape is a narrow strip of fabric used for decorating. You can buy colorful strips of bias tape online or at a local craft store. Wrap bias tape around your luggage or glue bias tape in interesting patterns, like criss-cross patterns, along the tops or sides of your luggage to make it more noticeable. Tie or stitch on fabric or ribbon. Stop by a local craft store and pick up some decorative ribbon or fabric. This can be stitched on to your luggage or you can tie ribbons around the zippers and handles. This can make luggage easy to spot in baggage claim. If you see any sparkly fabric or ribbon, this can be a great choice as it's particularly noticeable. Tie a neon bracelet to the handle. Many jewelry stores, especially those for younger people, carry bright neon bracelets. These can be secured to the handle of your bag, making it easy to spot in a crowded airport. Opt for a bracelet that can be tightly wrapped around your luggage, as this will prevent it from breaking or falling off. Try a cloth, knit, or rubber bracelet, for example, over a plastic one. Old friendship bracelets can work great here. If you have several bracelets wound around a luggage's handles, especially brightly colored one, this can really help your luggage stand out. Opt for bright and noticeable personal tags. You can buy personal tags online or at some department stores. Look for personal tags that are a little more unique and noticeable. A brightly colored tag, or one with a unique design, can really make your luggage stand out at baggage claim. In general, go for bigger luggage tags as well. These will be much easier to see. You can also try a novelty tag. A novelty tag can be a tag personalized with your name or initials. You can also look for a funny tag, such as a tag shaped like a smiley face or emoji. Anything that's a little unusual or quirky can help your luggage stand out. Personalize your luggage with unique patches. You can buy patches at many craft stores online and then stitch them onto your luggage. A variety of unique patches, including a patch with your initials, makes your luggage easy to notice. You can use patches that reflect your personal taste and style. For example, if you're a horseback rider, have horse-related patches on your luggage. Look for lanyards or zip ties. Lanyards and zip ties are often sold in department stores. You can use one to attach a laminated piece of paper with your personal information on it. This way, not only will the zip tie or lanyard make your luggage more noticeable, it can be helpful if your luggage gets lost. Include a copy of your itinerary in your luggage. If your luggage gets lost, having a copy of your itinerary somewhere inside can help. Airport workers can figure out where your luggage was supposed to end up in the event it went to the wrong destination. Photograph your bags and their contents. Make sure to take photographic evidence of everything in your bag. You may need to recall the contents of your bag to airport workers to help them locate it in the event it gets lost. Make sure your bag has ID tags inside and out. Keep ID outside your bag in clear view, but make sure to keep ID tags inside as well. In the event an external ID tag falls, having a backup inside can help your bag find its way back to you if it gets lost. | Use a bright belt strap. Embellish your luggage with stickers. Decorate your luggage with bias tape. Tie or stitch on fabric or ribbon. Tie a neon bracelet to the handle. Opt for bright and noticeable personal tags. Personalize your luggage with unique patches. Look for lanyards or zip ties. Include a copy of your itinerary in your luggage. Photograph your bags and their contents. Make sure your bag has ID tags inside and out. |
https://www.wikihow.com/3-Way-Call-a-Person | How to 3 Way Call a Person | If you want to set up a 3-way call on an iPhone, start by calling the first person as normal. Explain to them that you're setting up a conference call, then press the "add call" button in the bottom left. Next, find the name of the friend you want to add and call them. Once you've explained to them that you're setting up a conference call, press the "merge calls" icon to connect everyone on one call. To speak to one friend privately during the conference call, press the > button and select the green "private" option next to the person's name. | Tap the green “Phone” icon. Call a friend. You may do this one of three ways: Press “Contacts”. Tap on the friend's name. Tap the phone button to the right of their number to make the call. Tap “Favorites”, tap on the friend's name to make the call. Tap “Keypad” and enter the phone number manually. Talk to your friend. Let them know you are in the process of setting up a conference call. Press “add call”. This icon is a large “+”. It is located in the bottom left corner of two rows of icons. Place the second call. You will have access to your contacts, favorites, and the keypad.) When the second call goes through, the first call is automatically placed on hold. Talk to your friend. Let them know you are in the process of setting up a conference call. Press “merge calls”. This will combine the two individual phone calls into a conference call. The “merge calls” option is located in the bottom left corner of two rows of icons. It temporarily replaced the “add call” option. Repeat this process up to three times. You may have a conference call with up to five people. The number of people allowed on one conference call varies by carrier. Add an incoming call. You may merge an existing call or conference call with an incoming call. To do this: Tap “Hold Call + Answer”. This will mute your current conversation and put it on hold. Select “merge call” to add the incoming call to the conference call. Speak to a friend privately. During a conference call, you may need to speak to just one friend. To do this: Tap > near the top of the screen. Tap the green Private to the right of the individual's name. This will place all other calls on hold. Press “merge calls” to rejoin the conference call. End one phone call. Tap > near the top of the screen. Tap the red phone icon to the left of the individual's name. Tap End. This will end the connection with that person while maintaining the rest of the calls. Press End Call to end the conference call. Tap the phone icon. Call your first friend. You may access their number through “Contacts” or “Favorites”. Alternatively, you may use the keypad to enter their phone number. Talk to your first friend. Let your friend know you are setting up a conference call. Select “Add call”. This will provided you with access to your contacts, favorites, and the keypad. This icon may appear one of two ways: a person with a “+” OR a large “+” with the words “Add call”. Place the second call. Select another friend from your list of contacts or favorites. Alternatively, you may enter the number on the keypad. Once the second call goes through, your first call is placed on hold. Talk to your second friend. Let them know you are setting up a conference call. Tap “Merge” or “Merge Calls”. Your first and second calls will combine into one conference call. Use the same process to add up to three people to your conference call. Tap the “Manage” to mute or disconnect callers. This feature is not available on all Android models. Tap “End Call” to disconnect the conference call. Other callers may leave the conference call at any time. Since they did not originate the conference call, their exit will not disconnect the entire conversation. Call your first friend. Talk to your friend. Let them know you are setting up a three-way call. Press and hold your phone’s flash button for one second. Pressing this button places the first caller on hold. This button is also called hook-switch, link, or recall. Your phone may not have a clearly labeled flash button. If you can't located this button, try one of the following options: Tap your cell phone or cordless phone's “Call” button. Quickly press your landline's receiver-disconnect button. Wait to hear three brief tones followed by a dial tone. Dial your second friend’s number. If your “Call” button doubled up as your flash button, press “Call” again. Talk to your friend. Let them know they are joining a three-way call. If they do not pick up, tap your phone's flash button twice. This will disconnect the second call and return you to the first conversation. If you get their voicemail, press * three times. This will disconnect the second call and return you to the first conversation. Press your phone’s flash button to merge the calls. Hang up to end the conference call. At anytime, one of the two people you called may hang up. You will remain on the phone with the other individual. To disconnect from your second friend, press your phone's flash button. You will remain on the phone with the first friend you called. | Tap the green “Phone” icon. Call a friend. Talk to your friend. Press “add call”. Place the second call. Talk to your friend. Press “merge calls”. Repeat this process up to three times. Add an incoming call. Speak to a friend privately. End one phone call. Press End Call to end the conference call. Tap the phone icon. Call your first friend. Talk to your first friend. Select “Add call”. Place the second call. Talk to your second friend. Tap “Merge” or “Merge Calls”. Use the same process to add up to three people to your conference call. Tap the “Manage” to mute or disconnect callers. Tap “End Call” to disconnect the conference call. Call your first friend. Talk to your friend. Press and hold your phone’s flash button for one second. Wait to hear three brief tones followed by a dial tone. Dial your second friend’s number. Talk to your friend. Press your phone’s flash button to merge the calls. Hang up to end the conference call. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Manual | How to Write a Manual | To write a manual, break the process you're trying to outline down into easy, digestible chunks so that readers can follow along step-by-step. Also, make sure your manual follows a logical sequence so that readers can do everything in order without having to skip around between sections. To help organize your manual, include a table of contents at the beginning so readers know exactly where to find the information they're looking for. | This is key. It may seem self-evident, but knowledge is the key to writing a successful manual. For example, if you're writing a camera manual, knowing that an f-stop and the shutter speed are not just 2 separate functions—they are—but knowing how they interact with each other will make it much easier for you to describe each function as it relates to the whole. Talk to experts. If your role is simply the writer rather than the subject matter expert, involve knowledgeable people throughout the process and make sure they review your work. Their knowledge and advice is invaluable. Try a hands-on approach. If possible, doing the thing you are writing about will, at the very least, give you a feel for what the user will want to learn. Read up on the subject. Learn to talk the talk, and become conversant in the product you are writing about. Manuals of similar products will show you how other writers have tackled the subject. Look for similarities among the writers, which indicates both common functionality and common approaches to describing something. Look for differences that stand out. Those are likely to be functions that are unique to a given product. Your product may or may not include those functions, or may have alternate ways of solving the problem that you can describe, enhancing the value of your product. While your job may be writing a how-to, showing the customers the value of their purchase is a great way to encourage them to continue reading. Devour trade magazines. Find out how the people who use the products work with them day-to-day. They may wish there was a function that solved their particular problem, and if your product is the solution, that needs to be highlighted. Break it down. Whether a simple step-by-step instruction sheet, or a manual for a 35mm digital camera, breaking it down into digestible chunks has several benefits: It lets you focus on individual parts of the whole. Your goal is to familiarize the user with how to learn the process. How to perform the function can be left for a tutorial at the end, if desired, or left for the user to discover on their own. Follow a logical sequence. It would do no good, for example, to describe how the flash on a camera works until you've shown how to attach the lens, load the film, turn on the camera, and adjust the focus. This is especially useful if you do not know the subject matter well. Use this as your template for your table of contents. Review your steps. Once you've defined the logical sections, review them to make sure everything is covered. Gather your supplies. Have the items that you're describing on hand and ready to use as described in the manual. If you're making a paper box, have paper, scissors, tape, glue, and a ruler handy. If you're writing about a camera, make sure your camera is disassembled. If possible, the product you're writing about should be back in the box at this point. Write the introduction. This will set the tone of the entire manual, and will give the user an idea about what sort of manual they are about to digest. Will it be light and amusing, or straightforward and no-nonsense? It depends on your readership. There's much more room for verbal play teaching children to make a paper box than there is teaching a doctor how to proceed with open-heart surgery. Establish the tone early and keep that tone throughout the manual. Perform each step as you write. Not only does this give your writing the air of honesty and authenticity, you also ensure nothing will get left out. If, for some reason, it isn't feasible to do the steps, think them through thoroughly and consult somebody who is an expert. Number the steps. This makes it easier for people to follow along, and to refer back to should they lose their place. If you're writing on paper, be sure to leave space for additions between each step. Remember to renumber your steps if you add more in. Include tips and warnings. As you're writing, you may realize that if the user performs a step carelessly, it could cause a problem. Conversely, if there is some bit of knowledge that will make the user's task easier or more interesting, add it in. Test it out. Using only your written instructions, do the thing you are writing about. Should you find places where your instructions are lacking, add in the necessary information. Repeat this step until you have all the steps and can do what you are teaching without having to add notes. Consider having a friend or two use the manual. Watch them closely when they learn how to use the product. See where they zip through it. See where they get lost, confused, or fail at the task. Listen to what they have to say, then adjust your manual accordingly. Proofread your manual. You don't want to send your final proofreader (be that your agency or your spouse) a manual full of glaring errors. Start at the top level. Once you have all the necessary steps detailed, go through your manual to find the obvious category heads. Title them, and note their locations. Write a Table of Contents, if applicable. Look at the way wikiHow is laid out as an example. The main page offers many section heads. When you access a section, it lists many subcategories, and the subcategories list articles. The more detailed your manual is, the more categories and subcategories you will need. ( How to Whistle needs none, How to Carve a Whistle needs a few, and How to Play the Flute needs many!) Proofread again. Yes, you did it thoroughly once already. Doing it a second time will undoubtedly catch a few more minor errors or places where your manual just isn't clear. For a more comprehensive manual, you can also take this opportunity to note all the small topics, and use that information to create an index. Select a title. | This is key. Talk to experts. Try a hands-on approach. Read up on the subject. Break it down. Follow a logical sequence. Use this as your template for your table of contents. Review your steps. Gather your supplies. Write the introduction. Perform each step as you write. Number the steps. Include tips and warnings. Test it out. Proofread your manual. Start at the top level. Write a Table of Contents, if applicable. Proofread again. Select a title. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-an-Oriental-Cat | How to Take Care of an Oriental Cat | To take care of an Oriental cat, feed it a low calorie diet since the breed is prone to obesity. Additionally, play with your Oriental as much as you can, since they're an energetic breed. You should also want to comb them a few times a week to decrease shedding, knots, and tangles, and trim their nails every 2 weeks. Since Orientals are a slim, short-haired breed that dislike the cold, try to keep your home at 68 degrees or warmer. | Comb your cat. While most Orientals are shorthair, they still shed all the time. Thus, you'll have to comb them frequently. By combing them, you'll remove loose hair, dirt, and ensure your cat has a healthy coat. Use a soft bristle brush. You can also use a stainless-steel comb. Comb your cat a few times a week. This is important, as you'll want to prevent your cat from having tangles and knots. Trim their nails. Like other cats, you should trim your Oriental's nails relatively often. This is especially true since most Orientals are indoor cats and do not have the opportunity to scratch and wear their claws down outside. Trim their nails every 10 days to 2 weeks. Be careful not to cut your cat's quick – the fleshy top part of their nails. Brush their teeth. Most vets today highly recommend that you brush your cat's teeth regularly. Without regular brushing, cats could suffer from periodontal disease – something that Oriental cats are highly susceptible to. Try to brush your cat's teeth daily, if possible. Use a toothpaste formulated for cats. This is important, as human toothpaste often has ingredients that are dangerous to cats. While you can use a toothbrush intended for small children, you can also buy one specifically designed for cats. Consult your vet about regular teeth cleanings done in your vet's office. Avoid overfeeding your Oriental. Because of their build and metabolism, Orientals are very susceptible to rapid weight gain. Thus, you need to be careful not to give them too much food at one time. Watch to see if your cat is becoming overweight. One of the best indications of this is the development of a potbelly. Be careful about your Oriental's weight, as their body type is not amenable to supporting extra weight. Overweight Orientals could develop a wide variety of muscular-skeletal problems as well as diabetes. Consult your vet about proper portions for your Oriental. Provide your cat with a food formulated for its environment. Because many oriental cats are indoor cats, you should provide your Oriental with a diet suited to an indoor lifestyle. This is important, as just feeding your Oriental any cat food could have a negative effect on their health. Indoor cat food usually has a lower caloric content. Some indoor cat foods are formulated to be easy on your cat's GI tract, aiding in digestion, and decreasing the odor that emanates from their litter box. Popular foods for Oriental cats include: Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition, Hill's Ideal Balance Canned Cat Food, and Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Kitten Instinctive. Don't give your cat human food. While many foods that people eat are safe for Oriental cats to eat, specific foods or methods of preparation (like frying) may cause issues for your furry friend. Thus, don't give your Oriental cat human food unless you are sure it is safe. Some common food that your Oriental cat should not eat include: The seeds of fruits Grapes Fried foods Many types of nuts Tomatoes The sweetener xylitol Chocolate Stay regular with your veterinarian. Orientals share many of the health conditions that afflict Siamese cats. Thus, you should learn about the many conditions that your cat could develop and make sure to keep regular vet appointments. Common conditions your vet may be able to catch in the early stages include: Asthma or bronchial disease Congenital heart problems like aortic stenosis Gastrointestinal problems Lymphoma Progressive retinal atrophy Neurological disorders like hyperesthesia. Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Take the cat to the vet to have the procedure done. Spaying and neutering prevents unwanted pregnancies. It can also reduce your cat's urge to roam or to mark its territory in your home. It is best to have your cat spayed or neutered by 4 months of age, but you can get the procedure done at any point over 8 weeks of age. Vaccinate your cat. Vaccinations will prevent your cat from catching major feline diseases like feline leukemia. Cats usually get their first vaccine at 6 weeks of age. After that, they need vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks. The last booster should happen no sooner than 16 weeks of age. If your cat has never had vaccinations, you can take it to the vet to start. If you bought your cat as a kitten from a breeder, you can call the breeder to see what vaccines they gave the cat. You can also call the rescue or shelter you adopted your cat from to see if they have vaccinated your cat already. Prevent parasites by using monthly medication. A monthly flea treatment, such as Advantage or Frontline Plus, can prevent your cat from picking up fleas. You might also comb your cat's hair with a flea comb once a month. If your cat is a kitten or a stray, your vet can deworm them for you. Provide your cat with stimulation. As relatively active and energetic cats, you need to provide your Oriental cat with stimulation. This is important, as cats that aren't stimulated could become antisocial or destructive. Interact with your Oriental cat as much as you can. Try to reserve play time before work, after work, and at night. Even five minutes of interaction before you leave for work will be beneficial to your cat. Consider adopting a second cat, if you don't already have one. Purchase toys like a scratching post, stuffed mice, or a fishing pole teaser toy. Be careful of the cold. Since Oriental cats are slim and very often have short hair, you'll need to be extra sensitive about the temperature in your home and your cat's exposure to cold. This is important, as shorthaired cats have a severe sensitivity to the cold. Try to maintain a temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius) or warmer in your home. Avoid letting your Oriental cat roam outside during the late fall or winter months. Consider providing your cat with a sweater during the cold winter months. Keep your cat indoors. Oriental cats are bred primarily to be indoor cats. As a result, you should keep them inside to protect them from a variety of dangers. Some dangers include: Predators, like birds of prey such as hawks and eagles. Cars. Theft. Get your cat microchipped. Microchipping is an increasingly popular way that pet owners can attach contact and medical information onto their pet. This way, if your cat gets lost, a veterinarian or animal shelter worker will be able to contact you. Talk to your veterinarian about implanting your cat with a microchip. Microchips typically cost between $10 and $50 dollars to implant. You'll also have to pay either a lifetime or annual fee so you can update your contact information with the microchip company. | Comb your cat. Trim their nails. Brush their teeth. Avoid overfeeding your Oriental. Provide your cat with a food formulated for its environment. Don't give your cat human food. Stay regular with your veterinarian. Spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Vaccinate your cat. Prevent parasites by using monthly medication. Provide your cat with stimulation. Be careful of the cold. Keep your cat indoors. Get your cat microchipped. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Congratulate-Someone | How to Congratulate Someone | To congratulate someone in person, offer your congrats on their accomplishment right off the bat and be sure to smile to show your sincerity. You can begin this statement by telling them how you heard about their good news, like through a Facebook post or from a mutual friend. Next, express how happy you are with a phrase like “I'm really happy for you!” For a heartfelt and genuine gesture, ask questions to learn more about their success, like the due date of their baby if they're expecting a child. | Bring up the accomplishment. Don't skirt around the issue when there's something to celebrate! Mention the reason that congratulations are in order right off the bat. If you want, you can tell the person how you heard the news. This will set the right tone and make it easier to say the right words and share in the person's excitement. Here are a few ways to bring it up: Craig, I heard the big news that you're engaged! How wonderful! Celine, your father told me that you scored more points than anyone else on the team this season. Lola, I just saw your Facebook post. I am so excited to hear that you're having a baby! Marcus, we just heard the great news that you were promoted to senior manager. Say "congratulations" with a smile. After stating the achievement, express your congratulations with a winning smile. The expression on your face is pretty important, because if you say congratulations with a serious look on your face, the person will probably think you aren't actually all that happy for him or her. If you're congratulating a close friend or relative, you can give the person a hug, too. If you're worried your facial expression won't come off the way you want it to, you might try practicing in the mirror at home before you see the person. Your tone of voice matters, too. When you say "congratulations," sound excited - not flat. Mention your feelings on the subject. If it's appropriate, you can follow up the word "congratulations" with an expression of how you feel. For example, you could say that you've enjoyed watching the person work toward his or her goal, or simply say "I'm really happy for you." Be as expressive as you want, keeping in mind that your tone of voice will really make a difference. Another way you could follow your initial expression of congratulations is by asking some questions about the accomplishment. If your friend is having a baby, for instance, you could ask about the due date, or ask if there's any way you can help out in the coming months. If you're expressing congratulations in a professional setting, especially to your boss or manager, it's fine to be a bit more private after you've expressed congratulations. Stick with the usual customs of your workplace; if people are generally friendly and effusive, say as much as you want. If you work in a traditional corporate environment, you may not want to go overboard. Try to make it heartfelt. No matter why you're congratulating someone, try to make your words and actions as genuine as possible. Of course, there are moments when it's necessary to congratulate someone when you're not feeling particularly happy for them, and in those cases you just have to fake it as well as you can. But try to remember that you'll have your turn in the spotlight at some point, and there's nothing wrong with celebrating someone else and trying your best to emanate positive vibes instead of nursing jealous thoughts. If you feel forced to congratulate someone when you really aren't happy for them, it might be best to send a note instead of congratulating him or her in person. You might not be able to control your facial expressions face to face. The person could be left feeling deflated, or wondering whether you're jealous. Send an email or card. In addition to saying "congrats" in person, you might want to send a congratulatory note. You could send a simple email or Facebook note, or write a message on a card you pick out from the stationery store. The note you write should include the basics - a mention of the accomplishment, the word "congratulations," and a few happy sentiments. This note is perfect for a relative: Dear Suzette, we learned that you and George are expecting a new baby this year. Congratulations! We are thrilled that a new member will soon be joining the Comer clan! We can't wait to see you at the Halloween party to hear how things are going. Much love, Betty and Pete If you're writing a note to a colleague, make it a bit more formal: Joan, I heard the great news that you were promoted to Chief of Staff. Allow me to express my heartfelt congratulations on this accomplishment. I know the company will change in very positive ways under your leadership. All best, Ryan To congratulate someone on getting married, it's okay to gush a little: Tim and Mary, from the moment I saw the two of you together it was clear you were meant for each other. You're an amazing couple, and everyone who knows you can feel the love you two exude. Congratulations on starting your journey together! I wish you many years of happiness! Love, Brenda Send a gift. If the occasion is special enough to merit a gift, something thoughtful and not too expensive is usually the right way to go. Choose a gift that lets the person know you want to celebrate with them and send it with a note of congratulations. You can't go wrong with flowers, whether you want to mark a professional achievement or a personal landmark. Food items are also usually welcome. Pick a universal favorite, like chocolates or fresh fruit. A bottle of wine or good bourbon might be a good choice. For a high school or college graduate, a small amount of cash will probably be appreciated. Spread the word. You can help spread the person's joy by telling other people the good news, so they can congratulate the person as well. Write a congratulatory post on Facebook, or get everyone in the office to sign a card. Before you decide to spread the word, just make sure the news is yours to share! Some people might prefer to keep good news private until they're ready to reveal it to more people. Celebrate with a party. If your best friend got into the college of her dreams, or your colleague is moving on to greener pastures, having a party to congratulate the person is a great way to show how much you care. It doesn't have to be a giant bash - you could hold an after-work gathering at a restaurant, or invite people over for pizza to celebrate. The person you're congratulating will never forget your kind gesture! Congratulate someone on a professional achievement. In the workplace, there will be many occasions for congratulating your colleagues on their new promotion or job. Remember to keep your company culture in mind when you choose how to congratulate someone at work. Don't be overly effusive in a formal office atmosphere - keep it professional. Here are some great ways to congratulate someone at work: Say "congratulations" in person, with a genuine smile. Write a brief and professional congratulatory note. If you're close to the person, you could take him or her out for drinks or bring a treat to the office for everyone to share. Share your excitement that someone is getting married. When you're congratulating someone who just got engaged or married, show some excitement for them! Give them a call or write a note on Facebook to tell them you wish them many years of happiness. If you're close, an additional gesture is probably in order: Send a card with a personal note congratulating the couple. Consider sending a small gift, like flowers or a bottle of wine. If the person is a colleague, have everyone in the office sign a card for the happy coworker. Consider throwing a shower if you're close to the person. Offer congrats to someone having a baby. A baby on the way is another sentimental occasion that should be marked with a genuine smile and hug. If your friend, relative or colleague announced a pregnancy, say congratulations in person and consider doing the following: Send a card. It's customary to do so, and you'll find many options in the stationary store. Send a gift. If you feel like it, you could send a little baby gift in anticipation of the birth. Throw a shower. If you're close to the person, you might be the right one to organize a baby shower. Congratulate someone for getting through a tough time. If you notice that someone has overcome some personal hurdles, you might want to show your encouragement and love by congratulating them. For example, maybe your friend just finished a round of chemo and found out that her cancer is in remission, or your aunt just finished getting her degree after many years of hard work. Figure out the gesture that best matches the situation. Sending a thoughtfully-written note is always a nice idea - especially when the person isn't expecting to get it. Taking the person out to dinner or out for drinks is a good way to celebrate a personal achievement. | Bring up the accomplishment. Say "congratulations" with a smile. Mention your feelings on the subject. Try to make it heartfelt. Send an email or card. Send a gift. Spread the word. Celebrate with a party. Congratulate someone on a professional achievement. Share your excitement that someone is getting married. Offer congrats to someone having a baby. Congratulate someone for getting through a tough time. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-an-Apple-Snail | How to Take Care of an Apple Snail | To take care of an apple snail, keep it in a 10-gallon tank that's filled with 2 inches of aquarium gravel or pebbles. Then, fill the tank with clean water, and bury a few aquatic plants in the gravel, like java moss or water wisteria. Next, hook up a filter to help keep the water clean, and set up a heater so you can keep the temperature between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Finally, let the tank cycle for 2 weeks before introducing your apple snail to it. | Purchase a 10 US gal (38 L) tank with a lid. Even though they are slow-moving creatures, apple snails will still need plenty of room to move around. Purchase a tank that is able to hold at least 10 gallons (38 L) of water and place it in a corner of your chosen room. A 10 US gal (38 L) tank will be able to house around 3 to 4 apple snails. Each additional apple snail will need around 2.5 gallons (9.5 L) of space, as will any other fish or creatures you want to add to your aquarium. Keep your tank away from direct sunlight or strong breezes, as this may change the temperature of the water in your tank and make it uncomfortable for your snails. Also, set the tank up somewhere out of the way where it can be observed without being knocked around. Ensure there is at least 1 electrical socket nearby, as you'll likely need it to power a heater and your tank filter. A tank holding 10 gallons (38 L) of water will be very heavy. Make sure it is sitting on something that can easily hold that weight. Cover the bottom of the tank with around 2 inches (5.1 cm) of gravel. Buy a bag of aquarium gravel or pebbles from your local pet store. Rinse them in a bucket or through a colander to clean away any dust, before carefully scooping them into the tank. Add enough gravel to form a layer on the bottom of the tank around 2 inches (5.1 cm) deep. Make sure your gravel or pebbles are smooth so your snails don't get hurt from sitting on them. Avoid painted rocks and pebbles, as these may contain chemicals that will be harmful to your snails and will often begin to flake after a few months. Use a small scoop or a bowl to lower the gravel or pebbles into the tank. If you pour the gravel in, it might scratch or damage the glass of your aquarium. Fill the tank with water. Place a small bowl or plate on the bottom of your aquarium. Use a large jug or a garden hose to begin carefully filling your tank with clean, fresh water. Pour the water onto the bowl or plate so it can slowly pour off the sides. This way the water being poured in won't disturb the gravel. Make sure your aquarium is properly placed before you fill it with water, as it will become very heavy and difficult to move once it's full. Decorate the aquarium with aquatic plants. Aquatic plants will help oxygenate the water of your tank, and decorations will give your snails something to look at and interact with. Plant a few aquatic plants, such as java moss or water wisteria, in the gravel at the bottom of your tank. Look online or at your local pet store to find some decorations for your tank as well. Try and keep around 1/3 of your tank free from decorations and plants. This will give your snails plenty of room to move around freely, while still letting them interact with your decorations. Your snails may try to eat the plants you add to your aquarium. This may be a sign that you aren't feeding them enough, but might simply be because your plants can be eaten. Try feeding your snails more food or more frequently to stop them from snacking on your plants. Otherwise, you may need to replace the plants more frequently, or with a variety that your snails leave alone. Add a filter to your tank. There are many different types of filters that you can add to your tank, but all of them will help balance the bacteria in the aquarium and keep your snails healthy. Purchase a tank filter online or from your local pet store and set it up in your tank according to the manufacturer's instructions. There are many different types of filters for tanks of all shapes and sizes. Research the different filters or ask at your local pet store for help in choosing the perfect filter for your home set-up. Leave your tank to cycle for 2 weeks. Doing a fishless cycle in your tank will let it safely build up the bacteria in the tank. Turn your filter on and let it run for at least 2 weeks, adding a small pinch of fish food each day to help balance the ammonia levels. Don't purchase any snails until you have left your tank to cycle for at least 2 weeks. Leaving your tank to cycle will allow the water in the tank to balance and make it safer for your snails when you add them. Check the pH levels of your water. Apple snails will thrive happily in slightly alkaline water with a pH level of around 7 to 8. Purchase a liquid pH test kit online or from your local pet store. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to test the pH level of the water to make sure it's in the safe range for your snails. If the pH level of your tank is less than 7, you can increase it by adding something basic such as baking soda. If the pH level of the aquarium is above 8, you can lower it by adding some driftwood. If you're worried about the pH level of your water, purchase a pH regulator online or from your local pet store and install it in your tank. Test the water for ammonia and nitrite. The bacteria built up in your tank's filter should help keep the levels of ammonia and nitrites very close to 0. Purchase an ammonia/nitrate test kit and follow the manufacturers' instructions to check the levels of ammonia and nitrate in the water of your tank. If the ammonia and nitrate levels in your tank are too high and need to be lowered , replace 25% of the water in your tank and leave the filter to run for another day. Test it again to check the ammonia/nitrate levels and repeat until they are low enough for your snails to live comfortably. Add a heater and thermometer to the tank to regulate the temperature. Your apple snails will be most comfortable in water that is between 75 to 85 °F (24 to 29 °C). To make sure the water doesn't get too cold, purchase an aquarium heater and thermometer. Install them in the tank and follow the manufacturer's instructions to turn them on and begin regulating the temperature. Let the heater sit in the aquarium water for at least 30 minutes before plugging it in and turning it on. Otherwise, the sudden shift in temperature could cause the heater to shatter. Make sure you install the heater with a drip loop. This is a loop in the cord that dips down before it reaches the wall socket. This will allow any water that runs down the cord to drip off onto the ground rather than going directly into the electrical socket and causing it to short-circuit. Place your snails on the bottom of the aquarium. Once your aquarium is set up and the pH level, ammonia/nitrate level, and the temperature are all in the comfortable range for your snails, you can pick them up and lower them into the tank. Place the snails on gravel bottom and leave them for 8 hours or overnight to adjust to their new home. Your snails will be too busy getting used to their new tank that they won't be ready to eat for at least 8 hours. Wait to feed your snails until at least 8 hours after you put them in the tank to avoid food sinking to the bottom and rotting. Feed your snails with blanched vegetables each day. Snails will eat almost anything, but they particularly love slightly blanched vegetables. Finely dice a mix of shelled peas, carrot, cucumber, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, or iceberg lettuce and cook them very quickly in boiling water. Wait for them to cool before sprinkling a small handful into the water. Feed your snails a small amount and make sure they consume all of it within 12 hours. Increase the amount of food you give them each day until they stop being able to eat all of it. Reduce the amount of food slightly and keep to that amount each day. If you notice food left at the bottom of the tank 12 hours after you feed your snails, scoop it out to prevent it from decomposing. If you notice this happening, reduce the amount you feed your snails in the next feeding. Add calcium to the water each week. Apple snails need additional calcium to be added to the water to help their tanks stay strong and healthy. Purchase some crushed sea shells, cuttlebone or shell grit online or from your local pet store. Add a small handful to your tank once a week to give your snails plenty of calcium. Keep an eye on your snails' shells. Any irregular growth or spots can be a sign that your snails aren't getting enough calcium. Watch the snails’ shells for signs of illness. As they are quite small creatures, it can be very difficult to tell if your snails are staying healthy. Normally, a snail's shell will be the main sign that something is wrong. Keep an eye on your snails' shells for any changes in color or irregular patterns that may indicate that they're ill. If you think your snail is ill, check the water quality to make sure it is still in the healthy ranges for apple snails. Check for white spots on your snail's skin, which could be a sign that they have a parasite. Consult a vet or look online for more advice on diagnosing and treating parasites on your snail. Remove any snails that pass away. Even if you take great care of your snails, they will eventually pass away. If you notice that your snail has stopped moving for a few days, doesn't stick to the tank, and begins to smell, lift it out of the tank and dispose of it safely. You could bury your snail somewhere in your garden if you want to give it a nice burial. Otherwise, place it in a small container and put it in your trash can. Wear gloves when handling a snail that has begun to decompose, and wash your hands once you have finished with it. Avoid adding fish large enough to eat your snails. There are plenty of fish, such as guppies and platys, that will make for great tank mates for your snails. However, a bigger fish may see apple snails as tasty treats if they can fit one in its mouth. Don't put any fish in the same tank as your apple snails that will be able to eat them. Loaches and catfish are both very predatory fish that will love eating your snails. Never put them in the same tank as an apple snail. | Purchase a 10 US gal (38 L) tank with a lid. Cover the bottom of the tank with around 2 inches (5.1 cm) of gravel. Fill the tank with water. Decorate the aquarium with aquatic plants. Add a filter to your tank. Leave your tank to cycle for 2 weeks. Check the pH levels of your water. Test the water for ammonia and nitrite. Add a heater and thermometer to the tank to regulate the temperature. Place your snails on the bottom of the aquarium. Feed your snails with blanched vegetables each day. Add calcium to the water each week. Watch the snails’ shells for signs of illness. Remove any snails that pass away. Avoid adding fish large enough to eat your snails. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Process-Payroll | How to Process Payroll | To process payroll, make sure you gather all of the necessary information for each pay period, including the rate of pay and the number of hours worked by each employee. Next, multiply your employee's hourly rate by the number of hours they worked to get their gross pay. Alternatively, if your employees are salaried, divide their annual salary by the number of payments you make each calendar year. Finally, deduct the appropriate amount for federal income tax before issuing the payment. | Instruct all employees to complete a W-4 form so that you can properly calculate federal tax withholdings on wages. This form is used to document the worker's filing status. You also use the W-4 form to calculate the number of allowances the employee wants. Both the filing status and the allowances impact the amount of federal tax withheld from wages. The worker's filing status can be married, single or head of household. There are several other variable that can impact filing status. The taxpayer's filing status impacts the dollar amount of wages withheld. A W-4 form includes a personal allowance worksheet. The employee calculates their allowances, based on the number of dependents they have. If the worker is married, the employee also receives an allowance if their spouse is not working. The more allowances claimed by an employee, the less federal tax is withheld from gross pay. Gather all of the payroll information for each pay period. As an employer, you may process payroll weekly, bi-monthly or once a month. Regardless of how often you pay, you need to gather the necessary records to compute gross wages. You need to maintain updated payroll records for each employee. While some companies keep spreadsheet records, you can operate more efficiently by using payroll software. Your records should indicate each employee's current salary. For hourly workers, you need to document the hourly rate of pay, including overtime pay. Payroll software can calculate which employee hours should be counted as overtime. Hourly workers should post their time using a formal timecard. You need a specific process in place to track the exact number of hours worked each day. Employers should be required to immediately post their time each day, so that your records are always current. Calculate gross wages for each worker. When you reach the end of a pay period, compute the gross wages owed for all of your employees. The calculations will vary, depending on whether the worker is salaried or is paid on an hourly basis. Use software to compute the gross wages owed to salaries workers each pay period. Say, for example, that an employee's annual salary is $52,000 a year. You process payroll 26 times a year (every 2 weeks). Each payroll period, the worker earns ($52,000 divided by 26), or $2,000 in gross wages. Assume that a worker earns a $25 per hour rate of pay for regular hours, and a $37.50 rate for overtime hours (overtime rate in the US is 1.5x the normal rate). Overtime is most often paid for all hours worked over 40 hours in a calendar week. For the most recent pay period, the employee worked 45 hours in week one and 40 hours in week two. You need to calculate both regular hours and overtime hours. The regular hour pay is (80 hours multiplied by $25 = $2,000). Overtime pay earned totals (5 hours X $37.50 = $187.50). The gross wages for this employee add up to $2,187.50. Determine the proper withholding amount for federal income tax. The primary method that most taxpayers use to pay their tax liability is through paycheck withholdings. Your employer submits the wages withheld to the IRS on your behalf. To find out more about many payroll tax issues, use this link: Calculate Payroll Taxes. Assume that you owe $10,000 in federal taxes on your $50,000 annual gross wages. Say that your employer has withheld $9,000 of that $10,000 liability. On a bi-monthly payment schedule this would appear as $375 withheld by your employer per pay period (a total of $9000 / year) with an actual federal tax liability of $416.67 per pay period (a total of $10,000 / year). All wage earners receive a W-2 form from their employer. This form documents your gross wages and your withholdings, including federal and state tax withholdings. When you file your tax return, you include a copy of your W-2. That W-2 will state that $9,000 in tax was withheld from pay. The worker files the tax return and pays the remaining $1,000 in federal taxes due. As an employer, you can use IRS Publication 15 (Circular E) to compute withholdings. Choose either the Percentage Method or the Wage Bracket Method and use the appropriate chart in the publication. Deduct other required amounts from gross pay. Employers are also required to deduct amounts for social security, Medicare, and federal unemployment taxes. Keep in mind that the employer must calculate each tax withholding for each individual worker. The business reports the information and submits payment to each taxing authority. Social Security provides an income to retired people and those who are disabled. The tax rate is 6.2% for 2015. Once an employee has reached a gross cumulative pay of $118,500, no additional Social Security tax is withheld. Medicare provides medical coverage for the elderly and people who are disabled. The 2015 tax rate is currently 1.45%. All wages are subject to this tax. Employers pay into both a state unemployment tax and a federal unemployment tax system. Both systems provide income to people who are out of work. You should pay the required state tax first. The federal tax calculation allows you to receive a credit for taxes you're paid into your state system Compute other deductions and submit payments to taxing authorities. Processing payroll can be difficult, because you have to report and submit withholdings to several different entities. Because of this complexity, you should strongly consider investing in payroll software. Many businesses hire a payroll company to handle payroll issues. You may find that hiring an outside expert can help you save and time money. A payroll company can make the withholding calculations and submit the net payment amounts to each worker's bank account. You supply the employee data and the company bank account you use to process payments. You may need to deduct additional employee items such as retirement plan contributions, health insurance premiums and charitable contributions. Keep in mind that some payments are deducted before taxes are calculated. Other amounts are deducted after taxes have been computed. All deductions should appear on the employee's pay stub individually, and are typically listed with values for both the current pay period's deduction and the cumulative "year to date" deductions for a given line item. Pre-tax versus post-tax deductions are usually noted as such and often appear in separate sections. | Instruct all employees to complete a W-4 form so that you can properly calculate federal tax withholdings on wages. Gather all of the payroll information for each pay period. Calculate gross wages for each worker. Determine the proper withholding amount for federal income tax. Deduct other required amounts from gross pay. Compute other deductions and submit payments to taxing authorities. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Toe-Cramps | How to Get Rid of Toe Cramps | To get rid of toe cramps, try massaging the muscles in your feet and toes, focusing especially on the arches of your feet. You can also stretch your toes by sitting on the floor with your legs in front of you and flexing your toes back and forth several times. Alternatively, prepare a foot bath with warm water and a cup of Epsom salts. Then, soak your feet in it for 15 minutes to increase blood flow to your toes and relax your muscles. | Massage your feet and toes. You can massage the muscles of your feet and toes to help relieve toe cramps. As you massage your feet and toes, pay special attention to the arches of your feet and the muscles between your toes that run along the top of your foot. It's best to massage your foot in the opposite direction of the cramp. If you feel a knot in one of the muscles in your feet or toes, use your thumb to apply pressure to the knot for three to five seconds and then release. Repeat the massage two to three times or until the cramp goes away. You can use a massage roller or tennis ball to roll over with your foot. You can use a frozen water bottle, providing ice relief at the same time. Stretch and wiggle your toes. Performing a simple toe stretch followed by some toe wiggling may also help to get rid of your toe cramps. Stretching and wiggling your toes can help to relax the muscles that are causing your toes to cramp. To do a toe stretch, sit on the floor or on your bed with your legs out in front of you. Then, flex your toes forward and hold for a few seconds. Then, pull them back and hold for a few more seconds. Next, spread your toes out as far as they will stretch. Try to spread out your toes enough so that they are not touching each other. Then, repeat the process of bending your toes forward and back. Spread your toes again and then start to wiggle your toes. Keep wiggling your toes until the cramp goes away. Sometimes stretching the calf muscles can also ease off the tightness in the foot and toes. Simply stand facing a wall, positioning one foot in front of the other — the affected foot should be the back foot. Lean forward in a lunge, feeling a stretch in the calf of the back leg. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Repeat four to five times. Hold a toe and foot stretch until the cramp is gone. If you find it hard or ineffective to stretch and wiggle your toes, then you may need a more powerful stretch. You can use your hands to help you stretch your toes and get rid of toe cramps. To stretch your toes with your hands, sit down with the cramping foot crossed over your other knee. Then, grab your toes and pull them back slightly so that you feel a stretch. Hold this stretch for three to five seconds and then release. Repeat this stretch until the cramp is gone. Soak your toes in a warm bath. You may also find it helpful to soak your toes in a warm bath or foot tub. The heat will relax the muscles in your feet and toes and help to increase blood flow. You can also add Epsom salts to the foot bath for some added relaxation. To use warm water to get rid of toe cramps, pour yourself a warm bath or fill a foot tub with warm water. If using a bath, then add about one to two cups of Epsom salts to the bath. If using a foot tub, then add a couple of tablespoons of Epsom salts to the tub. Immerse your feet in the bath or soak them in the foot tub for about 15–20 minutes to relax the cramps away. Go for a walk. Staying active can help to prevent foot and toe cramps and it may also help to relieve them. If you get a cramp in your toes, try going for a quick walk to relieve the cramp. Try to incorporate a few short walks into your daily routine to help prevent and treat toe cramps throughout the day. Stay hydrated. Toe cramps may be caused by dehydration, so make sure that you drink plenty of water. Try to drink at least six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water every day to stay hydrated. If you are active, then you may need to drink more. Take a multivitamin. You may also get toe cramps because of a mineral deficiency. One way to ensure that you are getting enough minerals is to take a daily vitamin that includes 100% of your daily value of vitamins and minerals. Make sure that the multivitamin you choose contains sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. A deficiency of any of these four minerals may cause leg cramps. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to take the supplement and talk to your doctor if you have any questions about choosing the right supplement for you. Eat a well-balanced diet as well to help prevent toe cramps. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein in your diet. Wear comfortable footwear. Uncomfortable shoes may also lead to foot cramps for some people. Try to choose low-heeled shoes with wide toe-boxes. Avoid narrow toed shoes that make it hard or impossible for you to move your toes. You should be able to wiggle your toes in your shoes. Stretch your toes and feet often. Stretching your toes and feet more often may also help to prevent toe cramps. Make sure that you stretch your feet, toes, calves, and legs before you do any exercise and before you go to bed. Try toe stretchers. You can also wear toe stretchers at night if you are prone to toe cramps while you sleep. Toe stretchers keep your toes separated from each other and help to stretch the small muscles around your toes as well. You can find toe stretchers in the beauty section of drug stores. They are meant to be used to keep toes apart during a pedicure, but they may also help prevent toe cramps. Perform strengthening exercises. Strengthening exercises can fortify the foot and tendons and muscles that act directly on the toes. One exercise is doing calf raises. Stand with your hands steady against the wall or a chair. Raise your heels up, hold for five seconds and then come back to neutral. Repeat eight to 10 times. You can also work on towel curls. Place a flat towel on the ground. Put your foot over the towel, and attempt to roll it up using your toes. Once you do, use your toes and foot to roll the towel back out. Do this exercise about three times a week. Keep your toes and feet warm. If your feet and toes get cold, then this may lead to cramping as well. Wear socks or slippers around the house and wear warm socks with appropriate footwear when you go outside. Try using a heating pad to warm your feet if warm socks are not enough. See your doctor if foot cramps are chronic or do not improve. Foot and toe cramps may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so you should see a doctor as soon as possible if your foot cramps continue for more than two weeks or if stretching and other remedies do not help. Some of the conditions associated with foot cramps include: Thyroid disorders Nerve damage Parkinson's disease Multiple sclerosis Vitamin D deficiency Diabetes Peripheral Neuropathy Take a pregnancy test. Foot, leg, and toe cramps are more common if you are pregnant, so you may want to take a pregnancy test if you have noticed an increase in these symptoms. If you are pregnant, then you should talk to your doctor about how you can manage your toe cramps. Ask about your medications. Some medications can cause foot and toe cramps as a side effect, so you may want to ask your doctor to see if your medication are to blame. Your doctor may be able to switch your medication or try a different dosage to minimize this side effect. Some of the common medications that have been known to cause cramps are diuretics and cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins. | Massage your feet and toes. Stretch and wiggle your toes. Hold a toe and foot stretch until the cramp is gone. Soak your toes in a warm bath. Go for a walk. Stay hydrated. Take a multivitamin. Wear comfortable footwear. Stretch your toes and feet often. Try toe stretchers. Perform strengthening exercises. Keep your toes and feet warm. See your doctor if foot cramps are chronic or do not improve. Take a pregnancy test. Ask about your medications. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Wire | How to Cut Wire | With the right tools and cutting technique, you can cut any wire. Use diagonal cutting pliers to cut any kind of wire. If you have a choice of tools, use lineman's pliers to cut or splice electrical wire, and long-nose pliers for small-gauged wire. If you're cutting live wire, make sure the electricity's off so you don't electrocute yourself. Whichever wire you're cutting, make a straight cut, directly across the wire with your cutters. Squeeze the handles gently so the end of the wire doesn't fly into the air and hit you. If the wire doesn't cut through in one go, just open the pliers and try again. | Use Lineman’s pliers to splice or cut electrical wires. Lineman's pliers have their cutting device on the side, and they are used for many different construction and electrical jobs. If you need to grip, strip , or cut any sort of electrical wire, this is the safest choice. Lineman's pliers are also known as “side cutting” pliers. Select long-nose pliers if you are cutting a small-gauged wire. Long-nose pliers have a slim, pointed end, and the ends of the pliers may be either straight or bent. These are often used to reach small wires or get into awkward places. Use these if you are cutting 8- to 24- gauge wire. Since they have a narrow tip, long-nose pliers also work great to bend loops into wires and attach multiple wires together. If you are cutting wire for a jewelry project or trimming guitar strings, this may be a good option. Go with diagonal cutting pliers for a standard, all-purpose option. If you don't have many tools but need a basic wire-cutter, this is the tool for you. Diagonal cutting pliers have a sharp, rounded tip, making them great for stripping and cutting wire. You can use these for nearly any type of wire. Diagonal cutting pliers are also widely used for removing pins and nails as well. If you want to cut a wire hanger, for example, this is a good option. Try end-cutting pliers if you want to make a close cut. End-cutting pliers have a short, stunted tip, which works great for trimming wire without taking much off the end. These work great for projects where you don't have much wire left over or if you need to splice 2 wires close together. You can also use end-cutting pliers to cut nails and rivets. Avoid using scissors to cut wire. It is best to use a wire cutter or plier hand tool rather than using scissors or a blade. Even a sharp pair of scissors may not cut through wire without damaging the internal metal. It is also easy to slip and cut yourself when cutting wire with a pair of scissors, since the blade may not grip the wire as well as a set of pliers. Wear safety glasses to protect against flyaway pieces. While you are snipping and stripping wire, pieces of the coating or the wire can fly up and pierce your eye. To prevent this, always put on safety glasses or goggles to cover your eyes. If you'd like, you can also wear protective gloves to prevent poking your fingers with the wires. While this is not required, it can be helpful if cutting lots of wire at the same time. Put your wire on a flat work surface so you can stand comfortably. Place the object you are working with on a table or countertop. You want to stand comfortably without having to bend forward or backward when you make your cuts. This way, you have less chance of injuring yourself. If you are leaning forward or backward and happen to lose your balance, you have a greater chance of hurting yourself with your tool or hitting your head. Shut down the power source if you have one before snipping any wires. If you are cutting electrical wires, audio wires, or computer wires, be sure to power down your device before you get started. If your device is still on, you could get shocked as you make your snips, or your wires can get damaged. For instance, if you are cutting the wires in your computer, make sure the computer is powered off before you begin. Unravel the wire from the spool if cutting new wire. If you are cutting a fresh piece of jewelry wire, barbed wire, or electrical wire, for example, find the end of the wire and pull it off of the spool to your desired length. This way, you can have a smaller piece of wire to size and shape as needed. Ensure your tools are clean, sharp, and in good condition. If the blade of your tool is dull or if there is a lot of rust, the tool may not cut the wire correctly. Also, wipe down your tool with a clean cloth before you get started. If your pliers or wire cutters are dirty before you use them, this can cause you to slip up as you make the cut. If your tools are not in proper working condition, do not use them. Additionally, apply a drop of oil to your tool every 1-3 weeks to keep them in good condition. The oil makes the hinge work better over time. Grip the handles of your tool properly and securely. Hold the pliers in your dominant hand so your thumb sits on top of one end of the handle and your other fingers fit around the other end. This helps you control the tool when making your snips. If you hold the tool incorrectly, you can slip when you make your cut, injuring yourself or damaging the wire. Bring the tool to your wire where you want to make your cut. Open the handle of your tool all of the way, and place your wire at the inner snipping section of your pliers or cutters. Place the wire in your tool so the spot you want to snip is exactly centered with the tip of your tool. The inner snipping section is slightly different depending on your tool. For instance, diagonal cutting pliers will have a diagonally-shaped blade. Make your cut at a right angle so you don’t damage the wire. For a clean, even cut, position your tool at a right angle after you bring the tool to the wire. This way, the blade of your plier or wire cutter can easily make a clean cut. If you do not cut the wire at a right angle, you may damage the wire and it may not work any longer. Apply force gently onto the handles to snip the wire. When you cut wire, it's best to slowly and gradually make your cut. Squeeze both sides of the handle together gradually so you do not use too much force. As you do this, avoid rocking your tool from side to side or bending the wire. If you cut the wire too forcefully, the tail of the wire may fly up into the air. If the wire does not cut entirely with 1 snip, open the handle of your tool and make another cut at a right angle. | Use Lineman’s pliers to splice or cut electrical wires. Select long-nose pliers if you are cutting a small-gauged wire. Go with diagonal cutting pliers for a standard, all-purpose option. Try end-cutting pliers if you want to make a close cut. Avoid using scissors to cut wire. Wear safety glasses to protect against flyaway pieces. Put your wire on a flat work surface so you can stand comfortably. Shut down the power source if you have one before snipping any wires. Unravel the wire from the spool if cutting new wire. Ensure your tools are clean, sharp, and in good condition. Grip the handles of your tool properly and securely. Bring the tool to your wire where you want to make your cut. Make your cut at a right angle so you don’t damage the wire. Apply force gently onto the handles to snip the wire. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Germinate-Cannabis-Seeds | How to Germinate Cannabis Seeds | To germinate cannabis seeds, start in late March or early April by soaking your seeds in distilled water for 24 hours. Then, moisten 2 sheets of paper towels with the water and lay them on a plate. Next, use tweezers to remove the seeds from the water and place them on the paper towels. After that, cover the seeds with 2 moist paper towels and a second plate, and put the whole thing in a warm, dark place. Check your seeds and re-moisten the paper towels as necessary until the seeds germinate. | Know the law. Recreational and medicinal marijuana use is legal in 4 states (Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington) and Washington D.C. whereas marijuana can only be possessed and used for medically prescribed purposes in 19 states. It is important you familiarize yourself with state laws and regulations before attempting home cultivation. In a search engine, type the "state name" plus "marijuana laws". Comply with state regulations and restrictions. Cannabis cannot be grown at home, and can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed physician from licensed dispensaries in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C. In Nevada and Arizona, you can only cultivate at home if you live 25 miles or more from a dispensary or receive a hardship waiver. Most states do not allow marijuana use for any reason by individuals under 21 years of age. How many plants you can grow (ranges from 0 to 24) or how much marijuana you can possess at a time (ranges from 1 oz to 24 oz; 10 to 60 day supply) varies by state. You can be fined or arrested if you do not comply. Most states require you to sign-up and pay a registration fee that can range from $15 to $200. Comply with federal laws. Federal laws supersede state laws. The Department of Justice continues marijuana enforcement under the Controlled Substances Act. It is illegal to grow or possess marijuana on public or federal lands, or distribute it to a minor. Comply with international laws. Countries outside the U.S. have their own laws and regulations when it comes to growing and possessing cannabis. Research laws in your country to avoid fines or even imprisonment. Countries where it is legal to grow cannabis include: Colombia (20 plants), Czech Republic (5 plants), Spain, and Switzerland (4 plants). In all these countries, cannabis can only be grown for personal use (medical or recreational) and cannot be sold or transported out of the country. Select the seeds you want to germinate. Cannabis contains over 70 cannabinoids that produce a psychoactive effect in humans, the strongest being delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinal (THC). THC is produced as a sticky resin on the surface of plants. Levels of THC vary based on: part of the plant (buds contain the most followed by the leaves, stems, and seeds), growing conditions, and subspecies. There are three subspecies of cannabis differentiated on the basis of cannabinoid content: sativa, indica, and ruderalis. Untreated or organically grown seeds will produce 50% male (staminate) and 50% female (pistillate) plants. Sativa and indica are the most common types of cannabis grown for recreational or medicinal use. Most plants grown today are sativa-indica hybrids. Indica hybrids are known for their pain-relieving and calming properties, and are good for growing indoors as they only grow 2-3 feet tall and have a diameter of 12-18 inches. Consider different growing methods. Growing cannabis indoors is notoriously energy inefficient and can increase you electricity bills more than 10%. Your seeds will have to be germinated indoors. However, if you plan on replanting outside, you should start your seeds by late-March to early-April at the latest. The growing season for cannabis in the northern hemisphere runs from early May to October. You want to give plants a headstart and gradually acclimate them to outdoor climates by growing indoors under fluorescent grow lights for 2 to 3 weeks after germination. Expect germination to take from 2 days up to 2 weeks. The benefit of growing plants indoors is that you can control temperature, light, and humidity, and they can be grown year-round. Additionally, most states require cannabis to be grown inside in a secure location. Obtain necessary materials. This method uses basic items found around your house, though you may have to purchase distilled water and pH test strips. Feminized cannabis seeds. 1 to 2 gallons of distilled (non-chlorinated) water. 2 clean dinner plates. 1 roll of paper towels. A warm, dark place to store seeds. Tweezers (do not handle seeds with your hands). pH test kit. Good potting soil. Seed tray with 1x1 inch cells or plastic cups. Compact fluorescent Lights. Grow light timer. Soak seeds in distilled water for 24 hours. To distill water at home, fill the container you will use to soak the seeds with tap water and let it sit in the open for 24 hrs to evaporate chlorine. You can also purchase distilled water from a grocery store or plant nursery. Test the pH of the water with pH test strips. It should measure between 5.8 and 6.5. You want pH of water and soil to be as close to ideal as possible to ensure proper germination. The seeds will float at first, but eventually sink. You can give the seeds a little tap with the tweezers to help them sink. If they still float after 24 hours, they might not be viable (able to germinate). Lay two sheets of paper towels over a dinner plate. Use distilled water at room temperature to moisten the paper towels. Drain-off excess water. Place cannabis seeds in center of moist paper towel. Use tweezers to remove seeds from water and place on moistened paper towel. Cover these with two additional moist paper towel sheets. Then, place a second dinner plate over the paper towels and seeds. This will help keep the seeds warm. Keep the seeds covered and store in a warm, dark place. Ideally the temperature should be between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit for the seeds to germinate. Check seeds and paper towels regularly. Re-moisten the paper towels as needed, making sure to drain any excess water. Plant your germinated seed. After about 5-6 days (though it may take longer depending on the variety) you should observe a small white taproot extending from one end of the seed. Fill a small plastic cup or seed tray with good potting soil and water until saturated. Use your finger to create a 1/4 in (0.75 cm) hole and drop your seeds in with the taproot facing down. Cover with loose soil - do not pat or tamp down soil over the seed. Use a spray bottle to ensure the soil remains moist, but not inundated. A sprout should appear within 4-6 days, and seedlings should have leaves after 10-14 days. Set tray or plastic cups with seedlings under a fluorescent (T5, T8, or T12) grow lamp positioned no closer than 2-4 inches above the surface of the soil. Set grow light to a 24 hour light cycle. Germinated seeds and seedlings require 24 hours. This can be reduced to 16 hours of light once the seedling produces leaves. Obtain necessary materials. Rockwool cubes are better at retaining water than paper towels, you can maintain a constant pH, and they are easier to transplant after sprouting. Feminized cannabis seeds. Set of 1 inch Rockwool cubes. Small pointed object such as a toothpick or clean nail. Metal or plastic tweezers. Waterproof tray to hold water and cubes. Tweezers (do not handle seeds with your hands). pH test kit. pH balancing chemicals (lime juice, pH Up/Down, Phosphoric Acid) 2-liter bottle with plastic lid. A warm, dark place to store seeds. Good potting soil. Seed tray with 1x1 inch cells or plastic cups. Compact fluorescent Lights. Grow light timer. Stabilize and hydrate Rockwool cubes. Rockwool has an alkaline pH of 7.8, which is too high for cannabis seeds that prefer a more acidic environment (pH 5.5 to 6.5). Fill a bowl with tap water or distilled water. Use test strips to measure pH of water. You may have to acidify (decrease the pH value) of the water by adding lime juice or pH down. Add this to water in very small increments (a few drops at a time) and remeasure pH with test strips. Repeat until you reach ideal levels. If the pH of the water goes below 5, you will have to discard it and start over, or increase it with pH Up. Soak Rockwool cubes in water for 1 hour. Remove Rockwool cubes from water. Do not squeeze or drain water - Rockwool is designed to maintain ideal air to water ratio for several days. Do not discard water. Pour into a 2-liter plastic bottle or spray bottle and reuse for watering. Prepare Rockwool cubes for seeds. Place soaked cubes in a waterproof tray. Some cubes come with preformed holes, but if not use a pointy object (clean nails work fine) to create a 1/4 inch (0.75 cm) hole in one side. Make sure the hole is wide enough for the seed to fit. Place 1 cannabis seed in each hole, use a toothpick or tweezers to gently push it down to the bottom. Cover the hole with a small piece of Rockwool to create a dark, moist environment. Cover tray with clear plastic dome or saran wrap. This will help maintain a humid environment by trapping moisture and retaining heat. Place covered tray with cubes 2 to 3 inches under a 40 Watt fluorescent tube. Leave the lights on 24 hours. It should take between 24 hours and 10 days for a sprout to appear. Place a thermometer neck to the tray, underneath the dome or saran wrap. Monitor the temperature, ensuring it does not go below 70 or above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Cannabis seeds do not require light until their sprouts penetrate the top of the cube. However, it is good to have a light source set-up and ready for when they do sprout - especially since you cannot monitor the seeds 24/7. Check Rockwool cubes 2-3 times a day. Re-moisten them with the pH-balanced water (stored in a 2-liter plastic bottle) if needed. Spray or trickle water onto the cubes until you observe it soaking through and coming out at the bottom. The cubes should be damp, not drenched. Transplant sprouted seeds. After 2-3 weeks, the roots should begin poking out of the Rockwool cube. You want to transplant your seedling before the roots begin to tangle. Cut 1 1/4 inch wide by 1 inch deep holes into a slab of Rockwool. Remove the 1 inch Rockwool cubes, being careful not to touch or damage the roots (you might want to use tongs for this part), and place in holes you already cut out in the big Rockwool slab. If the cube does not fit (too small), gently remove it and widen or deepen the cut. Do not try to force the cube into a hole that is too small. The cube should not sink down into the hole or be lower than the surrounding surface. It is better if the cube sticks out a bit rather than sinking in. This prevents water from pooling that can cause stem rot. Germinate cannabis directly in soil rather than hydroponically. Germinating and growing seeds in soil is beneficial in that it reduces the risk of damaging the plant after it has sprouted or transplanting as a seedling. You can purchase a propagation kit or create your own. You will need: Feminized cannabis seeds. Small peat cups. Waterproof tray to hold peat cups. 40 watt fluorescent grow light. Thermometer. pH test strips. pH balanced water (pH 5.5 to 6.5) in a spray bottle. Saran wrap. Select appropriate potting soil or create your own soil mix. Purchase a soil mix that is entirely organic, such as Sunshine Mix or Pro mix, as many commercial blends contain too much nitrogen or phosphorous. If you purchase a soil mix, check the bag to make sure the pH is between 5.5 to 7. Cannabis does not like alkaline (high pH) soil. Choose a soil mix that drains well. Mixes that drain well often contain a one-to-ten ratio of sand, sponge rock, or pearlite. You can also purchase pearlite separately and mix it in, or add porous materials such as rice hulls or pumice. You can also purchase a mycorrhizae mixture to add to store-bought soil. This is a fungus that is beneficial to plant root growth. If you create your own soil mix rather than buying commercial potting mix, it needs to be sterilized to kill fungus and parasites. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Fahrenheit. Fill a non-plastic oven safe container with unsterilized soil, making sure it is no more than 4 inches deep. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. Do not remove aluminum foil until ready to use. Fill peat cups with soil mix and plant cannabis seed. Once you prepare your soil mix, and sterilize it if necessary, use it to fill peat cups. Use your finger to make a small 1/4 inch (0.75 cm) deep hole in the center of the cup. Drop a single cannabis seed in the hole and loosely cover with soil. Place peat cups in waterproof tray. Using a spray bottle filled with pH-balanced water (between 5.5 to 6.5), moisten but do not drench the soil. Stop watering if you notice water seeping out of the cups into the tray. Use saran wrap to create a dome over the tray. You can place a cup in the center of the tray or use toothpicks to support the plastic dome. Once the seeds have been planted, place the covered tray with cups under a 40 watt fluorescent light positioned 3 inches above the tray. Leave on 24 hours until plants begin to sprout. Check soil 2 to 3 times a day to make sure it is moist. If needed, spray with pH-balanced water. Monitor the environment. Cannabis germination and growth can be affected by environmental factors such as moisture, temperature, insects, bacteria and fungi, and ultraviolet radiation. Set a thermometer next to the peat cups under the saran wrap dome. The ideal temperature for germination of cannabis seeds in soil is 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Once they sprout and produce leaves, you can decrease the temperature to 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If you notice insects, remove them manually with your hands as soon as possible to prevent an infestation. | Know the law. Comply with state regulations and restrictions. Comply with federal laws. Comply with international laws. Select the seeds you want to germinate. Consider different growing methods. Obtain necessary materials. Soak seeds in distilled water for 24 hours. Lay two sheets of paper towels over a dinner plate. Place cannabis seeds in center of moist paper towel. Plant your germinated seed. Obtain necessary materials. Stabilize and hydrate Rockwool cubes. Prepare Rockwool cubes for seeds. Cover tray with clear plastic dome or saran wrap. Transplant sprouted seeds. Germinate cannabis directly in soil rather than hydroponically. Select appropriate potting soil or create your own soil mix. Fill peat cups with soil mix and plant cannabis seed. Monitor the environment. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Injuries-While-Falling-Off-a-Horse | How to Avoid Injuries While Falling Off a Horse | To avoid injuries while falling off of a horse, be sure to drop the reins when you start to fall and push your body out away from your horse. Next, relax your muscles as much as possible and pull in your limbs so that you're in a tucked position. Then, try to land with your feet first, but if that's not possible, stay tucked and roll onto the back of your shoulder. Remember to roll away from the horse and keep rolling until you're right side up. | Decide to fall off when you need to. As a rider, your goal is to stay on the horse. However, at some point when you've run into trouble on your horse, you have to decide that you're falling and commit to it. If you feel like your horse is going down, you need to get off it. That means dropping the reins and preparing to tuck and roll so that you can fall safely. As you decide you're going to fall, kick your feet out of the stirrups to start getting away from the horse. If you hold onto the reins as you fall, you may hurt your shoulder or be dragged along the ground. Push out away from the direction your horse is falling. If your horse is falling to one side or the other, move your body the opposite way. Use the place between the horse's shoulder blades to push off with your knuckles. Move upwards, and bring your knee and heel up on the side where the horse is going down. Pull your heel up to your rear if possible so that it doesn't go under the horse. When the horse gets to the ground, use your tuck and roll technique to move away from the horse. Go as far and as fast as possible away from the horse. Land on your feet if possible. Even though you're going to tuck and roll, your goal is to land as much on your feet as possible, then go forward into the roll. It's not always possible to go feet first but take the opportunity when you can. Relax your muscles. Try to relax your body as you fall. Tensing up your muscles will severely limit your body's ability to absorb impact. It may take many falls to learn this habit, but you'll likely have less painful falls when you do. Tuck your body as much as you can. As you fall, pull in your limbs to protect them from the fall. If you put your arms out to break your fall, you may end up with fractures in your wrists and arms. At this point, hopefully your muscle memory will take over and help you keep rolling. Take the brunt of the weight in the roll. As you tuck, try to roll onto the back of your shoulder, then your back. Keep rolling until you're back to your front again. You may need to roll again to get away from the horse. If you don't land feet first, try to take the brunt of the fall on your thigh or the back of your shoulder. Do your best to avoid landing on your neck or straight on your back. Work on flat ground first. You can work in the riding arena if you want, or if you prefer, you can work on a soft gym mat to break the fall. The key is to perfect your falling technique while on the ground, not on a horse. By practicing a fall, you're getting it in your muscle memory. That way, when you start falling off a horse, you're more likely to fall safely. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Wear a helmet and safety vest while practicing. Stand up tall, and then cross your arms across your chest. This is the starting position for your falling practice. Your arms need to be tight across your chest so that you don't use an elbow to take the force of the fall, which could result in a broken elbow. Never put your arms straight out in front of you to catch your fall. You may want to wear a protective vest to protect your torso while falling. You can find them at tack stores and online. Go down on one knee and roll on your shoulder. When your knee hits the ground, start to tuck into yourself. Roll onto the back of the same shoulder as the knee that hit the ground so it takes the brunt of the fall. Bring your head and shoulders up as you roll, and you should hit the correct point on your shoulder. As you roll, try to do so at an angle from where you began. That way, you end up moving away from your horse. Use the rotation to get on your back. You're mostly rolling to the side with a little forward motion. As you come down, tuck your knees up to your chest by contracting your stomach muscles. This position will help you keep rolling. Tuck your chin into your chest as you move into the roll. Keep rolling until you hit your knees and feet again. Use the force you've created to roll back onto your front. You should end up on your knees, and you can use the momentum to get back on your feet. Practice this move over and over until you get the hang of it. Think of it sort of like a forward roll, except you move more at an angle. Work on the same movement off of a low vehicle like a golf cart. Have the driver go at a slow pace. Watch the ground and make the jump, bending your knees as you land. Tuck and roll like you practiced from a standstill until you are on your feet again. Practice this move until you're comfortable with it. Exercise most days of the week to get in good shape. While it takes time to get in good shape, the more fit you are, the better you'll be able to react in case of a fall. Plus, it reduces your injury risk and helps you heal faster if you do get injured. Work on strengthening exercises, such as ones that work on your core and building muscles. You could try things like pushups , sit-ups, and crunches , just to name a few. Aim for 30 minutes of aerobic exercise most days of the week, such as walking, swimming , or running. Wear a riding helmet every time you're on a horse. A riding helmet can make the difference between a slight headache and a severe concussion. Make sure the helmet fits correctly before you mount, meaning it's not too loose or too tight. Ideally, have it checked professionally when you buy it and return it periodically to have it re-padded. Choose a riding helmet certified by a safety organization. Look for helmets that state they meet ASTM/SEI standards. Don't use a bike riding helmet instead of a riding helmet. Bike helmets don't offer the same protection as riding helmets. Choose safe riding clothes. Opt for zippered riding boots fit well and are sturdy with a low heel. Any clothing you wear should be comfortable and allow you to move easily. However, don't wear anything that is too loose, as it can tangle with the reins and other parts of the saddle. Other types of shoes and tie up riding boots can get trapped in the stirrups, which can drag you along in the case of a fall. Plus, sturdy boots help protect your foot if the horse stamps on it. for the horse. Check that the tack is comfortable The horse could be uncomfortable or in pain if the saddle does not fit properly or if it is too far back or forward. If the horse is uncomfortable, it may misbehave by bolting, rearing, or bucking in order to escape the painful tack. Making painful tack more comfortable is an often overlooked way of resolving many behavioral issues. For instance, make sure the saddle isn't too far forward, causing it to hit the horse's shoulder blades as it walks. That makes the saddle uncomfortable for the horse. Check the bottom of the saddle before putting it on your horse to make sure it doesn't have any broken or rough spots that could be hurting your horse. Add a thick, wool saddle pad underneath the saddle to make it the most comfortable for your horse. Ride using a "soft" bit rather than a harsh bit. In other words, don't make the bit too tight. When the bit fits correctly, you should see a single wrinkle in the corner of the horse's mouth right above the bit. Look for a relaxed head and mouth to tell if the horse is happy. If it's not, it will toss its head and move its mouth around on the bit a lot. Harsher bits make the horse more sensitive, but that can actually make the horse harder to control, as the horse will over-respond to your commands. Plus, a painful bit can even cause a horse to bolt. Use safety stirrups and non-slip stirrup pads. Safety stirrups come in various designs, but all are meant to prevent your foot from becoming trapped in case of a fall. Some even break away from the saddle to help prevent your legs from being trapped. Even with safety stirrups, make sure you keep your heels down. It's better to be safe than sorry. Check for signs of pain. If your horse is acting up or displaying unusual behavior, take some time to examine it. Rub your hand all over your horse's body. If he shows signs of pain anywhere, have your vet check it. If your horse continues the unexplained behavior, ask for help from an experienced rider. Ask for a gentle, older horse if you're inexperienced. Don't try to ride the spirited horse if you haven't had much experience. In addition, work under the direction of a guide or instructor if you haven't ridden before, as you need to learn the ins and outs of riding. Stay with the herd when riding in a group. Horses like to be near other horses, and shy or timid horses can get upset if you lead them away from the group. Stick with the group, and your horse will be happier. Moving away from the group can cause your horse to buck or become upset. However, try not to ride too close together, as that can cause a horse to kick. Often, this happens when you get behind when you're riding with a group and your horse suddenly wants to catch up. It may panic a bit and rush headlong into the group, causing mayhem and possibly kicking. Maintain your balance. This skill is essential in all horse riding, and it will help keep you safe when the horse spooks or attempts a difficult maneuver. Push your shoulders back so you're sitting up straight and make sure your shoulders are perpendicular to your toes. Maintain even weight on each foot in your stirrups, except when intentionally putting weight on them. Always return to this position, even if you need to move around to make a jump or another maneuver. Never bounce around in the saddle intentionally. Not only could this cause you to lose your balance, this may make the horse rear, buck, or increase speed suddenly. Use the reins appropriately. Never jerk on your reins with more force than necessary. A sudden pull may surprise the horse and cause dangerous behavior. Instead, always use steady and gentle pressure when pulling on the reins. Keep your feet in a safe position. When in the saddle, push your heels down and keep your stirrups on the ball of your foot. In this position, you can easily slip your feet out of the stirrups. Slip your feet out quickly if the horse starts bucking or acting dangerously to avoid catching your feet and being dragged behind the horse. Go slowly on rough terrain. Slow down in areas without a trail. Unknown hazards could cause your horse to fall, bringing you down with it. If you're not sure about the area, rein in your horse to slow down. Keep in mind that horses like to race, so be wary of letting your horse go too fast. If your horse is abreast of other horses, it may try to go faster and faster, particularly if it knows its headed towards home. Slow it down to keep things from getting out of control. Keep control of the horse. If the horse isn't listening to you, you will have a harder time controlling him when he spooks. If you suspect the horse isn't paying attention, try "sponging" the reins by squeezing them in alternate hands. The bit will wiggle slightly, and alert the horse to pay attention. Stop if necessary. If your horse gets nervous when another horse passes by, when a plastic bag drifts by, or for any other reason, stop the horse. Let another rider know what's going on and attempt to calm the horse before moving. Pull the horse's head to the side to prevent it from rearing. If you react quickly, you can prevent the horse from rearing. As soon as it starts to spook, pull the head to one side with a rein and push the hindquarters out to the other side by throwing your weight the other way. Now the horse's weight will be on its forequarters, disengaging its ability to push off its hindquarters and rear. Never pull down and back. This can cause you or the horse to flip over. Try to stay on a bolting horse. If you lose control of the horse, do your best to stay with the horse's motion and to gradually slow and calm your mount. Most horses will eventually slow down and stop, even if they've been running wild. Hold on mostly with your thighs, using your own balance to stay with the horse's motion. Holding on with your calves can cue the horse to increase its speed. If there's no way you can stay on the horse, start planning to jump and roll. | Decide to fall off when you need to. Push out away from the direction your horse is falling. Land on your feet if possible. Relax your muscles. Tuck your body as much as you can. Take the brunt of the weight in the roll. Work on flat ground first. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Go down on one knee and roll on your shoulder. Use the rotation to get on your back. Keep rolling until you hit your knees and feet again. Work on the same movement off of a low vehicle like a golf cart. Exercise most days of the week to get in good shape. Wear a riding helmet every time you're on a horse. Choose safe riding clothes. for the horse. Ride using a "soft" bit rather than a harsh bit. Use safety stirrups and non-slip stirrup pads. Check for signs of pain. Ask for a gentle, older horse if you're inexperienced. Stay with the herd when riding in a group. Maintain your balance. Use the reins appropriately. Keep your feet in a safe position. Go slowly on rough terrain. Keep control of the horse. Pull the horse's head to the side to prevent it from rearing. Try to stay on a bolting horse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Smoke-in-Your-House-without-People-Knowing | How to Smoke in Your House without People Knowing | To smoke in your house without people knowing, open a window and blow the smoke outside so it doesn't linger in the room. If you have a fan or ventilator, turn it on to circulate fresh air. You can also place a damp towel against the bottom crack of your door to stop the smell spilling out. When you're finished smoking, spray an air freshener or light some incense to mask the smell. Then, dispose of your cigarette or joint end by wrapping it in toilet paper and flushing it down the toilet, in case anyone searches for evidence. | Open a window or fireplace duct. Before you start smoking, it's very important you give the smoke an exit to escape. Without an open window or duct, the smoke will linger in the room and your health will be at risk. Depending on the room you're going to smoke in, there should almost always be some window to open. A fireplace duct is an even better choice, as fireplaces are specifically designed to let smoke escape. It's not recommended that you try to smoke if the room you're planning on doesn't have some kind of access to the outside. Place a wet towel against the bottom crack of your door. Next, you'll want to make sure the smoke doesn't get a chance to escape to other parts of the house or building you're smoking in. The best way to do this is by placing a towel (preferably wet) along the bottom of the door. This way, the towel will block off the most obvious place for the smoke to get out. Making the towel wet does add extra protection against smoke, but it might not be a great idea if you're worried about being caught after the fact. Someone else might notice the wet patch on your doorstep and start asking questions. Turn on a fan or ventilator. The most important way to prepare before smoking indoors is making sure your room has excellent air circulation. Turning on a fan will disperse the smoke shortly after it forms. The particulars will vary depending on the type of room you're smoking in, but a tabletop fan will work well enough, provided you have it pointed at an open window or duct. Some bathrooms come equipped with special ventilators that clean the air by sucking up excess moisture and particles. If your bathroom has this or something similar to it, turning it on and aiming the smoke towards it could be a quick way to eliminate the smell and visible smoke both at once. Fill your room with another smell beforehand. Although you'll ultimately want to eliminate the smoke smell for good, another great way of dealing with it when other people are in the house is through masking the scent with another, more powerful one. There are a lot of potential options in this regard; the trick lies in figuring out which one best suits your situation. The most common method of masking scent is through using an air freshener. These 'room perfumes' will spread a mild, unintrusive smell designed to mute other odors in the air. Air fresheners are very affordable and easy to find. If you don't already own one, go to your nearest store and purchase one. Once you have it, make sure to spray all around the room, making sure to give attention to the ceiling, corners, and other places the smoke might linger. If you're in a bathroom, one effective trick is to put a bit of shampoo in the sink and mix it with some hot water. The shampoo's aromatic qualities will quickly fill the room, making the subsequent smoke that much harder to detect. Incense is another good choice, and one of the most effective when it comes to masking unwanted smoke. However, keep in mind that incense might raise eyebrows in certain environments, and some people might find the smell just as intrusive as that of a cigarette. Try smoking after someone else smoked indoors. If anyone living with you smokes, and you don't want them to find out that you smoke: try smoking after them, because the smell from you won't be as noticeable. Aim out a window. The most common method of smoking indoors is by finding a window and aiming your smoke outside. Not only will the smoke now have somewhere to go, you'll also have fewer issues with a lingering smell. The most common method of smoking indoors is to stand next to a window, leaning into it, and exhaling the smoke outdoors. The way you go about it will depend on the shape, position, and size of the window; anything is fine so long as the smoke is getting outside as fast as possible. If you have a portable fan, try putting the fan next to the window, aiming outwards. When it comes time to exhale, exhale into the fan from behind it. The fan's blades will subsequently hurl the smoke outside. If you're by a window and are looking to not get caught, you should keep an eye on your surroundings outside. If someone's outside, it might look suspicious that you're leaning out your window. Exercise alertness and caution. Minimize the risk of picking up the smoke's smell. Keep your hair out of the way. If your hair is long, it's a good idea to tie it back; that way, your hair won't pick up as much of the odor. While you're at it, you might want to take off any extra layers of clothing you might have. Anything you're wearing is going to pick up some of the smell, so it's a good idea to minimize what you're wearing before you smoke. Smoke. At last, you can enjoy your smoke! Beware, however, for anyone that might come in or see you while you're smoking. Any amount of time you have the smoke in your hands increases the risk of being caught, so try to keep the experience short and sweet. Make sure to have somewhere you can quickly discard your cigarette in case someone enters the room. If you're fast and fluid enough, you might be able to get rid of it without them knowing you were smoking to begin with. Be wary of others while you're smoking. This includes keeping both ears alert for sounds in other rooms, or footsteps that sound like they're heading to your room. If it's really important you're not caught, staying alert and on-edge may give you a few seconds extra notice, and those seconds could mean the difference between getting caught and getting away with it. Spray an air freshener once you're done. Even if you sprayed some air freshener before diving into your smoke, it doesn't hurt to give your room another round with it. That way, the freshener will be the most recent smell in the room, and others will have a harder time picking up the unwanted scent. Douse your cigarette under cold water. As you'll want to continue minimizing the amount of smoke your cigarette produces, the best way to put it out is through water. Hold the cigarette in your hand and gently douse it underneath a faucet. Make sure to keep the cigarette in your hand; if much of the ash falls down the drain, it could lead to clogging. Clean your makeshift ashtray. The definition of an 'ashtray' will depend on where you were discarding the ash while smoking. Often, a small plate or cup will work as well as a real ashtray. Scrub with water and a bit of soap until the ash is gone. If you were smoking out a window, it's likely you were dropping the ash out the window. This is a good idea in most cases, so long as you make sure not to let the ash hit the side of the building. If you do, the black trail from your window leading will be a telling sign you've been smoking, and the evidence is very difficult to clean up discreetly. Dispose of the cigarette. The best way to get rid of a cigarette discreetly is to flush it down the toilet. Before you flush it, make sure you've covered the cigarette in some toilet paper; that way, there's less chance of parts of the cigarette floating back up. If you're really cautious and are worried you'll be caught whilst disposing, you might prefer to seal the cigarette remains in a Ziploc bag. That way, the next time you go out, you can throw it out in a public trashcan. Wash your hands. Even when the cigarette is gone, you'll still have some things to do to make sure you won't get found out. Washing your hands thoroughly is a good start. Make sure to use a lot of soap. Washing with hot water alone won't be enough to rub off the smell. Brush your teeth. Just like your hands, your teeth will keep a lingering odour after you've smoked. You should make sure to brush your teeth for at least two minutes, with special attention given to the tongue and gums. If your breath is still bad, eating a spearmint candy or gum will fix any lingering smell issues. Have a shower. Showering is the most important part of post-smoke hygiene as smoke will linger on any surface it touches. Use a lot of shampoo and wash your body thoroughly. Pay special attention to your hair, as hair picks up smoke relatively easily. If you usually focus purely on the hair when you shower, make a note of cleaning arms, legs, and other parts that weren't covered by clothing at the time. With the right amount of soap and shampoo, a three minute shower should be all you need to kiss the bad smell goodbye. Get into a new set of clothes. Once you're out of the shower, you'll lastly want to get into new clothes. Even if you were diligent in getting the smoke outside, some of the odour will still find its way onto your clothing. Having a fresh pair of pants and shirt should suffice. It's recommended you tend to your own laundry yourself if you don't already. Someone else who is cleaning your clothes might still pick up the smell, even days after the fact. Stay cool and calm. While smoking indoors isn't stressful by itself, there can be a lot of emotional strain in trying to hide something from someone, particularly if you're close with them. If you're prone to any sort of anxiety or nervousness, you might find the secrecy triggers a bad reaction, especially the next time you're interacting with other people in the house. If you've finished your smoke and feel anxiety or guilt, remind yourself that you're through the worst of it. If you've followed all of the proper steps, other people should have no reason to believe you smoked in the first place! | Open a window or fireplace duct. Place a wet towel against the bottom crack of your door. Turn on a fan or ventilator. Fill your room with another smell beforehand. Try smoking after someone else smoked indoors. Aim out a window. Minimize the risk of picking up the smoke's smell. Smoke. Be wary of others while you're smoking. Spray an air freshener once you're done. Douse your cigarette under cold water. Clean your makeshift ashtray. Dispose of the cigarette. Wash your hands. Brush your teeth. Have a shower. Get into a new set of clothes. Stay cool and calm. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Paying-Alimony-to-a-Cheating-Spouse | How to Avoid Paying Alimony to a Cheating Spouse | While it can be difficult to find out your spouse was cheating, this may help you avoid paying them alimony. Look up your state law to see if adultery can disqualify someone from receiving alimony. If you're able to, hire an attorney, since negotiating alimony can be complicated. Keep in mind that to prove your spouse was cheating you'll probably need evidence. This could be emails or texts where your spouse admits cheating or a statement from the person who slept with your partner. If you're not able to prove infidelity, there are still other ways you can avoid paying alimony. For example, if your spouse is young, you were married for a short time, or they already make a fair amount of money, a judge may rule you don't have to pay. | Read your state law. In many states, alimony is discretionary. This means the judge can decide whether to award alimony or not, depending on a variety of circumstances. In about half of the states, the judge will consider “marital fault,” including adultery. You need to find out if your state considers adultery. You should research your state law. Search online for “your state,” “alimony,” and “adultery.” Consult with an attorney. If you can't find out whether your state considers adultery when deciding alimony, you should consult with an attorney. Only a qualified attorney can give you accurate legal advice about your state law. You can get a referral to a divorce attorney by contacting your local or state bar association. Call up the attorney and schedule a consultation. Ask how much they charge for a half-hour meeting. You should also consider hiring the lawyer to represent you. Although you can meet for just a half-hour meeting, you might be better off hiring him or her to handle the divorce for you. Ask how much it would cost. Discuss the role adultery played in your divorce. Although some states consider adultery when determining alimony, it depends on the circumstances. You should discuss your situation with your lawyer. For example, in Georgia, the adultery must have been the cause of the divorce. It isn't enough that your spouse cheated five years ago but you reconciled. Instead, the infidelity must have ended the marriage. Find financial reasons to oppose alimony. Your state might not allow a judge to consider adultery. However, you can still try to deny your cheating spouse alimony. Generally, judges consider the following financial factors: Income disparity. If your income is much higher than your spouse's, then a judge is more likely to award alimony. However, if your incomes are similar, you have a strong argument against alimony. Each spouse's future earning potential. Your spouse may not be working now. However, he or she could have a college degree and higher earning power if they got a job. A judge will consider how much your ex “could” make, not how much they do make. Your standard of living during the marriage. If your spouse became accustomed to a high standard of living, then the judge might award alimony. However, if you had a normal middle-class life, then you could argue that alimony isn't appropriate, especially when your spouse can maintain that lifestyle on their own. Whether your spouse stayed home to raise the children. If your spouse didn't forfeit their career for your family, then you can argue alimony isn't necessary. The contribution your spouse made to your career. A spouse who works to put another through school or helps start a business has a stronger claim to alimony. You should point out if your spouse didn't make any kind of contribution to your career. Identify other reasons to oppose alimony. In addition to finances, a judge will consider other factors when deciding whether to award alimony. You should try to cite as many as possible to argue against your spouse getting alimony: The length of the marriage. If your marriage was short, then you can argue that alimony isn't appropriate. Your spouse's age. Your spouse is more likely to get alimony the older they are. If your spouse is relatively young, you can argue alimony isn't necessary. Your spouse's emotional or physical condition. If your spouse is disabled, then he or she will have a strong argument for alimony. However, if your spouse is healthy, then you can argue alimony isn't necessary. Domestic violence. In California, for example, the judge can lower or eliminate alimony if one spouse has been convicted of domestic violence. Come up with other strategies. You might not be able to prevent alimony, even if your spouse cheated. Nevertheless, you should discuss other potential strategies with your attorney for making sure your spouse gets as few assets as possible. For example, your spouse might have used marital property to support a lover. In this situation, the judge can deduct the money spent on the lover from the amount of marital property your spouse will get in the divorce. Consider suing your spouse for a sexually-transmitted disease. If your spouse pick up an STD during an affair, then you might be able to sue him or her for personal injury if the STD was transmitted to you. You should talk about this option with your lawyer. Get an admission from your spouse. You need proof that your spouse has been unfaithful. Although you can tell the judge your suspicions, nothing is more powerful than evidence. In particular, you should try to get your spouse to admit to being unfaithful. If your spouse admits to cheating, you should write down the day and time of the admission. Because your spouse might try to walk back the admission, you should look for other evidence. Keep communications. Your ex might slip up and admit to adultery in an email or letter. You should hold onto these communications. You can introduce them into court as evidence. Talk to the alleged partner. You can also get evidence of adultery by talking to the person your spouse slept with. He or she might confirm that they slept with your spouse during your marriage. A partner is probably more likely to admit this if their relationship with your spouse has ended. Obtain other evidence. You don't have to videotape your spouse “in the act” with someone else. However, you need to prove that he or she had the motive and the opportunity to cheat on you. You can prove motive and opportunity by gathering the following: Photos of your spouse and their lover together. It would be ideal if they were acting in an intimate manner in the photographs. Phone records that show constant communication between them. Look for late-night calls or calls on the weekend. Witnesses who saw your spouse and their lover together. Credit card or bank records that show large purchases, hotel visits, etc. Find proof that your ex is living with another person. If your spouse has moved in with his or her lover, then you might be able to eliminate alimony altogether. Some states will prevent a person from getting alimony when they move in with a romantic partner. You can ask family or friends where your spouse is staying. You may need these people to testify on your behalf. Hire a private detective. You might need to hire someone to spy on your spouse. You should think about hiring a private investigator. This person can follow your spouse around and find out who they are spending their time with. Private detectives generally charge $40-100 per hour. They also charge for additional costs, such as mileage. You can find detectives in the phone book. Call one up and discuss the reasons for hiring them. Discuss the scope of the investigation and what kinds of evidence you want them to gather. Complete the divorce paperwork. You should probably be the person to file for divorce. You should pick up the forms required to file for divorce from the court clerk at the family law court in the county where you live. Often, these forms are posted online. Divorce can be “fault” or “no fault.” Almost all states have “no fault” divorce, which means neither party is to blame. However, about two-thirds still allow you to allege “fault,” such as adultery. If you have the option of alleging fault when you file for divorce, then make sure to select adultery. Some “no fault” states, such as Florida, still consider adultery when determining alimony. For this reason, even in a “no fault” state you should try to mention adultery in the divorce petition. Your spouse might have beat you to the courthouse and have filed for divorce first. He or she should ask for alimony in the petition. In this situation, you will be able to “answer” the divorce petition and explain why your spouse isn't entitled to alimony. Mention the infidelity and all other reasons. Send your spouse a copy of the paperwork. You have to file your papers with the court clerk. Make several copies. You also have to give your spouse a copy of everything you file in your case. This is called “making service.” You can generally make service of divorce papers by paying the sheriff or constable to serve them. You cannot serve them yourself. Depending on your court, you can also hire a private process server, which you can find in the phone book. They make service for a small fee. You might also ask someone 18 or older who isn't a party to the case to serve the papers for you. Prepare for the hearing. In a contested divorce, you will need to have a trial or hearing. You will probably have many preliminary “status hearings” and conferences as you prepare for your hearing/trial. At these, you will appear before the judge and hammer out issues that will allow you to prepare for trial. You may also have a chance for “discovery.” Discovery is the fact-finding portion of a divorce. In discovery, you can send subpoenas to people requesting documents, such as financial records. You can also have your spouse answer questions under oath. If you weren't able to get solid proof of adultery before filing for divorce, then you can use discovery to gather additional, helpful information. Get your witnesses lined up. You should identify your witnesses and ask them to attend the hearing. Tell them the date, time, and location. You may also send them a subpoena, which is a legal request to show up. You can generally get a blank subpoena form from the court clerk. Present your evidence. You can have witnesses testify and introduce documents to convince the judge that your spouse committed adultery. In many states, you don't actually have to prove that adultery happened. Instead, you need to prove that your spouse had the “disposition” and “opportunity” to cheat. To prove disposition, you can introduce evidence that your spouse showed affection publicly with their alleged lover. You can introduce photographs of them kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc. Or you can have witnesses testify that they observed this conduct. To prove “opportunity,” you should introduce evidence that your spouse was seen entering their lover's apartment late at night and not leaving until the morning. Alternately, you could show that they went away together and stayed in the same hotel. Cross-examine your spouse’s witnesses. Your spouse gets to try to prove that any conduct was innocent and not actually adultery. Depending on your state, your spouse may also argue that they are entitled to alimony even if adultery occurred. You should be able to cross-examine any witnesses your spouse has testify. See Question Witnesses when Representing Yourself for more information. Wait for the ruling. Currently, only two states allow jury trials in divorce proceedings, so your case will likely be decided by a judge. The judge should make a decision after hearing all of the evidence. If your case is complicated, then the judge may take the case under advisement and issue a ruling at a later time. | Read your state law. Consult with an attorney. Discuss the role adultery played in your divorce. Find financial reasons to oppose alimony. Identify other reasons to oppose alimony. Come up with other strategies. Consider suing your spouse for a sexually-transmitted disease. Get an admission from your spouse. Talk to the alleged partner. Obtain other evidence. Find proof that your ex is living with another person. Hire a private detective. Complete the divorce paperwork. Send your spouse a copy of the paperwork. Prepare for the hearing. Get your witnesses lined up. Present your evidence. Cross-examine your spouse’s witnesses. Wait for the ruling. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Catch-a-Football | How to Catch a Football | To catch a football, make sure to keep your eyes on a specific spot on the ball, like the tip of the ball, the entire time it's in the air. Then, use your fingers to catch the ball instead of your palms. Additionally, try to catch with “soft hands,” which means that your fingers and wrists are flexible and slightly relaxed. When you're catching a pass, keep your arms slightly bent and extended away from you so they have room to respond to the impact when you catch the ball. | Keep your eyes on the football. You want to be watching the football the entire time it's in the air. Pick a spot on the football - the white strip or the tip of the ball - and lock your eyes on that spot until the ball is in your hands. Use your fingers to catch the football, not your palms. Your fingers should be the first thing to come into contact with the ball. Make sure they're slightly bent and ready to grab onto the ball when it comes your way. If you're hearing a loud thud noise every time you catch the ball, you might be catching with your palms and not your fingers. Catch the football with soft hands. Soft hands are when your fingers and wrists are flexible and slightly relaxed. You want your hands to give a little bit when they come into contact with the ball. Catching with stiff, hard hands makes it more likely that the ball will bounce off you when you try to catch it. Keep your arms extended away from your body. Whether you're catching a regular pass (above the waist) or a low pass (below the waist), you want your arms to be slightly bent and extended outward. Extending your arms will give them room to respond to the impact when you catch the ball. Raise your hands so they're in line with where the football is heading. You want to track which direction the football is heading in so you can get your hands in the right spot to catch it. For example, if you're running for the football and it's on your left, raise your arms up and extend them out to the left. Reach high for the football if it's a high pass. Stretch both of your arms up above your head so you're ready to catch the ball when it passes over you. You can also jump into the air with your arms stretched upward to help you reach the ball. Make a diamond shape with your hands. Spread your fingers apart on both hands so they're completely stretched out. With your palms facing outward, touch the tips of your two pointer fingers together and the tips of your thumbs together. This will create a diamond shape between your two hands. Catch the tip of the football in the diamond shape when it reaches your hands. The tip of the football should go through the diamond and then stop once the center of the ball comes into contact with your hands. Squeeze your fingers around the outside of the football. The tips of your fingers should be firmly gripped on the football so it's secure in your hands. Use both hands to tuck the ball between your biceps and your chest. Hold the ball against your biceps and chest using the hand on that side of the body. Let go of the football with your other hand. Now run with the football before someone tackles you. Lower your hands so they're ready to receive the low pass. Line them up with the trajectory of the football. For example, if you see the football flying through the air at around the same level as your hips, move your hands down toward your hips so they're prepared to catch the ball. Turn your hands so your fingers are pointing down at the ground. The palms of your hands should be facing out toward the ball. Keep your fingers stretched apart. Cross your pinky fingers so they form an “x” shape. Make sure your pinky fingers are firmly pressed together so the football doesn't slide through your hands when you catch it. Practice positioning your hands like this when you're not playing football so it comes naturally when you're on the field. Catch the tip of the football in the open space above your crossed pinky fingers. The tip of the football should go through the gap and then stop once the rest of the ball meets your hands. Squeeze your other fingers around the football to secure your catch. Bring the tips of your thumbs up and around the outside of the football and clamp them down on the ball. Wrap the rest of your fingers around the bottom of the ball. Lift the ball up and tuck it between your chest and biceps. Hold the ball in place using the hand on that side of your body. Let go of the ball with your other hand and start running to the end zone. | Keep your eyes on the football. Use your fingers to catch the football, not your palms. Catch the football with soft hands. Keep your arms extended away from your body. Raise your hands so they're in line with where the football is heading. Reach high for the football if it's a high pass. Make a diamond shape with your hands. Catch the tip of the football in the diamond shape when it reaches your hands. Squeeze your fingers around the outside of the football. Use both hands to tuck the ball between your biceps and your chest. Lower your hands so they're ready to receive the low pass. Turn your hands so your fingers are pointing down at the ground. Cross your pinky fingers so they form an “x” shape. Catch the tip of the football in the open space above your crossed pinky fingers. Squeeze your other fingers around the football to secure your catch. Lift the ball up and tuck it between your chest and biceps. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Set-Up-an-Escrow-Account | How to Set Up an Escrow Account | An escrow account is a bank account controlled by a third party for real estate or another financial investment. If you're using an agent to buy or sell a home, they should set up the account for you. However, if you're setting up the account yourself, you'll need to find an escrow agent. Ask your bank if they have escrow agents, or search online for escrow companies in your area. Organize a meeting with an agent and give them any relevant financial details to get your account set up. Alternatively, set up a savings account as a personal escrow, which you can use to pay non-monthly bills and expenses from. | Identify your need for an escrow account. An escrow account holds money, much like a bank account, except the money is held with an escrow company. The escrow company will only release the money once certain conditions are met. Escrow accounts are most commonly used in real estate transactions. When the conditions for the sale are satisfied, the escrow agent will release the money to the seller. In this way, the escrow agent guarantees the transaction, making sure each side fulfills its obligations. Read your purchase agreement. You create an escrow account with an escrow agent. The real estate agent typically names the escrow company you should use in the purchase agreement. Find your purchase agreement and read it to find the name of the escrow company you should use. If you are using an agent to buy or sell a home, then the agent should handle setting up the escrow account. Find an escrow agent yourself. You might be selling your home in a “private sale,” which means you are not using a real estate agent. In this situation, you will need to find an escrow agent. You can find an escrow agent in the following ways: Ask your bank if they provide an escrow service. Search online for escrow agents. You can type “escrow company” and “your city” into your favorite search engine. You can call the phone number provided. Contact a title insurance agency. Sometimes they will create an escrow account. Gather necessary information. You will need to provide the escrow company with certain information so that they can open the account. The information might vary slightly from company to company, but you generally will need to provide the following: seller's name and address buyer's name and address purchase price, address, and a description of the property termite report information, such as who will do the inspection financing information rent, if any any personal property involved in the sale amount of deposit to be held in the escrow account Visit the escrow company. Set up a meeting so that you can complete necessary paperwork. Either the purchaser or the seller can open an escrow account, although sellers typically do. You need to take the deposit with you. You will also need to discuss the conditions of the sale. Remember that the escrow agent is charged with making sure that both buyer and seller fulfill their obligations. You should talk with the escrow agent about what those obligations will be. You should bring a copy of your purchase agreement, since that will contain most of the obligations. Receive your escrow number. This is the identification number you will need whenever you call the escrow agent to ask questions or get updates. Be sure to store it someplace where it is always handy, such as a note in your purse or saved on your cell phone. Identify repairs that need to be made. In some states, you can withhold rent from a landlord who does not make necessary repairs. The repairs can't be for minor things, like small cracks in the walls or missing linoleum or tile. Instead, the danger should be a substantial and serious threat to your health and safety. For example, if no heat is being provided during winter, then you have a serious threat. Notify your landlord of the hazard. Typically, state law requires that you give the landlord sufficient time to make repairs before withholding rent. Accordingly, you should send written notice to your landlord that repairs are needed. Be specific about the problem in the apartment. Also explicitly request that the landlord repair the problem as soon as possible. Be sure to type up a letter and mail it, preferably certified mail, return receipt requested. Hold onto the receipt as it serves as proof that your landlord received the notice. Wait a certain amount of time. Your landlord generally gets a “reasonable” amount of time to make repairs. If the violation is more serious, then the landlord should correct the problem promptly. Typically, if the landlord hasn't acted within 30 days, then you don't have to wait any longer. Instead, you should stop into your courthouse and ask about creating a “rent escrow.” Get a form from the court clerk. With a rent escrow, you would not pay your rent to the landlord. Instead, you pay it into the escrow, where it accumulates until the landlord actually makes necessary repairs. If you can create a rent escrow in your county, then the clerk should give you the form to complete. The form might be called an “Application and Affidavit for Tenant Rent Escrow,” “Petition in Action of Rent Escrow,” or some other title. Complete the petition form. Be sure to enter the information neatly, using black ink or a typewriter. In some counties, you can download the form and type in the information directly. Although each form will differ, you generally will be asked the following: your name and address your landlord's name and address the amount of your rent the conditions on the property that are hazardous the date you notified your landlord of the hazard that you request the creation of a rent escrow your signature Serve notice of the action on the landlord. You have to give the landlord notice that you are trying to create a rent escrow. Accordingly, you will need to serve notice on your landlord. Generally, you can serve notice by having someone deliver a copy of your petition and also a “summons,” which is a legal document you can get from the court clerk. Ask the clerk about acceptable methods of service. Attend a hearing. Before the judge will create the escrow account, you will need to attend a hearing. You will have to explain why you want to withhold rent and create the escrow. Be sure to bring any evidence that you have: a witness who can testify as to the hazardous condition photographs or video of the hazard a copy of your notice to your landlord Pay rent into the escrow account. If the judge creates the escrow account, then you will need to regularly pay your rent into it. Be sure to make your payments, since the judge might close the escrow if you forget to. The judge may order that some or all of the money in the escrow be given to the landlord to help pay for the repairs. If the landlord still refuses to make repairs, then all of the money in the escrow could be returned to you. Identify your need. A personal escrow is a nice idea for someone who has difficulty controlling their spending. It isn't technically an escrow—no third party oversees the account—but you can benefit from segregating your money into a separate account. Personal escrows are used often for the following purposes: Non-monthly expenses. For example, you might be billed quarterly for car insurance and annually for a gym membership. A personal escrow can help you save sufficient funds for these expenses. Unforeseen expenses. These are small expenses which catch you by surprise—gifts that you need to purchase for the host of a party, unexpected veterinary expenses or car repairs, etc. Calculate how much you will need. You should go through your bills for the past year and check how much you had to spend on non-monthly expenses. Also pay attention to unexpected expenses, such as the bottle of wine you had to buy someone when you were invited to their dinner party. Non-monthly expenses could include: car insurance premiums car registration car repair and maintenance life insurance premiums conference fees veterinary expenses gifts holiday shopping school or tuition expenses Set up a savings account. You should set up a separate savings account (or high yield checking account) which you can use for a specific purpose, such as paying non-monthly bills. You could also set up multiple individual accounts for each non-monthly expense, though this could be difficult for you to handle. To properly fund your account, total all non-monthly expenses, then divide by 12. This is the amount you will need to contribute to your account each month. You should set up automatic deposit, so that this amount is deducted from your monthly paycheck. If you are paid biweekly, then divide your total amount by 26. Pay your non-monthly expenses from the escrow account. Whenever an unexpected or non-monthly expense arises, remember to take the money out of your escrow account. In this way, you can preserve the balance in your regular savings and/or checking account. | Identify your need for an escrow account. Read your purchase agreement. Find an escrow agent yourself. Gather necessary information. Visit the escrow company. Receive your escrow number. Identify repairs that need to be made. Notify your landlord of the hazard. Wait a certain amount of time. Get a form from the court clerk. Complete the petition form. Serve notice of the action on the landlord. Attend a hearing. Pay rent into the escrow account. Identify your need. Calculate how much you will need. Set up a savings account. Pay your non-monthly expenses from the escrow account. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Apply-Eyelid-Primer | How to Apply Eyelid Primer | Eyelid primer is easy to apply and will help keep your eye makeup in place all day. Choose a clear primer or one that matches your skin tone so it will blend in easily. Keep in mind that gel primers will last the longest, but you can also use liquid or cream primers. To apply eyelid primer, first, dab a small amount onto your hand. Dip your finger or a small brush into the primer and dab it on your eyelid. Gently blend it outward from your inner eyelid to the outer corner of your lid. Then, let it dry for about 20 seconds before putting on your eyeshadow. | Choose the right shade of primer. For general, everyday use, you want to look for a primer that matches your complexion or is just a tiny bit lighter. This will look the most natural if you forego eyeshadow and just do a liner and it won't alter the shade of your eyeshadow by adding pigmentation. Keep in mind that using a tinted primer can affect the look of your eyeshadow. You'll get the truest color if you stick to a transparent primer or one with very little color. If you're doing a smokey eye or a dark eyeshadow, look for a darker primer to add depth to your look. If you are using multiple colors and really want them to pop, try a white primer. Consider color correcting primer if you have dark circles or want to brighten your eyes. Primers with a yellow or peach cast will neutralize the purples, browns, and "bruise" shades of under eye circles. A primer with a little bit of green can neutralize pink or reddish skin. Choose the finish of your primer. Matte primers are great for everyday use, because they tend to last longer and give you a more neutral base for your eye makeup. Even if your skin is not oily, eyelids tend to get a little greasy throughout the day, and the matte finish will help absorb the grease and keep your makeup in place. Since primer is a base to even out your skin tone, it should really be matte or transparent, rather than shimmery. A satin or shimmery finish works when you are wearing no shadow over your primer or plan to use a sparkly eyeshadow. Keep in mind these don't have quite the staying power as a matte primer, and that you shouldn't use a matte eyeshadow over a shimmery primer or it will look off. If you have very dry skin, try a gel-based primer or one that illuminates skin. Matte primers work with both matte and shimmery eyeshadows--they allow you to add all the shine using the makeup, not the primer. Matte primers are especially effective in hot and humid weather, because it will keep the grease and shine under control. Choose the texture of your eye primer. Primers come in gel, cream, liquid, or stick form. The texture of your primer will influence how it feels on your lids and how long it will last. Gel primers usually last the longest and can be worn with all types of eyeshadow. They're great in hot weather and minimizing creasing. Cream primers have a mousse texture and are the easiest to find. They work with most eyeshadows and can feel a little heavier on your lids. Liquid primers are very lightweight, but are prone to showing creases if applied too lightly. Make sure you thoroughly blend liquid primers into the creases of your eyelids when applying. Stick primers can be applied directly to your eyelid, instead of using your finger or a brush. They are very convenient for this reason, however it can be difficult to gauge how much primer you are applying. Make your own primer out of aloe vera and glycerin if you run out. Mix together 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of white kaolin clay, 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of aloe vera gel, and 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of vegetable glycerin. Combine your ingredients until they're smooth, then dab the mixture onto your eyelids with a cotton swab. Try not to get any in your eyes, or it might sting a little. Aloe vera and vegetable glycerin both absorb oil, so it makes them perfect for an eyelid primer to absorb shine. Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer. It is essential to always start with a clean face, removing any oil or dirt that may be on your skin. Moisturizer will keep the makeup from drying out your skin. Wait at least 20 seconds after applying moisturizer, or until your skin feels dry and not dewy. Dab a small amount of primer on the back of your hand. The amount should only be about the size of a grain of rice. While you want the primer to cover your eyelid completely, too much primer can completely backfire. It can cause your makeup to pill, clump, appear chalky, or look shiny. Too little, and your eye makeup won't stay. This amount of primer should be enough for both eyes. It's always better to start with less product and build layers if you need to instead of starting with too much and trying to wipe it off. Remember: less is more when it comes to primer. Dab the primer onto your eyelid with your finger or a small brush. You want to gently dab, pat, smooth, and blend (but not rub) the primer into your skin. Use gentle pressure, as your eyelid skin is very thin. You can start near the inner corner of your eye and spread out and up toward the brow bone and outer corner of your lid, or you can start at the center of your lid and blend outwards and upwards. A (clean) finger is a perfect tool for applying primer, and most of the time it's all you will need. You can easily control how much product you are applying, and the warmth from your fingertips can help you spread the primer. A small makeup brush can really get into the little corners and edges by your tear duct and lash line and usually helps you get an even application. Always be gentle and never pull on the skin around your eye, as this can lead to sagging and wrinkles later in life. Really work the primer into the creases of your eyelid. The primer's job is to fill the fine lines in your skin so that your makeup doesn't settle into the creases. If you are applying makeup to your bottom lid, use a thin brush or your finger to gently dab it along your lower lash line. Allow the primer to dry before completing your eye makeup. It should take about 20 seconds for the primer to absorb and dry. You can then apply your eye makeup as you normally would. Your eyelid should feel like a flat canvas and your shadow should go on smoothly. If it appears cakey or clumpy, you used too much primer and should use a little less next application. Try using the primer on your eyebrows to keep brow powder in place, too. | Choose the right shade of primer. Choose the finish of your primer. Choose the texture of your eye primer. Make your own primer out of aloe vera and glycerin if you run out. Cleanse your face and apply moisturizer. Dab a small amount of primer on the back of your hand. Dab the primer onto your eyelid with your finger or a small brush. Allow the primer to dry before completing your eye makeup. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Bed-Skirt | How to Make a Bed Skirt | To make a bed skirt, start by measuring the width and depth of your bed, as well the height from the floor to the top of your box spring. Then, wash, dry, and iron your fabric, and cut 3 pieces for the skirt and 1 piece for the main panel. Next, press the bottom edges of the skirt panels up ½ inch with the wrong side in to create the hem. Additionally, press the 2 depth edges and 1 width edge of the main panel ½ inch, wrong side in. Use a sewing machine to sew the hems, then sew the panels together by attaching the skirt panels to the main panel. | Measure your bed. Take measurements for the width and length of your box spring as well as the height from the floor to the top of your box spring. To sew bed skirts, you need 2 length-by-height panels and 1 width-by-height panel for the skirt as well as 1 width-by-length panel to cover the top of your box spring. Add 1 inch (25 mm) to the width and length measurements and 2 inches (5 cm) to the height measurement for the seam allowance. You now have the measurements that you will use for your panels. Decide on the fullness for your bed skirt. If you want to make a flat paneled bed skirt, then you may use the measurements you have. For a ruffled bed skirt, you need to account for fullness; determine how full you want the skirt to be, either 2 to 3 times fuller than a smooth/flat bedskirt. A fullness of 2 is mildly full, while a fullness of 3 is extremely full. Multiply all the width and length measurements for the skirt panels by the amount of fullness you want. Use the resulting dimensions when cutting your fabric panels. Prepare your fabric. Wash and dry the fabric first to account for any shrinkage, then iron the fabric so that it is flat and wrinkle-free. Measure and mark your panels using a ruler, straight edge and fabric marker. Cut your panels. You should have a total of 4 panel pieces (3 for the skirt and 1 for the main panel) to cut. Sew the hems. Press the bottom edge of the 3 skirt panel pieces up 1/2 inch (12 mm), with the wrong side in, in order to create the hem. Additionally, press the 2 length edges and only 1 width edge of the main panel under, wrong side in, 1/2 inch (1.25 cm). Use a straight stitch along the pressed edge to give a clean, finished look to your hem. This will also help prevent the bed skirt from fraying over time. Prepare gathered panels. If you are making a bed skirt with smooth/flat sides, then you don't need to do anything before sewing them to the main fabric piece. If you are choosing to make a ruffled bed skirt, then you will need to gather your panels before you sew them to the main panel. To make gathered panels: Set your sewing machine to a zig-zag stitch, on the longest available stitch length. You will be stitching 1/2 inch (12 mm) in from the top edge (opposite of the hemmed edge) of the skirt paneling. Line up cotton crochet thread in the center of the presser foot so that, when you sew, the zig-zag stitch encloses the crochet thread. Make sure you do not sew the crochet thread into place, as you will need to pull it through the chamber made by the zig-zag stitching in order to create the gathering. Sew along the entire length of the panel. Pull the crochet thread from either end of the panel in order to gather the fabric until the panel is the appropriate width or length measurement. Adjust the gathers until they appear to be evenly spaced. Sew a straight stitch along the gathered edge to secure the gathers in place. Sew the panels together. Beginning at the hem edge, pin 1 vertical end of each lengthwise skirt panel to each vertical end of the widthwise skirt panel, right sides facing together. Allowing for a 1/2 inch (12 mm) seam allowance, sew the panels together along the 2 connecting vertical edges. When you are finished, you will have 1 continuous bed skirt panel that spans the circumference of the bed (not including the head end). Attach the skirt panels to the main panel. Lay the main panel in place. It should cover the entire face of the box spring and extend over the unfinished top edge of the bed skirt paneling. Pin the main panel to the bed skirt panel around the entire perimeter. Sew along the edge of the main panel on all 3 sides that are edged by the skirt panel, using a regular straight stitch. Be sure to use the 1/2-inch seam allowance. Finish your bed skirt. With the panels all sewn into place, put the bed skirt over the box spring to check its fit. If everything lies smoothly in place, then you are finished! Otherwise, remove the bed skirt and adjust any mistakes accordingly. Use a fitted bed sheet as a bed skirt. If you're not up for sewing and want a fast and easy bed skirt, you can use a fitted bed sheet instead. Simply put the fitted sheet over the box spring instead of the mattress, and tuck the elastic band along the bottom under the box spring. Voila! You've now successfully covered the box spring with a sheet that already matches your bedding and decor. Using a fitted bed sheet will not cover any space under the box spring, meaning that under-the-bed storage will be exposed. Pin a long strip of fabric in place of a bed skirt. If you want the ruffled look and storage cover of a real bed skirt without the sewing, you can simply pin some fabric in place. Measure the distance around the perimeter of your bed and the height from the floor to the top of the box spring, and cut a long strip of fabric that meets these dimensions. Pin this in place using straight pins along the edge of the box spring. Put the pins on the top of the box spring, so that when the mattress is replaced, you can't see that your skirt is actually just pinned in place. Try using a dropcloth. The final easy no-sew alternative to a traditional bed skirt, is using a piece of fabric large enough to cover the entirety of the box spring and then drape to the floor. The best option for this, without spending loads of money? A regular dropcloth. A linen dropcloth will cover the entire space of a queen size bed or smaller, and have enough excess fabric to reach the floor. Just spread the dropcloth out over your box spring, and use pins to hold it in place around the perimeter. You're done! | Measure your bed. Decide on the fullness for your bed skirt. Prepare your fabric. Cut your panels. Sew the hems. Prepare gathered panels. Sew the panels together. Attach the skirt panels to the main panel. Finish your bed skirt. Use a fitted bed sheet as a bed skirt. Pin a long strip of fabric in place of a bed skirt. Try using a dropcloth. |
https://www.wikihow.fitness/Increase-Ankle-Mobility | How to Increase Ankle Mobility | Increasing your ankle mobility through simple exercises will improve your range of motion and your performance in sports. From a seated position, raise one foot and rotate it in a circle 10 to 15 times. Do 2 or 3 sets for each foot. You can also sit back on your flexed ankles. Just kneel on the ground with your toes extended behind you, then sit back on your feet and hold the position for 15 to 20 seconds. Another exercise you can do is stretching your toes against a wall. Stand facing the wall, raise the toes of one foot, and lean them against the wall so your foot's at a 45-degree angle. Hold the position for 15 seconds and do 2 or 3 sets for each foot. | Check dorsiflexion mobility. Check your ankle dorsiflexion mobility with a lunge test. Place a piece of tape on the floor four inches from the wall. Line your dominant foot up with the tape, and relax the other foot behind you. Then, lean forward on your dominant foot and try to touch your knee to the wall. The knee should go straight forward. It should not track inwards or outwards while you flex. For the test to be successful, your dominant foot should remain completely on the ground, including the heel. If you can't touch the wall from this point, move forward incrementally until you can. This will give you a starting point by which to measure your progress. Point your toes. Another simple test of ankle mobility is to start lying flat on your back with your feet perpendicular to the ground. From there, slowly point your toes as far out from your body as you can manage and hold for a few seconds at your maximum endpoint. The optimal range of motion for this test is a 30 degree difference, though anywhere between 20 and 30 degrees is acceptable. If you can create a visually straight or near-straight line between your foot and your shin, you pass the test. Move your ankle to the side. Start lying down with your legs fully extended and your feet perpendicular to the ground. One at a time, push your foot out to the side as far as it will go, and hold at your maximum endpoint for a few seconds. Do not rotate your feet from your hips. Focus on isolating the ankle and creating all motion from there. The further to the side you can get, the better your overall ankle mobility. Move your foot in circles. From a seated position and focusing on one foot at a time, rotate your ankle clockwise 10 to 15 times. Once completed on each foot, rotate each foot counterclockwise 10 to 15 times. Aim to do two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps each. For best results, flex your ankles by pointing or curling your toes. Sit back on flexed ankles. Kneel with your legs going directly behind you, and extend your pointed toes so that the tops of your feet are touching your mat or floor. Gently start to sit back on top of your feet, using your bodyweight to create a deep stretch in your ankles. Rest in your maximum down position for 15 to 20 seconds before slowly bringing yourself back up and relieving the pressure on your ankle. Only lower yourself as far as your ankles can take. If you feel unmanageable pain or excess stress on your ankles or feet, bring yourself up immediately and untuck your ankles. Stretch your toes up. Stand facing a wall and raise up the toes of your right foot, leaning them against the wall to form a triangle with it, your foot, and the floor. Gently press your body forward and shift just enough weight onto the raised foot that you feel a stretch. Keep leaning until you feel a deep stretch, and hold for fifteen or so seconds. Repeat on the left foot for every set done on the right foot. Try two or three sets of the stretch for each foot. Practice ankle raises. Place your ankles and feet together and slowly raise yourself upward onto the ball of your feet as high as you can go. Once you have reached your maximum height, lower your feet back down in a controlled motion. If you have weak ankles or low ankle mobility, start small with a set of 10 or 15 raises. As your strength improves, add three to five raises at a time, slowly building up to more challenging sets. Ankle raises help strengthen not only the ankles, but the calf muscles as well. Do flutter kicks. Lie on your back and lift your legs as high into the air as you can get them. Use your elbows and shoulders to support you as necessary. Once you are in the most vertical position you can achieve, straighten your legs, point, your toes, and make a series of small, fast, alternating kicks back and forth for a minute at a time. If you've never performed this exercise before, you may need to start with your legs parallel to the ground rather than perpendicular. Support yourself with your elbows and forearms and make the same kicking motion as the vertical kicks. Use an exercise band. Strap one end of your exercise band around something sturdy, such as a table leg, and slip the other end around your ankle. Walk forward until you feel some resistance on the band. Then, with the band around your ankle, lunge forward until your knee is directly over your foot. Repeat two or three sets of this exercise with five to ten reps per foot in each set. Do not over-tension the band or it could snap and potentially cause injury. You should feel light resistance, but the band should not actively be pulling your ankle back in your neutral stance. | Check dorsiflexion mobility. Point your toes. Move your ankle to the side. Move your foot in circles. Sit back on flexed ankles. Stretch your toes up. Practice ankle raises. Do flutter kicks. Use an exercise band. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Customize-a-Littlest-Pet-Shop-Toy | How to Customize a Littlest Pet Shop Toy | To customize your Littlest Pet Shop toy, first remove its existing paint with a small amount of acetone. Do this under adult supervision, since acetone is flammable and can be dangerous. Then, start painting your LPS toy with an acrylic paint, going in thin layers so they dry faster. Let your paint dry, then go over your toy one last time to fix any mistakes, outline the lips and eyes, or add detailing. Seal the paint job with clear sealant, then you're done! | Set up your painting station. Lay down 2-3 layers of newspaper on a flat surface, like a table, and set out your painting supplies. You want to keep your crafting area protected, since acrylic paints can stain. Remove any existing paint with acetone. Pure acetone is the best way to remove your LPS toy's current paint and give you a blank canvas to start customizing. Wet a cotton ball or one corner of a washcloth with it and rub it against your LPS toy, pressing down firmly. Continue wetting your washcloth and removing the paint until your LPS toy is down to its plain base coat. You can also paint the LPS in white acrylic paint if you don't have acetone but this will take a bit longer. Always wash the pet before continuing, as the acetone can also ruin the paint. Wear a mask to prevent breathing in any dangerous fumes. Don't try to take the paint off with nail polish remover. It will smear the paint instead of taking it off. Squirt out some acrylic paint in your desired color. Acrylic paint won't smear and is easy to find in most craft stores! Pour out a small, coin-sized amount onto a paper plate or napkin. You'll only be applying in thin layers, so you don't want to pour out too much. You can use a matte color for a solid look, or try metallic for a bit of shine. Don't use sharpie markers or nail polish to paint your LPS toy. Sharpies can smear and stain, while nail polish will flake off after a few weeks. Start painting at the bottom of the toy with a thin paintbrush. Dip a small, thin paintbrush into your paint, getting just a little on the bristles. Hold your LPS toy by the top and start painting on the feet and legs, going from front to back. Use smooth brush strokes and paint in thin coats so it doesn't clump and takes less time to dry. Starting at the feet will help them dry first, so you can set down the toy to paint the head. Continue to your toy’s head, then let it dry and paint a second coat. Continue painting in a smooth, thin layer until you get to the top. Let the paint dry for as long as the instructions specify, then paint on a second layer to neaten up and make the color bolder. If you're painting with different colors, feel free to switch while you're painting your first and second layers! Just try to use a different paintbrush for each color, or wash the brush thoroughly with water before using it for a new color. If your paint still isn't as neat or bright as you want it, add a third layer. Paint small details and designs last. Once you've completed the base layers of your paint, go back and add any last decorations. You might want to outline the eyes, eyelashes, lips, nose, paws, or tail in black or another color. This is also the time to add fun decorations like polka dots, tiger stripes, or anything else you want to try! Don't worry if you smeared into any unwanted areas. Simply wait for it to dry, then paint over it with the correct color. Acrylic paint is thick enough that the bottom color won't show through. Use a spray sealant to make your LPS toy’s custom look last. Once you're happy with your LPS toy's new paint job, let it dry fully for as long as the instructions say. Then, lay it flat on your newspaper base and spray it with a clear sealant product. Let it dry as specified in the instructions, then turn your LPS toy over and spray the back as well. For a flat finish, choose a matte spray. If you want a shinier look, go with a glossy spray. Do not use a nail polish clear coat for a sealant or it will smear the paint rather than sealing it. Paint over nail art stencils for cute, easy designs. Nail art stencils are tiny, making them the perfect tools to add cute details to your LPS toy! Choose a stencil from a nail art kit and stick it onto your toy, then use a small paintbrush to paint over the design in a thin layer. Let it dry, then carefully peel off the stencil. Use acrylic paint, which will last the longest and look the best on your toy. You can find nail art kits in the beauty aisle of most big stores, or online. Stick on small stickers to give your LPS toy a little extra detail. If you have a blank spot on your LPS toy and don't want to do any more painting, stickers are a great option! Choose a tiny one in any design you want, then carefully stick it on. Make sure you know exactly where you want to put it, since you probably won't be able to peel it back off once it's on. You can use regular crafting stickers or nail stickers, which are even smaller. Sprinkle or paint on a little glitter for a pretty shine. Try sprinkling on just a bit of glitter while your paint is still drying for a playful, random look. You can also place little sparkles on one by one in small areas, like around your LPS toy's eyes or paws. For even more accuracy, try using a glitter paint or glue. Add little bows on your LPS toy’s ears with colorful ribbons. You can tie a small bow with a pretty ribbon, then use super glue to attach it to your LPS toy's ears or head. You can also tie on the bow directly, but it might look a little messier and shift around over time. Give your LPS toy little props for a fun, unique addition. What else can you do to customize your LPS toy? The sky is the limit! Look around your house and see what kind of small accessories you can give your toy. You can attach them right to your LPS toy with superglue or lean them up against it on your shelf. Make custom accessories like tails with epoxy clay. Tools like epoxy clay are a great way to get creative with colorful, permanent accessories. You can make cool additions like hats, earrings, or even tails! Choose a clay color and mold away, attaching it to your LPS toy when you're done and letting it sit for 24 hours to dry. To create a unique mermaid tail for your LPS toy, first ask your parents to help cutting off the back legs with a sharp knife. Mold your epoxy clay in a swooping tail, about 1 in (2.5 cm) long. Let it dry for 24 hours, then mold a little mermaid fin for the end. Let it dry afterwards. If you want wings for your LPS toy do the same thing!! | Set up your painting station. Remove any existing paint with acetone. Squirt out some acrylic paint in your desired color. Start painting at the bottom of the toy with a thin paintbrush. Continue to your toy’s head, then let it dry and paint a second coat. Paint small details and designs last. Use a spray sealant to make your LPS toy’s custom look last. Paint over nail art stencils for cute, easy designs. Stick on small stickers to give your LPS toy a little extra detail. Sprinkle or paint on a little glitter for a pretty shine. Add little bows on your LPS toy’s ears with colorful ribbons. Give your LPS toy little props for a fun, unique addition. Make custom accessories like tails with epoxy clay. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Thicken-Caramel-Sauce | How to Thicken Caramel Sauce | If your caramel sauce is too thin, there are a few easy ways to thicken it. Keep in mind that when your caramel sauce cools, it will naturally thicken anyway. However, if it's really thin when hot, let it simmer for about 10 minutes in the pan while stirring it constantly. This will evaporate some of the water and make the sauce thicker. Alternatively, you can mix in water with cornstarch or flour to thicken the sauce. If you're using cornstarch, add 1 tablespoon each of water and cornstarch for every cup of caramel sauce. For flour, mix ¼ cup of water and 2 tablespoons of flour per cup of sauce. This works equally well for reheating store-bought or cold caramel sauce you made earlier. | Simmer the sauce on your stove. If you've just finished making a caramel sauce and think that the sauce is too thin, let the caramel sauce simmer and cook down on your stovetop. Try cooking for about 10 minutes for a thick sauce. As the liquid in the caramel sauce evaporates, you'll be left with a thicker sauce. Keep a close watch on your sauce as it thickens. Stir the caramel constantly. Otherwise you'll be left with a batch of too-think caramel. Let hot caramel sauce cool. If you've just finished making your initial batch of caramel sauce and find that it's too thin, let the caramel cool. As the sauce cools, it will thicken. If you're unsure if your freshly-cooked sauce is the right consistency, let it cool first. It's easier to reheat and thicken caramel sauce than to add liquid to make the sauce thinner. Re-heat and simmer refrigerated sauce. If you've bought thin caramel sauce from the store—or been given it as a gift—you can thicken it on the stovetop too. The same concept applies as with a thin home-made caramel sauce. Pour the sauce back into a saucepan, and heat it on medium heat (around 4) on your stovetop range until the sauce begins to simmer and thicken. If you're concerned about burning the bottom layer of your cold caramel sauce, start the burner on low heat (2 or 3) until the sauce has started to warm up. Reduce the amount of milk. If you know that you want a thick caramel sauce, cut down on the amount of milk that the recipe suggests. Leave out about 1/3 or 1/2 of the recommended milk. This will result in a caramel sauce that's thicker and that you won't have to spend extra time simmering. For example, if a recipe calls for 1.5 cups (360 mL) of milk, try only using 1 cup (250 mL). Add more sugar to the sauce. Most caramel sauces are made by caramelizing sugar and adding milk and a little salt. If you increase the amount of sugar in the recipe you'll end up with a thicker caramel. Try increasing the sugar by about 1/3. The amount of milk suggested by the recipe, then, will leave you with a thick caramel sauce. Be aware that this will also increase the sweet, caramel flavor of the sauce. If you want a caramel sauce with a milder flavor, avoid adding the extra sugar. Substitute cream for the milk. If you want a thick caramel sauce but would rather avoid altering the amounts of ingredients given in a recipe, you can simply use heavy whipping cream instead of milk. The whipping cream will taste the same as milk in the final product, but will produce a thicker sauce. Switching out milk for cream will result in a rich, heavy caramel sauce. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch. For each cup (240 mL) of caramel sauce that you need to thicken, run 1 tbsp (14.7 mL) of cold water into a measuring cup, and slowly stir in 1 tbsp of cornstarch. Pour the cornstarch mixture into your pot caramel sauce, and stir constantly. Keep the sauce on low heat until it begins to thicken. Then remove the sauce from the stove and let it cool. Add flour to the sauce. If you want to thicken your caramel sauce with flour, start by filling a measuring cup with ¼ cup (60 mL) of cold water for each cup (240 mL) of caramel sauce that you want to thicken. Mix 2 tbsp (30 mL) into the cold water. Then add the flour mixture into the thin caramel sauce. Stir the sauce regularly until it takes on a thicker consistency. Add tapioca to the caramel sauce. If you want a thickener that will not alter the glossy color of the caramel, try tapioca flour (not pearls). Simply add small amount to your sauce to thicken it. Start with about 1 tsp (5 mL) and whisk it into the sauce until fully dissolved. If the sauce still isn't thick enough, add another tsp of tapioca flour. Keep in mind that adding ingredients to your caramel sauce other than sugar and milk (and a little salt) may slightly alter the taste of the sauce. | Simmer the sauce on your stove. Let hot caramel sauce cool. Re-heat and simmer refrigerated sauce. Reduce the amount of milk. Add more sugar to the sauce. Substitute cream for the milk. Thicken the sauce with cornstarch. Add flour to the sauce. Add tapioca to the caramel sauce. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Jealousy-of-Your-Best-Friend | How to Overcome Jealousy of Your Best Friend | If you're jealous of your best friend, make a note of all your strengths to remind yourself that you're worthy and unique. In general, try not to compare yourself to other people, since people are different in so many ways, and you're not defined by one thing. You should also take a moment to think about the cause of your jealousy. For instance, are you jealous of your best friend's looks, confidence, or intelligence? Don't be afraid to tell your best friend, since talking through your feelings usually helps. For example, say something like, “I wanted to tell you, I'm super jealous of your hair. I love your style more than mine.” | Consider your insecurities. Often, when you figure out what your insecurities or challenges are, you will be able to build them into strengths, which will prohibit feelings of jealousy. While it isn't an easy task to examine yourself for your flaws, it must be done. Remind yourself that you are more than just your insecurities. Try to keep a positive mindset while identifying areas in which you are insecure. Remind yourself of things you do feel confident in or like about yourself. Remember that you can change any insecurity into a strength with time and effort. For example, perhaps you are lonely and want to make more friends, but you are not outgoing. Practice being outgoing and friendly toward strangers and eventually you will have turned your shyness into friendliness and you'll have made new friends. Build your self-esteem. Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself as a person. There are many ways to work on your self-esteem including, but not limited to: Recognizing your strengths. Are you good at school? Do you excel at sports? Are you a fair listener or a trusted secret keeper for your friends? Actively engaging in activities you are good at can remind you of your strengths and build self-esteem. Keeping a list of every compliment you received over the course of a week. Read over these compliments when you are feeling insecure. Working on your challenges. Perhaps you are terrible at bowling and your best friend is a good bowler. You can improve your bowling through practice. Find happiness in yourself. It's easier to become jealous of people around you if you aren't happy with yourself. Feelings of inadequacy increase the likelihood that you will experience jealousy. You can find happiness in yourself by doing following: Focusing on internal strengths. When you focus on external factors, such as popularity or earning potential, those things could shift and your self-esteem could crumble. When you focus on internal factors, your self-esteem is built on a much more stable foundation and you will be happier with yourself. Practicing daily intentions. Remind yourself that you are capable of giving and receiving love, attention, and respect, and that you are deserving of these things. Post them somewhere visible, such as on your mirror or computer monitor. Consider saying them out loud each day. Visual prompts can be very helpful for affirmations. Reclaim your power over your emotions. Do not let your emotions hold control over you as this will create a reactive state of emoting. Instead, you want to acknowledge that every emotion you feel is a choice. You have chosen to allow yourself to feel what you are feeling and you are in control of your emotions. When you begin to feel jealous or angry, remind yourself that you are being reactive and choose to stop feeling that way. Ask yourself what you are feeling and if you want to feel this way. If you do not want to feel this way, take some deep breaths and focus on the emotion you want to feel instead. Make the choice to feel the way that you want to feel. For example, if you want to feel happiness, focus on being happy, identify what makes you happy, and maintain a positive mental attitude. Ask yourself what is causing you to feel jealous. It's important to identify the root of your jealousy. While you may initially believe that you are jealous of something superficial, once you begin to look at your feelings of jealousy more deeply, you will realize that there is likely one specific root of your jealousy, which you can then change. Ask yourself: Are you jealous of your best friend because you think she is prettier than you? What makes her prettier than you? Is it her haircut, her clothing, or her makeup? Is it the way she carries herself or her self-confidence? If you are jealous of your best friend's haircut, you can go to the salon to have your hair done in a similar style. If you are jealous of her clothing or makeup, you can go shopping for new clothing or makeup for yourself. If you are jealous of the way she carries herself, you can work on your posture, poise, and self-confidence, and pretty soon you will be carrying yourself in a new way. Once you have figured out what specifically you are jealous of, you can begin to work on yourself to overcome that jealousy. Disconnect your emotions from the situation that triggered them and then analyze them. Ask yourself if what you're jealous of will matter a year from now. Often you are jealous of something fleeting and trivial. Once you've analyzed your feelings free from the situation, you may come to realize that you are feeling jealous for irrational or unreasonable reasons. If this is the case, remind yourself that you are being irrational and check your jealousy. For example, a rational person who is in control of their emotions would not feel jealous of their best friend when a third party compliments their best friend's shoes. If you find yourself being jealous of your best friend in this moment, remind yourself that your friend did not ask for the compliment; that your best friend's shoes are awesome; and that you've got some great shoes on too, even if they have not yet been noticed. There's no need to be jealous for such a trivial reason. Stop comparing yourself to others. When you live your life constantly comparing yourself to others, you will create insecurities and recognize disparities that will breed jealousy. Instead, try to compare yourself only to yourself. Try this: Possibly take a break from social media until your self-esteem is better. Social media gives you the impression that everyone else's life is perfect and full of abundance. Remember what you were doing and what you had a year ago and compare yourself to that person. This will highlight your personal successes and gains, which will help build your self-esteem and diminish your tendencies to feel jealousy. Make a list of the things that you were doing, the goals you had, and the successes in your life a year ago. Next, make a list of the things you're currently doing, the goals you currently have, and the successes in your life now. You might also note the goals you achieved in specific terms. Own your jealousy. Once you've recognized the root of your jealousy and you've come up with a solution, talk to your best friend. For example, you might tell your best friend that you are jealous of her because she has the haircut that you want and ask her if she would be okay with you getting the same haircut. You might even ask her if she could recommend her salon to you. Turn this into a bonding moment that could strengthen your friendship. Acknowledge that your feelings are your own and that you are in control of them. Instead of saying, “Your hair makes me so jealous!” try, “I feel jealous of your hair. You've got a great cut.” In this way, you're using “I” statements, rather than “you” statements to talk about your jealousy. Also own where your jealousy could be coming from, such as a history of being bullied, an abusive relationship, etc. Practice open communication. Sometimes just talking to your best friend can solve the issue. Be honest about the way that you feel and be sure that you don't project your feelings onto them. Use “I statements: “I feel this way about…” Make sure that your communication is two way, meaning that you listen closely to your best friend's response to your declarations of jealousy. Try to work to overcome your jealousy by talking about it. Encourage your friend to share her feelings with you, too. Return to the reason you are friends. If you are still unable to abate your jealousy even after working on yourself, identifying the root of your jealousy, and talking to your friend about it, then it is time to remind yourself of the importance of your friendship. Often, that will be enough to ease your feelings of jealousy. What makes you best friends in the first place? Think about your favorite memories together. Understand that your jealousy could destroy your friendship if you don't put it in check. Ask yourself which is more important to you: your friendship or your jealousy. Make sure that you are not feeling jealous because your friend is hypercritical or hard on you and makes you feel inferior to them. If this is the case, then this may not be a good friendship. | Consider your insecurities. Build your self-esteem. Find happiness in yourself. Reclaim your power over your emotions. Ask yourself what is causing you to feel jealous. Disconnect your emotions from the situation that triggered them and then analyze them. Stop comparing yourself to others. Own your jealousy. Practice open communication. Return to the reason you are friends. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Spot-Valuable-Paintings | How to Spot Valuable Paintings | While hunting for valuable paintings, keep an eye out for authentic pieces that have the artist's original signature on them. Before buying an oil painting, check to make sure that the surface has texture. When examining a watercolor piece, hold the painting at an angle and look for rough spots around the brush strokes. Reproduction prints are incredibly common, so use a magnifying glass to inspect potential purchases for printer dots. | Seek out paintings created by renowned artists. For many people, the goal of art hunting is to find a lost masterpiece from a beloved artist. Though you most likely won't find anything by Monet or Vermeer, you may come across a hidden gem made by a lesser-known or regionally popular painter. Some artists whose work ended up at thrift stores include Ben Nicholson, Ilya Bolotowsky, Giovanni Battista Torriglia, Alexander Calder, and even Pablo Picasso. So you'll know what paintings to keep an eye out for, learn about different artists through local galleries, art museums, and online databases like the Web Gallery of Art. Search for paintings on your phone to see if anything comes up. If you stumble upon a piece you think may be valuable, try searching for it on Google or a similar search engine. If the painting shows up in your search results, you may have found a valuable item. If you don't know the name of a painting, search for it using descriptors. For example, you can find Thomas Gainsborough's The Blue Boy with the terms “painting,” “kid,” and “blue.” If you can take a high-quality photo of the piece, try running it through Google's Reverse Image Search at https://reverse.photos. This will make the searching process far easier. Purchase limited edition and signed prints. Though most art prints have little to no financial value, there are a couple of notable exceptions. Look out for prints that were part of a limited edition run, meaning the artist only produced a few copies, and prints with a handwritten signature from the artist on the front or back. Most limited edition prints have numbers on them indicating which copy you have and how many copies exist. Avoid buying small and subtle paintings if you plan on selling them. Unless you stumble upon an original piece by a popular artist, stay away from paintings that are extremely small in size or subtle to the point of being abstract. Though these paintings may be excellent, they don't have the same mass appeal that a large, traditional painting does, making them harder to sell. This is especially important if you plan to sell your paintings online since small and abstract art is hard to convey over digitized photographs. Pick up paintings with high-quality frames. Even if you decide that a painting is not valuable, make sure to examine the frame before moving on. Picture frames are works of art in their own right, so a vintage or well-crafted frame may be worth a lot regardless of the painting inside. Look for frames with: Hand-carved designs Intricate or unique patterns Gilded molding Slight wear and similar signs of age Look for the artist’s original signature. Often, the easiest way to tell if a painting is authentic or not is to look for the artist's signature on the front or back side. In particular, look for a signature that was hand-written or added to the piece using paint. If a painting doesn't have a signature, or if the signature seems flat and artificial, there's a good chance the piece is a reproduction print or fake. If you know the artist's name, look them up online and see if their signature matches the version on the painting. Signatures are easy to fake, so don't use this as your only proof of authenticity. Use a magnifying glass to check for printer dots. Before purchasing a painting, hold a magnifying glass up to it and look for small, perfectly-round dots arranged in a grid. If you see any, the piece is a reproduction print created using a laser printer. Though this method will help you identify common prints, be aware that it may not work for higher-quality giclee reproductions. Unlike laser prints, paintings made using a pointillist technique will have dots of varying sizes and shapes. Inspect oil paintings to see if they have textured surfaces. When determining the authenticity of an oil painting, check to see if the surface has bumps or paint waves on it. If your piece has a significant amount of texture, there's a good chance it is authentic. If the surface is completely flat, you're looking at a reproduction. If a painting only has 1 or 2 spots of texture, it may be a forgery disguising itself as the real deal. Examine watercolor art pieces to see if they have rough surfaces. To determine whether or not a watercolor painting is authentic, hold the piece at an angle and look at the paint strokes closely. If the paper appears rough around major strokes, you may have an original work of art. If the paper is uniformly smooth, it's most likely a reproduction. Look to see if canvas paintings have rough edges. A lot of the time, artists who work on canvas will make jagged or uneven brush strokes along the edges of their paintings. However, they often don't bother retouching these spots since viewers rarely look at them. As such, if a canvas painting has perfectly even edges, there's a good chance it's a factory reproduction. Check the back of the frame for signs of age. Often, the back of a frame will tell you more about a painting than the artwork itself. Look for frames that are dark in color and have clear signs of age such as peeling lacquer and patches of worn out wood. The older a frame is, the more likely the piece inside is authentic. If the back of a frame is mostly dark but has a few bright streaks in it, there's a good chance the painting is authentic but had to be relined at some point. Many old frames have a X or H shape in the back, something far less common in contemporary frames. Look at the artwork’s mounting method to see how old it is. If nails hold the painting in place, or if you see empty nail holes around the frame, there's a good chance the artwork is an original piece from before the 1940s. If staples hold the painting in place, there's a greater chance it is a reproduction, especially if it is an old piece and has no signs of a prior mounting method. | Seek out paintings created by renowned artists. Search for paintings on your phone to see if anything comes up. Purchase limited edition and signed prints. Avoid buying small and subtle paintings if you plan on selling them. Pick up paintings with high-quality frames. Look for the artist’s original signature. Use a magnifying glass to check for printer dots. Inspect oil paintings to see if they have textured surfaces. Examine watercolor art pieces to see if they have rough surfaces. Look to see if canvas paintings have rough edges. Check the back of the frame for signs of age. Look at the artwork’s mounting method to see how old it is. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Purple-Hair | How to Get Purple Hair | To get purple hair, you might want to bleach your hair first if it's dark so the color shows up better. If you don't want to bleach your hair, you can still dye it purple, but you'll probably want to dye it plum or burgundy first to create a good base. Either way, when you're ready to dye your hair purple, wash it with shampoo and lightly dry it so it's still damp. Once you're finished washing it, divide your hair into sections using clips, and apply some semipermanent purple dye to one section at a time. When you're finished, cover your hair with plastic wrap, and leave the dye in for 45 minutes. Wash your hair with a mild shampoo when the times up, then pour white vinegar over it to help the color last longer. | Bleach your hair to get the most vibrant purple results. If you have dark hair and you want your purple dye to be very bright, you'll need to lighten your hair as much as possible first by bleaching it. Since bleaching is a harsh chemical process, it's best to have it done at a salon by an experienced colorist, but you can do it yourself if you're comfortable experimenting with your hair. Most rainbow-colored dyes, including purple shades, are semi-permanent or temporary, which means they will not lighten your hair when you apply them. Because of this, they may not show up as well on dark hair. Bleaching may not be safe for your hair if it's been previously colored or chemically treated. Also, if your hair is very thick or dark, it may take several bleaching sessions before you get the color you desire. If any of these are true for your hair, consult a stylist before attempting to bleach at home. Apply coconut oil to your hair the night before you bleach it for extra protection. Soaking your hair in coconut oil the night before can help prevent damage due to bleaching, especially if your hair is thick or coarse. Rub a small amount of coconut oil into your palms, then distribute it evenly through your hair. Only use a little, since you don't want the oil to prevent the bleach from soaking into your hair the following day. The amount of coconut oil you need will depend on your hair thickness and length. Start with a pea-size amount, then use more if needed. Protect your workstation and skin from the bleach. To prevent the dye from staining your skin or the surfaces in your home, lay down towels on the floor around you and drape a towel over your shoulders. Rub a little petroleum jelly around your hairline and the tops of your ears, then put on the gloves that came in the bleaching kit. It may be helpful to have an extra pair of gloves nearby in case yours tear. Mix the ingredients according to the package directions. Typically, bleaching kits will come with a packet of bleach powder and a developer. Read the instructions thoroughly, then mix the products together, either in the provided container or in a glass or plastic bowl. Do not mix bleach in a metal bowl, as it could create a chemical reaction. Use a brush to apply the dye to your hair. If you want your whole head to be purple, you'll need to bleach all of your hair. Part each section of hair and brush on the bleach as close to your roots as you can without applying it directly to your scalp. Then, brush the bleach mixture all the way down your hair before moving to a new section. If you only want a few purple streaks, you only need to bleach those areas. Leave the bleach on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse. Since bleaching is a harsh chemical process, it's important not to leave the dye on for longer than instructed. Set a timer, and when the timer goes off, rinse your hair with cool water. If your hair isn't the color you wanted, you'll need to wait a few weeks before you bleach it again. In the meantime, deep condition your hair frequently to keep it as healthy as possible. If you're happy with the color, you can proceed to the purple dye. Since most purple dyes are non-toxic, you can apply them immediately after you bleach your hair. Condition your hair if you won't be dyeing it purple right away. Some bleaching kits come with a nourishing conditioner. If you're using the purple dye as soon as you finish bleaching, you may choose to wait and use this conditioner after that process. If you're not planning to dye your hair purple immediately, apply the conditioner according to the packaging instructions, then rinse it out after 3-5 minutes, or as directed. Many temporary and semi-permanent dyes should be applied to clean hair, so a thick conditioner might interfere with your hair's ability to absorb the purple hue. Use plum or burgundy dye first if you have dark hair and don’t want to bleach it. If you have dark hair and you want to dye it purple without using bleach, start by creating a base with permanent dye in a plum or burgundy shade. You can visit a stylist for this, or you can use a box dye at home. If you use a box dye, you can either apply it all over your hair or just to the areas you want to dye purple, such as highlights, the ends for an ombre effect, or the bottom layer of your hair for a peekaboo effect. Leave it on according to the package instructions, then rinse it out. This will create a purplish base that will help your color show up better. The final result will depend on your hair's color and texture, but if you use a highly-pigmented purple dye over this base, you should get a deep, rich purple hue. Keep in mind that using a box dye may be cheaper, but a color correction with a professional stylist will be expensive if you don't like your results. Protect your work area before you apply the purple dye. Rainbow hues are notorious for getting everywhere when you use them, so before you dye your hair purple, you should probably remove anything from the area that you don't want to get dye on, and lay trash bags on the floor. That way, if you spill or splatter the dye, it can't soak through and stain your floors. Also, wear gloves and old clothes that are okay to get stained, and drape a towel or hairdresser's cape around your shoulders so the dye doesn't get on your skin. You might also want to keep a damp towel nearby to clean up any spills. Wash your hair with shampoo, then lightly towel-dry it. While most permanent dyes work best on unwashed hair, semi-permanent and temporary dyes are best applied on freshly-washed, damp hair. The color will fade with each wash, so starting with clean hair will help to reduce the amount you need to wash your hair after dyeing it. Just use your regular shampoo, then blot your hair with a dry towel to get rid of excess moisture. There's no need to condition your hair. Conditioner seals your hair's cuticle, so you don't need to apply it until after rinsing out the dye. If your hair tangles easily, you can use a small amount of a lightweight conditioner. Just be sure to rinse it thoroughly. Spread a layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline to protect your skin. Some of the dye is likely to get on your skin when you're coloring your hair, and while semi-permanent and temporary dye are typically non-toxic, it can still leave stubborn purple stains. To keep the dye off of your face, create a barrier by spreading petroleum jelly all the way across your forehead, on the tops of your ears, and behind your ears around to the back of your neck. You can also use coconut oil or even a thick moisturizer. Use a comb and clips to divide your hair into sections. Comb your hair to detangle it, then use your comb to part your hair into sections, and clip each one up. The exact number of sections you'll use will depend on the length and thickness of your hair, but the idea is that you want it to be easy to fully saturate each section with dye. If your hair is short and thin, you might only need to divide it into 2 sections in the front and 2 in the back. However, if you have very long, thick hair, you might need to clip your hair into 8 or more sections. It's important to comb your hair before you dye it, since tangles could make the dye go on unevenly. Apply the purple dye all-over if you want to dye your whole head. You can use your hands if you like, but make sure to put on a pair of gloves first! For a more precise application, use a paintbrush or a foam craft brush to apply the dye to your hair. Starting with one of the front sections and working your way back, saturate the section with dye from the roots to the tips. Clip that section back up, then move to the next one. Continue until you've dyed all of your hair. With most semi-permanent and temporary hair dyes, there's no mixing required. Unless the instructions state otherwise, all you have to do is open the container and apply the color to your hair. If the dye came in a bottle, you may need to squeeze it into a bowl if you want to use a brush. Keep in mind the bowl may get stained. Some people prefer to dye from back to front, since the back of your hair takes longer to accept color. Brush the dye on in sections for a highlight-like effect. If you only want to dye certain sections of your hair, clip all of the rest of your hair out of the way, then apply your purple dye with a brush. The brush allows for precision, although keep in mind that when you shampoo, some of the purple dye will probably transfer to the rest of your hair. To minimize this, rinse your hair quickly focusing on the highlighted sections first. For instance, you might dye just the underside of your hair, or just your bangs. Dye just the ends of your hair for an ombre effect. If you only want to dye the ends of your hair, you can either brush the dye on, or you can dip your hair into the bowl or container of dye. Try to create a straight line where the dye ends. If some of your hair has the last 2 in (5.1 cm) dyed but the rest only has purple on 1 in (2.5 cm), it will look messy. This is a fun way to try out a bold color without committing to an all-over look. Cover your hair with plastic wrap and leave the dye on for 45 minutes. Once you've applied the dye, wrap your hair in plastic wrap or cover your head with a shower cap and let the dye soak into your hair for however long the directions say—typically about 30-45 minutes. However, if you're using a non-toxic dye, it won't hurt your hair to leave the color on longer if you want, and it can help produce a more vivid purple hue, especially if you have coarse or thick hair. If you don't have plastic wrap or a shower cap, you don't have to use them. However, this will help lock in the heat from your scalp, which can help the dye penetrate deeper into your hair, helping it last longer. A plastic grocery bag will also work as a cover for your hair. Rinse the dye with cold water and vinegar. Once the time is up, unwrap the plastic from your hair and rinse your hair under very cool water until it runs clear. This can take a while, so be patient. Once the water is clear (or mostly clear), wash your hair with a mild shampoo and rinse it again. Pour white vinegar over your hair, then rinse it well and condition your hair as usual When you're finished, towel-dry your hair with an old towel, as a little of the dye might still transfer. Do not use clarifying shampoo to wash your purple hair, as it will strip the color. Sulfate-free shampoo is best for color-treated hair. If you don't want to use vinegar, you don't have to, but it may help your new hair color last longer. Try to shampoo your hair as little as possible. Since most rainbow-colored dyes just color the outside of your hair's cuticle, they're going to fade a little every time you wash your hair. Try to wash your hair only every other day at the most to keep the purple hair from fading prematurely. If your hair gets oily between washes, use dry shampoo to help keep it looking clean. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and cold water when you do wash your hair. Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip the color from your hair. If you want to preserve your purple dye as long as possible, look for a sulfate-free shampoo wherever you normally buy your hair supplies. Hot water can also fade your color, so use the coolest water you can stand when you wash your hair. Many drugstores and supermarkets now carry affordable sulfate-free shampoos. Deep condition your hair every time you wash it. To preserve your color and keep your hair looking healthy, use a thick conditioner on your hair every time you wash it, especially if you bleached your hair. If all you have is your regular hair conditioner, apply it to your hair generously and leave it on for at least 3-5 minutes before you rinse it out. Don't forget to rinse your conditioner with cool or cold water! Boost the purple with a color refresher shampoo. If you want to keep your color looking vibrant, purchase a shampoo that's made to intensify purple color. You can also mix a little of your original purple dye with your shampoo or conditioner to get a boost of color every time you wash your hair. Reapply semi-permanent dye every 6 weeks or as needed. Semi-permanent dye typically lasts for about 6 weeks, although you will likely notice your color fading after about 3-4 weeks. You can enjoy the range of purple shades as your color fades, or you can re-color your hair to keep it looking bold and bright. Luckily, since these products are typically not damaging to your hair, you can use them as often as you like! Many semi-permanent dyes contain rich conditioners, so they can actually make your hair healthier when you use them, as opposed to permanent dyes, which contain harsh chemicals. Minimize your use of hot tools. Just like the heat from the sun, hot tools, like a flat iron or a hair dryer, will cause your color to fade more quickly as well. Let your hair air-dry whenever possible, and avoid styling your hair with heat if you can. If you do use your hot tools, set them to the lowest heat possible first, and use a heat-protectant spray. Avoid chlorinated pools or wear a swim cap. Chlorine is harsh on everyone's hair, color treated or not. Aside from the damage, though, chlorine will make your hair color fade quickly, so it's best to avoid getting your hair wet with chlorinated water whenever possible. If you do want to get into a chlorinated pool, try not to put your hair under the water, or wear a swim cap if you're planning on going underwater. Wear a hat if you'll be in the sun. Sunlight and heat can cause your purple hair to fade quickly. If you know you'll be spending the day outdoors, protect your hair with a hat. Wide-brimmed hats are especially effective, as they'll cast a shadow that can protect more of your hair from the sun. | Bleach your hair to get the most vibrant purple results. Apply coconut oil to your hair the night before you bleach it for extra protection. Protect your workstation and skin from the bleach. Mix the ingredients according to the package directions. Use a brush to apply the dye to your hair. Leave the bleach on for the recommended amount of time, then rinse. Condition your hair if you won't be dyeing it purple right away. Use plum or burgundy dye first if you have dark hair and don’t want to bleach it. Protect your work area before you apply the purple dye. Wash your hair with shampoo, then lightly towel-dry it. Spread a layer of petroleum jelly around your hairline to protect your skin. Use a comb and clips to divide your hair into sections. Apply the purple dye all-over if you want to dye your whole head. Brush the dye on in sections for a highlight-like effect. Dye just the ends of your hair for an ombre effect. Cover your hair with plastic wrap and leave the dye on for 45 minutes. Rinse the dye with cold water and vinegar. Try to shampoo your hair as little as possible. Use a sulfate-free shampoo and cold water when you do wash your hair. Deep condition your hair every time you wash it. Boost the purple with a color refresher shampoo. Reapply semi-permanent dye every 6 weeks or as needed. Minimize your use of hot tools. Avoid chlorinated pools or wear a swim cap. Wear a hat if you'll be in the sun. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Connect-HDMI-Cables | How to Connect HDMI Cables | To connect HDMI cables, start by locating the HDMI port on your device, which looks like a thin, wide slot with a slightly tapered base. Next, attach one end of the HDMI cable to your computer and plug the other end into the HDMI slot on the back or side of your TV. Then, find the number next to the HDMI slot on your TV and use your remote to switch the TV's settings to the HDMI input number. | Locate the HDMI ports. An HDMI port resembles a thin, wide slot with a slightly tapered base. Not all computers have HDMI ports, but most newer ones do. HDMI ports are typically located on the sides of laptops and on backs of desktop computers. If your desktop computer does not have an HDMI port, you may need to install a new video card. If your computer doesn't have an HDMI port, but has another output such as DVI or DisplayPort, you can purchase an adapter that will allow you to connect an HDMI cable. If you are converting DVI to HDMI, you will need to use a separate cable for audio, as DVI does not transfer audio signal. There are also USB-to-HDMI adapters for computers with no video ports. Attach one end of the HDMI cable to your computer. Typically, the wider end of the HDMI cable will be facing up. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV. It will fit into the HDMI slot on the back of your TV, though sometimes the HDMI slot faces parallel to the TV screen rather than away from it. If the TV is on, your computer will usually automatically detect it and switch its display output to the TV. Switch to the HDMI input using your TV remote. If your TV only has one HDMI input, simply switch to that input's number; otherwise, you will need to find the HDMI input that your computer is connected to. The HDMI slot on your TV will typically have a number beside it; that number the the input number for HDMI. In most cases, you'll press Input on the remote to bring up the Input menu, then use the remote's arrows to navigate to the HDMI input number (e.g., "Input 3" or "HDMI 2"). View your computer's display settings. Common display settings include using only the TV's screen as the video output, as well as using both the TV screen and the computer screen ("mirroring"). Choose the mode that works best for your in your computer's Display menu. Windows - Open Start , click Settings , click System , and click Display. Mac - Click the Apple menu , click System Preferences , and then click Displays. Locate the HDMI ports on all of the devices. An HDMI port resembles a thin, wide slot with a slightly tapered base. If you have a receiver with enough HDMI input ports, and your TV has at least one HDMI input, you should be able to connect all of your devices to get the best possible quality from your home theater. Most new receivers will have multiple HDMI inputs that allow you to connect all of your HDMI-capable devices, as well as an HDMI output for connecting to your TV. You can buy an HDMI splitter for a one-port receiver. Check what version of HDMI your TV supports. Check that your TV supports HDMI 1.4 ARC (Audio Return Channel). This allows the TV to send audio back to the receiver, which routes your TV sound through your home theater speakers. Most TVs made after 2009 support HDMI 1.4 and newer. If your TV does not support HDMI 1.4, you will need to use a separate audio cable to connect the TV to the receiver (e.g., digital optical). If you are watching TV through a cable box via your receiver, you don't need to worry about ARC since the sound is coming from the cable box into the receiver. Connect your devices to your receiver inputs via HDMI. These could include DVD/Blu-ray players, game consoles, and more. If you have limited HDMI inputs, use HDMI cables for the most recent devices first, as they will benefit the most. For example, if your receiver only has two HDMI inputs and you have a Roku, a PlayStation 4, and a DVD changer, plug the Roku and the PS4 in with HDMI, and use a component connection for the DVD player. The Roku and PS4 will benefit much more from the HDMI connections. HDMI plugs only go in one way, so don't force any connections. Connect the receiver to the TV. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the receiver's HDMI slot, then plug the other end into the TV. This allows the image from all the devices connected to your receiver appear on your TV. Use the receiver to switch between inputs. Since your devices are now routed through the receiver, the TV can be set to the HDMI input that you plugged in from the receiver, allowing you to switch between inputs using your receiver remote. Since everything has been connected via HDMI, all the sound from your devices should go through your receiver's speaker setup. Most devices should configure automatically when they detect the HDMI connection, though you may need to tweak some settings for certain devices. Connect your devices directly to your TV. If you aren't setting up a home theater system, you can still plug your HDMI devices directly into your TV and then control the inputs using your TV remote. Most modern TVs have at least two HDMI inputs. If you have more HDMI-capable devices than you do input ports on your TV, you can purchase an HDMI switch that will expand the number of available HDMI ports. Enable HDMI-CEC if you like. HDMI-CEC allows you to use your TV remote to control your other HDMI devices. To enable HDMI-CEC, you'll have to access each device's settings menu. HDMI-CEC is called different things by different companies, including Anynet+ (Samsung), Aquo Link (Sharp), Regza Link (Toshiba), SimpLink (LG), and more. Refer to your TV's manual for more information. Locate the HDMI port on the back of your console. An HDMI port resembles a thin, wide slot with a slightly tapered base. In addition to most Xbox 360s, all PlayStation 3s, PlayStation 4s, Wii Us, and Xbox Ones support HDMI by default. The Wii does not support HDMI, and the original model of Xbox 360 does not either. If you don't see an HDMI port on the back of your console, it doesn't support HDMI. Consoles like the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox don't support HDMI. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your console. The HDMI slot will typically be in the back of the console, on either the left side or the right side. Attach the other end of the cable to your TV. It will fit into the HDMI slot on the back of your TV, though sometimes the HDMI slot faces parallel to the TV screen rather than away from it. Make a note of the HDMI slot's input number while you're doing this. Switch to the HDMI input using your TV remote. If your TV only has one HDMI input, simply switch to that input's number; otherwise, you will need to find the HDMI input that your console is connected to. The HDMI slot on your TV will typically have a number beside it; that number the the input number for HDMI. In most cases, you'll press Input on the remote to bring up the Input menu, then use the remote's arrows to navigate to the HDMI input number (e.g., "Input 3" or "HDMI 2"). If you can't find the input, turn on your console and switch through inputs until you see the console's screen. Change your console's default connection if necessary. Most consoles will automatically detect the HDMI cable and attempt to configure the best settings, but you may need to go into the Video settings on your console and select "HDMI" as the input if you have multiple different cables. If HDMI is the only input available, your console will select it by default. You may be taken through a short setup process when you start the console up with HDMI for the first time. | Locate the HDMI ports. Attach one end of the HDMI cable to your computer. Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV. Switch to the HDMI input using your TV remote. View your computer's display settings. Locate the HDMI ports on all of the devices. Check what version of HDMI your TV supports. Connect your devices to your receiver inputs via HDMI. Connect the receiver to the TV. Use the receiver to switch between inputs. Connect your devices directly to your TV. Enable HDMI-CEC if you like. Locate the HDMI port on the back of your console. Plug one end of the HDMI cable into your console. Attach the other end of the cable to your TV. Switch to the HDMI input using your TV remote. Change your console's default connection if necessary. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Thicken-Curry | How to Thicken Curry | If you need to thicken curry, try stirring in a spoonful at a time of unflavored Greek yogurt until you get the thickness you desire. This will add a creamy texture, and is also a good way to cool off your curry if it's a little spicier than you would like. If you're making a tomato-based curry, add in tomato paste or puree to the curry to thicken it. Also, if your curry has potatoes in it, take out a few of the potatoes and mash them up, then add them back into the curry. This will thicken the dish without changing the flavor. | Mix in unflavored yogurt. A thick yogurt, like Greek yogurt, works best. Simply add a small amount of yogurt, like a spoonful, at a time. Stir your yogurt into the curry and keep adding a little more at a time until it reaches your desired thickness. This is great for Indian-style curries as a cream substitute. It can also come in handy if your curry is a little spicier than you would like, as it can cool your curry down. Try tomato paste or puree. This works best for curries that are already tomato-based, as it won't affect the flavor too much. Tomato puree is usually thicker than paste and has a slightly stronger flavor. Mix in a small amount of tomato puree or paste into the curry. Add a little at a time until the curry gets as thick as you want. If you don't have puree or paste, you can try diced tomatoes. For best results, add tomatoes or tomato puree during the cooking process rather than after. Mash the potatoes already in your curry. If you're cooking with potatoes, try mashing them after the curry is cooked. This is a simple way to thicken the curry without potentially damaging or diluting the flavor. Sometimes, a few mashed potatoes can make for a thicker curry. Try cornstarch. If you have some cornstarch on hand in your kitchen, mix a tablespoon (15 mL) of cornstarch with a tablespoon (15 mL) of water. Mix this into your curry while it's boiling to get it to thicken. If necessary, you can add a bit more water and cornstarch if your curry doesn't thicken with one tablespoon (15 mL) of each. Use flour and cooking fat. Two tablespoons of flour (30 mL) mixed with two tablespoons (30 mL) of a cooking fat like butter can thicken curry. Remove a cup of curry (240 mL) and mix it with your flour and cooking fat mixture. Return the curry to the main pot and mix it in to thicken your curry. You can add in a bit more flour if your curry doesn't thicken the first time. Add arrowroot. Arrowroot thickens curry just like cornstarch. Add a tablespoon (15 mL) of arrowroot to your curry and then mix it in. If your curry doesn't thicken, add a little bit more at a time until you get the right consistency. Reduce the heat. If your curry doesn't adequately thicken during the normal cooking time, switch the heat to a simmer. Let the curry simmer over the heat while you keep an eye on it. Keep the curry uncovered while it simmers. Let the curry simmer until it reduces. As the curry simmers, you can expect it to reduce. Stir the curry as it reduces to test the thickness. Let the curry reduce until it's as thick as you want. Time varies greatly depending on the type of curry, so keep an eye on your curry as it thickens. It may reduce in a few minutes or it may need 10 to 20 minutes to thicken. Add water if your curry gets too thick. Sometimes, curry can reduce too much when simmering. This may result in a curry that's too thick. Simply add a little bit of water at a time in this case until your curry gets to the right consistency. | Mix in unflavored yogurt. Try tomato paste or puree. Mash the potatoes already in your curry. Try cornstarch. Use flour and cooking fat. Add arrowroot. Reduce the heat. Let the curry simmer until it reduces. Add water if your curry gets too thick. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Keratitis-in-Cats | How to Diagnose Keratitis in Cats | To diagnose keratitis in cats, watch for eye-related symptoms, like redness, swelling, discharge, discoloration, squinting, and brown stains. Respiratory distress, such as sneezing and nasal discharge, may also be present. If you notice these symptoms, take your kitty to a vet as soon as possible for an evaluation, since leaving keratitis untreated can lead to severe eye damage and blindness. Because keratitis can be caused by a variety of health issues, your vet will run tests to identify the cause of the symptoms. The treatment will depend on the underlying condition, but common treatments are eye drops, topical ointments, supplements, antivirals, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. | Take your cat to the vet. If you suspect that your cat has keratitis, take him to the vet immediately. Leaving keratitis untreated can lead to severe eye damage which may result in blindness. Common symptoms of keratitis include swollen or irritated eyes, discharge from the eye, and discoloration of the eye. Though eye irritation might be due to multiple conditions, or caused by a variety of triggers, any eye problems in your cat should be seen by a vet. Get a physical examination. When you take your cat to the vet, the vet will perform a thorough physical exam. This usually includes checking the cat's temperature to rule out fever, listening to the chest, and looking at the tongue. Then the vet will check for complications in the eye, such as a corneal ulcer or glaucoma. Your vet will check to see if the cat has a more generalized respiratory infection, such as with herpes virus. To check for an ulcer, the vet puts drops of a special dye into the eye. The orange dye stains ulcers bright green. This is important to check since the treatment for keratitis can involve steroid drops, and steroids can make corneal ulcers worse. If the vet suspects glaucoma, then she will use a tonometer to check the pressure within the eye. This condition can mimic keratitis, but the treatment is different for glaucoma than keratitis. Run additional tests. To rule any other reasons for keratitis, the vet may select other tests to run. This may include wiping a sterile swab over the surface of the eye and then sending the culture to check if there is a bacterial colony present which needs treatment. The vet may also run blood tests, checking the pet's general health and factors which may suppress the immune system, such as FeLV and FIV. These can prevent the natural defense mechanisms of the eye from reducing inflammation. Watch for swollen eyes. One symptom of keratitis is red, swollen eyes. Swollen eyes may be accompanied by a discharge from the eye. The discharge from the eye may be clear and watery, making the fur beneath look wet. It may also take on a yellow-green color if it is infected. Swollen eyes may be a symptom of a generalized infection from the herpes virus. Check to see if the cat is favoring his eye. Cats with keratitis may display symptoms of eye discomfort. This means the cat may favor the eye. Your cat may rub the eye with his paw or rub his eye on the ground. The eye may be closed, or your cat may start squinting. Additionally, he may be sensitive to light, so he may spend time in dark places or have trouble keeping his eyes open in bright lights. Monitor for eye discoloration. If your cat has keratitis, there may be some discoloration in the eye. The surface in the center of the eye should be clear so you can see the black pupil. If keratitis is present, you may see abnormalities there. The surface of the eye may have inflamed patches with blood vessels threading over the surface. Sometimes, due to extra cells in the eye area, the eye may take on a whitish appearance that looks like white-pink lace. Look for brown stains in the eyes. With severe keratitis that becomes well-established due to lack of treatment, sometimes the area slowly becomes pigmented and brown staining covers the surface. This change may be permanent and the pigment prevents light entering the eye and interferes with the cat's sight. In severe cases, the cat may become blind in that eye as a result. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment is desirable. Tests may be done to rule out other possible causes of the eye symptoms to make a more definitive diagnosis, especially in the case of herpes. Look for respiratory distress. Cats who have keratitis may display signs pointing to problems with their upper respiratory system. This might include sneezing, nasal discharge, or even discharge from the ears. If the keratitis occurs because of the herpes virus, respiratory symptoms may show earlier than or at the same time as eye symptoms. Treat the condition. The treatment depends on the underlying reason for the keratitis and the symptoms. Common treatments for keratitis are eye drops or a topical ointment since eye infections are common. Your vet may also recommend giving your cat some kind of supplement to help boost her immune system, such as L-Lysine. This is supposed to help decrease the chance of a recurring corneal ulcer. If your cat has the herpes virus, the eye may not respond to the same treatments. Anti-virals may be given, along with an antibiotic for any present infection. If the swelling in the eye is bad, the vet may give the cat anti-inflammatory drugs. Understand that keratitis may be a result of a contagious disease. A cat with the feline herpes virus can infect another cat, which may lead to keratitis. If you know your cat or another cat has keratitis due to an infectious disease, separate them until the cat has been treated and healed. An infectious disease like feline herpes can be contracted through contact with bodily fluids such as saliva, nasal or ear discharge, and sneeze droplets. The virus can also be contracted from litter trays, food and water bowls, and bedding. Vaccinate your cat against FHV. Since a common reason cats get keratitis is due to the feline herpes virus, you should vaccinate your cat. While vaccinations won't eliminate the chances of your cat getting FHV, it will significantly reduce the risk. You can get your cat vaccinated against FHV at around eight weeks. It initially takes two or three injections, then a booster at one year, then boosters every one to three years. Learn the causes of keratitis. Keratitis is an umbrella term to describe the appearance of an affected eye. There is no one cause of keratitis. Anything that produces prolonged irritation on the surface of the eye can trigger the inflammation associated with keratitis. Common triggers include a herpes virus infection, a blow to the eye like a scratch sustained during a catfight, or rubbing on the surface of the eye, such as from eyelashes from inturned eyelids. | Take your cat to the vet. Get a physical examination. Run additional tests. Watch for swollen eyes. Check to see if the cat is favoring his eye. Monitor for eye discoloration. Look for brown stains in the eyes. Look for respiratory distress. Treat the condition. Understand that keratitis may be a result of a contagious disease. Vaccinate your cat against FHV. Learn the causes of keratitis. |
https://www.wikihow.life/Maintain-Ideal-Body-Weight | How to Maintain Ideal Body Weight | To maintain your ideal body weight, monitor your progress by weighing yourself at least once a week so you can note any changes and take action like decreasing your portion sizes or doing more exercise. If you're usually on the go, make small changes to your routine like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking your car further away, or going for a walk during your lunch. Even when you're busy, try to avoid skipping meals since this will slow down your metabolism and cause you to burn fewer calories. Instead, keep healthy snacks on hand like nuts, fruit, or trail mix that you can eat throughout the day. | Determine your ideal weight. There are many formulas that can be used to calculate your ideal weight. One of the simplest is the HAMWI formula, which is used for adults over 5 feet tall. For men, the formula is 106 + 6 lbs for every inch over 5 feet. For women, it's 100 + 5 lbs for every inch over 5 feet. Add 10% if person has large frame, subtract 10% if person has small frame. If you're unsure, assume a medium frame, and make no adjustment. So, a man with a medium frame who is 6'2" would have an ideal weight of 190 lbs (106 + 84 lbs = 190 lbs). You can also calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) which can help you decide if you should lose weight or maintain your current weight. To calculate your BMI, you'll want to divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in meters. To calculate using pounds and inches, divide your weight in pounds by the square of your height in inches and multiply by a conversion factor of 703. There are several reliable online BMI calculators, including through the Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/in-depth/bmi-calculator/itt-20084938. Once you know your BMI, you can compare it to what is a normal BMI for your age, height and gender. Keep in mind that these calculations are very broad and do not take into account that muscle weighs more than fat. For instance, many professional athletes would be considered obese based on their BMI because they have more muscle, which increases their weight on the scale. Instead of getting hung up on a number, ask yourself: "What weight is healthy for me and also allows me to be mentally and physically at my best?" Figuring out what it realistic and healthy for you is more important than trying to hit some magical number. Determine how many calories you need to lose weight. To make sure you are eating the right amount of calories, you will want to determine your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). Your BMR determines the amount of calories your body needs to function while at rest, and knowing your numbers can help you ensure that you are not eating too many (or too few) calories. To calculate your BMR, you'll need to calculate the relationship between your weight, height, and age. For men, use the following equation: 10 x weight (kg) + 6.25 x height (cm) – 5 x age (years) + 5. For women, use: 10 x weight (kg) + 6.25 x height (cm) – 5 x age (years) – 161. You may want to use an online calculator, such as the one at the Mayo Clinic: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/weight-loss/in-depth/weight-loss/itt-20084941 Track your calories. Once you have determined a healthy weight and how many calories you need to eat to lose weight, you'll want to ensure you are not eating too many or too few calories. If you're eating more calories you're burning, you can either add workouts to your day, or cut back on the number of calories you eat. If you're burning more calories than you're eating, then you need to exercise less or eat more. Count your calories. Make a note of what and how much you eat, and then look up the caloric value for those foods. Add them up to see your total daily caloric intake. You can use a pen and paper or an app like MyFitnessPal or the SuperTracker from choosemyplate.gov. Ensure that the calories you are eating come from nutritionally dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole-grain carbohydrates. Choose a variety of foods from each food group to ensure you are getting enough nutrients. These foods will give you increased energy, added vitamins and minerals, and you can eat more of them, while staying within your daily caloric requirements. Shift the way you view food and exercise. Your weight is linked to your emotions about food and exercise. View food as energy and as a path to achieve good health, have more energy, and improve your overall quality of life. Exercise can help boost your mood, combat disease, and improve your energy levels. Using food as a coping mechanism can make you feel worse and derail healthy weight management. Find other ways to meet your emotional needs, such as getting a massage, spending quality time with others, buying a new outfit, or a fun activity. Make healthy changes. If you are above or below your ideal weight, make a realistic plan to achieve the outcome you want. Focus on taking small steps, such as eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Track your achievements, exercise, and calories. Keeping a record can help you see patterns over time and allows you to make necessary adjustments. Develop an exercise regimen. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day, though you may need more depending on your goals for reaching your ideal body weight. Find exercises that you enjoy. Activities like swimming, gardening, walking, bike riding or dancing all count. These can be a fun and pleasant way to burn calories and stay fit, and you'll be more likely to stick with your routine. Hydrate your body. Drinking enough liquids (especially water) is critical to maintaining overall health, but also may help you reach your ideal weight. Drinking water may increase how many calories your body burns for at least an hour. Staying well-hydrated helps your muscles and heart work more efficiently. Be vigilant. People who are successful at maintaining their weight monitor their progress and step on the scale regularly. If you note that your weight has gone up or down, you can take steps to remedy it, such as increasing or decreasing portion sizes or modifying your exercise routine. Keep a health journal. Writing down your food and activity ensures that you are tracking how you are meeting your goals. Get enough rest. On average, the less people sleep, the more they weigh. Sleeping enough hours per night is an easy way to maintain your ideal weight, while also being a key part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Most adults need seven to nine hours of quality sleep on a regular schedule each night. When you are tired, you may be more likely to reward yourself with food. Stay active. Getting regular physical activity will help you maintain your ideal weight, while also lowering your risk for diabetes, heart conditions, strokes, and certain cancers. Staying sedentary harms your metabolism and makes you more likely to gain excess weight, even if you are not eating more. Simple changes can help you get more activity in your day such as taking the stairs, sitting less, parking your car further away, or taking a daily walk. Follow a consistent diet. Eating the same types of food each day is better than eating more on weekends, holidays, or other special occasions. Don't skip meals. This can slow down your metabolism and you'll burn fewer calories at rest. Keep healthy snacks on hand. You'll stay satisfied without adding too many calories. Eat mindfully. Savoring each bite of your meal will help you feel satisfied and fuller longer. Put your fork down between bites, chew slowly, and sit at a table to eat. These changes can help you become aware of physical hunger and satiety cues. Practice shopping smart at the grocery store. Plan ahead, bring a list, and avoid shopping while hungry. This will help you choose healthy foods and avoid bringing home non-nutritious foods such as cookies or soda. Cook healthy recipes at home. Restaurant food is often salty, fatty, and highly caloric. Preparing food in your own kitchen can help you develop healthy habits at meals and consume the right number of calories for your body. Don’t give up. There will inevitably be setbacks or interruptions to your routine, so be prepared. Weight maintenance is a long-term commitment. Make a plan if you know that your health routine for weight maintenance will be challenged or interrupted. Feeling like you are in control can help you overcome discouragement and keep you motivated. Keep a positive body image in mind. Part of maintaining your body's ideal weight is knowing what is realistic and attainable. View yourself as a whole person and appreciate all that your body can do, instead of focusing on physical faults. A negative body image can impede your weight goals and lead to other serious health consequences, such as developing eating disorders or mental health issues. Remember that health is more important than appearance. Drastic approaches to achieving an unrealistic weight are harmful to your emotional and physical health. Find a partner. Asking a friend or family member to partner with you on your health goals can help you stay accountable. Social support is a key strategy in reaching and maintaining the weight that is best for your body. Choose a partner who shares the same goals for weight maintenance that you do, and have regular meetings. Online communities can be a great source of social support for maintaining weight loss. Seek out groups in which you can share healthy eating and exercise tips. Take responsibility. Take an active role in managing your overall health. Maintaining your ideal weight requires making good decisions and taking charge of your diet and fitness level. Stay accountable through keeping the big picture in mind, and setting permanent objectives for your weight and health.. Get medical support. Keeping weight off after losing it is a tough task. Enlist your physician and other health professionals in helping you manage your weight. Get regular check-ups and discuss your weight with your doctor. They can advise you on healthy habits, and ensure that you don't have any health problems that may make it more difficult for you to lose or maintain weight. | Determine your ideal weight. Determine how many calories you need to lose weight. Track your calories. Shift the way you view food and exercise. Make healthy changes. Develop an exercise regimen. Hydrate your body. Be vigilant. Get enough rest. Stay active. Follow a consistent diet. Eat mindfully. Don’t give up. Keep a positive body image in mind. Find a partner. Take responsibility. Get medical support. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Manage-Angina-Pain-with-Home-Remedies | How to Manage Angina Pain with Home Remedies | To manage angina pain with home remedies, drink 2 liters of water a day to help flush excess sodium from your body, which can lower your blood pressure and relieve angina pain. Another way to lower your blood pressure is to get enough sleep at night. You'll also want to eat a healthy diet to improve your heart health, so include grapes, oranges, apples, and berries into your diet. If you want to try some herbal remedies, squeeze half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach to manage high cholesterol. Since turmeric powder keeps plaque from forming on your arteries, mix some into a cup of warm milk for a heart-healthy drink. | Keep a journal. Write in a journal to track patterns or changes in your daily routine. This can help your doctor determine if your pain is a result of an underlying heart problem, especially if you experience chest pain frequently. Angina can be a sign of coronary heart disease (CHD), even if initial tests don't point to the disease. However, not all chest pain or discomfort is a sign of CHD. Panic attacks and other lung or heart conditions can also cause chest pain. Your doctor may ask about your symptoms, risk factors for heart disease, and your family history regarding CHD and other heart conditions. Take note of the following things in your journal: What the pain feels like, symptoms you experience when you have chest pain, such as high blood pressure, and any symptoms you experience afterwards, such as nausea or dizziness. How often you experience chest pain, where you feel pain or discomfort, the severity of the pain and how long the pain lasts. Dietary changes or foods you ate two to three days prior to experiencing chest pain or indigestion. Also note any beverages such as coffee, tea, and soda, and how frequently you drink them per day or per week. New exercise regimes or recreational activities that cause physical exertion. Any stressful environments, work or relationships that may be causing symptoms of chest pain. Any other conditions you may have or any illnesses you may have had, such as a fever or cold, prior to experiencing chest pain. Any drugs, medications, supplements, herbs or home remedies you are currently using or may have used in the past two weeks. If your chest pain is interfering with your daily activities. Visit your doctor for diagnosis. Any kind of chest pain should be checked by your doctor, since it may be a symptom of an underlying condition. Your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, medicines or medical procedures depending on the type and severity of your angina pain. Different types of angina have different symptoms and require different treatments. , If you have angina, you may diagnosed with one of the following: Stable angina: Stable angina is the most common type which follows a regular pattern, such as when it occurs and what factors may trigger it. It usually occurs after stress or physical activity and may last one to 15 minutes. Stable angina isn't a heart attack, but suggests that a heart attack is more likely to occur in the future. If you have stable angina, you can learn its pattern and predict when the pain will occur. The pain usually goes away a few minutes after you rest or take your angina medicine (usually nitroglycerin, taken sublingually or under the tongue). Variant angina: Variant angina is rare. A spasm in a coronary artery causes this type of angina. Variant angina usually occurs while you're at rest, and the pain can be severe. It usually happens between midnight and early morning. Smoking is a major risk factor for this type of angina. Medicine can relieve this type of angina. Unstable angina: Unstable angina doesn't follow a pattern and it may occur more often and be more severe than stable angina. It often occurs while the person is at rest. This type is very dangerous as it suggests that a heart attack may happen soon and requires emergency treatment. Unstable angina also can occur with or without physical exertion — it often happens without physical activity. Rest or medicine may not relieve the pain. Microvascular angina: Microvascular angina can be more severe and last longer than other types of angina. It is often noticed during routine activities and times of psychological stress. Symptoms include shortness of breath, sleep problems, fatigue and lack of energy. Medicine may not relieve this type of angina. Consider an electrocardiogram. Your doctor may suggest getting an electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine if you may have heart disease. If you experience angina pain or palpitations, an electrocardiogram is usually the first test to determine if you have heart disease. An ECG is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart to measure any damage to the heart, heart rate, size and position of heart chambers. It also measures the effects of drugs or devices you may be using to manage chest pain. In addition, an ECG can be used to monitor stress levels. The procedure for ECG is painless, done by attaching patches called electrodes to your arms, legs or chest to monitor heart activity. Ask your doctor about an ECG if you experience angina pain and have had heart problems in the past or have a strong history of heart disease in your family. Make sure your healthcare provider knows about all the medications you are taking, as some can interfere with test results. Exercising or drinking cold water immediately before an ECG may cause false results. Get a blood test. Blood tests check the levels of certain fats, cholesterol, sugar, and proteins in your blood. Abnormal levels may show that you have risk factors for coronary heart disease. Your doctor may recommend a blood test to check the level of a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. High levels of CRP in the blood may increase the risk for coronary heart disease and heart attack. Your doctor also may recommend a blood test to check for low levels of hemoglobin in your blood. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. It helps the blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to all parts of your body. If your hemoglobin level is low, you may have a condition called anemia. Drink lots of water. Water helps flush out excess sodium that causes high blood pressure and hypertension. These symptoms often lead to angina pain and coronary heart disease. Aim to drink at least eight ounces of water every two hours. 2 liters of water is the daily recommendation for the average adult. If you take caffeinated beverages, take 1 liter of water for every cup (1 fluid oz.) of caffeine. If you are taking blood-thinning medications or diuretics (water pills) for angina pain, ask your doctor about how much water you should consume. Not getting enough water can also lead to dehydration. Dehydration can cause headaches, irritability, dizziness, irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath. Non-caffeinated, glucose-free sports drinks with electrolytes can help alleviate dehydration as well. Get enough sleep. Not getting enough sleep has been linked to increased risk of high blood pressure, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and chronic stress, all of which can cause angina pain and increase the risk for heart disease. Studies show that sleep deprivation can weaken the immune system, increase the production of stress hormones, put you at higher risk for chronic disease and lower life expectancy. , If you suffer from sleep apnea or insomnia, talk to your doctor for possible treatments. Other ways you can make sure you get enough sleep include: Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and sugary drinks four to six hours before sleeping. These can act as a stimulant to keep you awake. A quiet, dark, and cool environment can help promote sleep. Use heavy curtains or an eye mask to block light. Light is a powerful cue that tells the brain that it's time to wake up. Keep the temperature comfortably cool (between 65 and 75°F or 18.3 to 23.9°C), and keep the room well ventilated. Make sure your bedroom is equipped with a comfortable mattress and pillows. Change your sheets and pillow covers often. If you have trouble breathing, try to prop your head up on a pillow to improve air flow. Struggling to fall asleep just leads to frustration. If you're not asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed, go to another room and do something relaxing until you are tired enough to sleep. Avoid activities such as work or exercise three to four hours prior to sleeping. Physically and psychologically stressful activities can cause the body to secrete the stress hormone cortisol, which is associated with increasing alertness. Try listening to relaxing music or doing some light reading a few hours before sleeping. Having a regular sleep schedule helps to ensure better quality and consistent sleep. Try to set a routine by going to bed early and waking up early to set your body's internal clock. If you have congestive heart failure in addition to angina you may need to elevate the bed with pillows when you sleep so that your head is above your heart. Avoid sitting for long periods. Sitting idly greatly increases the risk for angina pain and other heart diseases. Do not sit in front of the TV, behind a work desk or driver's seat for more than two hours if you have been diagnosed with angina. Think about ways you can walk while you work, such as standing while talking on the phone. Take five minute breaks between work to stretch your arms and legs. The muscle activity needed for standing and other movement seems to trigger important processes related to the breakdown of fats and sugars within the body. When you sit, these processes stall and your health risks increase. When you're standing or actively moving, you kick the processes back into action. Avoid stress. While a small amount of stress is healthy, it can cause blood pressure, anxiety, irregular heartbeat and alter immune function, triggering angina pain and in severe cases cause heart attacks. As people age, achieving a relaxation response after a stressful event becomes more difficult. To avoid stress, practice meditation exercises like yoga and tai chi, make time for recreation and be sure to get enough rest. Other simpler ways to reduce stress are: Slow, deep breathing in a quiet environment. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try and feel the diaphragm muscle when you breath in order to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system. Focus on positive outcomes. Restructure priorities and eliminate unnecessary tasks. Reduce use of electronic devices. These may cause eye-strain and trigger headaches. Use humor. Research has found humor to be an effective way to deal with acute stress. Listen to relaxing music. Get moderate exercise. Studies show that regular exercise is beneficial for individuals with stable angina as it helps regulate high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and obesity. Aerobic exercise, in particular, increases blood and oxygen flow to the heart while at rest and when you're doing everyday things like climbing stairs or carrying groceries. It also helps reduce the body's production of stress hormones and has a positive impact on psychological health. , Talk with your healthcare practitioner or a registered clinical exercise physiologist (RCEP) before starting an exercise program. Ask for specific program recommendations to improve cardiovascular fitness, increase muscle strength and endurance, and improve range of motion. An extended warm-up and cool-down may reduce the risk of angina or other cardiovascular complications following exercise. Warming up and cooling down are important parts of every exercise routine. They help the body make the transition from rest to activity and back again, and can help prevent soreness or injury, especially in older people. Choose low-impact activities such as walking, cycling or water exercises, which involve large muscles groups and can be done continuously. If your fitness level is low, start with shorter sessions (10 to 15 minutes) and gradually build up to 30 minutes five or more days per week. Perform light-resistance circuit training and whole-body range-of-motion exercises two to three days per week. Closely monitor your intensity level and stay within your recommended target heart-rate zone. Take frequent breaks during activity if needed. Stop exercising immediately if you experience angina. Contact your physician if you experience chest pain, labored breathing or extreme fatigue. Don't eat for two hours prior to exercise. Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after a workout. If nitroglycerin has been prescribed, always carry it with you, especially during exercise. Monitor your blood pressure. Irregular heartbeat, high or low blood pressure and increased stress can trigger angina pain, and in severe cases cause heart attack. Your doctor may ask you to keep track of your blood pressure at home. To do this, you will need to get a home blood pressure monitor. The monitor you choose should be of good quality and fit well. , Digital monitors are the best choice for most people. Practice using the monitor with your doctor or nurse to make sure you are taking your blood pressure correctly. A digital blood pressure monitor will not be as accurate if your body is moving when you are using it. Also, an irregular heart rate will make the reading less accurate. Your arm should be supported, with your upper arm at heart level and feet on the floor with your back supported and legs uncrossed. It's best to measure your blood pressure after you rest for at least five minutes. Blood pressure should not be checked right after experiencing stress, exercise, tobacco exposure, or consuming foods or beverages, such as coffee, that can raise blood pressure. If your blood pressure monitor shows a reading of more than 120/80 mmHg, you may have moderate hypertension. If it shows a reading higher than 140/90 mmHg, you may have high blood pressure and should tell your doctor. All adults should have their blood pressure checked every one to two years if their blood pressure was less than 120/80 mmHg at their most recent reading. Apply a warm towel compress. Soak a small towel in lukewarm water (104–113°F or 40–45ºC), then wring the water out. Lie down and apply the warmed towel to your chest or mid-back for 20 to 25 minutes. This helps improve circulation in the arteries and reduce spasms to relieve acute anginal pain within five to 10 minutes. If the pain is extremely severe, causes dizziness or shortness of breath, you should seek medical care immediately. , Take warm showers. Taking lukewarm showers (104–113°F or 40–45ºC) for five to 10 minutes can help improve circulation and reduce muscle pain, thus decreasing the chance of angina pain. You can do this up to two or three times per week. Taking frequent showers or showers longer than 15 minutes is not recommended as it can cause dry skin. Quit smoking. Smoking, secondhand smoke, exposure to carbon monoxide and taking in any form of nicotine can aggravate symptoms of angina pain. It can also cause hypertension and an irregular heartbeat, and it can constrict blood vessels. This increases the risk of having a heart attack and frequent angina pain. Try to avoid exposure to smoke and hazardous fumes in your environment. If you currently smoke, ask your doctor about ways to quit smoking. , Limit alcohol intake. A moderate amount of alcohol, whether it is wine, beer or spirits, can help lower the risk of heart disease and heart-related conditions such as angina. However, alcohol should be taken in moderation. If you have a condition related to angina, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or diabetes, you should reduce alcohol intake to one drink a day for women, and two per day for men. , Avoid alcoholic drinks if you are: someone recovering from alcohol addiction, pregnant or breastfeeding women, someone with a family history of alcoholism, someone with liver disease, or someone taking one or more medications that interact with alcohol. Avoid inflammatory foods. Foods that cause inflammation can increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They can also cause indigestion, bloating, stress and depression, all of which can trigger angina pain. These foods are also high in saturated fats, which can cause blood clotting, constricted blood vessels and plaque formation in the heart's arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack in people with angina. Try to avoid these foods as much as possible: Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, pastries and donuts Fried foods Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda or energy drinks Red meat such as veal, ham or steak and processed meats such as hot dogs Margarine, shortening and lard Eat certain fruits to improve heart health. Certain fruits can be effective in stopping angina pain. Because they are rich in antioxidants, they aid in purifying and thinning the blood, eliminating toxins and improving blood circulation. They are also a rich source of essential minerals, vitamins and nutrients. They may help to improve your immunity and the elasticity of your blood vessels. Fruits that promote heart health, and thereby reduce angina pain, include: Grapes Pineapples Strawberries, blueberries and cherries Oranges Pomegranates Apples Eat vegetables that may help to reduce angina pain. Vegetables that are rich sources of minerals, vitamins and nutrients may aid in managing cholesterol, reducing inflammation and regulating blood flow to reduce risk of angina pain and other heart diseases. Some vegetables to include in your diet include: Leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, collard greens, lettuce and cabbage Broccoli Green beans Sprouts Carrots Tomatoes Increase your intake of foods with essential fatty acids. Eggs, fish and lean poultry meats contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These acids help lower bad cholesterol that can cause obesity and plaque formation in the arteries. They also help reduce stress and improve blood circulation and immune function. These factors will help reduce the risk of heart disease, heart attack and angina pain. , , Foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are are: Eggs Flaxseed Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and shrimp Poultry meats such as quail, turkey and chicken Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and Brazil nuts Use heart-healthy cooking oil. Some vegetable oils such as flaxseed, canola, olive, and soybean are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids, which help reduce cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Replacing your regular vegetable cooking oil with a healthier alternative can help decrease the risk of angina pain. , , You can also use these oils for salad dressings. Add honey to your diet. The phenolic constituents in honey such as quercetin, acacetin and galangin may help to treat cardiovascular conditions. Flavonoids in honey may also decrease your risk of other heart conditions. Because of this, honey may improve blood circulation, oxygen supply in the blood, and may enhance the functioning of your organs. It can also reduce the accumulation of fat in your arteries, thereby reducing the possibility of angina pain. Eat a teaspoon of wild honey in the morning every day. You can also add ½ teaspoon of honey to decaffeinated tea or glass of water and drink the mixture, up to three times per day. Make sure the honey does not contain added sugars, as these sugars can increase the risk of diabetes when used for a long period. Get more Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important natural antioxidant that helps promote immune function, manage blood sugar, and stimulate cell growth and repair. Vitamin C also lowers the risk of various chronic diseases including angina pain and coronary heart disease. Although vitamin C deficiency is rare, it can greatly affect the immune system. Vitamin C can be taken as a dietary supplement with a recommended dose of 500 mg split into two or three times daily. You can also add vitamin C-rich foods to your daily diet. Good natural sources of vitamin C are: Sweet red or green peppers Citrus fruit such as oranges, pomelo , grapefruit, limes or non-concentrated citrus juices Spinach, broccoli and Brussel sprouts Strawberries and raspberries Tomatoes Mango, papaya and cantaloupe Since smoking depletes vitamin C, smokers may need an additional 35 mg per day. Increase your intake of niacin. Niacin is a form of vitamin B3 used to improve blood flow and lower bad cholesterol levels. High cholesterol causes plaque to build up in your arteries. Lowering your cholesterol reduces the risk for angina and heart disease. Niacin may also help regulate blood sugar levels for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The recommended dosage for niacin are 14 to 18 mg per day, whether taken as a supplement or through a food source. Do not take a higher dosage unless recommended by your doctor. People with coronary artery disease, severe or unstable angina should not take niacin without their doctor's supervision. Large doses can raise the risk of heart rhythm problems. The best food sources of vitamin B3 are found in beets, brewer's yeast, beef liver, beef kidney, fish, salmon, swordfish, tuna, sunflower seeds, and peanuts. Bread and cereals are usually fortified with niacin. In addition, foods that contain tryptophan, an amino acid the body converts into niacin, include poultry, red meat, eggs, and dairy products. Niacin is available as a tablet or capsule in both regular and timed-release forms. The timed-release tablets and capsules may have fewer side effects than regular niacin. However, the timed-release versions are more likely to cause liver damage. Doctors recommend periodic liver function tests when using high doses (above 100 mg per day) of niacin. Get enough magnesium. Magnesium is a necessary nutrient for many body functions, contributes to energy production. It regulates anxiety, stress, chronic fatigue, and helps maintain healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of angina and other heart diseases. Magnesium deficiency can also weaken the immune system and cause a number of health problems. Natural food sources of magnesium are salmon, mackerel, halibut, tuna, dark chocolate, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, brown rice, lentils, soybeans, black beans, chickpeas, avocado, and bananas. Calcium can inhibit the absorption of magnesium supplements, so it is better to use more readily absorbed forms such as magnesium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide. 100 mg of magnesium supplements is recommended to be taken two to three times daily. Adults should get at least 280–350 mg of magnesium daily. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include agitation and anxiety, restless leg syndrome (RLS), sleep disorders, irritability, nausea and vomiting, abnormal heart rhythms, low blood pressure, confusion, muscle spasm and weakness, hyperventilation, insomnia, and even seizures. Excessive intake of magnesium can have adverse effects and reduce calcium absorption, so it is important not to overdose. Ask your doctor what dosage will be right for your individual needs. Take resveratrol. Resveratrol is an active compound found in grapes, grape seed and berries. It is shown to have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health by reducing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes and plaque formation in arteries, thereby managing and preventing angina pain. Resveratrol is available as a liquid extract, capsules or tablets at most pharmacies and nutrition stores. The recommended dosage for resveratrol is 30 to 45 mg after meals, up to three times per day. Drink lemon water. Some studies show that lemon juice contains antioxidants that can help with weight loss, manage high cholesterol levels and flush out excess sodium in the bloodstream. This will help reduce plaque build-up in the arteries and avert angina pain. Squeeze half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink this mixture on an empty stomach in the morning. You may also add lemon juice as flavoring to your regular foods. Increase your intake of garlic. Garlic is used for many conditions related to the heart and circulatory system, such as hypertension, irregular heartbeat, high cholesterol, coronary heart disease, heart attack, and to reduce plaque build-up in the arteries, thereby managing angina. This is because garlic contains a component called allicin, which aids in relaxing hard blood vessels. Garlic can also help reduce headaches, stress and promote healthy liver function. Eat one clove of raw garlic in the morning. If you do not like eating raw garlic, you can add minced or chopped garlic as a flavoring to your meals. Garlic supplements are also available at most pharmacies and nutrition stores. The recommended dosage for aged garlic extract is 600 to 1200 mg daily, divided into two to three doses. Garlic capsules or tablets should contain 0.5–1.5% of alliin or allicin to be beneficial, at a dosage of two 200 mg tablets, three times a day. People using prescription or blood-thinning medications, or those with ulcers and thyroid problems, should ask their doctor before using garlic or garlic supplements. Eat ginger. Gingerol, a natural compound in ginger root, may help to lower blood cholesterol levels thereby potentially helping to prevent angina pain from occurring. It is also an antioxidant that protects the blood vessels from damage by cholesterol, helps manage stress and lower blood pressure. , Do not take more than 4 gram of ginger per day without asking your doctor. Ginger should not be used with blood-thinning, hypertension or diabetic medications. Ginger can be added to your diet in many ways. You can boil 2–4 grams of ginger in a 1 cup of water to make unsweetened ginger tea. You can also take a ginger supplement, which are available at most pharmacies or add chopped ginger to your food. Take ginseng supplements. Studies show that ginseng contains antioxidants that can help fight off free radicals, and improve heart health by regulating blood pressure, high cholesterol, blood sugar levels, reduce stress and improve physical strength and endurance, thus reducing the risk for angina and heart disease. Ginseng comes in different forms, such as liquid extracts, powders and capsules, and is often used in combination with other herbs or nutrients. Ask your doctor before using ginseng, especially if you are using prescription medications to manage angina. Your doctor will help determine the right dosage for you. Try turmeric powder. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, inhibits plaque formation in your arteries and reduces bad cholesterol levels, both of which can lead to angina pain. Turmeric may also aid in managing obesity that can lead to other heart conditions, as well as reducing arthritis pain. Turmeric and curcumin supplements are considered safe when taken at the recommended doses. The recommended dosage for adults is 400–600 mg, up to three times per day. Taking large amounts of turmeric for long periods of time may cause stomach upset and, in extreme cases, ulcers. People who have gallstones or obstruction of the bile passages should talk to their doctor before taking turmeric. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a cup of warm milk to create a heart-healthy drink that can be taken one to three times per day. You can also add a pinch of turmeric powder to your cooking for flavor. Ask your doctor before using turmeric if you are taking blood-thinning or diabetes medications. Watch for severe symptoms. See your doctor right away if you have new, unexplained chest pain or pressure. You should call 911 if your chest pain does not go away five minutes after taking medication, increases in severity or if a person with angina loses consciousness. , Other situations in which you should call your doctor are: You experience new or recurrent angina symptoms more often. You experience angina pain while sitting or resting. You have trouble taking your heart medication You feel tired, faint or lightheaded more often. You experience an irregular heartbeat, low (below 60 beats per minute) or high (above 120 beats per minute) blood pressure. You experience any other unusual symptoms that may be related to angina. Ask your doctor about angioplasty. Angioplasty is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure used to open blocked or narrowed arteries, improving blood flow to the heart. Angioplasty can be performed by a licensed cardiologist to help treat moderate to severe angina pain caused by plaque build-up in the arteries. , During an angioplasty, a small balloon is expanded inside the coronary artery to help compress the blockage and expand the artery wall. A wire mesh tube called a stent is sometimes implanted to keep the artery wall expanded. The procedure can last for two to three hours. Ask your doctor if an angioplasty may help your condition. Consider EECP therapy. Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) therapy is a non-invasive procedure helpful for some people who have persistent angina. Large cuffs, similar to blood pressure cuffs, are put on your legs. The cuffs are inflated and deflated in sync with your heartbeat. EECP therapy improves the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle and helps relieve angina. You typically receive 35 one-hour treatments over a period of seven weeks. EECP therapy can be performed by a licensed therapist or physician. Ask your doctor about medication. Talk with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about taking your angina medicines. You should know what medicines you're taking, the purpose of each, how and when to take them, possible side effects and if they are safe to take with other medicines, herbs or foods. If you have side effects from your medication, let your doctor know. You should never stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval. Your doctor may prescribe medicine to treat CHD, high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol levels. These may include: Anti-platelet drugs, also called blood-thinners, such as aspirin. Take the baby strength (81 mg) aspirin or cut the regular strength (325mg) aspirin in half. Take one pill once a day with food. Studies have shown that taking aspirin decreases your risk of a cardiovascular disease. ACE inhibitors to treat hypertension and high blood pressure Beta-blockers to treat hypertension, irregular heartbeat, angina pain and to prevent a heart attack. Calcium channel blockers for angina pain and hypertension Diuretics (water pills) to flush out excess sodium Statins to lower cholesterol Nitroglycerin pills or nitrates to stop an angina attack Make an emergency action plan. Angina increases your risk for a heart attack. It's important that you and your family know how and when to seek medical attention. Talk with your doctor about making an emergency action plan. Discuss your emergency plan with your family members. Take action quickly if your chest pain becomes severe, lasts longer than a few minutes, or isn't relieved by rest or medicine. The plan should include making sure you and your family members know: The signs and symptoms of a heart attack How to use medications when needed, such as nitroglycerin How to access emergency medical services in your community The location of the nearest hospital that offers 24-hour emergency heart care. Call 911 if you experience unstable angina, a heart attack, or loss of consciousness. You should also call 911 if the pain lasts longer than usual or if the pain returns a few minutes after taking medication. Take nitroglycerin for immediate relief. Nitroglycerin is used to prevent chronic or stable angina. This medicine works by relaxing the blood vessels and increasing the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. This medicine is also used to relieve an angina attack that is already occurring. When used regularly on a long-term basis, or just before exercise or a stressful event, this helps prevent angina attacks from occurring. Your doctor may prescribe nitroglycerin as a tablet, capsule or spray to help relieve angina pain. This medicine should be used exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed dose, do not take it more frequently, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses. When you begin to feel an attack of angina starting such as chest pains, tightness or squeezing in the chest, sit down. Use a nitroglycerin tablet or spray as directed by your doctor. You may become dizzy, lightheaded, or faint soon after using a tablet or spray, so it is safer to sit rather than stand while the medicine is working. If you become dizzy or faint while sitting, take several deep breaths and bend forward with your head between your knees. Remain calm and you should feel better in a few minutes. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets usually give relief in one to five minutes. Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or swallowed. They work much faster when absorbed through the lining of the mouth. Place the tablet under the tongue or between the cheek and gum, and let it dissolve. Do not eat, drink, smoke, or use chewing tobacco while a tablet is dissolving. If the pain is not relieved, you may use a second tablet five minutes after you take the first tablet. If the pain continues for another five minutes, a third tablet may be used. Ask your doctor or nurse how to properly use a nitroglycerin oral spray if prescribed. You may administer one or two sprays of nitroglycerin oral spray at the onset of chest pain. If the pain continues after five minutes, a third spray may be used. You must wait five minutes after the first one or two sprays before using a third spray. If you still have chest pain after a total of three tablets or three sprays, contact your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room right away. Do not drive yourself and call 911 if necessary. Tell your doctor if you have any other respiratory or heart conditions. Also alert your doctor if you are using any other medications, supplements, herbal or home remedies, or if you experience an allergic reaction to nitroglycerin. Nitroglycerin should not be used for severe or unstable angina, during a heart attack, to treat low blood pressure or for people with anemia. Call 911 if you or someone with angina experiences a heart attack. Consult your doctor and see if nitroglycerin interacts with any of you current medication. | Keep a journal. Visit your doctor for diagnosis. Consider an electrocardiogram. Get a blood test. Drink lots of water. Get enough sleep. Avoid sitting for long periods. Avoid stress. Get moderate exercise. Monitor your blood pressure. Apply a warm towel compress. Take warm showers. Quit smoking. Limit alcohol intake. Avoid inflammatory foods. Eat certain fruits to improve heart health. Eat vegetables that may help to reduce angina pain. Increase your intake of foods with essential fatty acids. Use heart-healthy cooking oil. Add honey to your diet. Get more Vitamin C. Increase your intake of niacin. Get enough magnesium. Take resveratrol. Drink lemon water. Increase your intake of garlic. Eat ginger. Take ginseng supplements. Try turmeric powder. Watch for severe symptoms. Ask your doctor about angioplasty. Consider EECP therapy. Ask your doctor about medication. Make an emergency action plan. Take nitroglycerin for immediate relief. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-a-T-Shirt | How to Paint a T Shirt | To paint a t-shirt, start by placing a piece of cardboard inside of the shirt so the paint doesn't bleed onto the back. Then, using fabric paint and paint brushes, paint your design onto the shirt. If you're worried about free-handing your design, trace it onto the shirt first with a stencil and permanent marker. When you're finished painting, let the paint dry completely before removing the cardboard. | Get a plain t-shirt and wash to remove any shrinking. Even if the label on your shirt says "pre-shrunk," it would still be a good idea to wash it. This will remove any potential starch or stiffener that might prevent the paint from sticking properly. Set up your work area. Spread some newspaper on a table, and get anything that might get ruined out of the way. It might also be a good idea to have some paper towels (for blotting) and a cup of water (for rinsing the paintbrush) handy as well. Place a piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt. The cardboard should be about the same size as the shirt. You want it to slip inside the shirt easily without stretching it. This will prevent the paint from bleeding onto the back of the shirt. You can also use a folded up newspaper for this. Even an old magazine or catalogue will do in a pinch. Paint your design using fabric paint. If you are nervous about free-handing the design, you can always trace your design first using a stencil and a permanent marker, and then fill it in. Consider using a few paintbrushes in different shapes and sizes; a flat brush will give you some nice, crisp edges while a pointy brush is great for detail. If you want your design to have multiple colors, such as a smiles face, do the background color first. Let the paint dry, then do the details. Try to get paint brushes meant for painting fabric. They usually have stiffer bristles made from taklon. Avoid natural brushes, such as camel hair, as they will be too soft to hold the thick paint and create nice designs. Let the paint dry. If you'd like, you can speed up the drying process by blowing the paint with a hair dryer. Do not remove the cardboard inside the shirt until the paint is completely dry. Once the paint dries, you can flip it around and paint the back as well. Keep the cardboard inside the shirt and let the paint dry. Remove the cardboard. If the paint is sticking to the cardboard, don't panic. Simply wiggle your finger between the shirt and the cardboard to pry it apart. Discard the cardboard when you are done, or save it for another project. Finished. Wash your shirt. This will remove any potential shrinking and starch. It will make the paint stick to the shirt better. Set up your work area. Cover up your table with lots of newspaper. You might also want to have some paper towels, cups filled with water, and paper plates (or palettes) handy. Place a sheet of cardboard inside your t-shirt. This will keep the paint front transferring to the back of the shirt. If you don't have any cardboard, you can also use a folded up newspaper or an old magazine. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles. Position your stencil, and make sure that it is secure. You can use a fabric painting stencil, a regular stencil, or you can make your own out of thin plastic, freezer paper, or cardstock. You can even use painter's tape to create geometric designs! Make sure that the stencil is laying flat against the shirt, or the paint will bleed under the edges. If you are using a stencil meant for painting fabric, it will likely have a sticky back. All you have to do is smooth it down. If you are using a regular stencil, or if you made your own, coat the back of the stencil with repositionable adhesive spray, then press the stencil down. If you are using freezer paper, iron the paper shiny-side-down onto the t-shirt. Peel it away after you paint the shirt. Squirt the paint out onto a paper plate. If you'd like to work with multiple colors, it might be a good idea to use a larger plate, or a several smaller plates—one for each color. Dab your foam brush into the paint. You can also apply the paint using a mini paint roller (preferably rubber). Lastly, you can also use a paintbrush. This will be great for delicate stencils. Tap the paint onto the stencil. Keep dabbing and tapping until you get the coverage you want. If you are using a paint roller, simply roll it on. Try to work inwards, going from the stencil's edges towards the middle. This will prevent the paint from accidentally leaking under the stencil. Remove the stencil before the paint dries. Fabric paint will form a thick layer as it dries, and if you remove it too late, you will run the risk of the paint tearing. Let the paint dry completely, then set the paint using a clothing iron, if desired. This will give you a longer lasting design. Place a piece of cotton fabric over the design, then press an iron over it. Remove the cardboard from inside the shirt. Now your shirt is ready to wear and show off! Wash your t-shirt to remove any shrinking. Even if your shirt says "pre-shrunk" on it, it would still be a good idea to wash it. T-shirts are also coated with a starchy material to help them lay more smoothly in the store. This starchy material can prevent paint from sticking. Tuck a folded up newspaper or cardboard inside the shirt. This will keep the spray paint from bleeding onto the back of the shirt. The newspaper or cardboard should be big enough to fit inside the shirt without stretching it. Be sure to smooth out any wrinkles of ripples. Position your stencil, and secure, if necessary. You can use a stencil meant for fabric painting, or a regular stencil. You can also make your own out of thin plastic, freezer paper, or cardstock. You can even use painter's tape to create chevron stripes! Make sure that the stencil is laying flat against the fabric. If it isn't, the paint will seep under the edges and create a blurred design. If you are using a fabric painting stencil, it will probably have a sticky back. Simply press it onto the shirt and smooth it down. If you are using a regular stencil, or if you made your own, spray the back of the stencil with repositionable adhesive spray, then press it down onto the shirt. If you are using freezer paper, simply place the stencil shiny-side-down onto the shirt, then run a clothing iron over it. Move to a well-ventilated area and get set up. Ideally, you should work outside, but if you can't, a large room with lots of open windows might do. Cover your work area with lots of newspaper, and put on some old clothes or an apron. Lastly, consider putting on a pair of plastic gloves; spray painting can get messy. If you are working indoors and start to feel lightheaded, take a break and go outside for some fresh air. Spray the shirt. Shake the can for 30 to 60 seconds first, then hold it 6 to 8 inches (15.24 to 20.32 centimeters) away from the stencil. Spray the paint on using a long, sweeping motion. Don't worry if the paint is not thick enough. You can always do another layer or two. Consider spraying the design using clear sealer first. This will give you better control over the paint and prevent it from soaking into the fabric. Be sure to let the sealer dry before applying the paint. Let the paint dry for 15 minutes before doing a second coat. You can speed up the drying process with a hairdryer. Once the paint is dry, spray on a second coat; you should see the paint going on thicker now. If you'd like, you can do a partial layer instead using a different color for a tie-dye effect. Let the paint dry for another 10 to 15 minutes before removing the stencil and newspaper/cardboard. Be very careful when removing the stencil, as some of the paint might still be wet, especially towards the edges. Unlike with fabric paint, you can let spray paint dry before removing the stencil. This is because spray paint doesn't form a thick layer that might tear—like fabric paint does. Let the shirt finish drying for a few more minutes. Once the shirt is dry, you can pull the cardboard out and wear your shirt. | Get a plain t-shirt and wash to remove any shrinking. Set up your work area. Place a piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt. Paint your design using fabric paint. Let the paint dry. Remove the cardboard. Finished. Wash your shirt. Set up your work area. Place a sheet of cardboard inside your t-shirt. Position your stencil, and make sure that it is secure. Squirt the paint out onto a paper plate. Dab your foam brush into the paint. Tap the paint onto the stencil. Remove the stencil before the paint dries. Let the paint dry completely, then set the paint using a clothing iron, if desired. Remove the cardboard from inside the shirt. Wash your t-shirt to remove any shrinking. Tuck a folded up newspaper or cardboard inside the shirt. Position your stencil, and secure, if necessary. Move to a well-ventilated area and get set up. Spray the shirt. Let the paint dry for 15 minutes before doing a second coat. Let the paint dry for another 10 to 15 minutes before removing the stencil and newspaper/cardboard. Let the shirt finish drying for a few more minutes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Still | How to Build a Still | To build a small solar still, place a large bowl in a sunny spot outside. Next put a small bowl inside the larger bowl. Fill the large bowl with water, but do not completely submerge the small bowl. Use plastic wrap to tightly cover the bowls, and place a weight at the center of the covering to angle the plastic down. The sun will evaporate the water in the large bowl, causing water vapor to rise and condense on the plastic. Since the plastic is angled down, the condensation will roll into your cup and make clean water. | Get your materials. You will need a variety of materials, most of which you can get at your local hardware store. Bending copper tubing is involved, so if you really want to make your life easier, you can get a tool which helps you bend tubes (found in the plumbing department of your local hardware store). The materials you'll really need are: You'll need a kettle or a pressure cooker (preferably copper, or stainless steel, absolutely never aluminum or lead) A cork or rubber stopper which will fit the opening of your kettle or pressure cooker ~8mm copper tubing (amount will depend on set up, 10-20 ft is a good amount) A very large thermos/small watercooler or a plastic bucket (if you're cheap) Tube couplings (maybe) A thermometer A good drill Some silicon or Sugru Make the stopper. Drill two holes in your rubber or cork, one for the copper tube and one for the thermometer. These holes should be very slightly smaller than the tube and thermometer, to create a tight fit. Make sure the stopper you use is generally cut to tightly fit the opening of your kettle or pressure cooker. Prepare the copper coil. You will need a copper coil to condense the vapor coming from the pot. Take your 8mm copper tubing and shape it into a coil towards one end. You will need a long straight section and a short (at least 6") straight section on each side of the coil. To bend the coil, you can simply bend it around an object or you can use tools designed for bending tube. The coil should be small enough to fit in the thermos or watercooler, with about 1" of space on either side. These copper coils tend to kink very easily. To avoid this, you can block the tube at one end and fill the tube with salt or sugar (never use sand). Use a funnel and make sure to shake the tube as you fill it to make sure that it fills evenly. Make your condenser. The watercooler will be your condenser. Drill a hole on the side at the bottom, where the short section of copper tube will come out and deposit your distilled product. Then, drill a hole at the top on the lid. This is where the long section of tube will come out. Place the coil in the condenser. Put the copper tubing in the condenser, threading the short end through the hole at the bottom. Once enough of the short end is coming out of the condenser, seal the edges of the hole with silicon or other material, like Sugru or caulk. Then, thread the long straight section of the tube through the hole at the top. If you want it to be easier to get the lid on and off, cut the tube a few inches after it comes out the hole on the top. Have a separate section which spans the distance and goes into the kettle. Connect the two with couplings, which can be undone as necessary. Make sure you unplug the tube if you did so to fill it with salt. You will also want to empty the tube and rinse out the salt before doing this step, although, it can also be done afterwards, with a greater amount of difficulty. Connect the tube to the pot. Connect the long portion of the tube to the kettle or pressure cooker, by inserting the other end of the tube into the kettle. It should be inserted only enough to reach inside the kettle, not be submerged in the liquid. Insert the thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the appropriate hole. Make sure it is place deep enough that the end will be submerged but that it will not touch the bottom or the sides of the pot. Use the still correctly. Fill the condenser with ice, water, and rock salt. Make sure you use this still on an electric stove, as open flames can cause problems. Do not heat the pot once everything has boiled away, and generally be careful as pressure can build up if you have done something incorrectly. If distilling alcohol, don't drink anything which comes out when the temperature reads below 173 F or you will be treated to the best in beverages that make you blind. Gather your materials. You will need a container for the distilled water, a plastic sheet and a shovel. You may also want some plastic tubing. Dig a hole. Dig a hole about as large as the plastic sheet and deep enough so that when you weigh the center of the sheet down, there will be several inches between the bottom of the sheet and the bottom of the hole. This is the sort of still that would be good if you actually have to distill your drinking water. If you get stranded on a desert island, this is your best option. Insert your container. Set your drinking container in the center of the hole and partially bury it to keep it from falling over. Insert one end of the plastic tubing into the container and lay the other end well outside the hole. The goal is to keep the tubing clean and secure so it doesn't fall back into the hole. Add plant material. Line the hole with cactus, leaves or other living plant parts if they are available. Placing plants in the hole isn't necessary, but will help your still produce more water. Cover your hole. Cover the hole with a plastic sheet use rocks to weigh down the corners. Add a weight. Carefully place a rock in the center of the plastic sheet so it slopes downward at an angle of about 45 degrees; the lowest point should be directly over the container in the hole, but not touching it. Seal the edges. Cover all edges of the plastic sheet with dirt or sand to keep water vapor from escaping. Take care not to cover the plastic tubing. Wait for moisture to collect. Wait two or three hours for moisture to collect on the plastic sheet and run down the sides into the container. Drink! Drink the water through the plastic tubing. You can disassemble the still and drink directly from the container, but you will have to build the still again when you're through; in the meantime, any water vapor on the sheet will evaporate. Get a fairly deep, large bowl. This bowl can be plastic, aluminum, or steel, but it should not be made of lead. Put this bowl on a sunny surface outside. Put a cup or small bowel in the larger bowl. The cup or bowl should be shorter than the edges of the large bowl. Fill the large bowl with water. Fill the large bowl with water but do not go over the edge of the small bowel or cup. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Cover the bowl very tightly with plastic wrap. Use tape or rubber bands to ensure a tight seal. Place a weight at the center of the plastic. This should be right over your cup or bowl and should angle the plastic down. Make sure the plastic does not touch the cup, though. A good weight to use would be a rock. Wait for your water. The sun will evaporate the water in the large bowl, causing the water vapor to rise and condense on the plastic. Since the plastic is weighted and angled, the condensation will roll down into your cup. Mmmm! Clean water! | Get your materials. Make the stopper. Prepare the copper coil. Make your condenser. Place the coil in the condenser. Connect the tube to the pot. Insert the thermometer. Use the still correctly. Gather your materials. Dig a hole. Insert your container. Add plant material. Cover your hole. Add a weight. Seal the edges. Wait for moisture to collect. Drink! Get a fairly deep, large bowl. Put a cup or small bowel in the larger bowl. Fill the large bowl with water. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place a weight at the center of the plastic. Wait for your water. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-Flowers-from-Seed | How to Grow Flowers from Seed | To grow flowers from seed, fill a planter with a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite and sprinkle the seeds on top. Water the seeds, cover the planter in plastic, and put it in a warm location indoors. Once the seeds sprout, thin out the seedlings and plant them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. You can also sow your seeds directly into the soil outdoors, but germinating them inside gives your flowers a stronger start! | Get a container that has drainage holes in it. If you want to grow multiple flowers, you can purchase an indoor planter that has spaces for more than one flower. It's important that the container has drainage holes because overly saturated soil will inhibit the seed's growth. If you don't want to buy a planter, you can punch holes in the bottom of an egg carton and use that instead. Put a rag or cloth under the container to prevent leaks. Fill each section with a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Combine the three different types of soils together in equal parts to create a well-drained soil high in organic material. Pour your flower container ¾ of the way up with this mixture. Bury or sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil, depending on their species. Harder seeds should be covered with an organic material like vermiculite or sphagnum moss, while softer seeds should lay on the top of the soil. Read the seed packet that came with your seeds to determine if you should bury them under the soil or leave them on top of it. Water the seeds. Lightly sprinkle water on top of the soil, but don't add too much or you could wash away smaller seeds. You can do this by sprinkling the water with your hand, or slowly pouring the water into the container from a small saucer. Either way, the soil should be moist but the seeds should still be intact. Cover the container with plastic wrap. Plastic wrap or a sealed lid will trap moisture and help the seeds germinate. Poke a couple of holes in the top of the plastic wrap so that the plant can breathe. You can also wrap the planter in a plastic bag for a similar effect. Move the planters to a warm area of the house. Germinating seeds do best in temperatures of 65–75 °F (18–24 °C). Move the planter to a warm area that gets plenty of sunlight. Alternatively, you can place the planter on an artificial heat source, like the top of a refrigerator or near the oven. Move the planter before you use the oven or heat could damage the seeds. Harden off the seedlings if transplanting them outside. If you plan on transplanting your seedlings outdoors, harden them off by leaving them outside under a shaded area for 7-10 days. This will acclimate them to the change in temperature. Some flowers have an intolerance for the cold and should be kept indoors. The seed package should give you a range of temperatures that the flower will thrive in. If a flower is cold-resistant, it should be labeled as hardy. Tender flowers are less resistant to cold and should always be in an area that's over 40 °F (4 °C). Transplant the seedlings outside, if desired. Position a small spade 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) away from the seedling. Gently dig around the seedling, making sure not to sever any of its roots. Then, pull the seedling out of the planter, with the soil around its roots, and place it in a well-drained soil in your garden. Monitor the seedlings to make sure that they don't die after the transplant. Till the soil before planting the seeds. Use a rake, tiller, or pitchfork to dig 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) under the soil. Turn the soil over until you've loosened all the soil in your flower bed. You may also want to incorporate compost in the soil to promote flower growth. Sprinkle or bury the seeds, per the instructions. The information on the seed packet will explain if the seeds have any special germination needs. Soft-shelled seeds should be pressed lightly into the soil, while hard-shelled seeds should be completely covered with soil. Read the instructions to see which method you should use. Mark the planting area so you know where you planted the seeds. This is useful when planting a wide variety of seeds or plants. The visual reminder will also let you know whether the flowers are growing or if your seeds failed to germinate. Not all seeds will become flowers. Labeling will also prevent you from mistaking your seedlings for weeds. Mist the seedbed to keep the soil moist. Lightly mist your flowerbed with water so that the soil is moist. The soil should always be moist while the seeds are germinating. To see whether the soil is actually moist, press your finger down into your flowerbed. If the soil feels dry under the surface, you know you need to water your seeds. Wait for your flower(s) to germinate. The flowers should germinate within 3 weeks to a month. If you don't notice that they are starting to grow, you may have to lay down more seeds. Water your flowers. If it rains, you shouldn't have to water your flowers. However, it's important the soil under the flowers stays moist. If you have a period of time with no rain, water them so that the top 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) remains moist. Prune dying flowers and leaves. Pruning the flowers after they have bloomed will encourage new growth. Use a set of hand pruners and clip away old or damaged flower petals or leaves. Use fertilizer if desired. An organic fertilizer and promote the health of your flowers and will brighten their color. Look for a fertilizer designed for your specific type of flower, and sprinkle it on the surrounding soil. Read the instructions before you use the fertilizer so that you don't over fertilize them, which could kill them. A balanced 5-10-10 fertilizer can be used on the widest variety of flowers. | Get a container that has drainage holes in it. Fill each section with a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Bury or sprinkle the seeds on top of the soil, depending on their species. Water the seeds. Cover the container with plastic wrap. Move the planters to a warm area of the house. Harden off the seedlings if transplanting them outside. Transplant the seedlings outside, if desired. Till the soil before planting the seeds. Sprinkle or bury the seeds, per the instructions. Mark the planting area so you know where you planted the seeds. Mist the seedbed to keep the soil moist. Wait for your flower(s) to germinate. Water your flowers. Prune dying flowers and leaves. Use fertilizer if desired. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-Patient-with-Your-Puppy | How to Be Patient with Your Puppy | To be patient with your puppy, try to remember that it will take daily dedication over an extended period of time to train it. That way, you can manage your expectations better and show patience when your dog misbehaves. When you start training your dog, aim to be consistent, such as always having it sleep in the crate if you're crate training it, since consistency helps your dog learn. During training sessions, speak to your puppy in a calm voice, since dogs are sensitive to tone and can be intimidated by aggression, which may cause them not to respond to your commands. If you feel yourself getting angry during a training session, take a few deep breaths and count to 10, or put your puppy in its crate and go for a walk to calm down. | Take a break. If you feel yourself getting upset, put your puppy in its crate or a basket and take some time for yourself. The energy of a young puppy can be overwhelming, as can the messes that it makes. If you feel overwhelmed and that you are going to lose your temper, remove yourself from the situation and chill out. Go for a walk outside or practice some meditation. Find an activity to help you calm down. Do some deep breathing. If you need to take a break from your puppy, take a few deep breaths to help you calm down. Breathe in and fill your lungs with air, and then slowly release it. Do this a few more times, focusing on each breath, and try not to think about your puppy. After a few moments of deep breathing, you should feel calmer. You can also do this in the moment to help you from immediately blowing up on your dog. If you feel the tension rising, take some deep breaths. Count to ten. As you are practicing your deep breathing, you might also consider counting to ten. This will help distract your mind from being irritated with your puppy. Focus on the each number and breath deeply. This will help keep you from yelling at your young dog. If you practice meditation, you might also consider repeating a mantra. Your mantra can be a special word like “peace” or “calm.” It can also be a sound like “ohm” or “hmm.” Have clear and realistic expectations. When you bring your new puppy home, it is important to have accurate expectations about what it will be like to have a dog. At first, your puppy will make messes, break things and go where it should not. It will not immediately become a well-behaved and trained dog. You have to accept that your puppy will misbehave until you train it. If you understand this from the outset, you will be better able to take your puppy's accidents in stride and keep from getting irritated. Think of your puppy like a baby that is growing and learning. It may not be there now but, if you train it properly, your puppy will become better behaved and make fewer messes over time. Purchase everything you need ahead of time. One simple step to keep from getting frustrated during your puppy's first few months is to make sure you have everything you need ahead of time. Have your dog's food, bedding, toys, leash, and all training materials available. This will make things less of a headache while you are training your puppy. Your frustration is going to increase if you need something and it is not around. Consult with your veterinarian about what you are going to need. They should be able to give you a list of the essentials. Puppy-proof your home. People tend to get the most frustrated with a puppy when they chew on things, have accidents and get into things that they should not. However, this is normal puppy behavior. You need to make sure that your home is puppy-proof before it comes home. Put up gates to areas your puppy should not go, pick up any chewable things that you do not want to be destroyed, and put away any delicate or fragile things that can be knocked over or stained. While you house train your puppy, consider keeping them in a room where it will be easy to clean up their messes. A room with tile, like a kitchen or bathroom, would be ideal. Gather a tile or carpet cleaning solution and a few old towels, as well as any other cleaning items you think you'll need. Have them collected together in one place for a quick clean-up when necessary. Plan ways to play with and entertain your energetic puppy. Your new puppy will have lots of energy, but might be too young to go on walks. Instead, buy a couple soft toys and play chase or fetch indoors. Put the puppy in a sturdy cardboard box with a chew toy for it to gnaw on. You can also buy a puzzle feeder to slow down the puppy's eating and keep it mentally stimulated during meals, too. Keeping the puppy engaged in these ways often leads to less destructive behavior. Learn about your puppy’s breed. Different breeds of dogs have different behavioral traits and temperaments. Be sure to understand what kind of tendencies your puppy will exhibit. That way you know what to expect and can prepare accordingly. Frustrations will arise when your puppy's bad behavior surprises you. Working with your dog's natural tendencies, instead of against them, will make your life much easier. If your puppy is a more high-energy breed, expect it to be more rambunctious and destructive. You will likely want to exercise it frequently to help curb its energetic nature. If you are unsure about your dog's temperament, consult your veterinarian. Remember that it takes time. Once you begin training your puppy, you need to understand that you are not going to train the dog overnight. It will take a lot of time and effort to get your puppy to where you want it to be. Caring for and training your puppy will take daily dedication. This is an important lesson to remember when you are house training your dog. Be consistent. While you are training your dog, you need to be consistent. For example, if you are trying to crate train your dog, they should only sleep in the crate. Do not allow them to sleep in your bed or anywhere else. The only way your dog will learn the correct behavior is through repetition and consistency. Being consistent will make training much easier and less stressful for you and the puppy. Use the correct tone. Because dogs are so sensitive to our tones, it is important that you try to stay upbeat and not get frustrated. An angry tone can erode your puppy's confidence and make it timid and scared, which can cause training to be a chore. Although it can be difficult at times, practice mindfulness and try to keep an even tone with your puppy. This step is important to remember when you are disciplining your puppy. Reward good behavior. Whenever your dog does something good, be sure to recognize it. You should congratulate them in a positive tone or give them a treat. This will help reinforce good behaviors over the bad ones. This will make the training experience much easier and less frustrating for your and the puppy. Be sure to give positive reinforcement after any training sessions with your dog. Even if a session does not go as planned, always end it with a treat and some positive words. Don't forget to reward more subtle forms of good behavior, like when the puppy is sitting quietly while it's awake. Praising your puppy while it's calm will help it understand what good behavior is. Seek outside help. If you find that training your puppy is too difficult or time consuming, you may want to consider taking your dog to a trainer or obedience classes. A trainer or other dog obedience specialist will be able to help you rein in your dog's bad behavior. They will also give you tips on how to manage your dog at home. You can find local dog trainers through the Certified Council for Professional Dog Trainers. | Take a break. Do some deep breathing. Count to ten. Have clear and realistic expectations. Purchase everything you need ahead of time. Puppy-proof your home. Plan ways to play with and entertain your energetic puppy. Learn about your puppy’s breed. Remember that it takes time. Be consistent. Use the correct tone. Reward good behavior. Seek outside help. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-Your-Pet | How to Take Care of Your Pet | After making sure your pet has access to water and nutritious food, the next best way to care for it is to give it daily attention. Give your pet occasional treats after it's displayed good behavior. Take your pet for a walk or let it out of its cage at least once a day. Buy toys and play with your pet so it gets enough exercise. | Determine if you can adequately care for a pet. While pets are loving additions to your home, they are not always easy to manage. All pets require time, money, and love in addition to the specific needs of each animal and breed. You need to be sure you want a pet not just that day but in the long-term. Most pets require attention and maintenance during the day, so make sure you'll be home enough to take care of your pet. If you have kids, consider what pets will be kid-friendly. Hamsters and fish, for example, make great early pets. If you plan on moving or making large lifestyle changes you shouldn't consider a pet until you are more stable. Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Even different types of dogs have different needs, so make sure you pick a pet that suits your means. Before buying a pet do thorough research on the behaviors and needs of various pets you like. Don't go into this decision dead-set on one species or breed -- being open-minded can lead to happy surprises and the right pet for your family. Keep in mind some general concerns with different pets: Dogs - though dogs vary widely by breed, all dogs need lots of attention, time to exercise, and plenty of room to roam. Cats - Intelligent and individual, cats will be fine with less supervision, though they still need your love and time to keep from acting out. Hamsters, Gerbils, Ferrets, and Rodents - Economical and short-living, rodents make good first pets. They often, however, have strong odors. Fish - Fish need careful monitoring and care to thrive, and won't cuddle anytime soon. Think of having a fish like having a garden. Lizards - Happy on their own and generally easy to care for, lizards do not offer much affection and can be difficult to diagnose when sick. Birds - Birds can be incredibly messy and are often loud. They are also expensive and occasionally temperamental, especially bigger birds like parrots. Rabbits - Rabbits are friendly first-time pets that make a great contribution to the household. However, they can easily make a lot of noise and mess. Choose your breed carefully, especially if you have children. It's a mistake to just decide “I want a dog” (or any other animal) and to buy the animal without considering the needs and requirements of the breed. Some breeds are natural shepherds, which makes them great for 1 person, but some breeds (Border Collie, for example) have the sheep-herding instinct in their blood. This means that when a child roams too far from the rest of the "herd," the collie will try to get it back. How does it do it with the sheep? It bites them. This may result in grave injuries to children. Please do your research on how breeds behave. It is important that a pet lives in an environment where it will be comfortable, safe and provided with what it needs. Some animals are very adaptable, such as cats, which can live happily in environments ranging from farm land to city centers, while others have more specific needs. For example, horses must have a lot of pastureland and somewhere safe to shelter. For animals that will roam the house, not being confined to tanks or cages, they will need places to sleep that are out of the way of general household traffic, where they can lie without being disturbed, such as the corner of a room. If they are a cat that will often be shut indoors, then it is also important that they have a litter tray that is regularly cleaned out. Be realistic about your budget, and your ability to shoulder responsibilities. Some pets are more expensive than other pets, and you need to be honest with yourself about whether you can afford the pet - and whether you have the time and maturity to handle it. Costs associated with pets include set-up supplies. Depending on the kind of pet, you might need a crate, an aquarium , and leashes. Don't forget the ongoing costs of caring for a pet. You need to factor in the cost of regular food purchases, but also whether you can afford to take your pet to the veterinarian for preventative care (like shots), not just emergency care. That's essential to keep the pet healthy, and it can be quite costly. Prepare your house for your incoming pet. Curious, food-driven, and unable to listen to your warnings, pets can get into trouble if you don't create boundaries or safe spaces. Birds may dart out of open windows, lizards can scamper around the house, and dogs or cats may run into the street. Take note of openings your pet could accidentally escape through and make sure you can keep food out of their reach. Remove any harmful objects like knives or poisonous food. If you want your animal to have outside time, consider putting in a fence. Put aside one room that you can designate as the pet's "bedroom." Aim to adopt your pet during a relatively quiet time in your life so that everyone can avoid undue stress while getting used to each other. Buy necessary pet supplies in advance. Talk to the pet store attendants or adoption agencies about things you'll need -- housing, toys, grooming supplies, etc. -- and shop before you bring your new pet home. Teach your family members how to use everything so that everyone is on the same page. If you have young children you can help them prepare for pet care by "feeding" a doll or regularly watering plants. Budget enough money for adequate care. Pets are not ultra expensive, but that doesn't mean you won't need to spend money. Below are some annual cost estimates provided by the ASPCA: Dogs -- $600-$900, depending on size Cats -- $600 Rabbit -- $700 Rodents --$300-$650, depending on size Fish -- $40 Small Birds -- $400 Large Birds (Parrots, Macaws)-- $700-$1,200 Set aside a few hundred dollars in case of emergency veterinary costs. Schedule regular visits to the vet. Be sure to bring your pet to the vet soon after adopting it as well. Just like humans, pets need regular check-ups to spot problems before they become serious conditions. Use your first visit to discuss how often you should schedule check-ups and your pet's dietary and medical needs. Be sure to schedule shots and vaccinations as soon as you can. Make sure that your pet has all of the proper vaccines and other preventative medication suggested by your veterinarian, such as heart worm pills for some dogs. Ask your vet what symptoms to look for if your pet gets sick. Spay or neuter dogs and cats to prevent pet over-population. Record your vet's number as well as the number of a veterinary hospital in case of emergencies. Knowing your pet's normal behavior is very important; if they are sick or injured, they will often act unusually, such as sleeping more, going off their food, etc. If they begin to act oddly, check them for any injuries and keep an eye on their food and water intake; if they stop eating or drinking, or they have obvious wounds that are concerning you, then take them to the vet. Make sure your new "family member" has food that suits their nutritional needs. The cheapest food you find may not always be the healthiest. Feeding animals table scraps - no matter how cute they are when they beg - is not a good idea since people food often has minerals and items in it that can be harmful to our animal friends. Only feed your pet appropriate foods and give them responsible portions. Research or ask your vet about good food sources and portion sizes. Natural foods, though more expensive, are healthier than dry or processed foods. Watch your pet's diet carefully. Many foods that are edible for humans can be inappropriate for animals, making them ill when they consume them, so it is important to research what foods your pet can not eat as well as those they can eat. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/60\/Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-5.jpg\/aid799208-v4-728px-Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Overfeeding is as harmful as underfeeding, so it is important that your pet gets the amount of food it needs and not too much extra. For some animals, dietary requirements may change with the season; for example, if you have horses or other grazing animals, they will often require more hay during the seasons when there is less grass. Look at pet food labels to make sure you are purchasing food for your pet that is properly nutritious. Research which food could harm your pet. It is vital that all pets have a constant water supply. Check water bowls at least once a day to ensure that they have enough water and that the water is clean and not contaminated. Clean your pet and all of its enclosures. This will keep both you and your pet healthy and happy. Create a regular cleaning schedule, at least once every 2-3 weeks, and stick to it, cleaning your animal and it's living spaces to prevent disease and odor. Consider whether your pet needs to be groomed. Many animals will largely take care of themselves, only really needing to be groomed or bathed when they manage to get very messy. Others, such as long-haired dogs or cats, may need regular grooming. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-6.jpg\/aid799208-v4-728px-Take-Care-of-a-Pet-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} For larger pets like cats and dogs, there are animal cleaning centers with large tubs and hoses. Keep up with regular grooming, such as brushing fur or scrubbing scales, every few days. For dogs and cats, make sure you keep their nails short so they don't break painfully. It is a good idea to desensitize your pet to being groomed or bathed from an early age. When brushing fur, ensure any brush used on the face is soft, and if brushing long, tangled fur, take the time to work out knots gently rather than tugging. You can buy brushes for pets at pet stores. When bathing your pet, make sure that the water is lukewarm and that the products you use do not cause an allergic reaction - buying specialist shampoos is not always necessary, but heavily perfumed products may cause a rash for many animals. Consider taking your pet to a professional groomer if you aren't sure you are competent to do it. You don't want to accidentally injure the pet. Exercise your pet if it’s the kind of pet that needs it, such as a dog. Figure out the exercise needs (if any) of the pet before you buy it, and consider whether your lifestyle gives you enough time to meet them. Some pets don't require you to do much beyond providing them with a safe place to move about, such as buying a run for a rabbit, and making sure the tank is large enough for fish. But other pets must be exercised. Dogs require a more hands-on approach to exercise because they need to be walked regularly. Making sure your pet gets enough exercise can help prevent aggression and destructive behaviors. Do in-depth research about care for your pet. While these steps are general guidelines for pet ownership, each animal is different and you need to adapt accordingly. Ask friends who have similar pets, check out books from the library, and search internet discussion boards about your breed or species. You can never know too much. Be flexible once you bring your pet home. Pets have personalities and will have different wants and needs. Give your pet your affection. Though this is certainly true of dogs and cats, even fish and lizards require dedication and love to really thrive. Animals are social beings much like humans, and you need to set aside time to play with your pets so they get exercise and mental stimulation. Give your pet room to roam -- the bigger the animal, the more room they'll need. Buy toys and play-sets for you and your pet to use together. Give your pet the occasional treat after good behavior to motivate it and cement good habits. your pet if it’s the kind of pet that needs it. Train A major part of caring for a pet is training. Training is essential for the safety of the animal and the people who interact with it. If you have an apartment cat, the litter box is very important from the start. You have to teach your cat to use the litter box and to think of it as its only place to do the necessary business. The litter box needs frequent cleaning (once or twice a day, depending on the cat). Feeding is approximately 2 or 3 times a day, again, depending on the cat. Water should be supplied continuously. Dogs need to be trained so they understand proper behavior, such as where to go to the bathroom and not to jump on people when they enter the house. It's important that the owner establishes control, but never in an abusive or harmful way to the animal. Make time for your pet. Some animals require more attention than others, so the amount of time they need is often relative. Just be sure than you are capable of fulfilling whatever that need may be. Try to take a little time out of each day to spend with your pet, even if it's just sitting down with them. More often than not, your pet would be more than happy to relax with you. Dogs should be walked, and hamsters need time to run around in their balls. Play should be fun for both your pet and you, but make sure it is safe and monitored at all times. Research whether your pet breed needs to socialize with other animals. Play with it - dogs are very social animals so they need to spend time with their owners. With toys or simply chasing him around is enough for exercising. Dogs have a natural craving for chewing things, so buy a chewing toy to keep him entertained. Love your pet. Love is what your relationship with your pet has to be about. Show him or her your affection by petting and playing. Your pet will be a member of your family, so treat it like one. A good cuddle will do the both of you good. Pets respond to the tone of people's voices as well as touch. Horses need attention. Like wild horses, if you don't love them properly, they pretty much turn into mustang. Give them a treat once in a while, take a walk with them, or ride them for fun. Train a pet with positive reinforcement, never cruelty or abuse.Keep your pet and its environment clean. If you have a small animal, clean their cage weekly. You're not showing your pet love if you let it sit in filth. If you have a dog, vacuum fur regularly from the house and wash their dog bed from time to time. Neglecting to clean your pet could result in infection, so keep on top of its cleanliness! | Determine if you can adequately care for a pet. Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Choose your breed carefully, especially if you have children. Be realistic about your budget, and your ability to shoulder responsibilities. Prepare your house for your incoming pet. Buy necessary pet supplies in advance. Budget enough money for adequate care. Schedule regular visits to the vet. Make sure your new "family member" has food that suits their nutritional needs. Clean your pet and all of its enclosures. Exercise your pet if it’s the kind of pet that needs it, such as a dog. Do in-depth research about care for your pet. Give your pet your affection. your pet if it’s the kind of pet that needs it. Make time for your pet. Love your pet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Velcro-Stick-Again | How to Make Velcro Stick Again | Velcro can lose its stickiness when it gets worn out, in which case it usually needs to be replaced. However, if your velcro isn't sticking because it's clogged and dirty, you can clean it to help it stick again. Start by using your fingers to pick out any large pieces caught in the Velcro. Then, use a pair of tweezers to pick out any lint or debris that you can't get with your fingers. To get the smallest particles out of the material, take a fine-toothed comb and slide it along the rows in the Velcro. Once you've removed all the debris that you can, take a dry toothbrush and brush the Velcro in 1 direction parallel to the rows of hooks to get any remaining pieces. | Pull out loose lint and other matter caught in the Velcro with your fingers. Pinch any large pieces of matter that are caught in the Velcro between your fingernails and pull them out. Think of how you would clean out hair from a hairbrush, and do the same for the lint, hair, and other things that are caught in the Velcro. Velcro tabs consist of two parts called a hook and loop fastener system. The rougher side is called the hook, and the softer side is called the loop. The hook is generally the part that collects the debris because this is the part of the Velcro that grabs and sticks. It is possible that over time your Velcro will stop being sticky because the hooks get damaged. In this case, cleaning will only do so much and you may have to replace the Velcro if you cannot restore its grabbing power. Pick out lint and debris that you can’t reach with your fingers with tweezers. Hold the Velcro steady with a hand. Use a pair of tweezers with your other hand to pluck out pieces of matter that are caught further down in the hooks of the Velcro. Be careful not to grab and pull on the hooks with the tweezers. You might damage them and cause your Velcro to be less sticky. Use a pin or needle if you don’t have tweezers to pull out matter. Slide the pointy end between the rows of hooks and underneath debris, then gently lift up to pull out the matter. Work in the same direction as the rows of hooks are facing on the Velcro. You can use any small, thin, and needle-like object for this method. Just make sure that it is sturdy enough to pull out debris that might be really stuck in the Velcro without bending. Scrape debris out of the Velcro with a fine-toothed comb instead of a needle. Hold the Velcro flat and securely in place. Slide a plastic, metal, or wooden comb along the rows of hooks to scrape out stubborn lint and other debris that you can't pluck or lift out. Make sure the teeth of the comb are not so fine and delicate that they could break as you scrape out debris. Brush the Velcro with a dry toothbrush after you pull out as much as you can. Use an old toothbrush that you don't need for your teeth anymore. Brush the Velcro in 1 direction parallel to the rows of hooks to get out any remaining pieces of lint and other matter. A stiff-bristled toothbrush works best, or you can use another kind of stiff brush like a dish brush or a pet brush. Be careful not to scrub too hard or you might damage the hooks on the Velcro. This is why it's important to work parallel to the hooks so that they keep their form as you brush out debris. Keep Velcro tabs closed as much as possible so they don’t collect debris. Close the hook and loop fasteners on Velcro whenever you are not using it. This will protect the hooks from picking up stray matter like lint, hair, and other debris. Velcro is designed to be sticky and will easily grab onto things like blankets or clothes from which it will pick up lint. Close Velcro tabs on garments before washing them. When you wash Velcro it will pick up lint, hair, and anything else floating around in the washing machine. Keep the hook and loop fasteners closed when you wash Velcro to keep this from happening. Wash garments that contain Velcro separately from other items when possible. Let Velcro air dry instead of putting it in the dryer. Washers and dryers are full of lint that Velcro attracts. Leave garments that contain Velcro to air dry so the Velcro doesn't pick up lint from other clothing and fabric items. If air drying isn't possible, then keep the Velcro tabs closed and dry the garments in the dryer separately from other items. | Pull out loose lint and other matter caught in the Velcro with your fingers. Pick out lint and debris that you can’t reach with your fingers with tweezers. Use a pin or needle if you don’t have tweezers to pull out matter. Scrape debris out of the Velcro with a fine-toothed comb instead of a needle. Brush the Velcro with a dry toothbrush after you pull out as much as you can. Keep Velcro tabs closed as much as possible so they don’t collect debris. Close Velcro tabs on garments before washing them. Let Velcro air dry instead of putting it in the dryer. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Organize-Your-Backpack-for-Middle-School | How to Organize Your Backpack for Middle School | To organize your backpack for middle school, start by putting your binders, notebooks, and textbooks in it so the heaviest stuff is on the bottom. Then, place your pencil case on top of everything else so it's easy to access throughout the day. Next, organize the rest of your miscellaneous items, like chapstick, gum, and snacks, in the front and side pockets of your backpack. Finally, put your wallet and any money you have in an inside pocket to keep it safe. | Empty out your entire backpack. Before you start organizing, you should check what items you already have and what condition they are in. It's likely you still have pens, markers, highlighters, and folders from your previous school year. You may even have extra loose leaf paper that you can reuse for the coming year. You should also take this time to clean your backpack. You can either vacuum it out or simply turn it upside down over a trash can and shake it. Make sure you also check the condition of your backpack. If you have any rips or tears, or if your backpack is small, you may want to buy a new one. Sort your items into different piles and go through them. For example, sort textbooks, binders, notebooks, writing utensils, miscellaneous items, and trash into different piles. Then go through the piles and throw out what you don't need. You can get rid of any used notebook paper, stubs of pencils, empty pens, broken pencils, broken hairbands, or any other useless items you find. This is also a good time to start a list of the items you have and of those that you still need. This will make shopping easier later, as you won't have to try and remember what to buy. Organize what’s left. If you have binders or folders, try organizing them with tabs and dividers. You can sort them by subject, chapter, or function. For example, label each folder with the new year's classes, like Science, Social Studies, or English. You can also put all your pens, pencils, and highlighters into a pen case or bag. This way, you aren't buying new items you don't need. Get a list of what school materials you need. Before every school year, your school should provide you with a list of the items you need for your grade. If you don't receive one of these before the school year begins, you can usually find them at supply stores like Office Max or Staples. The most common items for middle school include pens, #2 pencils, notebooks, wide-rule loose leaf paper, a 3 ring binder, and scissors and tape. Other materials you may need include a USB flash drive, a TI calculator, index cards, a weekly planner, and a stapler. Plan out what to take in your bag. You don't want to overload your backpack, so try to take only the essentials when you can. For example, having one binder separated into multiple subjects will help save you space compared to multiple folders. You should also try to take two pencils and two to three pens, as well as a highlighter, and your weekly planner. This way, the rest of your space can be dedicated to textbooks and notebooks. You'll have a better idea of exactly what you'll need day-to-day after the first week of class. If you have money for lunch, try to keep it zipped up in an inside pocket. If you don't have one in your bag, try to keep it in a change purse or wallet instead. This will help keep your money safe and together, so you aren't searching all over for it during lunch time. If you have a block schedule with different classes on different days, try separating your materials into marked piles. For example, you can mark everything for one day with a specific color like red, while the other day is blue. Then you can switch them out of your backpack when necessary. Use every part of your backpack. Now is the moment of truth; you want to make sure you can fit everything in your backpack and still be able to carry it. Chances are you'll have a locker you can store some things in, but you still need to be able to take everything to and from school each day. Put your binder, notebooks, textbooks, and pencil case in the main part of the bag - in that order. You should then put any extra materials into the front pockets. For example, your calculator, tape, stapler, even markers, and highlighters if they won't fit in your pencil case can go in your front pockets. The front pockets of your backpack are also a great place to keep items like chapstick, tissues, mints, or anything else you want to carry with you. Watch the weight of your bag. It's important for both your comfort and health to make sure that your backpack doesn't get too heavy as the school year progresses. For example, if you're continuously adding assignments, projects, snacks, and additional school supplies, your bag is going to gain some weight. If you notice that it's difficult to lift your bag or that the straps cut into your shoulders, it's probably time to clean out and reorganize. Your backpack shouldn't weigh more than 10-20% of your weight. For example, if you weigh 120 lbs, your backpack shouldn't weigh more than 12 lbs. Keep everything in your backpack current. You don't want anything in your bag except what is absolutely necessary; your school books, writing utensils, and current assignments. This will not only help with the weight of your bag but also keep you organized. For example, you probably don't need to keep returned assignments, projects, or instructions for homework you've already completed. Though papers don't weigh a lot on their own, they can really add up when you're saving a bunch of them. Instead, keep a binder or file folder at home for all returned papers. You can even organize it by subject. This way, if your teacher requests an older assignment, you'll know exactly where it is and how to find it. Clean out your backpack regularly. You don't have to do this every day, but you should try to clean out your bag every two weeks or every month. It's difficult to keep everything in place and organized when you are moving from class to class all day. You might start throwing your pens and pencils directly into your bag and shoving your papers into your books instead of your folders. To avoid this, try taking an hour or two at the end of the week, or every other week, and clean out your bag. You should take everything out and go through it. Throw or file away unnecessary papers, trash, old food, and broken pens or pencils. Make sure assignments or papers are in the appropriate folders and organize them by date if you can. You can also wash or vacuum out your bookbag at this time, too. | Empty out your entire backpack. Sort your items into different piles and go through them. Organize what’s left. Get a list of what school materials you need. Plan out what to take in your bag. Use every part of your backpack. Watch the weight of your bag. Keep everything in your backpack current. Clean out your backpack regularly. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Roast-Coffee-Beans | How to Roast Coffee Beans | If you want to roast coffee beans in a pan, pay special attention to the color and smell of the beans. They will start out smelling grassy, but will get a coffee smell as they cook. Once they smell right, start watching the darkness of the beans. Typically, darker beans have more body and a little more sweetness. Take them off the heat when they are roasted to your preference. | Keep smell in mind. When you first begin heating your green coffee beans, they will turn a yellowish color and start to emit a grassy smell. When they actually begin to roast, they will start to smoke and smell like true coffee. Know that the length of your roast is based on the color of the beans. While you will start out with 'green' beans, when they begin to roast, your beans will go through a whole array of color. A good rule of thumb is to keep in mind that the darker the bean, the fuller the body of the bean. Light brown: This color is generally avoided as it can result in a sour taste. The body is weak, the aroma medium and the sweetness low. Light-medium brown: This roast is common in the eastern United States. It has a full body, a full aroma, and a mild sweetness. Full medium brown: This is a common roast in the Western United States. It has a full body, strong aroma, and mild sweetness. Medium-dark brown: This roast is also known as a Light French or Viennese roast. It has a very full body, a strong aroma, and a strong sweetness. Dark brown: This is known as espresso or French. It has a full body, a medium aroma, and a full sweetness. Very dark (nearly black): This is also known as Spanish and Dark French. It has a weak body, a mild aroma, and a low sweetness. Listen for the crackling sound. As the beans begin to roast, the water inside them will begin to evaporate, causing a crackling sound to occur. There are generally two stages of crackling called first and second cracking. These two sounds occur as the temperature rises while the roasting occurs. Preheat your oven to 450 °F (232 °C). While your oven is preheating, ready your pan. For this method you will need a baking sheet that has many small holes or slots and a lip that will keep all of the beans in the pan. These pans can be found at any kitchen supply store. If you don't want to buy a new pan but happen to have an old baking sheet with a lip lying around, you can actually make your own roasting sheet. Take your pan and use a ⅛ inch drill bit to carefully drill holes into the sheet. The holes should be ½ inch away from each other and small enough that none of the beans will fall through them. Lay the beans out on the pan. Pour the beans onto the sheet so that they lie in one layer over the entire pan. The beans should be close together but should not be overlapping. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the beans onto the middle rack of the oven. Roast the beans for 15 to 20 minutes. Listening for a cracking or popping noise. This is the water contained in the beans evaporating. The popping noise signifies that the beans are roasting and darkening. Stir them around every few minutes to help them develop an even roast. Remove the beans from the oven. When they are roasted to your satisfaction, remove them immediately from the heat. To help them cool down, pour the beans into a metal colander and stir them around. This will help cool the beans as well as remove the chaff. Place the empty popper onto the stove top. Bring it to a medium heat so that the temperature of the popper is about 450 °F (232 °C). If possible, use a deep fryer or candy thermometer to check the temperature of the popper. If you don't have a popcorn popper and don't want to buy one, you can use a large skillet or pan. Make sure that it is very clean or else your beans might pick up the flavor of whatever was cooked before them. Add the coffee beans. You should only roast 8 ounces of coffee beans at a time. Close the lid of the popper and begin turning the crank handle. You will need to continue stirring constantly so that your beans are roasted evenly. If you are using a pan or skillet you will need to stir constantly as well--there is much more of a chance for the beans to burn in a skillet or pan. Listen for the crackling noise. After about four minutes (though it can take up to seven minutes) you should begin to hear a crackling sound--this means that the beans are beginning to roast. At the same time, the beans will start producing coffee-smelling smoke that can be really potent. Turn on your oven hood fan and open a window to let the smoke out. Note the time when the beans start to crackle. Check the beans’ color frequently. After the crackling starts, wait one minute and then begin to check the color of the beans. When the beans have reached the color you want, pour them out into a metal colander and continue to stir them until the beans cool. Consider the pros and cons. Mechanized roasters are a more expensive, yet extremely efficient, roasting option. These appliances work in the same way that the popcorn popper does--hot air is blown across the beans. However, these roasters result in a very even roast. Consider a hot air roaster. These types of roasters are also called fluid bed roasters. This type of roaster has a glass container that allows you to monitor the color of the beans as they roast, allowing you to roast them to your desired color. Roasters of this variety include the FreshRoast8, Hearthware I-Roast 2, and the Nesco Professional. Follow your appliance's instructions to roast your beans to perfection. Finished. | Keep smell in mind. Know that the length of your roast is based on the color of the beans. Listen for the crackling sound. Preheat your oven to 450 °F (232 °C). Lay the beans out on the pan. Roast the beans for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the beans from the oven. Place the empty popper onto the stove top. Add the coffee beans. Listen for the crackling noise. Check the beans’ color frequently. Consider the pros and cons. Consider a hot air roaster. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tell-if-You-Have-Bad-Breath | How to Tell if You Have Bad Breath | To tell if you have bad breath, lick your wrist, wait 10 seconds for your saliva to dry, and then smell it. If it smells bad, you probably have bad breath. You can also try covering your mouth and nose with both hands, breathing out, and then smelling your breath in your hands. If you do have bad breath, make sure you're brushing your teeth thoroughly twice a day, and try flossing and gargling with an antibacterial mouthwash. | Lick the inside of your wrist. Wait 5-10 seconds for the saliva to dry. Try to do this discreetly–when you're alone–and not in a public place, or you may get strange looks from those around you. Avoid trying this test just after you've brushed your teeth, used mouthwash, or eaten something minty, as a freshly-cleaned mouth may give you inaccurate results. Smell the inside of your wrist where the saliva has dried. This is, more or less, what your breath smells like. If it smells unsavory, then you may need to improve your dental hygiene and overall health. If it doesn't smell like anything, then your breath probably isn't too bad--but you might need to try another self-test to be sure. Bear in mind that this method primarily pulls saliva from the tip (anterior portion) of your tongue, which is fairly self-cleansing. Thus, smelling your licked wrist will only tell you how the best-smelling part of your tongue smells--and most bad breath tends to originate from the back of the mouth where it meets the throat. You can wash the saliva off of your wrist, but don't worry if you don't have access to water or sanitizer since the smell will dissipate quickly as the skin dries. If your breath problems are relatively minor, you may not be able to smell much. If you're still worried, consider trying another self-testing method to give yourself a "second opinion". Try swabbing the back of your tongue. Use a finger or a piece of cotton gauze to reach deep into your mouth–but not so far back as to trigger your gag reflex–and wipe the surface of your tongue at the back of your mouth. Any bad-breath bacteria lurking back there will come off onto the swabbing tool. Sniff the swab (your finger or the cotton) for an accurate sense of how the back of your mouth smells. This method may reveal bad breath more precisely than merely licking your arm. Chronic halitosis is caused by bacteria that breed on your tongue and between your teeth – and most of these bacteria congregate near the back of your mouth. The tip of your tongue is fairly self-cleaning, and you may clean the front of your mouth more regularly than the back of your mouth. Try swishing with antibacterial mouthwash–in the front and the back of your mouth–to keep bacteria from hiding out on the back of your tongue. Gargle with mouthwash, if you can, to keep bad-breath bacteria from congregating in your throat opening. When you brush your teeth, make sure to brush your furthest back teeth, and be sure to brush your tongue and gums. Cover your mouth and nose with both of your hands. Form a cup so that the air you breathe out through your mouth has nowhere to go but into your nose. Breathe out, slowly, from your mouth, and quickly inhale the hot breath through your nose. If your breath is especially rank, you may be able to tell – but the air can quickly escape through the cracks between your fingers, and it's difficult to get a precise diagnosis using this method. It is, however, one of the most discreet ways to check for bad breath in public. Breathe into a clean plastic cup or container. Take a deep breath, and then hold the cup so that it covers both your nose and your mouth, with minimal ventilation, so you can get a close to accurate answer. Breathe out through your mouth, slowly, filling the cup with hot breath. Inhale quickly and deeply through your nose--you should be able to smell your breath. This step may be slightly more accurate than merely cupping your hands around your nose and mouth, but its accuracy is heavily dependent upon how tightly the cup seals in your breath. You can try this out with any container that traps your breath in a circuit between your nose and your mouth: a small paper or plastic bag, a tight-fitting surgical mask, or any manner of air-retentive face-mask. Be sure to rinse out the cup before breathing into it again. Wash it with soap and water before storing it or using it for anything else. Get an accurate reading. Avoid trying these methods directly after you've brushed your teeth, swished with mouthwash, or eaten something minty. These things may make your breath smell better, but the way your breath smells immediately after brushing your teeth is not necessarily the way that it smells most of the time. Try smelling your breath at various times--right after brushing your teeth, but also in the middle of the day, when you're most likely to encounter people--to better understand the difference. Bear in mind that your breath may smell bad after eating a spiced meal Consider asking a trusted friend or family member whether your breath smells bad. You can try to smell your own breath, but you can only ever approximate what someone else smells. The best way to know for sure is to swallow your pride and ask, "Be honest. Does my breath smell bad?" Choose a person that you trust--someone that won't go around telling people, and someone that will be honest with you about your breath. Ask a close friend who you know won't judge you. Avoid asking a crush or a romantic partner, as serious bad breath might be a turn-off. Avoid asking strangers, unless you're feeling particularly bold. It may seem embarrassing, at first, but you may find it a huge relief to get a trusted opinion on the matter. It's better to hear it from a close friend than from, say, someone you'd like to kiss. Be considerate. Don't just breathe into someone's face and say, "How does my breath smell?" Bring up the topic delicately, and always ask before demonstrating. If you spend a lot of time in close contact with the person, they may have already noticed that your breath smells bad; they may have just been too polite to bring it up. Say, "I'm worried that my breath might smell bad, but I can't really tell. This is embarrassing, but have you noticed anything?" Say, "This might sound strange, but does my breath smell bad? I'm taking Jenny out to a movie tonight, and I'd rather deal with it now than wait for her to notice." Determine whether you have morning breath or chronic halitosis. Check your breath in the morning, in the afternoon, and in the evening, before and after you've brushed your teeth, and figure out how persistent the problem is. If you know why your breath smells bad, you can take steps to fix it. Morning breath is normal. You can fix it by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash right after you wake up. Halitosis is a more serious bacterial infestation, but it is still common and still treatable. To fight halitosis, you'll need to keep your mouth clean and manage the bacteria that make your breath smell bad. The most common causes of bad breath are dental cavities, gum disease, poor oral hygiene, gastrointestinal conditions, and coated tongue (a white or yellow coating on the tongue, usually due to inflammation). If you can't tell from inspecting your mouth, your dentist should be able to tell you what's causing your bad breath. If someone tells you that your breath doesn't smell so great, don't be embarrassed. Think of it as constructive criticism. Keep good dental hygiene. Brush your teeth more thoroughly, gargle with antibacterial mouthwash, and floss between your teeth to keep plaque and bacteria from hiding out there. Drink plenty of water, and swish cool water around in your mouth to freshen morning breath. It's very important to brush your teeth before going to bed. You might try an additional round of brushing with baking soda to reduce the acidity in the mouth and make it difficult for the bacteria that cause bad breath to grow. Use a tongue scraper (available at many drugstores) to remove any residue that may be building up between the taste buds and folds in the tongue. If you don't have a tongue scraper, you can use your toothbrush to brush your tongue. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. The bristles will become less effective over time, and your brush may accumulate bacteria. Replace your toothbrush after you've been sick so you don't give the bacteria a place to hide out. Eat foods that promote good breath and avoid those that don't. Foods like apples, ginger, fennel seeds, berries, greens, melons, cinnamon, and green tea support good breath. Try to incorporate some of these into your diet. At the same time, try to avoid or limit foods that cause bad breath. Some notorious ones are onions, garlic, coffee, beer, sugar, and cheese. Processed foods that are full of sugar like cookies, candies, and pastries can also contribute to bad breath. Talk to your doctor about your gastrointestinal health. Poor gastrointestinal health could be the culprit behind your bad breath. You may have a condition like peptic ulcer disease, H. pylori infection, or reflux. Your doctor can help treat any existing conditions and give you strategies for maintaining a healthier gut. Keep your nasal passages healthy. Allergies, sinus infections, and post-nasal drip can all cause bad breath, so you should do your best to prevent and treat these conditions. Keep your nasal passages clean and clear, and manage allergies before they escalate. A neti pot can be helpful in rinsing mucus buildup from your nose. Drinking hot water with lemon, using nasal saline drops, and taking vitamin C can help alleviate a stuffy nose. When taking vitamin C, follow the dosage recommendations on the package. Adults should not exceed 2000 mg of vitamin C per day. Eat a healthy diet. In addition to eating good breath-promoting foods, eating an overall healthy diet can nip bad breath in the bud. Cut back on processed foods, red meats, and cheeses. Focus on eating fiber-rich foods like oatmeal, flax seeds, and kale. You should also incorporate probiotic-friendly foods into your diet, like unsweetened kefir, kimchi, and plain yogurt. Alternatively, you can take a probiotic supplement. Neutralize bad breath. Chew gum, eat breath mints or use Listerine strips before sensitive social situations. Ultimately, you may want to treat the roots of your problem and banish your bad breath for good, but it never hurts to make your breath smell better in the meantime. Keep gum with you so that you can use it in emergencies. Chew a handful of cloves, fennel seeds, or aniseeds. Their antiseptic qualities help fight halitosis-causing bacteria. Chew a piece of lemon or orange rind for a mouth- freshening burst of flavor. (Wash the rind thoroughly first.) The citric acid will stimulate the salivary glands—and fight bad breath. Chew a fresh sprig of parsley, basil, mint, or cilantro. The chlorophyll in these green plants neutralizes odors. Avoid using tobacco products. If you ever needed another reason to quit, here's an easy one: smoking contributes to bad breath. Tobacco tends to dry out your mouth, and it can leave an unpleasant smell that lingers even after brushing your teeth. Speak with your dentist or your doctor about the problem. Visit your dentist regularly to help maintain good oral hygiene. If you have chronic bad breath, your dentist can rule out any dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and coated tongue. If your dentist believes that the problem is caused from a systemic (internal) source such as an infection, he or she may refer you to your family physician or a specialist. | Lick the inside of your wrist. Smell the inside of your wrist where the saliva has dried. Try swabbing the back of your tongue. Cover your mouth and nose with both of your hands. Breathe into a clean plastic cup or container. Get an accurate reading. Consider asking a trusted friend or family member whether your breath smells bad. Be considerate. Determine whether you have morning breath or chronic halitosis. Keep good dental hygiene. Eat foods that promote good breath and avoid those that don't. Talk to your doctor about your gastrointestinal health. Keep your nasal passages healthy. Eat a healthy diet. Neutralize bad breath. Avoid using tobacco products. Speak with your dentist or your doctor about the problem. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Find-the-Inverse-of-a-3x3-Matrix | How to Find the Inverse of a 3x3 Matrix | To find the inverse of a 3x3 matrix, first calculate the determinant of the matrix. If the determinant is 0, the matrix has no inverse. Next, transpose the matrix by rewriting the first row as the first column, the middle row as the middle column, and the third row as the third column. Find the determinant of each of the 2x2 minor matrices, then create a matrix of cofactors using the results of the previous step. Divide each term of the adjugate matrix by the determinant to get the inverse. | Check the determinant of the matrix. You need to calculate the determinant of the matrix as an initial step. If the determinant is 0, then your work is finished, because the matrix has no inverse. The determinant of matrix M can be represented symbolically as det(M). For a 3x3 matrix, find the determinant by first To review finding the determinant of a matrix, see Find the Determinant of a 3X3 Matrix. Transpose the original matrix. Transposing means reflecting the matrix about the main diagonal, or equivalently, swapping the (i,j)th element and the (j,i)th. When you transpose the terms of the matrix, you should see that the main diagonal (from upper left to lower right) is unchanged. Another way to think of transposing is that you rewrite the first row as the first column, the middle row becomes the middle column, and the third row becomes the third column. Notice the colored elements in the diagram above and see where the numbers have changed position. Find the determinant of each of the 2x2 minor matrices. Every item of the newly transposed 3x3 matrix is associated with a corresponding 2x2 “minor” matrix. To find the right minor matrix for each term, first highlight the row and column of the term you begin with. This should include five terms of the matrix. The remaining four terms make up the minor matrix. In the example shown above, if you want the minor matrix of the term in the second row, first column, you highlight the five terms that are in the second row and the first column. The remaining four terms are the corresponding minor matrix. Find the determinant of each minor matrix by cross-multiplying the diagonals and subtracting, as shown. For more on minor matrices and their uses, see Understand the Basics of Matrices. Create the matrix of cofactors. Place the results of the previous step into a new matrix of cofactors by aligning each minor matrix determinant with the corresponding position in the original matrix. Thus, the determinant that you calculated from item (1,1) of the original matrix goes in position (1,1). You must then reverse the sign of alternating terms of this new matrix, following the “checkerboard” pattern shown. When assigning signs, the first element of the first row keeps its original sign. The second element is reversed. The third element keeps its original sign. Continue on with the rest of the matrix in this fashion. Note that the (+) or (-) signs in the checkerboard diagram do not suggest that the final term should be positive or negative. They are indicators of keeping (+) or reversing (-) whatever sign the number originally had. For a review of cofactors, see Understand the Basics of Matrices. The final result of this step is called the adjugate matrix of the original. This is sometimes referred to as the adjoint matrix. The adjugate matrix is noted as Adj(M). Divide each term of the adjugate matrix by the determinant. Recall the determinant of M that you calculated in the first step (to check that the inverse was possible). You now divide every term of the matrix by that value. Place the result of each calculation into the spot of the original term. The result is the inverse of the original matrix. For the sample matrix shown in the diagram, the determinant is 1. Therefore, dividing every term of the adjugate matrix results in the adjugate matrix itself. (You won't always be so lucky.) Instead of dividing, some sources represent this step as multiplying each term of M by 1/det(M). Mathematically, these are equivalent. Adjoin the identity matrix to the original matrix. Write out the original matrix M, draw a vertical line to the right of it, and then write the identity matrix to the right of that. You should now have what appears to be a matrix with three rows of six columns each. Recall that the identity matrix is a special matrix with 1s in each position of the main diagonal from upper left to lower right, and 0s in all other positions. For a review of the identity matrix and its properties, see Understand the Basics of Matrices. Perform linear row reduction operations. Your objective is to create the identity matrix on the left side of this newly augmented matrix. As you perform row reduction steps on the left, you must consistently perform the same operations on the right, which began as your identity matrix. Remember that row reductions are performed as a combination of scalar multiplication and row addition or subtraction, in order to isolate individual terms of the matrix. For a more complete review, see Row-Reduce Matrices. Continue until you form the identity matrix. Keep repeating linear row reduction operations until the left side of your augmented matrix displays the identity matrix (diagonal of 1s, with other terms 0). When you have reached this point, the right side of your vertical divider will be the inverse of your original matrix. Write out the inverse matrix. Copy the elements now appearing on the right side of the vertical divider as the inverse matrix. Select a calculator with matrix capabilities. Simple 4-function calculators will not be able to help you directly find the inverse. However, due to the repetitive nature of the calculations, an advanced graphing calculator, such as the Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-86, can greatly reduce the work. Enter your matrix into the calculator. First, enter your calculator's Matrix function by pressing the Matrix key, if you have one. On the Texas Instruments calculators, you may need to press 2 Matrix. Select the Edit submenu. To reach the submenu, you may need to use the arrow buttons or choose the appropriate function key at the top of your calculator's keypad, depending on the layout of your calculator. Select a name for your matrix. Most calculators are equipped to work with anywhere from 3 to 10 matrices, labeled with letters A through J. Typically, just choose [A] to work with. Hit the Enter key after making your selection. Enter the dimensions of your matrix. This article is focusing on 3x3 matrices. However, the calculator can handle larger sizes. Enter the number of rows, then press Enter, and then the number of columns, and Enter. Enter each element of the matrix. The calculator screen will show a matrix. If you previously were working with the matrix function, the prior matrix will appear on the screen. The cursor will highlight the first element of the matrix. Type in the value of the matrix you wish to solve, and then Enter. The cursor will move automatically to the next element of the matrix, overwriting any previous numbers. If you wish to enter a negative number, use your calculator's negative button (-) and not the minus key. The matrix function will not read the number properly. If necessary, you can use your calculator's arrow keys to jump around the matrix. Quit the Matrix function. After you have entered all values of the matrix, press the Quit key (or 2 Quit, if necessary). This will exit you from the Matrix function and return you to the main display screen of your calculator. Use the inverse key to find the inverse matrix. First, reopen the Matrix function and use the Names button to select the matrix label that you used to define your matrix (probably [A]). Then, press your calculator's inverse key, x − 1 {\displaystyle x^{-1}}. This may require using the 2 button, depending on your calculator. Your screen display should show A − 1 {\displaystyle A^{-1}}. Press Enter, and the inverse matrix should appear on your screen. Do not use the ^ button on your calculator to try entering A^-1 as separate keystrokes. The calculator will not understand this operation. If you receive an error message when you enter the inverse key, chances are that your original matrix does not have an inverse. You may want to go back and calculate the determinant to find out. Convert your inverse matrix to exact answers. The first calculation that the calculator will give you is in decimal form. This is not considered “exact” for most purposes. You should convert the decimal answers to fractional form, as necessary. (If you are very lucky, all your results will be integers, but this is rare.) Your calculator probably has a function that will automatically convert the decimals to fractions. For example, using the TI-86, enter the Math function, then select Misc, and then Frac, and Enter. The decimals will automatically appear as fractions. Most graphing calculators also have square bracket keys (on TI-84 it's 2nd + x and 2nd + -) which can be used to type in a matrix without using the matrix function. Note: The calculator will not format the matrix until after the enter/equals key has been used (i.e. everything will be one line and not pretty). | Check the determinant of the matrix. Transpose the original matrix. Find the determinant of each of the 2x2 minor matrices. Create the matrix of cofactors. Divide each term of the adjugate matrix by the determinant. Adjoin the identity matrix to the original matrix. Perform linear row reduction operations. Continue until you form the identity matrix. Write out the inverse matrix. Select a calculator with matrix capabilities. Enter your matrix into the calculator. Select the Edit submenu. Select a name for your matrix. Enter the dimensions of your matrix. Enter each element of the matrix. Quit the Matrix function. Use the inverse key to find the inverse matrix. Convert your inverse matrix to exact answers. Most graphing calculators also have square bracket keys (on TI-84 it's 2nd + x and 2nd + -) which can be used to type in a matrix without using the matrix function. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Dividends | How to Calculate Dividends | To calculate dividends, find out the company's dividend per share (DPS), which is the amount paid to every investor for each share of stock they hold. Next, multiply the DPS by the number of shares you hold in the company's stock to determine approximately what you're total payout will be. If you're involved in a dividend reinvestment program, find out how much of your dividends you're investing so that you know how many shares you own and your calculation remains accurate. | Determine how many shares of stock you hold. If you're not already aware of how many shares of company stock you own, find out. You can usually get this information by contacting your broker or investment agency or checking the regular statements that are usually sent to a company's investors via mail or email. Determine the dividends paid per share of company stock. Find your company's dividends per share (or "DPS") value. This represents the amount of dividend money that investors are awarded for each share of company stock they own. For a given time period, DPS can be calculated using the formula DPS = (D - SD)/S where D = the amount of money paid in regular dividends, SD = the amount paid in special, one-time dividends, and S = the total number of shares of company stock owned by investors. For this calculation, you can usually find D and SD on a company's cash flow statement and S on its balance sheet. Note that a company's dividend-payout rate can change over time. Thus, if you're using past dividend values to estimate what you'll be paid in the future, there's a chance that your calculation may not be accurate. Multiply the DPS by the number of shares. When you know the number of shares of company stock you own and the company's DPS for the most recent recent time period, finding the approximate amount of dividends you will earn is easy. Simply use the formula D = DPS multiplied by S, where D = your dividends and S = the number of shares you own. Remember that since you're using the company's past DPS value, your estimate for future dividend payments may end up differing somewhat from the actual number. For example, let's say that you own 1,000 shares of stock in a company that paid $0.75 per share in dividends last year. Plugging the appropriate values into the formula above, we get D = 0.75 multiplied by 1,000 = $750. In other words, if the company pays about the same amount of dividends this year as it did last year, you'll make about $750. Alternatively, use a calculator. If you're calculating the dividends for many different stock holdings, or if you're dealing with large numbers, the basic multiplication required to find the dividends you're owed can be laborious. In this case, using a calculator can be much easier. You may want to use the free calculator provided at the top of the article, or one of many online dividend calculators (like this one ) which offer sophisticated options for calculating your dividends. Other types of calculators can be useful for accomplishing similar investment calculations. For instance, this calculator works backwards, finding DPS from the company's total dividends and your number of shares. Don’t forget to account for dividend reinvestment. The process above is designed to work for relatively simple cases where the number of stocks owned is a fixed quantity. However, in real life, investors often use the dividends they earn to buy more shares of stock in a process called "dividend reinvestment." By doing this, an investor sacrifices a short-term dividend payout in favor of the long-term gains that can result from owning added shares. If you've arranged for a dividend-reinvestment program as part of your investment, keep an updated tally of shares you own so that your calculations will be accurate. For instance, let's say you earn $100 per year in dividends from one of your investments and that you arrange to have this money reinvested into additional shares every year. If the stock trades at $10 per share and has a DPS of $1 annually, spending your $100 will get you ten more shares and another $10 in additional dividends per year, bringing your dividends to $110 in the next year. Assuming the stock's price remains the same, you'll be able to buy eleven more shares the following year, then about twelve the year after that. This "compounding" effect will continue as long as you let it, assuming the stock price remains stable or rises. This focus on dividends as an investment strategy has made some people rather wealthy, although, alas, there are no guarantees of spectacular results. Determine the share price of the stock you’re analyzing. Sometimes when investors say that they want to calculate the "dividend" on their stocks, what they're actually referring to is the "dividend yield." The dividend yield is the percentage of your investment that a stock will pay you back in the form of dividends. Dividend yield can be thought of as an "interest rate" on a stock. To get started, you'll need to find the current price per share of the stock you're analyzing. For publicly-traded companies (Apple, for instance), you can find the latest stock price by checking the website of any major stock index (e.g., NASDAQ or S&P 500) Keep in mind that the share price of a company's stock can fluctuate based on the company's performance. Thus, estimations for the dividend yield of a company's stock can be inaccurate if the stock's price suddenly moves significantly. Determine the DPS of the stock. Find the most recent DPS value of the stock you own. Again, the formula is DPS = (D - SD)/S where D = the amount of money paid in regular dividends, SD = the amount paid in special, one-time dividends, and S = the total number of shares of company stock owned by all investors. As noted above, you can typically find D and SD on a company's cash flow statement and S on its balance sheet. As an additional reminder, a company's DPS can fluctuate with time, so you'll want to use a recent time period for the most accurate results. Divide the DPS by the share price. Finally, divide your DPS value by the price per share for the stock you own to find your dividend yield (or, in other words, use the formula DY = DPS/SP ). This simple ratio compares the amount of money you are paid in dividends to the amount of money you had to pay for the stock to begin with. The greater the dividend yield, the more money you'll earn on your initial investment. For example, let's say that you own 50 shares of company stock and that you bought these shares at a price of $20 per share. If the company's DPS in recent time periods has been roughly $1, you can find the dividend yield by plugging your values into the formula DY = DPS/SP; thus, DY = 1/20 = 0.05 or 5%. In other words, you'll make 5% of your investment back in each round of dividends, no matter how much or how little you invest. Use dividend yields to compare investment opportunities. Investors often use dividend yields to determine whether to make certain investments or not. Different yields appeal to different investors. For instance, an investor who's looking for a steady, regular source of income might invest in a company with a high dividend yield. These are typically successful, established companies. On the other hand, an investor who's willing to take a risk for the chance of a major payout might invest in a young company with lots of growth potential. Such companies often keep most of their profits as retained earnings and won't pay out much in the form of dividends until they are more established. Thus, knowing the dividend yields of the companies you're thinking of investing in can help you make smart, informed investment decisions. For instance, let's say that two competing companies both offer dividend payments of $2 per share. While they may at first seem to be equally good investment opportunities, if one company's stock is trading at $20 per share and the other's is trading at $100 per share, the company with the $20 share price is the better deal (all other factors being equal). Every share of the $20 company will earn you 2/20 or 10% of your initial investment per year, while every share of the $100 company will earn you just 2/100 or 2% of your initial investment. | Determine how many shares of stock you hold. Determine the dividends paid per share of company stock. Multiply the DPS by the number of shares. Alternatively, use a calculator. Don’t forget to account for dividend reinvestment. Determine the share price of the stock you’re analyzing. Determine the DPS of the stock. Divide the DPS by the share price. Use dividend yields to compare investment opportunities. |
https://www.wikihow.health/Respond-to-a-Stroke | How to Respond to a Stroke | If you suspect someone is having a stroke, call 911 or emergency services immediately. Don't wait to see if the person feels better to call for help, as this is an emergency situation. While first responders are on the way, collect any medications the person has taken so that the paramedics will know if there are any contraindications for the medicines they'll use to treat the stroke. Additionally, if the patient can respond, ask them when the stroke symptoms started and get a quick medical history. | Learn the two types of stroke. There are two types of strokes. The most common, which comprise over 90% of strokes, are ischemic strokes. These are due to a lack of blood flow to the brain, most commonly caused when plaque in the carotid arteries break off and flow downstream. It moves along until it obstructs a blood vessel and blood flow to parts of the brain. Depending on what the affected part of the brain is responsible for, such as speech, walking, or moving one half of the body, that will give the specific constellation of symptoms experienced when having a stroke. The other, much less common, type of stroke is from a bleeding in the brain, a hemorrhagic stroke. This results from a blood vessel or collection of vessels called an aneurysm, which cause a stroke when they grow in size and about to burst. These strokes, though rare, cause the worst headache you have every experienced. It is important to differentiate because the vast majority of stroke victims you may encounter are in no pain. This lack of pain can cause delay in recognition and treatment which in turn can cause devastating, long-term neurologic damage or death. Notice facial droop. It is important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke early to insure a positive outcome. The medical profession uses the acronym FAST to remember what to look for in a stroke and how quickly to respond. F stands for face, which means you need to look for facial drooping. Notice if one side of the face is drooped or hanging. Ask the victim to smile. The affected side will not be able to turn up like the other. You can also ask them to raise their eyebrows and the affected side will not respond. Check for arm weakness. The A in FAST stands for arms, which means you need to check for arm weakness. Ask the person to raise his arms out in front of him, bringing to them to shoulder level. Push gently down on his arms and ask him to push back against the resistance. He might be able to move his arms even if he is having a stroke, but the affected arm should fall down when you push against is due to weakness. If he can't raise his other arm, or if his arm is dropping below where he is trying to keep it, he is suffering from arm weakness. Listen for slurred speech. The S stands for speech, which means you need to listen for slurred speech. Notice if he is having trouble speaking, if his words are slurred, or if he is having trouble getting his words out. Ask him to repeat a word or say his name. If it is slurred, this is called dysarthria and he is likely having a stroke. If he can say his name but you are still worried, have him try to repeat a simple sentence, such as "Roses are red." See if he can repeat it and listen for slurring. Respond in time. The T stands for time, which means you need to respond in a timely manner when the symptoms appear. Time is of the essence with a stroke because the longer you wait, the more damage is done to his vital organs. Respond as quickly as possible and call 911 (or emergency services in your country) to make sure he gets treated quickly enough to lower the chances of damage. Look for other symptoms. Although FAST is a great way to check for a stroke, there are a few other symptoms you can look for when assessing the patient. The victim may be confused or have trouble understanding you. He may also have trouble seeing in one or both eyes, may have trouble walking, be dizzy, or have loss of balance or coordination. Recognize a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). A TIA, or a "mini stroke," only differs from a stroke in that the clot is "transient" — the blockage will pass and there is usually no permanent damage. TIA symptoms occur rapidly and can last up to 24 hours or only a few minutes. If you experience a TIA, you should consider this a very serious warning sign about your risk for a permanent stroke. Roughly 1/3 of people who experience TIA have a stroke within a year. The signs of TIA are the same as a permanent stroke, but they pass in less than five minutes. Never wait to see if the signs of a stroke will pass. Even if it might be TIA, you should call 911 as soon as you notice any indication of a stroke. If you do experience TIA, talk to your doctor to figure out what changes you need to make to ensure you don't experience a permanent stroke down the road. Call 911 immediately. As soon as you determine the person is having a stroke (or if you even think the person is having a stroke), you need to call 911 immediately. Let them know that you have a stroke victim, which will allow them to get the necessary equipment and know what to expect when they arrive. Do not hesitate for fear of overreacting or being incorrect. Every minute the brain goes without oxygen increases the chances that the neurological deficit will be permanent. If the area of the stroke is expanding or affects areas of the brain that control breathing, the stroke could be lethal if you wait too long. The goal is for the patient to receive tPA , which is the life-saving clot busting medication, within 60 minutes or less from the time the patient is picked up until the medication is delivered. This leaves no time for hesitation. Stroke victims who were able to receive tPA within 60 minutes or less had the highest percentage of being discharged home as opposed to a long term care facility due to severe neurological damage or death while in the hospital. Ask the patient about when the symptoms started. While you are on the phone with 911, you need to ask the patient when he first started having symptoms. You need to gather information about when the symptoms started. Relate this information to 911 dispatcher. The dispatcher will likely stay on the line with you while you gather information about symptoms and time frames. Also ask him if he has a severe headache and let the responder know. This is a symptom of a different kind of stroke. Gather medical history. You need to ask the victim a series of questions about his medical history. Ask him if he has had a stroke in the past. Also ask if he has had heart problems in the past, such as heart attacks, high blood pressure, or artery disease. Check to see if he has diabetes, bleeding disorders, any recent surgeries, or liver disease. Do this as well as you can if they are suffering from slurred speech. You just need to collect as much information for emergency services as possible. Inquire about medicines. While you wait for emergency services to arrive, you need to make sure you know what medications the victim in on. Ask the victim if he takes aspirin, anticoagulants, and anti-platelet agents. Also check to see if he takes insulin, anti-hypertensives, or any other prescription medication for chronic conditions. You can also ask if he takes any illegal street drugs and how much alcohol he consumes. If you can, try to grab medicine bottles from his possession. These will give the providers and treating physicians important information about any contraindication between medications that might arise when giving clot busting medication. Keep him talking and focused on you until the paramedics arrive. | Learn the two types of stroke. Notice facial droop. Check for arm weakness. Listen for slurred speech. Respond in time. Look for other symptoms. Recognize a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA). Call 911 immediately. Ask the patient about when the symptoms started. Gather medical history. Inquire about medicines. |
https://www.wikihow.com/End-Business-Letters | How to End Business Letters | To end business letters, use a tried and true professional closing such as “Sincerely” or “Yours truly.” Be sure to skip a line after the body so there's a blank space between the last sentence and the closing. It's also important that you align the closing to the left and include a comma after it so your closing is more formal. Then, add your handwritten or electronic signature 4 blank lines under the closing. If you've requested the person to contact you in your letter, type your contact information under your signature so it's easy to spot and reference. And if you've included a resume, documentation, or other materials, skip a line after your signature block and write “Enclosure” so they know there are additional items following the letter. | Restate your letter’s purpose concisely in the closing paragraph. Bring your letter's body to a close with a quick summary of your main point. Keep it brief; the final paragraph only needs to be about 1 to 3 lines. You don't need to write a long, step-by-step conclusion, and you shouldn't bring up any topics you haven't already covered in the letter. For instance, if you're writing a cover letter for a job application, briefly restate your interest in the position: “I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my interests and qualifications. Thank you for your time, and I hope to learn more about the next phases of the application process.” End on a polite, friendly note, but keep your tone formal. Unless your writing a complaint or reprimand, the last paragraph's tone should be friendly or appreciative. Even if you're writing a formal complaint letter, you should still be polite and optimistic. If you're writing to someone you know, you could end with a personal note, but don't get too informal. For instance, write, “It was good to see you at the conference. I look forward to working with you again in the future.” If you're writing a complaint, close with, “I hope we can resolve this situation and continue doing business together in the future.” Include a specific call to action if the letter is results-oriented. If you're making a request, filing a complaint, or otherwise writing to yield a result, close with a single strong sentence to make your wishes clear. Ending with a polite, specific call to action can add a sense of urgency or importance if you need the reader to do something for you. Examples include: “I look forward to discussing this matter further at our meeting on December 7.” “Please update me on the situation by the end of the week.” “Thank you for your efforts, and please call me if you need any further details.” Use “Sincerely” or “Yours truly” for your closing. “Sincerely” and “Yours truly” are professional, tried and true closings. Less formal closings, such as “Best regards” or “Warm regards,” are suitable if you're on a first-name basis with the letter's recipient. Avoid ending a business letter with informal closings, such as “Fondly,” “Cheers,” or “Ciao.” Skip a line after the body, then type the closing. Align the closing to the left and include a comma after it. If the closing is 2 words, like “Yours truly,” capitalize the first word only. Be sure to skip a line so there's a blank space between the body's last sentence and the closing. Add your typed signature 4 lines below the closing. Your handwritten or electronic signature will go in the 4 blank lines under the closing. After skipping the lines, type your name to match your handwritten signature. For instance, include your middle initial if you use it in your handwritten signature. If you'd like, include degrees or professional ratings, such as Ph.D. or CPA, after your typed signature. Type your name followed by a comma, then add the degree or certification. Type your title or contact information under your signature, if desired. Include your title directly under your typed signature without skipping a line. If you've requested a phone call or email, type your contact information beneath your title so it's easy to spot. Note any materials you’ve enclosed. If you've included a resume, documentation, or any other materials, skip a line after your signature block, then type “Enclosure” or “Enclosures.” if you've included multiple documents, it's helpful to write the number in parentheses, like this: “Enclosures (2).” Don't include any punctuation after your enclosures notation. Proofread your letter carefully. Read the letter out loud to identify any awkward sounding sentences. Check for spelling, grammatical, or formatting errors, and make sure your writing is clear and concise. Ensuring your work is free of errors is always important, but it's absolutely crucial if you're writing a cover letter. Add an electronic signature if you’re sending the letter online. Either sign a piece of paper and scan it onto your computer, use your word processing program's add a signature feature, or draw a signature in a graphics editing program. Insert the image with your signature into the blank space between your closing and typed signature. If necessary, resize the image and align it with the surrounding text. Save the letter as a PDF if you’re sending it digitally. Save your letter as a word document (such as.doc or.docx) in case you need to make future edits. Additionally, if you're emailing the letter or uploading it onto a website, find the “Save as PDF” option in your word processing program's “Save as,” “Publish,” or “Download as” dropdown menu. A PDF is more stable than a word document and can help ensure your reader will receive a properly formatted letter. Print the letter and seal it in an envelope if you’re mailing it. Add your handwritten signature after printing the letter. Type or write the return and recipient's addresses on an envelope, then mail the letter according to your nation's postal standards. Be sure to include any enclosed documents in the envelope. | Restate your letter’s purpose concisely in the closing paragraph. End on a polite, friendly note, but keep your tone formal. Include a specific call to action if the letter is results-oriented. Use “Sincerely” or “Yours truly” for your closing. Skip a line after the body, then type the closing. Add your typed signature 4 lines below the closing. Type your title or contact information under your signature, if desired. Note any materials you’ve enclosed. Proofread your letter carefully. Add an electronic signature if you’re sending the letter online. Save the letter as a PDF if you’re sending it digitally. Print the letter and seal it in an envelope if you’re mailing it. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Regret | How to Deal with Regret | If you are feeling weighed down by regret, try writing about all of the feelings you are having as a way to vent and relieve stress. Once you're able to express your emotions, you can move past your regret by seeing it as a benefit and learning from it to make better decisions in the future. For example, let's say you made the mistake of overusing your credit cards when you were in college and racking up debt. That mistake led you to realize that you should be more cautious about credit cards in the future. As a result of your decisions, you might have an idea of how you want your life to look, so find a role model who seems to have everything you want and use their actions as examples. For instance, if you wish you were focused more on family than work, find a role model who can balance the two and pay attention to what they do. | Acknowledge the benefits of regret. Regret may seem like a completely negative thing, but it can have some benefits as well. Try to look at regret as a life lesson and look at the feelings of regret as motivation to do things differently. Although regret can be unpleasant, keep in mind that it has a function. Regret can even save your life. For example, if you regret using drugs and having to go to rehab to recover from your addiction, keep in mind that this event may have saved your life. If you had continue to use drugs and had not entered a rehab facility, then you might have died of an overdose. Identify the source of your regret. Before you can deal with your regret, you will need to identify the source. What is it that you feel regretful about? It is one big thing or lots of little things? What do you wish you had done differently? Some of the most common regrets that people have are related to education, career, romance, and finances. Take some time to think about what you regret and why you have those regrets. If you like, you can write down your regrets. Write about your feelings. You may have lots of different emotions relating to the thing or things that you regret. You might feel sad, angry, confused, or cheated about the decisions you once made and your inability to change them. Write about all of the things you are feeling in as much detail as you would like. Writing about your feelings is a great way to vent and relieve stress related to holding these feelings in. Consider talking to a therapist. Dealing with your feelings of regret can be a long, intensive process. You may not be able to overcome them on your own, especially if you have regrets about something major or if you feel powerless to do anything about your regrets. You might want to consider finding a therapist who can help you to work through your feelings of regret. Determine if there is anything you can do to change the situation. In some cases, you may be able to do something to reduce the impact of your regret. Consider whether there is anything that you can do to move in the direction that you would like to go. For example, if you regret not taking a job that was offered to you a few years ago, consider whether that job is still an option for you now. Or, if you regret not finishing your degree, consider whether continuing your education is still an option. You might even be able to minimize feelings of regret by making an apology to someone. For example, if you feel regret about not spending much time with your kids when they were growing up, consider telling them how you feel and offering a sincere apology for not being there. Changing your situation or even making an apology may not always be an option. In these cases, you may need to find ways to let go of your regret and move on with your life. This can be quite difficult, but it is possible. Use what you have learned to help you with future decisions. Having regret can also be a benefit. You may be able to use what you learned from your regret to make better decisions in the future. Try to identify some concrete lessons that you learned from the things that you regret and think about how you can apply these lessons to future situations. For example, if you made the mistake of overusing your credit cards when you were in college and ended up with a lot of debt, then you can use that knowledge and decide to be more cautious about using credit cards later on in life. Look for a role model. You may have an idea of how you want your life to look now as a result of your decisions. You might even know someone who seems to have everything that you want and you can use this person as role model. Think about what this person does differently from you and how you can use their actions as a model. For example, if you wish that you had been more family-focused than work focused, find a role model who puts her family first and pay attention to what she does. You can use her behavior as a model for your own behavior going forward. Set goals for your future. Another great way to move forward from regret is to set goals for your future. By setting goals for yourself, you can give yourself something to work towards rather than constantly beating yourself up over past mistakes. Try to relate your goals to what you regret in some way. For example, if you regret not making more time for your hobbies because of your personal and professional obligations, then make a goal to dedicate one afternoon per week to your hobbies. Make sure that the goals you set are realistic and manageable. For example, it might be overwhelming to set a goal to learn to speak French fluently by the end of the year. However, you could set the goal to take a French class or listen to language instruction CDs during your commute. Think about how the situation might have been worse. It might be possible for you to feel better about regret if you consider how the situation might have been worse. You can do this by looking at the hardships that other people have suffered and noticing how some people have been worse off than you. For example, you might feel regret about not pursuing a college degree, but perhaps you know someone who got his degree and then could not find work in that field. That person might have suffered even more than you because he was landed with high student loan payments and could not find a job with high enough wages to be able to pay the loans off. Focus on the positive aspects. Regret has a negative impact on our emotions, but we can also gain lots of positive things through these experiences. Consider what positive aspects came you're your experience. For example, perhaps you regret your marriage and wish you had married someone else. But you can look at what you gained from the marriage, such as kids, more self-knowledge, stability, etc. Identifying the positive aspects of some situations can be difficult. You may need to look at things that happened after the experience to find the positive. For example, you may regret driving drunk and losing your license, but perhaps the experience led you to seek help for a drinking problem and you gained new friends and a better outlook on life as a result. Practice gratitude in your daily life. Practicing gratitude is a great way to increase your feelings of happiness and satisfaction with your life. Practicing gratitude can also help to relieve stress and other negative emotions. Practicing gratitude on a daily basis may also help you to stop dwelling on your feelings of regret and look at positive aspects of your life instead. To practice gratitude, try making a list of five things that you are grateful for. The following day, add five more things to the list. Keep doing this every day. You can start your list with basics such as, your health, your family, a place to live, food on the table, etc. As your list goes on, you might try to add less obvious things, such as a good cup of coffee, the sound of birds singing outside your window, or an unexpected phone call from a friend. Try meditation. If you are preoccupied by regret then you are probably focused on the past and what could have been. Meditation can help you to calm your mind and focus only on the present instead of the past. Try incorporating meditation into your daily routine to quiet your mind when it begins to ruminate on the things you regret. You don't need to meditation for hours. Even five minutes of meditation every day can make a difference in your outlook on life. | Acknowledge the benefits of regret. Identify the source of your regret. Write about your feelings. Consider talking to a therapist. Determine if there is anything you can do to change the situation. Use what you have learned to help you with future decisions. Look for a role model. Set goals for your future. Think about how the situation might have been worse. Focus on the positive aspects. Practice gratitude in your daily life. Try meditation. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Dog-Agility-Course | How to Build a Dog Agility Course | To build a dog agility course, start by finding a level, wide-open space for your course. Then, remove any obstructions that could hurt your dog, like sticks or rocks. Next, lay down a contact obstacle, such as an A-frame or seesaw, which you can buy or make yourself. You can also set up a tire jump suspended from a wooden frame and a children's play tunnel. Additionally, you can position five to twelve weave poles for your dog to slalom around. Try not to place similar obstacles, like an A frame and seesaw, next to each other, to keep the course varied. | Evaluate your dog’s capability. As you start thinking about what obstacles you want to set up in your course, consider your dog's capability. Make sure plan obstacles that are appropriate for your dog's size. A corgi, for example, could not get through a tire jump meant for a German shepherd. Also consider any limited ability your dog has. If your dog has back problems, for example, it may be able to easily get up and down an A-frame, but may not be able to complete a weave pole exercise. Do not try to force a dog beyond its ability. Some dogs may not be able to do certain obstacles, and all dogs will have to train up from easier to more challenging courses. Build contact obstacles. Contact obstacles typically include A-frames and see-saws. A-frames have your dog run up one side and immediately down the other of a wooden, A-shaped obstacle. It is generally easier and safer for your pet to purchase a ready-built contact obstacles, but you can make your own A-frame from wood or aluminum. Instructions can be found online. For see-saw obstacles, you may buy a purpose-built agility see-saw or you can use one meant for toddlers or small children. Plan a tire jump. Tire jumps are easily adjustable if you have different sized dogs, and are typically found in many competitive agility courses. These are tires suspended by ropes to a wooden frame. According to USDAA regulations, tire jumps must have an interior opening of 20 inches (50.8 cm), and the tire itself must have a 4 inch (10.16 cm) wall. Tire jumps are generally purchased whole from agility equipment retailers, as while you can build one yourself, professionally manufactured jumps tend to be more secure and less likely to hurt your pet if they miss the jump. Setting up tire jumps is generally a simple process that at most involves you connecting the tire to the suspending agents, but more often just involves placing the frame. Plan your weave poles. Weave poles are a set of narrow plastic poles set closely together so that your dog can quickly weave their body between each pole. Each course should have five to twelve poles with approximately two feet (0.6 meters) between each pole. Weave poles should be sturdy enough that they can withstand your dog running in between them, but not so sturdy that they won't bend or fall if your dog does not weave perfectly. Weave poles should not be driven far into the ground, as this cause them to become more rigid and subsequently poses an increased risk of injury for your dog. You can make your own weave poles by setting one inch (2.5 cm) diameter PVC pipe in along a pipe base. Use tee pipe connectors to join the upright poles to the base. You can also purchase safe and sturdy weave poles from a manufacturer. Lay out tunnels. Tunnels are generally of fabric, and may have a curve or bend, or may be straight. Tunnels can easily be improvised using children's play tunnels, and can be used as an indoor our outdoor training obstacle. If you are training for competition, your dog will need to know how to navigate a pipe tunnel, which is usually straight, and a collapsible tunnel, which may have a curve. Play tunnels can be used to train for both types of tunnel obstacles. Simply reconfigure the tunnel to be straight or to have a bend. Create a few layouts. There is no one setup for an agility course. Different courses will have different obstacles at different points. Create a few layouts so that you can change up your course and keep your dog stimulated during training. Try not to put like obstacles next to one another. For example, do not put a see-saw after an A-frame. Create variation to help your pet get the most from the course. Decide if you want to DIY. You can create your course either by buying purpose-built obstacles or by making your own. Take a look into the investment of purchasing new equipment and the time commitment and knowledge necessary to build your own and decide what is right for you. If you do not have much experience building or fixing things, a dog agility course might not be the best place to start. Lack of experience may lead to unsafe features in your course that could cause harm to your dog. If you are considering purchasing equipment, look for agility training kits that allow you to bundle obstacles. The right package could help save money when compared to buying pieces individually. If you choose to build your own obstacles, look up instructions for specific obstacles meant to fit your dog's size. Follow their instructions, measurements, and plans closely. Clear the space. Make sure you clear the space for your course before you begin putting it up. Remove any obstructions such as sticks, rocks, bowls, and other play equipment. Also be sure to clear out distractions such as treats and toys unless they are specifically to be used during the training. Be sure that the space is mostly level. The obstacles associated with an agility course can be disorienting and potentially harmful if on uneven surfaces. Put up the obstacles. Once you have your obstacles, set up one of your course designs so that you and your dog can start training. Remember to safety check each obstacle before you let your dog on the course. Make sure nothing shifts or moves while your dog is on it. Make sure bars like those on hurdles can easily be knocked off so that your dog does not run into a hard object while training. Check to make sure that your dog can comfortably fit through any tunnels before guiding them into one. Let your dog explore. Before you ever start training, let your dog explore the course. Unleash them in the area of the course and allow them to sniff around and familiarize themselves with the equipment. Familiarizing early on helps your dog feel more comfortable on the course when training. If your dog seems curious about the equipment, help them explore obstacles such as tunnels and see-saws. Gently guide your dog through with your hands or with verbal encouragement. Take your dog on a walkthrough. Once you have introduced the course to your dog, take them on a walkthrough so that they can start to understand each obstacle. Help guide them up and down contact obstacles and over jumps. Use vocal commands, treats, and gentle touch to help guide your dog through the course the first time. Be sure to help your dog stabilize on obstacles such as the see-saw. Use your hands to help them keep from coming down too fast or sliding off the obstacle. Begin training. Once your dog is comfortable with the course, you are ready to start your agility training. If you have never practiced agility training with your dog before, practice handling and commands on the ground before you work your way to the obstacles. Start with more obvious obstacles such as using cones for weave poles until your dog is ready to handle the more narrow poles. Take your dog to agility training classes or training groups to help both you and your pet get the most from your new hobby. | Evaluate your dog’s capability. Build contact obstacles. Plan a tire jump. Plan your weave poles. Lay out tunnels. Create a few layouts. Decide if you want to DIY. Clear the space. Put up the obstacles. Let your dog explore. Take your dog on a walkthrough. Begin training. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Adjust-Sewing-Machine-Timing | How to Adjust Sewing Machine Timing | To adjusting your sewing machine's timing, start by loosening the needlebar and sliding it up or down to align the top timing mark just below the bottom of the timing bar bushing. If your needlebar doesn't have timing marks, lower the needle completely using the hand wheel, then raise it 2.4 millimeters. Adjust the needle height so the needle eye is 2.4 millimeters below the point of the hook. Once you've set the needlebar height, adjust the hook timing by lowering the needlebar to the lowest position. Then, loosen the gears in the base of the machine. Finally, adjust the hook until it's the right distance from the needle. A normal distance is anything from 0.04 to 0.1mm. | Check for other potential problems. Check other factors that may masquerade as a timing problem first; there's no sense in taking your machine apart if you don't need to! Be sure that your needle is not bent and that it is inserted completely and screwed down tightly. Check that your needle, thread weight, and fabric are compatible. A heavier fabric requires a larger needle and thicker thread. Check for a timing issue by performing a timing test. By testing the alignment of the needle and the shuttle hook, you can determine whether your machine needs a timing adjustment. Leave the needle threaded, but remove the switchplate, base cover(s), and bobbin case. Turn the hand wheel slowly to ensure that the shuttle hook is smoothly catching the thread. If it does not, you may need to adjust the timing. Use a ruler to measure the timing settings. Use the hand wheel to put the needle in the lowest position, then raise it 3/32 of an inch. The shuttle hook should meet the needle just above the eye while it is in this position. If it does not, you may need to adjust the timing. Prepare the machine for work. If you have determined that you need to adjust the timing, be sure you are ready to work on your machine. You may need move the stitch position to a straight stitch, ensuring that the needle descends through the center of the switchplate hole, or you may need to move your needle to the widest zigzag position. Check with your manufacturer's guidelines. If you haven't already, remove the needlebar cover, the switchplate, the bobbin, and the cover from the base of the machine. Gather any tools you may need, such as a small screwdriver, sewing machine oil, and a bright work light. Set the needlebar height. Most machines have marks on them that indicate the appropriate height for the needlebar. Consult your manual for specifics on how to access and loosen your needle bar. If timing marks are present, loosen the needlebar and slide it up or down to align the top timing mark just below the bottom of the timing bar bushing. If timing marks are not present, lower the needle completely with the hand wheel, then raise it 3/32 of an inch (2.4mm). Adjust the needle's height so that the needle eye is 3/32 of an inch below the point of the hook. Set the hook timing. Adjusting the hook timing varies between manufacturers and models. The general approach, however, is to adjust the distance between the hook and the needle. Using the handwheel, lower the needlebar to its lowest position. Loosen the gears in the base of the machine. Make adjustments until the hook and needle are an appropriate distance apart, anywhere from 0.04mm to 0.1mm or 0.01-0.16, depending upon the machine. Re-Check for timing accuracy. By re-testing the alignment of the needle and the shuttle hook, you can determine whether your adjustments have improved the machine's settings. If you removed the thread from the needle, re-thread it. Continue to work with the bobbin area exposed. Turn the hand wheel slowly to ensure that the shuttle hook is smoothly catching the thread. If the hook catches the thread every time, your timing has been fixed. Re-assemble your machine. Carefully tighten all screws securely, and be sure there are no “leftover” parts that have not been replaced. Clean and oil any exposed gears while your covers are still off. Remove any lint or debris from gears and feed dogs. Consult your manual to find the specific areas that require oiling. Only use sewing machine-specific oil on your sewing machine. Replace the covers and switchplate. Test your adjustments. Re-thread your machine and sew a test piece of material. The stitches should be even, with no skipped stitches or broken needles. If the problem has not resolved, you may need to make further adjustments or consult a sewing machine repair person. | Check for other potential problems. Check for a timing issue by performing a timing test. Prepare the machine for work. Set the needlebar height. Set the hook timing. Re-Check for timing accuracy. Re-assemble your machine. Clean and oil any exposed gears while your covers are still off. Replace the covers and switchplate. Test your adjustments. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Rabbit-Cage | How to Choose a Rabbit Cage | To choose a rabbit cage, find the right size by making sure it's at least 14 inches high and has 5 square feet of space to allow your rabbit to sit upright and run around. Additionally, make sure your rabbit has enough space for its food, water, a litter box, and toys. If you plan on keeping your rabbit outside, you should consider a hutch, which is a raised cage that keeps your rabbit off the ground and safe from predators. You'll also want to give your rabbit a shelter within the hutch, such as a small box or travel carrier, where it can hide if it gets frightened. | Find the right size cage. Different sized rabbits need different sized cages. Make sure the cage you choose is spacious enough for your particular rabbit. Cages should be at least fourteen inches in height or enough height so the rabbit is able to sit upright without banging her head. Have roughly five square feet of space in the cage for your rabbit. For smaller rabbits, you may need less, but they should have plenty of space to run around. Provide enough extra space for your rabbit's toys, litter box, food, and water. These should not count towards the five square feet of space needed for your rabbit to run around. Get an indoor rabbit cage. Indoor rabbit cages can often be restrictive for your rabbit. Make sure you have enough space in the cage for your rabbit. You should also be able to leave the cage open so he can get plenty of exercise. Give your rabbit enough space in his cage. There needs to be enough room for him to move around in the cage and lie down. The minimum size is three hops long and two hops wide. Of course, the bigger the cage, the better it will be for your rabbit. Make sure your rabbit has space for food, water, a litter box, and toys. He will need things to do and to eat and drink in his cage. Try a cage with a front door for your rabbit. Purchase a cage that opens either from the inside and/or outside. Cages with doors that open out enable your rabbit to come and go when he wants, whereas doors that only push in mean you have to get the rabbit out of the cage yourself. Make sure your cage has protection for the rabbit's feet. Cage flooring can injure the rabbit's feet, so provide soft material that can cover the cage flooring, such as an old blanket or towel. Build a bunny condo. Bunny condos are bigger cages that give your rabbit space to run around. You can make a bunny condo out of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, or old furniture. Think about what potential materials you may have already around the house. You can make a bunny condo from a variety of used materials. Use wire storage cubes, which are available at most retailers. This can be an inexpensive way to build a bunny condo, though it may take some time to complete. Avoid chicken wire, since rabbits can chew the wire. If they chew chicken wire, rabbits can hurt themselves. Keep metal slats close together so your rabbit will not get stuck. She may put her head through and not be able to escape, leading to to injury or possible strangulation. Try a puppy pen for your rabbit. Puppy pens are fences that give your rabbits a wide range to run around. They provide your rabbit space inside and allow him to move around wherever he wishes. A puppy pen can be good to give your rabbit more space. It's more open than a regular cage and less work to make than a bunny condo. Puppy pens are available at most pet stores. They do not usually have a top, but enable your rabbit to roam around inside the pen. Get a puppy pen that is high enough so your rabbit cannot leap over the top. Over 36 inches (91.4 cm) is ideal to keep your rabbit from hopping away. Using a puppy pen can be good if you're trying to get your rabbit used to being in open spaces before giving him free range. This will reduce his stress and make sure he is not overwhelmed by too much space. Have a free range rabbit in a bunny-proofed room. Free range rabbits can roam around the home and have plenty of space to exercise. Make sure your home is safe for rabbits by bunny-proofing your home. Bunny-proof your home. Conceal any drapes, rugs, or electrical cords that rabbits could choke on or hurt themselves with. If you can't bunny-proof the entire home, consider keeping your rabbit only in one room that you can bunny-proof. Put electrical cords in vinyl tubing to make sure your free range rabbit will not hurt herself on electrical cords. Introduce your free range rabbit slowly to other pets. They should get along (if the bunny doesn't consider it as a predator), but be sure to supervise at first. Find an outdoor cage for your rabbit. Outdoor cages for rabbits are often hutches, which are raised cages that keep your rabbit off the ground. Give your rabbit plenty of space, while also providing him with protection from predators and weather. A hutch should be stable and high off the ground. Consider a wire floor cage with a mat or other flat service for the rabbit's feet. Wire floors can make sure feces or urine can drop through to the ground or to pans below. Never house a rabbit directly onto a wire floor as this causes a painful condition called sore hocks — make sure you provide a soft surface for him to stand on. Have enough space in your rabbit's outdoor cage. He should be able to stand up without his ears touching the roof, stretch, and be able to hop. The bigger the cage, the better it will be for your rabbit. Keep your rabbit safe from predators. Outdoor cages expose your rabbit to potential predators, including cats, dogs, birds, and raccoons. Your outdoor rabbit cage needs to be off the ground and provide your rabbit with somewhere to hide if she gets frightened by predators. Place the rabbit hutch high above the ground. Don't make it so tall that the rabbit gets frightened, but the hutch should be tall enough for the rabbit to feel distance from any potential predators that approach the hutch. Give the rabbit a shelter, such as a small box or travel carrier where she can hide. Rabbits may get frightened if approached by predators, so she will need somewhere to conceal herself. Keep the top of your rabbit's outdoor cage enclosed. Open cages are not good outdoors, since birds, cats, and raccoons can easily get into a cage with an open top. Make sure your rabbit is warm enough outdoors. Rabbits are mammals and need to regulate their body temperature. Give him plenty of shelter outdoors if you choose an outdoor cage. If you live in an especially cold environment, it's probably not a good idea to keep a rabbit outdoors. Provide your rabbit with a warm blanket or rug. Make sure the blanket is thick enough to keep the rabbit warm when the outdoor temperature is very cold. Place a small shelter in your rabbit's cage. It should be concealed from the elements and give the rabbit a way to avoid cold and precipitation. Don't keep a rabbit outdoors if you live in a colder environment. Outdoor rabbits can freeze to death if exposed. Consider keeping the rabbit indoors if it's too cold where you live. Interact with your rabbit on a daily basis. Rabbits need plenty of attention, especially if they are living outdoors in a cage. Make sure to pet or play with the rabbit every day if she lives outside. Don't pick up the rabbit abruptly. Since they are prey animals, rabbits may think you are a predator and become frightened. Sit on the ground and wait for your rabbit to come to you. Your rabbit may like being petted, but not picked up. Give your rabbit plenty of exercise outside of the cage. Rabbits need 20–40 hours of exercise per week. They like to explore, so make sure to keep an eye on your rabbit when she is exploring. If you do pick up your rabbit, place one hand under her rib cage and another under her bottom, so the rabbit can't kick. This will protect you from her powerful legs and nails. It will also make sure your rabbit is adequately supported. Give your rabbit a litter box. Most rabbits need a litter box, especially if they are an indoor rabbit. There are a variety of a litter boxes, so choose the best one that provide for your rabbit's housetraining needs. Start with a simple rectangular litter box. Choose a size that doesn't crowd the cage and still gives the rabbit plenty of space to hop around. Find a small, medium, large, or extra large litter box based on the size of you rabbit. Smaller rabbits may need a small litter box, since they may not be able to hop in and out of larger ones. Use newspaper between the litter and the box itself. This can help limit the amount of expensive litter you need to purchase. Watch to see if the rabbit chews the newspaper, since you may want to get rid of it if that's the case. Clean the litter box regularly. Negotiate how often to clean it, since a dirty litter box can turn off the rabbit from using it. However, if you clean the litter box too often, the rabbit may think he is not supposed to use the litter box. Make sure your rabbit has plenty of toys. Rabbits are playful creatures who like to chew, toss, dig, and explore. Provide your rabbit with stimulating toys so she will not get bored while she is in a cage. Supervise your rabbit when she is playing. Any toy can be dangerous, so make sure your rabbit does not get hurt. Rabbits like to chew, so cardboard, wicker, and hay are fun for rabbits. Be careful that they do not have any chemicals such as varnish on them when you give them to your rabbit. Find toys that you can toss around the cage. Rabbits are interested in movement and like to explore things that move. Look for toys that dispense food. This will encourage rabbits to keep playing with fun toys that give her something to eat. Old towels can also be a fun toy for rabbits. Observe the rabbit to make sure she does not eat towels or any of the above toys. Toys bring you and your rabbit closer together. Having playtime with toys will form a closer bond with your rabbit. Put a water bottle or crock in his cage. Rabbits need water on a regular basis, so you need to have water available to them all the time. Choose either a crock or water bottle for your rabbit. Some rabbits prefer one or the other, but either one should work well for your rabbit. Crocks are small ceramic bowls that you can put water in. Choose a crock that's sturdy and won't tip over. Cleaning crocks can sometimes be a pain. Since the crock sits on the floor of the cage, it can get dirty. Make sure to clean your rabbit's crock regularly. Throw out any crocks that have chips or cracks, since they can potentially injure rabbits if they ingest chips from the broken crock. Water bottles are another option for your rabbit's cage. They are usually suspended from your rabbit's cage, so you can avoid much of the cleaning involved with crocks. Suspended water bottles usually need to be refilled about once a day. Inspect the bottle carefully when you refill it to make sure there are no leaks. | Find the right size cage. Get an indoor rabbit cage. Build a bunny condo. Try a puppy pen for your rabbit. Have a free range rabbit in a bunny-proofed room. Find an outdoor cage for your rabbit. Keep your rabbit safe from predators. Make sure your rabbit is warm enough outdoors. Interact with your rabbit on a daily basis. Give your rabbit a litter box. Make sure your rabbit has plenty of toys. Put a water bottle or crock in his cage. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Side-Fat | How to Get Rid of Side Fat | To get rid of side fat, do cardio for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You can try boot camp, running, cycling, swimming, or the elliptical to get your heart rate up. Whatever exercise you choose, just make sure to change up your routine every so often so you don't put too much strain on your muscles. In addition to cardio, aim to do strength training for 30 minutes every other day. Oblique exercises are a great way to work your side area, so do some planks, crunches, or knee lifts. | Warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards. It's important to always warm up your muscles before exercising. To warm up, go for a brisk, 5-10 minute walk, do some jumping jacks for 1 minute, or do lunges for 1 minute. In general, try to get your heart rate up and warm up the muscles you'll be using. To cool down, try another 5-10 minute walk, or continue your cardio exercise at a lower level of intensity. Stretch after you've warmed up and before you start exercising, or after you've exercised and before you cool down. Do cardio 5 times a week. Aim for at least 30 minutes of cardio per session, or 1 hour for fast weight loss. Cardio workouts include boot camp, running, cycling, swimming, rowing, flow yoga, and using an elliptical. Do strength training 2-3 times a week. Aim to do strength training for around 30 minutes per session. Strength training can include pilates, barre classes, weight lifting, or bodyweight exercises. Muscles burn fat more efficiently. Doing strengthening exercises also boosts your metabolism. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your cardio. Mix periods of medium intensity with periods of 1 to 4 minutes of high intensity for half an hour. This burns the most all over body fat. Make sure to recover after HIIT exercises with water and healthy snacks. If you reward yourself for exercising with unhealthy foods, you won't see consistent results. Stop any exercise immediately if you feel chest pain. Likewise, take a break if you have joint pain, lightheadedness, or have trouble breathing. Don't try to push yourself through these kinds of pain. Seek medical care, especially for chest pain and trouble breathing. Ignore fitness trainers or programs that claim to target a single area of the body. Although it can be tempting to look for exercises to lose weight in one “problem” area, scientific studies suggest that this isn't possible. Also, many exercises that supposedly target one part of the body don't burn enough calories for weight loss, meaning you won't see many changes at all. The only way to lose weight in a specific area is to lose weight overall. Building muscle in your core won't help you lose side fat, but it will tone the area and reduce the appearance of fat. Hold a plank for about 1 minute. To get into the classic plank position, start on all fours on the ground with your knees shoulder-width apart. Lift your knees off of the ground and extend your body into a straight line. Keep your wrists under your shoulders and your neck relaxed with your core muscles tight. Try a high plank position with your hands on the ground, or a low plank position with your elbows on the ground. Both are effective. If you can't hold a plank for a whole minute, hold it for as long as you can and gradually work towards holding it longer. You can also try doing a plank on your knees to reduce the amount of weight you're holding. For more of a challenge, try holding a plank for up to 3 minutes. Move onto your side and hold a side plank for 1 minute. From the low plank position, put all of your weight onto one arm and turn your body until you are resting on one arm and one foot. Keep your body in a long, straight line and your core tight. Repeat this exercise on the other side. Rotate your hips from side to side to do plank dips. Come into a low plank with your elbows on the ground. Rotate your hips from one side to the other, tapping your hip to the floor. Do 20 reps or as many as you can. Keep your butt low to engage your abs. Do shoulder taps to challenge yourself. Start in a high plank and touch one hand to the opposite shoulder and then alternate sides. Try for 20 reps. Alternate quickly to get your heart rate up. This exercise can double as some light cardio. Alternate between the high plank and low plank position to do up-downs. Start in a high plank then lower each arm down into the low plank position. Then lift each arm back into high plank position. Do 20 reps. Aim to move with intention, rather than speed. Bring your knee towards your chest to do mountain climbers. Start in a high plank. Bring one knee forward to your chest and then back to its original position. Then repeat on the other side. Quickly alternate between the 2 sides for 1 minute. This exercise can also double as light cardio. Do Russian twists to strengthen both your abs and obliques. Sit on the ground with your knees bent in front of you. Lean back with your hands in front of you, creating the feeling that your abs have to work hard for you to stay sitting. Twist from the waist until your hands nearly touch the ground next to your right hip. Return to the center and twist to your left. Do 20 reps. To add resistance and build more muscle, try holding a weight while doing this exercise. Strengthen the core with bicycle crunches. Lie on your back with your feet held up in a table top position, forming a 90-degree angle. Place your arms behind your head and lift your head and neck off of the ground to engage the abs. Keeping your elbows out wide, lift and twist your right elbow towards your left knee and then repeat the motion on the other side. Do 20 reps. Target your lower back and glutes by doing a bridge. Start on your back with your knees bent and your arms at your sides. Firmly plant your feet into the ground and lift your butt and lower back into the air until you have made a straight line from your knees to your shoulders. Squeeze your abs and glutes for about 30 seconds and then slowly lower yourself to the ground. Do 10 reps. Targeting the back and glutes will strengthen core muscles and can also reduce the appearance of side fat. Repeat each of these exercises once to complete a circuit. Doing a series of planks, twists, crunches, and bridges will work your core, including abs and obliques for about 10-15 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a week for strength training. Repeat the circuit again for a full session. Take a break between circuits to hydrate and recover. Replace processed flours and sugars with complex carbohydrates. Rather than eating carbs like white bread or sugary snacks like pastries, opt for complex carbs. This includes whole grains like brown rice, chickpeas, oatmeal, and quinoa. You can also look for whole-grain options like bread and pasta. You don't need to cut out all carbohydrates from your diet, but try to reduce the amount you eat. Eat meals that are around 50% fruits and vegetables. In addition to reducing unhealthy foods you eat, aim to increase the healthy foods you eat. Eat 5 servings of vegetables per day, including dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli as well as other raw or cooked vegetables. Eat 4 servings of fruit per day, including whole fruit, dried fruit, or smoothies. If it's difficult to eat this many fruits and vegetables at first, try to increase how much you eat gradually. Any increase will have a positive effect on your health. Fruit and vegetable juice can add beneficial vitamins and minerals to your diet, but can also add sugar. It's better to eat the fruit and vegetables instead. Eat around 50-60 grams of protein every day. Most people, even athletes, eat more than enough protein every day. While it is important to eat protein as part of your exercise and diet routine, you are most likely already eating enough. Try to eat lean protein as much as possible. This includes skinless chicken or turkey, lean cuts of pork and beef, soy, nuts, beans, fish, egg whites, and low-fat dairy. As a rule of thumb, include a piece of meat the size of a deck of cards in 2 out of 3 meals, plus one serving of low-fat dairy at every meal. If you have dietary restrictions, ask a doctor about making sure you get enough protein in your diet. Replace trans and saturated fats with healthier fats. Try adding olive oil, nuts, avocado, and olives into your diet for monounsaturated fatty acids (3 servings per day), and fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel to get omega-3 fatty acids (2-3 times a week). These are heart-healthy foods and could potentially help blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes. Stay away from saturated fats, which are prevalent in red meat and full-fat dairy, as well as trans fats, which are present in processed foods. Eat healthy fats in moderation, and don't eat more than 12 ounces (340 g) of fish in a week if you are pregnant. Stay hydrated by drinking about 2 to 3 litres (68 to 101 fl oz) of water per day. Listen to your body and drink when you are thirsty, especially after exercise. You can also drink unsweetened tea or coffee for a caffeine boost without adding extra sugar or calories to your diet. Try not to drink soda or juice. Only drink sports drinks if you have done intense exercise for at least an hour. | Warm up before exercising and cool down afterwards. Do cardio 5 times a week. Do strength training 2-3 times a week. Incorporate high-intensity interval training (HIIT) into your cardio. Stop any exercise immediately if you feel chest pain. Ignore fitness trainers or programs that claim to target a single area of the body. Hold a plank for about 1 minute. Move onto your side and hold a side plank for 1 minute. Rotate your hips from side to side to do plank dips. Do shoulder taps to challenge yourself. Alternate between the high plank and low plank position to do up-downs. Bring your knee towards your chest to do mountain climbers. Do Russian twists to strengthen both your abs and obliques. Strengthen the core with bicycle crunches. Target your lower back and glutes by doing a bridge. Repeat each of these exercises once to complete a circuit. Replace processed flours and sugars with complex carbohydrates. Eat meals that are around 50% fruits and vegetables. Eat around 50-60 grams of protein every day. Replace trans and saturated fats with healthier fats. Stay hydrated by drinking about 2 to 3 litres (68 to 101 fl oz) of water per day. |
https://www.wikihow.com/End-a-Formal-Email | How to End a Formal Email | To end a formal email, thank the person for their time if they're helping you, or include a call to action if you're expecting a response from the recipient. If the recipient needs something from you, be sure to address that in the final line of the email. For business emails, sign off with "Sincerely," "Best regards," or "Respectfully." Then, place a comma after your signoff, start a new line, and finish with your first and last name. | End with a “thanks” if your recipient is helping you. When you're closing a formal email, consider the main purpose of the message. In many cases, a simple expression of gratitude is an appropriate way to end the email. For example, if your recipient has helped you or is helping you with something, try: “Thank you for your assistance with this matter.” You can also thank your recipient simply for giving you their time and attention. For example, “I appreciate your consideration,” or “Thank you for taking the time to review this issue.” Close with a call to action if you’re expecting a response. In some cases, you may need to prompt your recipient to take further action or respond to you in some way. You can use the final line of your email to state or reiterate what you need from them. For example, if you're expecting your recipient to get back to you, say something like: “I look forward to discussing this with you further.” You can also request some other type of action. For example, “Please finish the report and send it to me at your earliest convenience.” Let the recipient know if you plan to take action. If the recipient of the email needs something from you, then the final line of the email is a good place to address that. Assure them that you are taking the requested action or that you are planning to do so. For example, “I will send the completed forms to you by next Friday.” You can also use the closing line as an opportunity to offer further assistance or information. For example: “Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.” Use formal language. When closing your email, stick to an appropriately formal tone. Use correct grammar and formal vocabulary, and avoid slang or conversational language. For example, if you're setting up a meeting, you might close with something like, “I look forward to meeting with you on the 14th.” Avoid chatty ending lines, such as, “Ok, see ya in a few days! :)” Check carefully for typos and grammatical errors. Before sending your email, look it over for problems, such as spelling errors, typos, grammatical mistakes, and incorrect punctuation. If possible, have someone else look at your message to see if they can spot anything you might have missed. While many email programs have built-in spell checkers, be aware that these can't catch all spelling errors. For example, your spell checker may not correct common confusions between words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings (like “compliment” and “complement”). Put 1-2 lines between your closing sentence and the signoff. Once you've completed the body of the email, hit the “Enter” key once or twice to create a space between the final line and your signoff. In most emails, the sign-off should be left justified (or up against the left margin of the page). For example: I look forward to discussing this matter with you further. Best regards, Herman Jones End with “Yours faithfully” or “Yours truly” if you don’t know the recipient’s name. If you're writing a very formal email and you don't know the name of the recipient, you can use one of these sign offs. These are good choices if you started your email with something like “Dear Sir,” “Dear Madam,” or “To Whom It May Concern.” While you can choose either of these options, keep in mind that “Yours faithfully” is more common in British English, while “Yours truly” is more common among American English speakers. Make sure to capitalize just the first word in the signoff (“Yours”). Close with “Yours sincerely” or “Sincerely yours” if you know their name. “Yours sincerely” and its variants are strong options when you're closing a formal email to a known or named recipient. Use one of these sign-offs if you started your email with “Dear Ms. Smith” or something similar. “Yours sincerely” is the most typical format in British English, while American English speakers may use “Sincerely yours” or just “Sincerely.” Whether you use “Yours sincerely” or “Sincerely yours,” just capitalize the first letter of the first word. Sign off with “Best regards” or “Kind regards” for a more general closure. “Best regards” and “Kind regards” are slightly less formal than endings like “Sincerely yours” or “Yours truly.” These work well for most formal emails, but may be best for messages to people you know slightly or have corresponded with before. Use “Respectfully” to strike an ultra-formal note. For most emails, “Respectfully” or “Respectfully yours” may come off as a little too formal. There are some situations where these are appropriate, however. For example, you might use one of these closings if you're writing to a government official or a member of the clergy. This type of closer indicates that you are in a subservient position to the recipient of the email. It's unnecessary to use “Respectfully” for typical business emails or messages to teachers, colleagues, or your boss (unless they are, for example, a president or prime minister). Finish with your full name. Place a comma after your signoff, start a new line, and finish with your first and last name. You might also wish to include your job title, if applicable. For example, you might sign off with: Best regards, Linda Jones Supervising Editor Include your contact information after the signature. After your full name, include any contact information you would like your recipient to have. This could be your email address, phone number, mailing address, or any combination of the above. For example: Sincerely yours, Reginald Pepper 25 Cherry Tree Lane, Suite 101 (555) 555-5555 If you have an automatic signature set up with your email program, make sure it doesn't contain anything that might be inappropriate for a formal email (such as humorous quotes or flashy graphics). Stick to the basics, like your name, job title, and contact information. | End with a “thanks” if your recipient is helping you. Close with a call to action if you’re expecting a response. Let the recipient know if you plan to take action. Use formal language. Check carefully for typos and grammatical errors. Put 1-2 lines between your closing sentence and the signoff. End with “Yours faithfully” or “Yours truly” if you don’t know the recipient’s name. Close with “Yours sincerely” or “Sincerely yours” if you know their name. Sign off with “Best regards” or “Kind regards” for a more general closure. Use “Respectfully” to strike an ultra-formal note. Finish with your full name. Include your contact information after the signature. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Microwave-Popcorn | How to Make Microwave Popcorn | To make microwavable popcorn, start by placing the bag in the microwave with the ends facing up. Then, set the microwave on high an cook the popcorn for 3 minutes. Stay nearby in case the popcorn finishes early, and remember to turn off the microwave right away if you smell smoke. When the “pops” are more than 2 seconds apart, turn the microwave off. Carefully remove the bag from the oven, and allow it to cool for 1 minute before opening. | Buy bagged, microwavable popcorn. Microwave popcorn comes pre-packaged in bags with seasonings and flavors already added. All you have to do is put the bag in the microwave and hit start. It may be labeled as instant popcorn -- but it all comes packaged. Don't buy a container of loose kernels. Place your bag in the microwave with the ends angled up. One side of the bag usually say "This side up," but if it does not you should place the bag flat on one side with the two paper ends pointing up. Set the microwave to cook on high for 3 minutes. However, do not leave the microwave alone -- the popcorn may not take this long to cook. After 15-20 seconds, you should hear the kernels start to pop. Stop the microwave when the "pops" are longer than 2 seconds apart. Each microwave is different and has different power settings. When the popping starts to slow down you are at risk of burning the popcorn if you don't stop it in time. If you smell smoke, turn off the microwave immediately. Let the popcorn cool for a minute before opening the bag. The bag will be full of steam, so open it carefully after letting it cool down in the microwave. Add salt and melted butter for classic movie theater popcorn. You can melt 1-2 tablespoons of butter by placing it in a small dish and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. Mix it into the popcorn in a large bowl and garnish with salt Try out savory popcorn recipes. From hot sauces to ground porcini mushrooms, there are few flavors that don't mesh well with the light taste of popcorn. Some ideas to try include: Garlic powder, dried rosemary, and grated Parmesan cheese. 4 tablespoons melted butter, 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard, and salt. Mix with a handful of pretzels. 1/2 cup Sriracha, juice from 1/2 a lime, salt, whisked together and poured over hot popcorn. 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning, ramen seasoning, or taco seasoning. Experiment with sweet popcorn recipes. If you're looking to try out a desert popcorn, sprinkle 2-3 teaspoons of sugar over your popcorn instead of salt, or try out the following combinations: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, added while the popcorn is still hot. Stir to coat in chocolate. 1 teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg, and 3 teaspoons brown sugar. Melt equal parts honey and peanut butter together on the stove and drizzle over the popcorn. Make a popcorn party mixes. Popcorn goes well with Chex, pretzels, toasted nuts, and cheeses in a party bowl, so try tossing it in the next time you have guests over. Good additions for savory popcorn mixes include Chex mix, wasabi peas, dried vegetables, shredded cheese, and crushed bacon. Good additions to sweet popcorn mixes include toasted nuts, chocolate, and pretzels. Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large sauce pot. You can use vegetable, canola, coconut, or olive oil to cook with. Set your stove-top to medium-high heat Coconut oil has a slightly sweet flavor to it, while olive oil is more earthy and savory. Both vegetable and canola oil are mostly tasteless, but cook the popcorn well. Rip open the bag and pour the kernels into the hot oil. Pour in the kernels slowly and be careful of splattering hot oil. Cover the pot, leaving some space for air to escape. In order to cook the popcorn to crispy perfection you need to let steam escape. If using a lid, leave it slightly off of the top, or use aluminum foil to cover the top, poking several holes in the foil with a knife. Shake the pot every 30 seconds. Pick up the pot by the handles and shake it up and down -- this gets the unpopped kernels to the hot oil. Turn off the heat when the "pops" are roughly 2-3 seconds apart. This means your popcorn is about done. Shake it one more time and add any seasonings you desire. Remove all the popped popcorn before trying to heat uncooked kernels. Microwaves have a hard time heating the small, uncooked kernels when there is popcorn in the way, which causes the popcorn to burn and the kernels to go unpopped. Remove the popcorn, then return the kernels to the microwave for an extra minute. Microwave loose popcorn in a paper bag. You can cook any kernels in the microwave by placing 1/4 cup of plain popcorn kernels in a paper bag. Add some salt and 2 teaspoons of olive oil to taste. Fold the bag over 2-3 times and staple it shut, then cook for 2:30 minutes. Make sure you leave room for the popcorn-- it will expand as it cooks. Do not try to cook "unpopped" kernels for too long. Popcorn kernels have a small amount of moisture in them that literally explodes when it gets hot enough, creating popcorn. However, if the popcorn is heated slowly then the moisture simply escapes through the kernel, making it impossible to pop. If you've cooked the kernels for 3-4 minutes and they still don't pop, stop and throw them away. Don't rely on the "Popcorn" setting on your microwave. For the most part, this setting is guessing how to cook the popcorn. You should always listen in to the popcorn as it cooks -- if there are long pauses between "pops" or the smell of smoke, stop the microwave immediately. | Buy bagged, microwavable popcorn. Place your bag in the microwave with the ends angled up. Set the microwave to cook on high for 3 minutes. Stop the microwave when the "pops" are longer than 2 seconds apart. Let the popcorn cool for a minute before opening the bag. Add salt and melted butter for classic movie theater popcorn. Try out savory popcorn recipes. Experiment with sweet popcorn recipes. Make a popcorn party mixes. Heat 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large sauce pot. Rip open the bag and pour the kernels into the hot oil. Cover the pot, leaving some space for air to escape. Shake the pot every 30 seconds. Turn off the heat when the "pops" are roughly 2-3 seconds apart. Remove all the popped popcorn before trying to heat uncooked kernels. Microwave loose popcorn in a paper bag. Do not try to cook "unpopped" kernels for too long. Don't rely on the "Popcorn" setting on your microwave. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Sure-Your-Rabbit-Has-the-Best-Life-You-Can-Give-It | How to Make Sure Your Rabbit Has the Best Life You Can Give It | To give your rabbit its best life, make sure it has unlimited access to Timothy hay, and give it plenty of leafy green vegetables to eat so it can be healthy and energetic. You should also make sure your rabbit has a cozy hutch where it can eat and sleep and feel safe. The hutch should be at least 4 times longer than your rabbit is and have room for its litter box, food, and water bowls. To make your rabbit happy, play with it every day. Try playing a “bowling” game where it knocks down pins, or play fetch with a ball or toy. Rabbits love to hide and run under things, so set up a fun play area for your rabbit with boxes and tunnels for it to explore. With a healthy diet and plenty of love and playtime, your rabbit will be happy and thriving. | Do not get a child a pet rabbit. Rabbits are delicate and do not do well with children's style of handling. Unlike dogs or cats, rabbits cannot cry out, and will resort to scratching or nibbling to show displeasure. Because of this, it's often hard to know if a rabbit is unhappy. Rabbits that are dropped (as children are likely to do) are at great risk for breaking bones, especially their spines. Even though many children love rabbits, they are not a great pet for children. Make sure you can afford it. Like all pets, rabbits are not free. They need food, bedding, trips to the veterinarian, and litter (for training indoors). This means hundreds of dollars a year, and more if your rabbit has health problems. Check if you have space for a rabbit hutch or cage. They should also be kept in their own area -- don't house two rabbits together unless they are both spayed or neutered and have been shown to be able to get along. Be sure to have space for your rabbit to play. This area can be outdoors or indoors. Your rabbit needs to run and hop around and play with toys, typically for a few hours per day. Any outdoor area needs to be fenced and you must watch the rabbit at all times so that he or she is not taken by predators or is able to dig under the fence. This should go down at least 2 feet into the ground and 3-4 feet above ground. Indoors, you need a safe rabbit area (much like you would have for a toddler) with all cords hidden and nothing out the rabbit cannot play with. Get a rabbit (if you decide to) from a shelter, if possible. Many people who initially believe a rabbit will be a great pet for them -- often around Easter -- realize that it is more work than they are ready to take on. It's at this point that many animal shelters have rabbits. Call around to shelters in your area to find out where they might have rabbits available. Often, an animal shelters website will have pictures and links to more info on the rabbits they have. Create a good hutch for your rabbit. You can buy a hutch or build your own. All hutches should be large enough for a litter box, food and water bowls, and room for your bunny to stretch out. The cage should be at least 4 times longer than your rabbit is. If you do decide to make your own, think about making a wire box that can be removed and then a wooden box around it. This makes it easier to clean. For more information, see the website below. Feed your rabbit appropriate food. The majority of an adult rabbits diet should be Timothy hay. A rabbit should always have unlimited access to hay. Alfalfa hay is not appropriate and can make them sick. Pellet food should also be fed in smaller quantities (about one ounce per pound of the rabbit's weight per day).The rest of it should be primarily leafy greens. For a treat, you can give your rabbit fresh fruit. Take your rabbit to the veterinarian. Like any pet, regular trips to the vet are a necessity for your bunny. In addition to vaccinations, your veterinarian can help you learn about when your rabbit needs medical care. Unlike other pets, rabbits often hide their illnesses, so it might be hard to know if your rabbit needs attention. Your veterinarian can give you tips on rabbit behavior and what might be of concern. If you live in the UK, get your rabbit annual vaccinations against myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. Spay or neuter your rabbit. This will make for a calmer pet. You will also avoid the possibilities of many cancers in female rabbits. For male rabbits, they will benefit from a lack of aggression and an interest for fighting that often happen in non-neutered rabbits. Play with your rabbit. Gentle play with your rabbit daily is essential to a good life. Rabbits love to knock things down, and often enjoy playing a “bowling” type game. They also like to “steal” things from you -- make sure they are taking only things that are rabbit-safe. Some rabbits also enjoy playing fetch. Make a fun play area for your rabbit. Think about a multi-level structure with open shelving and a fence. These are easy to create from store-bought shelving -- be sure that the holes in any open shelving are not too big for rabbit feet. Add a box in the rabbit's play area. Rabbits love to hide and run under things. Find a good sized box that is larger than your rabbit. Cut openings on two of the sides to make a tunnel for him/her to play in. Make sure your rabbit is thriving. Feed him or her a good diet with lots of fiber. Make sure he or she stays healthy -- physically examine your rabbit to make sure there is no unusual discharge, his or her teeth are fine, and to be certain the rabbit is not overweight. Keep your rabbit happy. With proper care, feeding, and love, you can keep your house rabbit happy. Make sure he or she has clean and appropriate places to sleep, eat, and play. Enjoy your time with your delightful pet! | Do not get a child a pet rabbit. Make sure you can afford it. Check if you have space for a rabbit hutch or cage. Be sure to have space for your rabbit to play. Get a rabbit (if you decide to) from a shelter, if possible. Create a good hutch for your rabbit. Feed your rabbit appropriate food. Take your rabbit to the veterinarian. Spay or neuter your rabbit. Play with your rabbit. Make a fun play area for your rabbit. Add a box in the rabbit's play area. Make sure your rabbit is thriving. Keep your rabbit happy. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Rhubarb-Crumble | How to Make Rhubarb Crumble | To make a rhubarb crumble, preheat your oven to 375°F. While your oven is preheating, thoroughly rinse your rhubarb and cut off any leaves, since they are inedible. Then, chop your rhubarb into 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces, put them in a mixing bowl, and add in your flour, sugar, and spices. Mix this well and then spread the contents into a glass or ceramic baking dish. Evenly coat your rhubarb mixture with butter, flour, sugar, and salt and bake for 30-45 minutes. | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Make sure that the rack is located in the center of the oven. Prepare the rhubarb. If you have not yet done so, chop off the leaves, and discard them promptly in the trash. Then, trim the bottom off of the stalks, and rinse them well. Pat the stalks dry, then chop them into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) long pieces. Be sure to cut the leaves off completely. While the stalk is edible, the leaves themselves are toxic, and can make you very sick. Combine the rhubarb, flour, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Place the rhubarb into a medium-sized mixing bowl, then add 1¼ cups (280 grams) of granulated sugar and ¼ cup (25 grams) of all-purpose flour. If you'd like to add a hint of extra flavor to your filling, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and/or ¼ teaspoon of ground cardamom or cinnamon. Stir everything together with a rubber spatula until the rhubarb is evenly coated. Spread the mixture across the bottom of a glass or ceramic, 9 by 13-inch (22.86 by 33.02 centimeters) baking dish. Make sure that the mixture gets into the corners of the dish as well. Set the dish aside while you prepare the crumble topping. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. In a clean mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup (100 grams) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 grams) of light brown sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. If you own a food processor, you can save lots of time by pulsing the ingredients in it for a few seconds. Cut the butter into the flour mixture. If you are using a food processor to do this, pulse it a few times until you get pea-sized clumps. If you don't own a food processor, you can cut the ingredients together using two knives or a pastry cutter. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the rhubarb mixture. Make sure that the topping mixture is spread evenly across the top of the rhubarb. You don't want to see any gaps. Bake the crumble for 35 to 45 minutes. It is ready when the filling turns bubbly and the topping golden brown. Let the rhubarb crumble cool for at least 30 minutes before you serve it. You can serve it as is, or you can garnish it with some whipped cream or even vanilla ice cream. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease the inside of an 8 by 8-inch (20.32 by 20.32 centimeters) baking dish. Try to use a glass or ceramic baking dish, if you can. Also, make sure that the rack is in the center of the oven. Prepare the rhubarb. Cut the leaves off, then throw them away. Trim the bottom of the stalks, and wash them well. Pat the stalks dry, then cut them into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) long pieces. Be sure to cut the leaves off completely and dispose of them promptly. They are toxic and can make you sick. Combine the rhubarb with the sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Place the chopped rhubarb into a mixing bowl, then add 1 cup (200 grams) of brown sugar, ¼ cup (30 grams) of cornstarch, and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Stir everything together with a rubber spatula. Spread the rhubarb mixture across the bottom of your baking dish. Use your rubber spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the bottom, making sure to fill out the corners. Set the dish aside when you are done. Combine the rest of the flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. In a clean mixing bowl, stir together 1 cup (100 grams) of all-purpose flour, 1 cup (200 grams) of light brown sugar, ½ cup (40 grams) of quick-cooking oats, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of salt. You can also do this in a food processor. The food processor will also chop the oats up, and give you a finer crumble. Cut the butter into the flour and oats mixture. You can do this in a food processor, but you can also do it by hand using a pastry blender or two knives. Keep blending the butter until you get a coarse, crumbly texture, about the size of small peas. Sprinkle the topping over the rhubarb mixture in the baking dish. The baking dish will be very full at this point. Don't worry; everything will settle as it bakes. Bake the rhubarb crumble for 45 to 60 minutes. It is ready when it starts to bubble around the edges, and the top is lightly browned. Let the rhubarb crumble cool down to room temperature before you serve it. This will take about 30 to 60 minutes. Afterwards, you can serve the crumble with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Make sure that the baking rack is in the center of the oven. Prepare the rhubarb. Cut the leaves off, and throw them away immediately into the trash. Trim the bottoms of the stalks, then rinse them well. Pat the stalks dry, then cut them into ¼ to ½-inch (0.64 to 1.27 centimeters) long pieces. You must cut the leaves off all the way. The leaves are toxic. Layer the rhubarb, sugar, and gelatin in a 9 by 13-inch (22.86 by 33.02 centimeters) baking dish. Add the rhubarb first, then the sugar, and finally the gelatin mix. Do not stir. Whisk together the cake mix, water, and butter in a large mixing bowl. You can use plain white or yellow cake mix. For a richer crumble, use the type of cake mix that also has pudding in it. Cut the butter into small cubes first, then melt it in the microwave or in a small saucepan over the stove. Bake the rhubarb crumble for about 45 minutes. It is ready when the filling starts to bubble, and the top turns a golden-brown color. Let the rhubarb crumble cool down to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge. Serve it cold with some whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare the rhubarb. Combine the rhubarb, flour, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Spread the mixture across the bottom of a glass or ceramic, 9 by 13-inch (22.86 by 33.02 centimeters) baking dish. Combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture. Sprinkle the topping mixture over the rhubarb mixture. Bake the crumble for 35 to 45 minutes. Let the rhubarb crumble cool for at least 30 minutes before you serve it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and lightly grease the inside of an 8 by 8-inch (20.32 by 20.32 centimeters) baking dish. Prepare the rhubarb. Combine the rhubarb with the sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon. Spread the rhubarb mixture across the bottom of your baking dish. Combine the rest of the flour, sugar, oats, cinnamon, and salt. Cut the butter into the flour and oats mixture. Sprinkle the topping over the rhubarb mixture in the baking dish. Bake the rhubarb crumble for 45 to 60 minutes. Let the rhubarb crumble cool down to room temperature before you serve it. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Prepare the rhubarb. Layer the rhubarb, sugar, and gelatin in a 9 by 13-inch (22.86 by 33.02 centimeters) baking dish. Whisk together the cake mix, water, and butter in a large mixing bowl. Bake the rhubarb crumble for about 45 minutes. Let the rhubarb crumble cool down to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Grow-a-Lawn-Easily | How to Grow a Lawn Easily | If you want to grow a lawn easily, choose grass that is right for your climate. For example, if your climate is warm, choose a warm-season grass like Bermuda or St. Augustine. However, if your climate is cooler, plant a cool-season grass like Kentucky bluegrass. Before you plant seeds, make sure to test, fertilize, and prepare your soil as this is hard to do once your lawn comes in. For the first 8-10 days after planting, water your seeds several times a day. Once it fills in, you can cut back on watering. | Pick which grass is best for your climate. Depending on where you live you will have better luck with some grass varieties than others. Grasses fall into two basic categories: warm-season and cool-season. Warm-season grasses will be able to survive a brutal summer and tend to do well in the southern states. Choose from varieties such as Bermuda, St. Augustine, and Kikuyu. Cool-season grasses handle cold much better than warm-season grasses. They can tolerate freezing temperatures and some drought. Don't expect them to survive the heat or go longer than 4 weeks without water. Kentucky bluegrass is a popular cool-season grass. Know when to start. If you choose a warm-season grass, plant in late spring. If you choose a cold-season grass, plant in late summer or early fall. If you're going with sod, the time of year doesn't matter as much, though summer may still be too hot. Test your soil. Before you get started planting grass, you'll need to make sure your soil is in good condition. It's a good idea to test your soil. Soil testing will give you an idea of how much fertilizer to use, and what kind. You can pick up a soil test at any big box store or garden center. The test will tell you whether your soil is deficient in any specific nutrients, like nitrogen, phosphorus, or magnesium. If it is, you can use a fertilizer that has more of that nutrient to replenish it. Otherwise, choose an all-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer for your lawn. It is difficult to amend soil in an established lawn. If you need to add fertilizer work it into the first 4-6 inches. Prepare your soil. This is a critical step. Soil preparation is the most important part of healthy lawn growth. Your goal is a soil that is loose, rich in organic matter, and able to hold moisture while draining well. Clear the area of all weeds, rocks, and roots. Using a shovel dig up any large objects in the area where you'll be planting grass. Make sure you get rid of all weed roots. You may have to use a chemical weed killer to get rid of weeds completely. If you must use chemicals, refer to the manufacturer for instructions on how much to use. Till your soil either by hand or using a rototiller depending on the size of the area. This is the perfect opportunity to mix any compost or other amendments to your soil. Add gypsum to your soil to improve drainage. Level out the area. Now that you've cleared and tilled the area, it is ready for leveling. Use a garden rake and smooth out the entire area. Fill in any low spots and break up any remaining clumps. While leveling the area it is a good idea to apply a "grade," or slope, away from the house foundation. Applying a grade will help you avoid any water runoff problems in the future. Spread your seeds. Set your seed spreader to the recommended rate and fill it with half of your seeds. To ensure the best coverage, make the first pass in one direction over the entire lawn. Then, fill the spreader up with the remaining seed and cross over the initial direction. Think of making a crisscross pattern over the area. You may choose to cover the entire area again with an empty spreader to ensure good seed to soil contact. Keep in mind that grass likes a sunny environment, so it may come in spotty in areas that get less than 6 hours of sunlight a day. Top-dress your soil. Once you've seeded the entire area, add some peat moss to your soil to set the seeds and help them hold moisture. Using a cage roller, apply a thin layer of peat moss to your seeds. This layer of mulch will help keep your seeds moist during germination. It may also protect them from birds and limit their movement in the event of heavy rain. You can also spread your top-dressing by tossing it lightly over the seeded area with a shovel. Use a rake with the tines facing up to smooth down the top-dressing and ensure that the seeds are well covered and in contact with the soil. Water your seeds. Perhaps the best way to water is with an oscillating sprinkler. If you have access to multiple sprinklers set them up in various parts of your yard to wet the entire area. For best results, water your seeds 2-3 times a day for about 5-10 minutes for the first 8-10 days. During this period it is critical that your seeds stay moist. Water in the morning to decrease the chances of evaporation. However, avoid watering your lawn so much that it's soggy all the time, because grass doesn't like wet roots. Don't use a strong spray when watering a newly seeded lawn. You run the risk of drowning your seeds or washing them away. When watering your lawn, be aware of any potential rainfall in your area. Take the amount of rain into consideration when watering and aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water a week. If you live in an area prone to heavy rainfall, you could lose some seed. However, the rain must be heavy enough to move the soil before it can move the seed. Mow your new lawn. When the grass reaches about 3 to 4 inches (7.6 to 10.2 cm) it's time to mow. Make sure the soil is dry when you mow; if it's wet you could pull the grass out of the ground. Buy your sod. Growing a lawn from sod is much more expensive than growing from seed, but much faster. Sod, which comes in rolls, is grass that has been grown for a little over a year. The roots hold the strips together allowing you to put long strips onto your prepared soil. Sod is typically sold on heavy wooden pallets, ranging in size from 450-700 sq. ft (42-65 sq. m). These pallets are difficult to transport, so you may wish to ask your supplier about delivery services and fees. You will probably need to pay a return deposit on your sod. You can plant sod in almost any season, but if you plan on laying sod in the summer, make sure you give it plenty of water. Get your sod on the same day you plan to install it. Sod begins to spoil and die quickly when left on the pallet, so plan to install it on the day of purchase, and only purchase as much as you can install in a single day. Lightly water the sod, cover it with burlap, and keep it in a shaded area until you are ready to use it. Keep the sod moist and cool while you work with it. Keep a spray bottle handy to keep it from drying out. Lay the first row. Start laying your sod along the longest straight edge in your yard, usually by a fence line or a driveway. Don't walk on the sod while you're laying it and if you do happen to step on it, smooth out the footprints with a rake. Trim any excess sod off with a sharp knife and save it for odd corners. Make sure the sod is smooth as you lay it. You want it flat against the soil so the roots will take. Keep the sod tight. As you start laying the sod, avoid any gaps between pieces. The sod should be snug near hard surfaces, such as pavement or bricks, so that the edges don't dry out. Cut off half of the second piece of sod when you lay it. In doing so, you will create staggered seams, much like brick-work. This will make the seams less noticeable and keep the edges from drying out. Water as you go. New sod needs to stay moist. Once you've put the first few rows down, give your sod a good watering. Take a break to check the moisture every few rows or so. Pay special attention to the edges as they can dry out fast. You can backfill with some top-dressing material or add topsoil along the edges of each row as you work to help retain moisture. Fill in the gaps. While it's best to keep the pieces of sod tight against each other, you may still find some gaps. Rather than use small pieces of sod which will dry out too fast, fill the gaps in with potting soil or peat moss. Use a lawn roller to pack down your sod. Once you have laid out your rows of sod, go over them with a lawn roller filled at to least ¾ capacity with water or sand. This will flatten out your sod and pack it firmly into the soil base. Give your sod a final watering. Once you've finished laying the last of the sod, soak your lawn. Water your sod until the soil beneath is soaking wet. Not only will this allow the roots to take quicker, but it will also ensure the sod is too wet to walk on. However, avoid watering your sod to the point of creating puddles. This can cause the sod to separate from the soil. Avoid heavy traffic for the first two weeks as it could disturb the sod and prevent solid roots from forming. After about two weeks, it will be safe to mow. | Pick which grass is best for your climate. Know when to start. Test your soil. Prepare your soil. Level out the area. Spread your seeds. Top-dress your soil. Water your seeds. Mow your new lawn. Buy your sod. Get your sod on the same day you plan to install it. Lay the first row. Keep the sod tight. Water as you go. Fill in the gaps. Use a lawn roller to pack down your sod. Give your sod a final watering. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Enjoy-Summer-Vacation | How to Enjoy Summer Vacation | Enjoy your summer vacation by setting goals and doing plenty of fun activities like staying active and spending time with your friends. Start your summer vacation by creating some goals for what you want to achieve with your time. Prioritize the goals that you feel are the most rewarding to fulfill during your vacation. Stay active during your summer vacation so that you can make the most of getting outdoors. Go for a run, hit the beach or the pool, or take a hike to enjoy the sun. Try to spend some time with your friends so that you can make some great memories of your summer vacation together. Have a sleepover with your pals, make a picnic, or explore a new place to make memories that will last a lifetime. | Make summer goals. You can try to fit everything you want to do into the time between now and the end of summer vacation. Make a list of your summer goals, noting which are the most important for you to get done. Prioritize goals that are the most essential to your happiness and health. Clean your room. If you notice anything messy around your house, organize that, too. You will feel more productive and relaxed when your environment is clean. Reduce your stress by eliminating clutter. Store loose items in containers to help with organization. Going through old clothes can help you to reduce clutter. Donate any old clothing that you may have grown out of to help someone in need. Mark any important events on a calendar. If you are going on vacation, or celebrating a friend's birthday, or anything else exciting during the summer, take note of it on a calendar so that you can be prepared for each event. Go for a swim. If the weather is blazing, go swimming in your pool or at a local public pool. Another option is to go to the beach or to visit a nearby lake or pond. If those options aren't available to you, simply sit under a sprinkler to cool down. Swimming helps to work your muscles that are often neglected during workouts, such as deltoids, triceps, and biceps. Go running. Make sure that you avoid running during the hottest part of the day, which tends to be from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the summer. Try running either before the sun comes up or after the sun goes down to stay comfortable. Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water after your run. Take a hike. Walk along a trail that has been marked, or blaze your own trail. Be sure to go with another person, and bring a phone or map in case you get lost. Hiking is an excellent form of exercise, but make sure you stretch before and afterward, and bring along a water bottle to stay hydrated. Have a sleepover with your friends. This is a great way to spend a night and have fun. Tell ghost stories outdoors and cook s'mores over a bonfire if the weather is nice. Have a movie marathon and play board games if your sleepover is indoors. Plan a picnic. Take a trip to the park or the beach with your friends. Lay out a big blanket and share snacks and drinks. Play some music on a radio or iPod to enjoy the afternoon. Cook a meal together. Find a recipe in a cookbook or online, and bake something with friends. Be sure to gather all of the ingredients first. Sometimes, cooking with friends is a recipe for disaster, but it always results in a great memory. If using the oven or cooking implements that don't belong to you, be sure to first get permission. Explore! If you are traveling to another country or city, then go to many different venues and attractions. Don't restrict your visit to malls and restaurants. Ask people who live in the area for advice on what to see and do. If you are staying in your city or town during the summer, try to approach your own neighborhood as if you were a tourist. Try a new restaurant, take a walk, or go somewhere you have never been. Watch television. Watch your favorite TV series on YouTube or Netflix. Summer is an excellent time to catch up on your favorite shows. Sometimes, the local library will also offer rentals of movies or television shows, so ask a librarian about these free rental options. Do some schoolwork. Some people have packets and papers from school that are due by the end of summer. If you're in the mood to brush-up on academics, do schoolwork. If you have a summer reading packet or a math packet, work on it during the course of the summer. You'll be more likely to remember what you learned if you do a little each day instead of waiting until the end. Read a book. Catch up on your reading during the summer. You can check out free books from your local library, and renew them if you need more time to read. Bookstores can offer deals on books during the summer months as well. Learn a new skill. You can do that by taking courses online or taking a weekly class. Add to your knowledge by becoming fluent in a language, taking a dance class, or mastering a musical instrument. Try yoga or meditation classes if you want to work on aligning your mind, body, and spirit. Try a kickboxing or self-defense course if you'd rather get your adrenaline racing. | Make summer goals. Clean your room. Mark any important events on a calendar. Go for a swim. Go running. Take a hike. Have a sleepover with your friends. Plan a picnic. Cook a meal together. Explore! Watch television. Do some schoolwork. Read a book. Learn a new skill. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Overcome-Being-a-Hypochondriac | How to Overcome Being a Hypochondriac | If you struggle with illness anxiety disorder, get a checkup from your healthcare provider to evaluate your health and help put your mind at ease. To ensure that you feel your health concerns are being taken seriously, look for a supportive and reputable doctor in your area. Be honest with your doctor and give them detailed information about your symptoms, health history, and any concerns you may have. If you need extra support, look into joining a support group for people who also deal with illness anxiety disorder. Your doctor or therapist may be able to recommend a group. Don't hesitate to reach out to friends and loved ones or a professional counselor about what you're going through, as well. | Get a medical evaluation with your primary care provider. Make a list of your current symptoms to take with you to the appointment. Since IAD can be associated with having been ill as a child or other traumatic events, make sure to inform your healthcare provider about your medical history. Your primary care provider may refer you to a mental health professional for additional treatment. Locate a healthcare provider you can trust. Obviously, the most difficult part of being a hypochondriac is that you constantly feel as if there is something terribly wrong with your body. Ultimately, a trained physician is the only person who can diagnose your symptoms and monitor them for any changes that could require a medical intervention. If you aren't in regular contact with a doctor, finding one should be your first step. Create a good relationship with your physician. If you suffer from hypochondriasis, it's likely you're going to be getting to know your doctor quite well. When you have an appointment, don't be afraid to ask questions and get as much information as you can. Be honest about what you are feeling and how you perceive your symptoms, even if you feel embarrassed about them. Give your physician as detailed a medical history as you can. Your doctor needs as much information as possible to offer an accurate diagnosis. Keep an open mind. It's very possible that both you and your doctor will go through periods of frustration with each other. There may be times when you think certain medical tests are necessary, and your doctor will disagree. There may also be times when your doctor will feel that you do not trust his or her judgment, and you may feel as if your doctor isn't taking you seriously. If this happens, try to remember that your physician is trying to help you, even though you differ in the perception of your situation. Follow the treatment plan. If you deviate from the treatment plan, your doctor cannot accurately evaluate if the plan is working for you. This inhibits the doctor's ability to modify your treatment plan and to provide new strategies for you. Following the treatment plan includes taking your prescriptions as prescribed by your doctor. Taking extra pills or skipping pills does nothing to build trust with your doctor. Be truthful and up front about everything related to your treatment plan. Consider joining a support group. It's common to feel alone in your illness. Your doctor says you're not really sick, your therapist is teaching you that you can't trust your own perceptions of body sensation, and you're starting to wonder how it's possible that you've been so wrong. Add it up, and it can be very overwhelming. Talking to other people with your condition can help you better understand what you're experiencing. Group therapy can introduce you to people who have learned to thrive with your condition, as well as people who are just starting out in treatment. They can provide you a support system for the times when you begin to waver in your treatment and start to doubt whether you want to continue. No one can challenge your thinking better than someone who has had all of the same thoughts that you do. You will get a chance to give back to those who are helping you. If you stick with your group, you eventually will become a resource for others who are struggling. If you've never met someone with your condition, it can be profoundly validating to talk to someone who has suffered from the same sorts of fears and intrusive thoughts. The internet is filled with message boards and forums for anxiety disorders. On these sites, you can connect with and share feelings with others with IAD. You'll likely meet folks with anxiety disorders different from your own, but may find that you have many things in common. Talk with a trusted friend. It can be embarrassing to admit that you are consumed by obsessive fears over your health. You don't want to be someone who is constantly complaining to everyone about how you're sure you have a terminal illness. Unfortunately, isolating yourself only makes things worse. Since many of the worst symptoms of hypochondriasis emerge while you're alone and your brain starts spiraling into a series of dire “what if?” questions, it's important to maintain a social life to distract you from those thinking patterns. Friends are no substitute for treatment, but anything that helps you break up that avalanche of worries before it overwhelms you is a positive resource. A close friend might be able to see patterns in your life that you don't. Did your symptoms start escalating after the death of a loved one? Did you begin having anxiety about pains or aches after you lost your job? A trusted friend might be able to connect those dots easier than you can. Find a mental health professional. Research indicates that mental health therapy is an effective treatment for IAD. Ask your doctor for a referral for a counselor in your area. If you don't have a doctor or would rather find a counselor on your own, the National Board for Certified Counselors has an online directory. Be prepared for feelings of resistance. If you're convinced that you have a serious medical issue, you may find it insulting to sit and talk with someone who is telling you that you aren't capable of accurately perceiving your own body. But if you want to overcome the fear and anxiety that is causing you so much emotional turmoil, you need to trust someone who understands your condition. Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable. Part of your treatment will involve forcing yourself to stop monitoring your physical symptoms, something that may fill you with anxiety if you've been closely attending to your symptoms for weeks or months. Invariably, this process will cause you some discomfort. Test the validity of your fears. Much of your treatment will hinge on challenging your thinking. You might be asked to stop taking your blood pressure or feeling for lumps on your body, and your therapist will push you to examine the fears that underlie your worries about your health. You must resist the temptation to fall back into a pattern of obsessive self-monitoring. Remind yourself that this uneasiness is evidence that the process is working and that you're making progress. You're not going to get better without making some significant changes, and the change process is always going to be difficult on some level. Discover what triggers your anxiety. In some cases, anxiety actually creates physical symptoms such as stomach distress, so part of your counseling will involve learning about what makes you particularly vulnerable to being overcome with worry about your health. You may feel more anxiety over perceived symptoms during times of stress in life. Working with a therapist will teach you to identify the signs so that you can stop those negative thoughts before they consume you. Attend all of your scheduled treatment sessions. Inevitably, there will be days when you don't want to attend therapy, either because you're feeling sick or you simply don't think the counseling is making any difference. You must resist this temptation. If you don't take your treatment seriously, it won't work, and you'll create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Educate yourself about your condition. While hypochondriasis is less well researched than many mental illnesses, there is a body of research available if you do a little digging. Read the accounts of people who have written about their hypochondria. There are numerous blogs and forums where people relate the stories of how they came to understand their illness and learned to manage it. Though you might not want to consider the fact that you're one of them, reading their stories will help you identify many of the same thoughts and fears in your own life. Channel your anxiety into better understanding your disorder. No matter how much you research the physical symptoms that are causing you so much worry, it will never be enough to calm your mind. Instead, use the time you would have spent searching for evidence that your aches and pains are signs of your impending doom to read up on hypochondriasis. Keep a journal. Writing down your thoughts will provide you with a record of your symptoms and experiences. If your symptoms repeatedly lead to nowhere, you will be able to provide yourself evidence that your fears have been unfounded all along. When you're feeling anxious or wish you had someone to talk to, write down your thoughts instead. Are you terrified of experiencing physical pain? Have you watched someone close to you suffer with an illness and you're afraid that you'll go through the same thing? Where did those feelings originate for you? Exploring some of those bigger questions will help you uncover the thinking patterns that are underlying your anxiety. Writing down your thoughts will allow you to track the progression of your symptoms and give you an opportunity to see what sorts of moods and situations make it more likely for you to enter the spiral of worry and anxiety. This can also help you identify your triggers. For instance, do you tend to start to worry during a particularly stressful time at work? Are you more likely to stay up late at night searching for evidence of your illness when you're fighting with your partner? Once you can identify those triggers, you can start to manage them more effectively. Ask your doctor if a medication could help you. Research indicates that hypochondriasis is correlated with depression and anxiety disorders , which suggests that there could be a genetic origin. In that case, you may need to try an antidepressant prescription to fully treat your issues. If that ends up being the case, don't resist that treatment. According to research, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medications for hypochondriasis. Generally speaking, these drugs are not considered dangerous or physically habit-forming. As with most mental illnesses, a combination of medication and cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective course of treatment for hypochondriasis. It's possible that you will not make sustained progress if you don't take both seriously, so don't make the mistake of discontinuing therapy or stopping your medication once you feel better. Make changes to your diet. Though research into the connection between diet and hypochondria is in its infancy, a few general guidelines are recommended. Eliminate all foods that you suspect could be allergens. Any food that causes you bodily distress will potentially produce symptoms that you could easily misinterpret. Additionally, it could be helpful to eat smaller meals throughout the day. Doing so will stabilize your blood sugar and help with digestion, thereby improving your mood and helping to reduce pains that could be misleading. Cut back on caffeine. Stimulants, in general, are dangerous for people will anxiety issues, and it's difficult to control racing thoughts and sleeplessness if you're had two cups of coffee before bed. Try doing yoga or exercise. Any vigorous physical activity will release endorphins – the “feel good” chemicals in your brain – and give you a natural high. Additionally, if you tire out your body, you'll be more relaxed and less likely to stay up until 4:00 a.m. doing web searches for proof that the sounds in your stomach mean that you have cancer. Work out for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week. If you currently have no exercise routine, feel free to start out small with 15 to 20 minutes of walking per day. To help manage anxiety, the frequency of your workouts is more important than the duration, so don't save all of your exercise for the weekend. Spread your sessions throughout the week. Sleep on a regular schedule. Because excessive worry and anxiety often lead to difficulties sleeping, it's common for those with hypochondriasis to fall into patterns where they don't get a sufficient amount of rest every night. When that happens, you're likely to be tired and cranky, making it harder to think clearly and fight against the sorts of thoughts that have caused your problems in the first place. Use relaxation techniques before going to bed. This can be as simple as doing a systematic relaxation exercise, such as gradually tensing and releasing all of your muscle groups, one at a time. You also might be the kind of person who deals with anxiety by taking a warm bath or listening to some calming music. Go to bed at the same time every night. Though it's difficult to maintain a sleep schedule when you're exhausted after a sleepless night and want nothing more than to nap when you get home from work, you should fight the urge. Any small disruptions in your sleeping patterns can make it difficult to get back on track, so you should do what you can to go to bed and get up at the same time every day. If you do, your body will calibrate itself to a consistent schedule, and you'll feel more rested and balanced. Avoid web searches for disease symptoms and illnesses. Searching for the cause of your perceived symptoms will only exacerbate your condition. Avoid using the web for this purpose, and instead fill your time with other healthy activities. | Get a medical evaluation with your primary care provider. Locate a healthcare provider you can trust. Create a good relationship with your physician. Consider joining a support group. Talk with a trusted friend. Find a mental health professional. Be prepared for feelings of resistance. Test the validity of your fears. Discover what triggers your anxiety. Educate yourself about your condition. Keep a journal. Ask your doctor if a medication could help you. Make changes to your diet. Try doing yoga or exercise. Sleep on a regular schedule. Avoid web searches for disease symptoms and illnesses. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-With-Complaints | How to Deal With Complaints | To deal with a customer complaint, always show empathy and concern as you listen to what the customer has to say, and never interrupt them or get defensive. When they're finished, acknowledge their concern and ask thoughtful follow-up questions like, "When did this occur?" or "Would you mind explaining exactly what happened?" Then, offer them a sincere apology, even if you feel like they're in the wrong. After you apologize, try to offer a couple of solutions to the problem that the customer can choose from. | Listen carefully to the customer. You should always start by listening carefully to what the customer has to say. You should never interrupt the customer or speak over them. Do not get defensive or angry when the customer speaks. Instead, show empathy and concern. Maintain open body language while the customer speaks, such as maintaining eye contact and positioning your body towards the customer. You also smile and nod at the customer to show them that you are listening and paying attention to what they have to say. Once the customer has finished speaking, you should repeat back what they have said to you. You may say, “Thank you for sharing your concern. What I'm hearing is…” or “I believe you are saying that…” Ask thoughtful, concerned questions. You should always follow up your acknowledgement of the customer's issue by asking questions that are thoughtful and show your concern. You should try to get as much information from the customer as you can, as this will allow you to better understand their perspective and work together to find a solution to the issue. For example, if a customer is complaining about poor service by a cashier, you should ask questions like, “Would you mind explaining exactly what happened?” and ask follow up questions like, “When did this occur?” or “What time did this occur?” Apologize sincerely. You should always offer the customer a sincere apology for the issue, no matter the issue. The customer will appreciate the apology, even if they are upset or frustrated and often an apology can help to diffuse the situation. You should try to apologize without blaming anyone, including your employees, the customer, or your company's policies. Instead, simply say, “I apologize for the inconvenience this issue has caused you” or “I am sorry that this incident occurred.” Propose one to two solid solutions for the issue. You should follow up your apology with action. Ask the customer, “What would be an acceptable solution to this issue for you?” Or, you can take the initiative and propose one to two solid solutions for the issue. Presenting at least two options will make the customer feel that they have control over the situation and are able to choose a solution that best suits them. For example, if a customer is complaining about a damaged item she purchased, you may propose two solutions. You may propose that she return the item for a full refund or that she replace the item with a non-damaged model, free of charge. You could ask which option she feels more comfortable with so she has options. Follow through on the chosen solution. You should always follow through on the solution that is accepted by the customer. This will show the customer that you take their complaint seriously and sincerely wish to make amends for the issue. You should try to follow through on the chosen solution right away so the customer can move on from the issue. Avoid passing the customer off to a person who is higher on the chain of command, unless the customer requests this option. Moving complaints up the chain of command tends to slow down the process and make the customer more frustrated, especially if there is paperwork or phone calls to higher ups involved. Thank the customer for their understanding. Once the customer's complaint has been addressed and a suitable solution has been found, you should thank the customer for their patience and understanding. You should also give them a contact that they can reach out to, such as your business card or the company's customer service line, if they have any other issues or concerns in the future. If the customer complaint is a serious one, you may decide to follow up with the customer a few days after the issue has been addressed. You may ask the customer if they are okay with a follow up call before you initiate it. You should then make the call and confirm that the customer is satisfied with the solution to their issue. Be a good listener. Though it may be difficult to handle complaints from friends and family all the time, you should try to be a good listener and support those close to you. This means not interrupting the person when they are speaking and not talking over them. You should also focus your attention on them when they are speaking and maintain eye contact with them. Try to also practice active listening, where you listen closely to what the person is saying and then repeat what they said to you back to them. You may say, “What I hear you saying is…” or “I think you are upset because…” Once they have agreed that you have heard what they said correctly, you can respond to them in kind. For example, maybe your sister is complaining about her boyfriend. Once she has finished speaking, you may say, "What I hear you saying is that you don't like it when Darren stays out all night without calling you or checking in." Your sister should agree that you heard her correctly and you can then respond to her complaint. Show empathy and compassion. Approaching someone who complains with empathy and compassion will allow the person to feel supported and acknowledged. Simply acknowledging the feelings and concerns of the person complaining can really make them feel that they are being heard and that you care. Show empathy for the person by listening to what they have to say and then stating: “I hear what you're saying”, or “I can understand why you might be upset.” The act of showing empathy can also help the person to reflect on their own perspective and attitude. You may say, “I can see why that might be difficult” and the person may take a moment to consider if in fact the issue is really that difficult or dramatic. Taking a moment to consider the reality of the situation may allow the person to put their complaints in perspective and not feel as bad about the situation. Avoid being sarcastic or mocking of the person complaining, even if you feel their complaints may not be justified. Doing this will only make the person feel worse and could lead to a conflict with them. Instead, try to be compassionate and empathetic to the person as much as you can. Offer possible solutions and advice. Once you have listened to the person's complaint, you should try to offer solutions or advice to help them feel better about the situation. You may suggest that they approach the issue in a certain way or share your own experience in a similar situation. However, it's always nice to ask first. Not only does it confirm whether or not the person really wants advice or not, but also helps the person receiving the advice to remain open and receptive to it. For example, you may say, "I think you may be missing the positives of the situation" or "Have you considered the upsides of the issue?" You may also make suggestions on how the person can deal with the issue, such as, "Maybe you could try talking to someone with authority about the issue" or "Have you considered letting go of the issue and moving on?" Keep in mind that though you may offer the person advice or a solution, they may not take it and that is okay. Sometimes, a person is so wrapped up in their situation that they may not be willing or able to take someone else's advice. You should try to be supportive of the person, even if they do not take you up on your solution. Set clear limits and boundaries. Though you should try to listen and support those around you who have complaints, you should also set firm clear limits for yourself. Setting limits around how long you can listen to the person complain and how often you can be the “voice of advice” for them will ensure you do not take on too much of their situation. You may limit the amount of time you set aside to spend with the person or put boundaries around how long you will listen to the person complain. For example, perhaps you have a family member who often complains about the same issues at her work. You may listen patiently to her talk about the issues for ten minutes at the dinner table and then introduce other topics of conversation. Share what's going on in your life or ask the family member about a more positive aspect of her life. Setting limits will also allow you to be a good listener and support in the future, as listening to too much complaining all the time can lead to resentment and frustration. You should be clear about your boundaries so you do not end up having to always be the one who listens to the person's complaints. | Listen carefully to the customer. Ask thoughtful, concerned questions. Apologize sincerely. Propose one to two solid solutions for the issue. Follow through on the chosen solution. Thank the customer for their understanding. Be a good listener. Show empathy and compassion. Offer possible solutions and advice. Set clear limits and boundaries. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Leave-Romantic-Notes-for-Your-Crush | How to Leave Romantic Notes for Your Crush | Leaving romantic notes for your crush can be exciting, but make sure you write something that won't scare your crush away. While you should use your crush's name in the note so they are certain it's for them, it's up to you if you want to remain anonymous or not. Start your note with a compliment, like telling your crush that you think they're smart or funny. If you're artistic, you can include a drawing of your crush or a poem about them in your note. While it's okay to express yourself, don't go overboard and tell them you love them or think of them all the time since this could scare your crush away. When your note is ready, leave it on their desk, in their locker, or on their chair so you're certain they'll find it. | Use their name. Use their name in the note so they can be sure that the note is for them. If you don't include their name, they might think the note was intended for someone else. In the end, your note won't have its intended effect. Start off by writing it like a letter, for instance “Dear Sally." Write them a message and include their name in the message. Decide if you want to remain anonymous. One of the most important decisions you need to make is whether to sign the note with your name or remain anonymous. If you sign the note, you'll immediately change how you and your crush interact. This is a big decision, so make sure you carefully think it over. If you use your name, think about signing off with phrases like "thinking of you," "see you around," or "sincerely yours." Avoid being overly affectionate and using words like "love." If you want to remain anonymous, think about signing your name with a clue about who you are or with phrases like "your friend" or "someone who thinks you're great." Include a compliment. Start a note off by letting them know how much you admire them. In addition, you could comment about one their great qualities – qualities that make you want to be around them. Consider: Letting them know how smart you think they are. Telling them how you think they are handsome or beautiful. Stating how you think they are funny and witty. Craft a poem or draw a picture. If you're artistically inclined, you could write a short poem or draw a picture for your crush. Ultimately, a poem or a picture may send a sweet message and let them know that they are in your thoughts. Draw a picture of them. Write a poem about the things you like about them. Be confident. Don't tell them that you are head-over-heels for them and would do anything to be with them. Instead, let them know that you are a sure and confident person and would really like to get to know them better. Write something like, “Out of all of the people I know, you seem like someone I really should spend more time with.” Don’t be too forward. The worst thing you can do is to leave your crush a note that gives them with the impression that you are obsessed with them or are stalking them. If you do this, you'll likely alienate the person, insult them, or scare them. Avoid stating how much you love them. Don't say that you think about them constantly. Never write inappropriate sexual things. This will likely be seen as harassment and could get you into trouble. Leave it on their desk or locker, if you're a student. Tape or simply leave the note on their desk or locker. You should be able to easily place a note on their desk when you're coming into a classroom or leaving one. You can also slide the note into their locker as you're walking by it. If you're not a student, you should avoid leaving romantic notes on a colleague's desk. In addition, consider avoiding flirtations during office hours -- this could be taken as sexual harassment. Leave the note at a place you know they’ll wind up. If your crush looks forward to your notes, one of the best things for you to do would be to leave notes randomly in places you know they'll be. This way, they'll be surprised whenever they see the note. If you know your crush sits at a certain place at lunch, think about leaving the note there. Leave it on their car windshield. Don’t violate their personal space. Never trespass or open your crush's locker, car, bookbag, purse, or anything else private to leave your note. By violating your crush's personal space, you'll send the message that you don't respect them or are way too aggressive. In the end, you may wind up alienating them rather than winning their affection. Avoid leaving a note in their mailbox, on their front door, or at their home. They may think you are stalking them. Don't follow your crush from work or school to give them a note. Let them know who you are, if they don't already. Ultimately, while you may leave some “secret admirer” notes, you don't want to go too long leaving notes without letting them know who you are. Whether it be in your first note, second note, or a few notes later, you need to give them an idea of who you are. You can do this several ways: Simply write your name at the bottom of the note. Give them some sort of clue about who you are. Approach and tell them you're their special note writer. Pass them a note. The best way to take your relationship to the next level is to start to hand them notes directly. This is especially true if you know they're receptive to your flirtations. In the end, they might hand you a note back. Ask them if they want to do something. After you've left a few notes, you should ask them if they'd like to do something with you. Ultimately, going on a date – or just hanging out – is the next logical step in your evolving relationship. Suggest: Going to the movies. Taking a walk after school. Getting a bite to eat together. Stop leaving notes if you think the person doesn’t like you. If you get the sense that the person doesn't enjoy your notes, you should stop immediately. You might be able to sense this from how they look when they get a note, from the comments they make about it to other people, or you can ask a friend to inquire about it. Ultimately, if they aren't interested in the notes, you should stop immediately. | Use their name. Decide if you want to remain anonymous. Include a compliment. Craft a poem or draw a picture. Be confident. Don’t be too forward. Leave it on their desk or locker, if you're a student. Leave the note at a place you know they’ll wind up. Don’t violate their personal space. Let them know who you are, if they don't already. Pass them a note. Ask them if they want to do something. Stop leaving notes if you think the person doesn’t like you. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Determine-the-Sex-of-a-Guinea-Pig | How to Determine the Sex of a Guinea Pig | To determine the sex of a guinea pig, hold it firmly around the chest and shoulders and place it on its back or rump on a flat surface so the stomach and genital areas are facing you. Next, locate the anus, which is a gray or brown vertical opening, and the genitals will be right above the anus. Females have less space between their vulva and anus, while males have 2-3 inches of space between the penis and anus. If you gently part the genital opening with your fingers and it forms a “Y” shape, it's a female. | Be careful when examining very young cavies. Newborn cavies can become distressed when away from their mothers, and they are much more delicate. They also get cold easily, so when you examine them, do so in a warm area and try to be as fast as possible. It can be extremely difficult to determine the sex of a very young guinea pig. You can wait until the guinea pig is 2-3 weeks old to sex it, at which time it is easier to determine the sex. However, since males must be separated from their mothers and sisters at 3 weeks old, it is crucial to sex them by this time. Otherwise, they can impregnate their mothers and sisters. Don't worry about handling young guinea pigs. Their mother will not reject them and early handling can help make them less afraid of humans. Wash your hands before and after handling. Guinea pigs can carry diseases that infect humans and they can be affected by things on your hands (hand sanitizer, lotion, etc.), so it is important to wash your hands often. Don't worry about wearing gloves. Very few human diseases can be given to guinea pigs and they do little to stop diseases from spreading from pig to pig. Perform the exam on a low, stable service. Cavies are often squeamish about being picked up and held in place for a long period of time. Put a soft, clean towel on a low, stable service, like a low table or the floor in preparation for the exam so your guinea pig is protected and comfortable. Hold the guinea pig gently but firmly. Guinea pigs are easily scared and will often struggle when frightened. Avoid freaking out your cavy by holding the cavy firmly but gently around the chest and shoulders. Place the guinea pig on the back or the rump, so the stomach and genital area are facing you and cradle the cavy's back with one hand. This will make it easier for you to examine the cavy's genitalia. Cavies dislike being on their backs for a long period of time. Try to do the examination quickly and efficiently. You may want to ask someone to help you hold the cavy while you conduct the examination to speed up the process. Give your guinea pig a treat while doing this. It will make them easier to work with and less scared. Check the distance between the guinea pig’s anus and genitals. Start by looking for the cavy's anus, which is a vertical opening that is often gray or brown colored. The anus will be located underneath the cavy's genitalia. Once you have distinguished between the cavy's anus and the cavy's genitals, you can look at the distance between the cavy's anus and the cavy's genitals. Female guinea pigs have a shorter amount of space between their vulva and their anus. Often, the vulva sits right above the anus in female cavies. Male guinea pigs have a larger amount of space between their penis and their anus, about 2-3 inches of space between the penis and the anus. Examine the shape of the cavy’s genital opening. Look closely at the cavy's genital opening. Female guinea pigs usually have a smooth swelling over their genital area. Use your fingers to part the genital opening gently. If the genital area forms a “Y” shape, this means the cavy is female. Male cavies have a genital opening that is shaped like a small circular dot with a penis raised above the level of the surrounding skin. Male guinea pigs have a bulge to their genital and anal areas. The bulge appears due to the presence of the guinea pig's testicles, which are just under the skin along the anus and the penis. You should also check if there is a donut shape around the cavy's anus, as this is where a male cavy's testicles will sit. Press just above the genital opening to check for a penis. Sometimes it can be difficult to see the penis, especially in heavy older male cavies. To make the penis protrude, use your finger to gently press just about the guinea pig's genital area. The penis should show itself. You can also use your finger to gently press and rub just over the genital area. If you feel a “ridge” just over the genital area, you are feeling the inner part of cavy's shaft. This is a clear sign the cavy is male. While checking for the penis, look and feel for testicles on either side of the penis to confirm that the pig is a male. The testicles are rather large relative to the size of the pig's body. Have a licensed vet confirm the guinea pig’s sex if you are unsure. It is notoriously difficult to confirm the sex of guinea pigs, even with a careful and thorough examination at home. If you are not 100 percent certain of your guinea pig's sex, you may want to bring your guinea pig to the vet for an examination. Go to a vet you trust and/or a vet who has examined your guinea pig before, as even knowledgeable vets can wrongly determine the sex of a guinea pig. You may also want to bring your guinea pig to the vet if your guinea pig appears distressed during the examination or reacts poorly to the exam. It may be difficult to get an accurate reading of the cavy's sex if the cavy is stressed out or moving around a lot during the home exam. | Be careful when examining very young cavies. Wash your hands before and after handling. Perform the exam on a low, stable service. Hold the guinea pig gently but firmly. Check the distance between the guinea pig’s anus and genitals. Examine the shape of the cavy’s genital opening. Press just above the genital opening to check for a penis. Have a licensed vet confirm the guinea pig’s sex if you are unsure. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blow-the-Shell-off-a-Hard-Boiled-Egg | How to Blow the Shell off a Hard Boiled Egg | To blow the shell off a hard boiled egg, remove a dime-sized piece of shell from the egg's end. Next, roll the egg on a hard surface to create small cracks and loosen the shell. Then, hold the egg in your right hand with the smaller end pointing toward you. Form a circle with your thumb and index finger that's about the same size as the opening and place the circle over the opening. Finally, press your lips to the opening, take a deep breath, and blow hard! | Remove a little bit of shell from each end of the egg. It helps to gently hit the ends against a hard surface to create small cracks. Do this to an area about the size of a dime on the smaller end (18 mm diameter) and about the size of a nickel on the larger end (21 mm diameter). Roll the egg between your hands or on a hard surface to loosen the shell from the egg. This should produce small cracks throughout the shell. Hold the egg in your right hand. Keep the smaller end toward you. Form a circle with the thumb and index finger of your right hand that is about the same size as the opening on the smaller end of the egg. Be sure your thumb is over your index finger. Place the thumb/index finger circle over the opening on the small end. Place your left hand under and around your right hand, cupping the egg. Be sure that your fingers fit together and make a seal. This seal is key in directing all the air into the shell and not letting it escape around it. Bring your hands and the egg to your mouth, forming a seal between your lips and the circle formed with your right hand. Take a deep breath and blow hard. It takes more air pressure than you think to push the egg from its shell. If necessary, repeat until the egg is out. Rinse your hard-boiled treasure to remove any small pieces of shell left behind. | Remove a little bit of shell from each end of the egg. Roll the egg between your hands or on a hard surface to loosen the shell from the egg. Hold the egg in your right hand. Form a circle with the thumb and index finger of your right hand that is about the same size as the opening on the smaller end of the egg. Place your left hand under and around your right hand, cupping the egg. Bring your hands and the egg to your mouth, forming a seal between your lips and the circle formed with your right hand. Take a deep breath and blow hard. Rinse your hard-boiled treasure to remove any small pieces of shell left behind. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Breakfast-Sausage | How to Cook Breakfast Sausage | To cook pan-fried breakfast sausage, place a medium non-stick skillet on the stove over medium-low heat and let it warm up for 1-2 minutes. Once the pan is hot, add the sausage in a single layer and cook until the sausage is fully cooked, turning the sausage frequently so it browns on all sides. Cook sausage links for 12-16 minutes, or cook sausage patties for 10-12 minutes. Add an additional 2 minutes if the sausage is frozen. Remove the sausage from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels for 1-2 minutes, then serve. | Heat a nonstick skillet. Place a medium nonstick skillet on the stove over medium-low heat. Let it warm up for 1 or 2 minutes. Note that you should not add any extra oil or fat to the pan. The fat inside the sausage should render as it cooks, providing all the grease needed for the frying process. If you can check the temperature of the skillet, note that the temperature should reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius) before you continue. Add the sausage. Arrange the sausage links or patties in the hot skillet. Keep the sausage in a single layer. You can cook both links and patties using this method. The cooking times vary slightly, but otherwise, the process remains the same. You can also cook breakfast roll sausage using this method if you slice the sausage roll into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) patties beforehand. Treat these patties as you would treat pre-formed breakfast patties. Pan-fry until cooked through. Cook sausage links for 12 to 16 minutes; cook sausage patties for 10 to 12 minutes. Regardless of which form you choose, you'll need to turn the sausage frequently as it cooks to promote even browning on all sides. Add an additional 2 minutes if you use frozen breakfast sausage instead of thawed sausage. The sausages should be browned all the way through, and the internal temperature should read a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius). Drain and serve. Remove the sausage from the hot skillet and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels. Drain off the excess grease for 1 or 2 minutes, then serve the sausage while it's still hot. Store leftover sausages in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 30 days. Combine the sausage and water. Place the sausage links in a deep, medium skillet. Pour 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water into the skillet, as well. The water level should not be high enough to completely cover the sausages. While you can technically cook any type of breakfast sausage using this method, it's best to use it for skinless or "fresh" links. This method may not be as effective for links with skin or sausage patties. Cook off the water. Place the skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Simmer the sausage for 6 to 7 minutes, or until the water evaporates. Continue cooking as long as it takes for the water to naturally evaporate. Do not drain off any of the water. Similarly, do not add more water if it evaporates faster than anticipated. Do not cover the pan since doing so may slow or prevent the steam from escaping, slowing the overall cooking process as a result. Fry the sausage for 6 to 7 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking the sausages uncovered for another 6 to 7 minutes, or until they're cooked through. Use tongs to periodically turn the sausage links as they cook. Doing so should promote even browning on all sides. Note that you should not add any extra oil or fat during the frying part of this process. The fat rendered from the sausages should be enough to cook them. When ready, the sausages should be brown throughout and the juices should run clear. If you check the internal temperature, the center of the thickest sausage should be a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius). Drain and serve. Remove the sausages from the skillet and set them onto several layers of paper towel to drain. After 1 or 2 minutes, transfer the sausages to individual serving plates and enjoy. Any cooked sausages you don't use immediately should be refrigerated for 1 or 2 days, or frozen for up to 30 days. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Meanwhile, prepare a shallow baking pan or baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. The parchment paper prevents the sausages from sticking while also absorbing some of the excess fat that renders off during the cooking process. If you cannot use parchment paper, place a metal cooling or baking rack on top of the baking sheet instead. The rack will allow the excess fat to drip off during the cooking process, preventing the sausages from baking in that fat. Arrange the sausages on the pan. Line up the sausages on the baking sheet, arranging them in a single layer and leaving at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between them. You can cook breakfast sausage links and breakfast sausage patties using this method. The exact baking times may vary, but the overall process should remain the same for both types. Roll breakfast sausage can be cooked using this method, as well. Slice the roll into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) patties and treat those patties as you would treat the pre-formed version. Bake until cooked through. Place the sausages in the preheated oven. Cook sausage patties for 15 to 16 minutes; cook sausage links for 20 to 25 minutes. Both links and patties should be turned once halfway through the cooking process to promote even browning on both sides. When ready, the sausages should be browned throughout and the juices should run clear. The internal temperature at the center of each portion should be a minimum of 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius). Serve warm. Remove the sausages from the oven and transfer them to individual serving plates. Enjoy them while they're still hot. If the sausages are still too greasy for your liking after removing them from the oven, you can blot away any excess grease using clean paper towels. Any unused sausage can be refrigerated for 1 or 2 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Preheat the broiler. Turn the broiler on and allow it to warm up for about 3 to 5 minutes. Most broilers only have an “ON” and “OFF” setting, but some also have “LOW” and “HIGH” settings. For the latter, preheat the broiler on “LOW.” Place the sausage near the heat. Arrange the sausages in a single layer on a broiler pan. Place the pan in the preheated broiler, 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) away from the top heating element. If you do not have a broiler pan, place a metal cooling/cooking rack on top of a rimmed baking sheet and use that instead. You need to use something that allows the fat to drain as the sausages cook, so you should avoid using a flat baking sheet on its own. Both sausage links and sausage patties can be cooked using this method. For sausage links, place the rack 4 to 5 inches (10 to 12.5 cm) away from the heating element. For sausage patties, keep the rack 6 inches (15 cm) away from the same element. For roll breakfast sausage, slice the roll into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick portions and treat each portion as though it were a pre-formed patty. Broil for 6 minutes. Broil the sausages for 3 minutes, then turn them over to the other side. Continue cooking for another 3 minutes, or until the juices run clear and the centers are no longer pink. This amount of time should work for both breakfast patties and breakfast links, but links may benefit from more frequent cooking and, in some instances, may cook a little faster than patties. The internal temperature of both links and patties should reach at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) before you remove the sausages from the broiler. Serve warm. Remove the sausages from the broiler and transfer them to individual serving plates. Enjoy them while they're still hot. If you do not eat the sausages immediately, refrigerate them for 1 or 2 days, or freeze them for as long as 1 month. Reheat cooked sausages in the microwave. To reheat pre-cooked sausages, microwave them on full power for 10 to 15 seconds per portion. This method can be used for both sausages cooked at home or pre-cooked packaged sausages. It also works with both links and patties. Arrange the sausages in a single layer over a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Cover them with an additional paper towel to reduce splatter. Microwave thawed sausages for about 10 seconds per link or patty. For frozen sausages, reheat them for 15 seconds per link or patty. Note that exact cooking times may vary depending on the power output of your microwave. Alternatively, reheat cooked sausages on the stove. Warm the sausages through for 8 to 10 minutes using medium heat. As with the microwave method, you can use this method for nearly any type of pre-cooked breakfast sausage: links or patties, home-cooked or packaged-cooked, thawed or frozen. Place the links or patties in single layer in a cool nonstick pan. Cover the pan and set it on the stove over medium heat. Reheat the sausages for 8 minutes if previously thawed or 10 minutes from frozen. You should not need to turn the sausages while they reheat. When ready, the sausages should be warmed throughout. Finished. | Heat a nonstick skillet. Add the sausage. Pan-fry until cooked through. Drain and serve. Combine the sausage and water. Cook off the water. Fry the sausage for 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and serve. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Arrange the sausages on the pan. Bake until cooked through. Serve warm. Preheat the broiler. Place the sausage near the heat. Broil for 6 minutes. Serve warm. Reheat cooked sausages in the microwave. Alternatively, reheat cooked sausages on the stove. Finished. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Diagnose-Lipedema | How to Diagnose Lipedema | Lipedema is a disorder that causes fat to build up in the lower half of your body, and it typically only occurs in women. Early signs of Lipedema include swelling in the legs, hips, and buttocks, fatty lumps, and eczema or skin infections. Signs of later stage Lipedema include swelling that doesn't go away, overhanging skin, and hardened connective tissue. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor so they can diagnose you and provide treatment. Your doctor will likely examine the areas on your body that have been affected and ask you to describe your symptoms. | Visit your doctor. The only way to have lipedema diagnosed is to visit your doctor. If your normal doctor is not trained in this area, they may refer you to a specialist who will examine your condition to determine if it is lipedema or another similar fat disorder. The symptoms of this disorder make some people feel embarrassed to discuss the matter with their doctor. Try to remember that there is nothing to be embarrassed about, and if it is lipedema, the earlier you catch the disorder, the more treatable it will be. Understand the stages of lipedema. As with many disorders and diseases, lipedema is often more treatable in the earlier stages than in the later stages. There are four stages of lipedema. In stage 1, the skin will still be smooth, and swelling may increase during the day, but disappear with rest. During this stage, the disorder responds well to treatment. In stage 2, there may be indentations in the skin, and lipomas (fatty lumps) may develop. You may experience eczema or skin infections known as erysipelas. Swelling may still appear during the day, but likely doesn't go away completely, even with rest and elevation of the legs. At this stage, your body may still respond well to treatment. During stage 3, you may experience a hardening of the connective tissues. At this stage, the swelling is unlikely to go down regardless of whether you are resting or elevating your legs. You might also experience overhanging skin. It is still possible to treat the disorder, but you may be less responsive to various treatments. In stage 4 you will likely experience a worsening of the symptoms present in stage 3. At this stage, the disorder is referred to by some experts as lipo-lymphedema. As with stage 3, treatment is still worth trying, but you may not respond to some treatments. Understanding what the doctor will look for. The best way to diagnose the disorder is through visual inspection of the affected area. The doctor may feel the area to check for nodules that characterize this disorder. Additionally, your doctor will likely ask you about whether or not you are experiencing any pain, and to describe when/if the swelling increases or decreases. Currently, there is no blood test that will allow a doctor to determine if you have lipedema. Look for swelling in the legs. This is the most common and obvious symptom of the disorder. The swelling will typically be in both legs, and may include the hips and buttocks. The swelling may be gradual or you may have a very distinct difference between your upper half and your lower half. For example, some people suffering from lipedema are very thin above the waist but appear disproportionately large below the waste. Note that the feet often remain a “normal” size. The swelling may be isolated to the legs and stop just at the ankles. This gives your legs a column-like appearance. Note that the symptoms are not always exactly the same. Your entire leg may not be swollen or you may have swelling from the tops of the ankles all the way to the hips. Some people experience only a small pocket of fat just above each ankle. Realize that the upper arms may also be affected. Though most people experience symptoms in the lower half of the body, it is possible to experience the same symptoms in the upper arms. Fat in the arms will be similar to in the legs. This means that you might experience an accumulation of fat that occurs equally in both arms. The fat may create a column appearance that stops abruptly at the elbows or the wrists. Check whether or not the skin feels cold to the touch. People suffering from lipedema report that the skin of the affected area feels cold when they touch it. The skin might also feel soft and dough-like. Additionally, it may be painful to the touch, and you may find that the affected area bruises very easily. Be aware that the causes are not well understood. Though there are some suspects, doctors still aren't sure what exactly causes lipedema. Unfortunately, not knowing the cause can make this disorder difficult to treat. Providing your doctor with as much information about your health and genetic history as possible will aid your doctor in determining possible causes and treatments. Learn about potential genetic links. In many cases, there appears to be a genetic component to this disorder. This is because a person suffering from lipedema sometimes has family members who are also dealing with the disorder themselves. For example, if you are suffering from lipedema it is not unlikely that one of your parents is also suffering from the disorder. Consider hormonal changes. Many doctors believe that lipedema may have a link with hormones. This is because the disorder occurs almost exclusively in women, and is often found to occur during times of hormonal change such as puberty, during pregnancy, or menopause. Though the cause of the disorder may not seem important, it could be helpful for your doctor when deciding upon good treatment option. | Visit your doctor. Understand the stages of lipedema. Understanding what the doctor will look for. Look for swelling in the legs. Note that the feet often remain a “normal” size. Realize that the upper arms may also be affected. Check whether or not the skin feels cold to the touch. Be aware that the causes are not well understood. Learn about potential genetic links. Consider hormonal changes. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Understand-the-Difference-Between-Flirting-and-Social-Interaction | How to Understand the Difference Between Flirting and Social Interaction | Sometimes, it's hard to tell the difference between flirting and regular social interactions, but using a person's body language and attitude can help you figure it out. Flirting often involves making eye contact, giggling, smiling, and touching someone on the hand or forearm. However, sometimes smiling and giggling can be a sign of friendliness too. Another possible sign of flirting is when the person continues to sneak glances at your body or lips. They might also lean in closer when you talk or stand or sit a little closer to you than usual. | Understand which scenarios are more likely to include flirting. Bars, nightclubs, parties, and singles events are places commonly associated with flirting. This is because these venues where people often go to seek out others whom they find sexually attractive. Understanding the social setting in which flirting is more likely to occur can help you identify the behavior. Appropriate settings for flirting vary depending on factors like age, community, and religion. If you're a high school student, for example, you may see flirting at school. Your crush is more likely to flirt with you in the hall between classes, though, than in the middle of history class. Don't assume that someone is flirting with you just because you're in a social setting. If someone at a bar says “hello,” while waiting for their group, they may be acting friendly, not amorous. Rely on more than just the venue to determine if an interaction is flirtatious. Watch their body language. Body language may give you some clues to help spot a flirt. Flirting often includes a lot of eye contact. Giggling, smiling, and soft touches on the hand or forearm can also be clues that someone is flirting with you. Never assume that someone is saying something with body language that they aren't saying directly to you. If they say, “Please leave,” listen to them, no matter what you think they are saying with their body language. Consider whether the situation is more likely to be flirtatious or friendly. People like to think that seemingly-flirtatious interactions are signs of attraction, and they absolutely can be. People can be friendly, charming, and even a little flirtatious for reasons that have nothing to do with attraction, though. Think about why someone may be flirting with you in that moment. There's always the possibility that they fancy you, but are there any other conspicuous reasons they are talking to you? Say, for example, you're at the store and your grocery cart is blocking the aisle. Someone flashes you a big smile and asks you to move your cart, then giggles and thanks you when you do. This seems flirtatious, and it may be because they're interested in you, but it may also be that they find it easier to be friendly than confrontational in these scenarios. Evaluate your current relationship with the other person. Some people are more likely to be flirting with you, while others are more likely engaging in friendly social interactions. Your boss at work or your teacher at school, for example, should not be flirting with you even if they're acting friendly. That cute person who you met at snack table at your friend's party and who has been chatting with you all night is more likely a flirt. In murky situations, such as developing feelings for a close friend, it's best not to rely on flirting or subtle signs. Speak to that person directly or decide not to address the matter at all. Flirting is easy to misconstrue, and can complicate established relationships. Ask the person if they’re flirting. Instead of assuming someone is flirting, ask them outright. You can be cute and say something like, “If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were flirting with me,” or “Are you flirting with moi?” Still, it's always safer to ask than to assume. Don't assume someone is flirting with you. People are only about 27% accurate when it comes to guessing if someone is flirting with them. Unless someone makes their intentions clear and conspicuous, it's safest to assume they're not flirting. Think about whether you should flirt with that person. Before you start flirting, think about if it's appropriate for you to flirt with that person. There are a number of reasons it may be inappropriate to flirt with someone, but some major ones include: If you are in a position of power over them If they have previously expressed that they're not interested in you If they are already in a relationship If you work with them in a professional capacity If they are experiencing emotional distress If you are trying to manipulate them Make deliberate eye contact. Looking someone in the eyes while speaking is polite, but holding direct, deliberate eye contact is a clear sign to someone that you're flirting. Polite eye contact says you should mostly look at the person with whom you're speaking, but you can also look around the room, so long as your eyes return to your subject. When you're flirting though, try not to break eye contact. Don't stare at the person and don't stop yourself from blinking. The idea is to let the other person know that they are your focus, not to scare or intimidate them. Be warm and pleasant toward the person. Smile, say “hello,” and welcome that person into a conversation with you. Avoid fawning all over them. You want to flirt with them, not gush about them. Have a pleasant back-and-forth, and let them know that it was nice to meet them. You want this person to think that you are being friendly to them, but not overly so. They may feel awkward if you give them a level of attention they feel you wouldn't give to someone else. For all they should know, you're this friendly to everyone. If this is your first conversation with that person, cut it off while you still have 1-2 talking points in your head. You want to leave them interested in learning more about you. This is difficult to do if you talk until you have nothing more to say. Stay close but not so close that you’re touching. Arm's distance, or about 2.5 feet (0.76 m) is right on the border between personal and social space. You don't want to violate that space, as that can be intimidating, but getting right on the line between personal and social space can suggest to someone that you're interested in them. Try not to touch someone without their consent, even if you are sitting close to them. While small touches can be a sign of flirting, they can also be a huge personal violation. If you want to touch someone, even if it's on the hand or arm, always ask first. Know the difference between flirting and sexual harassment. A little flirting with the right person can feel great. If it comes from the wrong person, though, it can quickly turn into a problem. Ask yourself if the allegedly flirtatious act was unwanted, unsolicited, and/or unreciprocated. If the answer to any of those is yes, the action may have crossed the line into harassment. Ultimately, only the person against whom the action was perpetrated can determine if it is harassment. If someone touched you on the knee and wrote it off as “harmless flirting,” but it made you feel uncomfortable, it's harassment. Likewise, if you continue to flirt with someone after they tell you they're not interested, you've moved into harassment. They're not playing hard to get, and you are now pursuing them against their will. Understand that bullying is not flirting. A little good-natured ribbing is common in flirting. However, someone pushing you around, belittling you, wolf whistling at you, or blocking your path is not playfully showing their attraction to you. Bullying, whether it's physical or emotional, is not flirtatious, and not something you have to accept. If someone is bullying you under the premise of being attracted to you or trying to flirt, report them right away. Report someone who flirts with you when they’re in a position of power. Someone who holds a position of power over you should not be flirting with you. This includes bosses, teachers, and anyone who has any sort of social power over you like a doctor or therapist. If someone is trying to use their power over you to further their advances, report them to an authority figure immediately. Who the person is will determine who you report them to. If it's your boss, for example, you may need to start by going to your HR department. If it's your doctor, you may need to report them to their overseeing medical board. | Understand which scenarios are more likely to include flirting. Watch their body language. Consider whether the situation is more likely to be flirtatious or friendly. Evaluate your current relationship with the other person. Ask the person if they’re flirting. Think about whether you should flirt with that person. Make deliberate eye contact. Be warm and pleasant toward the person. Stay close but not so close that you’re touching. Know the difference between flirting and sexual harassment. Understand that bullying is not flirting. Report someone who flirts with you when they’re in a position of power. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Tenderize-Beef | How to Tenderize Beef | To tenderize beef, lay a cutting board on top of a towel to protect your counter or table top. Next, place the meat between 2 sheets of wax paper and set it on the cutting board. Then, hit the meat with a mallet firmly and evenly across the surface, paying special attention to thicker parts of the cut. Flip the meat over and tenderize the other side with the mallet before preparing the meat for cooking. | Place the beef between wax paper and pound it for a few minutes. The wax paper protects the meat and your counter. Pound the beef with anything heavy you have on hand, from a kitchen mallet to a heavy skillet or rolling pin. Pounding the meat makes it softer, as well as thinner. This method works best on whole cuts of beef. Pound the meat for 2-3 minutes with a spiked meat mallet for frying. Lay the piece of whole meat on a cutting board. Pound one side with the spiked mallet until it thins out. Turn it over and repeat the process. This process breaks up the connective tissues in the meat. While it isn't good for things like grilled steak, it works well for a meat that's breaded, like chicken-fried steak. Score meat at 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm) intervals with a knife to break up fibers. Take a knife, and make diagonal cuts across the top of the meat in one direction, at an angle to the grain. Turn it, and make perpendicular cuts across the meat the other way. This method breaks up some of the longer muscle fibers, making it taste a bit more tender. It works well on cheap steak cuts. Cook collagen-rich meat low and slow to break down connective tissues. Use meats that have a lot of collagen, such as brisket. Applying low heat over a long period of time helps break down the collagen, resulting in a tender and juicy meat. This method also works well for chuck roast or bottom round. For an easy way to do this method, use a slow cooker. You can also use a grill or an oven, as long as you keep the heat low. You will need to cook the meat for at least an hour per 1 pound (0.45 kg) of beef at about 250 °F (121 °C). Soak the beef in water and baking soda for a cheap solution. You only need a small amount of baking soda, as little as a 1/4 teaspoon (1.5 g). Add it to ⁄ 4 pound (0.34 kg) of meat that hasn't been sliced or cut. Add just enough water to cover the beef in a narrow bowl or pan, and soak the meat for 15 minutes. Dry the meat off if your frying or grilling it so you can get a nice sear. The baking soda changes the pH of the meat's surface. In turn, it can't bind together as tightly, which makes it more tender. If the meat is cut into several pieces, use 1 teaspoon (6 g) of baking soda. You can use this method on whole cuts of beef as well as on ground beef. Soak the beef up to an hour with no ill effects. Sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt on to thick steaks to draw out moisture. Use 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (2.5 to 5 g) of salt per side, which will look like a lot of salt. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 1 hour for every 1 inch (2.5 cm) it is thick. After it rests, rinse of the excess salt, and use paper towels to dab the steak dry. This method will draw water to the surface, which you rinse off. It leaves behind the juicy fats and proteins, making it more tender and flavorful. It also helps get salt to the inside of the meat. Make sure the outside of the steak is very dry before grilling or else you won't get a good sear. Try a pre-mixed powdered tenderizer for a simple solution. These tenderizers contain salt, sugar, cornstarch, and bromelain. You can sprinkle it on the meat, and let it sit for about 30 minutes before cooking. If you want, you can rinse it off before cooking, but just be sure to pat the meat dry if you're frying or grilling so you get a nice sear. This works best for meats that are going to be breaded, such as chicken fried steak or beef coated in cornstarch for stirfries. The bromelain is derived from pineapple, so you get the tenderizing effect without the pineapple flavor. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of pureed kiwi for a mild marinade. Do this for every 1 cup (240 mL) of marinade you make. Kiwi has chemical properties that help tenderize the meat without adding a strong flavor. Try a marinade like 1 cup (240 mL) of chopped kiwi, 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons (9.9 mL) of tomato sauce, 4 teaspoons (20 mL) of Worcestershire sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Let the meat soak at least overnight. You can use pineapple or papaya in place of the kiwi, if desired. Apply a highly-acidic marinade to tough cuts of steak only. Highly acidic marinades can actually toughen meats like shrimp or fish. However, for a tough cut of steak, such as flank steak, the marinade will not penetrate very far, and you can flavor the meat without making it tougher. Try an acidic marinade for something like fajitas. Pour the following ingredients into a bag: 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of olive oil, ⁄ 3 cup (79 mL) of lime juice, 2 tablespoons (2 g) of chopped cilantro, 2 crushed garlic cloves, a pinch of brown sugar, a sprinkling of red chili flakes, a couple of dashes of cumin, and a generous sprinkling of salt. Shake up the bag, and place the meat in with the marinade for 1-2 hours. This method also works well on London broil, hangar steak, and skirt steak. You can add acids like vinegar, wine, soda, or citrus juice to make your marinade acidic. Try using a dairy-based marinade to avoid mushiness. Some cooks swear by using dairy to tenderize, such as milk, yogurt, or sour cream, as it tenderizes without making the meat too soft. You can add whatever flavors you want to the dairy, and soak it for several hours. For instance, try soaking a cheap cut of steak in buttermilk with a sprinkling of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip it in flour, and fry it up for chicken-fried steak. | Place the beef between wax paper and pound it for a few minutes. Pound the meat for 2-3 minutes with a spiked meat mallet for frying. Score meat at 3⁄4 in (1.9 cm) intervals with a knife to break up fibers. Cook collagen-rich meat low and slow to break down connective tissues. Soak the beef in water and baking soda for a cheap solution. Sprinkle sea salt or kosher salt on to thick steaks to draw out moisture. Try a pre-mixed powdered tenderizer for a simple solution. Use 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 mL) of pureed kiwi for a mild marinade. Apply a highly-acidic marinade to tough cuts of steak only. Try using a dairy-based marinade to avoid mushiness. |
https://www.wikihow.com/RSVP | How to RSVP | To RSVP, respond to your host promptly to save them trouble and show your respect. Thank them for the invitation, then tell them how many guests you'll be bringing and their names. Finally, let them know that you're looking forward to the event. If you cannot attend, briefly explain your absence and thank them for thinking of you. | Fill out the RSVP card that was sent with your wedding invitation. Most wedding invitations include an RSVP card with a structured template. For example, an RSVP card might begin with: "A favor of reply is requested by July 20, 2014." This is the cut-off date for responses. Always RSVP by this date, if not sooner. It is considered rude to leave RSVPs to the last minute. Underneath the deadline there will be an item looking like this: " M__________. " Here, you will simply need to fill out your title according to your gender. For example: Mr. Arthur Mitchell or Mrs. Rita Morgan. There will be the option of accepting or declining. Sometimes it is simply an empty space next to "Will attend," where you may place a check mark. Other times, it may look like this: " __Accepts with pleasure __Declines with regrets. " In this instance, simply check the appropriate box. You may also leave a brief explanation or a note of congratulations. Once the card is properly filled out, mail it back to the sender. A separate envelope is often included with the RSVP card. If you receive a blank RSVP card, simply mimic the template used in standard RSVP cards. State your name in the third person, whether you will attend, and include the date of the wedding. Remember to use formal wording. Write an RSVP letter to a formal or semi-formal invitation. Invitations to significant events, such as graduations and baby showers, may not specify how to RSVP. In this situation, writing a letter is the proper etiquette. If you are writing an RSVP letter to a formal invitation, such as a graduation or Bar Mitzvah, keep it simple yet elegant. Write, "Mr. and Mrs. Dexter Morgan accept with pleasure the kind invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Miguel Prado on Saturday, the first of April." If you are declining an invitation, simply substitute "accept with pleasure" with "regret that we are unable to accept." For semi-formal invitations, such as birthdays and baby showers, follow the basic structure of normal letter writing. This letter will be longer than a formal letter but should still be short (only a few sentences). For example: "Dear Mr. Prado, I regret that I am unable to attend the baby shower you will be hosting for Oscar Prado on December 12, 2014. Unfortunately, I have a work conference scheduled for the same day and it is mandatory that I attend. Though I cannot be present, I have already bought Oscar a gift and will have it delivered to the party." E-mail an RSVP to an Evite. Invitations sent via e-mail are typically reserved for casual events, such as children's birthdays or dinner parties. Sometimes they are used as simpler alternatives to formal paper invitations. Simply open the e-mail containing the electronic invitation. Click "View Invitation." This will direct you to an electronic card where you will be able to RSVP. Select "Yes," "Maybe," or "No." You may also include additional comments. Take the opportunity to ask valid questions such as, "Who's coming?" or "What should I wear?" to help better inform your decision. Sometimes formal events, such as weddings, will opt for electronic invitations. This is typically done to avoid large costs, lessen the stress, or limit paper usage. In any case, you should respond in a formal manner if including additional comments. If you have trouble RSVPing online for an e-vite, you can also call the person to let them know if you're going or not. Call to RSVP by telephone. Responding by telephone usually involves very casual and small celebrations. However, sometimes formal and semi-formal invitations will request that you RSVP by phone. If you are responding to a formal invitation, remember to maintain respectful etiquette. Though the RSVP may carry over into conversational territory, always use proper English. Do not use slang or foul language. For example, begin by saying "Hello, is this Mr. Batista?" Once he responds, you can reply with, "Hello Mr. Batista. This is Vince, I'm calling to RSVP to your 50th wedding anniversary party. I can't believe how long you've been married. I look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion with you." Be concise. Although the RSVP may include small talk and pleasantries, try not to carry on the conversation longer than it needs to be. Your host has other potential guests to hear from! For casual invitations, especially from friends, using relaxed language will most likely be acceptable. Conversation length will also vary depending on your relationship with that particular person. Regardless of how you respond, always thank the host for the invitation. Remember that you are being given the privilege of celebrating key events with people who are fond of you. Though it is not mandatory, try to provide a reasonable explanation for declining an invitation. This an empathetic way of informing your host that you, too, have significant matters to attend to. Make an effort to supply a gift for your host. Not only is this customary for big occasions, it is the ultimate sign of thankfulness. You do not have to splurge on an expensive item; as long as the sentiment is there, your host will appreciate your gift. Reply sooner rather than later. Be sensitive to the time constraints your host faces. Late RSVPs will require time and effort that could be focused on other planning aspects. Knowing the amount of guests ahead of time, especially for highly organized events like weddings, will ease much of the pressure and work to be done by your host. Punctuality not only saves your host trouble, it reflects your level of respect and thoughtfulness as a person. Specify how many guests you will bring. If your host offers you the option of bringing guests, be clear and precise about the number. Formal invitations sometimes offer the option of bringing a "plus-1." Only bring a date or companion if you have already confirmed that you will do so in the RSVP. Informal invitations may allow some room for multiple guests. Regardless, you should always respond in a timely manner. Avoid bringing unexpected guests or too many guests. Avoid ambiguous estimations, such as "a few" or "a couple." Know how to change or cancel an RSVP. Foregoing a commitment to appear is unfortunate, but sometimes there are extenuating circumstances for canceling an RSVP. If you have recently suffered an injury or illness, have had a death in the family, or have an unavoidable business conflict, canceling an RSVP is acceptable. Call your host immediately if there are last minute complications. The telephone is the quickest way to reach someone and will save your host unwanted surprises. Never miss an event to which you have already made a commitment without first notifying your host. This conveys both disrespect and indifference towards your host's efforts. Do not cancel because you have something better to do. This is extremely rude and inconsiderate. | Fill out the RSVP card that was sent with your wedding invitation. Write an RSVP letter to a formal or semi-formal invitation. E-mail an RSVP to an Evite. Call to RSVP by telephone. Regardless of how you respond, always thank the host for the invitation. Reply sooner rather than later. Specify how many guests you will bring. Know how to change or cancel an RSVP. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Cook-Boneless-Skinless-Chicken-Breasts | How to Cook Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | Before baking boneless skinless chicken breasts, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and rub a baking dish and parchment paper with butter or oil. Next, spread a little butter over the chicken, then sprinkle on some salt, pepper, and any other favorite flavors, such as rosemary or lemon. Place the chicken breasts in the dish and press the parchment paper on the chicken. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, and enjoy! | Preheat the oven and prepare the dish. Turn on the oven to 400 °F (204 °C). Get out a baking dish and a sheet of parchment paper. Rub the inside and bottom of the dish with 1 tablespoon of butter or oil. You should also coat one side of the parchment paper with butter or oil. Set the dish and paper aside. Season the chicken and place it in the dish. Take a paper towel and pat two boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry. Spread a little of the butter or oil over the chicken, if you like. Sprinkle some salt and pepper over the chicken breasts and set them into the prepared dish. The chicken shouldn't touch. You can use your favorite seasoning to add extra flavor. For example, set sprigs of fresh rosemary or sliced lemon around the chicken. You can bake as many chicken breasts as you need with this method. Ensure that they'll fit in the pan without touching. Press the buttered parchment on the chicken. Place the buttered side of the parchment paper directly onto the seasoned chicken breasts. Push the sides of the paper down into the pan and around the meat. You should try to completely cover the chicken so it doesn't dry out as it bakes. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes. Put the dish of chicken in the preheated oven. Set it on the middle rack so it cooks evenly. Check the temperature and bake the chicken for 10 to 20 more minutes. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast to check the temperature. If it reads at least 165 °F (74 °C), you can take it out of the oven. If it hasn't, cook the chicken for 10 to 20 more minutes until it reaches temperature. Serve or store the chicken. Remove the chicken from the oven and peel off the parchment paper. You can serve the cooked chicken breasts, slice them to use in a recipe, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can store the cooked chicken breasts for up to one week. Turn on or heat a grill. If you're using a gas grill, turn the heat to high. If you're using a charcoal grill, heat a chimney full of briquettes (about 100) until they're slightly ashy. Pour the coals over half of the grate so you have two zones of heat. Set the grilling grate over the coals and open the vents on the grill. Oil the grate. Dip a paper towel in 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of vegetable oil. Grip the paper towel with tongs and rub the oil over the grill grate to prevent the chicken from sticking as it cooks. Season the chicken breasts. Sprinkle four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also brine, marinate, or coat the chicken breasts with your favorite seasonings and flavors. Sear the chicken breast for three to four minutes. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. If you're using a charcoal grill, lay the chicken breasts on the grill grate directly over the coals. Grill the chicken for three to four minutes so they brown a little. You can keep the lid off of the grill while you're searing the outside of the meat. Turn and sear the chicken for another three to four minutes. Use long tongs to carefully flip the chicken breasts over. Grill them for three to four more minutes directly over the heat. Grill the chicken breasts until they reach 165 °F (74 °C). Move the chicken breasts to the cooler half of the grill or lower the heat on your gas grill to medium-high. Put the lid on the grill and cook the meat until an instant-read thermometer reads 165 °F (74 °C). The amount of grilling time will vary greatly depending on how thick your chicken breasts are, especially if you've cut large breasts in half. Rest the chicken breasts for five minutes. Transfer the cooked, boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a serving platter or a cutting board. Lay a sheet of aluminum foil loosely over the meat and let the breasts rest for five minutes. Serve or store the chicken breasts. Serve the grilled chicken breasts with your favorite sauces or sides after the resting period. For example, consider coating the cooked chicken breasts with barbecue sauce. Or slice the breasts into strips and serve them with a peanut dipping sauce. Store the leftover grilled chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days. Pound and season the chicken breasts. Get out one to four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and set them on a cutting board. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy bottle to pound the chicken breasts until they're an even thickness. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and freshly ground pepper. You can flatten the chicken breasts as thin as you like. Keep in mind that they'll cook faster if they're thinner. Heat the oil and cook the chicken breasts for one minute. Place 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil or unsalted butter into a wide sauté pan that's at least 10 inches (25 cm) in size. Turn the heat to medium-high and add the chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for one minute without moving it. Turn the chicken breasts and reduce the heat. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the chicken breasts over. Turn the heat down to low and continue to cook the chicken breasts. Cover and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Put a tight-fitting lid on the pan and cook the chicken breasts for 10 minutes without lifting the lid at all. The chicken breasts should steam a little in the pan during this time. Turn off the heat and rest the chicken for 10 minutes. Leave the lid on the pan and don't open it while the chicken rests. It should finish cooking as it rests for 10 minutes. If you have an electric stove, move the pan to a cold burner so the chicken won't overcook. Check the temperature and serve the chicken breasts. Take the lid off of the pan and insert an instant-read thermometer into one of the breasts. The temperature should reach 165 °F (74 °C) once the chicken has finished cooking. If the chicken hasn't finished cooking, turn the heat on to medium and sauté the chicken breasts for a few more minutes. Check the temperature again. Serve or store the chicken breasts. Once the chicken has come to temperature, lift the breasts out of the pan and serve or slice them. You can store the leftover chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days. Grease the slow cooker and season the chicken breasts. Spray the inside of a slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Sprinkle two to four boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also season the chicken with fresh herbs or your favorite spices. If you're only cooking one or two breasts, you can use a smaller slow cooker. For three breasts or more, you should use a four-quart (3 liter) or larger slow cooker. Arrange the chicken in the slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts in the slow cooker so they are in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding too many chicken breasts in the slow cooker or they won't cook evenly. Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook the chicken breasts for three hours. Turn the slow cooker on to LOW and let the meat cook for about three hours. It should become completely cooked through. Check the temperature and remove the breasts. Insert an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. The chicken should reach 165 °F (74 °C) once it's finished cooking. Use or store the cooked chicken. Turn off the heat and lift the chicken breasts out of the slow cooker. You can serve the chicken breasts immediately or slice them to use in a recipe. You can also store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to five days. | Preheat the oven and prepare the dish. Season the chicken and place it in the dish. Press the buttered parchment on the chicken. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes. Check the temperature and bake the chicken for 10 to 20 more minutes. Serve or store the chicken. Turn on or heat a grill. Oil the grate. Season the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken breast for three to four minutes. Turn and sear the chicken for another three to four minutes. Grill the chicken breasts until they reach 165 °F (74 °C). Rest the chicken breasts for five minutes. Serve or store the chicken breasts. Pound and season the chicken breasts. Heat the oil and cook the chicken breasts for one minute. Turn the chicken breasts and reduce the heat. Cover and cook the chicken for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and rest the chicken for 10 minutes. Check the temperature and serve the chicken breasts. Serve or store the chicken breasts. Grease the slow cooker and season the chicken breasts. Arrange the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook the chicken breasts for three hours. Check the temperature and remove the breasts. Use or store the cooked chicken. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Juicy-Burgers | How to Make Juicy Burgers | To make juicy burgers, only flip the burgers once when you're cooking them, which will prevent juice from coming out of the meat. Also, avoid pressing down on the burgers with a spatula since that presses the juice out and makes the burgers drier. When you're ready to check if the burgers are done, look at the sides instead of cutting them open so you don't lose any of the juiciness. You should also serve the burgers when they're medium-rare or medium since they lose more juice the longer you cook them. | Shop for fresh-ground meat to make burgers with. Freshly ground beef will make the best and juiciest hamburgers. Look in the supermarket's butcher case. This will have been ground more recently than packaged beef. In general, avoid purchasing pre-packaged beef for your burgers. Purchase ground beef with 80% lean and 20% fat. Meat with this ratio has a relatively high percentage of fat to lean. Fattier beef will always result in a juicer burger. 85% lean and 15% fat should be okay, too; just avoid any ground beef that is 90% lean or higher, which will make for a dry burger. You can buy ground beef at any supermarket.l If you prefer organic meat, check the organic section or a health food grocery store. Tear off a generous chunk of beef to form the patties. Once you've brought the ground beef home, you can form the individual patties. The size of the patties can be left up to personal preference, but in general a fist-sized chunk of beef will produce a good sized burger. Handle the meat gently. When you're tearing chunks of beef off of the slab you bought, do not handle and squeeze the meat too much. If you mash the beef while you're handling it, you'll wring some of the moisture out of the meat. Form burger patties with your hands. Use your hands to gently press each fist-sized chunk of ground beef into a relatively flat , disc-shaped patty. If you're working on a hard surface (a clean countertop or a plastic cutting board), you can press the patties against the surface to avoid squeezing them too hard with your hands. Shape your patties however you like. In general, the patties should be about 4 inches (10 cm) across and ⁄ 4 inch (1.9 cm) high before cooking. Press a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) dimple into the center of each burger. Your burgers will cook quickly at the edges, and more slowly in the centers. To achieve a burger that is evenly cooked through, use your index and middle finger to press a dimple into the top of each burger. Aim to make the center of each patty about ⁄ 8 – ⁄ 4 inch (0.32–0.64 cm) lower than the edges of the patty. The dimple will also prevent your burgers from bulging up in the middle. Set a flat frying pan on a burner at medium-high heat. Depending on the number of burgers you're planning to cook, you can use either a large or a small frying pan. On most ranges, medium-high heat will be about 7. Add the burgers once the pan is hot. The patties should each sizzle when they hit the hot surface of the pan. Give each burger at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space on either side in the skillet, so that none of the burgers fuse together as they cook. Flip the patties with a thin spatula after a 3-5 minutes. Once the burgers have cooked for a few minutes, slide a thin spatula under each burger and flip it over. As when molding the patties, the burgers will stay juicier if you handle them as little as possible while cooking. When flipped, each burger should have be seared to a dark golden-brown on the bottom side. Cook the burgers for another 3-5 minutes on the second side. Cooking the burgers for 3-5 minutes on both sides should ensure that they're evenly cooked through. You'll know that the burger is done on the second side when it begins to sizzle. Look to see that the burger is a nice golden-brown color. Resist the urge to flip the burgers over 3 or 4 times. Once will be enough. Watch the side of the burgers to see how done they are. If you cut into a burger to see when it's done, you'll risk losing some of the juiciness you've worked hard to preserve. Instead, take a close look at the sides of a burger. If there's a slight line of pink in the middle of the side, the burger is medium-rare. If the sides are all browned, the burger is medium. Serve the burgers when they’re medium-rare or medium. As the burgers continue to cook, more juice will cook out of them. Ensure that you'll have a juicy, flavorful burger by serving the patty when it's medium-rare or medium. Set the burger on a bun, and garnish with tomato, lettuce, mustard, ketchup, and whatever else you choose. Pre-heat the grill before applying your burgers. Heat two separate regions of the grill: one to be a high-heat zone at about 250 °F (121 °C). Set the other as a low-heat zone, about 150 °F (66 °C). Let the grill pre-heat for 15 minutes before you apply the patties. Oil the grill as it pre-heats. While the grill is warming up, drizzle some olive oil onto a paper towel. Rub the paper towel along the surface of the grill to lubricate it. This will help your patties cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the grill as they brown. Set your patties on the high-heat side of the grill for about 2 minutes. The intense heat of the grill will create a delicious browned crust on either side of the burger, which adds to the rich flavor of the meat. If you were to leave the burger over high heat, the temperature would dry out the interior of the burger and eventually overcook the whole patty. Flip the burgers after about 2 minutes. After the burgers have cooked for about 2 minutes on the high-heat side of the grill, use a spatula to flip them over. When flipping the burgers, keep them at a distance of about ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm) from each other. If the burgers are too close together, they may cook unevenly or fuse together while cooking. Move the patties over to the low-heat side once they’re browned on both sides. Once both sides of the burgers are evenly browned, use your spatula to gingerly lift the patties and move them to the low-heat side of the grill. Keep a close eye on the cooking burgers so that you can remove them from the grill when they're as done as you'd like them to be. Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes on the low-heat side. Here, their juicy insides will continue to cook without getting dried out or burnt. Use the full surface of the low-heat side of your grill to keep the burgers from touching one another. Flip the burgers at about the 2-minute mark. This will ensure that all of the patties are evenly cooked through on both sides. Remove the burgers when they’re medium-rare to medium 130–140 °F (54–60 °C). Evaluate how cooked the burgers are by paying attention to their size and firmness. Burgers will shrink and tighten up as they cook. A rare burger will still be juicy if lightly pressed with a spatula, and will be soft and slightly squishy. If you're using a meat thermometer, a rare burger will be about 125 °F (52 °C). A medium-well burger will be about 150 °F (66 °C). If you cook your burger to a higher temperature, it will no longer be juicy. | Shop for fresh-ground meat to make burgers with. Purchase ground beef with 80% lean and 20% fat. Tear off a generous chunk of beef to form the patties. Handle the meat gently. Form burger patties with your hands. Press a 1⁄4 inch (0.64 cm) dimple into the center of each burger. Set a flat frying pan on a burner at medium-high heat. Add the burgers once the pan is hot. Flip the patties with a thin spatula after a 3-5 minutes. Cook the burgers for another 3-5 minutes on the second side. Watch the side of the burgers to see how done they are. Serve the burgers when they’re medium-rare or medium. Pre-heat the grill before applying your burgers. Oil the grill as it pre-heats. Set your patties on the high-heat side of the grill for about 2 minutes. Flip the burgers after about 2 minutes. Move the patties over to the low-heat side once they’re browned on both sides. Cook the burgers for 3-4 minutes on the low-heat side. Remove the burgers when they’re medium-rare to medium 130–140 °F (54–60 °C). |
https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Softball | How to Play Softball | If you're playing softball and it's your turn to bat, stand at home plate with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent, with your weight resting on your back leg. Wrap your hands around the rubber grip on the bat, with your throwing hand just above your non-throwing hand so that your hands are touching and your knuckles are lined up. Hold the bat slightly angled above your back shoulder, and when you swing, push off using your back leg for power. Keep the bat horizontal and follow through your swing all the way. | Know the difference between softball and baseball. Softball and baseball are variations of the same game. The primary difference is that a softball is pitched underhand, while a baseball is pitched overhand. As the name implies, there is also a difference in the balls used. Softballs are larger and a bit heavier than baseballs. Softballs are less dense and slightly softer than baseballs. Softballs are typically white but may be colored neon green or yellow in the interests of visibility (especially at night). Softball fields are typically smaller than baseball fields (because batted softballs don't travel as far as baseballs). Softball games last for seven innings instead of the nine innings typical of higher-level baseball games. The bats used in softball are a little shorter and have a wider barrel than the bats used in baseball. Understand the difference between slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball. There are two types of softball competition, with slight differences between them. Both follow the same general rules. Slow-pitch is typically coed, and, as the name suggests, the ball is pitched by lobbing it in a high, slow arc toward home plate. Fast-pitch is played primarily by women and features very quick pitches with large wind-ups. Know the rules. Most softball games consist of seven innings, each with two halves. The first (or "top") half is when the visiting team bats. The second (or "bottom") half is when the home team bats. Each half-inning is played until the fielding team manages to put out three batters or baserunners. The pitcher will pitch to a batter until one of four things happens : The batter gets three strikes against him/her. A strike occurs when the batter swings at a pitch but misses it (or hits it foul with less than two strikes against him/her), or when the pitch passes through the strike zone but the batter does not swing at it. The pitcher throws four "balls," which are pitches that fail to pass through the strike zone and which are not swung at by the batter. In this case the batter "walks," meaning s/he is awarded first base. The pitcher hits the batter with a pitch. In this case, too, the batter is awarded first base. (This applies only to fast-pitch softball. There is no such thing as a hit batter in slow-pitch.) The batter reaches base safely by virtue of a hit, a fielder's choice, or a fielding error (or rarer occurrences such as catcher's or runner's interference). To get a batter out, a pitcher can record three strikes against the batter, or a fielder can catch a batted fly-ball (in either fair or foul territory) before it hits the ground. If the batter hits a ground ball, s/he will be out at first base if a fielder can secure the batted ball and throw it to the first baseman who steps on first base before the batter can do so. To get a runner out, an infielder can tag the runner with the ball (or the gloved ball) while the runner is between bases. In the case of a "force out," a runner is forced to advance to the next base when there is nowhere else for him/her to go, and s/he may be put out by any infielder who while holding the ball steps on the base before the runner arrives there. In this case the fielder does not have to tag the runner. A force out commonly occurs when a batter hits the ball to an infielder, who throws it (or runs it) to first base before the batter can run there. When a batter hits a fair ball s/he may attempt to run as far around the bases as s/he thinks possible without being tagged out by the defense. Every time a runner crosses home plate, they score one “run” (or point) for their team. At the end of seven innings, the team with more runs wins the game. If the score is tied, the choice can be made to let the game end in a tie or play one or more extra innings until one team is ahead at the end of an inning. Know the positions. When a team is fielding (playing defense), each player is assigned a specific position on the field. There are two general areas of the field, the infield and the outfield. The infield is the dirt section of the field. The infielders consist of the pitcher, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, shortstop, and third baseman. The outfield is the grassy section farther from home plate consisting of left, center, and right field with an outfielder stationed in each. Some leagues (particularly in slow-pitch) allow a fourth outfielder such that the positions are left, left-center, right-center and right field. Although the catcher and pitcher are infielders, they are specialized positions that involve added practice time, often separate from the rest of the team. Find the right glove. When you're playing defense, you'll wear a leather glove on your non-throwing hand to help you catch thrown or batted balls. If you purchase a new glove, you will want to "break it in" by removing the stiffness of the new leather. There are several methods of doing this, including baking the glove in an oven with special oil applied, leaving it in the sun, or playing a lot of catch with it. Playing the catcher position in fast-pitch requires a special glove. The gloves of catchers (and first basemen) are called mitts. They are made of heavier construction than the typical softball glove. Choose a bat. Softball bats are not all the same. They must be chosen with a player's size and strength in mind. When you look for a bat, look at three primary factors: the length, the weight, and the style. To find a bat that is the right length, stand up straight and hold a bat by its knob at the end. If you can hold your arm straight down, and the bat touches the ground, it is the right length for you. If you have to bend your elbow, it is too long. If the bat doesn't touch the ground, it's too short. To find a bat that is the right weight, look at the drop. The drop is the numerical difference between the bat's height (in inches) and its weight (in ounces). The drop will range anywhere from -8 to -12. Lighter bats (near -12), are good for weak or slow batters. Heavier bats (near -8), are best for strong batters. You can also test the suitability of the bat's weight by placing it in your throwing hand and holding it straight out in front of you. If you can easily hold it at arm's length for a full minute or more, it is not too heavy for you. There are two main types of softball bats available, aluminum and composite. Each type is appropriate for both beginners and experienced players, but aluminum bats are more popular. These are also available in single- or double-walled construction. Single-walled are cheaper but slightly less effective than double-walled bats. Composite bats will hit the ball farther, but they can crack easily in cold weather. Purchase a batting helmet. Playing softball, especially fast-pitch, can be dangerous if you don't take safety precautions. Most fast-pitch leagues require batters to use a caged batting helmet (pictured above), but even if they don't, it is best to wear one when you are up to bat. Get a pair of cleated shoes. Cleats are used in several sports and give you better traction while running after a ball or between bases. For softball, rubber or plastic cleats are appropriate. Metal cleats are typically banned in softball leagues, as they pose a danger to sliding runners and infielders who try to tag them. Look for additional, optional gear. These include batting gloves, which cushion the hands, protect against blisters, and improve bat grip. If you are a fast-pitch catcher, you will want to use a mask, chest protector and shin guards. Some players who frequently slide into bases choose to wear sliding pads. Ready your stance. When you're up to bat it is not enough just to stand at the plate. Here are a few batting-stance tips to keep in mind every time you go up to hit: Keep your feet at shoulder width from each other. Place them equi-distant from home plate (unless you're trying to hit down one foul line or the other). Bend your knees and lean slightly toward home plate. Put more weight on your back leg. When you swing you will push off using your back leg for power. Keep the appropriate distance from the plate. To know how far away you should stand, stick your bat straight out over home plate as if you were in mid-swing. The barrel of the bat should be above the center of the plate. If not, back up or move closer to the plate. Hold the bat in a comfortable grip. When you bat you should be holding the rubber grip near the knobbed end. Your throwing hand should be higher on the bat than your non-throwing hand, and your hands should be touching each other as they grip the bat. Line up your knuckles on the handle of the bat. When you take your stance the bat should be held at a slight angle from vertical above your back shoulder. Hold the bat with your hands near your ear. Prepare to swing. Maintain your batting stance as the pitch comes toward you. Keep your knees bent and the bat positioned near your ear. Swing to hit the ball. Keep the bat horizontal as it sweeps through the strike zone. Don't reach for a bad pitch. Patiently wait for a good pitch. Swinging at a bad pitch rarely results in a hit. Swing “shoulder to shoulder.” This means that your chin starts out near your non-throwing shoulder, and you swing all the way around so that your throwing shoulder finishes near your chin. Swing hard with a strong follow-through. This means to continue the swing until the bat almost touches your non-throwing shoulder. If you hit the ball, don't drop the bat as soon as you make contact, as you will lose half of your power. Use all your strength and continue the swing until the bat has moved to the other side of your body. Move your feet. Most batters take a small step with their front foot toward the pitcher as they swing. The back foot normally remains planted, although you may find that you pivot on the ball of your back foot as you swing. An exception to the rule of keeping your back foot planted on the ground occurs if you're trying to hit to the opposite field. For instance, if a right-handed batter is trying to hit to right field, s/he may want to move her/his right foot farther from the plate just before swinging, thus facing more toward right field. Rotate your body with the swing. Remain flexible while you swing by twisting your torso slightly. This will add power to your swing. Keep your eye on the ball. Watch it all the way from the pitcher's hand to the point of contact with the bat. This will improve your chances of hitting the ball solidly. Once you hit the ball, softball etiquette requires that you not throw the bat. Instead, drop it as carefully as possible outside the baseline so that nobody trips over it. Move toward first base once you've hit a fair ball. Your goal is to get on base safely. If you're not sure whether your batted ball will land in fair territory, run hard toward first base until an umpire has indicated the ball is foul. Your first-base coach will help you decide whether to stop at first base or keep running. Your job is making it safely to or beyond first base rather than watching what is happening in the outfield. That's the coach's job. Stretch your arms before starting to throw. Injuring your arm is easy to do if you don't warm up your muscles first. Start by throwing to a nearby target. Although it's easy to get excited and start throwing at a target 100 feet (30.5 m) away, this is definitely not what you should do. Throwing too hard at first can increase the likelihood of injuring yourself. Start throwing at a target ten feet away. This may seem too close, but as your arm gets loosened up you will gradually back away from your target. To emphasize basics, start out by throwing from a kneeling position while holding your throwing elbow in place. This will force you to snap your wrist as you throw, a technique you should always use when throwing, because it adds power to your throw. After doing this for a while you can progress to standing. After every twenty or so throws you can back farther from your target. Don't back so far that you're making uncomfortably long throws repeatedly. Save that for the games. Get in the correct throwing stance. Start by standing perpendicular to your line of throw. When you begin the throw your throwing shoulder will face away from your target. Your feet should be level with each other and shoulder-width apart. To start a throw, you will probably want to hold the ball inside your glove near your chest. Keep a grip on the ball while it's in the glove. Grip the ball correctly. The best way to hold the ball is with your fingertips touching a seam. Wind up your arm to throw. Pull the ball from your glove, drop your arm down and back, then bring it up and around past your head to throw. Avoid drawing your elbow straight back as if you were pulling a slingshot or bow and arrow. This will limit the power and distance of your throw. Don't worry about dropping your throwing arm all the way down your side before bringing it back and around. Wind up your arm, and use the full weight of your body to aid in making the throw. Aim for your target. If you are playing catch, your target should always be your partner's chest. This goes for game throws, too. Make the throw. Bring your throwing arm down and back, and then around past the top of your head. Release the ball when your arm is fully extended in front of you. The release point depends on how high and far you want to throw. A higher release point means a higher (and longer) throw. You should have a strong follow-through on every throw you make. Your throwing hand should end up near the middle of your body after you have released the ball. This will help prevent you from developing a sidearm delivery and causing injury to your shoulder or elbow. Turn your shoulders and head toward your target on every throw. Be sure to maintain eye contact with your target. This will help direct the muscles in your body to throw where you want. Looking away can cause the ball to fly off in the wrong direction. Take a small step with your front foot on a short throw, a longer step for a longer throw. Use your gloved hand to point at your target as you wind up to throw, and then drop that arm to your side as you deliver the ball. Don’t worry about speed at first. The most important part of throwing is accuracy, not speed or strength. When you are first learning, focus on simply getting the ball to your target. You'll develop speed soon enough. Hold your glove properly. When you are playing catch it's important that your glove be held in front of your chest. Don't hold your glove with the pocket facing you or with the fingers pointing toward the ground. If you try to catch a ball like that, it could bounce up and hit you in the face. Don't hold your glove vertically, because if you don't have a good grip on the ball it might pop out of your glove right after you've caught it. Hold the glove wide open so that there is room for the ball to land. If your glove is even partially closed, the ball may hit the outside of the glove and fall to the ground instead of landing inside. Get in the ready position. If you are playing catch, the best position to be in is the “ready position,” with your knees slightly bent and your torso leaning slightly forward on the balls of your feet. This allows you to shuffle in any direction to catch a ball not headed straight for you. Keeping your feet too close together could cause you to trip or make it harder to get a good jump on a ball hit far away from you. Keep your eyes open. Softballs, contrary to what the name suggests, can be painful if they hit you. Keep your glove in the ready position to catch a stray ball coming your way. Play catch whenever you can. The best way to practice catching is simply to play catch. Practice throwing and catching in the ready position. Concentrate on holding your glove the right way. To start, have balls thrown toward your chest. This is the most basic catching practice and will help you to warm up. Squeeze the ball in your glove every time you make a catch to keep it from bouncing out of the glove. Use your throwing hand to trap the ball inside as soon as it enters the glove. Have your partner throw balls slowly to start before making stronger throws. This will help you get used to the contact and grip necessary to catch the ball. Learn to catch grounders. A grounder is a ball hit or thrown that rolls or bounces along the ground. You catch them with a different method than balls in the air. Get in the ready position, but instead of holding your glove to your chest, hold it near the ground. The tips of the fingers should touch the dirt or grass to prevent the ball from rolling under the glove. Be ready to move to either side, as rocks or tufts of grass can cause the ball to make a sudden change in direction. Although your glove should be open toward the ball with the fingertips touching the ground, don't hold it so that the ball could bounce up and hit you in the face. Keep it at a slight angle to prevent this. Stand up after catching a grounder to make a throw. Don't try to make a throw from your position near the ground. Learn how to catch pop-flies. A pop-fly is a ball hit high in the air above the infield or shallow outfield. Hold your glove near your face. Move under the ball. If you need to back up, don't run backwards, because you could trip and fall. Instead turn your body so that you can run back sideways while looking up at the ball. Position yourself so that you don't have to reach out to catch the ball. Stand directly beneath it so that you catch it near your face. Reaching for it will increase the likelihood that the ball will bounce off or out of your glove. If necessary, block out the sun or field lights with your glove to help you see before making the catch. Bring the glove back to your chest before grabbing the ball with your throwing hand. This will help you realign your body into the proper throwing position. | Know the difference between softball and baseball. Understand the difference between slow-pitch and fast-pitch softball. Know the rules. Know the positions. Find the right glove. Choose a bat. Purchase a batting helmet. Get a pair of cleated shoes. Look for additional, optional gear. Ready your stance. Hold the bat in a comfortable grip. Prepare to swing. Swing to hit the ball. Move toward first base once you've hit a fair ball. Stretch your arms before starting to throw. Start by throwing to a nearby target. Get in the correct throwing stance. Grip the ball correctly. Wind up your arm to throw. Aim for your target. Make the throw. Don’t worry about speed at first. Hold your glove properly. Get in the ready position. Play catch whenever you can. Learn to catch grounders. Learn how to catch pop-flies. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Decorate-a-Table-with-Tulle | How to Decorate a Table with Tulle | To decorate a table with tulle, put a solid-colored tablecloth onto the table, and wrap an elastic band around the table. Then, cut the tulle to twice the height of the table and tie it in the middle to the elastic band. Repeat that process until the entire table's circumference has been completed. Then, wrap a satin ribbon around the elastic band to hide it and make it look more professional. | Choose a solid-colored tablecloth to use as your base. Even though you'll be adding tulle, you still want something on your table to cover the top and sides. You can use a fabric tablecloth or a plastic one, but it needs to be solid-colored. The color can match the tulle that you will be using, or it can coordinate with it. For example, you can use a white tablecloth with white tulle, or you can pair a white tablecloth with pink tulle. Match the tablecloth shape to the table. Use a round tablecloth for a round table, and a rectangular tablecloth for a rectangular table. Make sure that the tablecloth is big enough to reach the floor. If you need to, use 2 or more tablecloths. Drape the tablecloth over the table. Smooth out any wrinkles, and make sure that it is centered. Don't worry about the tablecloth sliding around; you will be wrapping things around the tabletop, which will help hold it in place. If you are worried about the tablecloth slipping, secure it to the table with strips of double-sided tape. Put these on before you add the tablecloth. If your fabric tablecloth is wrinkled, be sure to iron it. Use a heat setting that is suitable for the fabric. Get a strand of string lights if you want a more magical display. Regular string lights will work, but you will need to droop the strand every 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) so that the sides of the tablecloth are covered. Match the wire color to the tablecloth, or stick with gold or silver wire. Other great options include: Battery-operated string lights: these are great for tables that won't be against a wall or near an outlet. Icicle lights: they typically need to be plugged in, but at least you won't have to droop the strand every 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm). Netted lights: used for shrubs, they are a great if you want a lot of lights. Depending on the table's size, you may need several panels. Secure the lights to the table with clear packaging tape. Starting at a table corner, begin wrapping the lights around the tabletop's edge. Secure the wire to the tablecloth with clear packaging tape every 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) so that it doesn't slide off. If you are using regular string lights, droop the wire by 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) so that you cover more surface area. If you don't, the top of the tutu will cover them. If you are using battery-operated lights, strap the battery pack to the bottom of the table leg, just below the tablecloth. Don't turn them on yet to save battery power. If you are using plug-in lights, make sure that there is an outlet nearby. You don't have to plug them in yet. Measure the circumference of your table. Use a measuring tape to measure all 4 sides of your table, then add them together. This will tell you how much elastic you will need to buy. You will need to buy enough elastic for all 4 sides of your table, even if it will be up against a wall. If your table is circular, wrap the measuring tape around the perimeter. Wrap elastic around the table and secure it in the back. Wrap ⁄ 8 in (1.6 cm) wide elastic around the edge of your table. Tie the ends together in the back of the table with a double-knot, or overlap them and secure them with a pin. Pin the elastic to the tablecloth every 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) so that it doesn't slide off. Match the elastic color to the tulle. Fold-over elastic is a great option because it comes in many colors. Wrap the elastic tightly enough so that it doesn't slide off, but loose enough so that you can still slide your finger under it. Purchase some spools of tulle. They are about 6 inches (15 cm) wide, and you can find them near the ribbon or wedding section of a craft or fabric store. If you can't find any, buy regular tulle off the bolt at a fabric store, then cut it into 6 in (15 cm) wide strips. Plan on getting 2 to 3 spools that are 100 yards (91 m) each. You can use all 1 color, or you can use multiple colors for a more interesting effect. For example, you can use light pink and dark pink instead of just light pink. Try a rainbow of colors: pink, orange, pastel yellow, mint green, pale blue, and light purple. For a more magical display, consider using sparkly or glittery tulle. Cut your tulle into strips that are twice the height of your table. Measure the height of your table first, from the floor all the way to the table top. Double your measurement, then cut your tulle into strips that match that length. How many strips you cut depends on how much coverage you want on your table. Cut just a few for right now. Cut a piece of cardboard to the height of your table. Wrap the tulle around it, then cut the bottom edge to separate the strands. Secure the first strip to the elastic with a slip-knot. Take 1 strip and fold it in half so that the narrow ends match up. Slide the folded end behind the elastic to make a loop, then pull the 2 tulle tails through the loop to tighten the knot. Make sure that the folded end is pointing down when you slide it behind the elastic, not up. The tighter you make the knot, the fuller your tutu will be. Continue to tie the tulle strips around the table until the elastic is full. Make sure that the knots are touching each other. If you leave too much space between the knots, your table tutu won't be very full. If you run out of strips, cut some more. If the table will be against a wall, you only need to cover the sides that will be visible. If a pin gets in the way, you may need to move it. Wrap satin ribbon around the top edge for a simple look. Choose a ribbon color that goes well with your table. Measure the circumference of your table, then cut the ribbon accordingly. Wrap the ribbon around the tabletop so that it covers the knots. Use a drop of hot glue or fabric glue every 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) to secure the ribbon to the tutu. Make sure that the ends of the ribbon are in the back of the table. Match the color to the tutu or the tablecloth. You can also use a darker shade than the tutu (i.e.: dark pink ribbon for a light pink tutu). Choose a ribbon that is wide enough to cover the knots. Something that is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) will work fine, but you can go wider. Use a chiffon flower trim instead if you want a girly look. Measure the circumference of your table, then cut some chiffon flower trim to that length. Glue the trim around the edge of the table to hide the knots from the tulle. You can use fabric glue or hot glue for this. For a non-permanent option, use pins instead. The bulk of the flowers should help hide the pins. Choose a trim that is wide enough to cover the knots. It can be the same color as the tulle and/or tablecloth, or a coordinating color. You can find this trim at a fabric store's trim and ribbon section. Some craft stores may sell ribbon that looks similar. Upgrade a ribbon or flower trim with glittery silhouettes, if desired. Wrap your ribbon or chiffon flower trim around the table first. Next, use a stencil to trace shapes onto the back of glittery scrapbooking paper. Cut the shapes out, then secure them to the trim with hot glue or fabric glue. Use shapes and colors that match your theme. For example, use princess crowns for a princess party, or hearts for a wedding. The shapes should be around 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) tall. Don't get carried away. You only need 1 shape at each corner, and 1 shape in the middle. Wrap a floral garland around the tabletop if you want a forest look. Measure the circumference of your table, then buy a floral garland that's close to that length. Cut the garland shorter, if needed, then wrap it around the tabletop. Use T-shaped floral pins to secure it to the tutu, making sure that you go through the tulle, elastic, and tablecloth. Again, if the table is against a wall, you only need to cover 3 sides. For a fairy look, use a garland with flowers; they can have some green leaves too. Make sure that the colors go well with your tutu. For a fall look, use a garland made from maple leaves in reds, oranges, and yellows. For a forest or garden look, stick with a green garland--ferns would look lovely, but you can also use ivy or evergreen. Create a fancier look with a scalloped fabric tablecloth. Finish your tutu first, then drape a second, solid-colored tablecloth over your table. Starting at a corner, gather the bottom edge of the tablecloth, and secure it to the top edge of the tutu with a safety pin. Do this a few more times along the edges of your table until you get the look you want. A plain fabric tablecloth would work fine, but a nicer fabric, such as velvet, would work better. Don't use plastic. Cover the safety pins with large, silk flowers or satin ribbon bows. Alternatively, wrap the fabric around the edges of the table instead. This way, the top of the table will be exposed. Use a different color or shade from the tutu. For example, you can use dark blue for a light blue tutu, or purple for a pink tutu. Use beaded garlands instead of fabric as an alternative. Wrap a beaded pearl garland around the top edge of your table. Safety pin it at each corner and every 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm). Let the garland droop a little between each pin to create a scalloped look. You can do this in addition to fabric scallops for an even fancier look. Make the beaded scallops droop lower than the fabric ones. | Choose a solid-colored tablecloth to use as your base. Drape the tablecloth over the table. Get a strand of string lights if you want a more magical display. Secure the lights to the table with clear packaging tape. Measure the circumference of your table. Wrap elastic around the table and secure it in the back. Purchase some spools of tulle. Cut your tulle into strips that are twice the height of your table. Secure the first strip to the elastic with a slip-knot. Continue to tie the tulle strips around the table until the elastic is full. Wrap satin ribbon around the top edge for a simple look. Use a chiffon flower trim instead if you want a girly look. Upgrade a ribbon or flower trim with glittery silhouettes, if desired. Wrap a floral garland around the tabletop if you want a forest look. Create a fancier look with a scalloped fabric tablecloth. Use beaded garlands instead of fabric as an alternative. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Spring-Roll-Wrappers | How to Make Spring Roll Wrappers | To make wheat spring roll wrappers, start by mixing egg, water, and flour until a dough forms. Then, knead the dough for several minutes before chilling it in the fridge for 8-12 hours. Next, roll out the dough, and cut it into 4-inch squares using a knife. Finally, flatten each square with a rolling pin until the wrappers measure about 6 inches on each side. | Form a flour well. Place the wheat-based bread flour in a large bowl, using your hands or a spoon to form a well in the center. While not strictly necessary, it's a good idea to sift the flour into the bowl to remove any lumps and make it less dense. If necessary, you could use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour, but the resulting wrappers might be slightly less durable. Beat in the egg and water. Add the beaten egg and cold water to the center of the flour well. Gradually beat these ingredients into the flour until well-combined. The resulting dough should be very smooth. Start by adding only 1 Tbsp (15 ml) of cold water, then gradually add more water as needed to achieve the desired texture. Use cold water only; warm water may make the dough too sticky to work with. Knead the dough. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Knead it for several minutes, or until it becomes notably more elastic. If there's enough room in the bowl, you could knead the dough in the bowl during this step. You should handle the dough with well-floured hands either way. Chill overnight. Return the dough to the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then place the dough into your refrigerator. Let it remain there overnight. While it chills, the dough should become firmer and easier to handle. You need to give it at least 4 hours, but 8 to 12 hours will be best. Roll out the dough. Turn the chilled dough out onto a well-floured surface. Roll the batch into a rectangle measuring roughly 12 inches (30.5 cm) wide and 16 inches (40.6 cm) long. You also need to apply generous amounts of flour to the rolling pin used for this step. Avoid sprinkling too much flour directly over the dough since adding too much excess flour may result in denser, less crispy wrappers. If the dough seems too sticky as you work with it, try refrigerating it for a longer period of time. Cut the dough into squares. Use a smooth knife to cut the dough into 12 squares, each measuring 4 inches (10 cm) on all sides. You'll need to make four columns across the top and three rows along the side to produce 12 evenly sized squares. Flatten each square. Using a floured rolling pin, flatten each square until it measures roughly 6 inches (15 cm) on all sides. Use as needed. Stack the wrappers, layering plastic wrap or parchment paper in between each one. Tightly wrap the entire stack with additional plastic wrap and refrigerate the wrappers until you're ready to use them. These wrappers will dry out if stored for prolonged periods, so you should try to use them within several days. Combine the dry ingredients. Sift the flour, corn starch, and salt into a medium mixing bowl. Stir well to combine. If desired, you could sift the combined dry ingredients a second time to remove any lumps that formed during the mixing process. The second sift is not strictly necessary, though. Add the water. Pour the water into the dry ingredients. Whisk it into the mixture until a smooth batter forms. Continue whisking and beating the batter for a few minutes to work out any lumps. The batter should be as smooth as possible before you continue. Heat the oil. Pour the oil into a medium frying pan. Place the pan on the stove over medium heat. If you don't want to use vegetable oil, you could grease the pan with nonstick cooking spray, instead. Turn the pan to spread the oil across the bottom. When the oil is hot enough, it should spread without difficulty. Ladle the batter into the pan. Scoop up 1/4 cup (60 ml) or less of the batter, then carefully pour it into the center of the pan. Working quickly, rotate the pan to spread the batter into a thin, wide circle. Alternatively, you could spread the batter with the back of the ladle or with a moist pastry brush. Cook until the wrapper sets. Cook the wrapper for several minutes. As soon as the edges begin peeling up, remove the wrapper from the pan using a spatula or fork. Neither side should brown, but both sides should be set. If the top does not appear set when the edges begin rising, carefully flip the wrapper over to the other side and cook it for an additional few seconds before removing it completely. Repeat with the remaining batter. Pour and cook the remaining batter, following the same procedure. Continue until you no longer have any batter left. Stack the finished wrappers on top of one another, placing wax paper or parchment paper in between layers to prevent them from sticking together. Cover the entire stack with a damp paper towel to prevent the wrappers from drying out. Use as needed. These wrappers are best when used immediately, but if necessary, you can store them in airtight containers in your refrigerator for several days. Keep the layers separated during refrigeration. Note that you may need to dampen the wrappers with a little water before use if they dry out during refrigeration. Combine the dry ingredients. Sift together the rice flour, starch, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together using a wooden spoon. After combining the ingredients, consider sifting them again to remove any lumps that may have formed during the mixing process. Combine the wet ingredients. Place the eggs, vegetable oil, and water into a separate medium mixing bowl. Whisk until evenly combined. While not strictly necessary, it's a good idea to lightly beat the eggs (enough to combine the whites and yolks) before adding the oil and water. Doing so makes it easier to evenly distribute the whites and yolks. Mix both sets together. Form a well with the dry mixture, then pour the liquid mixture into that well. Gradually combine the two mixtures with a wooden spoon until evenly mixed. After mixing the two sets, continue beating them with a whisk until nearly all of the lumps are gone. The batter must be as smooth as possible. Chill for one hour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in your refrigerator for approximately one hour. Chilling the batter will thicken it slightly, but it should still be a liquid batter instead of a solid dough. Heat a medium frying pan. Spray a medium nonstick frying pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set the pan onto the stove over medium heat. If necessary, you could add a little oil to the pan instead of using cooking spray. Only add 1 tsp (5 ml) or so, however; adding too much oil can give the wrappers an undesirable greasy texture and taste. Allow the pan to heat up for 30 to 60 seconds before continuing. Pour the batter into the hot pan. Scoop up approximately 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the chilled batter, then carefully ladle it into the center of the pan. Since the batter is thick, it may not spread out far on its own. Use the back of the ladle to swirl the batter around, forming a very thin film over the bottom of the pan. Cook until set. Cook the film for a couple of minutes. As soon as it sets and forms a solid wrapper, carefully lift it off from the bottom of the pan using a spatula or fork. You should not attempt to flip the wrapper over while cooking it. Note that neither side of the wrapper should brown, either. Repeat with the remaining batter. Ladle the rest of the batter into the hot pan, working with 1/4 cup (60 ml) or so each time. Consider keeping the batter in the refrigerator in between batches, especially if it starts getting thin while pouring it. You can stack the finished wrappers, but keep sheets of wax paper or parchment paper in between each one to prevent them from sticking. Use as needed. These wrappers are best when used immediately, but you can also save them in the refrigerator for one or two days. Keep each wrapper separated by plastic wrap or wax paper. Cover the entire batch with plastic wrap before storing the wrappers. | Form a flour well. Beat in the egg and water. Knead the dough. Chill overnight. Roll out the dough. Cut the dough into squares. Flatten each square. Use as needed. Combine the dry ingredients. Add the water. Heat the oil. Ladle the batter into the pan. Cook until the wrapper sets. Repeat with the remaining batter. Use as needed. Combine the dry ingredients. Combine the wet ingredients. Mix both sets together. Chill for one hour. Heat a medium frying pan. Pour the batter into the hot pan. Cook until set. Repeat with the remaining batter. Use as needed. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-April-Fool%27s-Food | How to Make April Fool's Food | To make April Fool's food, try removing the icing in between Oreo cookies and replacing it with white toothpaste. You can also fool someone by injecting mayonnaise into a jelly or cream donut using a syringe. Or, you can cut a donut without a hole in it in half horizontally and sandwich a dark brown cookie in between to make someone think it's a burger. Add real lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes to make it look even more convincing. | Combine two halves of a donut with a chocolate cookie for a fake burger. Cut a donut with no hole in the center in half horizontally, and place a dark chocolate cookie in the center. Make sure the cookie looks completely browned. Use a raspberry jelly filled donut to create fake "ketchup" oozing from the sides, which can make the burger look more convincing. Slices of real lettuce, cheese, and tomato can bring the prank together visually, but it certainly won't taste good. Tie O-shaped cereal together with a thin string for a breakfast prank. Using a very long and thin string, thread each and every cereal piece in the box together to create a chain of cereal. When your victim goes to pour out a bowl of cereal in the morning, they'll realize that the cereal is all connected and impossible to eat! Use at least 2 feet (0.61 m) of string to create a long chain of cereal. When the joke is over, you can just cut the string and let the cereal fall off of the chain back into the box. Make a fake fried egg with yogurt and apricot. Arrange a spoonful of natural yogurt in a neat oval on a plate. Cut an apricot in half and place it inside-down on top of the yogurt, to create a "yolk" for the "egg whites." Not only does it look like a fried egg, but it actually tastes pretty good for a breakfast prank! Make a slice of buttered toast and some rashers of bacon to serve with the fake fried egg to sell the act. Prepare jello and serve it as a drink. Prepare the jello according to the directions on the packet, but separate the mix into a few drinking glasses before allowing it to cool in the fridge. Put a straw in each glass and allow the jello to solidify for a few minutes. Your guests will have a very hard time drinking any of the "juice" you offer them! Use orange jello to make your drink look like orange juice, red jello to make it look like fruit punch, or lemon jello to make the drink look like lemonade. Dye the milk a sickly color, or replace it with something else entirely! If your milk comes in cartons, turn it a different color with a few drops of food colouring, or substitute something entirely different, like orange juice. No one will notice anything is wrong until they go to pour out a nice, refreshing glass of "milk". Use a combination of blue and green to make the milk look moldy, or a combination of yellow and green to make it look curdled. Try the classic mentos in soda prank. Tie a string around a Mentos mint and hang it just inside the mouth of a 2 litres (68 fl oz) soda. Screw the lid back on while holding the string. When the lid is tight again, cut off the leftover string so the prank is unnoticeable. Ask your chosen victim to get you a glass of soda — when they open the bottle, the Mentos mint will drop in, and the soda will explode out all over the place. Be careful where you pull this prank, as it can get very messy very quickly. The mentos in soda trick is best to do outside or in a place where the soda can be easily mopped up. Fake-out your victim with apples that look like french fries. Peel two apples and cut them with a crinkle cutter for a crinkled look or with a regular knife for straight "fries." Sprinkle plenty of cinnamon and sugar onto them, then bake the apples on a baking sheet at 400 °F (204 °C) for 8 to 12 minutes. They may smell sweet, but your guests won't know something is up until they take a bite. You can drizzle strawberry preserves on the fries or leave a big glob on the plate to look like ketchup. Remove the icing from Oreos and replace it with toothpaste. Carefully separate Oreo cookies in half and scrape away the insides with a butterknife. Then, using a clear white toothpaste, squirt the new filling inside and put the top and bottom back together. If your victim asks you why they smell minty, just say they are a special line of Oreo! Be sure to use fluoride-free toothpaste, as fluoride can be dangerous to kids in large amounts if ingested. It's totally fine for your teeth, but not for your stomach. Fill a jelly or cream donut with mayonnaise. Take a jelly or cream donut and try as best as you can to remove the filling with a syringe. Then, replace the filling with mayonnaise with a different syringe. Serve them to your victim for breakfast for an early-morning prank that they'll taste for days! If you can't remove the jelly or cream from your donut, don't worry about it. Just inject mayonnaise into the donut on one side and watch your victim eat the gross blend of flavors. | Combine two halves of a donut with a chocolate cookie for a fake burger. Tie O-shaped cereal together with a thin string for a breakfast prank. Make a fake fried egg with yogurt and apricot. Prepare jello and serve it as a drink. Dye the milk a sickly color, or replace it with something else entirely! Try the classic mentos in soda prank. Fake-out your victim with apples that look like french fries. Remove the icing from Oreos and replace it with toothpaste. Fill a jelly or cream donut with mayonnaise. |
https://www.wikihow.com/180-on-a-Skateboard | How to 180 on a Skateboard | To do a frontside 180 on a skateboard, start by standing on the board with your back foot on the tail end and your front foot halfway up the board. Next, push off with your back foot to gain some speed. After a few pushes, place your foot back on the tail end and push down on the back of the board so that it hits the ground. At that point, shift your weight in the direction you want to spin, making sure to start from your shoulders. Then, keep your knees bent to absorb the shock as the front of your board drops back onto the ground. | Practice getting into the ollie 180 position. If you're new to doing a 180 on your skateboard or haven't done the trick in a while it's a good idea to get your body used to being in the proper position. Practice skating around for a bit by pushing off and then situating your body into the right position. Position your back foot for an ollie. The ollie is the most fundamental skateboard trick and it's incorporated into pretty much every trick you'll do. And the 180 is an ollie where you turn your board and body 180-degrees. For the 180 you'll be turning around either behind you for a backside 180, or in front of you for a frontside 180. Once you have the ollie down, you're well on your way to doing a 180 skateboard trick! If you ride “regular” you will have your right foot in the back positioned on the tail of the board. If you ride “goofy” then your left foot will be in back on the tail. You want to position your back foot on the tip of the tail. To do a 180 on the skateboard, you'll want to position your back foot on the corner of the tail. Position your front foot for an ollie. For a straight ollie your front foot will be centered about halfway up the board or slightly back. You also want to put more pressure on the outer edge of your foot (the side your pinky toe is on). To help you with turning, plant your front foot so its slightly hanging over the opposite edge of board from your back foot. This may feel awkward but it will help to keep your board balanced when you're in the air. Set your shoulders. Your shoulders and your upper body is where most of the work will come from when you perform your 180. By setting your shoulders correctly you will be able to turn your body quickly enough and this should allow your legs and the board to follow. You might be tempted to try and force the board to turn using mostly your legs, but you won't get enough torque this way. For a backside 180, position your front shoulder slightly in front of your chest and dip it down so when you pull up you have more momentum to work with. For a frontside 180, you want to position back shoulder in front of your chest and dip it down as well so you can pull up and create momentum. Bend your knees. You don't want too much of a bend so that you end up crouching too low as that won't allow you to pop high enough. You should stand with relaxed knees like you're getting ready to hop slightly. If you are bending correctly you should be able to slide your front forward up the board with ease. Get some speed. While you can perform a 180 on your skateboard from a stand still position, it will be easier if you already have some momentum going. A few pushes should work (if you are doing a gap then do more pushes, but you should only try this if you have done a 180 plenty of times before). If this is your first time attempting this trick or you're still new to it, then you should go at a slower pace so you have more of a handle on your board. Put your feet in an ollie position. Once you've got a few pushes in and have some momentum built up, it's time to place your feet in the modified ollie position for your 180. Plant your back foot on the tail of your board while you rotate and slide your front foot to the edge of the board. Remember that your back foot should be on the back edge of the tail. Wind up the opposite way you want to spin. If you're doing a backside 180, have your front shoulder slightly lowered and in front of you and bend your knees. For a frontside, do the same with your back shoulder. This part may feel natural, but if you wind too far, then you'll over spin. If you don't wind enough, then you won't spin enough. This might take some practice so just remember to keep patient. When you do try to execute the trick if you spin too much you'll over rotate and you may lose your board from under you. If you don't spin enough your board won't turn enough and may land sideways causing a stop to forward momentum. Start by doing an ollie. You may also want to start to turn the board in the direction you want it to go with your back foot. For a backside 180 you'll be turning towards your back instead of your front, and vice versa for a frontside. It will be complicated in the beginning, and takes a few tries to fully get it. For a backside 180, if you ride “goofy” you'll want to start to turn the board to your right, and if you're “regular” turn the board to your left. For a frontside 180, “goofy riders will start to turn the board left, and “regular” riders will turn the board right. Snap downward with your back foot. Push the tail of your board down until it hits the ground. When you feel it hit, that's when you'll begin to slide your front foot upwards. Use force, but not too much, as too much pressure won't allow you to get the lift you need. Swipe your front foot up and to the opposite side of your board that it was originally planted on when you are doing the ollie. For “regular” skaters you'll swipe your left foot up and left for a backside 180, and right for a frontside 180. For “goofy” skaters you'll swipe your right foot up and right for a backside 180, and left for a frontside 180. Shift your weight in the direction you want to spin. Remember here that you're turning starting at the top of your body with your shoulders and then letting your legs follow you. As you spin your shoulders and then your waist and legs, lift your body upwards with your board. Don't lock your knees. If you extend your legs and lock your knees you will push the board down and away from you, preventing it from spinning along with you. Follow your shoulders with your feet. While you get the most torque and start your 180 with your shoulders, you end with your feet. Here with a backside 180 you're pushing your back foot forward while pulling back with your front front foot. With a frontside 180 you're pushing your front foot forward while pulling backwards on your back foot. Unwind your body. If you've executed the 180 correctly, you'll now be in mid air and your body will still be slightly wound up as your shoulders finish rotating with your feet not far behind. This will all be happening in less than a second so try to just trust your body. Your momentum combined with how your body naturally moves should allow you unwind without trying too hard. Try not to overcompensate when unwinding though, as you might turn too far and land at an awkward angle that could send your board flying out from under you. Make a clean landing. Of course, this is a lot easier said than done, but if you've successfully completed the 180-degree rotation then you should hit the ground rolling. Take note that you will be riding switch (with your opposite foot forward) when properly executed, so you may want to get used to riding with your opposite stance. Keep your knees bent so that you can properly absorb the shock of landing. This will also keep you balanced on your board, which may be harder for you if you're not used to riding switch. If you're having a hard time landing straight the best thing you can do is to just keep practicing and take note of how far you are rotating. If you're not making it far enough try turning your shoulders more. If you're going too far, then do the opposite and ease up a bit. | Practice getting into the ollie 180 position. Position your back foot for an ollie. Position your front foot for an ollie. Set your shoulders. Bend your knees. Get some speed. Put your feet in an ollie position. Wind up the opposite way you want to spin. Start by doing an ollie. Snap downward with your back foot. Swipe your front foot up and to the opposite side of your board that it was originally planted on when you are doing the ollie. Shift your weight in the direction you want to spin. Follow your shoulders with your feet. Unwind your body. Make a clean landing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Speak-Nepali | How to Speak Nepali | To learn how to speak Nepali, start by tackling the basics, such as “Namaste” for hello and goodbye, “Subha prabhat” for good morning, and “Subha sandhya” for good evening. Then, start learning how to ask questions, like “Tapai laai kasto chha?” for “How are you?” or, “Tapai ko naam ke ho?” for “What's your name?” As you get more confident with basic phrases, purchase a Nepali grammar book to study the basic sentence structure, and consult online resources such as Nepali TV shows and radio broadcasts to get used to the language. | Learn basic Nepali pronunciation. Start by learning how to pronounce Nepali words using the Latin alphabet, before attempting to learn the Devanāgarī alphabet. Nepalese is largely phonetic in the Latin alphabet, although there are some sounds in Nepali that are not commonly made when speaking English. There are also differences in pronunciation between various national and regional dialects. If you're planning a trip to Nepal or Myanmar, practice the regional dialect of that specific region. Learn Nepali greetings. As a first step in learning to speak Nepali, pick up a few common phrases of greeting that are spoken between Nepali individuals. The general Nepali greeting is “Namaste.” This is pronounced “nah-mah-stay.” Conveniently, “Namaste” also means goodbye. Address older men and older women respectfully as “dai” or “didi,” respectively. Tell someone “Good morning” by saying, “Subha prabhat.” Tell someone “Good evening” by saying “Subha sandhya.” Ask “How are you?” by saying, “Tapai laai kasto chha?” Ask someone what their name is by saying, “Tapai ko naam ke ho?” Pick up a few important Nepali words and phrases. With a few basic phrases under your belt, you can have a rudimentary conversation. This is useful for practical purposes: if you're traveling to Nepal, phrases like these can help you communicate to native speakers before you've mastered the Nepali language. Learn phrases including: “Please speak more slowly.” “Bistaarai bhannus.” “I don't understand.” “Maile bujhina.” “Leave me alone!” “Malai eklai chodnuhos!” “Have a nice day.” “Subha din.” These phrases will be the same regardless of the gender of the individual you're addressing. Learn a few easy questions. Questions will help you communicate with Nepali speakers. They're a great way to start a conversation, or to quickly learn necessary information. If you're traveling to Nepal, you can figure out in advance common questions that you anticipate asking, and master their pronunciation. “Where are you going?” “Kahaan jaane?” “Could you take my photo?” “Mero tasbeer khichna saknu hunchha?” “Do you speak English?” “Tapaain angrejee boln saknuhunchha?” “Do you speak Nepali?” “Ke tapai Nepali bolnuhunchha?” “Where is the toilet?” “Sauchalaya kata chha?” Purchase a Nepali grammar book. To move beyond the basics of Nepali phrases, delve into a grammar book. This will help you improve at basics and learn more complex aspects of the Nepali language. You should be able to find Nepali grammar books at most large bookstores, or a store specializing in language education supplies. If you're serious about learning Nepali, it would also be a good idea to purchase a Nepali / English dictionary and a Nepali phrasebook. Use online language instruction sites. Look online for a well-developed site that covers pronunciation, vocabulary, verb conjugation, and comprehension. Online resources typically contain audio clips of native speakers pronouncing Nepali words and phrases, which will accelerate your learning. Check out useful websites including My Languages, PolyMath, or NepalGo. Create flashcards to improve memorization. Flashcards can help with memorizing parts of Nepali like pronunciation, verb conjugation, and vocabulary. Write a Nepali word or phrase on the front of a notecard, and the English translation on the back. Try to remember each of the Nepali words and phrases, and flip the card over to read the back if you can't remember what a phrase means. Flashcards only work if you refer to them frequently. Make them part of your daily routine: quiz yourself on Nepali vocabulary before bed, or flip through a stack of vocabulary words over breakfast. Watch and listen to Nepali television. Many TV shows are aired in Nepalese. Watching one or more of these will increase your level of immersion in the language, and show you how native Nepali speakers pronounce words and converse with one another. Keep the subtitles on at first so you can match Nepalese words with English phrases. Popular contemporary Nepali shows include “Meri Bassai,” “Tito Satya,” and “Jire Khursani.” If you can't find a TV channel dedicated to Nepalese shows, try looking online. Various Nepali shows stream on YouTube, and other networks stream their content online. For example, check out Kantipur TV Live at https://kantipurtv.com/live. Read Nepalese literature or magazines. The more you absorb the Nepali language through any means, the faster you'll learn to speak it. There is a wealth of Nepalese periodical sites online that you can read. For example, check out a variety of newspapers at http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/nepal.htm. If you'd rather read Nepalese literature, find a copy of Muna Madan by Laxmi Devkota or Mountains Painted with Turmeric by Lil Bahadur Chettri. Note that reading Nepalese will not necessarily improve your ability to speak the language. But, if you practice reading passages out loud, you'll improve your phrase recognition. Converse with Nepali speakers in your community or online. Once you've mastered a few Nepalese basics, you can improve your speaking ability by conversing with a fluent Nepali speaker. Speaking with someone fluent in Nepali will allow you to expand your vocabulary and pronunciation. Find a Nepali tutor in your area, or search online for a Nepali chat forum. If you know anyone from Nepal who is learning English, you could help them speak English after they help you speak Nepali. Plan a trip to Nepal. Full immersion in a language can only come if you travel to the area(s) where the language is most commonly spoken. Take a trip to Nepal for at least a week or two. You'll be surrounded by Nepalese speakers, allowing you to hear Nepalese speech and pronunciation. When traveling to Nepal, you'll need to have a current passport and a Tourist Visa. If you have friends who speak Nepali fluently, ask them to come on your trip with you. They can act as a “translator” and help you out if you forget some vocabulary or have trouble communicating. Study Nepali in an online course. If you're not near a university or community college that offers Nepali courses—or if you prefer to learn on your own, outside of a classroom setting—look into studying Nepali in an online course. Studying online will give you freedom to learn anywhere you have an internet connection. You can still benefit from learning collaboratively, though, since you and your online classmates will be learning the same material simultaneously. In addition to Cornell and various community colleges, online Nepali courses are offered through various institutions, both academic and non-academic. These include Language Trainers (in the UK) and the Peace Corps. Take an in-seat class to learn Nepali. If you'd like to dedicate several months to learning the components of Nepali grammar and pronunciation, look into taking a class at a local university or community college. You'll learn in a collaborative environment and will be able to practice your speech with classmates. A class also benefits you by giving you recourse to a Nepali expert (the instructor) at any time. Cornell University offers Nepali language courses both on campus and online. The University of Chicago also offers Nepali classes through its South Asia Language Resource Center. Contact your local community college and ask if they offer classes in the Nepali language. | Learn basic Nepali pronunciation. Learn Nepali greetings. Pick up a few important Nepali words and phrases. Learn a few easy questions. Purchase a Nepali grammar book. Use online language instruction sites. Create flashcards to improve memorization. Watch and listen to Nepali television. Read Nepalese literature or magazines. Converse with Nepali speakers in your community or online. Plan a trip to Nepal. Study Nepali in an online course. Take an in-seat class to learn Nepali. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Fit-While-You%27re-Pregnant | How to Stay Fit While You're Pregnant | Before you begin any fitness or diet regimens while pregnant, first speak with your doctor about what activities will be safe and which to avoid. Then, consult a registered dietician to design a nutrition plan that provides all the nutrients you and your baby will need. Additionally, talk to a certified fitness professional about exercises that are particularly suited for people who are pregnant. Throughout your pregnancy, always listen to your body when you exercise. Rest whenever you feel tired and stop immediately if you feel dizzy or experience chest pains or hear palpitations. | Consult your doctor about your fitness regimen and plan. If you want to maintain your fitness during pregnancy, first speak with your doctor about whether or not it's safe to continue your current activities. There are some circumstances where it may be unsafe for you to do certain activities. Exercise during pregnancy is generally good for you and your baby. Your doctor might suggest you not exercise if you have heart and lung problems, high blood pressure, cervical problems or vaginal bleeding, or placenta previa, are experiencing or are at risk for preterm labor. She may also suggest avoiding exercise if you are pregnant with multiples. Talk to your doctor about the types of exercise you want to do to make sure they're safe. Your doctor may suggest meeting with a fitness professional to help you find the best and safest exercises for you and your baby. Consult a registered dietician. Women who are pregnant have special dietary needs and you will need to adjust your diet to keep you and your unborn baby healthy and fit. Consult a registered dietician to discuss your specific dietary needs and how you can best get all of the vitamins and nutrients necessary to maintain your health and fitness. Your doctor, local hospital or birthing center can suggest a registered dietician to help you meet your dietary needs and fitness goals. Consult a certified fitness professional. If you are exercise regularly and want to continue this activity during your pregnancy, consult a certified fitness professional once you have your doctor's stamp of approval. She may be able to help you tailor an exercise regimen to help you stay fit during your pregnancy. A certified fitness professional can help you get fit during pregnancy if you haven't been working out. Getting or increasing fitness during pregnancy can help you prepare for the physical strain of pregnancy and childbirth. A certified fitness professional may tell you it's safe to continue whatever exercises you did prior to pregnancy as long as you feel well and comfortable and have the ok from your doctor. Understand the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Exercise can help anyone be and feel healthy, and this is also true for pregnant women. Understanding the benefits of exercise during pregnancy can help you maintain your fitness by helping to motivate you. Exercise can prevent excess weight gain during pregnancy. Exercise can minimize pregnancy related problems such as constipation, back pain, or swelling. Exercise can increase your energy and help you to sleep. Exercise may help you prepare for labor, making it easier and helping you to recover from pregnancy and childbirth more quickly. Warm up and cool down as a part of exercise sessions. Whenever you have an exercise session, make sure you warm up before them and spend some time cooling down once you're finished. This will help prepare your body to exercise as well as stabilize your temperature and blood pressure. Warm up with a low-impact and light activity, such as walking, for 5-10 minutes. Cool down with a low-impact activity such as light jogging or walking for 5-10 minutes. Being and staying properly hydrated for exercise is important. Make sure to have at least 64 ounces of liquid a day to stay hydrated and add 8 ounces of water for every hour of activity. Participate in cardiovascular exercise. Doing low-impact, moderate intensity cardiovascular exercise can help you maintain your fitness and may also make your pregnancy and subsequent recovery more comfortable. Discuss your plan to do cardio training with your doctor and certified fitness professional before you start. Pregnant women can do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise all or most days of the week. If you are very active or did intense cardio before your pregnancy, you may be able to keep up with these workouts with your doctor's approval and if you feel comfortable. If you are just beginning or need to do a lower impact activity, walking and swimming are excellent options. You can do any type of cardio training to maintain your fitness during pregnancy. Beyond walking and swimming, consider running, rowing, biking, or using an elliptical machine. Perform strength-training exercises. In addition to cardiovascular exercise, strength training can help you maintain your fitness. It may also help prepare you for childbirth, recover more quickly, carry around your baby without tiring. Before you begin any strength training program, consult with your doctor and maybe even with a certified trainer, who will create the best plan for your abilities and needs. Focus on exercises that strengthen your whole body and are specific for your needs during and after pregnancy. For example, bicep curls can help you prepare to carry a baby and a diaper bag. Leg strengthening exercises will help support the weight of your growing body. Practice regular yoga or Pilates. Try a yoga or Pilates class either in a studio or online. These lower-impact activities can help strengthen and stretch your muscles while helping you to relax. There are a wide variety of video-based yoga and Pilates courses available. You may consider purchasing DVDs, which can offer basic guided sessions for you to follow. You can also search online for videos or courses that guide you through different levels of yoga and Pilates sessions. You may be able to attend a class or find a video of a pre-natal yoga class, which is tailored specifically to a pregnant body and helping it prepare for childbirth. Listen to your body. If you decide to stay fit with exercise during your pregnancy, it's important to listen to your body during any activity. This can help you identify if you're tired, need to hydrate, or are experiencing the signs of a more serious problem. Permit yourself to rest when you want. If you feel tired or don't want to exercise one day, allow yourself to rest. Remember that rest is an integral part of healthy pregnancy and staying fit. You may find that you don't have as much energy as you get closer to your due date. If you experience any vaginal bleeding or gushing fluid from your vagina, stop exercising immediately and contact your doctor. Stop exercising if you experience dizziness, headache, worsening shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations or uneven and rapid heartbeat, fluid leaking from your vagina, or decreased fetal movement. Be aware of potentially risky activities. Consider avoiding certain activities that may be risky for a pregnant woman. This can help ensure you and your baby remain safe and healthy. Contact sports such as ice hockey, football, soccer, or basketball may not be safe, especially if you've never done any of these activities before you were pregnant. Scuba diving is not recommended during pregnancy because it increases the risk of preterm birth and birth defects. You should also avoid any activity that poses a high risk of falling, including downhill skiing, gymnastics, water skiing, surfing, rock climbing, and horseback riding. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. As a pregnant woman, you need to make sure you are eating the proper nutrients to sustain healthy, fitness, and your pregnancy. By eating a healthy, well-balanced diet you can help ensure that you and your unborn baby get the necessary vitamins and minerals. In addition to your regular calorie intake, you will need to factor in extra calories for sustaining your pregnancy. You will need up to 450 calories per day to support your unborn child. Eat healthy and nutrient dense foods such as lean proteins including chicken or beef, fruits and vegetables such as raspberries or broccoli, and dairy products like yogurt or cheese for calcium. Be careful when consuming seafood or fish. Limit your cooked fish intake to 8 to 12 oz. per week and your canned intake to 6 oz. per week. Avoid tuna steaks, swordfish, mackerel, shark or any other fish with high mercury levels. However, there is no need to avoid low mercury fish, such as salmon. Try and avoid unhealthy calories such as those found in sweets and junk food. You might want to avoid any foods that can cause digestive issues for you or your child, or unborn baby, including spicy foods, eggs, wheat, corn, or peanuts. However, keep in mind that some research has suggested that this is not an effective way to prevent allergies. If you are suffering from nausea or vomiting due to either morning sickness and find it difficult to eat, consult your doctor or a registered dietician, who can help you find solutions to get proper nutrition. Drink plenty of liquids. It's important to make sure that you're drinking plenty of liquids while pregnant. Not only do you need enough liquid to avoid dehydration and support your pregnancy, but you also need it to help maintain your fitness. You should drink at least 15 cups of water a day to stay hydrated and sustain your pregnancy. Water is the best choice for your needs, but you can also drink non-caffeinated tea, and juices. Clear, non-caffeinated soft drinks such as ginger ale may help with nausea. You may consume coffee or caffeinated teas and soft drinks in limited quantities. Do not consume more than 200 mg of caffeine per day, which is about the same as two eight ounce cups of coffee. Consult with your doctor to make sure it's safe to consume any of these beverages. Avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco. It's advisable to avoid all alcohol and tobacco while you're pregnant. Using these substances can be potentially harmful to you and your unborn baby and may undermine your efforts to stay fit. There is plenty of evidence about the risk of alcohol consumption for pregnant women, so consider avoiding alcohol altogether while you're pregnant. Tobacco use can put your unborn child at risk for conditions such as low-birth weight and respiratory diseases. If you smoke while pregnant, speak to your doctor about possible treatment options to help you quit and keep your unborn baby healthy. Consider taking prenatal vitamins. Your body will need sufficient additional nutrients to support a pregnancy and stay fit. Consider taking a pre-natal vitamin to help you get additional nutrients you may need and not be getting through food. During pregnancy, the body is designed to put your child's nutritional needs before yours. Try and get as many nutrients as possible from healthy and whole foods. Make sure to speak to your doctor before taking pre-natal vitamins or ask her to prescribe some for you. | Consult your doctor about your fitness regimen and plan. Consult a registered dietician. Consult a certified fitness professional. Understand the benefits of exercise during pregnancy. Warm up and cool down as a part of exercise sessions. Participate in cardiovascular exercise. Perform strength-training exercises. Practice regular yoga or Pilates. Listen to your body. Be aware of potentially risky activities. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet. Drink plenty of liquids. Avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco. Consider taking prenatal vitamins. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-Breast-Cancer | How to Prevent Breast Cancer | To prevent breast cancer, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink per day since the more you drink, the higher your risk of breast cancer is. You should also eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly so you maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer. Also, if you smoke, try to take steps to quit since smoking can significantly increase your chances of getting breast cancer. | Limit your alcohol intake. The more you drink, the more you increase your risk of breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol, including wine, beer, or liquor, take steps to limit your consumption to no more than one drink per day. For every drink you have each day, statistics show that you are increasing your risk by 10% to 12% over those that do not drink. The reasons behind the increased odds of breast cancer associated with all forms of alcohol are not clear, but there has been an association between blood alcohol levels and changes in the amounts of estrogens and other hormones that circulate in the blood. Quit smoking. If you are a smoker, then take steps to quit. If you are a non-smoker, then don't ever start. Smoking has been linked to many forms of cancer and recent evidence is now suggesting it also increases the risk of developing breast cancer. The research found that you have a 24% higher risk of getting breast cancer if you smoke. Former smokers have a 13% higher risk of getting cancer compared to those that never smoked. Another study supports those numbers and adds that women who started smoking at an early age have a 12% increase in their odds of getting breast cancer. Women that started smoking before their first pregnancy have a 21% increase in risk. This may all sound like risk factors that you can't control based on your smoking history, but you can control what you do now to decrease your odds. If you are a smoker, take steps to quit. Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight has been shown to increase your risk of breast cancer. The odds of breast cancer are even greater if the weight gain, or obesity, developed after menopause. Women that gained their weight after menopause have a 30% to 60% higher risk of developing breast cancer. Oddly, women that were overweight or obese before menopause have a 20% to 40% less likely to develop breast cancer compared to women of healthy weight. The reasons behind the weight changes and timing are not entirely clear but are thought to be related to hormonal fluctuations. Be physically active. There are many benefits to being physically active, one of which is tied to reducing your risk of breast cancer. The general guidelines for physical activity include 150 minutes each week of moderate aerobic activity. If you are already exercising, the suggested amount of vigorous activity to reduce your risk is 75 minutes each week of aerobic activity in addition to strength training at least twice weekly. Start exercising now. Some research suggests that women that have maintained an inactive lifestyle for many years may be at greater risk. Breast-feed your baby. The longer you breast-feed, the more you reduce your risk. While the reduction in risk is relatively small, it is still a way you can improve your odds against developing breast cancer. You can reduce your risk by 4.3% for every 12 months you breast-feed. That includes one child or several. Limit hormone therapy. There is an increase in the risk of breast cancer in women that take hormone therapy for the symptoms associated with menopause. Research suggests that taking combination hormone therapy, meaning you are taking both an estrogen product and a progesterone product or that both types are contained in the same pill, increases your risk of breast cancer. Work done shows that the increase in risk also includes more cases of invasive breast cancer leading to more cancer deaths in women that take combination hormone therapy, even for a short time. The other type of hormone therapy contains estrogen only. This form also increases your risk but only if you take the hormone therapy for an extended amount of time, such as 10 years or more. If you do not have a uterus and take estrogen alone, it may actually reduce your chances of breast cancer. The good news is that once you stop taking hormone therapy, your risks drop back to normal in about three to five years. If you feel you need hormone therapy to control menopausal symptoms, talk to your doctor about reducing your dose. This is one way to limit your exposure to hormone therapy. Avoid exposure to radiation. Exposure to high doses of radiation to the chest area has been linked to an increase in the incidence of breast cancer. Some diagnostic testing equipment, such as computerized tomography, known as CT scans, use high levels of radiation. While diagnostic testing is critical in determining the source of medical problems, talk to your doctor about other methods that might work as well as CT scans in order to limit the exposure of radiation to your chest area. Be sure to wear the recommended protective equipment if you work in an area that involves radiation treatments. Some jobs require exposure to environmental pollutants such as chemical fumes and gasoline exhaust that can also be dangerous. Be sure to understand the proper steps to take in order to keep yourself protected from exposure to environmental pollutants. Eat a healthy diet. There are many benefits to eating a healthy diet, including controlling your weight which is a way to reduce your risk. A diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables may be helpful in preventing breast cancer although study results are inconclusive in showing a clear protective effect. A slight improvement in breast cancer survival has been noted with a consistent diet that is considered low-fat. The benefit of the low-fat diet was reported as significant in the survival of women that were already diagnosed with breast cancer. The dietary changes included steps such as eliminating butter, margarine, cream, oils included in salad dressings, and fatty meats such as sausages. Review your family history. Genetics play a significant part in your risk of developing breast cancer. Estimates suggest that between 5% and 10% of cancers develop due to genetics. Even though the family history is important, the majority of women that develop breast cancer do not have a family history at all. Depending on your personal family history, your doctor may recommend that you have the blood test to determine if you are carrying the identified genes. The most common genes that have been identified as contributing to breast cancer are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. 45-65% percent of people who inherent these genes develop breast cancer prior to age 70. Ask for a referral. If your doctor is not able to perform the genetic testing, ask your doctor for a referral to a geneticist that can review your family history and make specific recommendations regarding the possible need for the genetic testing. Recognize age-related factors. Several variables increase the odds of developing breast cancer that are related to age. First of all, just aging is considered a risk factor. The older you get, the greater the chance of developing breast cancer. Beginning your period before 12 years of age is a risk factor for breast cancer later in life. Experiencing menopause at an older that average age is considered a risk factor. The average for menopause is about 51 years of age. Consider pregnancy factors. Some relationships have been established that may increase your risk based on pregnancy. Women that have never been pregnant are considered to be at an increased risk. Delivering your first child after age 35 is considered to increase your risk of breast cancer. Take into account additional factors. Breast cancer is a complex disease that make it impossible to predict those that will or will not develop it, even when all risk factors are considered. Additional factors that have been identified as contributing to the chance of getting breast cancer include the following: A personal history of breast cancer. Radiation treatment or exposure to the chest area as a child or young adult. Having dense breast tissue. A certain kind of hormonal replacement therapy (Duavee) may decrease this risk. A personal history of ovarian cancer. Getting pregnant for the first time after the age of 30. Never getting pregnant. Taking a drug called DES, or diethylstilbestrol, which was prescribed to prevent miscarriage during the years between 1940 and 1971. Being exposed in the uterus if your mother took the same drug while pregnant with you. Detect changes in your breast. Early awareness and rapid treatment are key variables in improving your odds of a total recovery should you develop breast cancer. Understand the signs and symptoms in order to monitor yourself for changes. The signs and symptoms of breast cancer include the following: A lump or thickening that you can feel, and it feels different than the tissue around that area. The lump or hardened area of tissue can be anywhere in your breast, including deep within the tissue and up against your chest wall and in the area under your arm. Bloody drainage or discharge from your nipple area. Change in the size of your breast. Change in the shape or appearance of your breast. Dimpling of the skin of your breast. Redness or a pitted appearance of the skin anywhere on your breast, similar to the skin of an orange. Swelling, warmth to the touch, or a redness or darkening of the breast tissue. A painful spot or area that persists. A change in your nipple including an inverted nipple. Peeling, flaking, or scaling, of the areola, which is the darker colored area that immediately surrounds your nipple, or anywhere on your breast. Examine your own breasts. Knowing what is normal for you is important in detecting changes early. The effectiveness of breast self-exams have been studied. The results show no difference in the early detection of breast cancer identified in women that performed breast self-exams as compared to those who did not. The research also showed that more false alarms leading to biopsies and additional testing occurred in the group of women that performed the breast self-exams. It is very important for you to know what is normal for you. Many women still choose to follow the recommendations provided to perform breast self-exams. Self-awareness by the established steps for self-exam, use of your own method, or routine observations of your breast and nipple tissue, is important in detecting early changes that may be significant. Anything that changes from what is normal for you warrants medical attention as soon as possible. Review the recommended method for breast self-exam. Follow those guidelines or develop your own method to routinely monitor for changes using a schedule that you can keep up with. If you choose to perform breast self-exams following published guidelines, then know the most recent recommendations for how to do it. Start by examining your breast tissue by touch. Keep in mind that you should perform the exam lying down as opposed to standing. The breast tissue tends to spread out more evenly, allowing you to perform a more thorough exam. Position yourself flat on your back and place your right arm beneath your head. Use the pads of the three middle fingers of your left hand to examine your right breast. Use circular motions, about the size of a dime, and overlap your circles to cover all the tissue of your right breast. Follow an up and down pattern while incorporating the circular motions. Use lighter pressure to feel the tissue closest to the surface, medium pressure allows you to feel a little deeper, and firm pressure helps you feel the tissue closest to the chest wall and the ribs. Use the dime-size circular motions with each of the three levels of pressure in a methodical up and down pattern to cover the entire breast. Examine tissue up to the neck and collar bone area, include the middle part of your chest where your sternum or breastbone is located, and include your underarm areas. Switch arms and hands, and repeat to examine your other breast. It is normal to feel a ridge along the lower curved area for each breast. If you are unsure of something you are feeling, check to see if the same thing is felt at the exact same place on the other breast. If you feel the same thing in the same place on both sides, then it is probably perfectly normal. Continue in front of a mirror. Stand in front of a mirror in an area with good lighting and press down on your hips. Pressing down on your hips alters the position of your chest wall and helps to make any breast changes more obvious. Look for any changes in size, shape, or contour of your breasts. It is not uncommon for one breast to consistently be slightly larger than the other. Next look for changes in skin color or texture, such as redness, dimpling, and scaly, flaky skin, especially around the nipples. Slightly raise one arm and feel under your arm for any abnormalities, lumps, or changes. Raising your arm only slightly helps to make any changes more noticeable to touch and gentle pressure. Do breast self-exams with implants. It is possible to effectively perform breast self-exams with implants. Talk to your surgeon so you know where the edges of your implants are located. Notice changes in lumpiness. Breast tissue is naturally lumpy. Lumpy breasts are usually nothing that indicates a problem, especially if the consistency of the lumpy feeling is the same throughout the breast and both breasts feel the same way. If you notice a lump or hardened area that feels different than the rest of the lumpiness in your breast tissue, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Have any new lump examined. Many women have developed unusual lumps in their breast tissue in their past. Most cases resulted in a thorough exam that resulted in finding an actual lump but it was benign, or was not cancer. If you had a lump in the past and it turned out to be benign, do not assume that this new one will also be benign. See your doctor for an examination as soon as possible. Watch for nipple discharge. Liquid that leaks from your breast is alarming but is not usually a sign of anything serious. Squeezing your nipple can result in some leakage. This is almost always completely normal. See your doctor if your nipple is leaking liquid without squeezing. If the drainage is occurring from only one breast, have your doctor examine you. Drainage that is bloody or clear warrants seeing your doctor for evaluation. There are reasons other than cancer that can cause your nipples to leak, most often being the results of an infection. Any leakage from your nipple should be examined by your doctor. Seek immediate medical attention. See your doctor immediately if you notice any potential symptoms in your breast. Even if you have had a recent exam and/or a recent mammogram, any changes you notice should be examined by your doctor immediately. Breast cancer cells divide more rapidly than the cells in normal tissue. Once you become aware of an abnormal area or change in your breast tissue, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Have a mammogram. Having a mammogram is an essential part of early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, the scientific evidence supporting the use of mammography to detect early breast cancer is stronger than ever. A mammogram is not 100% perfect. Even a mammogram can miss small growths that are cancerous and the test may identify some areas that turn out not to be cancerous. The American Cancer Society recommends that women 40 years of age and older have a yearly clinical breast exam by a doctor and a yearly mammogram. This recommendation holds for the duration of life provided there are no health conditions that place the person at risk or make it necessary to perform mammograms on a case-by-case basis. Examples of some medical conditions that might need special consideration include women with congestive heart failure, end-stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and moderate to severe dementia. Women in their 20's and 30's are recommended to undergo routine clinical breast exams. They rarely undergo mammograms unless advised to do so by their doctor. Depending on your personal risk factors, your doctor may advise that you have more frequent clinical breast exams and mammograms. Have a clinical breast exam as recommended. Depending on your age and risk factors, you will likely be advised to have a clinical breast exam every one to three years. A clinical breast exam is done routinely during your regularly scheduled gynecology appointments. Your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional that is performing the clinical breast exam will visually examine your breast for abnormalities in size, shape, condition of the breast tissue, and the nipple area. The doctor will then use the tips of his or her fingers to gently feel all around along the entire area of your breasts. The doctor will be checking for any abnormalities within your breast tissue such as lumps or hardened areas. If any lumps or hardened areas are located, the doctor will further press on your breasts to determine if they are connected to deeper tissues. The areas under both arms will be examined in the same manner. During the clinical breast exam, ask questions so you can improve your ability to perform a similar self-exam at home. Ask your doctor about your lifetime risk assessment. Some women with combined and more serious risk factors may need frequent and more intense screening. Talk to your doctor about your lifetime risk and recommendations. As new scientific information becomes available, the associated recommendations sometimes change. The current, 2014, recommendations include the use of both mammogram and MRI studies to be done each year in women that are considered to have a lifetime risk of greater than 15%. Many variables go into the assessment to determine your lifetime risk. Talk to your doctor to be sure you are properly evaluated and comply with the screening procedures recommended. Have an MRI if recommended. An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a tool that identifies abnormalities in the breast that may have been missed in a mammogram. Only women determined to have a higher lifetime risk are recommended to undergo both an MRI and a mammogram. You still need the mammogram because it can detect abnormal areas that the MRI screening might miss. A breast MRI is done by lying face down on a platform in a standard MRI tube or tunnel-like device. The platform that you lie on contains special equipment that allows your breast tissue to be exposed through openings as opposed to compressing the tissue which happens with the mammogram. The platform has the sensors needed to perform the imaging study. It usually takes about an hour to perform a breast MRI. It is important that you remain perfectly still during the procedure. A breast MRI requires an injection of a contrast material injected through a catheter into a vein of the arm just before beginning the procedure. Breast MRI is expensive so it may be helpful to go to a doctor or clinic that is accustomed to working with moderate to high risk women so they can take the best approach with your insurance company or third party payer. | Limit your alcohol intake. Quit smoking. Maintain a healthy weight. Be physically active. Breast-feed your baby. Limit hormone therapy. Avoid exposure to radiation. Eat a healthy diet. Review your family history. Recognize age-related factors. Consider pregnancy factors. Take into account additional factors. Detect changes in your breast. Examine your own breasts. Start by examining your breast tissue by touch. Continue in front of a mirror. Notice changes in lumpiness. Have any new lump examined. Watch for nipple discharge. Seek immediate medical attention. Have a mammogram. Have a clinical breast exam as recommended. Ask your doctor about your lifetime risk assessment. Have an MRI if recommended. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Teach-Your-Dog-to-Play-Dead-on-Command | How to Teach Your Dog to Play Dead on Command | To teach your dog to play dead on command, start by teaching basic commands like "down," "sit," and "stay." Try to practice these commands several times a day using 10-15 minute training sessions, and be sure to give treats and verbal praise as positive reinforcements. Once your dog masters those commands, select a verbal command like "Bang!" for playing dead and practice having your dog go from standing to lying down on cue! | Teach your dog the ‘down’ command before teaching him how to play dead. Playing dead involves your dog lying down. Before he can learn this trick, he should be comfortable with the command to lie down. Choose a comfortable area to train your dog. Preferably, this area should also be quiet so that your dog does not become easily distracted. Command your dog to sit. If your dog does not already know this command, teach him by holding a treat high in the air with your hand. As he is looking up at the treat, push on his back end until he sits; firmly say the word 'sit' as you are doing this. Once he is seated, reward him with the treat by bringing the treat to him instead of allowing him to jump up to get the treat. Firmly tell him 'No' if he jumps up. Practice this several times a day for few days until he can sit without you pushing on his back end. Each practice session should last about 10-15 minutes. Continue to give him treats as positive reinforcement each time that he sits. Stand directly in front of your dog while he is seated. Hold a treat in front of his nose, but do not allow him to eat it. Instead, slowly move the treat down to the ground while still holding it in front of his nose. Say the verbal cue 'down' as you are moving the treat to the ground so that your dog associates the verbal cue with the action of lying down. Your dog should be lying down by the time you move the treat down to the ground. If he gets back up, continue practicing until he lies down each time you move the treat down to the ground. Reward with him a treat when he lies down without quickly getting back up. Guide your dog to lie down without a treat. Hold your hand in front of your dog's nose as if you had the treat, but do not have a treat in your hand. Use the same hand motion as if you had the treat to get your dog to lie down. Once again, reward him with a treat when he reliably lies down without quickly getting back up. Continue practicing until your dog learns how to lie down at your command. You will need to practice this command with your dog several times a day for at least a few days. Each practice session should last about 10-15 minutes. If you want to challenge your dog, you can gradually decrease the visual cue until he learns how to respond to only your verbal cue to lie down. Teach your dog to stay before teaching him how to play dead. If your dog does not know how to stay, it will be challenging to teach him how to play dead. Make sure that he is comfortable staying in a certain position before teaching him the trick. Choose a comfortable area to train your dog. Areas such as his bed or a comfortable mat would be good choices. You could also choose a grassy area outside. Command your dog to be in the position in which you would like him to stay. Teaching your dog to stay from the 'sit' or 'stand' positions will help him get ready for learning how to play dead. Stand directly in front of him for 1-2 seconds. If your dog begins to move towards you before that amount of time has passed, then start over again. Once your dog can stay for 1-2 seconds, reward him with a treat. After you give him his treat, he can move towards you, since he has successfully stayed in place. Increase the amount of time that you stand in front of him. Increase the amount of time in small increments until he can stay in the same place for at least 10 seconds. Increments of 1-2 seconds will help your dog stay for longer periods of time. Give your dog a treat each time that he can stay for a few extra seconds. Add a verbal cue and a visual cue. When he is in the position in which you want him to stay, say the word 'stay' and hold your hand up like a stop sign. It will probably take a few days for your dog to associate these cues with staying, so be patient with him. Reward him with a treat when he successfully and consistently follows these cues. Increase the distance from your dog. Although you can practice having him stay when he can't see you, he will need to be able to see you when you teach him how to play dead. You can increase your distance from him where he can still see you, such as to his right or left. Command your dog to lie down from sitting/standing. Your dog may prefer to lean to one side or the other when he's down, so make a mental note of which side he prefers. Command him to stay seated or standing, and then command him to lie down. As you practice the trick, always have him lay down on the floor from the side that he leans on; he'll probably prefer to do this anyway. Guide your dog to lie down on his side. Do not use a verbal cue for this; use your hands, some treats, and a clicker. Be mindful that this step will probably take some coaxing, so be patient with your dog as he learns how to follow your guidance to lie on his side. You can get him to lie on his side by gently pushing him with both hands from the down position. Once he is lying down, reward him with some positive reinforcement (eg, verbal praise, belly rub, treat). You can also lure him with food to get him to lie down. To do this, hold a treat in front of his nose. Then, move the treat back to his shoulders (his left shoulder if he's leaning to the right, or his right shoulder if he's leaning to the left). As he turns his head to get to the treat, he will eventually lie down on his side. Use your clicker and other positive reinforcement when he lies down so that he knows he did the right thing. Practice having your dog go from sitting/standing to lying down on his side. The better your dog is able to move fluidly from one position to the other, the closer he will be to mastering how to play dead. Use your clicker and give him a treat when he moves from sitting/standing to the down position, and again when he moves from the down position to lying on his side. Add a verbal cue to get your dog to play dead. You will know when your dog is ready for the verbal cue when he automatically lies down on his side when he sees that you have a treat or when you lure him with food. You can use whichever verbal cue that you are comfortable with. 'BANG!' is a verbal cue that is commonly used for this trick. Be consistent with whichever verbal cue you use. You do not want to confuse your dog by using different verbal cues for the same command. Use the verbal cue more frequently than the lure of food. At this stage of teaching your down to play dead, your goal is to get your dog to be able to play dead just by responding to your verbal cue, rather than having to be lured by food as well. It may take some time before your dog can respond without the lure of food, so just be patient with him. Use a visual cue (hand signal) to command your dog to play dead. A common visual cue to use for this trick is the shape of a pistol. Your dog will not immediately understand what the visual cue is, so it will be helpful to pair it with the verbal cue that you have chosen for this trick. There are a couple of ways that you can make a pistol signal: the thumb and index finger of one hand, the thumb and index and middle fingers of one hand, or the thumb and index finger of both hands placed together. For the last option, your other fingers would be intertwined. Give your dog the visual cue at the same time that you give your verbal cue. Alternatively, you can use the visual cue after the verbal cue. If you try it this way, use the visual cue before your dog responds to the verbal cue. If your dog responds to the verbal cue before you have the chance to use the visual cue, and continues to do so after repeated attempts, you can either stop using the visual cue at all or use it at the same time as the verbal cue. Practice using both the verbal and visual cues together until your dog demonstrates that he can play dead using these cues together. Use only the visual cue. Ultimately, you want your dog to play dead by responding to just your visual cue. Even after your dog understands what the visual cue is, it will take extra time for him to be able to respond to it without any verbal cues, commands, or the lure of food. Gradually use the visual cue by itself more frequently, and use the verbal cue and other commands less frequently. Reward him with a treat each time that he performs the trick with just the visual cue. Practice the trick in different locations. The fact that your dog has mastered the trick in one location does not mean that he'll automatically be able to do it in other locations or situations. Practicing the trick in different areas, or around different people, will allow your dog to become even better at playing dead. Other locations include different rooms of the house, a dog park, or in front of a crowd of people. Be patient with your dog until he masters the trick. He may learn this in a few days, or it may take him a few weeks. Whatever his pace is, reward him generously for his progress. | Teach your dog the ‘down’ command before teaching him how to play dead. Choose a comfortable area to train your dog. Command your dog to sit. Stand directly in front of your dog while he is seated. Guide your dog to lie down without a treat. Continue practicing until your dog learns how to lie down at your command. Teach your dog to stay before teaching him how to play dead. Choose a comfortable area to train your dog. Command your dog to be in the position in which you would like him to stay. Stand directly in front of him for 1-2 seconds. Increase the amount of time that you stand in front of him. Add a verbal cue and a visual cue. Increase the distance from your dog. Command your dog to lie down from sitting/standing. Guide your dog to lie down on his side. Practice having your dog go from sitting/standing to lying down on his side. Add a verbal cue to get your dog to play dead. Use the verbal cue more frequently than the lure of food. Use a visual cue (hand signal) to command your dog to play dead. Use only the visual cue. Practice the trick in different locations. Be patient with your dog until he masters the trick. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Write-a-Letter-to-a-Judge | How to Write a Letter to a Judge | To write a letter to a judge, start by introducing yourself and stating your profession. Then, explain how you know the defendant you're writing about. In the second paragraph, offer a general statement of support by letting the judge know you're aware of the defendant's wrongdoing and you're still willing to support him. In the third paragraph, highlight the defendant's positive character traits to show the judge they're a good person. Finally, conclude your letter by stating why you believe the defendant doesn't deserve a harsh sentence. | Write the letter on letterhead, if possible. You want to make sure that the letter looks as professional as possible. One way to do so is to write the letter on professional letterhead, if possible. This letterhead could be the official letterhead of your place of work. Date the letter. At the very top of the letter, put the date on which you write the letter. The date should be left-justified. Address the judge with the proper address and salutation. Below the date, provide the official name and address of the judge. This will normally be the courthouse in which she presides. For example, you may write: Honorable [Judge's Full Name], United States District Judge, 11 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX 75242. This name and address should be left-justified and written out as you would an address at the top of any letter, below the date, as in this example. Below the name and address of the judge, provide the appropriate salutation. The appropriate salutation for addressing a judge is “Your Honor” or “Dear Judge [Judge's last name]. Name the defendant. You should write down the defendant's first name at the beginning of the letter. This can go in the first sentence of the letter or separately between the address and the salutation as follows: RE: [Defendant's Name]. Write who you are and what your profession is. In the first paragraph of the letter, you should begin by introducing yourself and saying what your profession is. Do not be modest about your credentials, particularly if you are held in high esteem in your community because of your professional or private work. Highlighting your credentials shows the defendant's reputation and relationships in the community in a positive light. For example, you can write: "My name is ____________________, M.D., a practicing physician and Chief of Staff of ________ Medical Center in ________________, Florida." Explain how you know the defendant. Also in the first paragraph, highlight your relationship with the defendant by stating what capacity you know the defendant in. Write how long you have known him and highlight the positive aspects of your relationship (e.g. love, friendship, respect). For example, you can write: "I have been a lifelong friend of ___________. Our families were friends before our births. _______ and I were friends during childhood and have remained close after high school, college, and during our adult lives. I know ______________ about as well as any person other than his immediate family could. I know him to be an industrious, hardworking, family man who is community-minded and other-centered. He has worked hard in his church family and, in fact, worked very hard in his job as __________________________." Provide a general statement of support. In the second paragraph, write a general statement of support. Let the court know if the defendant has been candid about his legal problems and has shared those problems with you. If the defendant has admitted his wrongdoing to you, tell that to the judge, as this is seen as a positive. Also say if you are able to help the defendant after his legal troubles are over, perhaps by offering him a place to stay or a job. Write a statement on the defendant’s character. In paragraph 3, write a statement on the character traits of the defendant. Highlight positive character traits such as honesty, courage, love, or state why you think the defendant is a family man, a hard worker, or a good parent. Always try to provide examples of how the defendant depicts these character traits and offer any stories or personal experiences you have with the defendant that further highlight these positive traits. Add additional information. You may add anything else that you feel will be helpful to the defendant. Make sure the additional material is both concise and informative. Write the conclusion. In paragraph 4, conclude the letter by explaining to the judge in your own words that the defendant understands that he has done wrong and expresses regret at his actions. Also state that the defendant would like to learn from this experience and move forward with his life. For a request of leniency, state why you believe that society would not benefit from sending the defendant to prison and how all the parties involved would suffer from such a result. You can write, for example: "I believe that an extended prison term will serve as a tremendous hardship for his wife, who will bear the responsibility of trying to repay the costs of the court case and restitution. I believe that ________'s daughters, one of whom has assumed a large portion of the restitution cost, will be tremendously adversely affected if he is required to go to prison." Avoid improper remarks. You should not make any disparaging comments about the judge, prosecution or other parties involved in the case. Focus on the defendant's positive traits while at the same time not diminishing the significance or seriousness of the offence. | Write the letter on letterhead, if possible. Date the letter. Address the judge with the proper address and salutation. Name the defendant. Write who you are and what your profession is. Explain how you know the defendant. Provide a general statement of support. Write a statement on the defendant’s character. Add additional information. Write the conclusion. Avoid improper remarks. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-a-Nail-Salon | How to Start a Nail Salon | Before you start a nail salon, start by finding a retail location that's private but also accessible to new customers. Then, furnish the space with the things you'll need, such as manicure tables and chairs. Next, put together a list of all the essential supplies, like nail polish, scissors, and towels, and find a wholesaler so you can buy these items in bulk. Before you open, interview and hire nail technicians who have the right skill and temperament, since they'll be interacting with customers. Finally, advertise your salon using colorful fliers and placing the ads in cafés or beauty shops. | Get some experience working in a salon. If you've only ever set foot in a nail salon as a customer, consider putting your dream on hold and getting a job at an established salon. Becoming a technician yourself will give you a better understanding of the unique skills and demands of the profession. In time, this expertise will play directly into your success as an entrepreneur in the field of beauty. Even a part-time job can serve as a valuable learning experience while you're gathering your resources. As you're working your way up the ladder, pay close attention to the administrative side of the business. This is the role you'll be stepping into once you become a full-fledged salon owner. Decide what sort of salon you want to open. Begin by formulating a vision for your business. Do you imagine it as an urban oasis where tired clients can come to be pampered, or an in-and-out cash cow that caters to a hectic professional crowd? Once you have some idea of what you want to achieve, you'll be better prepared to plan accordingly. The goals you lay out for your salon may have an impact on your location, spatial requirements, or the number and type of services you provide. Obtain all necessary licenses. Licensing criteria will differ depending on where you live, but at the very least you'll need to be able to show proof of your cosmetology certification and apply for a standard operator's license to conduct business. Additionally, some U.S. states require that salon owners carry a seller's permit in order to be recognized as a legal vendor of specialty products. If you haven't already, start researching cosmetology programs in your area. These courses typically take 1-2 years to complete. At the end of this time, you'll be awarded the credentials you need to operate your own salon. You can file for your operator's license, along with other licenses like different classes of seller's permits, through the central business licensing association for your state or territory. For more information on licensing and local laws, contact your city's business affairs board or visit your county clerk's office. Build up your capital. Start setting aside as much money as you can to finance your upcoming business venture. If necessary, you can apply for a business loan to supplement the money you've saved up. There's also the option of seeking contributions from your friends and loved ones. Consider opening a savings account to keep your startup money separate from the rest of your finances. While you're in the planning stages of opening your nail salon, cut down on unnecessary spending as much as possible. Every cent you save will bring you closer to realizing your dream. Estimate your total startup costs. Identify all the places your money will be going to get your salon off the ground. Along with the regular cost of operation once you're up and running, there will be expenses associated with leasing, licensing and property inspection, taxes and basic equipment and supplies. There will also be the matter of payroll once you begin hiring employees to work under you. Consult with a professional business adviser or talk to the owner of the salon you frequent to get an idea of how much it will take to open your own. Starting your own business is never cheap. Fortunately, nail salons tends to be less expensive enterprises, as they don't require any sophisticated technology. Establish your business legally. All that's left to do now is to complete the paperwork needed for your salon to be recognized as a business entity. These forms should be filed with the office of the Secretary of State in your locality. When this is done, you'll need to register for your Employee Identification Number (EIN), which will be used to identify your business and place you within the appropriate tax bracket as owner. Your salon can be set up as a sole proprietorship if you're going into business for yourself, or as a general partnership or LLC (limited liability company) if you're bringing another person in with you. Joint ownership is a great way to split labor and expenses, but it also means your profits will be shared. If you live in the U.S., you can apply for your EIN by filling out a form on the IRS website. Rent out a suitable space for your salon. Choose a location that strikes a balance between posh privacy and commercial convenience. The key here is visibility—you want to appeal to your core clientele, but also be noticeable to curious passersby who are wandering in off the street. Being situated near clothing stores, restaurants, and other spots that are popular with your customer base can be an advantage. Most successful salons are part of larger shopping centers, though some can be found in small, freestanding buildings. Go with what your instincts (and budget) dictate. The closer to the heart of town you establish your salon, the more walk-in business you're likely to get. Furnish your space comfortably. Among the non-negotiable items you'll be needing are desks or standing stations for the technicians, manicure tables, reclining seats with foot rests, supply carts, and chairs for the waiting area. Once the big things are accounted for, you can begin thinking about how you'd like to spruce the place up. Incorporating accents like bohemian wall hangings and potted plants can help create a more relaxing atmosphere. You may have to have some contract work done to install important fixtures like restrooms, sinks, and overhead ventilation if your property doesn't already have them. Stock up on essential supplies. Put together an itemized list of everything you'll need to conduct business on a given day. This will include things like nail clippers, scissors, buffers, files, moisturizers, towels, and finger and toe separators. Be prepared to place repeat orders for these materials every couple of weeks, as they'll be your bread and butter once you're operational. Don't forget about other related supplies, such as paper towels, hand soap, acetone, and reading material for the lobby. Contract with one or more wholesale suppliers to buy your supplies in bulk for a discounted rate. Sell products to supplement your income. Few nail salons make 100% of their profit by giving manicures. There's also a big market for specialty beauty goods, meaning you can pull double duty to maximize your revenue. By making things like nail polishes, lotions, and exfoliating tools available, you'll give your clients the chance to take home the same products they enjoy in the salon. Get in touch with prominent health and beauty companies to find out how to arrange a wholesale distribution opportunity or a possible partnership. Set aside a boutique area separate from your main service stations where customers can browse your selection and make purchases. Market your salon to attract business. Design some eye-catching flyers for your business and post them up in your area. Distribute these ads in places that your target demographic is likely to visit, like beauty shops, spas and cafés. Make sure you include all the important details in your ads, including the name, address, and phone number of your salon, the types of services you offer, and your hours of operation. If you're coming from another salon, you could also ask your former boss to put in a good word for you to help stir up interest while you're first getting on your feet. When it comes to a business like a salon, the best advertisement is word of mouth—as long as you do great work, your clients will tell their friends and continue to come back again and again. Create a presence on social media. Don't underestimate the promotional power of social media. Facebook and Instagram make a perfect platform for showing off your work and sharing testimonials from satisfied customers. Each of your accounts should be neatly laid out and simply titled so they'll be easy to find. Don't forget to update them regularly with new content, like info on the services you provide and special introductory deals. If you've never moderated a business social media account before, follow other popular salons and take note of how they've structured their profiles. Get your followers involved by encourage them to send in photos of their nails after they visit. Specialize in a handful of services. Generally, it's better to offer two or three services that you're exceptionally skilled at than a dozen that are mediocre. That way, your clientele will know exactly what to expect coming in, and you can focus on providing the best service possible. Trying to wear too many hats can cause you to lose your identity—and business in the process. A salon that advertises nail art, facials, chemical exfoliation, and hot stone massage all under the same roof is enough to make a potential customer's head spin. Limiting the number of services you provide will also keep you and your staff from getting overwhelmed. You can always expand your offerings over time if demand is high enough. Price your services competitively. Determine how much to charge for the various treatments you'll be providing. Applying a basic set of acrylic nails, for instance, might cost $25-40 USD, while more involved procedures like a mani/pedi package might run upwards of $100 USD. Break down the price point of each service individually to make sure you're coming up with a number that's fair. If you find yourself stumped about how high you should set your prices, think about the maximum amount you would be willing to pay as a consumer, then compare that figure against your specific operating budget and expenses. When you're first starting out, it may be a good idea to keep your prices low in order to be able to compete with the better-known salons in your area. Once you've made a reputation for yourself, you can begin raising your prices gradually. Hire a team of qualified technicians. No matter how industrious you are, you'll eventually reach a point where you'll need to have a few extra sets of hands around. In addition to the regular duties of a nail technician, your employees will also be responsible for scheduling appointments, making sales, and cleaning and maintaining the salon. Interview your applicants one-on-one so that you can get a sense of their personality as well as review their credentials on paper. Be sure to check the references of everyone applies, and try to hire employees who value customer service and really have a passion for what they're doing. If you're operating a simple salon that provides standard services only, pay your staff an hourly rate. For boutiques that also push specialty beauty products, reward them with commission for each sale they make. | Get some experience working in a salon. Decide what sort of salon you want to open. Obtain all necessary licenses. Build up your capital. Estimate your total startup costs. Establish your business legally. Rent out a suitable space for your salon. Furnish your space comfortably. Stock up on essential supplies. Sell products to supplement your income. Market your salon to attract business. Create a presence on social media. Specialize in a handful of services. Price your services competitively. Hire a team of qualified technicians. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Register-Your-Dog | How to Register Your Dog | If you want to register your dog, choose the registry you want to use, such as the AKC. Download and fill out the application, including your contact information and your dog's breed, name, sex, and date of birth. You may also need to include information about your dog's breeder as well as pictures of your dog. Once you submit your application, it can take several weeks to receive your dog's official registration certificate. | Learn why you should register your dog. Regardless of which dog registry you are considering, it is important for you to understand the benefits of dog registration. For example, registering your dog provides valid proof that you are his owner. Obtaining this proof is one of the first steps towards becoming a responsible pet owner. If your dog is purebred, registering him helps ensure that his pedigree remains intact from one generation to the next. Purebred dog registries provide other benefits, such as maintenance of birth records. You can still enjoy the benefits of dog registration even if your dog is not purebred. Registries such as the Dog Registry of America and the National Hybrid Registry accept non-purebred dogs. Remember that registration is not proof of breed quality. This is more applicable if you are looking to purchase a purebred dog, rather than registering your own. If you are only interested in registering your dog for proof of ownership, then getting an Identichip/microchip implanted in your dog is best. If your dog gets lost and is picked up by a rescue, the shelter will scan the chip, pick up the unique number, and be able to reunite the two of you. Determine where you want to register your dog. The three most reputable and well-known all-breed registries in North America are the AKC, the United Kennel Club, and the Canadian Kennel Club. It may be helpful to start your search with these registries to determine if your dog is eligible for registration. The website http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/dogregistry/dogclubsregistries.htm provides a comprehensive list of dog registries for both purebred and non-purebred dogs. If you have a service dog, consider registering him with a service dog registry, such as the United States Service Dog Registry. Some dog breeds are so rare that they are not listed on the more common dog registries. The American Rare Breed Association has a registry for rare dog breeds (e.g., wirehaired Vizsla, miniature American shepherd). There are also breed-specific registries, such as the registry associated with the Australian Shepherd Club of America. Avoid suspicious or non-reputable dog registries. Not all dog registries are created equal. Dog registries that primarily cater to puppy mills are not reputable and should be avoided. Also, be suspicious of dog registries that do not require a valid proof of pedigree. Do not use dog registries that require only a photo of your dog as proof of his pedigree. Reputable dog registries are non-profit organizations. Be wary of dog registries that are for-profit companies. Avoid dog registries that do not have a code of ethics or set of standards that registrants must follow. Some online registries may be especially unscrupulous by charging unreasonably high fees or disappearing after receiving your payment. Consider speaking with your veterinarian, other dog owners, or a reputable breeder for recommendations on respectable registries. Fill out and submit the application. Although the application format itself will vary from one dog registry to another, the required information is generally the same. For example, you will need to provide your contact information and specific information about your dog (breed, name, sex, date of birth). Other registration requirements may include information about your dog's breeder, photos of your dog, and a three-generation pedigree certificate. Requesting the three-generation pedigree certificate will probably require additional payment. To register your dog through the AKC, you will need to obtain the registration application from the breeder from whom you purchased your dog. If you are registering your service dog, you will likely need to provide valid proof of your disability. If payment is required, be aware that your payment may be nonrefundable. Some dog registries will have applications that you can fill out and submit online. For others, you may have to download the application from their website and fill it out by hand. Wait for your registration certificate. The length of time between submitting your application and receiving your dog's official registration certificate will vary between dog registries. For example, the registration process usually takes about three weeks for the AKC. Consider contacting the registry if its website does not provide information on when you can expect to receive the registration certification following submission of the application. Check the accuracy of the registration certificate. It is important to carefully read through the information on your dog's registration certificate. Contact the registry if you notice any errors or inaccuracies on the certificate. | Learn why you should register your dog. Determine where you want to register your dog. Avoid suspicious or non-reputable dog registries. Fill out and submit the application. Wait for your registration certificate. Check the accuracy of the registration certificate. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-To-Do-List | How to Make a To Do List | To make a to-do list, start by writing down any and all tasks that you need to accomplish. Next, sort the list into categories based on where you can complete the tasks, like work or home. Then, break each list down further by making a to-do list only for the current day, with only tasks that you can realistically accomplish in 24 hours. Next to each item, write an estimate of the time each thing will take so you don't run out of time and feel flustered. | Decide what medium works best for you. If your smartphone is in your hand all day every day, use the Notes application to create your to-do list. If you hate staring at a phone or computer screen, grab a pen or pencil and write your list by hand. A to-do list will not be helpful if you dread making it or using it, so choose whatever medium you prefer most. There are applications available for download, such as Any.do, Wunderlist, and Pocket Lists, that can help you organize your tasks in different ways. List all of the tasks that you need to accomplish. These can range from “Shower” to “Finish presentation for work next week” to “Find a present for Mom's birthday next month.” As you can see, these tasks range in their nature, their importance, and the time they will take. Don't worry about following a pattern or organizing them— that will happen later. For now, just write down every responsibility you think of. Writing absolutely everything down, you will be getting it off your mind and onto paper. It will ensure you don't forget anything, and hopefully, it will also help your mind feel less crammed. The running list of every single task you have on your radar will be referred to as your master list. Outsource any tasks you can. After you've listed the things you need to do, decide if you can enlist any help. This is especially important if you are overwhelmed or crunched for time. Don't be afraid to ask for help, delegate duties, and resist the urge to micromanage. If it doesn't need to be on your to-do radar, remove it. Sort your master list into categories. For example, you may have a to-do list for work and a to-do list for home. By creating separate lists, you can focus your attention and energy on one set of tasks at a time. There is no point in looking at your personal to-do list while you're sitting in your office, so put it away! To be your most productive , you need to have tunnel vision on the tasks in front of you. Remove the background noise and the stress of future chores by making situation-specific lists. Make your to-do lists for the current day only. Keep it simple! This will help you organize your tasks in order of priority, and you won't feel overwhelmed looking ahead at tasks for tomorrow, next week, or next month. Be realistic about what you can accomplish in 24 hours. Your daily to-do lists should have less than ten things, and maybe even less than five. If you can't figure out where to start, try this. Imagine you fast forward to bedtime. Which task do you want to be finished with first? That should be at the top of your list. Use your master list to make your daily lists. After you've created your daily list, put your master list away. Estimate the time each task will take. Be realistic! If you over-commit yourself and constantly feel like you're running out of time to get your list done, you will create unnecessary stress. It's hard to be productive if you're feeling flustered. Next to each task, jot down how much time you truly think each one will take. Use these time estimates to plan your day. Give yourself a cushion of 10 to 15 minutes between each task. Realistically you cannot switch from one chore to another without any transition time, so consider this while you're making your schedule. Make your list aesthetically-pleasing. This may sound superficial or unnecessary, but it really can help change the way you look at your to-do list. Write or type it out in your favorite color. Write on a piece of stationery, post it on a pretty bulletin board, or create a sleek document on your smartphone. Just create a list that inspires you to stay motivated and get things checked off. Write down due dates next to every task on your master list. These will help you as you are making your daily to-do lists. When you have a large number of tasks, it is easy to let things accidentally slip through the cracks. As you make your daily list each day, go over your master list and make sure you include any task with upcoming due dates. If there is no due date for a particular task, decide on a realistic date you'd really like to have it done by. If you aren't setting goals for yourself, the less urgent things may never get done. Put your to-do list somewhere you will see it regularly. There is no point in creating a list if you shove it in a drawer and forget about it. Make sure you are constantly seeing it! You may think that you won't forget anything or that you'll stay productive, but physically seeing a list of tasks you need to accomplish can really light the motivational fire within you. Carry it around with you. Post it on your bathroom mirror. Leave a copy in your purse and your car. Just put it somewhere where it will be in your face. Share your list with someone. It can be a parent, a friend, a significant other, or a co-worker. Just make sure it is someone who will check up on your list and inquire about your progress. You probably won't feel very good if you tell someone you didn't check anything off your to-do list for a whole day! You don't need a babysitter, and no one probably wants to be your babysitter. However, it is incredibly helpful to have someone holding you accountable. | Decide what medium works best for you. List all of the tasks that you need to accomplish. Outsource any tasks you can. Sort your master list into categories. Make your to-do lists for the current day only. Estimate the time each task will take. Make your list aesthetically-pleasing. Write down due dates next to every task on your master list. Put your to-do list somewhere you will see it regularly. Share your list with someone. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Scat | How to Scat | To scat, start by using improvised syllables and sounds to scat over instrumental tracks, performing in time with the beat and melody. Next, move on to simple, rhythmic syllables like "bob," "beep," "ski," and "do." Then, try incorporating pitch and tone changes to accent and modulate your syllables. As your scatting improves, work on changing your tone to match chord progressions in the music and introducing rhythmic variety into your style with duplets and triplets. | Use improvised syllables and sounds to scat over instrumental tracks. Scatting is the act of turning your voice into improvisation instrument, removing real words and just focusing on noise, melody, sound, and tone. As such, everyone can scat immediately, even if it feels weird or uncomfortable. Just start making noises that sound great over the song your hearing. Listen to some classic scat singers for early inspiration. "Perdido" by Sarah Vaughan, "Them There Eyes" by Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong's "Heebie Jeebies" are all incredible early examples. Scatting is generally a jazz skill, but artists like Scatman and Bobby McFerrin have expanded it to other genres in modern times. Practice "call and responses" with scat singers and instrumental lines. You need to get used to your voice not as a speaking mechanism but as an instrument. As you first start, limit yourself to copying your favorite singers. Play a couple bars of scat singing, then try to repeat it back verbatim to start learning sounds, tricks, and melody construction. The blues, with simple chords and built-in call and response, is a great place for beginners to begin. Try out "Centerpiece" by Lambert, Hendricks & Ross. Try mimicking actual sung lyrics, but don't use the words. Practice capturing the singer's melody with random syllables instead of words to get used to scat. As you improve, start copying guitar, horn, and other lines with your mouth, using whatever syllables come to mind to replicate the sound. There is no noise, when scatting, that is off limits! Start with simple, rhythmic syllables, focusing on melody instead of new sounds. As you begin improvising your own scatted lines, start with a couple of "accepted" scat words and syllables. Simple, percussive noises are the easiest way to start, using sounds like "bob," "beep," "ski," "do," etc. Remember that you're not trying to say anything. You're playing with musical notes, not words. The musical scale made famous in "The Sound of Music" is a great place to start: do, rey, mi, fah, soh, la, ti, do! Accent, modulate, and have fun with your syllables. Scatting is about using your whole body to make noises and sounds, improvising more than just syllables. As you improve and get more and more used to scatting, start playing with the following variables to expand your musical vocabulary as you sing. Volume -- draw the audience in by going quieter, then build back up to a louder crescendo with bigger, louder syllables. Tone -- how do you sound with you chin tucked in? You chest puffed out? How does the shape of your mouth change the sound of your singing? Pitch -- perhaps the most important, pitch is how high or low your notes go. As you get used to making up syllables on the spot, start working on varying pitch with each word. Songs get boring when they stay in the same pitch for too long -- give some melodic variety. Practice with a metronome or an instrumental track to ensure you stay on time. Scatting is an intensely rhythmic art form -- you voice is both percussive (like a drum) and melodic (like a trumpet, piano, etc.). As such, you must be able to stay in time while you improvise, holding to the beat like any other instrument. While good singers should already feel comfortable with this, newbies must practice with a metronome or backing track to get used to staying on time at all times. Always start at a speed you can keep up with comfortably. While you can set any rhythm you want, most scat is over a 3/4 "swing feel" of jazz. That said, practicing improvising syllables on the spot without music or metronome is still a valuable skill. You just need to train your ear so that you can snap to a backing band when the chance arises. Introduce a little rhythmic variety with duplets and triplets. Once you feel comfortable with straightforward rhythms, it is time to start playing with shorter, but more complex, phrases. Duplets are simply two sounds thrown quickly together ("da-DA!"), and triplets are three sounds ("BEEP-da-BOP"). Instead of using straight quarter notes, where you have one sound per beat (1, 2, 3, 4), start stringing together these other phrases, leaving spaces in between them for a bouncy, swinging feel. Hold some notes for three beats, cram 10 notes into two beats, and then leave some silence before launching back in. Rhythmic variety is about playing with the beat to create tension and surprise. Alternating different types of rhythms is a great way to craft a complex, enjoyable scat solo without crazy notes or vocal range. Check out both Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, for example, on "Stomping at the Savoy" for a master class in rhythmic variation. Get a little swing behind your scatting. An extension of rhythmic variation, this is when you transcend the "written" rhythm and get into the song with improvisational fervor. Most scatting is over a swing feel, where the 2nd and 4th beats are emphasized. Think of counting out your "1 and, 2 and , 3 and, 4 and " with a little extra emphasis on these two beats. If you're going to hit a high note, or pause and come back in, make it on the swinging beats. Learn the chord progressions to improvise like a jazz singer. Great scat singers, like any great soloist or musician, are locked into the underlying chords and melody of the song they sing over. They know when chord changes are coming, and adjust their melody right in time with the rest of the band. Listen to the song several times until the chords' feel natural, and you know exactly what your band is doing behind you. If you're hoping to play professionally, there are a few progressions you should know: 12-Bar Blues -- the most common progression in Western Music. No matter what the key, the chords will always change in the same order, meaning you can quickly scat to any 12-bar blues once you know the form. I Got Rhythm -- known as the most covered chord progression in jazz, these changes are found in hundreds of songs, including popular music. Listen to versions from Duke Ellington to Django Reinhardt Scat through your vocal solos to bridge classical singing and scatting. If you are classically trained, there is no reason to abandon your skills just to start scatting. Run through your exercises, scales, and warm-ups with improvised syllables and sounds, and start putting your vocal scales to music. As a warm up, read music but ignore the lyrics, trying to sound out just the notes of vocal, brass, and woodwind sheet music. Get a little weird with tone, voice, and coloring. Listen to Ella Fitzgerald closing out "Tenderly," a dear, calm, and loving song, with a deep and almost monstrous scat sound. And yet, it fits, complementing her smooth tone with an unexpected burst of passion and power. Scatting isn't about sounding "human." So, the further you can modulate and adjust your voice to sound more instrumental the better scat singer you'll become. | Use improvised syllables and sounds to scat over instrumental tracks. Practice "call and responses" with scat singers and instrumental lines. Start with simple, rhythmic syllables, focusing on melody instead of new sounds. Accent, modulate, and have fun with your syllables. Practice with a metronome or an instrumental track to ensure you stay on time. Introduce a little rhythmic variety with duplets and triplets. Get a little swing behind your scatting. Learn the chord progressions to improvise like a jazz singer. Scat through your vocal solos to bridge classical singing and scatting. Get a little weird with tone, voice, and coloring. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Confess-Your-Love-to-Someone | How to Confess Your Love to Someone | To confess your love to someone, remember that life is short, and even if you're feeling nervous or afraid of rejection, it's better to admit how you feel than to regret never saying anything. It might help if you plan out what you're going to say and where you're going to say it beforehand. Try to wait until a time when you're alone with the other person and you have their full attention. Then, you can start by saying something like "I need to tell you something important," or you can just come out and say "I love you." If you'd prefer to ease into it, try starting off with something a little lighter, like "You make me really happy." | Take a step back. Be rational for a moment, and take stock of the situation. Consider your relationship to this person, and try to predict how they will receive your words. Ask yourself whether there's a realistic chance that they love you back. If so, then you just need to how to figure out how to make your move. If not, then you will need to tread very carefully. Perhaps you have fallen in love with a friend, but you aren't sure if they love you back. You will need to think long and hard about how your confession of love will affect the friendship. Falling in love with your best friend can be wonderful – provided that they return your feelings. Make sure that you mean it. If you have never been in love before, it may be hard to understand the implications of this phrase. There are many types of love: friendly love, familial love, romantic love. If you truly feel that you are romantically in love with this person, then you should tell them. However, it is important to consider the gravity of your words. Love means something different to everyone. Some say that young people tend to confuse "true love" with a shallower level of infatuation or "puppy love." Others believe that you can feel deep, meaningful love at any age. Be true in your intentions. Do not tell someone "I love you" just to get them to pay more attention to you. Only say this if you plan to follow up on your words. Romantic love usually implies a certain level of care and involvement with a person. Ease into it. Instead of saying "I love you," you can start out by saying things that hint at how you really feel. For example, you could mention that you want more out of the relationship or that you would like to be exclusive. Or, you could simply tell the other person that you enjoy being with them and want to continue seeing them. Gauge how the person responds to the less-serious confessions. If they are receptive to your words, and says that they like you a lot too, then there's a higher chance that your confession of love will be well-received. Be bold. Consider that life is short, and that love is a perfectly valid feeling. If you love someone, there will always be a chance that they do not love you back, or that they will fall out of love with you down the line. However, this is a thing that is inside you, and it is a thing that you cannot ignore. Sometimes, the only way is forward, even if you are afraid. Choose a romantic setting. Try for a quiet place where the two of you can be alone. Take him/her to a restaurant, or to a garden, or to a sweeping outdoor scene when the sun is setting. Make sure that they feel safe and comfortable here. The particular place will depend on who you're confessing your love to. Choose a place that is special to both of you. Make a meaningful moment. Confessing your love can be a big deal for both people involved, and it's important to make it special. You can plan it out, or you can wait for an organically intimate moment. The moment might be sweepingly dramatic, or it might be wonderfully simple. Say it when you feel truly inspired. This might happen during a beautiful sunset after a perfect day together, or when "your song" comes on during a big school dance, or when you're both laughing together, happy simply to be with one another. Watch romantic scenes in movies and shows for inspiration. Analyze the scenes when the protagonist confesses their love. Understand the mood that you want to strike. Make sure that the two of you are alone. You can make a dramatic public confession, if you feel that it's appropriate. Remember, however, that the person you love may not appreciate the unexpected attention. This is especially important if you aren't sure how they will react. If you are alone together, then you give the person the space to respond more comfortably. Plan the confession. Arrange to meet the person, if you don't already have a date to meet up. Ultimately, in the moment, you will need to let things take their course. However, you can certainly set the scene so that your confession is romantic and timely. Make sure that you won't be rushed, and that you know what you are going to say. You can also write your confession into a letter, if you cannot be with the one you love. This method can still be very intimate, even if it is a little more abstract. Have their full attention. Don't confess your love when someone is distracted with something else, or worried about something, or preparing to leave. The words will be more powerful if you're gazing into each other's eyes. If you're already having a special moment together, then you can probably proceed. Sometimes, admittedly, there will be no "right time." Get their attention by saying, "I need to tell you something important." Look into their eyes. When the time feels right, lock eyes with the one you love. Eye contact signals that you are sincere. It also gives you an immediate indication of how she feels about what you're saying, and it should make the two of you feel more connected. Say, "I love you. " It's as simple as that. If you truly love this person, then you don't need to justify it or add any frills. If you feel so inclined, however, it never hurts to wax poetic and qualify your love a bit. Above all, be honest and authentic. Only say as much as you feel impelled to say. Consider explaining the story of how you came to love this person. Say something true, and honest, and sweet. Make it unique, and make them feel special. Say it casually or earnestly, depending on your comfort level. Make sure that this person knows you're serious. Kiss them. If your love says "I love you" back: get excited. This is a special time. Ride the wave of loving emotion and take the experience to an even more magical level. No matter what happens, this is a moment in your life that you will remember for years to come. Be patient. Give the object your affections time to process what you've said. In some cases, they might confess love right back. On the other hand, if your confession is a surprise, they might need to think about it. Listen and be respectful. Don't make any assumptions. If the person doesn't return your feelings, then that's okay. You may be hurt, but do not be angry. Accept it. Be proud of yourself. No matter how your love responds, proud of yourself for telling him/her how you feel. It takes a lot of courage to tell someone that you love them, and mean it. Whatever happens: now they know. | Take a step back. Make sure that you mean it. Be true in your intentions. Ease into it. Be bold. Choose a romantic setting. Make a meaningful moment. Make sure that the two of you are alone. Plan the confession. Have their full attention. Look into their eyes. Say, "I love you. Kiss them. Be patient. Be proud of yourself. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Mousse-Hair-Properly | How to Mousse Hair Properly | To mousse your hair properly, start by lightly wetting your hair so it's damp but not soaking. Then, work some mousse into your hair, starting at the roots and working your way to the ends. The longer hair you have, the more mousse you'll need. Once you've evenly coated all of your hair with mousse, blow dry your hair on a low setting, which will cause the mousse to harden and create more volume. After you blow dry your hair, use your hands to style it and then you're finished! | Wet your hair (or don't! ). Even if you're not interested in a methodical styling session, you can still use mousse to quickly and easily give your hair a more vibrant look. Wetting your hair is a good start, but it's not essential. As a general rule, the wetter your hair is when you use mousse, the shinier and "wetter" it will appear when you've finished styling. If you choose to wet your hair, wet your hair under the sink to ensure it's evenly wet, with no dry spots. If you really soak your hair, dry it lightly with a towel or allow it to air dry, ideally to a moderate level of wetness. Your hair should feel like you've just dried off from a shower. Mousse is a great choice for anyone who doesn't want to carry hair product with them throughout the day - all it takes is a spritz of water to reactivate mousse, allowing you to re-style your hair throughout the day. Mousse can also invigorate thinning hair. Dispense some mousse into your palm. As with any normal aerosol can, hold the can upright for the best results. Begin with a small amount; if you don't use enough, you can always reapply more later. Depending on the length and thickness of your hair, the amount will vary slightly. For medium length hair, try starting with an egg-sized amount. Using a lot of mouse can give your hair a shiny, slightly flat appearance. This is great if you're going for a "slicked back" look, but if you're trying to give your hair some lift, use mousse more sparingly. Work the mousse into your hair. Spread your mousse onto both hands. Then, brush your hands up through your hair from the front to the back. Pay special attention to your roots (the part of your hair near the base). Ensure the mousse is spread evenly through your hair, using your fingers or a wide-toothed comb to work the mousse so that your hair feels uniformly "wet" with mousse. You can also try "teasing" your hair at its roots with the tips of your fingers to get it to stand up. If you've got especially long hair, you may get better results taking a more methodical approach when applying mousse to your hair. Refer to the method above for tips. Dry your hair. Use a blow dryer set to "low" if you're going for an Ace Ventura-style lifted hairdo. Part your hair with a comb so that the blow dryer can reach your roots. On the other hand, if you want a more subdued hairdo, it's perfectly acceptable to allow your hair to air-dry and then style it with your hands. If you blow dry, your hairstyle will "set" more strongly than if you air dry. Air-dried hair can easily be re-styled throughout the day with your hands. Throw a quick style into your hair while it's drying. Most short hairdos only take a few easy hand motions to shape. Mousse is best for styles that don't require extreme hold — if you're looking for a foot-long mohawk, try again with gel or pomade. Here are a few easy styles you can make on your way out the door: Run your fingers back through your hair to give it a taller, fuller appearance. This volume-enhancing look can be especially useful for men who want to make the most of their thinning hair coverage. If you have thicker hair, form your hair into a rough peak at the middle of your head for an easy faux-hawk. If you have long bangs, try styling your hair to one side for a bold "Flock of Seagulls" look. Begin by wetting your hair. It should be damp to the touch all the way to the root, but it should not be dripping. Lightly wet your hair in the sink or the shower. If you accidentally get your hair sopping wet, no worries – just dry it lightly with a towel. Try leaving time after your shower for moussing. Your hair will already be wet, so you won't waste any extra water wetting it in the sink! Apply the mousse to your roots in sections. Shake the can to agitate the mousse and hold it vertically when spraying. Section your hair and apply your mousse to the roots of each section, beginning at the nape of the neck and working up to the top of the head. Don't be afraid to spray the mousse directly from the can into the hair's roots – as long as you don't over-do it, mousse is barely noticeable when it dries. Spread the mousse evenly over the root area with a finger. If you're in a rush, simply flip your head over so that your hair hangs down and gently apply mousse to the roots this way, spreading it through the root area with your fingers. If you have plenty of time, be methodical with your hair sectioning and your mousse application. The more richly and evenly you apply your mousse, the more "lift" you'll be able to achieve. Distribute the mousse evenly through your hair. Using your hands, work the mousse into your hair so that it's evenly distributed all the way to the ends. If needed, add additional mousse to any ends that the mousse doesn't reach. Comb your hair with a wide-tooth comb or a gentle brush to help distribute the mousse. Blow dry your hair. As mousse dries, it will stiffen slightly, giving your hair more lift and strength. Use a blow dryer set to "low" to dry your hair, paying special attention to your roots. The more thoroughly you dry moussed hair roots, the stronger they'll support your hairstyle and the more "lift" you'll get. Try using a comb or brush to part your hair so that you can blow dry the roots directly. For extra lift, pull your hair at ninety degrees from the head with short, repeated strokes while you dry it. It will dry with a very full, bodied appearance. Alternatively, air dry your hair. Air drying won't give your hair as much volume, but it will give it a shiny, "wet" look. You can comb air-dried hair to ensure it's smooth and manageable without affecting its hold. Style your hair. Now that you've got voluminous hair, style it! This is ultimately up to you - there's no wrong or right way to style moussed hairdo. Here are just a few ideas (feel free to mix and match): Make the most of mousse's volumizing properties by going for a lifted, "tussled" look. Add a few twists. Twist sections from the side of your head around a brush, heat it with a blow dryer, then allow it to cool. Unwind your hair and let it fall. Control curly, frizzy hair. If your hair reacts negatively to moisture, work a little mousse into your normal hair style to control your unruly curls. Identify your hair type. Hair comes in a variety of textures and thicknesses. Hair can be thick, thin, straight, wavy, kinky, curly, dry, oily or any combination of these qualities. Mousse should be suitable for almost all hair types, however, because of its relatively light "hold," coarser, heavier hairs can be difficult to style with it. Here are some tips to guide your mousse usage if you have the following types of hair: Thin hair: Apply liberally to roots for added lift and volume. Oily hair: Shower before applying. Allow shampoo to sit in your hair for several minutes before rinsing. Thick, coarse, or curl hair: Consider applying a lightweight, relaxing balm to soften your hair and control any unruly frizz. Fine and/or dry hair: Use a conditioning mousse with extra hold. Know your mousse options. Not all mousses are created equal. Though an average, well-rounded mouse ought to suit nearly all hairdos, certain specially-formulated mousses offer advantages for a variety of hairstyles. Here are just a few types of mousse you'll encounter if you go shopping at your local hair salon or beauty supply store: Mousse with extra hold - for windy days or especially unruly hair. Conditioning mousse - for repairing and styling dry or damaged hair. Scented mousse - many mousses have delicious perfume scents added - choose the one that smells best to you. Mousse gel - a hybrid styling product that offers greater hold for your hair without the heaviness of traditional hair gels. Thermal care mousse - specially designed to work in conjunction with blow dryers or curling irons. Make your own mousse. If you're adventurous, it's very easy to make a good mousse in your own kitchen! Break two eggs, separating the whites into a bowl. Beat the whites with a whisk. At you beat the egg, air is forced into it, giving it a light, fluffy texture. Beat the whites until they're fluffy and form stiff peaks. Now, it's just a matter of styling your hair with the egg like you'd use normal mousse. Rub the mixture in your hair and let it dry briefly, then style to your heart's content! Don't worry - if you don't like your results or you're grossed out by having raw egg in your hair, homemade mousse washes out in the shower. | Wet your hair (or don't! Dispense some mousse into your palm. Work the mousse into your hair. Dry your hair. Begin by wetting your hair. Apply the mousse to your roots in sections. Distribute the mousse evenly through your hair. Blow dry your hair. Style your hair. Identify your hair type. Know your mousse options. Make your own mousse. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Replace-a-Window | How to Replace a Window | To replace a window, start by measuring the distance between the jamb on the left side of your window and the jamb on the right to get the width. Then, measure the distance between the sill and the head jamb to get the height. Once you know the dimensions of your old window, purchase a new window that's the right fit. Next, remove the old window, including any weights, pulleys, or screws on the frame. Finally, apply some caulk to the exterior stops on the frame and place the new window in the opening, driving mounting screws into each jamb. | Measure the width of the existing window in 3 places. To measure the width of the existing window, run your measuring tape from the jamb on the left side of the window to the jamb on its right side. Take a measurement at the top, middle, and bottom, and use the shortest distance as your true measurement. Open the window and look at the sides. Find the thin strips that run vertically on each side and sit flush against the moving part of the window, which is called the lower sash. These strips are called stops. The stops sit in front of the stash on the interior side of the window. The jambs, or the window's side posts, are past the stops and are in line with the sashes. Notice that the distance between the stops is shorter than the distance between the jambs. If you'd measured from the stops, your replacement window would be too small. Measure the height of existing window. Take your measurements from the window sill to the head jamb. Look at the top of the window, and notice that there's another stop that runs horizontally. It's a bit lower than the head jamb, or the very top of the frame. Measure from the sill to the head jamb on the left, center, and right sides, and use the smallest number as your true measurement. With the window open, look at the bottom of the frame. The sill is where the sash sits. Don't confuse it with the stool, or the molding on the inside of the window that gives it a finished look. The stool is higher than the sill and, like the stops, would throw off your measurements. Sills are often sloped to divert water away from a home's interior. If your window sill is sloped, take the measurement from its highest point. Additionally, use a protractor to measure the angle of the sill's slope. Some replacement windows offer a choice of sill angles. Check the squareness by measuring diagonally across the window. Run your measuring tape from the top left of the frame to the bottom right, and note your measurement. Then measure the frame diagonally from the top right to the bottom left. If there's a difference of less than ⁄ 4 to ⁄ 2 in (0.64 to 1.27 cm) between the diagonal measurements of your frame, you can make small adjustments with shims when you install the new windows. If the difference is any larger, consider contacting a professional. Purchase a new window that fits your measurements. Carefully measuring the existing window is the most important step to replacing it. Bring your measurements to a home improvement store, consult an employee about available window sizes, and buy one that meets your needs. In general, the window should be ⁄ 2 to ⁄ 4 in (1.3 to 1.9 cm) smaller than the existing opening. You may need to purchase a custom window to fit your measurements. For the easiest and most energy-efficient option, go with vinyl replacement windows with their own self-contained jambs and sashes. Remove the inside stop pieces from the sides of the window. Recall that the stops are vertical strips on either side of the window frame. Use a thin pry bar or stiff putty knife to carefully pull them off of the frame. If caked paint makes the job difficult, use a utility blade to score along the edge of the window frame. Do your best to avoid damaging the stops, as you'll reattach them once you've installed the new window. If you happen to crack a stop, take a bit of wood filler and mold it onto the damaged part. Let it dry for about 15 minutes, and sand down the filler and the surrounding wood. Then give it a new coat of paint before reattaching to the frame. If you accidentally snap a stop in half, either patch it together with wood filler or purchase a 1 ⁄ 2 by ⁄ 4 in (3.81 by 0.64 cm) furring strip from the hardware store. This should be the matching size, but measure your stop to be sure. Saw the furring strip to match the height of the other stop. Take the inside sash out of the window frame. Once the inside stops are gone, the lower sash should slip out easily. If your existing window is old, the inside sash might be connected to a weight by a chain or cord. If necessary, cut the chain or cord and let the weight fall down into its well. If the lower sash doesn't slip out and you don't see cords, it might have metal jamb liners or springs. Look for nails or screws that secure spring boxes to the sash, and remove any you find. Slide the upper sash down to the bottom portion of the frame. Look for the thin strip of wood at the top of the frame that sits against the upper sash. This is the parting stop; remove it to free the upper sash. Then, pull out the upper sash; if it's a double-hung window, cut any chains or cords that connect it to a weight. In a double-hung window, both the upper and lower sashes open and close. Leave the exterior stops on the window frame. These outside strips are the counterparts to the inside stops, or the strips that you pried off the frame on the interior side of the window. The exterior stops will help guide the replacement window during installation. Clean up the remaining window frame. Remove any weights and pulleys from their wells on the sides of the window frame. Look for old nails or screws, and remove any you find. Then scrape away old paint and caulk, and patch any holes with an exterior-grade wood filler. Wait at least 15 minutes for the filler to dry, sand it with 120-grit sandpaper, then paint it to disguise your work. Filler drying times may vary by brand and the depth of your repair, so check your product's specific instructions. If your window has weight wells, or cavities on the right and left sides, fill them with fiberglass or foam insulation after removing the weights. To cut down on clean up time, use a shop vac to remove peeled paint and other debris. Check for rotted wood in the window frame. Run a flat-head screwdriver around the frame to probe for rot. If you notice soft spots or crumbing wood, call a professional to replace the window frame. Instead of trying to install the new window or reinstalling the old one, your best bet is to screw a plywood board over the exterior side of the window until your contractor can inspect it. A replacement window needs to be installed in a solid, rot-free frame, and a rotted frame could be a sign of larger structural problems. Place the new window into the frame to test its fit. Carefully lift the replacement window into place to dry fit it. There should be a ⁄ 2 to ⁄ 4 in (1.3 to 1.9 cm) gap around its perimeter. Once you've verified that the window is the right size, take it out of the frame and set it aside. A large window is heavy, so get help lifting it to avoid dropping it or injuring yourself. If you measured carefully, the new window should match the opening. If it's too small, you can add furring strips to the jambs to match the new window. For instance, if there'a a 1 ⁄ 2 in (3.8 cm) gap on either side of the new window, screw 1 in (2.5 cm) furring strips to the side jambs, or the posts on the left and right sides of the frame. If the new window is too large for the frame, return the window, if possible. If you can't exchange the unit, you'll need to cut into the raw opening. This is best left to a professional. Run a bead of caulk along the exterior stops. Recall that you didn't remove the exterior stops, or the strips that sit flush against the outside of the sashes. Using a caulk gun, apply a ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm) bead of waterproof, exterior-grade caulk along the top of the frame and sides of the stops. Then run 2 beads of caulk on the sill against the stool. The stool is the interior molding that sits on top of the sill to give the frame a finished look. Set the new window into the opening. Slip the bottom of the window onto the sill, then tip its top into place. Press the window against the exterior stops, and ensure it's centered in the opening. Secure the window by loosely driving a 2 in (5.1 cm) screw through an upper side jamb. At this point, you just want to hold the window in place so you can check its function and, if necessary shim it. Most modern replacement windows have pre-drilled holes; drive the screw into one of the upper side jamb holes. Open the sash and check for levelness. Open and close the sash, or the moving part of the window, to test its function. Lock and unlock the window, and ensure its parts work smoothly. If it doesn't open and close smoothly, check it with a bubble level. Add shims, or scraps of wood approximately ⁄ 8 to ⁄ 4 in (0.32 to 0.64 cm) thin, between the replacement window and the sill to prop up 1 side. Once it's level, trim the lengths of the shims that stick out with a utility blade or handsaw. Drive mounting screws into each jamb. Use the screws that came with your kit, or 2 ⁄ 2 in (6.4 cm) galvanized mounting screws. Locate the replacement window's pre-drilled holes, and insert a shim into the small gap between the window and frame next to each hole. Then drive a screw into each pre-drilled hole. The screws should be snug, but not over-tightened. Placing shims by each pre-drilled hole will help secure the window and keep the frame from bowing. Trim the parts of the shims that stick out with a utility blade or handsaw. Replace the inside stops and any other trim you removed. Almost done! Hold 1 of the stops to the side of the frame where it was originally attached. Hammer 3 galvanized finish nails into the top, middle, and bottom of the stop to keep it in place. Repeat the steps to replace the inside stop on the other side of the frame. Depending on the design of your replacement window and condition of the existing frame, you may also need to use the same technique to hammer trim onto the exterior. Adding or replacing exterior trim can also give your windows a more polished look. Caulk the exterior gaps between the window and casing. Head outside and caulk the exterior of the window. Fill gaps less than ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) wide with an exterior-grade caulk. Apply continuous beads between the replacement window and existing frame. Be sure not to caulk the gap between the sashes and the jambs of the replacement window. The jambs of the replacement window frame the sash, or the parts that open and close. The boundary between the existing frame and the outside of the replacement window is the gap you want to caulk. Otherwise, the window wouldn't be able to open! Use foam-rubber backer rod to fill gaps larger than ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm). Insert the rod into the gap, then apply beads of caulk over the rod to seal it. | Measure the width of the existing window in 3 places. Measure the height of existing window. Check the squareness by measuring diagonally across the window. Purchase a new window that fits your measurements. Remove the inside stop pieces from the sides of the window. Take the inside sash out of the window frame. Slide the upper sash down to the bottom portion of the frame. Clean up the remaining window frame. Check for rotted wood in the window frame. Place the new window into the frame to test its fit. Run a bead of caulk along the exterior stops. Set the new window into the opening. Open the sash and check for levelness. Drive mounting screws into each jamb. Replace the inside stops and any other trim you removed. Caulk the exterior gaps between the window and casing. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-on-Roller-Skates | How to Stop on Roller Skates | Roller skating is great fun, but you'll need to know how to slow down and stop to stay safe in the rink. Before you start skating, check where the brakes are on your skates. If your skates have a row of wheels in the middle, they'll probably have heel brakes. If they have 2 sets of 2 wheels, they'll usually have toe brakes. To use heel brakes, place your foot with the heel brake in front. Then, lift your toes and gently apply pressure to the brake. To use a toe brake, straighten your back leg behind you so your toe's pointing at the ground and apply gentle pressure. If you're wearing knee pads, which you really should be, you can also lower one knee and drag it along the ground. This is an easy way to brake for beginners or as a backup if something goes wrong. | Use your knee pad to stop. Since it is typically recommended to wear safety gear when you are skating, you should have knees pads on already. To perform this stop, slowly lower one knee to the ground and allow it to drag. This is a good stopping technique for beginners as it takes very little skill to perform. You don't want to rely on it, just use it as a backup when necessary. Use the heel or toe brakes. Since inline skates typically have a heel brake and quad skates have toe stops, these are a basic, common way to stop. Both brakes are best used with your legs scissored, one forward and one back. To use the heel brake, the skate with the heel brake should be forward. Lift your front foot toes and gently apply pressure to the brake. To use toe stops, lift your back leg heel and apply pressure to the toe stop. On roller skates when using the toe stops you must be skating backwards or else you can cause serious damage to your feet and ankles. Perfect the spinout stop. Plant one foot and allow the other foot to trace a wide circle around your body. This transfers your motion from forward to circular movement, which slows you down to a stop while keeping you fixed in one location. This is most effective if you plant your dominant foot and allow your non-dominant foot to trace the circle around you. This is also an effective movement if you just want to slow down and not come to a complete stop. Spread your legs wider than your shoulders. Although you most likely skate with your feet about shoulder-width, to make this stopping technique most effective you must widen your stance. As you do this, it is helpful to bend the knees a little, as well. Don't spread your legs so wide that it feels like a strain, just make them wider than they normally would be during skating. Point your toes slightly in toward each other. Slowly angle your feet so that your toes are pointing toward the center. The natural tendency of your feet may be to close the gap between them when you point your toes, but you want to make sure you keep a wide stance for now. You want to make sure not to point them too sharply inward or you may end up falling. Angle them just enough that you can tell they are pointed in. Pointing your toes inward makes the wheels roll at a slight angle which creates more friction than if they were pointing straight forward. This is where the stopping power comes from. Bring your feet slowly closer together. Pointing your toes inward will already start to slow you down, but coming to a full stop, especially if you need to stop quickly, requires you to bring the feet closer together. Going from a wide stance to a very tight stance may make you feel a little wobbly, so go slow and keep the knees slightly bent rather than straight and rigid. Let the inside wheels rub each other. Once your feet are close and still pointing inward, adjust so that the front wheels are just barely touching. Allowing the wheels to rub together adds just enough friction to slow you down all the way to a stop. Again, you don't want to let them slam together and rub so hard that you stop immediately as this will likely result in you losing balance and falling forward. Bend your knees. This is good posture for skating anyway, but bending the knees slightly is important for stopping because it helps you keep your balance. It also makes the movements easier to perform. You don't need to be crouching down in a sitting position, just have them bent slightly past straight. The bend in the knees gives you a lower center of gravity. How much you bend your knees can be affected by your height, such that taller people may want to bend their knees a little more for better balance. Move your non-dominant foot farther back. As you are still moving, slowly scissor your legs so that your non-dominant foot (whichever one you'd be less likely to kick a ball with) slides backward. At the same time, move your dominant foot a little more forward. Keep both feet facing forward for the time being. Shift the majority of your weight onto your front foot. This may feel a little awkward at first and it takes good control of your balance, so practice this part a lot. Keeping weight off of your back foot prepares you to move it while performing the stop. Lift your back foot off of the ground. Lift your back foot off the ground just enough so you are able to turn the foot sideways. You don't need to lift it high in the air, but make sure it doesn't touch the ground yet until you get it positioned properly. This will require you to glide momentarily with weight only on your front foot. Turn your back foot perpendicular to your front foot. Perform this part at the same time as lifting your foot to create a smooth motion of lifting and turning. When you turn your foot, it should be sideways, with your toes pointing outward, as much as possible. The goal is to have this foot be at a 90-degree angle to your front foot. Place your back foot on the ground. Do this gently rather than stomping your foot down. At 90 degrees to your front foot and keeping your legs scissored, set the foot down. It should be about one foot behind your front foot. Even as you set the foot back down, you don't want to put much of your actual weight on the back foot. You will simply apply a bit of pressure. The movement of lifting the foot, turning the foot, and setting the foot back down should be done as quickly and smoothly as you can. The goal is to have the three motions turn into one smooth motion. Remember that since your legs are scissored and your foot is pointing sideways that it will come down onto the ground at a slight angle towards the rest of your body. Your front leg skate will be straight up but your back skate will be at an angle. Keep your hips aligned forward. It is easy to start spinning or veering to the side if you let your hips loosen up to face sideways, which would feel more comfortable. If you let your hips open up to the side, you won't keep going forward like you want to. Be sure that you keep the hips squared forward with your front foot. This also takes conscious effort as it can feel like a strain. Drag your back foot until you stop. Do not put weight on the back foot, just apply enough pressure to slow you down. The more pressure you apply, the faster you will stop. Gauge how much stopping room you have and apply pressure accordingly. | Use your knee pad to stop. Use the heel or toe brakes. Perfect the spinout stop. Spread your legs wider than your shoulders. Point your toes slightly in toward each other. Bring your feet slowly closer together. Let the inside wheels rub each other. Bend your knees. Move your non-dominant foot farther back. Lift your back foot off of the ground. Turn your back foot perpendicular to your front foot. Place your back foot on the ground. Keep your hips aligned forward. Drag your back foot until you stop. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Stay-at-Home-Mom | How to Be a Stay at Home Mom | To be a stay at home mom, start by prioritizing your basic daily tasks and scheduling household chores for certain days of the week so that you don't end up feeling overwhelmed. It's also helpful to plan a daily schedule for your kids, but keep the schedule flexible so you can accommodate unplanned activities. To keep your kids happy and engaged, do arts and crafts, take them to the library regularly, bring them on occasional field trips, and schedule play dates with other children. | Know exactly how much monthly income you have. Figure out the amount of money your partner is bringing home every month. This is the starting point for determining whether or not you can afford to stay at home with your child. Calculate your monthly fixed expenses. Track your rent or mortgage, utilities, phone bill, insurance, car payments, student loan payments, food and other expenses that you have every month. Take into account other expenses. These include entertainment expenses, birthday and holiday gifts, vacations, school fundraisers, magazine subscriptions, cable TV, and so on. Add in unanticipated expenses. Be sure to calculate whether you will be able to handle unforeseen expenses, such as a new transmission in your car, or a locksmith if you get locked out of your house, or a trip to the emergency room. Tally the expenses that you'll save if you don't work. Going to work can cost money, even though you're earning money. Make a list of expenses associated with work, such as gas money, parking, dry cleaning, getting a morning coffee, bus fare, and so on. Think about take-out food as well. When you're tired from a long day at work and you don't want to cook, you may be more likely to eat out or order take-out. Balance income with daycare expenses. If both parents work, then your children will need some form of childcare. Daycare can be very expensive, especially if the child is in full-time daycare. The average annual cost of daycare now exceeds in-state college tuition in 36 states. Calculate how much income you would bring in if you were working. Balance this with how much money you'd need to spend on childcare if you were not at home with your child. A grandparent or other relative may be able to care for the child, thus reducing childcare expenses. Adjust your budget. Figure out areas that you can cut so that you can afford to stay at home. If you regularly get coffee at the local coffee shop, think about making coffee at home and saving $3 every day. If you subscribe to magazines, think about cutting out these subscriptions. A good way to determine what you can cut is to track your spending for two months. Write down everything you spend money on, down to the penny. Keep a notebook with you at all times, or track it on your phone. Tally up your receipts. You may find that you are spending a lot of money on frivolous things that you don't need. Take into account the long-term lost earnings. If you are not going to work, you won't be adding to a retirement fund, paying into social security, or contributing to a 401(k). Depending on how long you plan to stay at home with your child, these lost earnings may not last long. But they are something to consider. Also consider that if you step out of the workforce, you may have to restart your career track at a lower earning rate than you would have if you'd never left the workforce. Women especially are subject to lower pay. Unfortunately, not working for even a few years can have a potentially detrimental effect on what you might earn. Figure out if you qualify for public assistance. If your income is very low, you may be eligible for food stamps or other public assistance. Check with your state's Department of Human Services to find out more. For example, the federal government program, Women, Infant and Children (WIC), provides supplemental food, nutrition education and other benefits to low-income families. Prioritize the basic tasks. Stay at home moms, especially ones with new babies, can feel overwhelmed at the thought of running the entire household. You may be exhausted from taking care of an infant who doesn't sleep at night, for example. Keeping up with kids' demands all day can make it hard to get things done. Strive to get the basics done. Get the kids up, dressed and fed. Get yourself showered, dressed and fed. These two things will help you on your way to feeling more on top of it. Make loose schedules for your kids. Depending on your child's age, it can be very helpful to have consistent schedules. You know that your daughter wakes up every morning around 6:30 a.m. You know she takes a nap at 10:00 a.m. You know she needs lunch when she wakes up at noon. You may need to pick up your older son from school at 2:45 p.m. Plan a schedule for your kids. Keep the schedule flexible, so you can accommodate unplanned activities. As your kids get a little older, adjust the schedule in a way that makes sense for their ages and interests. Schedule household chores for certain days. It may be helpful to choose one day of the week to be laundry day, another day for grocery shopping, another for baking. While your family may generate a ton of laundry, saving it for Tuesdays will keep you from feeling like you're constantly doing laundry. Enlist your kids to help you with chores. Preschoolers can help sort laundry, kindergarteners can help unload the dishwasher, and older kids can make dinner once in a while. Plan your meals. Make a meal menu for the week. This will help you in knowing what to buy at the grocery store. You can also plan meals around leftovers. For example, you can roast a chicken one night and use the bones for a chicken soup the next night. Schedule playdates with other kids. When you find other families with young children, schedule playdates. Invite the other parent and child to your house. Once you get to know each other, you might find yourself scheduling a weekly playdate. You might even be able to trade off childcare. Take your kids on field trips. Visit local landmarks, parks, factories, and other places to enrich your children's education. This can be especially helpful in breaking up the day when you have small children at home. Do arts and crafts projects. Give your kids a chance to get messy and creative. Plan arts and crafts projects that align with their interests. For example, if your child loves playing with play dough, try making handmade ornaments out of salt dough. If your child loves drawing, practice making a story book. Build up a cache of materials to use in arts and crafts projects. This might include toilet paper tubes and paper towel tubes, egg cartons, ribbons, string, cellophane, pipe cleaners, and so on. Take regular trips to the library. Build library visits into your weekly schedule. This is a good opportunity to nurture a love for reading. Most libraries hold story times that are age-specific. These can be wonderful opportunities to meet other families. Rotate toys in and out of use. If there are too many toys available, young kids may get overwhelmed with the choices. It can be hard to focus on one activity when there are 10 other possible activities in immediate view. Select some toys to remove from use and store them out of sight. Every few weeks, bring these toys back into circulation, removing and storing other toys. Join a mommy group. Lots of communities have mommy groups that hold regular get-togethers. Your children will be the same ages, and you can share advice and stories about raising your kids. You may be able to find a mommy group through your hospital or pediatrician, church, library, community organization or local university. Connect with other stay-at-home parents. Introduce yourself to parents at the park, playground, dance class, and soccer practice. In order to keep yourself from being isolated, you will need to find other parents with schedules like yours. You can still connect with your working friends, but they won't likely be available on weekday mornings. Having other stay-at-home parents in your circle of friends will help keep you in a social network. Schedule playdates with other kids. When you find other families with young children, schedule playdates. Invite the other parent and child to your house. Once you get to know each other, you might find yourself scheduling a weekly playdate. You might even be able to trade off childcare. Volunteer with a local charity. Find a nonprofit organization or other charitable cause whose mission you support. Schedule regular volunteering at this place. It might be an animal shelter, an arts organization, a nature conservancy or other organization. This will help you connect with others who have like-minded interests as well. You may choose to volunteer at places that are child-friendly. This can be a great experience for children to learn about giving back to the community and helping others. You might also want to volunteer at your child's school. Have a social network online. You might also find it useful to have a community of friends online. You might not always be able to see each other in person, especially when one kid has the flu or another kid is taking a nap. But staying in touch online can give you another social outlet to share stories and solicit advice. Be honest with yourself. Staying at home with your child can be very hard. Studies show that stay-at-home-moms may experience more depression, worry, sadness, and anger than working moms. This is partly due to isolation, under-appreciation and little contact with adults during the day. The schedule for a stay-at-home mom is intense as well, with no time off, no sick leave, and no vacation time. Know that these feelings are common. If you're feeling this way, you're not the only one. You should be honest with yourself so that you are making the healthiest choice for yourself and your family. Split chores fairly. Just because you are the stay-at-home parent, this doesn't mean that you should have to do all the household chores. Work with the other parent to assign tasks fairly. For example, your partner can make dinner some nights, or do the dishes, or put in a load of laundry. It can be common to think that you haven't done any “work” just because you've been at home all day. Remember, taking care of children and the home is very hard work. Plus, you get no breaks and very little time for yourself. Make sure you aren't carrying all the weight at home. Be good to yourself. Treat yourself to a movie, schedule time for a massage, and meet up with a friend for coffee. Don't feel guilty about nurturing yourself. You will be a better parent and person when you take care of yourself too. Get a babysitter. While you intend to save money on childcare by not working, this doesn't mean that you have to be at home with the kids 100% of the time. You and your partner still need time together without the kids. Make time every few weeks to have a date. Go out in the evening. Schedule regular times after your partner comes home from work when you can go out by yourself. You might use this time to run errands without kids, see a movie, or visit a friend. Get exercise. Exercise can help relieve stress and tension that may build up when you spend your days with children. You may need to schedule exercise time when your partner is home with the kids, or when your kids are at school. You can also schedule time when your kids need to be quiet so that you can do a yoga video in your living room. Whatever you choose, make it a priority for yourself. Take the kids for a bike ride, or buy a jogging stroller so you can go for a run with the baby. Some communities have mommy exercise classes, such as Baby Boot Camp or Fit4Mom. In these classes, you exercise with other parents while your child sits in a jogging stroller. Have hobbies that you can do at home. Just because you're at home with your children doesn't mean that everything you do must be child-focused. Find some hobbies that you can do while your children play. You might take up gardening, sewing, playing a musical instrument, building something, painting, photography, and so on. Spend some time reading. Taking quiet time for yourself may encourage your kids to spend the time reading as well. Don't lose your professional identity. You may be a stay-at-home mom, but you also have many other roles. Your professional identity is just one of those other roles. You can be known as a mom, but you can also be known as a web designer, or an event planner, or a car mechanic. Stay in touch with your professional contacts. Keep networking with people that you know from your professional career. These people will be your first point of contact if and when you want to get back into the professional workforce. Schedule coffee or lunch dates every few months to stay in contact and update each other on what's happening in your lives. You may hear of an opportunity that will work into your stay-at-home life, or you may decide you want to start work again. Keep up on industry trends. Read trade magazines, newsletters and other industry updates to keep yourself knowledgeable about what's happening in your industry. Attend workshops or conferences to learn about new practices or products. Find part-time work that you can do at home. Many stay-at-home parents balance competing desires to stay home and continue a professional career by finding part-time work. This work is ideally done at home, so that your schedule can remain flexible. Talk with your professional contacts to find opportunities that can be done from home. You might also find other opportunities not directly linked to your field. These might include: Tutoring Web design Freelance writing Office work Art or design projects Substitute teaching Think strategically when you volunteer. If you choose to volunteer, you can volunteer for roles that will further your career, even incrementally. If you are a writer, for example, you can volunteer to write a nonprofit organization's newsletter. If you're a historian, you can volunteer at a local museum or archive. If you're an accountant, you can volunteer to do tax counseling. Take some classes. If you feel you need to brush up on your skillset or learn new information, enroll in the local community college or university. Taking a class that meets once or twice a week can be helpful in keeping you up-to-date in your professional life. This is also a good way to continue building your professional network. Look into a “returnship. ” Returnships are jobs for older workers who want to get back into the workforce after having been at home. These give you an opportunity to update your resume while building skills. You may be able to work part-time at this type of job. Approach these types of positions with caution. Make sure you are being paid for your work, as some companies may justify not paying you by telling you that you're getting experience. | Know exactly how much monthly income you have. Calculate your monthly fixed expenses. Take into account other expenses. Add in unanticipated expenses. Tally the expenses that you'll save if you don't work. Balance income with daycare expenses. Adjust your budget. Take into account the long-term lost earnings. Figure out if you qualify for public assistance. Prioritize the basic tasks. Make loose schedules for your kids. Schedule household chores for certain days. Plan your meals. Schedule playdates with other kids. Take your kids on field trips. Do arts and crafts projects. Take regular trips to the library. Rotate toys in and out of use. Join a mommy group. Connect with other stay-at-home parents. Schedule playdates with other kids. Volunteer with a local charity. Have a social network online. Be honest with yourself. Split chores fairly. Be good to yourself. Get a babysitter. Go out in the evening. Get exercise. Have hobbies that you can do at home. Don't lose your professional identity. Stay in touch with your professional contacts. Keep up on industry trends. Find part-time work that you can do at home. Think strategically when you volunteer. Take some classes. Look into a “returnship. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Take-Care-of-a-Friend%27s-Dog | How to Take Care of a Friend's Dog | To care for a friend's dog at your house, make sure you have enough time and space in your home, depending on the dog's size and activity level. You should also meet the dog ahead of time to learn about its feeding schedule, any medications it may be on, and if there are any behavioral issues that you should be aware of. Additionally, if you have dogs, make sure to introduce them ahead of time somewhere neutral, like the dog park, to avoid territorial aggression. Once you're home, use baby gates to keep the dog in one area. | Make sure you have the time and space to care for a dog. If a friend asks you to watch their dog, only agree to do so if you have the time and space in your life. If you live in a tiny apartment and already have two dogs, adding a third might be stressful and overwhelming. If you work a 60 hour week and barely have any spare time, you might not be the best dog sitting candidate for your friend. Consider the dog's activity level. Is it a dog that is very energetic that needs lots of time outside to run around each day? Or, is it a dog that is more mellow and relaxed? Make sure your lifestyle matches the dog you're being asked to watch so that you feel more comfortable. Make sure you're comfortable with the amount of time you'll be caring for the dog. While a day or two might not be too overwhelming, a few week might be too much for you to handle. Discuss this with the dog's owner beforehand. Meet the dog before it’s time for the dog to be in your care, especially if you’ve never actually met or become acquainted with the dog you’ll be caring for. You want to make sure you're comfortable with the dog, and that the dog is also comfortable around you. Try meeting up with your friend and the dog on neutral ground, like at a park. Spend a little while getting to know the dog. You can also use this time to make sure you're fit to it's energy level. Try playing fetch with it, or do tricks to get acquainted. Even if you're okay with the dog make sure it is comfy with you. If you've already met the dog you'll be caring for, still try to spend a little bit of time with the dog before it's in your care to renew your bond. Ask about any medications the dog is on. Before the dog is left in your care, talk to its owner about what medications it's on. Whether it's medicine they have to take daily, or something they'll need to take just once while they're with you, make sure you have all the instructions for each medication before the owner leaves. It's a good idea to have the owner write down these instructions, or for you to take notes yourself as they explain. Leave the instructions with the bottles of medication in a place where you can see it, but that is out of reach of the dog and/or any children in the house. Having the number for the dog's veterinarian is important, even if they aren't on any medications. You'll want someone to reach out to if anything goes wrong. Their vet will have all the dog's records, so they can provide the best care in an emergency. They can also advise you on any medications if you lose the instructions, or aren't sure about anything. Write down feeding instructions. Many dogs are on very specific diets. Make sure you know how much to feed the dog as well as when to feed them. Ask the owner if the dog likes to “graze,” or eat a little bit now and then throughout the day. This would mean leaving his food down all day, so if you have a pet of your own that might eat the food, make sure you work this out. Ask about any foods the dog isn't allowed to have, and how many treats they're allowed on a daily basis. Keep in mind that some dogs might be a little stressed out when their owner goes away, so their eating habits might change a bit until they adjust. Ask about any behavioral issues. Before you are left alone with the dog, make sure you're aware of any possible aggression issues, housebreaking problems, or even shyness the dog might be dealing with. Some dogs might have leash aggression, or they might be very timid around new people. Some dogs might occasionally still have accidents in the house. Make sure you're prepared for these potential problems, and talk with the dog's owner about ways to deal with them successfully. If the dog has serious aggression issues, you might suggest that the owner board them with a professional boarding facility that is better equipped to handle that sort of behavior, or if the dog is shy, you may want to give a space of its own to get comfy. Give it its favorite toys, and give it its time to adjust. Let the dog meet your pets, if you have any. If the dog will be staying at your home and you have pets in the house, make time to introduce the dog to your pets prior to the dog's stay with you. Introduce your friend's dog to your dog somewhere neutral first, like a park. Then, you can bring the dog to your home after they've been acquainted. Make sure they get along with any other pets in the house, like cats. If there are any issues, you'll have time to sort them out before the owner leaves. Consider keeping the dog separate from your pets when you are not home. Since they are still new to one another, there might be a chance for one to become territorial over toys or aggressive when you aren't there to intervene. Use baby gates to keep the dog in one area of the house. Even if the dog sleeps in a crate at night, or stays in one while home alone, you really shouldn't keep the dog in its crate just as a means of keeping it in one place. It's a good idea to put up baby gates to confine the dog to a “safe” area of the house, or even to keep the dog separate from your pets while you aren't around. If you plan to confine the dog to a certain part of your home, make sure that the dog still has access to water. Set up an area for the dog to sleep. Ask the owner how the dog usually sleeps at night in its own home. Does the dog sleep in bed with the owner? Does the dog sleep in a crate? Does the dog have its own bed? However the dog sleeps, set up a similar sleeping situation for it in your home. If the dog has its own bed, for example, bring that bed over to your house so it will have a familiar place to lie down and rest at night. If he sleeps in a crate, bring the crate to your house. Having something from the dog's own home can be helpful. The item will smell like home, and it might act as a comfort for the dog. So, even if the dog sleeps in a crate, make sure to bring a blanket or pillow from its home to put in the crate with him. If the dog usually sleeps in bed with its owner, but you aren't comfortable with the dog sleeping in your bed, find some middle ground. For example, you could set up the dog's own bed right beside yours on the floor. Put bowls down for food and water. If you can, just use the dog's regular bowls from its home. Make sure you know whether or not to leave food down all day for the dog, and make sure your own pets won't eat the dog's food. Make sure the dog always has access to fresh water. Change the water in the water bowl a few times a day to make sure it stays clean and fresh. To deter your own pets from eating the dog's food, try feeding them in separate rooms, or keeping them separated when you aren't around if the dog needs food down all the time. Consider putting down a mat or towel under the bowls. This will keep water from sloshing onto the floor, and help keep the dog's food bowl in place while he eats. Make your house safe for the dog. To ensure the safety of the dog, make sure to put all fragile and/or toxic or harmful items out of reach. Put up loose cords, remove items from the coffee table, put away the trash can or make sure the lid is securely shut, keep all food put away and out of reach, and keep toilet lids shut. This will help keep the dog out of trouble, as it might be a little more curious than usual being in a new environment. Ask the owner if the dog has any chewing habits. If so, make sure to put shoes away in the closet and shut the door securely. Decide if you will stay at your friend’s home. Depending on the length of time you'll be caring for the dog, you might consider simply staying at your friend's home for your own convenience. Or, if you will just be caring for the dog a short time, simply checking in a few times a day might suffice. Either way, you will want to discuss this with your friend beforehand. How often you check in might depend on the dog's needs and activity level. For example, an older, more mellow dog might only need one or two short walks a day, while a younger, more active dog might require more frequent attention and checking on. Follow the normal house rules. Ask the owner what the normal routine is for the dog. Is the dog allowed on the furniture? Does the dog get one or two walks per day? Is the dog allowed in the backyard without a leash? Should you leave the dog's food down all day? Whatever the normal rules and routines of the house are, try to stick to them as best you can. That way, the dog will feel more relaxed and won't develop any bad habits while the owner is away. If the dog is usually left alone during certain hours of the day, it might be a good idea to let him be during that time. Since it's part of his routine, it will be easier for him to get back to normal when his owner returns. If the dog has a certain walk routine—like walks at certain times of the day—try sticking to that schedule. This will help keep the dog in its usual routine, even while its owner is away. Meet the neighbors. If you'll be going in and out of a friend's home while they are out of town, make sure the neighbors know you're allowed to be doing so. You don't want to end up with police knocking on the door because a neighbor saw a strange person! Before the owner leaves, be sure to have them introduce you to the neighbors and let the neighbors know that you'll be dogsitting. The neighbors might also be able to pop in and let the dog out if you have an emergency, so ask the owner to leave a key with a neighbor they trust, and get that neighbor's contact information. Greet the dog with a treat when you enter the home. Once the owner leaves, the dog might be surprised to see someone unfamiliar entering the home. Keep a little bag of treats in your car or bag, and offer the dog one when you enter the door. Make sure you use a type of treat that the dog usually gets—try grabbing a handful of the treats their owner already has. This will help the dog relax and trust you when you first enter. You might not have to do this every time you enter. Just do it the first few times until the dog is used to you coming in, instead of its owner. | Make sure you have the time and space to care for a dog. Meet the dog before it’s time for the dog to be in your care, especially if you’ve never actually met or become acquainted with the dog you’ll be caring for. Ask about any medications the dog is on. Write down feeding instructions. Ask about any behavioral issues. Let the dog meet your pets, if you have any. Use baby gates to keep the dog in one area of the house. Set up an area for the dog to sleep. Put bowls down for food and water. Make your house safe for the dog. Decide if you will stay at your friend’s home. Follow the normal house rules. Meet the neighbors. Greet the dog with a treat when you enter the home. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Train-Bernese-Mountain-Dogs | How to Train Bernese Mountain Dogs | To train a Bernese Mountain Dog, work with it in short, 5 minute training sessions before gradually increasing the time you spend teaching it commands. In the beginning, try to keep a few treats in your pocket so that you can reward your dog when it does something good. If it does something naughty, like chewing on furniture or jumping up on you, say “Stop,” firmly and remove it from the situation. You should avoid yelling at your dog so that it doesn't become afraid of you. | Be patient. Never strike or yell at a puppy if she disobeys you. Bernese Mountain Dog tend to be very mild tempered and obedient but they, like all dogs, will take some time to train. Hitting it will only make the puppy fear you and confuse her — never strike your dog. If you in the middle of a training session and she doesn't fully understand, do not become impatient and scold her. After all, the puppy or dog is only learning. If you find that you are losing your patience, step away from the dog and try again later. Bernese Mountain Dogs are extremely affectionate and want to please — scolding or punishing may have an extremely detrimental affect on your Bernese. Focus on positive reinforcement instead of punishment. Reward good behavior. This could be with a tiny tasty treat or just praise as the dog develops. If the dog knows he gets a treat for good behavior, and bad behavior is ignored, then he is likely to reproduce good behavior it was rewarded for. When you catch your dog or puppy chewing or destroying something he shouldn't, remove either the dog or the object from the dog and distract him with something it can “destroy” or chew on, like a toy. Then praise him for chewing on the right thing — the toy. Keep a bag of treats in a Ziploc bag in your pocket or in a “fanny” type bag at your waist. This means you will always have a treat handy. You never know when an opportunity to train will pop up during the day! Keep training sessions short. During the first few weeks of training a puppy's attention span is short, usually less than five minutes. As your puppy gets older and starts to associate training times with pleasant interaction with you, the training time can be increased. You will know the dog's attention span is increasing when the puppy focuses more on the training sessions than on wandering off and playing. Start training your dog immediately. You can teach your puppy commands from the moment she arrives home. Keep training sessions short (less than five minutes) and practice three to five times a day. Your Bernese Mountain Dog should be able to learn a variety of commands. Start with leash etiquette and commands that limit bad behavior, and move on to more specific commands. Teach the dog to stop bad behavior. It essential that you train your dog a command for when you want him to stop doing something. "Stop" or "leave it" are common commands — whichever you choose, make sure that you are consistent and that everyone in the household uses the same command. When you see your dog doing the unwanted behavior, first give the command, then immediately follow with action (taking away the item or moving your dog away from it). By giving the command first, then doing the corrective action, you will give your dog the opportunity to do what you want when he hears you say "leave it" and avoid an unpleasant consequence. Train your dog to stop biting and chewing. Puppies explore their environment by mouthing everything in sight. While these are natural behaviors for a puppy, you also don't want her to think it's okay to bite people or chew on your shoes. Your dog will not know what is appropriate for her to chew unless you teach her. Keep anything you don't want your puppy to destroy up and out of her reach (this includes trash, books, shoes, remote controls, glasses, dirty underwear, etc.). Have plenty of toys for her to play with and chew on, but make sure they are not indistinguishable from household items (your dog will not know the difference between an old sock you offer her to play with and a new sock she is not supposed to chew). Allow your puppy to mouth you, so long as it is gentle. When your puppy gives you a hard bite, give a high-pitched yelp, as though she's really hurt you, and let your hand go limp (don't jerk it away). Your dog should stop biting, at which point you should praise her for stopping. If she bites you hard again, repeat these steps. Do this no more than three times in a 15-minute time period. Give your dog a chew toy when she wants to chew on fingers. If you find your puppy chewing on something she shouldn't be, take it away and give her a toy to chew instead. As you take the item away, say “leave it” and give her a toy to chew on. Do not punish your dog after the fact. If you find an item that your dog destroyed while you were away, don't wave it in her face while yelling at her. This won't teach her not to chew — she will not get the connection that you are angry about something she did two hours ago. Unless you catch her in the act, do not scold your dog. Teach the dog to sit. Most dogs can learn this command quickly with little trouble. Start out by observing your dog — when you see that he is in the process of sitting on his own, say "sit" clearly and in a firm voice. As soon as his butt touches the ground, praise him, pet him, and give him a treat. Do this every time you spy your dog about to sit. Another method is to stand in front of your dog with a treat in your hand. Hold the treat centimeters above your dog's nose, then move the treat backwards, over his head, leading his nose. He should follow the treat with his nose and should sit down as he does this. Again, as soon as his butt hits the floor, give him the treat and praise him. Once your dog has the motion down, say "sit" just before you begin to lead his nose back with the treat. Teach your dog to not jump on people. Puppies jump to your attention or while playing. This may be cute when your Bernese is little, but they grow into huge dogs, and she may injure or scare people if she jumps when she is full grown. Teach her not to jump when she is a puppy to avoid problems later on. If your dog has already mastered "sit," this can make teaching her not to jump a lot easier. When she's in a situation in which she is likely to jump — meeting a new person, for instance, tell her instead to sit and reward her with your attention. When you see your dog is going to jump up on you, turn your body away, deflecting her, avoiding eye contact, and saying nothing. She will get the message that, when she jumps on you, she gets no reward or attention. Once she stops jumping and calms down, praise her with lots of petting, attention, and scratching. Train your dog to lay down. Once your Bernese knows how to sit, you can teach him the "down" command. Ask your dog to sit, then hold the treat in front of his nose. Lower the treat to the ground — he should follow with his nose, lowering his body; you can praise him as he moves toward the down position. When his belly touches the ground and he laying down, reward him with the treat and more praise. Once he is familiar with the movement, add the verbal command. "Down," "lay," or "drop" are common commands. Say it just before you begin bringing the treat down. Eventually, with practice, your dog will make the association between the action and the word "down." Teach your dog to stay. This can be a difficult command to train, as your dog will naturally want to follow you around. Teach this command to your dog once she has learned to sit and lay down. Begin teaching your dog to stay when she is calm (try after a walk), in a familiar environment, and with few distractions. Keep these sessions short at first, as it will be a challenge for her to stay in the beginning. Stand in front of your dog and ask her to sit or lay down. If she remains in the position for a few seconds, quickly reward her with a treat. This signals that she is released from the position and may do something else. Repeat the process and wait a few seconds longer before rewarding your dog. If she breaks the stay before you have released her (by rewarding her with the treat), say "ah-ah!" And start over. Add the verbal command. When your dog is sitting or laying down, say "stay" and put one hand out like a stop sign. Wait a few seconds, then reward her with the treat. Gradually increase the length of the stay. Do this slowly, and don't make these training sessions too long or your dog may get frustrated. When your dog seems to be grasping stay, you'll need to complicate things a bit more. Because you want her to stay in position even when you are out of sight (if you ask her to sit and stay while you go in a store, for instance), begin taking a few steps back from your dog after commanding her to stay. If she breaks the stay, she does not get the treat. Some argue that this is not a necessary command — your dog should know that when you tell her to sit or stay, she should remain in that position until you release her. Teach the dog to come when called. The stay command is an important command for your dog's safety — it can stop him from dashing into a busy street or another dangerous situation. Never let your dog off the leash outside (in an unfenced area) until he knows the "come" and "stay" commands and does them consistently. To practice this command, leash your dog and have some treats handy. Holding the end of the leash, say "come" in a very welcoming voice, then quickly take a few steps backwards. Continue to back up until your dog reaches you. Reward him by saying "Yes!," then give him a treat. You can also practice this off-leash. Crouch or kneel and call your dog over to you throughout the day, rewarding him greatly when he comes to you. Never punish your dog when he comes to you. This could mean giving him a bath or shouting at him for not coming when you called, or even just ending his fun by snapping his leash back on every single time he obeys. Coming to you when you call needs to be the most appealing option your dog knows — more appealing than chasing that rabbit or running across the street to say hi to the neighbor. Your dog must understand that he must come every single time you call him. When you are training, don't put him in a situation in which you know he won't obey you and then try the come command. Let your dog get comfortable with her collar and leash. Teaching your Bernese Mountain Dog proper leash etiquette is very important — a big dog like a Bernese could easily drag you down the street if she isn't trained. Start out by letting her get comfortable with her collar. Put it on when she's likely to be distracted, like when she's playing or eating food. If she tries to scratch it off or remove the collar, do not allow her to do so. Do not remove the collar until she's forgotten about it. Once your Bernese is used to wearing her collar, clip on a lightweight leash. Don't try to lead her or do anything with it — let her just drag it around the house (under your supervision) and sniff it. Teach your dog to walk with a loose leash. Once your dog feels comfortable with his collar and leash, take the leash and begin walking around the house with him. If he walks beside you and/or lets the leash be loose or slack, give lots of praise, pats, and treats. If he begins to pull, stop in your tracks. Do not pull him back to you and do not proceed — allow him to come back to you. When the leash is loose again, praise him and begin walking again. Never allow your puppy to pull you on the leash, as this teaches him that this is acceptable. By stopping the walk, he learns that pulling and straining will get him nowhere. If he wants to walk, he must do so without pulling. If your puppy does the opposite and sits down, do not yank on the leash to get him to keep moving. Instead, call him over to you, offering treats and rewards when he comes. Begin potty training immediately. Potty training, or house training, starts the moment your Bernese Mountain Dog sets foot in your house. When you first arrive at your home, let him sniff around the yard until he goes to the bathroom. When the dog does urinate or defecate, give him lots of praise so he associates going to the bathroom outside with being praised. Set a routine. Take your puppy outside on a regular basis. Puppies, in particular, need to go to the bathroom quite frequently. They will not always give you a clear sign that they need to relieve themselves, so taking the dog outside on a regular basis will give the dog the chance to go to the bathroom when she needs to. If you can really set a routine, your dog's digestive system will get used to the schedule and she will go to the bathroom like clockwork. Give your dog a specific spot to go to the bathroom outside your house. Have him go to the bathroom in one specific spot every time. This will solidify the fact that the dog needs to go to the bathroom outside if he has one spot that is his own spot. Watch the dog closely. When you're inside your house with your puppy, watch her carefully for signs that she needs to go potty. Panting, pacing, sniffing around, or barking are all signs she needs to go outside to potty. Immediately rush your puppy outside and let her go to the bathroom. When she does, lavish her with praise as soon as she relieves herself. Don't punish a dog for accidents. If you fail to catch the dog's signal, and a potty accident occurs, don't scold or hit the dog — he won't make the association that you are angry because he went to the bathroom in the wrong place. Instead, quietly clean up the mess and try again. Scolding the dog will only make the dog fearful and secretive when he goes to the bathroom. Your dog will go to the bathroom in places that are hard to spot. Begin by putting the dog in a isolated area. You will need to confine your puppy to a small space (bathroom, mud room, laundry room) with an easily cleaned floor if you can't be with her or when she isn't under your constant eyesight. Crate or kennel training your puppy is one of the best ways to potty train a dog. As an added bonus, it also gives the puppy a safe retreat when she needs a break from life in general. Get a crate for your dog. You will need to purchase a crate that is appropriately sized to fit the size your dog will be as an adult. Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large, so you will need to purchase a large crate. A crate that is about 60"x36" or 72"x36" should be large enough for your dog. If your Bernese is hunched over or can't turn around comfortably in the crate, then you need to buy a bigger crate for him.. Put the crate in a location your dog has access to at all times. The dog should have access to the crate at all times, as the goal is to make it a place the dog goes to when she needs a break. Put the crate in your living room or kitchen with the door open and crate pad or a blanket inside. Gradually increase the amount of time the puppy is in the crate. Encourage the puppy to go into the crate on her own by tossing a treat or toy inside. Do this throughout the day for a few days, always leaving the door open. Once she is comfortable inside the crate, close the door after she goes in. Allow her to come out of the crate only after she has been quiet for 10 minutes — do not let her out if she is whining or pawing at the door. Increase the amount of time the puppy spends in the crate until she is able to stay quietly in the crate for up to two hours. When she is older than four months, she can stay in the crate for up to four hours. Never leave your dog in a crate for longer that four hours (or two hours if she is under four months old). Never use the crate as punishment. The crate is meant to be your puppy's safe haven, not somewhere she goes when she's been bad. Begin socializing early. Dog socialization means learning to be a part of human and dog society in a healthy manner. Bernese Mountain Dogs are known to be a little aloof, so socializing in the first year of life is especially important. While it's an important part of any puppy's training, for a giant breed of dog it's imperative. Begin by introducing the dog to normal household noises and activity in a non-threatening manner. Don't tease your puppy by chasing it with a broom or vacuum. This will only make it fear these things and maybe even you. Take your puppy out into the world. Take your puppy for car rides to get it used to riding in vehicles and to introduce them to street sights and sounds through the windows. Dog parks (with your puppy safely leashed) are another good way to interact with other dogs and humans. Puppies can be brought to these places after they have had their first two distemper vaccines. Do not let your puppy off leash unless you are certain it will get along with other dogs and humans. Enroll in a socialization or obedience class. One of the most productive ways to introduce a puppy to other puppies, humans, and normal sights and sounds is to take them to puppy socialization or obedience classes (for older dogs). These classes are held by community education, 4-H clubs, or pet shops and give the dogs and owners a safe place to learn together. Look through your local newspaper or on-line to find classes near you. Your veterinarian's office may also know of any classes available. | Be patient. Reward good behavior. Keep training sessions short. Start training your dog immediately. Teach the dog to stop bad behavior. Train your dog to stop biting and chewing. Teach the dog to sit. Teach your dog to not jump on people. Train your dog to lay down. Teach your dog to stay. Teach the dog to come when called. Let your dog get comfortable with her collar and leash. Teach your dog to walk with a loose leash. Begin potty training immediately. Set a routine. Give your dog a specific spot to go to the bathroom outside your house. Watch the dog closely. Don't punish a dog for accidents. Begin by putting the dog in a isolated area. Get a crate for your dog. Put the crate in a location your dog has access to at all times. Gradually increase the amount of time the puppy is in the crate. Begin socializing early. Take your puppy out into the world. Enroll in a socialization or obedience class. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-Dodgy-or-Broken-Headphones | How to Repair Dodgy or Broken Headphones | To repair dodgy or broken headphones, start by plugging your headphones into an audio input and bending the cable while you listen. If you hear some audio while bending the cable, the issue is with the cable and you'll need to cut the wires, splice them, and solder them together. If you don't hear audio when you bend the cable, try bending and pushing down on the plug. If you hear audio when you're moving the plug, the issue is with the plug and you'll need to cut it off and replace it. | Know which tools you'll need. Depending on the repair you end up needing to perform, you'll need to have (and know how to use) most of the following tools: Soldering iron and solder Knife or scissors Shrink tubing Wire strippers Multimeter Make sure that the problem resides with the headphones. Plug a different set of working headphones into your preferred audio item (e.g., your computer's headphone jack) and listen for feedback; if you notice that you're not receiving any sound via the other set of headphones either, your audio item's headphone input may be the problem. You can verify this by plugging your headphones into a different input and listening for audio there. Listen for cable issues. Plug the headphones into an audio input, then bend the cable while you listen. If you can hear some audio through your headphones, move on to fixing the cable below. Try pushing the plug. If you can only hear audio when you push or manipulate the plug end of the headphones, skip down to fixing a broken plug below. Consider attempting to repair an over-the-ear earpiece. If your headphones have a detachable cable which can connect the earpieces (as with most Bluetooth headphones), try using your detachable cable with a different set of over-the-ear headphones. If you find that the other set works, your main set's earpieces are most likely to blame; you can try to fix them by using your headphones' documentation and recommended repair strategies. Set up a multimeter. If you haven't found the problem yet, use a multimeter. You can find one at a hardware store. Set up the multimeter as follows: Set the multimeter to test continuity, marked by ) ) ) or a similar symbol. Plug the black lead into the hole marked COM. Plug the red lead into the hole marked with an Ω, mA, or ) ) ). Test your wires with the multimeter. The multimeter will beep if there are no breaks in the wire; to test the wire, follow the below instructions: Make one slit next to the plug, and one slit next to the earpiece. The bare copper wire usually has a clear protective coat, so gently scrape the coat away with a knife. Touch the wire in one slit with the black multimeter lead, then touch the other slit with the red lead. Wait for a response from the multimeter; if it beeps, the problem is in the plug or earpiece. If it does not beep, make a slit halfway along the cable and test each half of the cable. Make another cut in the half that does not beep. Repeat until you've found two points a few inches (several centimeters) apart that do not cause the multimeter to beep. Continue on to fixing the cable , skipping the test step. Test the cable. To figure out where the break in the wires is, wear the headphones and turn on audio, then bend the cable to a right angle across the tip of your thumb. Slide your thumb along the length of the cable. When the sound crackles or cuts in and out, you have found the problem. If the problem is near the plug, see the next part for repair instructions. Otherwise, continue to the next step. Use a piece of tape or a Sharpie to mark the site of the break. If you already found the problem with a multimeter, skip this step. Strip off the insulation. Use wire strippers, or carefully run a knife around the outside of the cable, to remove ½ inch (1.25 cm) of the outer shielding, then extend the cut in either direction until you see a broken wire. This is the area you'll need to repair. If your cable looks like two cables glued together then each one will contain an insulated wire (the signal) and a bare wire (the ground). Apple headphones and other headphones with single cables have two insulated wires (the left and right signal) and a single bare ground wire. Cut the cord. Cut the cord in half. If the wire inside is shredded, cut on either side of it to remove the problem. If you do this, remove the same amount from the left and right cords. Uneven lengths of cord can cause electrical damage to your headphones. If only one of your wires is broken, you might want to skip to soldering the wire , without cutting or splicing. This will save time, but the repair will be less sturdy. Slide on a shrink tube. This is a rubber tubing that looks just like the rest of your headphone cable. Slide it onto the cable for later. After your repair, you'll slide this back over the open area to protect it. If you had to cut the wire several times to find the problem, slip on a tube over each cut. Splice the wires. This means you'll be joining the wires together. Make sure to connect wires with the same color insulation (or no insulation). You have two options: a pigtail splice and an in-line splice. For a pigtail splice, pick up the two exposed areas of wire that you want to connect. Place them parallel to each other and twist them together to join them. This is quick and easy, but the repair will be bulkier. For an in-line splice, overlap the wires end to end, then twist them in opposite directions. This is more difficult but the repair is easier to hide. Solder the connections. Use a soldering iron to melt a small dab of solder over the wires. Repeat for each splice, then let the solder cool. Bare wires without insulation usually have a thin enamel coat. Sand this off or burn it off with the soldering iron before you solder. Avoid breathing in the fumes. Once cooled, keep the red and white ends separate from the ground wire by wrapping the 2 pairs of joins in electrical tape. Slide your shrink tube over the repair. After the shrink tube is properly fitted over the repair site, you can use a heat gun to constrict it. The tube will shrink down to about a quarter of its original size, which will allow it to fit snugly around your newly-repaired cable, keeping it strong and protected. Purchase a new jack plug. You can find these for cheap online or at an electronics store. Select a metal plug with stereo connection and a spring. Make sure it's the same size as your old plug, typically 3.5mm (1/8 inch). Cut the old plug off. Place your knife or scissors about an inch above the point where the cable connects to the plug, then slice through the cable. While some cables will have a plug which can screw off, the bulk of plug issues you'll experience result from frayed wires inside of the cable. Remove the shielding from an inch of the cable. With a pair of wire strippers, strip about an inch of the cable's cover from the end. You should see a wire for both the right and left earpieces, as well as at least one ground wire. If there are two ground wires, you'll need to solder them together later. Sort the wires by color. Typically, you'll find a red wire for the right earpiece, a white (or green) wire for the left earpiece, and one or two black or bare copper wires for the "ground" wire(s). Strip the ends of the wires. Remove the rubber coating from the bottom 1/3 of an inch from each wire if possible. If your wires are enamel-tipped, you may be able to skip this step. Twist like-colored wires together. If you have two ground wires, you'll need to twist together their ends before you can solder them. If all of the like-colored wires are distinct, just make sure that any frayed ends of the wires are twisted together. Remove enamel from the end of the wires. If your wires are tipped in an enamel cap, you'll need to burn it off by touching the soldering iron to the end of each wire in order to expose the copper ends of the wires. Skip this step if you can see the copper ends of the wires already. Slip the headphone jack's sleeve onto the wire. It should fit with the portion which will screw into the plug facing the bottom of the wire. The plug base should have two pins sticking out of the end. If it only has one, then you have got a mono, not stereo, plug. Add a drop of solder to each wire. This is called "tinning" the wires, and it will ensure that your wires can connect to the headphone jack itself. You should allow the solder to cool fully before proceeding. Attach the soldered wires to the headphone jack. Use sandpaper to roughen the edges to make it easier to solder to metal, apply solder to a pin in the jack's housing, and heat the pin to melt the solder. You'll repeat this process for the other two wire connections. Reassemble the headphone jack. Rotate the jack's sleeve to screw it into the jack plug, making sure to tighten the sleeve as much as possible. You can test your headphones at this point. If you still have problems, most likely the wires are touching. Unscrew the cap and tug the wires apart. Understand that this is unlikely to work. Unlike wire or jack issues in standard in-ear headphones, earpiece problems tend to be fairly complicated. Unless you can't afford a proper repair, it's almost always better to take your headphones into a repair service to have a professional diagnose and fix them. Take apart the earpieces. This process is different for each model. Look online for specific directions, or try the following: Look for screws on the earpiece. You may need a size 0 crosshead screwdriver. Tug the padding gently. If it comes off, look for screws underneath it. Insert a spudger or other flat tool into the crack at the base of the earpiece dome. Lever it apart. This may cause damage to some models, so finding directions first is recommended. Earbuds can be tugged apart, but you may need a new rubber seal afterwards. The problem is usually in the cable for earbuds. Look for loose wires. If you're lucky, the problem will be obvious. Any wires loose inside the earpiece need to be reattached to the headphone driver. Look for small metal pins, hopefully with other wires attached to some of them, and then solder the wire back into position over the bare pin. If more than one wire is loose, you may need to find a manual to see which wire goes where. Make sure none of the wires touch each other. Replace the driver. You can buy a new headphone driver online, but this may be quite expensive. If you decide replacement is worth the cost, take your headphones and a new driver to a repair shop. You can try it yourself, but there's a high risk of damage: Cut the rubber seal around the central cone with a sharp knife. Remove the conical driver. Place the new driver back in the same slot. Be very careful not to touch the thin diaphragm. If it doesn't feel secure, add a small amount of glue around the edge. | Know which tools you'll need. Make sure that the problem resides with the headphones. Listen for cable issues. Try pushing the plug. Consider attempting to repair an over-the-ear earpiece. Set up a multimeter. Test your wires with the multimeter. Test the cable. Strip off the insulation. Cut the cord. Slide on a shrink tube. Splice the wires. Solder the connections. Slide your shrink tube over the repair. Purchase a new jack plug. Cut the old plug off. Remove the shielding from an inch of the cable. Sort the wires by color. Strip the ends of the wires. Twist like-colored wires together. Remove enamel from the end of the wires. Slip the headphone jack's sleeve onto the wire. Add a drop of solder to each wire. Attach the soldered wires to the headphone jack. Reassemble the headphone jack. Understand that this is unlikely to work. Take apart the earpieces. Look for loose wires. Replace the driver. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Soften-Rubber | How to Soften Rubber | To soften rubber, try heating it up by putting it in your clothes dryer on the hottest setting. Make sure to check it periodically so it doesn't burn or melt. If you are wanting to soften the rubber in sneakers, use a hair dryer on the hottest setting for about 10 minutes. You can also put your sneakers in the oven on the "Warm" setting for about 10 minutes, but be sure to place them on a baking dish that you don't use for cooking anymore. After the rubber has cooled, you can often reshape it before it hardens. | Check rubber objects regularly for hardening. Slowly but surely, any rubber object, be it your car windshield wiper blades or the elastic waistband of your favorite pajama pants, will harden over time. Evidence of white or colored substances on the rubber can be one indication of a chemical reaction taking place. Natural rubber has poor resistance to both ozone and UV light, as well as to petroleum oils. Additionally, temperatures below -60°F (-51°C) or above 220°F (104°C) will degrade it quickly, while temperature extremes in general will facilitate long-term degradation and hardening. Rubber stretches and flexes because it is made up of long, tangled molecule chains that can be straightened out under tension. Degradation of these molecular chains can occur from repeated or excessive tension (think of frayed or over-stretched rubber bands), or by exposure to elements like those noted above. Examine the rubber for signs of damage. Cracked rubber will remain cracked even when it's softened. Once cracks form, your only options will be to try out a rubber patch kit or to simply replace the rubber object. There is no miracle cure by this point. One point worth making here is that common softening methods — heat and oils — actually damage the rubber in the process. So, every time you do soften up a stiff rubber gasket or shoe sole, you are also contributing to its eventual demise. Keep rubber objects clean. There is only so much you can do to keep oxygen, temperature fluctuations, and light away from rubber, but wiping away residue can help keep deteriorating oils from damaging the object. Clean rubber objects with only warm water and a clean cloth when possible. If necessary, use a mild detergent and rinse it away completely. Solvents found in cleaners can degrade or even dissolve rubber. Avoid washing clothes with elastic waistbands more than needed, and don't use hot water. Seal rubber in an airtight container to delay hardening. If possible, remove as much air (and thus oxygen) from the container as you can before sealing it. Placing rubber items in zip-close bags and using a straw to suck out most of the air can noticeably delay the hardening process. If you've ever compared rubber bands kept in a plastic bag in your junk drawer from those loose in the drawer, you know the difference it can make. Natural rubber is especially susceptible to oxidization because sulfur is added to the mix when making items like rubber bands. Oxygen reacts with sulfur and essentially removes it from the item, leaving it more brittle. Place the container in a cool, dry, dark place. The same place you might store apples or potatoes would actually make a decent place to also keep your bagged-up sneakers. 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C) is a sensible temperature range for storing rubber items, though lower temperatures can also be good. You might even consider keeping tightly sealed rubber items in your refrigerator. The excessive cold and higher humidity of the freezer, however, makes it a less ideal choice. Choose your preferred heat source. An oven or hair dryer is the most likely choice, although some people espouse placing rubber-soled shoes on a radiator, for instance. Ensure your oven's heat element can run at a low setting and your blow dryer's heat element can use a high setting, to get approximately equal temperatures. A clothes dryer placed on its highest heat setting could be another option, especially for sneakers. The temperature range you seek is roughly 200-220°F (93-104°C). Temperatures above this range will likely do more damage than good. Remember to clean rubber objects, ideally with just water, before heating them. Place the rubber object in an oven on the “warm” setting. In case your oven overheats and melts the rubber, place the item(s) on an oven-safe pan or another container (but one you won't use for food). If you are heating shoes, make sure the soles are facing up, to reduce the chance of them melting onto the oven rack or pan. Keep the item(s) in the oven for five to 10 minutes. If you happen to have an infrared surface thermometer, you can take the guesswork out of reaching the desired temperature range. Again, be careful about overheating, because high heat will break down rubber, and because cleaning up melted rubber is no one's idea of fun. Heat the rubber with a blow dryer, alternatively. For rubber-soled shoes, at least, heating on “high” for seven to ten minutes has been claimed to be successful. Don't hold the dryer in any one spot, and check the rubber item regularly for signs of melting or other deterioration. Check carefully, however, as the rubber can become very hot. Again, an infrared surface thermometer could prove useful. Allow the rubber to cool for 10 minutes. Then, try to manipulate it. With luck, the item will remain softer and more flexible even after cooling. Keep in mind, however, that there are many rubber formulations, and some may respond better than others. Also, there is no miracle cure, and some hardened rubber items will simply be too far gone for softening. You are actually damaging the rubber by heating it to soften it, and some items cannot take the beating any longer. Remove the rubber part from non-rubber components so that it can be soaked individually. This method is best for industrial or mechanical rubber parts that will be inserted back into an assembly. Unless you have rubber soles that can easily be removed and reattached, this may not be the best method for shoes. The soaking solution may damage or discolor leather or other shoe materials. Remember to clean the item thoroughly first, ideally with just warm water and a clean cloth. Mix a solution of three parts rubbing alcohol to one part wintergreen oil. Make sure that the amount of the solution is enough to completely cover the rubber item when placed in the container. Although both these liquids can be handled safely in small quantities, it may be best to use tongs or gloves when inserting and removing the rubber object. At very least, you will keep your hands from smelling like wintergreen. Submerge the rubber item, seal the container, and check regularly for softening. Sealing the container will limit evaporation, which may expose your submerged item. It may take only a few hours to see results, or instead take several days. Be patient and keep checking. After several days, however, you are unlikely to see any additional benefits by keeping the item soaking. Remove the softened item and wipe it with a clean cloth. Allow the rubber to air dry. Although the rubber will smell strongly of wintergreen, it is best not to use water to wash the substance off. By leaving the leaving the oil in place, the softening process can continue. Of course, remember that the oil residue is also slowly damaging the rubber while softening it, so you'll have to use your best judgment as to whether it is best to leave it on or rinse it away with water. It is probably best regardless to avoid using harsh detergents. | Check rubber objects regularly for hardening. Examine the rubber for signs of damage. Keep rubber objects clean. Seal rubber in an airtight container to delay hardening. Place the container in a cool, dry, dark place. Choose your preferred heat source. Place the rubber object in an oven on the “warm” setting. Heat the rubber with a blow dryer, alternatively. Allow the rubber to cool for 10 minutes. Remove the rubber part from non-rubber components so that it can be soaked individually. Mix a solution of three parts rubbing alcohol to one part wintergreen oil. Submerge the rubber item, seal the container, and check regularly for softening. Remove the softened item and wipe it with a clean cloth. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Fourth-of-July-Jello-Shots | How to Make Fourth of July Jello Shots | To make Fourth of July jello shots, combine strawberry gelatin with water in a saucepan and stir it over a low heat for 5 minutes. Mix in rum, then add the mixture to a bowl. Repeat the process with pina colada gelatin and coconut milk for the white layer, and blue raspberry gelatin and water for the blue layer. Next, add 1 tablespoon of red jello into each muffin cup, chill it for 7 minutes in the fridge, add a tablespoon of white mixture, and chill again. Repeat the process with alternate colors, then chill the shots for 2 hours before serving. | Place 2 muffin tins or one square pan into the refrigerator to chill. This will help the gelatin to set in a shorter amount of time. Combine the strawberry gelatin with the water in a saucepan. Let the gelatin bloom for 1 to 2 minutes. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over low heat and stir the gelatin with a whisk for 5 minutes before removing it from the heat. Add the rum and stir until combined. Pour the contents of the saucepan into a bowl and set the bowl aside. Wash the saucepan. Combine the pina colada gelatin with the coconut milk, allowing the mixture to bloom for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the mixture together on the stovetop, over low heat, for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat before adding the Malibu rum. Pour the white layer into a separate bowl and wash the saucepan again. Combine the blue raspberry gelatin with 3/4 cup water, allowing the mixture to bloom for 1 to 2 minutes. Cook over low heat for 5 minutes before removing the pan from the heat and stirring in the vodka. Pour the blue layer into a separate bowl. Remove the chilled muffin tins from the refrigerator and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1 tablespoon of the red gelatin into each muffin cup. Place the tins back in the refrigerator and chill for 7 minutes. Top the red layer with 1 tablespoon of the white gelatin. Chill for 7 minutes. Add 1 tablespoon of blue gelatin on top of the white layer. Chill for an additional 7 minutes. Top the blue layer with 1 tablespoon of white gelatin, chilling for 7 more minutes. Continue alternating a colored layer with a white layer and chilling the muffin pans until each layer is set. Chill for 2 to 4 hours before serving the shots. Press your index finger gently into the center of a shot. Use your thumb and middle finger to loosen the shot from the muffin tin. Scoop the shot from the muffin tin with an offset spatula. Place the shot on a tray. Continue removing the shots and plate all of them on the tray for serving. Pour 1/2 of the red gelatin mixture into the square pan that you've removed from the refrigerator. Chill the red gelatin for 15 minutes or until it has set. Ladle 1/3 of the white gelatin mixture over the red gelatin and chill for 15 additional minutes. Ladle 1/2 of the blue gelatin mixture over the white gelatin and chill for 15 minutes. Continue building alternating colored and white layers until you have about 7 layers of gelatin. The top layer should consist of blue gelatin. Chill the entire assembly for 2 to 4 hours. Cut the shots into squares using a sharp knife. Use a spatula or an offset spatula to remove the shots from the pan. Place the shots on a tray for serving. | Place 2 muffin tins or one square pan into the refrigerator to chill. Combine the strawberry gelatin with the water in a saucepan. Place the saucepan on the stovetop over low heat and stir the gelatin with a whisk for 5 minutes before removing it from the heat. Add the rum and stir until combined. Wash the saucepan. Combine the pina colada gelatin with the coconut milk, allowing the mixture to bloom for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir the mixture together on the stovetop, over low heat, for 5 minutes. Pour the white layer into a separate bowl and wash the saucepan again. Combine the blue raspberry gelatin with 3/4 cup water, allowing the mixture to bloom for 1 to 2 minutes. Pour the blue layer into a separate bowl. Remove the chilled muffin tins from the refrigerator and spray it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Pour 1 tablespoon of the red gelatin into each muffin cup. Top the red layer with 1 tablespoon of the white gelatin. Add 1 tablespoon of blue gelatin on top of the white layer. Top the blue layer with 1 tablespoon of white gelatin, chilling for 7 more minutes. Continue alternating a colored layer with a white layer and chilling the muffin pans until each layer is set. Chill for 2 to 4 hours before serving the shots. Press your index finger gently into the center of a shot. Use your thumb and middle finger to loosen the shot from the muffin tin. Scoop the shot from the muffin tin with an offset spatula. Place the shot on a tray. Continue removing the shots and plate all of them on the tray for serving. Pour 1/2 of the red gelatin mixture into the square pan that you've removed from the refrigerator. Ladle 1/3 of the white gelatin mixture over the red gelatin and chill for 15 additional minutes. Ladle 1/2 of the blue gelatin mixture over the white gelatin and chill for 15 minutes. Continue building alternating colored and white layers until you have about 7 layers of gelatin. Chill the entire assembly for 2 to 4 hours. Cut the shots into squares using a sharp knife. Use a spatula or an offset spatula to remove the shots from the pan. Place the shots on a tray for serving. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Follow-Up-After-a-Job-Interview | How to Follow Up After a Job Interview | As soon as you finish your interview, send a quick thank you email to the interviewer to let them know that you're enthusiastic about the opportunity. If you have the person's contact information, add them on LinkedIn, and about 3-5 days after the interview, mail a written thank you letter to them. If they gave you a time frame to hear back about the position and you haven't heard from them, send 1 email or phone call to check on the status of your application. | Ask for a timeline. If the interviewer does not offer a timeline for their decision-making process, you are perfectly entitled to ask for one. Find out when they expect to let candidates know their decision, who in the company will be contacting the candidates (interviewer, HR manager), and through what means - email, phone call or letter. This is extremely useful, as it will give you some indication of how long you are expected to wait for a decision and of when it will be appropriate to follow up with the correct person. Ask for your interviewer's business card. This will give you the person's correct contact information, including name, title, mailing address and email address, which will save you time when you are sending your thank you note and letter. Send a thank you note by email. You should do this as soon after the interview as possible, from your smartphone on the way out of the building, as soon as you get home, or at least the same evening as the interview. This shows the interviewer that you are both enthusiastic and organized and ensures that they will not forget you as a candidate. Include your full name, phone number, mailing address and email address on the note. Also, make sure this email doesn't go to a spam folder by writing “Job interview follow up for (your name)” in the subject line. If you leave it too long before writing your thank you note, you risk looking uninterested in the job while also giving another candidate the opportunity to get there before you. If there was a particular person who helped you to set up the job interview, you should remember to send them a note also. Some people advise writing a thank you note by hand. While some interviewers will appreciate this, it is somewhat outdated and other interviewers may regard it as being unprofessional. As a result, an email or typed note is your safest option in this scenario. Make notes about the interview while it is still fresh in your mind. These notes will be useful during a second interview to help you recall topics of conversation and any qualifications or personality traits that your interviewer emphasized as being important for this position. They will help you to tailor your responses should you be called to a second interview, or may give you some indication of where you went wrong if you are not. The notes will also help you to refer to more specific points in your follow-up thank you letter and give an indication that you really took on board everything that the interviewer said. Ask to connect on LinkedIn. Asking your interviewer to connect on LinkedIn is a completely appropriate move, if executed correctly. You don't want it to look like your motives are purely selfish or that you're over-confident about getting the job. Instead, send a simple message which states exactly who you are and refers to some topic or point that was raised during the interview, before asking if they would like to connect. If you are applying for a job in the fashion industry, for example, and the topic of Paris Fashion Week came up during the interview, mention an interesting article about a particular designer or fashion trend that you found online and ask if you can share it with them. Alternatively, if you had a casual conversation with the interviewer before or after the interview and something came up about a particular restaurant or upcoming music event, request to share a link providing additional details. The bottom line is that you need to request to connect on LinkedIn by making it interesting or worthwhile for them - it shouldn't look like a purely self-serving move. Mail a more formal thank you letter. This can also be done via email, or through a typed letter, depending on the kind of company you are applying to. A social media related or tech company might appreciate the ease and efficiency of an email, whereas a company with more old-fashioned or traditional values would appreciate a letter. Whatever form you use, the purpose of the letter is to remind the interviewer of what a strong candidate you are and why you are uniquely qualified for the job. If you interviewed by multiple people, you should send each of them a separate thank you letter. Use the interviewer's first name in the greeting and salutation only if you were told to do so during the interview; otherwise, address the interviewer in a formal manner. After thanking the interviewer again for the opportunity to interview with the company, affirm your interest in the position and reiterate how you would be an asset to the company. Add information that the interviewer might be interested in, or some useful information that the company could use profitably. This will help the interviewer to remember you, as most people follow up after a job interview with only information about themselves. Close the letter with the valediction "Yours sincerely" and proofread it thoroughly for grammar, spelling and punctuation. A poorly-worded or misspelled thank-you letter can be all it takes to disqualify you as a candidate. After the indicated time period has passed, follow up with a single email or phone call. If the time period they specified it would take for them to reach a decision has passed - whether it has been two days or two weeks - it is now appropriate for you to follow up about the decision via email or phone call. Keep it brief and breezy, you could say something like: "I hope the hiring process is going well for the position of Marketing Assistant. I believe you mentioned that a decision would be reached by Monday and I'm eager to find out if you have any information on the status of my application? Please let me know if I can provide any further information that would help you with the decision making process." If you decide to phone, make the call from a quiet place a few days after the interview. Pick a good time of day -- not right after lunch, early in the morning or at the end of the working day. This will maximize your chances of actually speaking to the interviewer. Be as polite and brief on the phone as possible - remember that you may be talking to a stressed-out hiring manager that has a 101 things on their mind other than the status of your job application. Don't call a second time unless you are specifically told. Respond promptly if you are contacted about a second interview or a job offer. Making them wait for a response is unprofessional and makes it seem like you are not enthusiastic about the job. Don't be worried about coming across as over-eager - they want candidates who are excited by the prospect of working for their company. Reply using the same method as they used to contact you - if they called, ring them back as soon as possible; if they sent an email, an email reply should suffice. Even if you didn't get the job, thank the interviewer for their time. Don't be angry or overly disappointed - accept the fact that there were probably many other qualified candidates and view it as a valuable learning experience. Whether you are informed via phone or email, you should send a follow-up message to your interviewer thanking them for their time and for giving you the opportunity to interview with them. If you dare, ask the interviewer if they would be willing to provide any feedback on where you went wrong during the interview and how you could improve in future. They will most likely decline, but if they agree you stand to gain some valuable insights into exactly what the company were looking for and where you fell short. Don't be disheartened by it, take the interviewers' suggestions on as constructive criticism. This step should always be executed through email or letter, never by phone call. Calling your interviewer to ask why you didn't get the job may put them in an uncomfortable position and rule you out of any future open positions with the company. Don't harass the company. Being over-eager and bombarding the company with follow-up emails and phone calls is not a good idea and can actually harm your chances of getting the position. Follow the three-strike rule - one thank you note, a lengthy thank you letter, and a follow-up email or phone call to find out whether a decision has been made. If you get no response from any of these three, you are better off quitting while you're ahead and moving on with the job search. Whatever you do, don't fill up your interviewer's inbox with daily emails or leave long-winded messages on their voicemail, as this will definitely won't win you any favors. Don't go to the company in person, unless invited. Showing up at the company uninvited is a definite no-no. It puts pressure on the hiring manager or interviewer to speak with you, even though the timing may be very inconvenient for them. It also puts them in a very awkward position if you didn't get the position and they are forced to tell you in person. Either way, it reflects badly on you and you should avoid at all costs. This advice also goes for delivering thank you notes in person - just don't do it. Don't avoid the follow-up letter or phone call. Some people erroneously think they should just wait for a decision and not bother the interviewer. This is not the correct tactic. Many companies deliberately wait before hiring to see who follows up after the interview in a professional manner, and who is really hungry for the position. As long as you abide by the three-strike rule, following-up is a positive and strategic move which may be instrumental in securing you a position with the company. | Ask for a timeline. Ask for your interviewer's business card. Send a thank you note by email. Make notes about the interview while it is still fresh in your mind. Ask to connect on LinkedIn. Mail a more formal thank you letter. After the indicated time period has passed, follow up with a single email or phone call. Respond promptly if you are contacted about a second interview or a job offer. Even if you didn't get the job, thank the interviewer for their time. Don't harass the company. Don't go to the company in person, unless invited. Don't avoid the follow-up letter or phone call. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Girlfriend-as-a-Teen | How to Get a Girlfriend as a Teen | If you're a teen and you want to get a girlfriend, try to find a girl who has common interests with you, since you'll always have something to talk about. Smile, make eye contact, and practice good posture when she's around, so you'll seem self-assured, which girls like. In addition, you should practice good hygiene and wear flattering clothing so she'll be physically attracted to you. | Show her you're self-assured by standing up straight and making eye contact. Even if you don't feel super confident, you can seem like you do by practicing good posture and looking the girl in the eye when you talk to her. This will project assurance, sending the message that you are someone she should get to know. Confidence is good, but being cocky will push girls away. Smile when she's around. The simple act of smiling can make you feel more at ease when you're around the girl you like. In addition, it can actually make you happier. Smiling sends feel-good chemicals through your brain, relaxes your body, and lowers your heart rate. Smiling also causes an unconscious in other people, making them more likely to smile. Practice good hygiene every day. Girls are more likely to be attracted to someone who has a clean, well-kept appearance. Shower every day, keep your nails groomed, use deodorant or antiperspirant each day, and brush your teeth twice a day. Good hygiene is important for more reasons than just getting a date. It can also promote good health throughout the course of your life. If you like, spritz on a little perfume or cologne at when you're getting dressed, but don't go overboard with it, because it can be overwhelming. Wear clothes that flatter you. You don't have to wear the most expensive designer clothes to look good. Just wear clean, unwrinkled clothes that fit you comfortably and make you feel good about yourself. Even if you don't have a lot of money to go shopping, you can pick clothes from your closet that fit you well, then ask for clothes or gift cards for your birthday and holidays. Find out if she likes girls if you're a girl. If you're a girl and you're interested in a same-sex relationship, it can be hard to know how to find someone to date. If you're not sure whether she's gay, try asking mutual friends, pay attention to whether or not she flirts with you, or just ask her. For a subtle way to ask her if she likes girls, try saying something like, "So, do you have a boyfriend?" Signs that she's flirting with you might include seeming really excited whenever you're around, finding excuses to touch you or be near you, or smiling whenever she looks at you. However, these could also mean she sees you as a dear friend, so take your time to be sure before you make a move. Introduce yourself if you don't already know the girl. This will show her that you're confident and that you are interested in her. It might seem a little scary to be the first one to break the ice , but take a few deep breaths and remember that you have to talk to her if she's ever going to be your girlfriend. Try asking her a question or for a small favor as a way of striking up a conversation. For instance, if you're in class, you could say something like, “Hi, I'm Jess. Do you have a pencil I can borrow?” Make small talk. Once you've introduced yourself, try to work your way into a light-hearted conversation. Ask her a question, talk about school, or chat about something that's going on around you. The conversation doesn't have to go on too long, but it will let her know you noticed her. Stay away from serious topics like politics, religion, or anything too sad, at least at first. Make her laugh. If you can make a girl laugh, she'll be more likely to want to spend time around you. Try telling jokes, make fun of yourself (but not too much), and find plenty of reasons to laugh a lot yourself. When you get to know her better, send her funny texts or memes to make her laugh. If something funny happens around the two of you, turn it into an inside joke and make references to it at unexpected times. Ask her questions about herself. Over time, as you're talking to the girl you like, ask her questions that will help you get to know her better. Ask her about her friends, her pets, what kind of music she likes, or anything else you're curious about. As you're talking, tell her things about yourself too. Just don't monopolize the conversation by talking about yourself the whole time. Try asking her a question like, “How do you spend your time on the weekend?” to find out what she likes to do when she's not at school. You could also ask her something like, “What's your favorite class?” Listen to her when she's talking. Show her that you're paying attention by nodding and giving her feedback while she talks, like “Wow!” or “I didn't know that.” Try to see things from her point of view, which will make you more engaged in the conversation. In addition, showing empathy can make you more likely to get a girlfriend. Listening to what she has to say is the best way to find out if you and she are compatible. It will also show that you are interested in what she thinks, which she'll appreciate. Spend time around her. There's no need to rush directly into asking her out. Play it cool and hang out together for awhile to develop a strong friendship. In addition to giving you a chance to get to know her better, she will also get to know you, giving her the chance to decide if she likes you. If you go to school together, try to hang out between classes or at lunch. Outside of school, try to hang out as part of a group so it will be low-key and relaxed. Do things she wants to do. While inviting her to hang out with you doing the things you like can be fun, it's important that she gets to pick what you guys do sometimes too. This will show her that you're versatile, that you respect her as an equal, and that you value her relationships. For instance, if she meets up with you and your friends for a pizza night, take her up on the offer if she invites you to go with her and her friends to the movies. Don't pretend to be someone you're not. You're unique, and if you want a girlfriend, she should appreciate you for exactly who you are. Focus on your talents and what makes you special, and let her get to know the real you. If you pretend to be someone else and the girl you like finds out, she probably won't trust you, and she may not want to take the time to find out who you really are. It can be hard to be vulnerable around someone else, but take your time and slowly open up to her. She'll most likely appreciate getting to see a different side of you. Give her thoughtful compliments. You don't want to overdo this, since it especially during the friendship phase, but if you notice something you really like about her, let her know. It might be a good grade she got on a test, a dress that makes her look especially pretty, or a new haircut. You could also compliment some of her character traits, like how she's always nice, even to the unpopular kids. Avoid complimenting her body, as this could make her feel uncomfortable. Flirt with her. It's important to build a genuine friendship with the girl you like, but if you want to know if she might be interested in dating you, try flirting with her. Make eye contact with her when you're talking, look for excuses to brush your hand against hers, and keep your arms uncrossed and your posture relaxed when she's around to show your interest. The more you get to know her, the more obvious your flirtation can be. Give her some space if she doesn't seem to be open to your flirtations. For instance, if she shows signs that she doesn't want to be touched, back off physically so you don't make her uncomfortable. Look for clues that she's interested. As you're flirting with the girl you like, pay attention to how she reacts. If she seems receptive to your attention, like blushing or smiling at you when you compliment her, she might be interested. If she rolls her eyes or doesn't seem like she enjoys being around you, you should probably find someone else to spend time around. Touch her arm, hand, or shoulder, and see how she reacts. If she pulls away, she might feel uncomfortable. However, if she leaves your hand where it is, she may be interested. If she does pull away from you, respect her physical space and don't try to touch her again unless you're sure she wants you to. Choose the right time to ask her out. The best time to ask a girl out is when the two of you are alone in a quiet place with few distractions. This way, she'll be able to really focus on what you're saying. If she's feeling stressed out or distracted, or if there are a lot of other people around, wait for a better time. Ask her to be your girlfriend. Exactly how and when you do this is up to you, but it's best to be straightforward. Try looking into her eyes and thinking about what really makes her special to you. Then, tell her that, and ask her if she'd like to be your girlfriend. Don't assume she'll know what you mean. Be clear about what you're asking. You may want to ask her on a date before you ask her to be your girlfriend, or you may even want to go on several dates first. On the other hand, you might choose to ask her to be your girlfriend first, and then take her on a date. Do what feels most natural to you. Set up the time for a special date if she says yes. You may want to have a few ideas for a date planned ahead of time, so if she says yes, you'll be ready with a suggestion. Think about what she likes to do, and plan your date around that. Even if you don't have a lot of money, you can still plan a memorable date that she'll love. For example, if she really likes romantic gestures, ask her if she'd like to go on a picnic in the park. Other options might be to cook dinner for her, go to a football game together, or attend a dance she's been looking forward to. Respect her opinion if she says no. Unfortunately, even if you do everything right, there's no guarantee that someone else will be interested in dating you. Rejection can be really hard to deal with, but try to accept it gracefully. If she says no, try to say something like, “I understand, it's okay. I'll see you at lunch tomorrow,” even if you're feeling really upset. That way she knows she doesn't have to feel uncomfortable around you. Just because this girl wasn't the one doesn't mean you're unlovable. Keep looking, and you'll find the right person for you. | Show her you're self-assured by standing up straight and making eye contact. Smile when she's around. Practice good hygiene every day. Wear clothes that flatter you. Find out if she likes girls if you're a girl. Introduce yourself if you don't already know the girl. Make small talk. Make her laugh. Ask her questions about herself. Listen to her when she's talking. Spend time around her. Do things she wants to do. Don't pretend to be someone you're not. Give her thoughtful compliments. Flirt with her. Look for clues that she's interested. Choose the right time to ask her out. Ask her to be your girlfriend. Set up the time for a special date if she says yes. Respect her opinion if she says no. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Child-Ready-for-a-Spelling-Bee | How to Get a Child Ready for a Spelling Bee | To get your child ready for their spelling bee, make learning fun with games and books and teach them some common pitfalls they should avoid. Encourage your child to read something they enjoy every day, like a book, magazine, or website, so they're constantly exposed to new words. There are also a variety of spelling games online, which make learning new words fun and engaging. If your child's reluctant to attempt more difficult words, encourage them to give it a go. If they get it wrong, tell them it was a good try, and tell them the correct spelling. Explain homophones to your child if they don't understand, so they don't get caught off guard by them in their spelling bee. You can also show them common words with silent letters, like, “Knowledge,” “Island,” and “Autumn.” | Teach her how to make words plural. Breaking spelling down to the basics can help a child spell a word even if she's never heard it before. One of the basic rules you can teach her is how to make words plural. Start with the most basic, adding "s." Explain that most words just take an "s" to make them plural. Move to "es." Let her know that you add "es" with words in ending in ch, sh, s, x, or z most of the time, as in "box" to "boxes." Explain the rules for words ending in "y." Much of the time, when you have a vowel and a "y," you simply add an "s," like with "boys." However, with a consonant and a "y," you usually add "ies," like with "babies." Explain how words ending in "f" or "fe" can differ. Sometimes, words ending in "f" or "fe" change the "f" to a "v" and add "es," as in "knife" to "knives." Watch for words ending in "o." Some words ending in "o" just take an "s," while sometimes when a consonant comes before the "o," it takes an "es" instead, as in "heroes." Teach her when to drop the final "e. " When adding an ending to a word that ends in "e," you employ different rules. The rules affect whether you keep the "e" or not, and having your child learn the rules can help her spell variations on rules. When the word ends with a silent "e" and the ending begins with a vowel, you drop the "e," so "name" becomes "naming." If your ending begins with a consonant, you keep the "e," such as how "advance" becomes "advancement." However, if the word ends in two vowels, you can drop the "e," such as when "argue" becomes "argument." Look at other common prefixes and suffixes. Knowing how common prefixes and suffixes are spelled can help your kid sound out words. Start by getting a primer on the basic prefixes and suffixes, and use it to go over the basics with your child. Prefixes, such as "dis" or "in," often do not change the spelling of the main word, making them easier to learn. For instance, "interested" becomes "disinterested," without changing the main word. Suffixes, such as "ing," "ous," and "ed," often do change the spelling of the main word, so they can be a bit harder to learn. For instance, "advance" becomes "advancing," dropping the silent "e," as noted previously. Discuss silent letters. Silent letters can be killers for new (and even old) spellers. Talk with your child about the most common silent letters that she may encounter. For instance, "b" is a common silent letter at the end of the word in words like "lamb" or "comb." "K" is often silent as well. Common examples include "knowledge" and "knight." "P" and "L" are both silent in "psalm," while "n" can't be heard in words like "hymn" or "autumn." "S" becomes silent in "island" or "isle," while "w" is silent in "write." Other letters that can become silent include "a," "c," "d," "t," and "u." Go over common words with silent letters, especially ones on her list. Talk about homophones. Homophones are words that sound the same or similar but have different spellings and meanings. They can be very confusing to new spellers. Discuss common homonyms such as where/wear, their/there/they're, which/witch, and are/our. While pronunciation can help in a few cases, work with your child to understand that the only way to tell some words apart is by asking for the definition. Have your kid use memory tricks to help her tell common words apart. For instance, you could use "Witches like to scratch their itches with broomsticks." to help her tell it apart from "which." Focus on reading. Kids who read regularly pick up spelling more easily. The more often they are exposed to correct spelling, the more likely they are to pick up that word. Encourage your kid to read everyday. If she doesn't like to read by herself, sit down and read with her. She'll be more accepting if she gets to spend time with you. Make her sound out words as she goes, so she can start associating certain spellings with certain sounds. Work on etymology. Etymology refers to a word's history, including the root language it came from. English has incorporated words from many other languages over the years. Latin and French, for instance, have both had a significant impact, and knowing when a word is derived from one of these languages can help give a clue about how to spell it. German is also a heavy influence. Explore words by language groupings. Many websites offer this service, and it can help your child learn how words from a particular language can have common spellings. For instance, words from German are heavy on consonants, and they often have more internal and ending "z"s than other English words, such as "glitz," "pretzel," or "waltz." French words, on the other hand, are often heavier on vowels, to the point that consonant sounds are sometimes softened, like with the "g" in "collage" or the "ch" in "chagrin." Start by saying the word. Work together to figure out the sounds in a word. For instance, say the word is "rough." Extend the word out as you say it: "rrrrr uuu fff." Stutter consonants if you need to do so. Word mapping is learning to associate pronunciation with letter groupings. It shows children that a word is a meaningful group of letters rather than just something to be memorized as a whole. Count the sounds in the word. Once you've sounded out the word together, help her count how many sounds she hears. In the case of "rough," she likely can hear three sounds. If she's having trouble hearing them, sound out the word again, more slowly. Place a blank for each sound. Now that you've counted each sound, you need to set up the word for spelling. Have her write a blank for each sound she hears. For instance, with "rough," she'll have three blanks, one for the "r" sound, one for the "u" sound, and one for the "f" sound. Help her write down the correct spelling. For each sound, you're now going to write down the proper spelling of the sound in the blank. So in the first blank, you'd write "r," while in the second blank, you'd write "ou." In the final blank, you'd right "gh." Talk about the hard parts of the word. For instance, "ou" makes a short "u" sound in "tough" (/u/). Also, the "gh" makes the "f" sound at the end. Write the word as a whole. Once you've looked at the individual sounds, be sure to write the word as a whole. Have her write out "rough" below the three blanks. It's also important to provide context for the word by giving its meaning. Practice with similar words. Give her words that are similar, like "tough," and have her try to do the steps on her own. Use tricks to help her remember specific words. Sometimes, a child can get hung up on certain words, never able to remember exactly how it goes. It can help to make up a silly little phrase or saying as a reminder. For instance, some people use "there's a rat in the middle" to help them remember how to spell "separate." Anything that helps her reminder the word is fine--the sillier, the better. For instance, try something like "That person is named Ali Ty " for "personality." Make the letters in the word into a sentence. Another way to help a kid remember is to use the letters to make a sentence with each word in the sentence starting with one of the letters. This method is a common mnemonic or memory device. Once again, sillier phrases can help a child remember better. For instance, to help her to remember to spell "dessert," try " D ebbie e ats s trawberry s hakes e very T uesday." The strawberry shake should also help trigger her memory. For "trouble," try " T heresa r escued o ne u nlucky b eetle- l ike e armite." Tell her to always check the spelling. Practicing the spelling of a word helps commit it to memory. However, if she's not sure how to spell it, it's important to look it up. That way, she's sure she's not practicing it the wrong way. In addition, the process of looking it up can help commit to memory. Try using an actual paper dictionary for looking up words. Sometimes, the physical act of looking up a word can help solidify it. Have her keep a journal. One way to learn more words is to keep a journal of interesting words you come across. Have your child create one. She should write words down that she comes across that are interesting or she doesn't (spelled correctly). If she doesn't know the spelling, have her look it up. Writing the meaning down can help her remember it, too. Encourage the child to look for similar sounds. Once she starts learning words, try to help her make connections between similar-sounding words. You can help her along by grouping similar words together, then try to help her find other words that fit the pattern. For instance, you might work with "television," "telephone," and "telekinesis." While the words all have different endings, they have the same basic pattern at the beginning. Teach the child to listen carefully to pronunciation. Often, kids will get the pronunciation of a word wrong. In turn, they won't spell it correctly. At a spelling bee, though, the person calling the words will be careful to say the word perfectly. Teach your child to listen to the pronunciation and spell it in turn. Try working with hard words with her that are often mispronounced. For instance, "jewelry" is often mispronounced as "jewelery" or "jewelry," which could lead to misspelling. Say the word clearly and have her repeat the pronunciation before trying to spell it. Use word spelling games. Online, you can find a wide variety of word spelling games. Some of them even let you input a set of words, so you can focus on the words your kid needs to learn. Others will let you set words by grade level. Be sure to check out the website first to see if it's safe for kids. These games help her practice her words over and over, solidifying them in her memory, while keeping it fun at the same time. Identify words giving her issues. When preparing, try to note which words are giving her issues in particular. Once you note which ones are making her stumble, focus on those for some of the mnemonic devices listed in this article. For instance, if she always messes up on "cleaver," try making up a silly phrase for it. Also, if your kid gets frustrated when she's having trouble spelling a word, the silly phrase can help diffuse the tension. Make a trace, copy, and remember guide. Divide a piece of paper into three columns. The first column is the "trace" column, where your child traces over the word. The second column is the "copy" column, where she writes the word herself but is able to look at the first column. The third column is the "remember" column. Once she's done the first two, she folds the paper over on itself so the first column is covering the second column. Then she tries to write the word from memory. You can also fold back the "remember" column and flip the paper over to that side. In the "trace" column, fill in a list of words she needs to learn for the spelling bee, writing carefully. While she's tracing the letters, have her practice spelling it as she would at the the spelling bee. For instance, if the word is "simple," have her say "simple," then name the letters as she's tracing them, then say "simple" again. Have her do it again each time she writes it. Have her practice. Even if your child knows all the words, it won't do her any good if she gets up in front of the room and freezes. She needs to practice her words, spelling-bee style. Use her list of words that she needs to spell. Make sure to have definitions ready if she asks. Gather the family or a few friends. Have her stand up in front of you. Give her a word to spell. You can even make it a family event by having a family spelling bee. Make sure she uses the correct format of stating the word first, spelling it, and then stating it again. Throw in a few words she doesn't know. When it comes to practice, try giving her a few words that she hasn't practiced but may be able to spell because of their similarity to words she knows. She's likely to come across a word she doesn't know in the spelling bee, and she needs to learn how to work it out. If she says, "I don't know," encourage her to sound it out. If she gets it wrong, tell her it was a good try, and give her the correct spelling. Help her see how it connects to other words she knows. Praise her for trying to work it out, whether she gets it wrong or right. If she freezes, try to talk her through it. Say things like, "Now what word does that sound like?" For instance, if the word is "night," another hint could be, "It sounds awfully like another word we've been practicing that begins with an 'r.'" | Teach her how to make words plural. Teach her when to drop the final "e. Look at other common prefixes and suffixes. Discuss silent letters. Talk about homophones. Focus on reading. Work on etymology. Start by saying the word. Count the sounds in the word. Place a blank for each sound. Help her write down the correct spelling. Write the word as a whole. Use tricks to help her remember specific words. Make the letters in the word into a sentence. Tell her to always check the spelling. Have her keep a journal. Encourage the child to look for similar sounds. Teach the child to listen carefully to pronunciation. Use word spelling games. Identify words giving her issues. Make a trace, copy, and remember guide. Have her practice. Throw in a few words she doesn't know. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Blend-Hair | How to Blend Hair | If you want to blend your short hair for a smoother look, start with dry hair, then use clippers to cut your hair in the opposite direction of your hair growth. To prevent your clippers from getting bogged down with hair, cut only about 1 to 2 inches of hair at a time. Since a blended cut means longer hair on top and shorter hair on the bottom, use a 6 or 8 guard on the top of the hair and clip the bottom and sides with a 2 or 3 guard. Then, using a 3 or 4 guard, blend the remaining strip of hair around the sides and back of your head, so there is a smooth gradient between the short and long lengths. | Start with dry hair. When you're cutting hair with clippers, wet hair will stick to the head, making it difficult to cut evenly. On the other hand, dry hair will easily lift up, allowing the clippers to slide underneath and cut everything to an even length. If you're cutting the top with scissors, use a spray bottle to dampen the hair just on the top. Move the clippers in the opposite direction of your hair growth. A blended hairstyle is accomplished by using various clipper guards to create a seamless fade. When you're working with clippers, place the guard against your roots, then gently push the clippers into your hair. Lift the clippers away from your head as you move them forward. You only want to cut about 1–2 in (2.5–5.1 cm) at a time so the clippers don't get bogged down. For example, if you're cutting the hair at the back of your neck, you'd place the guard at the bottom of your hair. To start cutting, move the clippers up about 2 in (5.1 cm) into your hair, pulling them slightly away from your head as you do so. Use a 6 or 8 guard on the top of the hair. In a blended cut, the hair needs to be longer on the top and shorter on the bottom. A size 6 guard is about ⁄ 4 in (1.9 cm) long and an 8 is about 1 in (2.5 cm) long. These are standard for a fade, although you can certainly make the hair longer or shorter if you prefer. Most clipper guards use the same standard sizes and lengths, so this should apply no matter what brand you're using. Feel free to play around with the lengths. You might even want to scissor-cut the top if you want it to be really long. However, a simple clipper cut is the easiest to get right. Clip the bottom and sides with a 2 or 3 guard. The hair around the neck and ears should be the shortest. To achieve this look, cut the hair down to ⁄ 4 in (0.64 cm) with a size 2 guard, or if you prefer it a little longer, use a size 3 guard to cut the hair to ⁄ 8 in (0.95 cm). However, don't cut all the way up to the top length. Leave about a 1 in (2.5 cm) strip of hair all the way around the sides and back of your head between the 2 lengths. This will be the hair that you fade. Don't worry about getting the hair around the neck and ears just perfect. You'll clean that up at the end. If you're cutting your own hair, use 2 mirrors so you can see what you're doing. It's easiest to use your bathroom mirror and a handheld mirror. Also, rest your free hand on the back of your head to keep you from accidentally cutting too high. Blend the lengths with a 3 or 4 guard. If you used a size 6 guard on top and a 2 on the bottom, a size 3 guard will be the perfect length for blending. If you went a little longer, with a size 8 on top and a 3 on bottom, you'll get a more natural-looking fade with a size 4 guard, which will cut the hair about ⁄ 2 in (1.3 cm). Use this guard to trim the strip of hair you left, and clean up any pieces that look out of place. Touch up the sideburns and back of the neck with a size 1 guard. With a size 1 guard, carefully go around the ears and along the back of the neck to create a clean line. Also, use the clippers to line up the sideburns to make sure they look neat. A size 1 guard cuts the hair to ⁄ 8 in (0.32 cm). This makes it perfect for creating that fresh-from-the-barber look. For the closest cut without shaving, don't use a guard. Make sure to look at the sideburns from the front to ensure they're the same length. Choose natural or high-quality synthetic extensions that match your hair color. If your hair extensions don't match your hair color, or they're a shiny synthetic version, they're going to look obvious no matter how well you apply them. To ensure you get the best match, visit your hairstylist and ask them to recommend the right color and texture for your hair type. These extensions will cost more, but they typically last longer, can be heat-styled, and will look much more realistic. If you're buying your extensions online, many companies will help you match your extensions using a photograph. Take a picture of your hair in natural light, without any filters and send it to the company. However, keep in mind that this still won't be as accurate as visiting a salon in person. Since the ends of your hair are the most visible, you should match the extensions to this color, rather than your roots. Section your hair in a straight line from ear to ear. Use a comb or a clip to draw a straight line from the bottom of one ear horizontally around the back your head to the other ear. Clip all of the hair above the part on top of your head, and comb down the bottom section. It's important that you get your parts very straight when you're applying hair extensions. Otherwise, they can look messy. Spray your roots with a little hairspray if you have fine hair. If your hair is very fine, the extensions could slip off when you apply them. A light coating of hairspray will give your hair a little extra texture, so the extensions will be more secure. You could also use dry shampoo, if you prefer. Parting the hair before you spray the roots will allow you to apply the product exactly where you want to attach the extensions. You can also use a comb to tease the roots a little. Do this for subsequent sections, as well. Braid the bottom section and pin the braid against your scalp. The bottom layer of your hair can look really obvious beneath extensions, especially if you have a blunt cut. To hide it, gather the hair below the part you made and braid it all the way to the ends. Braid the hair tightly enough that it stays secure, but keep it loose enough that the braid remains flexible. Then, wrap the braid onto itself and pin it securely against the back of your head. This is similar to the method stylists use to apply sew-in extensions, although those use cornrow braids instead of horizontal parts. If you'd like, you can secure the ends with a small hair elastic, but since you'll be pinning the braid, this isn't necessary. If your hair is very short, or you want very long extensions, you can even braid or pin back all of your hair to hide it beneath the sections. Just work in small sections, pin the braids securely, and be sure each braid is completely covered by the wefts. Apply the first layer of wefts across the line you just divided. Depending on the type of extensions you chose, you may clip, tape, or glue them into place. Lay the weft of hair against your roots and secure it into place. If you're using tape-in or glue-in extensions, take care not to attach them to your scalp. No matter how you apply the extensions, be sure to stop about 2 finger-widths away from either side of your hairline the extensions will blend naturally when you wear your hair up. Add a second layer if you want an even thicker look. If you're worried that your extensions aren't thick enough, double them up. However, to reduce the pressure on your natural hair, clip the second layer to the first weft. In most cases, a single layer of extensions will be sufficient. Create a new part about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) above the first. Once you've applied the first extension, go up just a little higher and part your hair from ear-to-ear again. A good guideline is to space your extensions about a pinky-width apart. This will give you plenty of fullness, but the extensions won't be crowded. Make sure to create a clean line for each new part. Apply another weft to this section, and continue up to your crown. Follow the same guidelines you used to apply the first section of hair. Place the next extension near your roots and clip, tape, or glue it in place. Then, continue making new parts and applying new sections until you reach the crown of your head. If you're using more than one color of hair extensions, alternate them in a random pattern for the most natural look. Finish by applying wefts about 2 in (5.1 cm) from either side of your part. Once you reach the top of your head, your hair will look flat if you don't add any more extensions. To avoid this, part your hair how you normally would. Then, create a new part about 2 in (5.1 cm) to the left of your part and apply an extension, followed by the same technique on the right side. These wefts should reach from about 2 finger-widths away from your hairline back to your crown. Curl or wave your hair and the extensions together. After you've applied the hair extensions, style your hair with a curling iron or a curling wand. Make sure that you include both the extensions and your natural hair when you're dividing your hair into sections for the most natural look. Curls or waves will help the extensions blend with your hair more naturally than if you wear your hair straight, especially if you have very thick hair or a blunt haircut. If you prefer to wear your hair straight, it's best to have your extensions sewn in, which will help them blend better. If you used synthetic hair extensions, make sure it's okay to heat style them before you do this! Check the package to find out if your extensions can withstand heat and, if so, how much heat. In most cases, synthetic hair extensions can withstand heat up to 325 °F (163 °C). Spray your hair with a heat protectant before you curl it to protect it from damage. | Start with dry hair. Move the clippers in the opposite direction of your hair growth. Use a 6 or 8 guard on the top of the hair. Clip the bottom and sides with a 2 or 3 guard. Blend the lengths with a 3 or 4 guard. Touch up the sideburns and back of the neck with a size 1 guard. Choose natural or high-quality synthetic extensions that match your hair color. Section your hair in a straight line from ear to ear. Spray your roots with a little hairspray if you have fine hair. Braid the bottom section and pin the braid against your scalp. Apply the first layer of wefts across the line you just divided. Add a second layer if you want an even thicker look. Create a new part about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) above the first. Apply another weft to this section, and continue up to your crown. Finish by applying wefts about 2 in (5.1 cm) from either side of your part. Curl or wave your hair and the extensions together. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Paint-Wood | How to Paint Wood | Before you start painting wood, sand the wood and clean off any dust for a smooth finish. Then, apply a primer to help the paint achieve an even, rich look. Next, tape off any sections that you want to remain unpainted or paint in a different color. Load your paintbrush and start painting from the top of the wood down. Use short, even strokes, and paint over each section 3-4 times before moving to the next section to work on. | Take your time to prepare the wood for painting. This is probably the most overlooked part of painting wood, and in many ways is the most critical. Your work is only as good as the canvas upon which your creation takes life. Paint will not fill in cracks, dents, holes or other imperfections in the wood and keep them hidden after it dries. In fact, those imperfections will probably be even more apparent. Remove any old paint from the wood as necessary. If the wood you want to paint has paint already on it, you may have to remove it before adding a new coat. Take a putty knife and scrape away as much paint as you can without getting too persnickety about coverage; don't worry, you'll sand away smaller flecks of residual paint before the preparation is done. Unless the existing surface is an oil based stain or finish, do not use chemical strippers. Scrape as much off as possible and then use a trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution to clean off the rest of the loose paint and grime. Rinse well. If your wood is treated with a stain or a finish, apply TSP to the wood. Instead of trying to remove the stain or finish entirely, focus on cleaning and sanding it (more on sanding later) in order to give the paint a porous surface to adhere to. Stripping the paint isn't always needed. In fact, you can often paint over existing coats. This may call for a primer, though, if your paint isn't sticking well to the earlier coat. Fill all dings and deep gouges with quality wood putty, if possible. Use a flexible putty knife and fill in all the areas needing attention. It is better to use too much in this step than not enough. You will sand down the area after it dries and hardens, so it doesn't need to be perfect at this step. Use regular spackle or joint compound to fill in small or shallow scratches. Try to use spackle with a primer included. Wait to dry completely before sanding. Caulk areas of long and deep cracks. Use a tiny bead of caulk, smoothing it out well. Wait to dry completely before sanding. Sand the surface of the wood with coarse sandpaper and finish off with fine sandpaper. Start by sanding down the area where you've used putty or filler before moving to the rest of the surface for an even feel. Use a fine grade sandpaper for this work sanding the wood with 80 to 100 grit sandpaper, making sure to remove any paint that's still on the surface. Finish off with fine 150-grit or higher to smooth out the surface and get it ready for priming. Remember to work the sandpaper with the grain of the wood, not against it, and to keep power sanders moving. Clean off any dust or wood residue with a tack cloth. If you have a vacuum, vacuum off the wood thoroughly, followed by a sweep with a tack cloth. If you don't have a vacuum, wipe off the dust or residue with a tack cloth, finishing off with a damp cloth. Wait for the wood to fully dry. Paint or primer won't adhere properly to dirty surfaces. Paint does its job best when the surface that you apply it to is clean. Tape off any parts of the wood that you don't wish to paint. If you want a section of the wood to remain unpainted, or you want to paint a section of the wood a different color, you'll want to use tape to cover the parts of the wood you don't want to paint. You can get specially-treated tape designed for latex paint, like Frog Tape, at most hardware or home repair stores. These kinds of tapes adhere to wood well and are designed to minimize paint seeping into the pores of the wood. If you want to leave parts of the wood unpainted, you'll want to tape off at this stage of the prep. If you want to paint the wood different colors, you'll want to tape off after you've primed all the wood and painted specific sections. Prime the wood. Primer helps paint achieve a uniform, rich look on top of wood. Apply one coat for an even look in your final product. If priming raises the grain of the wood, consider sanding with a fine-grit sandpaper before the final coat of primer. (Be sure to wipe off excess residue before applying your coat of primer.) Follow instructions on your primer when calculating time between coats as well as the number of coats. Which color primer should you use? Use grey primer for darker coats of paint and white primer for brighter coats of paint. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Paint-Wood-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Paint-Wood-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Paint-Wood-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.jpg\/aid1147820-v4-728px-Paint-Wood-Step-7Bullet1-Version-2.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>"} Should you use oil-based vs. latex-based primer? For many years, professionals instructed painters to use an oil-based primer on wood and follow it up with latex-based paint. That is not always the case now. Oil-based primer adheres to wood better, but it's also less flexible than latex primer, which means it's more susceptible to cracking. On the other hand, oil-based primer is usually the more durable of the two. Unless you are painting wood outdoors, oil-based primer is probably your best bet. Should you use a spray primer or brush-on primer? It's mostly a matter of preference. Spraying is easier and faster, but it usually requires several coats to get good coverage. Brushing is slower and more painstaking, but creates a thinner, more even layer of primer onto which to paint. Choose your type of paint. Most home paint jobs today rely on latex (water-based) paint. Aside from a handful of scenarios, this is probably the type of paint you want to use when it comes to wood. Choose a kind of sheen for your paint. Sheen, or gloss, is the amount of light reflected in your paint. High-gloss paints will appear to shimmer when exposed to light, while matte paints will absorb light and hide imperfections. When choosing a paint, look for descriptions of sheen and buy accordingly. Whatever kind of paint you choose, use high quality paint and brushes. It doesn't help to be cheap with paint; any savings you get by choosing cheaper paint will be sunk when the paint under performs and you need to buy supplies for a whole new project. Some people might be tempted to use a foam brush for their projects, but foam brushes give the painter less penetration and more air bubbles than bristle brushes. A high-quality bristle brush should blow a foam brush out of the water. Load your paintbrush with paint. Submerge about a third of your paintbrush into your chosen paint. Tap the paintbrush on the side of the paint bucket, turn the paintbrush 180°, and tap the other side of the paintbrush against the bucket. You should have a fully-loaded paintbrush with just the right amount of paint for good coverage. With a loaded brush, start from the top of the wood and move down. Brush evenly using somewhat shorter strokes. Repeat this three to four times until one segment of your wood is fully covered. Try not to let the paint stand very long between coats. Use an unloaded brush to pull the tips across the paint. This process is called tipping, and it helps you get good coverage while minimizing brushstroke appearance. The brushstrokes will flatten out as the paint dries, which is one of the reasons why slow drying paint is important. Wait for the paint to dry fully before repeating the process one to two more times. Depending on the paint you're using, as well as the finish you want to achieve (some people want the grain of the wood to stand out; others don't), you probably want to apply more than one coat. Before the final coat of paint, work over the dried painted surface lightly with a very fine sandpaper. This will give your final coat a nice surface to grip onto. Determine if you need a sealer or clear topcoat to preserve the paint on top of the wood. Many paints nowadays contain protectants that safeguard the paint against water and wear, for example, meaning you don't have to spend extra time applying protectants to your dried wood surface. Some people, however, may want to add an additional layer of protection between the wood and the weather, especially if the wood will be outdoors. Certain kinds of sealers or topcoats may not interact well with certain kinds of paints. Latex-paint, for example, is meant to breathe and dislikes some sealers. If you are unsure whether you need to seal your paint, or what sealers work with which paints, ask a representative at a local paint or hardware supply store. Prep the surface of the painted wood by lightly sanding and vacuuming off any paint residue. Prepping the painted wood in this way should not visibly affect the sheen of the paint or the evenness of the tone. Apply up to three coats of sealer or topcoat of polyurethane, depending on your preference and topcoat directions. Wait for the sealer or topcoat to dry, and sand if instructed. Repeat until the desired consistency is achieved. | Take your time to prepare the wood for painting. Remove any old paint from the wood as necessary. Fill all dings and deep gouges with quality wood putty, if possible. Sand the surface of the wood with coarse sandpaper and finish off with fine sandpaper. Clean off any dust or wood residue with a tack cloth. Tape off any parts of the wood that you don't wish to paint. Prime the wood. Choose your type of paint. Choose a kind of sheen for your paint. Whatever kind of paint you choose, use high quality paint and brushes. Load your paintbrush with paint. With a loaded brush, start from the top of the wood and move down. Use an unloaded brush to pull the tips across the paint. Wait for the paint to dry fully before repeating the process one to two more times. Determine if you need a sealer or clear topcoat to preserve the paint on top of the wood. Prep the surface of the painted wood by lightly sanding and vacuuming off any paint residue. Apply up to three coats of sealer or topcoat of polyurethane, depending on your preference and topcoat directions. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-Underarm-Odor | How to Stop Underarm Odor | If you're already applying an antiperspirant twice a day and washing your armpits regularly, the next best way to stop underarm odor is to shave your armpits — with less hair, smelly bacteria won't have as much room to grow. You can also try applying baking soda to your armpits every morning to help reduce sweating and odors. Make sure to avoid eating foods that can cause bad body odor, like garlic, onions, fish, and hot peppers. | Shower daily. Make an effort to shower at least once each day, no matter how tired or busy you may be. Showering regularly is an excellent way to ensure that your body is fresh and clean throughout the day. If you wake up sweating after a hot night, hop in the shower; always shower after a long day of movement or, especially, exercise. You should never forget to shower after working out, or your bad body odor might build up. Use an antibacterial soap for best results. After you shower, make sure to fully towel off, so you don't leave any moisture that invites bacteria onto your body. Apply strong deodorants or antiperspirants to your underarms. Though deodorants don't stop sweating, they do mask the smell of bacteria on your skin. Antiperspirants contain aluminum chloride, which is a chemical that does reduce sweating, and which also contains a deodorant. Apply the antiperspirant twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. If you think you need more than the average deodorant or antiperspirant, then check out products that say they are of a higher strength -- you don't need to go to a doctor to get these. If you've tried a stronger anti-perspirant or deodorant and it's still not working, it may be time to see your doctor to get a prescription for even stronger antiperspirant. Wear natural-fiber clothing. Wearing clothes made of cotton, wool, or silk will make your body less likely to sweat because of the comfort and durability of the materials. And if you're working out, invest in a high-tech fabric that wicks the moisture off your body. Change and wash your clothes often. If you wear the same t-shirt for three days, then yeah, your armpits may smell. Make sure to always wash your clothes after you wear them, and to avoid wearing the same article of clothing for two or more days in a row, no matter how comfortable it may be. And take extra care with your workout clothes -- dirty and moist workout clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria, so you should wash them after every single workout. Try some relaxation techniques. People often sweat not because they are overexerting their bodies, but because they are overexerting their minds. Take whatever measures you can to relax and reduce stress , and your body, mind, and underarms will reap the benefits. Try doing yoga, meditating, or taking at least thirty minutes to wind down before you fall into bed. You can also relax by avoiding situations that you know will cause you stress. For example, if you're always stressed in the morning because you inevitably end up being late for work or school, wake up 15 minutes earlier to make your life easier. See a doctor. If you really have severe armpit odor and have tried every natural treatment you can to eliminate it, then it may be time to see a doctor. A doctor can not only prescribe a stronger antiperspirant and give you sound advice, but he can also discuss a number of more extreme options with you. Here are some treatments you can discuss: An outpatient surgical procedure called superficial liposuction curettage can remove your sweat glands by suctioning out subcutaneous through small cuts in your skin. Open surgery that can include cutting or shaving the subcutaneous tissue that may remove some of the skin along with it. This is riskier, but the results last longer. Shave your armpits. Shaving your armpits will make it tougher for the bacteria in your armpits to find a cozy place to settle. If you're really committed to stopping underarm odor, shave your armpits every time you shower, or at least as often as you can. Use a homemade hydrogen peroxide solution. Mix 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of water. Wet a washcloth with this solution and wipe it on the affected area. This should destroy some of the bacteria under your arms. Avoid tobacco. Tobacco is another guilty pleasure that is known to cause body and underarm odor. Apply witch hazel or white vinegar to your underarms. Use a washcloth to absorb the witch hazel or white vinegar and wipe down your armpits. This will change the pH of your skin so the bacteria can't grow. Dust your armpits with cornstarch or baking soda. This will reduce the wetness under your arms, and will help repel bacteria. Use an alum rock. Get special bath gloves. Use a body wash and scrub with the hand gloves. When you've finished your shower, dry yourself properly with a towel. Use alum rock under your arms. Make sure to apply properly. When finished, apply a layer of oil on top such as coconut oil, just for fragrance. Avoid a variety of foods. If you want to stop underarm odor, one easy trick is to avoid certain pungent foods or foods that are known to increase underarm odor. Here are some foods that you should avoid: Garlic {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Store-Fresh-Garlic-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Garlic-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Store-Fresh-Garlic-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid1310703-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Garlic-Step-6-Version-2.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:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Onions Fish Curry Hot peppers and other spicy foods Red meat Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. You may love your morning coffee or have a few beers or glasses of wine throughout the week, but if you want to eliminate your underarm odor, then you should cut down on -- or even eliminate -- these beverages as soon as you can. Stay hydrated. Drinking a lot of water helps naturally cleanse your body and to keep you smelling fresh. Aim to drink a t least 8 - 10 8 oz. glasses of water a day. Eat foods that improve your body odor. Some foods that have been proved to improve your body odor include fruits, veggies, and whole grains. These foods can help improve your body's metabolic function, helping it to work more efficiently. Eating a healthy balanced diet will also help lower your body's stress levels, which may decrease the amount you sweat, and therefore will lower the amount of bacteria that is attracted to your body. Take a wheat grass supplement along with your meals. Chew on parsley, alfalfa, or other leafy greens after meals to help neutralize strong scents. Eat chlorophyll-rich foods. Foods that are rich in chlorophyll, such as kale and spinach, have been recommended to help neutralize the smells of foods that cause underarm odor. Add magnesium and zinc to your diet. You can add magnesium and zinc to your diet through vitamins, or by eating foods that are rich in these vitamins. Here are a few foods to try: Foods rich in magnesium: nuts and seeds, spinach, lentils, avocado, bananas, and figs {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Care-for-Dry-Hair-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Care-for-Dry-Hair-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Care-for-Dry-Hair-Step-5.jpg\/aid1310703-v4-728px-Care-for-Dry-Hair-Step-5.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:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Foods rich in zinc: pumpkin and squash seeds, dark chocolate, and peanuts {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Bake-Butternut-Squash-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Bake-Butternut-Squash-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Bake-Butternut-Squash-Step-3.jpg\/aid1310703-v4-728px-Bake-Butternut-Squash-Step-3.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:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"} Maintain a more healthy diet. Studies show that if you are overweight, obese, or even just an unhealthy eater, you've placed more strain on your body, which makes movement more difficult and makes it easier for you to sweat, thereby attracting bacteria that can cause underarm odor. If you're overweight, it may be time to eat a more balanced diet to shed those pounds and eliminate that pesky underarm odor. | Shower daily. Apply strong deodorants or antiperspirants to your underarms. Wear natural-fiber clothing. Change and wash your clothes often. Try some relaxation techniques. See a doctor. Shave your armpits. Use a homemade hydrogen peroxide solution. Avoid tobacco. Apply witch hazel or white vinegar to your underarms. Dust your armpits with cornstarch or baking soda. Use an alum rock. Avoid a variety of foods. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Stay hydrated. Eat foods that improve your body odor. Eat chlorophyll-rich foods. Add magnesium and zinc to your diet. Maintain a more healthy diet. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Crab-Dip | How to Make Crab Dip | To make a cold crab dip using cream cheese, finely chop the crab meat and set it aside. Then, mix the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and add the crab meat, mixing it to ensure all of the crab meat is coated with cream cheese. Refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour, and mix it again to ensure it has a nice consistency before serving. You can prepare a hot crab dip by chopping and mixing the ingredients in the same way. Then, bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes, and let it cool down a little before serving it. | Chop the crab meat into small, diced pieces and set aside. You can also shred the crab meat if you prefer that texture. Just make sure that you don't leave the crab meat sitting for more than a few minutes, or it might begin to spoil. Refrigerate the crab meat if you need time to prepare your other ingredients. Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and garlic power in a large bowl. Use a strong fork or hand mixer to mix the ingredients together. Refrigerate the mixture if you will not be using it right away. Add the crab meat to the cream cheese mixture and combine well. Make sure that all of the crab meat is coated with the cream cheese mixture. If you plan to add in any extras, now is a good time to do that. Refrigerate the crab dip for about one hour. Cold crab dip tastes best when it is very cold, so you will need to keep your crab dip in the refrigerator for at least an hour. To have your crab dip ready when you are, make it the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Mix the ingredients again and serve. To ensure that your crab dip is well combined and has a nice consistency, give it a quick stir before serving. Serve your crab dip with bread, tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced veggies. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. You will want the oven to be nice and hot so that you can bake your crab dip as soon as you have finished preparing the mixture. You will also need to grease a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Chop the crab meat into small, diced pieces and set aside. You can also shred the crab meat if you prefer that texture. Just make sure that you don't leave the crab meat sitting for more than a few minutes or it might begin to spoil. Refrigerate the crab meat if you need time to prepare your other ingredients. Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and garlic power in a large bowl. Use a strong fork or hand mixer to mix the ingredients together. Refrigerate the mixture if you will not be using it right away. Add the crab meat to the cream cheese mixture and combine well. Make sure that all of the crab meat is coated with the cream cheese mixture. If you plan to add in any extras, now is a good time to do that. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish. Use a plastic or silicon spatula to scrape the sides of the dish. Add any toppings that you would like, such as cheese or breadcrumbs. Place the dish in the oven. Make sure to use oven mitts when placing anything into the oven. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Set a timer so that you know when the time is up. If the crab dip does not look ready, cook it for five minutes more and check again. Remove from the oven when finished. Make sure to use oven mitts when taking anything out of the oven. Allow to cool down a bit and then serve your crab dip. Wait for about 10 minutes or so to make sure that the crab dip is not too hot. Serve your crab dip with bread, tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced veggies. Add chopped onions to add crunch and zing. This option works well with cold or hot crab dip. Chop a medium sized onion of your choice. Mix the chopped onion into your crab dip mixture before refrigerating or baking. Or, try caramelizing the onions first. Cover and cook them in some olive oil or butter on low-medium heat until they are browned and soft. Add tomatoes to brighten the flavor. This option works well with cold or hot crab dip. Chop a couple of medium sized tomatoes. Remove the seeds. Mix the chopped tomatoes into your crab dip mixture before refrigerating or baking. Add fresh spinach for extra nutrition. This option works well with cold or hot crab dip. Mix about 2 cups of fresh spinach into your crab dip mixture before refrigerating or baking. Add shredded cheese to make it more savory. This option works best with hot crab dip. Mix about 1 cup of shredded cheese f your choice into the crab dip mixture. Then, sprinkle ½-1 cup over the top of your crab dip before you put it into the oven. Add bread crumbs for a golden crunchy crust. This option works best with hot crab dip. Sprinkle 1 cup of bread crumbs over the top of your crab dip right before you put it into the oven. Add minced garlic for extra spice. This option works well with cold or hot crab dip. Mix about 3-4 cloves of minced garlic into your crab dip mixture before refrigerating or baking. Add chopped fresh herbs to make it more flavorful. This option works well with cold or hot crab dip. Chop up some fresh herbs of your choice, like rosemary, dill, sage, or basil. Mix about 1/4 cup of chopped fresh herbs into your crab dip mixture before refrigerating or baking. Add a few dashes of a hot sauce of your choice for heat. This option works well with cold or hot crab dip. Mix about 3 or more dashes of hot sauce into your crab dip mixture before refrigerating or baking. | Chop the crab meat into small, diced pieces and set aside. Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, milk, salt, and garlic power in a large bowl. Add the crab meat to the cream cheese mixture and combine well. Refrigerate the crab dip for about one hour. Mix the ingredients again and serve. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Chop the crab meat into small, diced pieces and set aside. Combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, salt, and garlic power in a large bowl. Add the crab meat to the cream cheese mixture and combine well. Transfer the mixture to the casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Allow to cool down a bit and then serve your crab dip. Add chopped onions to add crunch and zing. Add tomatoes to brighten the flavor. Add fresh spinach for extra nutrition. Add shredded cheese to make it more savory. Add bread crumbs for a golden crunchy crust. Add minced garlic for extra spice. Add chopped fresh herbs to make it more flavorful. Add a few dashes of a hot sauce of your choice for heat. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Start-an-Aquarium-Shop | How to Start an Aquarium Shop | To start an aquarium shop, first you'll need to obtain the necessary licenses, certificates, and insurance for your area since you'll be operating a business and working with animals. Then, you can rent a space to run your shop out of and stock it with all the equipment and products you'll need, like cash registers, fish tanks, and aquarium accessories. You'll also want to find a local fish collector to purchase a variety of fish types from. | Create a detailed, goal-oriented business plan for your shop. Write out what the short- and long-term plans for your company are in terms of appealing to customers, turning a profit, and expanding, if applicable. This will help you predict any hiccups you might experience in starting your business, such as figuring out how to secure funding or what area of town is the best location for your business. Traditionally, business plans are broken down into some combination of these 9 nine sections: executive summary, company description, market analysis, organization and management, service or product line, marketing, funding, financial projections, and appendix. Be as detailed in your plan as possible. Make a list of the smaller details about your business, such as owner's and employees' responsibilities, the types of services you'll provide, and what prices you intend to offer your products at. Research the competition to figure out where you can fit in the market. To maximize your chances of success, you'll need to determine what you can offer in your aquarium shop that customers in your area can't get from your competitors. Visit other aquarium shops to see what products and services they sell, what prices they offer, and other relevant aspects of their businesses. Another good way to do this type of research is to learn what leading aquarium shops are doing, then figure out how you could do it better. For example, if a major aquarium shop offers free next-day installation, see if your store can offer free same-day installation. Obtain any necessary licenses, certificates, and insurance. Check with your state and local governments to learn what types of licenses and certificates your business will be required to have. Because you'll be working with animals, your shop will also be subject to any animal welfare laws that exist where you're located. For example, if your aquarium shop is located in the United States, it is required to be licensed under the Animal Welfare Act. If you're unsure what licenses, certificates, or insurance you'll need, you may want to hire a business attorney who can help guide you through these legal questions. Ideally, try to hire one with experience working with pet stores. Find a suitable empty store or lot to establish your shop. It may seem counterintuitive, but you'll want to look for an available storefront as close to your biggest competitor as possible, in order to take advantage of the foot traffic that their store generates. Plus, if they're successful, it's probably due in part to their location, which means placing your store in the same location should also help your shop. You may not want to be directly next to your competitor, since customers may consistently choose your competitor's store over yours. However, you should aim to be in the same shopping center or area of town, if you can. If you're planning to only sell materials online, you don't need to worry so much about where your store or warehouse is located. Purchase anything you’ll need to be able to run your business. This may include cash registers, store cleaning supplies, or even light bulbs. You can acquire most of these items from a small business wholesaler in your area. You might also be able to buy some of these items, such as cleaning supplies, online or from a mass retailer. Hire workers to staff your shop, if necessary. Unless you plan to do all the work running the store by yourself or within your family, you'll probably need to bring on some extra staff. Hire these workers before you actually open your store for business, so you can hit the ground running. For best results, try to hire workers who have previous experience working in aquarium shops. Look for a distributor in your region who you can buy supplies from. You can simply search online for your city, region, or state, along with the words “aquarium” and “distributor” to find a supplier in your area. Although buying your stock from a distributor is a tad more expensive than buying it directly from the manufacturer, a distributor will fill smaller orders (like for a small business) where manufacturers often will not. Distributors are also sometimes called wholesalers, brokers, or jobbers. You can also ask your competitors who they get their supplies from, although they probably won't be too keen to help you. Order fish tanks, parts, and other accessories to stock your shop with. You'll need to secure supplies of tanks and tank lids, stands, filtration and aeration systems, water treatment systems, tank scrubbers, decor, and anything else that a potential customer might need for their aquarium. Place a small order with your wholesaler at first to get a sense of how much product you can move in a set amount of time. Purchase a variety of fish types to sell to a wider market. You won't be able to turn as much of a profit by sticking to 1 or 2 types of fish, like guppies or goldfish. By selling more exotic species as well, you will not only appeal to a broader clientele, but will also be able to sell more valuable (and profitable) items. You can acquire your fish either from saltwater fish collectors, who capture the fish in the wild, or from freshwater fish farms. Note that you'll need to know how to take care of exotic fish before you can buy them and sell them in your store. Examples of exotic fish to stock in your store may include African cichlids, angelfish, or swordtails. You should also aim to stock both freshwater and saltwater fish. Although most home aquariums house freshwater fish, you'll want to make sure you're catering to as many potential customers as possible. Take good care of the fish while they’re in your possession. The fish aren't just your means of making an income; they're also living creatures that need to be taken care of. Be sure you're adequately feeding and housing the fish you're selling and monitor their health for any signs of illness. Make sure you feed the fish the right type of food each day. For example, some species of fish eat tropical flakes, while others eat bloodworms, while still others eat shrimp eggs and krill. Measure the pH levels in the tank each week to make sure they're within an acceptable range for the type of fish in the aquarium. Clean each aquarium each week and replace the filter every month. Consider using innovative ways to get customers in the door. For example, hold a grand opening on the day you establish your store and offer buy-one-get-one coupons for patrons. You can also experiment with rewards programs and discount days to see what works best for generating foot traffic in your shop. If your competitors offer a particular incentive for their customers, try to outmatch them. For instance, if they offer a buy-one-get-one deal, create a buy-one-get-two program to steal their customers. Post advertisements for your new shop to let people know about you. Place your ads where the most people will see them, even if it's the more expensive option. Although an ad spot in a print newspaper may be cheaper, it won't be as effective at bringing in customers as an Internet ad. The same goes for radio ads versus television commercials. Create a website for your store to build your online presence. Use search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to make your website appear near the top of Internet searches for aquarium shops in your area. Then, keep your online presence active and engaging by interacting with people on social media and posting frequent updates about your store. Remember, people won't be as interested in your website if it never gets updated. Be innovative in how you cultivate your online presence. For example, consider posting fun videos about your store to YouTube and other social media websites to get people talking about you. | Create a detailed, goal-oriented business plan for your shop. Research the competition to figure out where you can fit in the market. Obtain any necessary licenses, certificates, and insurance. Find a suitable empty store or lot to establish your shop. Purchase anything you’ll need to be able to run your business. Hire workers to staff your shop, if necessary. Look for a distributor in your region who you can buy supplies from. Order fish tanks, parts, and other accessories to stock your shop with. Purchase a variety of fish types to sell to a wider market. Take good care of the fish while they’re in your possession. Consider using innovative ways to get customers in the door. Post advertisements for your new shop to let people know about you. Create a website for your store to build your online presence. |
https://www.wikihow.com/Name-a-Star | How to Name a Star | To name a star, start by choosing a star from an online star registry, like the International Astronomical Union. Then, purchase a star package, which typically costs between $30 to $100, depending on the merchandise. Once you pay for your package, you'll be prompted to type in your star's name. If you're not sure what to name your star, name it after someone in your life as a special gift to that person. Alternatively, choose a name from ancient mythology, like Andromeda and Draco. For an official name, try coming up with a name based on the star's size and constellation, like Alpha Orionis for the largest star in the Orion constellation. | Search online for star-naming registries. Several non-official, for-profit online registries offer star naming services. These registries give you a certificate for your star and other items like photographs of constellations, a star map, fact sheets, and space-themed accessories. Most packages will also include instructions on how to find your star in the sky. Look online at different companies and compare what they offer to help narrow down your decision. The only official registry is the International Astronomical Union (IAU). They define how stars and other celestial bodies are officially named for astronomical and scientific purposes. Compare gift packages and choose the one you like the best. Most online star-naming registries will have different packages that you can buy. If you want to get more merchandise, you'll have to purchase a more expensive package. Look at the different packages and choose one based on your budget and what they have to offer. Star naming packages typically cost anywhere from $30 to $100. Purchase the star and wait for your certificate to come in the mail. Once you select the package, input your payment details and put in your order. Once you pay, you'll be prompted to type in your desired star name. Most companies will then pick out a star for you and show you a photo of it in relation to other stars. If you're naming a star after someone else, you should input their address so that the package gets delivered to them. You should receive an email confirmation and a receipt for your purchase. Email the IAU to officially name unnamed comets or meteors. Though most stars, constellations, and planets have already been named, new comets or meteors typically receive a name based on the person who discovered them. If you have a telescope and see a comet or meteor that you don't think was named yet, email [email protected]. As you track the comet or meteor, make sure to keep meticulous records and contact the IAU as soon as possible. In the email, include your name, address, contact details, date and time of the observation, the observation method, and the observation site. When a comet can be seen by the naked eye, you typically can not name it since many other people “discovered” it at the same time. The observation method could include a telescope, naked eye, or photograph. The observation site should include the town or city name and longitude and latitude of your location when you made the discovery. Usually astronomers and teams of astronomers with telescopes are the first ones to find and name new comets and meteors. Name a star after someone you know for a thoughtful gift. Most people will name a star after someone they know as a gift. Again, while the star may not be officially named across all registries, the merchandise that you get with the package is a great gift for someone interested in astronomy. Having a star named after you will leave most people feeling happy and unique. You can also name a star after someone who has passed away in honor of their name. You can also name the star after yourself. Think of a name from ancient mythology for a historical approach. Most stars and constellations have been historically named based on characters from ancient mythology. Some stars and constellations may have more than 1 name depending on the culture or society that originally coined their names. For example, Taurus was originally named Ain in the original Arabic text. Constellations named using Greek mythology include Andromeda, Draco, and Orion. Name a star by its size and constellation for an official name. Officially, most stars are named by their constellation so astronomers can keep track of them. Usually, the stars will have a designation after the constellation name like alpha or beta to describe their size. For example, the largest star in the Orion constellation is named Alpha Orionis and the second largest star is called Beta Orionis. Alpha, beta, and gamma come from the Greek alphabet. This method of naming stars is called the Bayer method. Discover a new star and name it after yourself. When new stars are discovered they are named after the person or team who discovered them along with coordinates of the star. Astronomers or teams of astronomers with high-powered telescopes are typically the ones who discover new stars. These official names are cataloged by the International Astronomical Union and have names like Luyten 726-8A, BD +5deg 1668, and Kruger 60 A. It is highly unlikely that the star you find hasn't been cataloged but if you believe that you've found a new star, email [email protected] and include details like the time you discovered the star, your name, address, and contact information. There's a good chance the star that you found has already been discovered. You can cross-reference the IAU constellation and star catalogs to see whether the coordinates of your star match an already existing star. The coordinates are calculated by determining the star's ascension and declination in space, which is the equivalent to longitude and latitude on earth. There are millions of stars that have already been cataloged by the International Astronomical Union. Don't pick a name you don't like. If you keep getting trapped by two names, put them together. | Search online for star-naming registries. Compare gift packages and choose the one you like the best. Purchase the star and wait for your certificate to come in the mail. Email the IAU to officially name unnamed comets or meteors. Name a star after someone you know for a thoughtful gift. Think of a name from ancient mythology for a historical approach. Name a star by its size and constellation for an official name. Discover a new star and name it after yourself. |
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